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The Blood and Water Saga #3
The Goddess Eye
RAQUEL ANGELOV is going home.
To keep yet another Atlas royal from falling to a deity's influence, Raquel must return to a place she was banished from long ago...Skyhaven, a community of Tempest-blessed zealots that exists outside all kingdom borders. But she vowed never to return for a reason, and when seeking the God of Nature's relic puts her in the path of a dangerous old "friend," it will take all her strength to escape from Skyhaven a second time...and to protect the Atlas princes who followed her there.
THE ATLAS BROTHERS are fighting a new war.
Taunted and tempted by deities intent on their own purposes, Kallias and Finnick Atlas are in for the fight of their lives. Long-kept secrets and long-held grudges threaten the vows sworn between them, and if the brothers can't find their way through the kingdom of their enemies, Atlas may lose its last line of defense..and its last remaining successors.
SOREN ATLAS loves both her kingdoms...but torn loyalties are the perfect seeds for chaos to bloom.
On the run from mercenaries who would see the host of a goddess dead or worse, Soren and Elias find themselves taking shelter somewhere they never thought they'd see again...home. But things in Nyx are not the same as they were. Corrupted magic has crept its way across the Atlas border and brought Tenebrae's influence with it, wiping out entire towns without a single soldier in sight. With the Chaos God gaining ground, the weight of a goddess's soul breaking her body piece by piece, and both of her families in danger, Soren must find a way to save one without sacrificing the other...and without falling prey to the song of discord winding its way through the very heart of Nyx.
To keep yet another Atlas royal from falling to a deity's influence, Raquel must return to a place she was banished from long ago...Skyhaven, a community of Tempest-blessed zealots that exists outside all kingdom borders. But she vowed never to return for a reason, and when seeking the God of Nature's relic puts her in the path of a dangerous old "friend," it will take all her strength to escape from Skyhaven a second time...and to protect the Atlas princes who followed her there.
THE ATLAS BROTHERS are fighting a new war.
Taunted and tempted by deities intent on their own purposes, Kallias and Finnick Atlas are in for the fight of their lives. Long-kept secrets and long-held grudges threaten the vows sworn between them, and if the brothers can't find their way through the kingdom of their enemies, Atlas may lose its last line of defense..and its last remaining successors.
SOREN ATLAS loves both her kingdoms...but torn loyalties are the perfect seeds for chaos to bloom.
On the run from mercenaries who would see the host of a goddess dead or worse, Soren and Elias find themselves taking shelter somewhere they never thought they'd see again...home. But things in Nyx are not the same as they were. Corrupted magic has crept its way across the Atlas border and brought Tenebrae's influence with it, wiping out entire towns without a single soldier in sight. With the Chaos God gaining ground, the weight of a goddess's soul breaking her body piece by piece, and both of her families in danger, Soren must find a way to save one without sacrificing the other...and without falling prey to the song of discord winding its way through the very heart of Nyx.
651 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2023
3 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Cassidy Clarke
8 books77 followersCassidy Clarke is a college senior about to graduate with her BA in Creative Writing, an aspiring author, and freelance editor. She absolutely loves working together with authors to get their books ready for publication, and considers it a privilege to partner with them on their journeys.
She loves books that are chock-full of magic, sarcasm, and found families. Her debut novel, The Saltwater Heir, is a story about a girl, a broken family, and two best friends who would go the ends of the earth for one another. To learn more, take a peek at her Instagram, @cclarkewriting.
She loves books that are chock-full of magic, sarcasm, and found families. Her debut novel, The Saltwater Heir, is a story about a girl, a broken family, and two best friends who would go the ends of the earth for one another. To learn more, take a peek at her Instagram, @cclarkewriting.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 8, 2023
This series continues to set a high standard of what I consider a five star read.
I had the chance to beta read this project, and Clarke continues to defy expectations and twist my heart into knots.
The new POV introduced in this installment, Raquel, brings a fresh, gritty voice to the work that explores such uncharted shades of trauma and femininity and healing that had me frequently drying me eyes while reading. The other POVS, most of which we're already acquainted with, all felt even more fleshed out and challenged and each character experiences their growing pains (so much pain, omg). Finn and Soren's POVS were both handled in such creative ways that truly reflected the complex mental states they were in without confusing the reader too much.
The plot is jarring in the best way. Every time I thought I knew what would happen next, Clarke would pull the rug out from under me. And despite the gut-wrenching twists and painful turns, there were also plenty of moments of pay-off and affection that made my heart soar. The reunions and romance in this book were top notch, and made the read so bittersweet.
I need the fourth book asap, otherwise I will perish in anticipation.
This series continues to dazzle, and every time I think Clarke can't outdo herself, she does.
I had the chance to beta read this project, and Clarke continues to defy expectations and twist my heart into knots.
The new POV introduced in this installment, Raquel, brings a fresh, gritty voice to the work that explores such uncharted shades of trauma and femininity and healing that had me frequently drying me eyes while reading. The other POVS, most of which we're already acquainted with, all felt even more fleshed out and challenged and each character experiences their growing pains (so much pain, omg). Finn and Soren's POVS were both handled in such creative ways that truly reflected the complex mental states they were in without confusing the reader too much.
The plot is jarring in the best way. Every time I thought I knew what would happen next, Clarke would pull the rug out from under me. And despite the gut-wrenching twists and painful turns, there were also plenty of moments of pay-off and affection that made my heart soar. The reunions and romance in this book were top notch, and made the read so bittersweet.
I need the fourth book asap, otherwise I will perish in anticipation.
This series continues to dazzle, and every time I think Clarke can't outdo herself, she does.
July 27, 2023
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would.
"Say the word and you have me."
That's the line that broke me. But the breaking starts in like chapter 2 and this book owns your soul after that.
Lbvs Cassidy Clarke owns us ALL
"Say the word and you have me."
That's the line that broke me. But the breaking starts in like chapter 2 and this book owns your soul after that.
Lbvs Cassidy Clarke owns us ALL
July 4, 2023
I had the distinct privilege of beta reading this book in exchange for my honest feedback but any and all thoughts are entirely my own. AND I already KNOW it is a 5 star read for me. Any changes between the beta read and the final will only serve to increase this to 10 stars. Brilliant, beautiful writing. Heart wrenching choices, heart warming reunions and an overall excellent continuation to easily one of my favorite epic fantasy series. Don't worry, I shall be rereading the entire series, written thus far, once TGE is officially published but I can't help it if my feelings are this assured already. Cassidy is such a talent and everyone should read this series. Period. The end.
August 8, 2023
I had the privilege and pleasure to beta read The Goddess Eye. It is one of my top books of the year (if not THE TOP book), and I haven’t even read the finished version yet! I had so little feedback to give because Cassidy Clarke is such an incredible writer and storyteller! Her prose is stunning, her characters are real people to me, and I don’t know why she keeps letting bad things happen to them?? And yet this book gave me so much that I wanted from the various romance ships. As heartbreaking as this book can be, it has a great balance between action, lighter and softer moments, and those gut-wrenching scenes. The way this book made me gasp, and laugh, and cry, and fume, and just feel all the feels is so rare. THE WAY I SCREAMED ON THE LAST PAGE!!!!!! I can't wait to get this on my kindle so I can highlight all my favorite quotes because there are many. Do yourself a favor and start the Blood & Water saga so you can join me in not so patiently waiting for book 4.
Blog | Instagram
Blog | Instagram
August 24, 2023
The battle between gods and hosts just got a whole lot more complicated in the third book of the Blood and Water Saga, and I'm here for it.
Soren, Elias, Finn, and crew are in for the fight of their lives, with physical and mental battles in a war that has become so much bigger than any had ever anticipated.
What I liked:
– The prose. Of course. I've said it for the first and second books, and it still holds true: Clarke’s writing style is poetic. As an already slow reader, I found myself slowing down further just to admire the descriptions, metaphors, and choice of words.
– Finn. Of course, again. The Trickster Prince stole my heart since the beginning, and he hasn't let go, no matter how much Clarke torments her characters. I'm always giddy each time his chapter header pops up, and I was happy he was in other characters' POV chapters too because that meant more Finn for me!
– The character interactions. Each action taken and word spoken between characters is so flawless, so seamless, and so real. And I can't forget about the amazing banter that had me cracking up in some areas! I love me some banter.
- The pirates. Okay, just when I thought Clarke's masterpieces couldn't be topped, she keeps surprising me. It was steampunk elements in the second book, and in TGE, it's pirates! Clarke sure does know the way to my heart...
What I didn’t like:
– The pacing. This is just a personal preference as I love me some action, and I do see why these specific scenes had to be done, but I felt like the places where we could take a breather between intense scenes slowed waaay down. A little too much for my liking. But again, personal preference.
BONUS—what I changed my mind about:
– Anima. Okay, okay. While I disliked her in TPP, and as much as I don't want to admit it, she SLIGHTLY redeemed herself in this book. lol
Overall:
– I don't give out 5-star ratings lightly. And at first, I was comparing it to TSH and how it was an easy 5 star. But when I noticed I was trying too hard to find fault in TGE, trying too hard to compare it to TSH, that's when I realized I couldn't force TGE to be anything else but the 5 star rating it deserved. Especially with that ending! I can't wait for the next book!
Soren, Elias, Finn, and crew are in for the fight of their lives, with physical and mental battles in a war that has become so much bigger than any had ever anticipated.
What I liked:
– The prose. Of course. I've said it for the first and second books, and it still holds true: Clarke’s writing style is poetic. As an already slow reader, I found myself slowing down further just to admire the descriptions, metaphors, and choice of words.
– Finn. Of course, again. The Trickster Prince stole my heart since the beginning, and he hasn't let go, no matter how much Clarke torments her characters. I'm always giddy each time his chapter header pops up, and I was happy he was in other characters' POV chapters too because that meant more Finn for me!
– The character interactions. Each action taken and word spoken between characters is so flawless, so seamless, and so real. And I can't forget about the amazing banter that had me cracking up in some areas! I love me some banter.
- The pirates. Okay, just when I thought Clarke's masterpieces couldn't be topped, she keeps surprising me. It was steampunk elements in the second book, and in TGE, it's pirates! Clarke sure does know the way to my heart...
What I didn’t like:
– The pacing. This is just a personal preference as I love me some action, and I do see why these specific scenes had to be done, but I felt like the places where we could take a breather between intense scenes slowed waaay down. A little too much for my liking. But again, personal preference.
BONUS—what I changed my mind about:
– Anima. Okay, okay. While I disliked her in TPP, and as much as I don't want to admit it, she SLIGHTLY redeemed herself in this book. lol
Overall:
– I don't give out 5-star ratings lightly. And at first, I was comparing it to TSH and how it was an easy 5 star. But when I noticed I was trying too hard to find fault in TGE, trying too hard to compare it to TSH, that's when I realized I couldn't force TGE to be anything else but the 5 star rating it deserved. Especially with that ending! I can't wait for the next book!
Read
September 28, 2023I confess. And it feels a little bit like sacrilege to say this since I literally barreled through the books before this but I confess I thought about DNF'ing this more than once because I was so well and truly ... bored would not be the right word? more like very certain I am not the right audience for most of this. but maybe I was bored. either way, I stuck it through since I'd LOVED the previous books so much and it was the right choice.
it was the right choice! 75% and all of a sudden I was deeply invested and remembering why I loved these characters so much. 90% in and SO ready to throw hands - and 95% done and ready to bawl. 3/3 on Emotional Impact ! ! Cassidy Clarke definitely knows how to write l o llll sob
(it was the sheer amount of ✨ romance ✨ and what honestly felt like filler in the middle of utter, literal chaos that kept turning me off. yea, I get it - characters deserve that time off, especially before disaster strikes and all that but it was just like. hm... sigh. again, me problem.)
it was the right choice! 75% and all of a sudden I was deeply invested and remembering why I loved these characters so much. 90% in and SO ready to throw hands - and 95% done and ready to bawl. 3/3 on Emotional Impact ! ! Cassidy Clarke definitely knows how to write l o llll sob
(it was the sheer amount of ✨ romance ✨ and what honestly felt like filler in the middle of utter, literal chaos that kept turning me off. yea, I get it - characters deserve that time off, especially before disaster strikes and all that but it was just like. hm... sigh. again, me problem.)
August 22, 2023
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
WOW. I literally just finished reading this book and I'm in shock. I reread the first two books in preparation for The Goddess Eye and one thing I noticed was how well the plot flows from one book to the next, and how the cliffhangers feel so natural (and yet so painful at the same time). I loved getting to explore new sides of familiar characters, and the way that the gods are fleshed out left me realizing that at the end of The Saltwater Heir, when I said that I would never change my mind about Anima, I was SO wrong (and very surprised about it!). I also loved that The Goddess Eye takes the reader not only to the battlefields and palaces of Nyx and Atlas, but also to the northern reaches of Nyx and the towns of Atlas, fleshing out the world in a way that made it only more realistic. I'm at the same time very nervous and very excited for what book four has in store, and I don't think I'm going to be over that ending for a long time!
WOW. I literally just finished reading this book and I'm in shock. I reread the first two books in preparation for The Goddess Eye and one thing I noticed was how well the plot flows from one book to the next, and how the cliffhangers feel so natural (and yet so painful at the same time). I loved getting to explore new sides of familiar characters, and the way that the gods are fleshed out left me realizing that at the end of The Saltwater Heir, when I said that I would never change my mind about Anima, I was SO wrong (and very surprised about it!). I also loved that The Goddess Eye takes the reader not only to the battlefields and palaces of Nyx and Atlas, but also to the northern reaches of Nyx and the towns of Atlas, fleshing out the world in a way that made it only more realistic. I'm at the same time very nervous and very excited for what book four has in store, and I don't think I'm going to be over that ending for a long time!
December 2, 2023
I will never be over my obsession with these characters and the world Cassidy has built. Never. Ever. It doesn't matter that the series is more than halfway finished, I refuse to shut up about how good these books are and why we should all read them repeatedly until the end of time, idk.
If you're looking for a book free of spice/explicit scenes, but overflowing with beautiful character arcs and haunting lines and intricate plots - this is the series for you. This is the author for you. Not only are her characters witty and clever and romantic idiots - they're so tortured (both literally and emotionally) that you can't help but ache for them and cheer because their wins feel like yours.
Literally, just. just read these books. Settle in, cause they're thick, and prepare to have your jaw on the floor at the end of this book. I think about the final chapter on a regular basis, and I'm so so so so excited to see what Cassidy has for the rest of these series, AND the rest of her career.
If you're looking for a book free of spice/explicit scenes, but overflowing with beautiful character arcs and haunting lines and intricate plots - this is the series for you. This is the author for you. Not only are her characters witty and clever and romantic idiots - they're so tortured (both literally and emotionally) that you can't help but ache for them and cheer because their wins feel like yours.
Literally, just. just read these books. Settle in, cause they're thick, and prepare to have your jaw on the floor at the end of this book. I think about the final chapter on a regular basis, and I'm so so so so excited to see what Cassidy has for the rest of these series, AND the rest of her career.
June 2, 2025
Sometimes, when a series adds in more POVs, it can be confusing or detract from what's going on throughout the rest of the story. However, adding in Raquel's POV felt like such a natural addition to the storyline, and her chapters quickly became some of my favourites to read. Not to mention, Raquel and Kallias' dynamic is such a treat.
I did feel the pacing was a bit slower in this one, however that did give time to delve deeper into character dynamics and also the trauma that a lot of them are experiencing (I do miss Jericho and Vaughn though!), and things were really beginning to unfold in this one.
Overall, this was such a strong addition to the series and I can't wait to continue on.
I did feel the pacing was a bit slower in this one, however that did give time to delve deeper into character dynamics and also the trauma that a lot of them are experiencing (I do miss Jericho and Vaughn though!), and things were really beginning to unfold in this one.
Overall, this was such a strong addition to the series and I can't wait to continue on.
August 7, 2023
I just wrapped up the third book in Cassidy Clarke's "Blood and Water" saga, and all I can say is, "Wow." This book took me on a total emotional rollercoaster. It's one of those stories that leaves you both heartbroken and shocked. The characters faced so many challenges, and in the midst of it all, th book was full of these tender moments, witty banter, touching mother-daughter bonding, confronting past trauma, and some seriously gruesome magic.
Honestly, it had everything I could ask for in a middle book of a series. You've got gods, pirates, dangerous magic, and a slow burn romance that's just irresistible. Clarke's writing talent shines through brilliantly in this one.
Honestly, it had everything I could ask for in a middle book of a series. You've got gods, pirates, dangerous magic, and a slow burn romance that's just irresistible. Clarke's writing talent shines through brilliantly in this one.
July 13, 2024
I finished this just recently and this book is literally like a crazy ride. So much is happening as per usual but now I’m sitting here having read like 1500+ pages in a series and begging for the next installment 😭😭😭😭 girl HURRY. It’s chill. Anyways, as always? Get these books in your hands, they are so good!!! They are all I’ve been reading this year and I literally just picked up LOTR bc I’m like what book will be likeliest to take long enough that the next Clarke book will be out 💀😂
January 31, 2024
amazing story
Holy cow. What an amazing story. Gut wrenching, heart breaking, passion filled, promises kept, promises broken, and tricks, plus more packed into one book. The story follows multiple gods and their endless cycle of housing a mortal body. Finn is my most favorite, I love a fantastic trickster!
Holy cow. What an amazing story. Gut wrenching, heart breaking, passion filled, promises kept, promises broken, and tricks, plus more packed into one book. The story follows multiple gods and their endless cycle of housing a mortal body. Finn is my most favorite, I love a fantastic trickster!
August 25, 2023
If you loved the first 2 books in the saga then I can assure you, The Goddess Eye will not disappoint, just be prepared to be craving more of the story by the end! We pick up right where we left off so buckle up, you're in for a treat!
You will be immersed back into the wonderful world, explore new places, catch up with our friends and enemies alike, and likely have your heart warmed and broken in the best way.
The saga continues with the mastery of prose and banter full of wit that Clarke is so skilled at crafting. Raquel's new perspective is woven in beautifully to round out the other voices and understand them in a new light. I have never laughed out loud as much as I have while reading, nor have I felt my feelings so clearly as I have through this book. Truly excellent quotes that hit deep. (I would share, but you have to read it first so I don't spoil anything )
The Goddess Eye will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. The character development is complex and real and of course the plot thickens!
You will be immersed back into the wonderful world, explore new places, catch up with our friends and enemies alike, and likely have your heart warmed and broken in the best way.
The saga continues with the mastery of prose and banter full of wit that Clarke is so skilled at crafting. Raquel's new perspective is woven in beautifully to round out the other voices and understand them in a new light. I have never laughed out loud as much as I have while reading, nor have I felt my feelings so clearly as I have through this book. Truly excellent quotes that hit deep. (I would share, but you have to read it first so I don't spoil anything )
The Goddess Eye will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. The character development is complex and real and of course the plot thickens!
August 24, 2023
I have three things to say about this book. One: I binged this in a single day (very good). Two: I now need the ready because the emotional damage was very damaging. Three: FINN IS THE BEST AND I LOVE HIM.
December 18, 2024
Another great plot with lovable consistent characters and strong character development. A little too much dramatic blood seeping from every orifice in too many characters, but otherwise a sequel that lived up to the two prior books. Eager to see what comes next.
November 17, 2024
SO. GOOD. I am shook by the ending. I need the next one.
December 5, 2024
I feel like we are just repeating the same story with different characters. While I love the characters, it is just repetition.
November 19, 2023
THE EMOTIONAL DESTRUCTION.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I HAVE NOT RECOVERED. How does Cassidy Clarke right these massive fantasy books that don’t feel long at all? I am in love with all of these characters and now I’m sad I have to wait for book four. READ THIS SERIES.
I love how heavily character driven this series is. I am deeply and emotionally attached to each and every one and I love how many POV’s we get. This book was the most romantic book of the bunch. I loved the increase focus on some of the couples and where there stories are taking them. While this book HURT it also had this softer quality that I’m absolutely sure is gearing up for some destruction in future books.
This is such a hidden gem of the indie fantasy world and I beg of you to give it a try. There’s MEDDLING GODS, politicking, battles, ROMANCE, magic and world building that is well crafted and not overwhelming. I love this series so much.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: torture, whipping, loss of life, loss of loved ones, physical and weapons violence
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I HAVE NOT RECOVERED. How does Cassidy Clarke right these massive fantasy books that don’t feel long at all? I am in love with all of these characters and now I’m sad I have to wait for book four. READ THIS SERIES.
I love how heavily character driven this series is. I am deeply and emotionally attached to each and every one and I love how many POV’s we get. This book was the most romantic book of the bunch. I loved the increase focus on some of the couples and where there stories are taking them. While this book HURT it also had this softer quality that I’m absolutely sure is gearing up for some destruction in future books.
This is such a hidden gem of the indie fantasy world and I beg of you to give it a try. There’s MEDDLING GODS, politicking, battles, ROMANCE, magic and world building that is well crafted and not overwhelming. I love this series so much.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: torture, whipping, loss of life, loss of loved ones, physical and weapons violence
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews