The Storm Dancer: A Little Mermaid Retelling

By Valia Lind

A fake engagement. A quest for a wish granting fish. A chance to change their destinies.

Every Rusalka princess and heir in the history of the undersea kingdom has wielded powerful magic. Except Roksana. She's never told anyone except her pet otter, but it's getting harder and harder to keep the shameful secret that will cost her the crown. But then she learns of a chance to make her greatest wish come true-a legendary Golden Fish who can grant your heart's desire. There's just one problem. She's not the only one looking for it.

Prince Alexei has one month before his father marries him off for a political alliance. Disguised as a common merchant, he's determined to hunt down the magical Golden Fish and change his fate. Unfortunately, he doesn't know anything about sea creatures. So when he's saved by a beautiful green-haired Rusalka girl, he realizes she might be his one saving grace.

Neither are willing to trust the other with their true purpose, but Roksana needs a guide in the human world, and Alexei needs an expert on all things water. They decide to strike a deal: pose as a merchant couple to help each other-just for a month-then go their separate ways.

But the overpowering chemistry between them doesn't feel so fake. And even with all their secrets, somehow they understand each other in a way no one else ever has.

A month pretending to be the fianc of an annoying pottery merchant sounded like forever, but time is running out for them both. Will they end up sacrificing their own happiness for the sake of their kingdoms, or might the magic of true love between two opposites be what saves them all?

The Storm Dancer is a standalone retelling of the traditional Russian tale of The Little Mermaid. Set in the fairy tale world of Skazka, this full length novel is for fans of grumpy sunshine, fake dating, forced proximity, sassy animal sidekicks, and all the cozy feels.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FMVSJS1Z
• ISBN13: 9798218747756
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Skazka Press
• Length: 310 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 13 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary