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Forbidden Waves #1
Forbidden Waves
Lia and Viv are desperate to save as many from the siren queen as possible. As mermaids, they intervene when the siren queen attacks a pirate ship, saving the infamous shapeshifting Captain Finn and his first mate, Jami.
Together, the four learn to gain each other's trust and gather an army to fight the siren queen before she becomes unstoppable. On the way, they experience the highs and lows of a dangerous journey.
But the siren queen is on the hunt for more power. The sea has become too deadly, even for those who call it home. Can these four stop the siren queen, or will more foes get in their way?
Together, the four learn to gain each other's trust and gather an army to fight the siren queen before she becomes unstoppable. On the way, they experience the highs and lows of a dangerous journey.
But the siren queen is on the hunt for more power. The sea has become too deadly, even for those who call it home. Can these four stop the siren queen, or will more foes get in their way?
353 pages, Paperback
Published November 17, 2023
5 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 3, 2023
Forbidden waves follows pirate Captain Finn, who is a famous shapeshifter with a reputation, his first mate, Jami, and 2 mermaids, Lia and Viv. After Lia and Viv save Finn and Jami from a siren attack, they all decide to team up together and gather an army to stop the siren queen before she becomes too powerful. This book mainly follows them along their journey through the kingdom trying to make it to Asmaria to gather this army.
I loved the idea of this book and was so excited to read a book about mermaids, sirens, and shapeshifters. This genre is new to me but I love everything to do with fantasy, magic, romance, and spice which this book did have.
It is told from 4 different POVs which I loved. I also loved the magic system but I do wish there would have been more there. Maybe I’m coming books 🤞🏼. The banter between characters was great.
Some things I didn’t really like were the characters felt too simple and underdeveloped. This made it hard for me to form an attachment to them and become super invested.
There were a couple different love stories happening here. We had insta-love, we had a bit of enemies to lovers, and we had some sapphic romance that wasn’t really delved into very much. One thing lacking for me was the conflict or tug-of-war feeling that keeps the reader on their toes and excited. I felt the relationships happened to quickly for my tastes and that made it hard to be invested in them.
There is some mild spice. I would give it 1.5 🌶️.
Overall, there were a lot of things I did really enjoy about this read and there were also a lot of things that made it hard for me to push through till the end. I haven’t seen a lot of other reviews up yet but I’m sure there will be a lot of people that really enjoy it. I will probably check out the second book when it releases because this one did leave us on a cliffhanger.
I loved the idea of this book and was so excited to read a book about mermaids, sirens, and shapeshifters. This genre is new to me but I love everything to do with fantasy, magic, romance, and spice which this book did have.
It is told from 4 different POVs which I loved. I also loved the magic system but I do wish there would have been more there. Maybe I’m coming books 🤞🏼. The banter between characters was great.
Some things I didn’t really like were the characters felt too simple and underdeveloped. This made it hard for me to form an attachment to them and become super invested.
There were a couple different love stories happening here. We had insta-love, we had a bit of enemies to lovers, and we had some sapphic romance that wasn’t really delved into very much. One thing lacking for me was the conflict or tug-of-war feeling that keeps the reader on their toes and excited. I felt the relationships happened to quickly for my tastes and that made it hard to be invested in them.
There is some mild spice. I would give it 1.5 🌶️.
Overall, there were a lot of things I did really enjoy about this read and there were also a lot of things that made it hard for me to push through till the end. I haven’t seen a lot of other reviews up yet but I’m sure there will be a lot of people that really enjoy it. I will probably check out the second book when it releases because this one did leave us on a cliffhanger.
October 1, 2023
Pirates, mermaids, sirens, magic, shapeshifters! Lots of my favourite genre types all rolled into one.
What I loved:
Finn and Jamie’s characters in terms of pirates. Holly gave them a different spin, (not always keen to be out on the water) which at first I was a bit unsure but as the book went on, I grew to like it. It’s just different to other pirate books I have read where they are like ducks to water. But I loved their bond with one another.
And i loved the banter between the whole group to be honest
The shifters: this I loved. Shifters were seen as quite a normal thing, even in their shifted forms. I loved that it wasn’t limited to one type of animal too.
The siren Queen: I just love how ruthless she is. A typical siren. So very well written. I would like to see more of her
Multiple POV: I loved the mix of the different POVs following the story, it followed so well and helped me understand what the main characters were thinking.
The story: for me, it took a while to get invested fully in the story/ characters, (this is a normal thing for me. New book series always take a while to warm up)
But I loved there was small events going on through out the book. Kept me on my toes.
Cliffhanger:
Wrapping up on a cliff hanger, makes me want to find out what happens right away
Spice:
This is a book that isn’t all about spice/ smut. So if you’re reading thinking it takes a lot of the book, it doesn’t. For me, it was written realistically in terms of, not constant spice with the characters. And it didn’t overpower the story, which some books end up doing. So for me, just the right amount that firts with the genre/ story
General:
I found it easy to read and the chapters flowed well. I could put the book down at any point and pick up where I left off with ease.
Dislike:
For me, it was the romance. Personally I felt the romances were rushed and they were all admitting strong emotions quickly. And with not much resistance overall. But again that’s probably a me thing. I’m never a fan of instant/ quick loves. But it didn’t effect my judgment of the book because there was still much going on around the romance.
That being said, both the males have the “touch her and your dead” vibe so despite the quick start, I am interested to see both the main relationship developments
There were a few chapters that I felt could have been condensed and we would have known what’s going on. And in place, maybe a bit more development within the characters. But it is the first book of the series, so not everything can be revealed at once
But honestly, other than the couple of things, I really enjoyed this book. Holly once again did well.
If you enjoy fantasy and pirates, this is a great book to read with a mixture of everything. If you are one that likes the “instant/ quick love” this is definitely for you.
What I loved:
Finn and Jamie’s characters in terms of pirates. Holly gave them a different spin, (not always keen to be out on the water) which at first I was a bit unsure but as the book went on, I grew to like it. It’s just different to other pirate books I have read where they are like ducks to water. But I loved their bond with one another.
And i loved the banter between the whole group to be honest
The shifters: this I loved. Shifters were seen as quite a normal thing, even in their shifted forms. I loved that it wasn’t limited to one type of animal too.
The siren Queen: I just love how ruthless she is. A typical siren. So very well written. I would like to see more of her
Multiple POV: I loved the mix of the different POVs following the story, it followed so well and helped me understand what the main characters were thinking.
The story: for me, it took a while to get invested fully in the story/ characters, (this is a normal thing for me. New book series always take a while to warm up)
But I loved there was small events going on through out the book. Kept me on my toes.
Cliffhanger:
Wrapping up on a cliff hanger, makes me want to find out what happens right away
Spice:
This is a book that isn’t all about spice/ smut. So if you’re reading thinking it takes a lot of the book, it doesn’t. For me, it was written realistically in terms of, not constant spice with the characters. And it didn’t overpower the story, which some books end up doing. So for me, just the right amount that firts with the genre/ story
General:
I found it easy to read and the chapters flowed well. I could put the book down at any point and pick up where I left off with ease.
Dislike:
For me, it was the romance. Personally I felt the romances were rushed and they were all admitting strong emotions quickly. And with not much resistance overall. But again that’s probably a me thing. I’m never a fan of instant/ quick loves. But it didn’t effect my judgment of the book because there was still much going on around the romance.
That being said, both the males have the “touch her and your dead” vibe so despite the quick start, I am interested to see both the main relationship developments
There were a few chapters that I felt could have been condensed and we would have known what’s going on. And in place, maybe a bit more development within the characters. But it is the first book of the series, so not everything can be revealed at once
But honestly, other than the couple of things, I really enjoyed this book. Holly once again did well.
If you enjoy fantasy and pirates, this is a great book to read with a mixture of everything. If you are one that likes the “instant/ quick love” this is definitely for you.
December 9, 2023
A pirate and mermaid story worthy of a sea shanty. This is nothing like any mermaid story I’ve read before.
What I liked…
The world is so vivid and really easy to understand, as is the magic.
Multiple POVs made it fun to get a bigger picture.
All the characters had very interesting and distinctive personalities and pasts.
Spice on the high seas.
What I didn’t like…
Nothing.
Final thoughts…
Definitely a must read if you like unique pirate and mermaid adventures.
What I liked…
The world is so vivid and really easy to understand, as is the magic.
Multiple POVs made it fun to get a bigger picture.
All the characters had very interesting and distinctive personalities and pasts.
Spice on the high seas.
What I didn’t like…
Nothing.
Final thoughts…
Definitely a must read if you like unique pirate and mermaid adventures.
October 27, 2023
First of all thank you so much to Holly for allowing me to be one of her eARC readers!
Forbidden Waves is set in a world that involves pirates, mermaids, sirens, animal shifters and magic - genres us fantasy readers love!
It follows Captain Finn, his first mate Jami and his remaining crew, after an on board attack, which leaves them allying with mermaid shifters Lia, Viv and their ‘sisters’ to try to stop the ruthless siren queen who wants to control the ocean.
The storyline did start to feel a bit repetitive but then there was the odd thing that happened along the character journey that kept me interested. I think it’s a book where the further along you read, the more interesting it gets. I got an odd little hint here and there that there could be a potential twist coming with a particular character in the future as well which intrigued me.
The characters were written quite well and we get a little insight to their backgrounds/ pasts - but I felt like this could have been explored further, and a bit more a depth added to them in general (but maybe this will come with the rest of the series). There’s a good mix of tension, heartfelt moments, teasing and banter within the character group. I particularly liked the friendships/ bonds between Finn & Jami and Lia & Viv. I didn’t enjoy the romance quite so much - I found them to be a little rushed, we get one that almost seemed ‘love at first sight’ to me (which just isn’t my vibe) and the other is reluctant allies to lovers. It has a couple of spice scenes which aren’t too descriptive and were pretty quick - it didn’t overtake the story which I liked as sometimes I feel like we get spice for spice’ sake in some books!
I enjoyed the multiple POV - we get the POV of the four main characters, and I always enjoy knowing what different characters are thinking.
Overall, I found it to be a really pleasant and easy read. The chapters and storyline flowed well, and really liked how Holly’s left it - it ends on a suspenseful cliffhanger leaving you wanting more!
Forbidden Waves is set in a world that involves pirates, mermaids, sirens, animal shifters and magic - genres us fantasy readers love!
It follows Captain Finn, his first mate Jami and his remaining crew, after an on board attack, which leaves them allying with mermaid shifters Lia, Viv and their ‘sisters’ to try to stop the ruthless siren queen who wants to control the ocean.
The storyline did start to feel a bit repetitive but then there was the odd thing that happened along the character journey that kept me interested. I think it’s a book where the further along you read, the more interesting it gets. I got an odd little hint here and there that there could be a potential twist coming with a particular character in the future as well which intrigued me.
The characters were written quite well and we get a little insight to their backgrounds/ pasts - but I felt like this could have been explored further, and a bit more a depth added to them in general (but maybe this will come with the rest of the series). There’s a good mix of tension, heartfelt moments, teasing and banter within the character group. I particularly liked the friendships/ bonds between Finn & Jami and Lia & Viv. I didn’t enjoy the romance quite so much - I found them to be a little rushed, we get one that almost seemed ‘love at first sight’ to me (which just isn’t my vibe) and the other is reluctant allies to lovers. It has a couple of spice scenes which aren’t too descriptive and were pretty quick - it didn’t overtake the story which I liked as sometimes I feel like we get spice for spice’ sake in some books!
I enjoyed the multiple POV - we get the POV of the four main characters, and I always enjoy knowing what different characters are thinking.
Overall, I found it to be a really pleasant and easy read. The chapters and storyline flowed well, and really liked how Holly’s left it - it ends on a suspenseful cliffhanger leaving you wanting more!
June 12, 2025
The scene and magic of the world the book is set in is one I would like to explore more of. It's rich in a dynamic enviornment with stakes that feel urgent and dire.
But that being said, I found it difficult to finish the book as although the conflict and the themes were at times dark and pressing, the story itself felt slow and simple. The characters were simple and the relationships between them quick and at times it felt like we and they hadnt earned the pay off for their romance. I wish there was more time between set up and conclusion to some of the conflicts as it felt like at times it was solved so quickly, as a reader, I hadnt the time to really feel invested in a resolution before it was already resolved and past.
And I like the magic system in the world and would enjoy learning more about it.
This is a minor peeve of mine as well, but I also don't enjoy when books use modern technology in a pseudo medival fantasy setting. Clicking on or off lights when the characters are in a house or inn that doesnt have electricity feels off for the world they're established to be in. But admittedly, that is a minor thing that gets to me.
But that being said, I found it difficult to finish the book as although the conflict and the themes were at times dark and pressing, the story itself felt slow and simple. The characters were simple and the relationships between them quick and at times it felt like we and they hadnt earned the pay off for their romance. I wish there was more time between set up and conclusion to some of the conflicts as it felt like at times it was solved so quickly, as a reader, I hadnt the time to really feel invested in a resolution before it was already resolved and past.
And I like the magic system in the world and would enjoy learning more about it.
This is a minor peeve of mine as well, but I also don't enjoy when books use modern technology in a pseudo medival fantasy setting. Clicking on or off lights when the characters are in a house or inn that doesnt have electricity feels off for the world they're established to be in. But admittedly, that is a minor thing that gets to me.
October 12, 2023
Pirates, magic, sirens, mermaids, and shapeshifters.
My pirate loving self was so content reading this book! Holly does a fantastic job in setting the scene, plot, and creating magnificent characters you can't help but fall in love with. I'm obsessed with all things pirates and mermaids so jumping into this book was easy. It had me hooked from start to finish, I absolutely loved every single second of it!
Finn was a dreamboat and I absolutely loved him so much. The romance and spice were really well done and I actually felt that they didn't overshadow the rest of the plot which was amazing! Reading this book I felt that I actually loved the plot more than the romance because it was so well done and really had me hooked with everything that was happening.
It was written from four different POVs which was interesting and slightly completely in the beginning but it was a lot of fun further into the book, you really get to see everything from all perspectives which was nice as a reader!
Massive thank you's to Holly for an eARC of this book!
My pirate loving self was so content reading this book! Holly does a fantastic job in setting the scene, plot, and creating magnificent characters you can't help but fall in love with. I'm obsessed with all things pirates and mermaids so jumping into this book was easy. It had me hooked from start to finish, I absolutely loved every single second of it!
Finn was a dreamboat and I absolutely loved him so much. The romance and spice were really well done and I actually felt that they didn't overshadow the rest of the plot which was amazing! Reading this book I felt that I actually loved the plot more than the romance because it was so well done and really had me hooked with everything that was happening.
It was written from four different POVs which was interesting and slightly completely in the beginning but it was a lot of fun further into the book, you really get to see everything from all perspectives which was nice as a reader!
Massive thank you's to Holly for an eARC of this book!
November 21, 2023
2.3★/ 17+/.7🌶️
I loved the idea of this book and was so excited to read a book about mermaids, sirens, and shapeshifters. I thought it was cool that someone finally knew the difference between mermaids and sirens… I enjoy reading anything to do with fantasy, magic, romance, and spice which this book did have, but it wasn’t spectacular. It honestly felt juvenile and it just seriously needed something more.
It is told from four different point of views which I liked. I also enjoyed the magic parts of this book, but I do wish there would have been more there. We were left empty. Everything just happened and then it was done.
I also didn’t like that the characters felt too simple and underdeveloped. It was hard to form any sort of attachment or really be interested in them and their quest/romance.
This book could have been so freaking awesome, but it’s lacking and feels more like a YA. Also, a cliffhanger, really? Hate that.
I loved the idea of this book and was so excited to read a book about mermaids, sirens, and shapeshifters. I thought it was cool that someone finally knew the difference between mermaids and sirens… I enjoy reading anything to do with fantasy, magic, romance, and spice which this book did have, but it wasn’t spectacular. It honestly felt juvenile and it just seriously needed something more.
It is told from four different point of views which I liked. I also enjoyed the magic parts of this book, but I do wish there would have been more there. We were left empty. Everything just happened and then it was done.
I also didn’t like that the characters felt too simple and underdeveloped. It was hard to form any sort of attachment or really be interested in them and their quest/romance.
This book could have been so freaking awesome, but it’s lacking and feels more like a YA. Also, a cliffhanger, really? Hate that.
November 17, 2023
Forbidden Waves by Holly Huntress was such an interesting book! I couldn’t put it down. When I read the blurb of this book I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. This has a bit of everything including sirens, mermaids, pirates and shapeshifters. This book took me a bit longer to get into but one I did I flew through it. I will also mention that this book ends on a cliffhanger. I’m also hoping the characters get expanded a bit more in book two as well as the relationships. It is also told from four different perspectives which I really liked. I’m curious to see if one of those characters has a twist coming in the future. Overall this story had some action that kept me interested until the end. The writing was good and I will be looking forward to the next book to see where this tale goes.
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
May 14, 2024
This was actually the very first book I have EVER read about mermaids and sirens, and I feel like it was an incredible introduction to the subgenre. The world-building entails a clear difference between the two (mermaids and sirens) that I found fascinating, and includes an entire cast of shifters. The magic system was fascinating, and it was a soft intro to spice as well if you are new to that.
Things I loved:
-there are shifters of all types: lions, snakes, birds, mermaids, and even dragons
-fear/trauma is dealt with in a realistic way
-found family trope
-banter
-fast-paced
-great plot
Things I did not love:
-nothing to decrease my rating (although I am dying to read the second book after that cliffhanger)
Thank you Holly for all of your hard work, I have read and will read anything you write. Love you!
Things I loved:
-there are shifters of all types: lions, snakes, birds, mermaids, and even dragons
-fear/trauma is dealt with in a realistic way
-found family trope
-banter
-fast-paced
-great plot
Things I did not love:
-nothing to decrease my rating (although I am dying to read the second book after that cliffhanger)
Thank you Holly for all of your hard work, I have read and will read anything you write. Love you!
October 24, 2023
This book had me wanting to dress as a pirate for Halloween. Pirates, mermaids, sirens, shifters, possibly mysterious magic or magical objects?? Yes please! I love this. It was action packed, yet still had a comforting sweet romance along with it. There was definitely insta attraction/love, my only complaint, but that’s only personal opinion. Lol The relationships and romance were so sweet and the trauma healing was lovely. This was a great first book in this series and left so much room to speculate and I am eager to read the next installment!
November 29, 2023
In this book we follow a group of Pirates who team up with a group of Mermaids to try and save the ocean from the evil Siren queen who is hell bent on conquering the oceans. The 2 groups do not trust each other, but they quickly realize that they need each other if they are going to take on the Siren queen and free the ocean. This book has a great cast of characters, there are two brewing romances, with a little spice. This is a non-stop page turner, filled with emotional drama, adventure and a cruel cliffhanger. I loved it and can’t wait for book two.
October 9, 2023
I received this book as an ARC. Mermaids and Pirates had me sold on reading it. Then I got to know the characters: Jami, Finn, Lia, and Viv…fantastic!! The dynamic between the characters was great!! The action between sirens and other shifters, especially mermaids, had me on the edge of my seat. And what a cliffhanger!!!! Now I NEED to know what happens next!
May 12, 2024
This book was so good and highly recommend if you like a shifter story. Pirates and mermaids team up to fight the siren queen. The love story between 2 pirates and 2 mermaids is great especially learning about each of them. Viv has struggles from a past and is falling for the captain. Lia is the princess mermaid falling for the 1st mate. Ends on a cliff hanger and can’t wait for the next book.
August 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Shape shifting pirates, mermaids, and sirens! This book was a fun, easy fantasy read, with low world building.
I haven’t read a book written this way before. There were no chapters and it was in pov of 4 characters, which I loved. I wasn’t expecting there to be two romances going on in this book and I LOVE that idea. I just wish I got more from the characters and the build up of their relationships. It all felt like it happened very fast.
Overall, I would recommend this book. I’ll definitely be reading the second one soon 💗
I haven’t read a book written this way before. There were no chapters and it was in pov of 4 characters, which I loved. I wasn’t expecting there to be two romances going on in this book and I LOVE that idea. I just wish I got more from the characters and the build up of their relationships. It all felt like it happened very fast.
Overall, I would recommend this book. I’ll definitely be reading the second one soon 💗
October 18, 2023
Arc reader!
I was really happy with this book!! I’m not sure why it took me a little while to really get into it but I really loved it at the end! I love the whole idea behind the book, the sirens are SUPER cool and I love how they interact with the pirates!
I was really happy with this book!! I’m not sure why it took me a little while to really get into it but I really loved it at the end! I love the whole idea behind the book, the sirens are SUPER cool and I love how they interact with the pirates!
November 26, 2023
So good!
What a great start to this series!! I really love that we got 4 different POV with 2 different couples, it made for an interesting read. I cannot wait for book 2, Viv is my favorite and I need to know whats going on with her!
What a great start to this series!! I really love that we got 4 different POV with 2 different couples, it made for an interesting read. I cannot wait for book 2, Viv is my favorite and I need to know whats going on with her!
January 27, 2025
Mermaids. Pirates. Spice.
Need I say more?!
I enjoyed every second of this book and can't wait to dive into the second. I really appreciated the different kinds of shifters in the book and ones I'd not seen in a book before.
I also really loved the trauma representation in here. Chefs kiss 💋
Need I say more?!
I enjoyed every second of this book and can't wait to dive into the second. I really appreciated the different kinds of shifters in the book and ones I'd not seen in a book before.
I also really loved the trauma representation in here. Chefs kiss 💋
March 24, 2024
That was one of the books of all time.
May 17, 2024
Amazing from start to finish. Fast paced and full of adventure, romance, anger, and sadness. The longest book I've finished in 2 days since childhood. Buying book 2 ASAP.
July 31, 2024
Enjoyed the character development and slow reveal of back stories.
October 13, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
Sirens, mermaids, and every other shifter.
The siren queen is trying to take over the sea and mutilating anyone she feels is in her way.
A group of mermaids save who they can from a ship of pirate shifters. The pirates and the mermaids decide to work together to take on the siren queen.
I loved this new take on a mythology of sirens and mermaids and their interaction with pirates.
🌶️🌶️
Sirens, mermaids, and every other shifter.
The siren queen is trying to take over the sea and mutilating anyone she feels is in her way.
A group of mermaids save who they can from a ship of pirate shifters. The pirates and the mermaids decide to work together to take on the siren queen.
I loved this new take on a mythology of sirens and mermaids and their interaction with pirates.
December 12, 2023
I really enjoyed the story line in Forbidden Waves. Lia’s enthusiasm and optimism and energy is contagious! I love Viv’s journey and growth after all she’s been through in her past. It has action, shifters, pirates, mermaid and sirens, and some spice. It was a bit of a slow start to get into, getting to know the characters, but after a few chapters I was really getting into it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews