Mio sets out to look for Yuri and finds out that July, the fox Elementsia, took him deep into the Forest of Rejection, where humans can’t enter but she seems to be able to go. July is waiting for her and tells her his tragic backstory. Millicuffs residents break through the forest in an attempt to rescue her but end up agrivating July, so Mio tries to appease everyone by offering to take July with her on her quest. Mio, Yuri, and July are smuggled out of the country into Totodoro, the next neighboring country, where Mio attracts the attention of another prince and is quickly captured.
I’m glad we got more content with July and that he’s coming with because that makes the romance part of the story even more complicated! He’s also another grumpy character who will definitely butt heads with Yuri, but based on what we learned from his backstory, there’s potential to see him grow as a softy as well. This series is really satisfying lots of wants for those of us who have grown up on animated classic movies, so it has the potential to circulate well amongst young romance readers who want fantasy elements and are aging out of elementary titles where the main characters are fully animal characters.

Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 6-10

In volume 3, we see more of July and get his backstory, plus meet new allies and reunite with Yuri. Mio has such a kind heart which we continue to see more of as her story goes on. This volume has two separate parts of their journey which is fun because we meet more characters and see more of their world. Mio's group grows a little with each volume and I look forward to seeing what happens after this one since we meet a new character here who I'm not sure yet if they are friend or foe. Yuri has more of a voice in this one too and we see more into him as a character which is great. There's mention of an auction that will be happening soon so I assume that will be a big part of the next one and I look forward to potentially meeting even more unhumans there and what will happen with Mio now that she's clearly in danger for being a rare and coveted mermaid. For the romance readers, the bond between Mio and Yuri is clearly growing and more obvious in this volume.

Thank you Viz Media LLC for the DRC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This has quickly become a favorite manga of mine. The story is very interesting especially with this idea of “othering.” Plus the art style is adorable

An okay continuation of the plot. A new character, July, joins the cast on their travels and Mio gets kidnapped.

This series has been very good at surpassing my expectations of it. This is a really strong fantasy with more complex themes than it initially lets on. Class structure, ableisem non-human trafficking, and empathy for others are all tackled in the first three volumes alone. Personally, I'm very curious about when Mio's fiancé makes an appearance because the potential between the image of love Mio has had through her letters with him and the actual love she's budding with one of her companions would be another interesting subject. for this series to tackle There's a lot to sink your teeth into with this series. and I love that about it. It's got things it wants to say, as well as being a fun time.

In this third volume of the series, Mio learns more about the elemental July and how his past has shaped his present.

The characters continue to grow and develop. I love the art!

In a society hostile to diversity, can Princess Mio be true to herself? This central question resonates throughout the third volume of "In the Name of the Mermaid Princess" by Yoshino Fumikawa. The narrative deviates from the classic fairy tale where a mermaid princess sacrifices her special abilities for love. Instead, it explores what happens if she doesn’t.

Princess Mio’s journey continues as she searches for Yuri, only to find that someone else has discovered him first. This twist introduces a new layer of complexity to Mio's emotions, especially as Yuri faces competition for her heart. The dynamic between these characters is compelling, drawing readers into their intricate relationships.

The story takes an intriguing turn as our friends escape to another land, only to realize that borders do not confine prejudice and discrimination. This theme of pervasive intolerance is skillfully woven into the plot, highlighting the challenges of seeking acceptance in an unwelcoming world. It’s a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by those who are different.