A fantasy Pirate/Mermaid love story set in the golden age of Pirates of the 17^th and 18^th centuries.

Jeremy Simmons is a midshipman on the commercial vessel, Rummy Gale. An honorable young man, he believes in the science of the day not age-old superstitions of the sea. But a hurricane will do more than sink his ship; it will forever change his world.

Shera, a mermaid, rescues him; they fall in love and in her attempt to return him to his world, she approaches her sisters at Usea Maya for assistance. The Maiden Queen forbids her from giving any further aid, condemning the man to a watery tomb. But Shera, a free spirit, defies the orders, goes it alone and inadvertently causes a tragedy.

Infuriated by Shera's defiance and Jeremy's steadfast defense and willingness to take the punishment meted out to her, the Queen curses them both. She locks Shera in human form and binds Jeremy's life to hers. A fate so cruel it will cause a split in the realm of Mermaids and turn good men into Pirates.

James L Hill is a prolific storyteller writing crime stories, fantasies, and science fiction, with a slant on the dark side of life. He began writing short stories and poetry back in his early years. In his twenties moved on to novels. He worked in the financial industry and later got a degree in computer programming, his other love. James has a successful career as a software engineer designing, developing and maintaining systems for the government and the private sector. After years in the computer world he returned to his first love, unleashing the characters in his head.