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The Whispering Sea Duet #1
Ballad of Sea and Sky
A princess with an adventurer’s spirit. A pirate with a king’s obligations.
Marina has known for a long time that she doesn’t want the life her parents want for her, but when they announce her betrothal to the steady but dull captain of the guard, she reluctantly accepts her duty.
That is until an enemy siren is captured and presented to her father, and Marina can’t think of anything but amber eyes and wings.
In a twist of fate, Marina finds herself the prisoner of an enemy king in a plot to end a centuries-long war between their peoples that can only end in either death or heartbreak.
Ballad of Sea and Sky is the first book in The Whispering Sea Duet, an enemies to lovers romantasy adventure featuring sirens, selkies, and spicy romance.
Marina has known for a long time that she doesn’t want the life her parents want for her, but when they announce her betrothal to the steady but dull captain of the guard, she reluctantly accepts her duty.
That is until an enemy siren is captured and presented to her father, and Marina can’t think of anything but amber eyes and wings.
In a twist of fate, Marina finds herself the prisoner of an enemy king in a plot to end a centuries-long war between their peoples that can only end in either death or heartbreak.
Ballad of Sea and Sky is the first book in The Whispering Sea Duet, an enemies to lovers romantasy adventure featuring sirens, selkies, and spicy romance.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2023
156 people are currently reading
5764 people want to read
About the author
Madeleine Eliot
18 books525 followersMadeleine Eliot loves to read and write spicy romantasy with all of the best tropes. Dubbed the “Queen of Cozy” by her readers, Madeleine enjoys writing romantasy that is all vibes and spice, with a dash of adventure and world-building. She is always working on her next book, which is probably another spicy romantasy. Follow her adventures and latest works at instagram.com/madeleineeliotwrites
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August 7, 2024Dnf’d 67%.
♦️The cover and premise of this book was so promising but it was poorly executed. It grabbed me at first but then i lost interest! I felt like i was reading just because i had to not because i wanted to.
♦️the fmc was so annoying I can’t stand it. So naive and stupid. She thought she was a badass with all the rolling eyes and attitude she was giving but god she looked so whiny and unbearable.
♦️i felt nothing for both the mmc and the fmc. Their relationship or love or whatever you call it was so dry and bland. Why did they both fall in love. We don’t know? They suddenly did and it didn’t make sense. No tension. No anything.
♦️he kidnapped the princess and their is a war coming and everything is going down and everyone is so chill about it. I was stressed for them but they were so fucking chill it irritated me!! B.O.R.I.N.G.
But it has a high rating so maybe the problem is me 😭
♦️The cover and premise of this book was so promising but it was poorly executed. It grabbed me at first but then i lost interest! I felt like i was reading just because i had to not because i wanted to.
♦️the fmc was so annoying I can’t stand it. So naive and stupid. She thought she was a badass with all the rolling eyes and attitude she was giving but god she looked so whiny and unbearable.
♦️i felt nothing for both the mmc and the fmc. Their relationship or love or whatever you call it was so dry and bland. Why did they both fall in love. We don’t know? They suddenly did and it didn’t make sense. No tension. No anything.
♦️he kidnapped the princess and their is a war coming and everything is going down and everyone is so chill about it. I was stressed for them but they were so fucking chill it irritated me!! B.O.R.I.N.G.
But it has a high rating so maybe the problem is me 😭
December 17, 2023
Ballad of Sea and Sky is the first book in Madeleine Eliot’s Whispering Sea Duet. This book follows the story of Marina and Caspian, star-crossed selkie and siren lovers. Tropes & themes: enemies to lovers, fated mates, hurt/care, chronic disease representation (asthma), selkie and siren mythology and lore, lyrical whimsy, forced proximity, one bed, nicknames, winged MMC, slow burn and more!
Marina, the selkie princess, is a free spirit trapped behind the boundaries of her people’s islands. Caspian is a siren trying to save his people by getting back their ancestral lands after the selkie and siren folk became enemies. He needs the selkie king to listen to him, to see that they can coexist again, so he kidnaps Marina. Fate and history come together to give these people a second chance at unity — but only time will tell if they can overcome their prejudices and make things right.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ballad of Sea and Sky! I have been a long-time reader of Madeleine’s books and let me say, this is absolutely my favorite! I adore the mix of lore and music and how the Ballad (yes, there’s an actual ballad) adds so much to the story.
Marina and Caspian are hands down my favorite characters Madeleine has written. I love how tricksy and witty Caspian is, and Marina’s attitude is hilarious. Caspian truly is a wonderful mix of soldier (pirate), poet and king.
The slow burn is absolutely delicious. There are sexually explicit scenes in this book, but let’s just say they’re saving the *main event.* I really enjoyed their push and pull, and am looking forward to seeing the explosion of all their tension in book two!
Marina, the selkie princess, is a free spirit trapped behind the boundaries of her people’s islands. Caspian is a siren trying to save his people by getting back their ancestral lands after the selkie and siren folk became enemies. He needs the selkie king to listen to him, to see that they can coexist again, so he kidnaps Marina. Fate and history come together to give these people a second chance at unity — but only time will tell if they can overcome their prejudices and make things right.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ballad of Sea and Sky! I have been a long-time reader of Madeleine’s books and let me say, this is absolutely my favorite! I adore the mix of lore and music and how the Ballad (yes, there’s an actual ballad) adds so much to the story.
Marina and Caspian are hands down my favorite characters Madeleine has written. I love how tricksy and witty Caspian is, and Marina’s attitude is hilarious. Caspian truly is a wonderful mix of soldier (pirate), poet and king.
The slow burn is absolutely delicious. There are sexually explicit scenes in this book, but let’s just say they’re saving the *main event.* I really enjoyed their push and pull, and am looking forward to seeing the explosion of all their tension in book two!
January 3, 2024
Caspian and Marina! If you love a fated mates, forbidden romance with all the feels, then Ballad of Sea and Sky is for you! This author’s writing is described as cozy romantasy, and I ate it UP.
Marina is the Selkie princess who has essentially been sheltered by her family, despite her yearning to know what lies beyond her island. Caspian is the enemy Siren King who will stop at nothing to stop his people from dying out…and that includes kidnapping a certain Selkie princess.
These two definitely go on an adventure of (not only trying to stay alive but) getting to know each other and making sense of their forbidden attraction. The author did a great job of building their connection (THE TENSION), while also world building and setting up their journey to continue in the second book.
I can’t wait for the conclusion to Caspian and Marina’s duet!
TROPES: romantasy; soft enemies to lovers; forbidden romance; chronic illness rep; fated mates; touch her and die; selkies and sirens lore; Greek/Celtic mythology inspired; Romeo & Juliet inspired; princess and pirate
TRIGGER WARNING: depictions of drowning/near drowning, implied violence against women and children, graphic depictions of injuries and asthma attacks
Marina is the Selkie princess who has essentially been sheltered by her family, despite her yearning to know what lies beyond her island. Caspian is the enemy Siren King who will stop at nothing to stop his people from dying out…and that includes kidnapping a certain Selkie princess.
These two definitely go on an adventure of (not only trying to stay alive but) getting to know each other and making sense of their forbidden attraction. The author did a great job of building their connection (THE TENSION), while also world building and setting up their journey to continue in the second book.
I can’t wait for the conclusion to Caspian and Marina’s duet!
TROPES: romantasy; soft enemies to lovers; forbidden romance; chronic illness rep; fated mates; touch her and die; selkies and sirens lore; Greek/Celtic mythology inspired; Romeo & Juliet inspired; princess and pirate
TRIGGER WARNING: depictions of drowning/near drowning, implied violence against women and children, graphic depictions of injuries and asthma attacks
January 20, 2024
3⭐️ this was cute enough, it’s easy to follow, the characters and plot are interesting enough if not a little predictable. I would probs say it’s one of those books that would help you out of a reading slump without making you overly attached to anything in the book.
If you want a quick and easy read then I would recommend!
💫fated mates
💫sirens x selkies
💫(kind of) enemies to lovers
💫spice (2🌶️)
If you want a quick and easy read then I would recommend!
💫fated mates
💫sirens x selkies
💫(kind of) enemies to lovers
💫spice (2🌶️)
March 30, 2025
Marina is a selkie princess who lives isolated with her people on remote islands. They have always been taught to fear the sirens who betrayed them and who pose a threat to them.
The night that Marina is forced into an arranged betrothal, her father and betrothed capture a siren male for imprisonment and torture. Marina finds herself drawn into the jail cells to see him for herself and she is immediately intrigued and then captured, as he escapes and takes her hostage.
I enjoyed this novel a lot. Marina and Caspian are great characters and I am really enjoying the world created as well. Diving into the second book straight away.
The night that Marina is forced into an arranged betrothal, her father and betrothed capture a siren male for imprisonment and torture. Marina finds herself drawn into the jail cells to see him for herself and she is immediately intrigued and then captured, as he escapes and takes her hostage.
I enjoyed this novel a lot. Marina and Caspian are great characters and I am really enjoying the world created as well. Diving into the second book straight away.
January 4, 2024
Maybe this book just wasn't my cup of tea.
I follow Madeleine on Instagram and really enjoyed the promotional content she put out for her books, and I was really excited for BoSaS! But I feel like this story fell short of my expectations.
The banter often felt juvenile rather than witty. "Overgrown seagull" wasn't endearing, and many of the 'quips' fell short for me. The writing and exposition felt a little clunky, and I couldn't connect to the characters or their romance for each other.
I appreciate the effort of creating a 'cozy' fantasy with lower stakes and no deadlines, but often the stakes didn't feel low, just the character's actions. Kidnapping, being stranded on a deserted island, exorcising a spirit, and impending war? Those aren't low stakes. Marina and Caspian and their friends just had very relaxed attitudes, which got jarring for me.
I'm disappointed with this read, but I hope to pick up some more of Madeleine's work further down the line.
I follow Madeleine on Instagram and really enjoyed the promotional content she put out for her books, and I was really excited for BoSaS! But I feel like this story fell short of my expectations.
The banter often felt juvenile rather than witty. "Overgrown seagull" wasn't endearing, and many of the 'quips' fell short for me. The writing and exposition felt a little clunky, and I couldn't connect to the characters or their romance for each other.
I appreciate the effort of creating a 'cozy' fantasy with lower stakes and no deadlines, but often the stakes didn't feel low, just the character's actions. Kidnapping, being stranded on a deserted island, exorcising a spirit, and impending war? Those aren't low stakes. Marina and Caspian and their friends just had very relaxed attitudes, which got jarring for me.
I'm disappointed with this read, but I hope to pick up some more of Madeleine's work further down the line.
January 9, 2024
This is a sweet and sassy romance between two star-crossed lovers. This book definitely gives some Romeo and Juliet vibes, without the totally unnecessary teenage deaths at the end.
I very much appreciated the no frills Marina, who does not need rescuing (until she does, and bless Caspian's heart, he's such a sweet male). I loved the characters, and am looking forward to seeing deeper into relationships, and stories of their pasts. I hoped for a little more knowledge of the past - and the rift between the selkies and the sirens, but it appears that we will most likely find out more in the next book, when Marina begins to meet people from Caspians village.
I'm very excited to read book 2 in the duology! It wrapped up beautifully with the promise of more adorable drama, between two people who very clearly want to just be together, but need to convince the rest of the world of the good that could come from their joining.
Ran is a hilariously stoic character, giving Marina all the sass that she always bestows upon Caspian. I hope we see more of him (and the kelpies) in book two!
Thank you to the author for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book before its official release. This is my honest and unbiased review of the book.
I very much appreciated the no frills Marina, who does not need rescuing (until she does, and bless Caspian's heart, he's such a sweet male). I loved the characters, and am looking forward to seeing deeper into relationships, and stories of their pasts. I hoped for a little more knowledge of the past - and the rift between the selkies and the sirens, but it appears that we will most likely find out more in the next book, when Marina begins to meet people from Caspians village.
I'm very excited to read book 2 in the duology! It wrapped up beautifully with the promise of more adorable drama, between two people who very clearly want to just be together, but need to convince the rest of the world of the good that could come from their joining.
Ran is a hilariously stoic character, giving Marina all the sass that she always bestows upon Caspian. I hope we see more of him (and the kelpies) in book two!
Thank you to the author for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book before its official release. This is my honest and unbiased review of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
tbr-2025
January 19, 2024they got me at enemies to lovers romantasy
January 4, 2024
4.5⭐️
“𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚋𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚄𝚛𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗. 𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝚞𝚗𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘.”
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
Seas below! The Queen of Cozy has done it again. The Ballad of Sea and Sky takes us on an adventure across the seas, with mythical creatures, enemy clans, slow burn forbidden romance and swoony moments. This was another short and sweet read by Madeleine and I loved every bit of it!
I adored our main characters Caspian & Marina. The banter and the burning want between them was just too good. I absolutely enjoyed Marina’s sass towards Cas, but also loved watching her display of inner strength, curiosity and wit. Caspian, a male of many names & talents. I swooned over his cinnamon roll vibes, his kind smile, use of pet names and fierce loyalty to his people.
“𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚜. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜.”
The lore and mythical creatures were really interesting elements in the story and I enjoyed watching how they played out. The ballad was a key part and I enjoyed seeing its connection throughout the story. I loved picking up on the inspirational Easter eggs from the little mermaid.
The ending warmed up with some spicy snippets, swoony-melting moments and big revelations. I am hanging out to see what plays out next, lucky for all of us that Madeleine is Wonder Woman and we probably won’t have to wait for too long! 👏👏👏
“𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚋𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚄𝚛𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗. 𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝚞𝚗𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘.”
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
Seas below! The Queen of Cozy has done it again. The Ballad of Sea and Sky takes us on an adventure across the seas, with mythical creatures, enemy clans, slow burn forbidden romance and swoony moments. This was another short and sweet read by Madeleine and I loved every bit of it!
I adored our main characters Caspian & Marina. The banter and the burning want between them was just too good. I absolutely enjoyed Marina’s sass towards Cas, but also loved watching her display of inner strength, curiosity and wit. Caspian, a male of many names & talents. I swooned over his cinnamon roll vibes, his kind smile, use of pet names and fierce loyalty to his people.
“𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚜. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜.”
The lore and mythical creatures were really interesting elements in the story and I enjoyed watching how they played out. The ballad was a key part and I enjoyed seeing its connection throughout the story. I loved picking up on the inspirational Easter eggs from the little mermaid.
The ending warmed up with some spicy snippets, swoony-melting moments and big revelations. I am hanging out to see what plays out next, lucky for all of us that Madeleine is Wonder Woman and we probably won’t have to wait for too long! 👏👏👏
January 14, 2024
RATING: 4.5 'Prickly Urchin & Overgrown Seagull' HEARTS! <3
Ballad of Sea and Sky is the spellbinding first instalment in the The Whispering Sea duet, Ms. Eliot expertly weaving a tale brimming with action-packed adventure—from swashbuckling thrills to magical whimsy—a star-crossed romance, and rich world-building that is breathtakingly realised with every flip of the page.
Marina and Caspian are outstanding characters, both free-spirited yet grounded in their individual purpose—she’s feisty to his charm and wit, and together they’re nothing short of sizzling tension and longing, leaving us craving for that moment of inevitability where passion and love override fate and history.
Lush and gorgeously written, Ballad of Sea and Sky is a voyage of danger and intrigue, friendship and love, and courage and hope all wrapped up in a story not soon forgotten, leaving us waiting with bated breath for the conclusion of Marina and Caspian’s fated tale.
IF YOU LOVE:
♥ Romantasy
♥ Soft Enemies to Lovers
♥ Fated Mates
♥ Forbidden Romance
♥ Slow Burn Romance
♥ Forced Proximity
♥ Only One Bed
♥ Chronic Illness Rep
♥ Selkie & Siren Lore
Posted: January 14, 2024
Ballad of Sea and Sky is the spellbinding first instalment in the The Whispering Sea duet, Ms. Eliot expertly weaving a tale brimming with action-packed adventure—from swashbuckling thrills to magical whimsy—a star-crossed romance, and rich world-building that is breathtakingly realised with every flip of the page.
“The sea to my sky.”
Marina and Caspian are outstanding characters, both free-spirited yet grounded in their individual purpose—she’s feisty to his charm and wit, and together they’re nothing short of sizzling tension and longing, leaving us craving for that moment of inevitability where passion and love override fate and history.
Lush and gorgeously written, Ballad of Sea and Sky is a voyage of danger and intrigue, friendship and love, and courage and hope all wrapped up in a story not soon forgotten, leaving us waiting with bated breath for the conclusion of Marina and Caspian’s fated tale.
IF YOU LOVE:
♥ Romantasy
♥ Soft Enemies to Lovers
♥ Fated Mates
♥ Forbidden Romance
♥ Slow Burn Romance
♥ Forced Proximity
♥ Only One Bed
♥ Chronic Illness Rep
♥ Selkie & Siren Lore
Posted: January 14, 2024
January 4, 2024
Madeleine has done it again with another cozy romantasy! I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
Marina is a Selkie princess with chronic lung problems. She’s been sheltered all her life, until she’s kidnapped by the sirens, the enemies of her people. As she starts to learn about everything outside of her sheltered island, can things ever go back to the way they were?
I also need to point out there is a ballad in the book! The author posted a video of her singing it on her instagram page, so check it out! It’s beautiful!
Marina is stubborn, witty, and caring. The banter she gives is *chefs kiss*. She suffering from a chronic illness, but does not want to let that stop her from living life.
Caspian is a hopeless romantic and such a tender, loving man. He takes such good care of his woman, and is all about giving her choices! If you like sunshine men, Caspian is for you!
I would give this book a 4.5⭐️, but I round down my ratings to keep my 5⭐️s true 5⭐️s.
Marina is a Selkie princess with chronic lung problems. She’s been sheltered all her life, until she’s kidnapped by the sirens, the enemies of her people. As she starts to learn about everything outside of her sheltered island, can things ever go back to the way they were?
I also need to point out there is a ballad in the book! The author posted a video of her singing it on her instagram page, so check it out! It’s beautiful!
Marina is stubborn, witty, and caring. The banter she gives is *chefs kiss*. She suffering from a chronic illness, but does not want to let that stop her from living life.
Caspian is a hopeless romantic and such a tender, loving man. He takes such good care of his woman, and is all about giving her choices! If you like sunshine men, Caspian is for you!
I would give this book a 4.5⭐️, but I round down my ratings to keep my 5⭐️s true 5⭐️s.
Want to read
April 8, 2024
December 30, 2023
Oh how I loved this book, I am a fan of Madeline’s writing it is always so cosy and I can’t help but get lost in the world’s that she creates, Ballad of Sea and Sky has to be my favourite of hers that I have read.
One thing I absolutely loved was having a fmc in Marina who is asthmatic it isn’t something I have ever come across and especially in a fantasy setting and as someone who has asthma it was so refreshing to read about especially in the way it is written, describing how a simple task can set off your symptoms this made Marina so much more relatable as a character. Also the fact that it isn’t simply brushed aside in BOSAS and is a main focal point throughout the book and how Marina overcomes those situations, even to go as far as Caspian the MMC buying certain ingredients to make a tea to help her ease some of the symptoms this alone made me love the book just that little more.
“Who did this to you, Urchin?"
“Did what?" I asked, stifling another cough. Caspian practically growled in frustration. "Convinced you that you should be ashamed for your illness. That it somehow makes you less.”
As for the banter between Marina and Caspian it was brilliant he calls her Urchin, she calls him an overgrown seagull. This just adds to how much fun I had reading this book! I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next going forward as the ending certainly sets up for an intriguing start to the next book.
I highly recommend as this has everything:
🌊Pirate King and Princess
🌊Only One Bed
🌊Forbidden Romance
🌊Forces Proximity
🌊 Enemies to Lovers
🌊Slow Burn Romance with all the tension
🌊Selkie’s, Sirens, Kelpies
🌊Beautiful and Descriptive Worldbuilding
🌊Chronic Illness Rep (FMC is Asthmatic)
🌊Epic Banter
🌊Nicknames (He calls her Urchin/She Calls him Oversized Seagull)
🌊He Falls First
Thank you so much to Madeleine for the arc.
One thing I absolutely loved was having a fmc in Marina who is asthmatic it isn’t something I have ever come across and especially in a fantasy setting and as someone who has asthma it was so refreshing to read about especially in the way it is written, describing how a simple task can set off your symptoms this made Marina so much more relatable as a character. Also the fact that it isn’t simply brushed aside in BOSAS and is a main focal point throughout the book and how Marina overcomes those situations, even to go as far as Caspian the MMC buying certain ingredients to make a tea to help her ease some of the symptoms this alone made me love the book just that little more.
“Who did this to you, Urchin?"
“Did what?" I asked, stifling another cough. Caspian practically growled in frustration. "Convinced you that you should be ashamed for your illness. That it somehow makes you less.”
As for the banter between Marina and Caspian it was brilliant he calls her Urchin, she calls him an overgrown seagull. This just adds to how much fun I had reading this book! I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next going forward as the ending certainly sets up for an intriguing start to the next book.
I highly recommend as this has everything:
🌊Pirate King and Princess
🌊Only One Bed
🌊Forbidden Romance
🌊Forces Proximity
🌊 Enemies to Lovers
🌊Slow Burn Romance with all the tension
🌊Selkie’s, Sirens, Kelpies
🌊Beautiful and Descriptive Worldbuilding
🌊Chronic Illness Rep (FMC is Asthmatic)
🌊Epic Banter
🌊Nicknames (He calls her Urchin/She Calls him Oversized Seagull)
🌊He Falls First
Thank you so much to Madeleine for the arc.
December 20, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
No notes, no words.
Just wow.
A huge massive thank to Madeleine for the arc, I feel so blessed. When I tell I screamed when I got approved this, honestly I could not wait. This is cosy, fun and so exciting, I can't wait to see where book 2 takes us, I also can't wait for it I'm screaming!
We meet Marina, the selkie princess, a girl with a secret fascination with sirens and who wants to get out and see the world. She's trapped on her people's island, forced into a betrothal and mating bond she absolutely doesn't want. We also meet Caspian, a siren who is desperate to save his people by getting them back to their ancestral lands so they can regain their lost power but also just have enough food to feed everyone. We learn the selkies and sirens are sworn enemies, and they also both want the same land. Selkies are taught from birth that sirens are evil creatures, whose songs lure people to the deaths and are good for nothing. Caspian needs Marina, he needs an audience with her father to see if the two races can truly live in peace together, but it turns out Marina needs Caspian just as much as he needs her.
Marina is headstrong, sassy, doesn't take no for an answer and won't let her chronic illness stop her. Caspian is pretty much the same, but he's also tender, a hopeless romantic and witty too. Will they prove history wrong?
What to expect
• enemies to lovers
• chronic illness rep
• who did this to you
• slow burn
• spicey spice!
• siren and selkie folklore
I would like to thank Madeleine Eliot for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
🌶️🌶️
No notes, no words.
Just wow.
A huge massive thank to Madeleine for the arc, I feel so blessed. When I tell I screamed when I got approved this, honestly I could not wait. This is cosy, fun and so exciting, I can't wait to see where book 2 takes us, I also can't wait for it I'm screaming!
We meet Marina, the selkie princess, a girl with a secret fascination with sirens and who wants to get out and see the world. She's trapped on her people's island, forced into a betrothal and mating bond she absolutely doesn't want. We also meet Caspian, a siren who is desperate to save his people by getting them back to their ancestral lands so they can regain their lost power but also just have enough food to feed everyone. We learn the selkies and sirens are sworn enemies, and they also both want the same land. Selkies are taught from birth that sirens are evil creatures, whose songs lure people to the deaths and are good for nothing. Caspian needs Marina, he needs an audience with her father to see if the two races can truly live in peace together, but it turns out Marina needs Caspian just as much as he needs her.
Marina is headstrong, sassy, doesn't take no for an answer and won't let her chronic illness stop her. Caspian is pretty much the same, but he's also tender, a hopeless romantic and witty too. Will they prove history wrong?
What to expect
• enemies to lovers
• chronic illness rep
• who did this to you
• slow burn
• spicey spice!
• siren and selkie folklore
I would like to thank Madeleine Eliot for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
April 11, 2024
Genre: Romantasy
Story: 5/5
Spice: 2/5
"The Ballad of Sea and Sky" weaves a beautiful tale of love and destiny between Marina, a spirited siren princess, and Caspian, a determined selkie king.
Marina, confined within the protective bubble of her kingdom due to chronic asthma, and her overbearing kingdom, rebels against the confines of her sheltered life. When her parents arrange a marriage for her, her heart isn't in it, despite their hopes.
Enter Caspian. A pirate, soldier, poet, and king - seeks to end the longstanding conflict between their peoples. His plan? A daring kidnapping to secure an audience with Marina's father.
Yet, fate intervenes with a twist. Marina and Caspian discover they are fated mates, (but none of them actually knows that the other knows!!!) bound by an inexplicable pull they struggle to comprehend. As they clash verbally and physically, their journey takes them to a deserted island, where adventure and danger await. Despite their undeniable chemistry, Marina's betrothed looms as a threat, setting the stage for future conflict.
The narrative brims with tension, adventure, and poetic flair, culminating in a bittersweet conclusion where they agree to feign a relationship for the greater good. But beneath the surface lies a trove of unspoken emotions, leaving readers yearning for resolution.
With its blend of passion and peril, "The Ballad of Sea and Sky" enchants with every turn of the page, promising a conclusion that's as thrilling as it is satisfying.
Story: 5/5
Spice: 2/5
"The Ballad of Sea and Sky" weaves a beautiful tale of love and destiny between Marina, a spirited siren princess, and Caspian, a determined selkie king.
Marina, confined within the protective bubble of her kingdom due to chronic asthma, and her overbearing kingdom, rebels against the confines of her sheltered life. When her parents arrange a marriage for her, her heart isn't in it, despite their hopes.
Enter Caspian. A pirate, soldier, poet, and king - seeks to end the longstanding conflict between their peoples. His plan? A daring kidnapping to secure an audience with Marina's father.
Yet, fate intervenes with a twist. Marina and Caspian discover they are fated mates, (but none of them actually knows that the other knows!!!) bound by an inexplicable pull they struggle to comprehend. As they clash verbally and physically, their journey takes them to a deserted island, where adventure and danger await. Despite their undeniable chemistry, Marina's betrothed looms as a threat, setting the stage for future conflict.
The narrative brims with tension, adventure, and poetic flair, culminating in a bittersweet conclusion where they agree to feign a relationship for the greater good. But beneath the surface lies a trove of unspoken emotions, leaving readers yearning for resolution.
With its blend of passion and peril, "The Ballad of Sea and Sky" enchants with every turn of the page, promising a conclusion that's as thrilling as it is satisfying.
December 20, 2023
ARC REVIEW:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
I loved this. I’m a sucker for books with pirate vibes! This was my first book by Madeleine Eliot but definitely won’t be my last!
It was very much little mermaid vibes mixed with pirates and star crossed lovers.
This book follows Marina - a selkie princess - and Caspian - a siren who is trying to save his people.
I loved how there was an actual ballad in the book that told the story of another selkie/siren relationship.
Their relationship was so fun and addicting to read about! Their nicknames for each other were so funny! Definitely read this if these tropes interest you!!
• enemies to lovers
• hurt/care
• chronic disease rep (asthma)
• one bed
• forced proximity
• fated mates
• winged MMC
• siren/selkie mythology/lore
• slow burn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
I loved this. I’m a sucker for books with pirate vibes! This was my first book by Madeleine Eliot but definitely won’t be my last!
It was very much little mermaid vibes mixed with pirates and star crossed lovers.
This book follows Marina - a selkie princess - and Caspian - a siren who is trying to save his people.
I loved how there was an actual ballad in the book that told the story of another selkie/siren relationship.
Their relationship was so fun and addicting to read about! Their nicknames for each other were so funny! Definitely read this if these tropes interest you!!
• enemies to lovers
• hurt/care
• chronic disease rep (asthma)
• one bed
• forced proximity
• fated mates
• winged MMC
• siren/selkie mythology/lore
• slow burn
December 6, 2023
To preface - I recieved this book as an earful - and this review is of my own free will.
OH MY GOSH Madeleine killed it with this book! This has to be her best yet!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️
This book is filled with the coziest vibes, and gives such little mermaid vibes.
Tropes:
He falls first
Touch her and ☠️
One bed
Forced proximity
Fated mates (my personal favorite)
Enemies to lovers (also my favorite)
Forbidden Romance
This book also has a Chronic Illness Rep!
I cannot wait until book 2 because the cliffhanger is killing me!
Thank you so much for choosing me to be on your arc team!
OH MY GOSH Madeleine killed it with this book! This has to be her best yet!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️
This book is filled with the coziest vibes, and gives such little mermaid vibes.
Tropes:
He falls first
Touch her and ☠️
One bed
Forced proximity
Fated mates (my personal favorite)
Enemies to lovers (also my favorite)
Forbidden Romance
This book also has a Chronic Illness Rep!
I cannot wait until book 2 because the cliffhanger is killing me!
Thank you so much for choosing me to be on your arc team!
December 1, 2023
5/5 ⭐ 1/5 🌶️
Fated Mates will always be my favorite, and this book delivers! Caspian can kidnap me anytime ;) This romantasy is all the right vibes and the tension and chemistry of the main characters are perfection! You would think that for a love story that starts with kidnapping it would be toxic, but it was the healthiest toxic situation I could have ever imagined. This is a slow burn romance with an MMC who doesn't want to rush anything out of respect for her and her choice/free will (but it does have a little sprinkle teaser of spice 😉)
Marina is a Selkie princess and her father has warned her her whole life of the Sirens they have been at war with for 500 years (to the point that she has grown up secluded on an island her whole life in fear they will attack). But she is a free spirit and curious, and can’t help being intrigued by them. And when she finally sees one in person, his eyes make her feel something she fears she will never feel towards her newly betrothed who has him shackled and beaten to a pulp. She can’t help herself as she creeps into Caspian’s cell at night to see him up close and get a glimpse of his wings. To her surprise, he was there for her all along and she wakes as his hostage on his ship.
But she is treated with respect and it is made clear he only wants her father to listen so he can try and save his people, and she will be returned without being touched. But why does the thought of him touching her sound like something she would enjoy?!
Slowly Marina realizes that maybe she doesn’t have the full history of what really happened between their people and that she might want to hear what the Siren has to say… It helps that they also get stranded on an island together and have to tend to each other’s wounds and find a way to survive to give them that forced proximity to get to know each other better…
In the story we get water magic, air magic, water horse kelpies, and chronic illness rep. I love that Marina doesn’t want her physical body to hold her back or be the reason she is told she can’t do anything. She has wanted to be free to make her own choices her whole life, and now she might finally be able to do so only at the loss of the family who will never accept it. Does she want to give into her feelings for Caspian and try to find a way for peace, or will she give into her family’s expectations and let them decide her fate at the cost of her freedom and happiness…
Who knows, we have to wait for book two…
Tropes:
- fated mates
- star crossed lovers
- enemy kingdoms
- he kidnaps her
- take care of each other’s wounds
- forced proximity
- slow burn
Fated Mates will always be my favorite, and this book delivers! Caspian can kidnap me anytime ;) This romantasy is all the right vibes and the tension and chemistry of the main characters are perfection! You would think that for a love story that starts with kidnapping it would be toxic, but it was the healthiest toxic situation I could have ever imagined. This is a slow burn romance with an MMC who doesn't want to rush anything out of respect for her and her choice/free will (but it does have a little sprinkle teaser of spice 😉)
Marina is a Selkie princess and her father has warned her her whole life of the Sirens they have been at war with for 500 years (to the point that she has grown up secluded on an island her whole life in fear they will attack). But she is a free spirit and curious, and can’t help being intrigued by them. And when she finally sees one in person, his eyes make her feel something she fears she will never feel towards her newly betrothed who has him shackled and beaten to a pulp. She can’t help herself as she creeps into Caspian’s cell at night to see him up close and get a glimpse of his wings. To her surprise, he was there for her all along and she wakes as his hostage on his ship.
But she is treated with respect and it is made clear he only wants her father to listen so he can try and save his people, and she will be returned without being touched. But why does the thought of him touching her sound like something she would enjoy?!
Slowly Marina realizes that maybe she doesn’t have the full history of what really happened between their people and that she might want to hear what the Siren has to say… It helps that they also get stranded on an island together and have to tend to each other’s wounds and find a way to survive to give them that forced proximity to get to know each other better…
In the story we get water magic, air magic, water horse kelpies, and chronic illness rep. I love that Marina doesn’t want her physical body to hold her back or be the reason she is told she can’t do anything. She has wanted to be free to make her own choices her whole life, and now she might finally be able to do so only at the loss of the family who will never accept it. Does she want to give into her feelings for Caspian and try to find a way for peace, or will she give into her family’s expectations and let them decide her fate at the cost of her freedom and happiness…
Who knows, we have to wait for book two…
Tropes:
- fated mates
- star crossed lovers
- enemy kingdoms
- he kidnaps her
- take care of each other’s wounds
- forced proximity
- slow burn
August 20, 2024
*REVIEW IN PROGRESS*
⭐️:5 of 5 🌶️: 3 of 5 📚: 415 pages
💬: *quote to come*
Read it if you like:
✔️ Romantasy
✔️ Fated mates
✔️ Pirates, mermaids, magical creatures
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Selkie and siren mythology
✔️ forbidden romance
Blurb: ''Marina has known for a long time that she doesn’t want the life her parents want for her, but when they announce her betrothal to the steady but dull captain of the guard, she reluctantly accepts her duty. That is until an enemy siren is captured and presented to her father, and Marina can’t think of anything but amber eyes and wings. In a twist of fate, Marina finds herself the prisoner of an enemy king in a plot to end a centuries-long war between their peoples that can only end in either death or heartbreak.''
✨ My thoughts: This story cached my attention since the first page, to be honest. The writing is so captivating that I couldn't help but to fly through the pages likes I was starving and this was my chance at eating. I've felt such a connection with characters, specially the FMC proofing herself to be so strong when life kept throwing her all over the place. The MMC is just a sunshine pirate that I love and delivers the best lines always! The romance, the action packed scenes, the political and royal schemes, the mythology, I mean.. everything was so well out together and it's such an adventure to have while reading it. Easily one of my favorite reads this year!
⭐️:5 of 5 🌶️: 3 of 5 📚: 415 pages
💬: *quote to come*
Read it if you like:
✔️ Romantasy
✔️ Fated mates
✔️ Pirates, mermaids, magical creatures
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Selkie and siren mythology
✔️ forbidden romance
Blurb: ''Marina has known for a long time that she doesn’t want the life her parents want for her, but when they announce her betrothal to the steady but dull captain of the guard, she reluctantly accepts her duty. That is until an enemy siren is captured and presented to her father, and Marina can’t think of anything but amber eyes and wings. In a twist of fate, Marina finds herself the prisoner of an enemy king in a plot to end a centuries-long war between their peoples that can only end in either death or heartbreak.''
✨ My thoughts: This story cached my attention since the first page, to be honest. The writing is so captivating that I couldn't help but to fly through the pages likes I was starving and this was my chance at eating. I've felt such a connection with characters, specially the FMC proofing herself to be so strong when life kept throwing her all over the place. The MMC is just a sunshine pirate that I love and delivers the best lines always! The romance, the action packed scenes, the political and royal schemes, the mythology, I mean.. everything was so well out together and it's such an adventure to have while reading it. Easily one of my favorite reads this year!
December 5, 2023
“You only use my real name when you want something, you insufferable seagull."
🐚
I recently finished beta reading Ballad of Sea and Sky by Madeleine Eliot, and it was absolutely wonderful! It's got some similarities to The Little Mermaid (which is my all time fave), and I'm obsessed! 🧜🏻♀️
This book follows along Marina and Caspian on some ridiculously crazy adventures. There's mythical sea monsters, a mysterious lake, and lots of magic! And, they seriously have the best banter! This is such a fun read that leaves you wanting more! It's a sloooww burn full of kidnapping 👀, banter, enemies to lovers/forbidden romance, fated mates, and all sorts of other goodness. If you're a romantasy lover, you will be wanting more because it leaves off on a wicked cliffhanger!
I enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters so much! They are complete opposites... in the best possible way! I absolutely adore Caspian, and I can't wait for you guys to meet him! 🫠
Ballad of Sea and Sky is the first book in the Whispering Seas Duet, and it gets released on December 30th! You can pre-order it today!
🐚
I recently finished beta reading Ballad of Sea and Sky by Madeleine Eliot, and it was absolutely wonderful! It's got some similarities to The Little Mermaid (which is my all time fave), and I'm obsessed! 🧜🏻♀️
This book follows along Marina and Caspian on some ridiculously crazy adventures. There's mythical sea monsters, a mysterious lake, and lots of magic! And, they seriously have the best banter! This is such a fun read that leaves you wanting more! It's a sloooww burn full of kidnapping 👀, banter, enemies to lovers/forbidden romance, fated mates, and all sorts of other goodness. If you're a romantasy lover, you will be wanting more because it leaves off on a wicked cliffhanger!
I enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters so much! They are complete opposites... in the best possible way! I absolutely adore Caspian, and I can't wait for you guys to meet him! 🫠
Ballad of Sea and Sky is the first book in the Whispering Seas Duet, and it gets released on December 30th! You can pre-order it today!
January 11, 2024
This beautiful love story takes you on a sea faring adventure where love, fate and kelpies help these two star-crossed lovers unite. Marina is the selkie princess but is sheltered too much by her father all in the name of safety, but she soon learns that there is more going on other with those that are supposedly protecting her.
Caspian is the siren king, a pirate and utterly loveable! They are supposed to be enemies. Instead, circumstances and a little kelpie interference allow for them to get to know each other and learn some things about themselves as well. This has just the right amount of world building and a plot that has me hooked.
Madeleine’s writing has a quality to it that immerses you completely into the story. I cannot wait for book two to find out the conclusion to Marina’s and Caspian’s tale!
Caspian is the siren king, a pirate and utterly loveable! They are supposed to be enemies. Instead, circumstances and a little kelpie interference allow for them to get to know each other and learn some things about themselves as well. This has just the right amount of world building and a plot that has me hooked.
Madeleine’s writing has a quality to it that immerses you completely into the story. I cannot wait for book two to find out the conclusion to Marina’s and Caspian’s tale!
December 14, 2023
Madeleine's Eliot's best work to date! I loved this book. It was hard to put down and a quick read.
I loved both Marina the FMC and Caspian the MMC. Marina has a great character ARC and I love how show discovers her strength even though she has a physical limitation. The asthma rep was great and not a POV I have read before. My daughter and I both had exercise induced asthma and it reading about Marina's struggles was really refreshing.
I loved the enemies to lovers slow burn romance filled with great banter.
The storyline was fun and adventurous and I can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
Tropes:
🔥Slow Burn
🧙♀️ Hidden Powers
⚔️Enemies to Lovers
💫Fated Mates
🧙♀️The Chosen One
🤏Forced Proximity
🐎There’s only one bed
💞He Falls First
I loved both Marina the FMC and Caspian the MMC. Marina has a great character ARC and I love how show discovers her strength even though she has a physical limitation. The asthma rep was great and not a POV I have read before. My daughter and I both had exercise induced asthma and it reading about Marina's struggles was really refreshing.
I loved the enemies to lovers slow burn romance filled with great banter.
The storyline was fun and adventurous and I can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
Tropes:
🔥Slow Burn
🧙♀️ Hidden Powers
⚔️Enemies to Lovers
💫Fated Mates
🧙♀️The Chosen One
🤏Forced Proximity
🐎There’s only one bed
💞He Falls First
January 4, 2024
I got this book as an arc and got super behind on arcs and it got pushed to the backburner and I am so so angry with myself that I missed the chance to devour this story even earlier.
I was super excited this morning at 2:30 when I finally had to go to sleep and I couldn’t keep going. It’s very little mermaid/star crossed lovers and I loved it so much. The writing is beautiful and the song in the book is gorgeous. I need book two to come quick because I need to find out the next part.
You will not be able to put this book down. It has all the good tropes:
-one bed
-enemies-to-lovers
-fated mates
-a war between two peoples
- chronic illness rep
-growing magic
-water mythologies
I was super excited this morning at 2:30 when I finally had to go to sleep and I couldn’t keep going. It’s very little mermaid/star crossed lovers and I loved it so much. The writing is beautiful and the song in the book is gorgeous. I need book two to come quick because I need to find out the next part.
You will not be able to put this book down. It has all the good tropes:
-one bed
-enemies-to-lovers
-fated mates
-a war between two peoples
- chronic illness rep
-growing magic
-water mythologies
January 4, 2024
Enemies to lovers, fated mates, pirate/mermaid vibes. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew I needed to read this book and it did not disappoint. I had every intention of spending an hour reading before bed but somehow it's now after 3am because I couldn't put it down and finished it 😂 safe to say, I loved it and cannot wait for the second book. Thanks for bringing Marina and Cas into my life, Madeleine!
May 21, 2024
This is one of those books that I dove into without knowing what to expect, and was just blown away. The more I read, the more I fell in love. I loved the lore and the world building. I adored the characters (especially Ran!). I am INVESTED in the story, and cannot WAIT to see what the sequel brings! This is the perfect romantasy if you enjoy a ✨vibes✨ book with a mix of adventure, and if you love the pining and tension part of the romance.
February 17, 2024
Selkies and sirens: what more could you want? Well, what about romance, fantasy, pirates, and enemies to lovers? Well, all of those are included in this book. I was entranced--that is the only word I can use to describe it--by Madeleine's writing and storytelling. I devoured this book with how well it was paced, I was shocked when I was finished with it. I cannot wait for the next one!
November 27, 2023
Absolutely beautiful story. I love all the nods to a certain famous mermaid, but most of all I adore the two main characters. Can’t wait for book 2!
January 18, 2024
The start of another fantastic series by Madeleine, this book has it all:
🐚 Winged book boyfriend
🐚 Pirates
🐚 Forbidden love
🐚 Forced proximity
🐚 Fated mates
🐚 Banter & nicknames
🐚 Winged book boyfriend
🐚 Pirates
🐚 Forbidden love
🐚 Forced proximity
🐚 Fated mates
🐚 Banter & nicknames
June 14, 2024
4.25/5 ☆
so...who wants to play mermaids?
This book is for my more cozy romantasy lovers. Marina is a sheltered selkie princess with wanderlust and health issues that have kept her at her islands her entire life. She’s captured by Caspian, a siren king/pirate, that shows her the reality of the world she lives in.
It’s giving a mix of Moana/Little Mermaid/Tangled but rated S for sweet and spicy. The beginning of this book has beautiful artwork AND actual chords to play the ballad of sea and sky which is SO cute. I just loved the plot and how the world building was done. As Marina started to discover more her world, we got to discover it with her too. Sometimes world building can get overwhelming, but this time it was incorporated with romance and tension build up, that it worked so well.
Caspian is down BAD. I mean down bad crying in the sky or whatever. He’s so infatuated with Marina that the whole prisoner/capturer concept is non-existent.
Throughout this book he’s lowkey on the brink of death, but he makes sure that Marina is safe, even though she’s the one constantly saving him. Marina is one of my FAV fantasy fmcs. She’s so witty and strong. She literally calls Caspian an overgrown seagull and I was on the floorrrrr. What I love about her character is how quickly she was to accept that there was SO much she didn’t know about her world and her people. She was out there risking her life for people (or I guess aquatic ponies) that she never knew existed.
I absolutely loved this book so much that I bought a special edition and immediately downloaded more mermaid romances. Patiently waiting for Hymn of Breath and Bone.
so...who wants to play mermaids?
This book is for my more cozy romantasy lovers. Marina is a sheltered selkie princess with wanderlust and health issues that have kept her at her islands her entire life. She’s captured by Caspian, a siren king/pirate, that shows her the reality of the world she lives in.
It’s giving a mix of Moana/Little Mermaid/Tangled but rated S for sweet and spicy. The beginning of this book has beautiful artwork AND actual chords to play the ballad of sea and sky which is SO cute. I just loved the plot and how the world building was done. As Marina started to discover more her world, we got to discover it with her too. Sometimes world building can get overwhelming, but this time it was incorporated with romance and tension build up, that it worked so well.
Caspian is down BAD. I mean down bad crying in the sky or whatever. He’s so infatuated with Marina that the whole prisoner/capturer concept is non-existent.
Throughout this book he’s lowkey on the brink of death, but he makes sure that Marina is safe, even though she’s the one constantly saving him. Marina is one of my FAV fantasy fmcs. She’s so witty and strong. She literally calls Caspian an overgrown seagull and I was on the floorrrrr. What I love about her character is how quickly she was to accept that there was SO much she didn’t know about her world and her people. She was out there risking her life for people (or I guess aquatic ponies) that she never knew existed.
I absolutely loved this book so much that I bought a special edition and immediately downloaded more mermaid romances. Patiently waiting for Hymn of Breath and Bone.
Read
January 30, 2024This was such a fun and immersive read! I can't wait till the next one comes out!!
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