Myrmaiden

Stories of Midgate #2

by R.M. Krogman

Fear is a monster.

Taiuki is the thirdborn royal of the myrkingdom of Shiggo. With her brother set to be king and her sister the arch commodore, she has no worries beyond imagining adventures and exploring the fascinating ocean beyond her window.

But when arrogant visitors arrive from the land kingdom of Krita, she allows her pride in who and what she is to overcome her better judgment. Tragedy shakes the castle, and Taiuki finds herself facing the unbearable weight of loss, paired with a deep-seated fear of the water and the monsters within.

Will she ever taste the sweet, salty ocean again . . . or will it always taste like blood?

Moving on with life seems impossible, unless she can slay the beast who haunts her nightmares and claim blood for blood, redeeming herself and her broken soul.

Genres: Fantasy

176 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published November 10, 2023

About the author

Rebecca M. Krogman is an epic and dark fantasy author from Iowa, USA.

She writes most of her stories in Midgate, a medieval-inspired world of magic, mermaids, and wyverns, with settings spanning two continents and the sea between. Her work is best known for its deep characterization, emotional and sometimes tragic scenes that leave a mark, and elaborate world-building. When she's not writing about Midgate, she dabbles in dark fairy tale retellings and cookbooks. She will never apologize for describing a tree, as she finds trees to be fascinating and far more alive than they get credit for.

Reviews

[Marena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel to Liberation.

In this story, we learn of the tragedy that shapes Taiuki into the person she becomes in Liberation. Because she was showing off in front of visiting "land walkers" she and her older brother Tai were in the water when he was attacked and killed by a huge shark. Her sister tells her she is to blame. Now Taiuki lives with grief, guilt, and shame, she refuses to go back in the water afraid it will still taste like blood. She discovers her way forward is to seek blood for blood and plans to kill the shark herself.

Now we know why she insists on "no blood in the water years later."

These events built her into a strong protective woman. I enjoyed the story that was only hinted at in Liberation.

[Deborah Svensson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novella of Princess Taiuki when she was a young myr looking up to her older brother, heir to the myrkingdom. I loved Taiuki’s innocence and it was so heartbreaking to see her so withdrawn after the accident with her brother.
I the little octopus she befriended and named Wen. I could visualize all his movements and interactions with Taiuki. This may have been short, but it is such a great beginning to more Stories of Midgate.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is part of the Midgate series, and is a prequel which tells of Taiuki’s story years before Liberation.

This short story is heartbreaking. Taiuki loses her brother in a tragic accident, and besides being besieged by grief, is also being blamed for the accident by her sister. Seeing her fight to overcome her grief and work towards restoring herself makes for a sad story, especially after being deserted by her family. It gives the reader insight as to how she has become the myr that she is.

I really enjoyed this short story and getting another glimpse into the past life of one of the main characters of Liberation. The world built by Krogman is rich and full of depth, and this novella just adds to that. Highly recommend the entire Keepers/Stories of Midgate series.

[Colleen Villasenor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of one of the characters introduced in the book Liberation. Taiuki is an interesting character, and I enjoyed learning about the tragedy that helped shape her and created the rift between her and the rest of her family. It was interesting to see the powerful second of the Shiggo-jin as a frightened and traumatized little girl and to see her start to discover the magika that makes her special. This book deals with loss and the difficult process of learning to continue in the face of such heartache. It also filled in some of the missing parts of her story. I look forward to continuing with her saga.

[Denise Rolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read from the stories of midgate The book is set in the Myrkingdom of Shiggo and tells the story of events in the early life of Taiuki the third born Royal.Taiuki was my favourite character from Liberation and I really enjoyed reading about the events which helped shape her into the person she became.Although it was a short book the world building was again excellent , the characters and scenery described so well you felt you were actually there.Taiuki's story was told with feeling and you the reader could feel her anguish and frustration as she faced her demons to try to achieve her goals.If like me you enjoyed liberation I recommend this latest addition to the stories of midgate.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a short story, I found it engaging from start to finish. Yuki, a young child, suffers, loss and heartache, only then to be shunned by her family, left alone and hurt. Through time, revelations show her to be more than she appears to be. Left on a cliff-hanger.  Well recommended for readers of fantasy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cynda Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.M. Krogman is one of my auto-buy authors because she’s amazing at weaving heart wrenching tales with fleshed out characters in a well lived in world. Every scene is layered, nuanced, and feels real. I loved Yuki and can’t wait to see what comes next.

[S.M. McCoy]

Dnf - The book wasn't for me. I struggled a lot to get into the story. I think it was just too young for my tastes, I wasn't aware the protag was so young. The pacing was too slow for me to overcome the disconnect. I was not the market reader for this book. I will not be posting a rating with my review as I don't want to negatively impact the book.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so good! I loved the use of mythology and mermaids, it had everything that I was looking for in a mermaid novel and more. It was a great sequel to this series that took me on a journey and I really enjoyed getting to read this. The characters were perfect and felt like they belonged in the world. It left me wanting to read more in this series and author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mamabookowl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of mermaids then Myrmaiden by R. M. Krogmam should be on your to-be-read list. Myrmaiden follows the story of the princess Taiuki from before we meet her in Liberation. It's highly suggested the reader read Liberation first.


Life in Shiggo isn't as grand for the mermaid princess as one would think. Taiuki is the third born to the royal family, their second daughter. The queen is so distant from her children as a mother, especially Taiuki, but then a terrible incident happens which drives that wedge even further. Taiuki becomes emotionally separated from her family the more that they blame her for the incident. She tries to reclaim their love by "fixing" the problem, but it only makes them afraid and more distant.


Krogmam does a wonderful job with her world-building and storytelling. For me, I could feel the pain and loneliness that Taiuki was dealing with. This is an emotional read (especially if you're a mother), but it's also empowering and beautiful. 

[Melody.leest · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book we follow the young princes Yuki. She lives in a town where there are portals for the Myr that connect to the underwater world.

After a terrible accident Yuki is unable to transform to her Myr form. She is haunted by the accident. Yuki goes on a search for herself and what motivates her.

Wow this book is good! I enjoyed it. Even tho Yuki is still a child its written really well and i felt for Yuki. The end was surprising, and i really enjoyed the extra it gives. And im curious if there will be more about Yuki in the main books of the serie. As this was a kind of spinoff.

[Danielle Coon-Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning! This book is heartbreaking but wonderful. You truly get an insight to Taiuki and the trauma and pain she endures.

Krogman makes it easy to relate to Taiuki and the reader is truly able to feel her pain throughout the story. The world-building and character development is wonderful throughout the story.

Myrmaiden is highly recommended for anyone who loves fantasy and mermaids!

I received an ARC of this book, and my review is entirely my own

[Jonathan Van Crumpet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the backstory of Taiuki, the Myrmaiden princess from Liberation. It's a story of love and loss, and details how Taiuki strives to win back the respect of her family, after the tragic death of her older brother.

For a small story, it packs quite an emotional punch. The plot is well-paced, the characters are as three-dimensional as possible at this scale, and the world-building is superb in its detail and description.

If you enjoyed Liberation, you have to read this.

[Rhonda Bobbitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

🧜‍♀️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♀️
It is a heartbreaking but beautiful story of courage. Tiauki is a myr shifter who has to find her strength and courage. Great world building. I love mermaid stories, and this one was wonderful. I would have liked a little longer of a story.

[Nevaeh Ruegger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find my full review at Nevy's Bookshelf