What do you think?
Rate this book
Surrendering to Scylla
She was a sea monster who thrived on vengeance, until one soft-hearted sailor ruined it all.
Scylla was a free-spirited nymph until she caught the eye of a sea god and a jilted goddess transformed her into a sea monster. She swore to take her vengeance from any male who sailed too close to her cliff, but a captive with a heart of gold ruins her plans.
She can't kill him, and worse than that, she's attracted to him.
Ophelos has been at the mercy of others his entire life. When a god leads his ship and crew to ruin, he awakens to find himself in the clutches of Scylla. She’s terrifying and powerful, but she’s also…more.
He finds himself empathizing with her. Understanding her. Falling for her.
As two broken beings try to find solace in each other, they must let go of their pasts to move forward. If that wasn't enough, the gods aren't done meddling in their lives, and Scylla and Ophelos must challenge the very deities that cursed them in the first place to survive.
Surrendering to Scylla is a stand-alone romance novel in a shared universe. It has no cliffhanger and ends in a HEA. For a full list of tropes, tags, and CWs, please visit the author’s website.
Scylla was a free-spirited nymph until she caught the eye of a sea god and a jilted goddess transformed her into a sea monster. She swore to take her vengeance from any male who sailed too close to her cliff, but a captive with a heart of gold ruins her plans.
She can't kill him, and worse than that, she's attracted to him.
Ophelos has been at the mercy of others his entire life. When a god leads his ship and crew to ruin, he awakens to find himself in the clutches of Scylla. She’s terrifying and powerful, but she’s also…more.
He finds himself empathizing with her. Understanding her. Falling for her.
As two broken beings try to find solace in each other, they must let go of their pasts to move forward. If that wasn't enough, the gods aren't done meddling in their lives, and Scylla and Ophelos must challenge the very deities that cursed them in the first place to survive.
Surrendering to Scylla is a stand-alone romance novel in a shared universe. It has no cliffhanger and ends in a HEA. For a full list of tropes, tags, and CWs, please visit the author’s website.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2022
131 people are currently reading
1210 people want to read
About the author
Wren K. Morris
13 books100 followersWren K. Morris grew up surrounded by fields and cows but now resides in Atlanta, GA, enjoying city life with her menagerie of animals. An avid reader and writer from a young age, Wren has been creating stories since she was old enough to form words, and now does so professionally.
Wren’s books focus on a celebration of independent, powerful women and characters who are beautifully flawed in emotionally charged plot lines that make you feel. Surrendering to Scylla is her debut novel, but there are many more to come.
Wren’s books focus on a celebration of independent, powerful women and characters who are beautifully flawed in emotionally charged plot lines that make you feel. Surrendering to Scylla is her debut novel, but there are many more to come.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 24, 2022
She was a sea monster who thrived on vengeance, until one soft-hearted sailor ruined it all.
~safety details at the end~
sometimes, very rarely you come across a book which is unbelievably spectacular
this book was one of them
from the world building to the plot to the romance
everything was perfect!!
the best thing about this book though was the fact that it had a kindhearted, not so physically strong, adorable mmc
usually in fantasy you come across powerful, super strong males who don’t submit to anything or anyone and who mainly play the role of the “protector”
it was genuinely so refreshing to see a guy be soft and accept it and not be insecure of the fact that his woman played the role of the main protector in their relationship
the hero ofc was by no means a push over
he openly discussed his needs and opinions with the heroine and submitted to her (in bed obv) while not acting like a doormat
Scylla’s story was both heartbreaking and empowering
the way she lost everything yet still fought to survive was amazing!
Ophelos was the perfect golden retriever boyfriend
this guy was soo freaking adorable
He was perfect for Scylla
the way he cared for her, smiled at her and blushed at the slightest provocation was soooo cute
and while scylla tried to fight it and act indifferent eventually our golden boy won her over
The idea of snuffing out the incandescent joy that this man seemed to have had filled me with dread.
I tried to picture life in the cave before my peace had been invaded; all I could conjure was the feeling of emptiness.
and the communication in this book was every readers dream come true
yes for a little while there may have been some misconception
however the way they both talked it out really showed how much they cared and respected each other
She could wrap me in her flesh, give me pleasure and purpose, and with that same touch, cocoon me from my attackers, making the ground weep with their blood should they ever attempt to harm me. Her heart was hardened to stone, but she chiseled away at it—for me—softening in affection and a will for more between us.
She was my protector and I was the anchor for the humanity that stubbornly clung to her monstrous form, refusing to forget that she was more than her rage and pain. I would live as the guardian of her softness, the keeper of her peace, and that was purpose enough for my life.
okay and the fact that scylla was a dom>>>>
the smut was soo good
the way ophelos submitted….oh my god!!!
their sexual chemistry and compatibility was off the fucking charts!
I moved to shuffle closer to her on my knees, wary of her monsters but caring less about their risk than the need to be closer to her. A tentacle pressed into my chest, stopping me still as she arched a brow.
“I want to be yours.”
A predatorial laugh came from her throat.
“You are mine.”
She said it with an absolute certainty that ricocheted through my body, pulling me into that space I had found before when she had touched me. In this moment, I was hers, nothing more, nothing less, and it was perfect.
“Greedy Pet, already chasing your release. Take more then, if you’re going to be so greedy.” She let her tentacle press deeper into my mouth until I gagged on it before removing it again, letting it pulse in and out, fucking my mouth with her demanding touch.
there love so clearly shined through the pages
i think part of why i loved this couple so much is bc of the mutual respect they had for each other
scylla while being a terrifying monster who literally ate men for breakfast lowered her walls and softened her heart for ophelos
Ophelos on the other hand was a gentle and kind soul who was soo good communicating and being a safe space for scylla <333
“This,” his hand gestured to me and back to himself, as if tracing a connection between us, “is something. I have never wanted to be close to someone like I do with you. I have never wanted to give up control. I’ve just been forced to do so my entire life, but with you, I had bliss. It was a surrender of my own choosing.”
"I will protect you from now on. I will defend you against anything and anyone that may seek to harm you here. You will not be touched as long as I'm breathing." She said it with a resolute posture that brooked no arguments. "I promise," she added softly, smiling.
also the hades persephone cameo!?
sooo freaking good
we mostly see in hp retellings that persephone is showcased as this naive goddess, so new to everything slowly learning to use her powers all while falling for hades
this book though showed persephone in a completely different light or actually the mythologically correct light
yes while in the beginning she might’ve been shy and shit
but at the end of the day persephone was a bad bitch!!!
I watched the King of Death come to life as he took her in.
She raised her tiny hand and placed it over his lips, silencing him with the touch. She was so small compared to him, and yet it was clear who held more power.
“I also know a thing or two about being a captive who falls for their captor.”
She arched a brow at him in warning, and the god of the Underworld had the good sense to at least look sheepish this time.
His features warmed with affection that hers returned, and for a few moments, they seemed to only exist with each other once again.
all in all this book was a 10/10
the heroine was a badass
the hero was an adorable softy who i adored <3
and they matched perfectly
💗💗💗💗💗
Safety
non virgin mcs
h was a dom
H was the sub
both celibate after meeting
no ow/om drama
reverse captor-captive trope
____________________________________________
some of my fav quotes💌
The more I allowed him to chip away at my carefully honed shell, the better I could recall the image of a young nymph, long gone and better forgotten.
The terror of the seas hopelessly wanted a fisherman.
I could see him thinking, see the struggle as he warred inside his mind with his decision, likely considering every possible intention behind my words and every possible way each of those potential answers would be taken. My sweet treasure did love to overthink. "I...I will, then." He said, rising to join me.
She was always so controlled, my Scylla, but I would push her now as she pushed me, to the limits of her pleasure and even beyond them.
My breath caught in panic, but she had moved out of the way, faster than I could've imagined. My lover was a fierce foe indeed. I smiled to myself at the thought, the tell-tale heat filling my cheeks. My lover. My love.We had come so far.
I hoped she knew what it meant. I hoped she would realize everything, before it was too late. That she hadn't just been my protector, she had been my strength. She had made me bold, called me out of the shadows I had wrapped myself in, telling myself I was protecting myself when I was just hiding. I hoped she knew that, in any form, she was worthy of that, of someone sacrificing for her, of their care and devotion and longing.
~safety details at the end~
sometimes, very rarely you come across a book which is unbelievably spectacular
this book was one of them
from the world building to the plot to the romance
everything was perfect!!
the best thing about this book though was the fact that it had a kindhearted, not so physically strong, adorable mmc
usually in fantasy you come across powerful, super strong males who don’t submit to anything or anyone and who mainly play the role of the “protector”
it was genuinely so refreshing to see a guy be soft and accept it and not be insecure of the fact that his woman played the role of the main protector in their relationship
the hero ofc was by no means a push over
he openly discussed his needs and opinions with the heroine and submitted to her (in bed obv) while not acting like a doormat
Scylla’s story was both heartbreaking and empowering
the way she lost everything yet still fought to survive was amazing!
Ophelos was the perfect golden retriever boyfriend
this guy was soo freaking adorable
He was perfect for Scylla
the way he cared for her, smiled at her and blushed at the slightest provocation was soooo cute
and while scylla tried to fight it and act indifferent eventually our golden boy won her over
The idea of snuffing out the incandescent joy that this man seemed to have had filled me with dread.
I tried to picture life in the cave before my peace had been invaded; all I could conjure was the feeling of emptiness.
and the communication in this book was every readers dream come true
yes for a little while there may have been some misconception
however the way they both talked it out really showed how much they cared and respected each other
She could wrap me in her flesh, give me pleasure and purpose, and with that same touch, cocoon me from my attackers, making the ground weep with their blood should they ever attempt to harm me. Her heart was hardened to stone, but she chiseled away at it—for me—softening in affection and a will for more between us.
She was my protector and I was the anchor for the humanity that stubbornly clung to her monstrous form, refusing to forget that she was more than her rage and pain. I would live as the guardian of her softness, the keeper of her peace, and that was purpose enough for my life.
okay and the fact that scylla was a dom>>>>
the smut was soo good
the way ophelos submitted….oh my god!!!
their sexual chemistry and compatibility was off the fucking charts!
I moved to shuffle closer to her on my knees, wary of her monsters but caring less about their risk than the need to be closer to her. A tentacle pressed into my chest, stopping me still as she arched a brow.
“I want to be yours.”
A predatorial laugh came from her throat.
“You are mine.”
She said it with an absolute certainty that ricocheted through my body, pulling me into that space I had found before when she had touched me. In this moment, I was hers, nothing more, nothing less, and it was perfect.
“Greedy Pet, already chasing your release. Take more then, if you’re going to be so greedy.” She let her tentacle press deeper into my mouth until I gagged on it before removing it again, letting it pulse in and out, fucking my mouth with her demanding touch.
there love so clearly shined through the pages
i think part of why i loved this couple so much is bc of the mutual respect they had for each other
scylla while being a terrifying monster who literally ate men for breakfast lowered her walls and softened her heart for ophelos
Ophelos on the other hand was a gentle and kind soul who was soo good communicating and being a safe space for scylla <333
“This,” his hand gestured to me and back to himself, as if tracing a connection between us, “is something. I have never wanted to be close to someone like I do with you. I have never wanted to give up control. I’ve just been forced to do so my entire life, but with you, I had bliss. It was a surrender of my own choosing.”
"I will protect you from now on. I will defend you against anything and anyone that may seek to harm you here. You will not be touched as long as I'm breathing." She said it with a resolute posture that brooked no arguments. "I promise," she added softly, smiling.
also the hades persephone cameo!?
sooo freaking good
we mostly see in hp retellings that persephone is showcased as this naive goddess, so new to everything slowly learning to use her powers all while falling for hades
this book though showed persephone in a completely different light or actually the mythologically correct light
yes while in the beginning she might’ve been shy and shit
but at the end of the day persephone was a bad bitch!!!
I watched the King of Death come to life as he took her in.
She raised her tiny hand and placed it over his lips, silencing him with the touch. She was so small compared to him, and yet it was clear who held more power.
“I also know a thing or two about being a captive who falls for their captor.”
She arched a brow at him in warning, and the god of the Underworld had the good sense to at least look sheepish this time.
His features warmed with affection that hers returned, and for a few moments, they seemed to only exist with each other once again.
all in all this book was a 10/10
the heroine was a badass
the hero was an adorable softy who i adored <3
and they matched perfectly
💗💗💗💗💗
Safety
non virgin mcs
h was a dom
H was the sub
both celibate after meeting
no ow/om drama
reverse captor-captive trope
____________________________________________
some of my fav quotes💌
The more I allowed him to chip away at my carefully honed shell, the better I could recall the image of a young nymph, long gone and better forgotten.
The terror of the seas hopelessly wanted a fisherman.
I could see him thinking, see the struggle as he warred inside his mind with his decision, likely considering every possible intention behind my words and every possible way each of those potential answers would be taken. My sweet treasure did love to overthink. "I...I will, then." He said, rising to join me.
She was always so controlled, my Scylla, but I would push her now as she pushed me, to the limits of her pleasure and even beyond them.
My breath caught in panic, but she had moved out of the way, faster than I could've imagined. My lover was a fierce foe indeed. I smiled to myself at the thought, the tell-tale heat filling my cheeks. My lover. My love.We had come so far.
I hoped she knew what it meant. I hoped she would realize everything, before it was too late. That she hadn't just been my protector, she had been my strength. She had made me bold, called me out of the shadows I had wrapped myself in, telling myself I was protecting myself when I was just hiding. I hoped she knew that, in any form, she was worthy of that, of someone sacrificing for her, of their care and devotion and longing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2025
okay this was wilder than i expected and so much more interesting!! as i am very interested in mythology this was surprisingly entertaining and i kinda wanna read more about scylla now😭 i wish the actual myths had a good ending like this one. and that epilogue😭😭😭💔💔💔
“I had lived three lives, nymph, monster, and mortal. I had had beauty, I had had power, I had had a life of legendary vengeance, countless treasures, and menacing glory. But here, in a dilapidated shack on a lonely island, with the only man I had ever truly cared about in my arms, I had the one thing I had always wanted—a life I chose.”
“I had lived three lives, nymph, monster, and mortal. I had had beauty, I had had power, I had had a life of legendary vengeance, countless treasures, and menacing glory. But here, in a dilapidated shack on a lonely island, with the only man I had ever truly cared about in my arms, I had the one thing I had always wanted—a life I chose.”
September 1, 2022
This book made me sob into pillows and scream and it ripped my heart out…but it put it back together, better than before. I promise! I was ready to take these characters away from Wren but they gave them such a beautiful ending and it was well worth the read.
It truly felt like the book was set in Greek times, you can tell Wren committed to the time period in the writing. I absolutely loved the way Wren brought life to the myth of Scylla. I cannot wait to read the next book!
It truly felt like the book was set in Greek times, you can tell Wren committed to the time period in the writing. I absolutely loved the way Wren brought life to the myth of Scylla. I cannot wait to read the next book!
August 18, 2025
I can’t even with how much I loved this book. Scylla was guarded and vicious, but still retained some of her compassion from when she was a nymph. Her origin story was devastating but written in a way that made you root for her violent ways. Ophelos was the sweetest boy and carried his own traumas to their relationship. They had lots of growing pains; moments I cried when they hurt each other and moments I celebrated when they communicated and became closer for it. They had to fight their inner demons and prejudices to be truly vulnerable to each other. Truly a beautiful story.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: violence, gore including dismemberment, humans being eaten by monster, forced body modification, isolation, bullying and abuse, panic attack, kidnapping and captivity, death by murder, discussion of death and afterlife, afterlife, prejudice, speciesism, sexism, harassment, implied drowning, malnutrition and associated weight loss, fishing, animal abuse by side character (brief), parental estrangement, parent death (past), parent emotionally neglecting and failing to physically protect child
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: violence, gore including dismemberment, humans being eaten by monster, forced body modification, isolation, bullying and abuse, panic attack, kidnapping and captivity, death by murder, discussion of death and afterlife, afterlife, prejudice, speciesism, sexism, harassment, implied drowning, malnutrition and associated weight loss, fishing, animal abuse by side character (brief), parental estrangement, parent death (past), parent emotionally neglecting and failing to physically protect child
April 24, 2024
- MF Romance
- Monster F/Human M
- Strong/Protective FMC
- Sweet Submissive MMC
- Greek Mythology
- Fantastical Love Story
- Spicy Femdom Lite
What an amazing story packed into a smallish book! Although the story is based of mythology, its POV feels really fresh and new. This is Scylla's, terror of the sea, story. From the unjust circumstances of her beginning to the day she found the one to balance and love her.
Ophelos is a fisherman who is bullied for his gentle nature, and smaller stature. Those things that have him tormented in hi life, are what draw Scylla to protect him, and in turn start to develop feelings for him.
The love story is refreshing in the sense that there is always communication and respect between the two, and that leads to a lot of growth. Overall, this is just a good, emotional, wonderful love story. And the spice. 🥵 I would say it’s Femdom lite. And tentacles are put into play, in case thats something anyone is wondering 😅
- Monster F/Human M
- Strong/Protective FMC
- Sweet Submissive MMC
- Greek Mythology
- Fantastical Love Story
- Spicy Femdom Lite
What an amazing story packed into a smallish book! Although the story is based of mythology, its POV feels really fresh and new. This is Scylla's, terror of the sea, story. From the unjust circumstances of her beginning to the day she found the one to balance and love her.
Ophelos is a fisherman who is bullied for his gentle nature, and smaller stature. Those things that have him tormented in hi life, are what draw Scylla to protect him, and in turn start to develop feelings for him.
The love story is refreshing in the sense that there is always communication and respect between the two, and that leads to a lot of growth. Overall, this is just a good, emotional, wonderful love story. And the spice. 🥵 I would say it’s Femdom lite. And tentacles are put into play, in case thats something anyone is wondering 😅
August 24, 2022
"I am a feared, powerful sea monster. I do not tremble for any man, especially not one I had made my pet"
I adore this book! 😭 I love the character development for both Scylla and Ophelos so much. We get to see them grow throughout the book and it's beautiful.
Seeing how they both hesitantly, but surely open up to one another definitely make me go
Not to mention the amount of times I screamed at my kindle when certain scenes came up. They definitely took me by surprise but the ending is so, so worth it.
I'm telling you, this book is definitely worth a read, easily one of my favourites. Not to mention the tentacles scenes 👀😈🥵
Go pre-order this right now! It comes out on August 30th!
I adore this book! 😭 I love the character development for both Scylla and Ophelos so much. We get to see them grow throughout the book and it's beautiful.
Seeing how they both hesitantly, but surely open up to one another definitely make me go
Not to mention the amount of times I screamed at my kindle when certain scenes came up. They definitely took me by surprise but the ending is so, so worth it.
I'm telling you, this book is definitely worth a read, easily one of my favourites. Not to mention the tentacles scenes 👀😈🥵
Go pre-order this right now! It comes out on August 30th!
September 9, 2022
I have so many FEELINGS. I thought I was dead inside but apparently I'm not. I cannot belive this a debut novel. It's so beautiful.
Surrendering to Scylla is a monster romance loosely based on the Greek/Roman myth of Scylla or Skylla, the sea monster. It's been a long time since I studied mythology, so if there were a lot of detail changes to the source material, which I'm sure there were, it didn't bother me. Creative differences don't tend to bother me as a rule when comparing retellings to the originals.
In Morris' book, Scylla is a nymph who has provoked Circe's ire, and is turned into her sea monster form. She lives her sea monster life and works her gig of ripping sailors apart for decades until she is curious enough to save one sailor, Ophelos. Ophelos is weaker than the burly sailors, and has been abused and ridiculed through his life. His vulnerability and resilience seem to call to something inside of Scylla and she protects him, whilst struggling to understand why and believing that they will have a horrific end if she gets in too deep. They catch feelings. They bang and it's hot. That's my blurb. Anything else will be spoiler-y.
Read this for:
- a romantic, feminist myth retelling with a happily ever after. If you know how Scylla ends from the original stories, you don't have to fear ending on a tragic note here. This love story is eternal.
- gentle femdom kink. Scylla is a boss in bed, but she's also nurturing and a provider. No degradation here.
- emotionally moving prose. You'll want to highlight every damn page. The communication between the MCs is especially intelligent.
- tentacles. Enough said.
- spice that grows the relationship and moves the plot forward.
All the stars. I urge you monster lovers to give this a go.
Surrendering to Scylla is a monster romance loosely based on the Greek/Roman myth of Scylla or Skylla, the sea monster. It's been a long time since I studied mythology, so if there were a lot of detail changes to the source material, which I'm sure there were, it didn't bother me. Creative differences don't tend to bother me as a rule when comparing retellings to the originals.
In Morris' book, Scylla is a nymph who has provoked Circe's ire, and is turned into her sea monster form. She lives her sea monster life and works her gig of ripping sailors apart for decades until she is curious enough to save one sailor, Ophelos. Ophelos is weaker than the burly sailors, and has been abused and ridiculed through his life. His vulnerability and resilience seem to call to something inside of Scylla and she protects him, whilst struggling to understand why and believing that they will have a horrific end if she gets in too deep. They catch feelings. They bang and it's hot. That's my blurb. Anything else will be spoiler-y.
Read this for:
- a romantic, feminist myth retelling with a happily ever after. If you know how Scylla ends from the original stories, you don't have to fear ending on a tragic note here. This love story is eternal.
- gentle femdom kink. Scylla is a boss in bed, but she's also nurturing and a provider. No degradation here.
- emotionally moving prose. You'll want to highlight every damn page. The communication between the MCs is especially intelligent.
- tentacles. Enough said.
- spice that grows the relationship and moves the plot forward.
All the stars. I urge you monster lovers to give this a go.
April 25, 2024
Am I supposed to feel bad for Scylla? Yeah what Circe did to her was horrific and she was innocent of any wrongdoing, but then what she became? I'm supposed to sympathize with her when she's torturing and killing literal thousands of innocent people in the most gruesome ways possible?
And why is she so pissed at men? Sure Glaukos is a massive POS but Circe is the one who transformed her into a monster. She's angry at Circe sure, but doesn't seem to care much about other women. And yet she delights in murdering men and blaming them for all the evil in the world (including her own). Like why doesn't she show the same rage at women considering a woman has done more harm to her than men?
Anyways, I just couldn't feel any joy at a serial killer and mass murderer falling in love.
And why is she so pissed at men? Sure Glaukos is a massive POS but Circe is the one who transformed her into a monster. She's angry at Circe sure, but doesn't seem to care much about other women. And yet she delights in murdering men and blaming them for all the evil in the world (including her own). Like why doesn't she show the same rage at women considering a woman has done more harm to her than men?
Anyways, I just couldn't feel any joy at a serial killer and mass murderer falling in love.
September 3, 2022
“They turned my life into a nightmare, so I would become the monster that haunted their dreams.” - Scylla
“I will be your willing plaything, but even dolls need care.” - Ophelos
Surrendering to Scylla blew me away, it does not read as a debut novel at all, it’s incredibly well written and edited! The plot twists (and when I say twist I mean Game of Thrones totally out of left field twists), character development, relationship evolution, and of course the monster smut we’re all fabulous!! This was my first monster romance where the female was the monster… and when I say monster think biting dogs mouths along her waist and tentacles… very flexible and creative tentacles (IYKYK)! Scylla, formerly a beautify nymph, was transformed into a monster through no fault of her own and has taken out her vengeance on sailors outside her seaside cave for decades, until fisherman Ophelos ends up in her cave and bargains to avoid becoming her next snack. The two go through some growing pains as they learn to live with each other, then the sparks between them begin to fly and if you’re like me you will find yourself speed reading just to see what happens next! If you enjoy mythology retellings, monster romance, tentacles, dominant female characters and submissive males, this would definitely be a great book to check out!
🤍Scylla - beautiful nymph turned terrifying monster, nurturing, misunderstood, vengeful, dominant🐙
🖤Ophelos - human fisherman, helping others is central to who he is as a person, loyal, intelligent, determined, submissive
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
✷ I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ✷
“I will be your willing plaything, but even dolls need care.” - Ophelos
Surrendering to Scylla blew me away, it does not read as a debut novel at all, it’s incredibly well written and edited! The plot twists (and when I say twist I mean Game of Thrones totally out of left field twists), character development, relationship evolution, and of course the monster smut we’re all fabulous!! This was my first monster romance where the female was the monster… and when I say monster think biting dogs mouths along her waist and tentacles… very flexible and creative tentacles (IYKYK)! Scylla, formerly a beautify nymph, was transformed into a monster through no fault of her own and has taken out her vengeance on sailors outside her seaside cave for decades, until fisherman Ophelos ends up in her cave and bargains to avoid becoming her next snack. The two go through some growing pains as they learn to live with each other, then the sparks between them begin to fly and if you’re like me you will find yourself speed reading just to see what happens next! If you enjoy mythology retellings, monster romance, tentacles, dominant female characters and submissive males, this would definitely be a great book to check out!
🤍Scylla - beautiful nymph turned terrifying monster, nurturing, misunderstood, vengeful, dominant🐙
🖤Ophelos - human fisherman, helping others is central to who he is as a person, loyal, intelligent, determined, submissive
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
✷ I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ✷
October 1, 2022
Big fan of new takes on Greek myth, especially ones that focus in on ladies that deserve fresh stories. This story was both enjoyable and heartbreaking, and if you like mythology and stabby ladies, you should absolutely check out this story
May 12, 2023
Truly stunning, absolutely wrecked me but do recommend. If you like femmedoms, open communication, emotional growth, Greek mythology, stunning prose, and divine feminine rage then you'll love this book. Plus we so rarely get lady monsters, so that's pretty rad 🙌🏻
September 4, 2022
I absolutely fell in love with this story! The way that Wren writes is BEAUTIFUL 🤌🏽. She truly has a way with words and I was pulled in from the very beginning. You can truly feel what each character is going through from every word that was written.
Scylla is a strong and beautiful woman who gets turned into this monster for something that wasn’t even her fault. She has sworn off men but Ophelos is the one exception that she made and she has let him in and they each provide something for each other that brings them that warmth and love that they were both missing. I was absolutely feral for the way that Ophelos would allow Scylla to be in control and the passion those two have for each other is *chefs kiss.* I mean being bound by tentacles is never a bad thing 😏.
I also have to add Ophelos is my baby and I couldn’t get enough of him!! BUT THAT TWIST THOUGH!?! I was NOT expecting that. I was literally in shock 😅 BUTTTT all was right in the end so thank you Wren stopping by my heart and then reviving it back 😉.
Scylla is a strong and beautiful woman who gets turned into this monster for something that wasn’t even her fault. She has sworn off men but Ophelos is the one exception that she made and she has let him in and they each provide something for each other that brings them that warmth and love that they were both missing. I was absolutely feral for the way that Ophelos would allow Scylla to be in control and the passion those two have for each other is *chefs kiss.* I mean being bound by tentacles is never a bad thing 😏.
I also have to add Ophelos is my baby and I couldn’t get enough of him!! BUT THAT TWIST THOUGH!?! I was NOT expecting that. I was literally in shock 😅 BUTTTT all was right in the end so thank you Wren stopping by my heart and then reviving it back 😉.
February 13, 2023
SURRENDERING TO SCYLLA was a delight to read and I loved this vengeful, dominant sea monster and her sweet, soft fisherman. After a jealous witch turned Scylla from a nymph into a tentacled, sea monster she's spent her years trapped in a cave and attacking ships that come too close. She lives for vengeance and the power she holds over arrogant mortal men. But when she meets the gentle and sweet Ophelos things start to change. Scylla's many years alone, only being treated like a monster have left her angry and distrustful.
Ophelos in comparison is open and kind but he's spent his life being bullied and picked on by those who are stronger. Their journey isn't easy or smooth but the way these two communicated and worked through their feelings and their worries was beautifully written. Scylla and Ophelos have both been treated poorly by those with more power but together they find a safe place filled with acceptance, love, and care. Their relationship was equal parts swoony and sexy.
My only small complaint is that I didn't like the epilogue but it's a matter of personal preference.
Content Warning: gore, anxiety, past bullying, death
---------------
Favorite Quotes:
They made me a creature of legend, and I would be legendary. They turned my life into a nightmare, so I would become the monster that haunted their dreams. They stole my modest life of peace, so I would give them an impressive, unspeakable legacy built on a throne of their bones.
- - - - -
Things had changed between us and in my understanding of her. I could no longer view her as a creature of evil. I wasn’t a fool—She was no being of light and goodness either—but Scylla, like all of us, was something in-between.
- - - - -
For him. I thought. Only him. Let the rest of the world burn and bruise, but let him remain.
- - - - -
He was my heart. My softness. The core of me that I had buried so deep had sprung from its cage and rested in this man's soul, where he kept it like a precious prize. Instead of burying it again, I would have to protect it, protect him. I would be his shield and he would be my softness, the kindness that I long tried to smother.
- - - - -
"Scylla is…many things. You call her a monster, but she is only what she was made to be. She is my protector,” I watched Scylla stiffen from the corner of my eye, as if poising herself to protect us from attacks at the reminder. “She is my confidant, my lover, my equal and my better. She is my balance, and I hers."
Ophelos in comparison is open and kind but he's spent his life being bullied and picked on by those who are stronger. Their journey isn't easy or smooth but the way these two communicated and worked through their feelings and their worries was beautifully written. Scylla and Ophelos have both been treated poorly by those with more power but together they find a safe place filled with acceptance, love, and care. Their relationship was equal parts swoony and sexy.
My only small complaint is that I didn't like the epilogue but it's a matter of personal preference.
Content Warning: gore, anxiety, past bullying, death
---------------
Favorite Quotes:
They made me a creature of legend, and I would be legendary. They turned my life into a nightmare, so I would become the monster that haunted their dreams. They stole my modest life of peace, so I would give them an impressive, unspeakable legacy built on a throne of their bones.
- - - - -
Things had changed between us and in my understanding of her. I could no longer view her as a creature of evil. I wasn’t a fool—She was no being of light and goodness either—but Scylla, like all of us, was something in-between.
- - - - -
For him. I thought. Only him. Let the rest of the world burn and bruise, but let him remain.
- - - - -
He was my heart. My softness. The core of me that I had buried so deep had sprung from its cage and rested in this man's soul, where he kept it like a precious prize. Instead of burying it again, I would have to protect it, protect him. I would be his shield and he would be my softness, the kindness that I long tried to smother.
- - - - -
"Scylla is…many things. You call her a monster, but she is only what she was made to be. She is my protector,” I watched Scylla stiffen from the corner of my eye, as if poising herself to protect us from attacks at the reminder. “She is my confidant, my lover, my equal and my better. She is my balance, and I hers."
September 4, 2022
What an opportunity it was to read this ARC, a debut from Wren K Morris who has a lot to give to feminine literature.
Surrendering to Scylla is an original reimagining on the mythical monster most famous for snatching the lives of Odysseus's men with her tentacles and gaping maws in Homer's Odyssey. In this retelling, Morris takes from Ovid's Metamorphosis to show Scylla's origin - that she wasn't born this way - Scylla was a nymph who just so happened to catch the gaze of Glaukos and in turn the ire of Circe. Set many years after Scylla's metamorphosis, she captures Ophelos choosing to spare his life instead of take it.
I loved the plot line of this novel. It was a very refreshing take. Scylla was a layered character rather than being two dimensional, she wasn't a monster in the grisly sense, burdened by scars and caught in the crossfire of a gods quarrel. Ophelos was an interesting character too, a squeamish, seemingly cowardly individual who actually had a lot to give. There were moments where I felt his reasoning was off kilter - there was one sentence about him changing who Scylla was when it came to ships and carnage which I didn't agree with, it took something away from him, made him almost in line with a power struggle.
The themes, however, were really well thought out. This idea of learning to love oneself and in turn others, it was reconciliation of the soul for Scylla, finding something of her old self and entwining it with her new monstrous form. For Ophelos it was all about gaining courage and looking past the beastial side of things. It was similar to Beauty and the Beast in that sense.
The ending was very charming, but I wanted little children running around the beach. To those who know Scylla's end in Greek myth, you must be wondering how that's possible. Well, to you, I suggest picking up this enrapturing debut and find out.
Surrendering to Scylla is an original reimagining on the mythical monster most famous for snatching the lives of Odysseus's men with her tentacles and gaping maws in Homer's Odyssey. In this retelling, Morris takes from Ovid's Metamorphosis to show Scylla's origin - that she wasn't born this way - Scylla was a nymph who just so happened to catch the gaze of Glaukos and in turn the ire of Circe. Set many years after Scylla's metamorphosis, she captures Ophelos choosing to spare his life instead of take it.
I loved the plot line of this novel. It was a very refreshing take. Scylla was a layered character rather than being two dimensional, she wasn't a monster in the grisly sense, burdened by scars and caught in the crossfire of a gods quarrel. Ophelos was an interesting character too, a squeamish, seemingly cowardly individual who actually had a lot to give. There were moments where I felt his reasoning was off kilter - there was one sentence about him changing who Scylla was when it came to ships and carnage which I didn't agree with, it took something away from him, made him almost in line with a power struggle.
The themes, however, were really well thought out. This idea of learning to love oneself and in turn others, it was reconciliation of the soul for Scylla, finding something of her old self and entwining it with her new monstrous form. For Ophelos it was all about gaining courage and looking past the beastial side of things. It was similar to Beauty and the Beast in that sense.
The ending was very charming, but I wanted little children running around the beach. To those who know Scylla's end in Greek myth, you must be wondering how that's possible. Well, to you, I suggest picking up this enrapturing debut and find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2024
2.5. I did really appreciate this book from being a departure from popular tropes and for the unique relationship, and I also really did like the fact that the FMC was the monster. I liked that the main couple were able to communicate with each other. That said, I felt as though a lot of the presentation of the story was very heavy-handed, especially when it came to the presentation of the characters and the development of their relationships. The portrayal of Ophelos for instance being such an angel felt really contrived with him being bullied at the start of the story for just being super kind and trying to save a bird. I also feel that the relationship progression between him and Scylla just felt a bit unnatural to me. It just felt like there was not much work put in for them to obtain an understanding of each other and their differences, and they just randomly did with no prompting or reason. Additionally, I found that the story was very black and white when there could’ve been room for more nuance. The people who Scylla kills are all evil and bad, Ophelos is good but everyone around him is bad and doesn’t appreciate him. I felt like there could’ve been some more depth to some aspects of the story.
I also really disliked the end conflict and thought that the resolution to everything felt way too convenient.
I also really disliked the end conflict and thought that the resolution to everything felt way too convenient.
May 2, 2025
4.5⭐
I picked this up because I wanted some femdom to read. Monster romance is very touch and go, but the FMC was the monster so I was willing to venture out the norm in search for a good story.
I stayed for the story of two people coming together to heal, of overcoming difficulties and working to mend the parts of each that don't fit to make themselves whole. I skimmed a lot of the tentacle play because its really not my jam, but everything else was. I was heartbroken when they died! Also I found the small interaction between Hades & Persephone more refreshing than all the retellings of their stories currently out there. Seph was giving big time soft domme energy and I loved it.
I also enjoyed the commentary on the Gods, especially heroes and the many trials they did.
I picked this up because I wanted some femdom to read. Monster romance is very touch and go, but the FMC was the monster so I was willing to venture out the norm in search for a good story.
I stayed for the story of two people coming together to heal, of overcoming difficulties and working to mend the parts of each that don't fit to make themselves whole. I skimmed a lot of the tentacle play because its really not my jam, but everything else was. I was heartbroken when they died! Also I found the small interaction between Hades & Persephone more refreshing than all the retellings of their stories currently out there. Seph was giving big time soft domme energy and I loved it.
I also enjoyed the commentary on the Gods, especially heroes and the many trials they did.
Read
September 6, 2022More lady monsters, please!
Loved this book and cannot wait for the next to come from Wren.
Loved this book and cannot wait for the next to come from Wren.
July 4, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up.
Morris expertly blends myth and romance into a rich and sensual origin story of Ancient Greece's most notorious monster. A page-turner retelling worthy of becoming a staple in the genre.
Oh. My. Gods. Where do I even begin with this book? Morris has created a masterpiece with this. The world-building was superb, complete with nods to well-known heroes and stories of the ancients; inclusion of gods, titans, customs, beliefs, and phrases and descriptions that the ancient Greeks would have likely used. At no time did I ever feel like I was not in the world of Homer's Iliad or Odyssey. So. So. So well done. This kind of immersion into Ancient Greece is what I dreamed of finding after falling in love with the Iliad in highschool.
Scylla's character was superb, and I was absolutely delighted that rape did NOT have a role in her origin story. This might be the first Greek retelling I've read that doesn't have rape anywhere in the narrative and I am SO HERE FOR THAT. Indeed, the sexual encounters here are dripping (pun intended) with consent and tenderness and mutual trust and I appreciated it so so much.
This book balanced the power dynamic between the fiercesome beast that is Scylla and the timid fisherman SO WELL. There were heaps of opportunities for this relationship to delve into gratuitous toxicity but it steered well clear. THANK YOU Wren Morris!
Both of these characters developed well and the relationship that grows between them makes sense to the characters and their circumstances.
Where this loses half a star for me (and I waffled on this a bit) is the first sexual encounter is really abrupt. One moment I'm frolicking through Homer's Ancient Greece and the next I'm staring at a fully primed sex organ. It went from 0 to 200 in a single page. While very well written, I would have liked a little more transition there. There were also a few typos and I think it could have benefitted from another pass through from a proofreader/copy editor. Nothing huge, just a double word once or twice and a word or two that wasn't the right one in the context. These errors in no way detracted from my enjoyment of this book and I honestly could not put it down from the very first page.
The spice is tasteful, consensual, and SPIIIICYYYYY. Out of 5 spice, it's a 10. I've read some spice where it's a little cringe or eye-rolly. Morris did not have me feeling that way at all.
I will be following this author and I'm excited to learn there is another Greek retelling in the works already. I'll be reading that as soon as it drops. If you enjoy well framed romance, extra extra spice, and are an Ancient-Grecophile like me, then add this one to your tbr ASAP.
Morris expertly blends myth and romance into a rich and sensual origin story of Ancient Greece's most notorious monster. A page-turner retelling worthy of becoming a staple in the genre.
Oh. My. Gods. Where do I even begin with this book? Morris has created a masterpiece with this. The world-building was superb, complete with nods to well-known heroes and stories of the ancients; inclusion of gods, titans, customs, beliefs, and phrases and descriptions that the ancient Greeks would have likely used. At no time did I ever feel like I was not in the world of Homer's Iliad or Odyssey. So. So. So well done. This kind of immersion into Ancient Greece is what I dreamed of finding after falling in love with the Iliad in highschool.
Scylla's character was superb, and I was absolutely delighted that rape did NOT have a role in her origin story. This might be the first Greek retelling I've read that doesn't have rape anywhere in the narrative and I am SO HERE FOR THAT. Indeed, the sexual encounters here are dripping (pun intended) with consent and tenderness and mutual trust and I appreciated it so so much.
This book balanced the power dynamic between the fiercesome beast that is Scylla and the timid fisherman SO WELL. There were heaps of opportunities for this relationship to delve into gratuitous toxicity but it steered well clear. THANK YOU Wren Morris!
Both of these characters developed well and the relationship that grows between them makes sense to the characters and their circumstances.
Where this loses half a star for me (and I waffled on this a bit) is the first sexual encounter is really abrupt. One moment I'm frolicking through Homer's Ancient Greece and the next I'm staring at a fully primed sex organ. It went from 0 to 200 in a single page. While very well written, I would have liked a little more transition there. There were also a few typos and I think it could have benefitted from another pass through from a proofreader/copy editor. Nothing huge, just a double word once or twice and a word or two that wasn't the right one in the context. These errors in no way detracted from my enjoyment of this book and I honestly could not put it down from the very first page.
The spice is tasteful, consensual, and SPIIIICYYYYY. Out of 5 spice, it's a 10. I've read some spice where it's a little cringe or eye-rolly. Morris did not have me feeling that way at all.
I will be following this author and I'm excited to learn there is another Greek retelling in the works already. I'll be reading that as soon as it drops. If you enjoy well framed romance, extra extra spice, and are an Ancient-Grecophile like me, then add this one to your tbr ASAP.
September 8, 2022
"You can't just pick me up and play with me and then leave me. I need more than that. I need to understand what's happening and why, and I need you to want me to understand. I will be your willing plaything, but even dolls need care."
+ Greek Retelling
+ Dominant Female / Cinnamon Roll Male
+ Tentacle Play
+ A N G S T
Have you ever laid there after you finished reading a book because the weight of the feelings that it left you with threaten to smother you? Is that the feeling you love? Do I have a recommendation for you then.
Scylla was not born a monster, but thrust into the position by a jealous, vengeful goddess. Any male that ventured too close met a swift fate from her wrath, and rightfully so for the curse she endured. Ophelos finds himself forced into her clutches, but does not find only the monster that tales told, he finds something more in her. The two strike a bargain for her to spare his life, but the gods would never let things be so easy for them.
The EMOTIONAL DAMAGE this book left me with. The all consuming rage that I felt for Scylla and her curse that was not her own fault, the sympathy for the poor soft Ophelos who loved the monster, the conflict of emotions as they begin to grow with one another, the ENDING. There were moments I had to set my kindle down as I knew I was promised a HEA, but Wren makes you work for that. I was ready to riot.
The passion and beauty that Wren is able to convey in her writing consumed me. I am absolutely a crier, but this book dehydrated me. Ophelos is such a gentle, kind soul and the way that he brings out the humanity in Scylla gave me life. Scylla is the powerful, dominant and commanding woman that he (and honestly I) needs. The slow blossoming and evolution of not just their relationship, but them as individuals was everything I could have hoped for. The pain that they go through along their journey is just so good, but also devastating to my heart. And the SPICE?! That tentacle play was creative and I need more.
I have never really read deep into Greek mythology, but I came for the reverse Beauty and the Beast vibes and stayed for one of the best debuts I have read this year. Wren K Morris has jumped onto my instant buy authors list with beautiful storytelling and I recommend this to anyone, but especially if you have a hard time seeing and loving yourself. Maybe you too can be like Scylla and learn that you can love who you are.
+ Greek Retelling
+ Dominant Female / Cinnamon Roll Male
+ Tentacle Play
+ A N G S T
Have you ever laid there after you finished reading a book because the weight of the feelings that it left you with threaten to smother you? Is that the feeling you love? Do I have a recommendation for you then.
Scylla was not born a monster, but thrust into the position by a jealous, vengeful goddess. Any male that ventured too close met a swift fate from her wrath, and rightfully so for the curse she endured. Ophelos finds himself forced into her clutches, but does not find only the monster that tales told, he finds something more in her. The two strike a bargain for her to spare his life, but the gods would never let things be so easy for them.
The EMOTIONAL DAMAGE this book left me with. The all consuming rage that I felt for Scylla and her curse that was not her own fault, the sympathy for the poor soft Ophelos who loved the monster, the conflict of emotions as they begin to grow with one another, the ENDING. There were moments I had to set my kindle down as I knew I was promised a HEA, but Wren makes you work for that. I was ready to riot.
The passion and beauty that Wren is able to convey in her writing consumed me. I am absolutely a crier, but this book dehydrated me. Ophelos is such a gentle, kind soul and the way that he brings out the humanity in Scylla gave me life. Scylla is the powerful, dominant and commanding woman that he (and honestly I) needs. The slow blossoming and evolution of not just their relationship, but them as individuals was everything I could have hoped for. The pain that they go through along their journey is just so good, but also devastating to my heart. And the SPICE?! That tentacle play was creative and I need more.
I have never really read deep into Greek mythology, but I came for the reverse Beauty and the Beast vibes and stayed for one of the best debuts I have read this year. Wren K Morris has jumped onto my instant buy authors list with beautiful storytelling and I recommend this to anyone, but especially if you have a hard time seeing and loving yourself. Maybe you too can be like Scylla and learn that you can love who you are.
September 21, 2022
“There was something powerful about this moment. This man hadn’t sought me out, demanding my attention and my affection as some trophy to be owned, like those of my past. He hadn’t come to slay me as a conquest of battle, like those of my present. I had sought him.”
Wow what a rollercoaster of emotion! I loved reading this book! This is the story of Scylla, the vicious monster who murdered ships of men. In this story we learn what happened to Scylla and how she was cursed. All she ever wanted was to live a life of solitude and peace. Unfortunately men would never leave her alone and it became her downfall. When she meets a meek and curious fisherman her life changes. Ophelos has always been the runt and because of that he lived life at the mercy of bullies. Despite how many others treated him he strives to be a good person and help others in need. When he comes face to face with Scylla he is terrified but that soon changes when he learns her true story. The love story of Scylla and Ophelos is emotional, sweet, angsty, inspiring, and spicy. These two go on such a crazy journey with each other and I enjoyed the ride. Definitely check this book out if you enjoy monster romances, femdom, viscous heroine, sweet submissive hero, and sexy time with tentacles.
Wow what a rollercoaster of emotion! I loved reading this book! This is the story of Scylla, the vicious monster who murdered ships of men. In this story we learn what happened to Scylla and how she was cursed. All she ever wanted was to live a life of solitude and peace. Unfortunately men would never leave her alone and it became her downfall. When she meets a meek and curious fisherman her life changes. Ophelos has always been the runt and because of that he lived life at the mercy of bullies. Despite how many others treated him he strives to be a good person and help others in need. When he comes face to face with Scylla he is terrified but that soon changes when he learns her true story. The love story of Scylla and Ophelos is emotional, sweet, angsty, inspiring, and spicy. These two go on such a crazy journey with each other and I enjoyed the ride. Definitely check this book out if you enjoy monster romances, femdom, viscous heroine, sweet submissive hero, and sexy time with tentacles.
September 8, 2022
Went into this blind however it was still not what I was expecting. The character development of Scylla and Ophelos both as individuals and in relation to each other was at times heart warming and heart wrenching. Wren gave us a very unique perspective on a lady monster w/ her mortal human male who find comfort and healing from past trauma & abuse together and w/ a side of D/s and all the gods and monsters. I loved reading it and am still thinking about it.
October 6, 2022
Loved it 😩😩😩 the characters’ communication was just so nice to read.
January 16, 2023
This was alright. It was nice to read a book where the woman was more dominant for once.
February 21, 2025
It did a lot of the cringe stuff that I don't like in smut books but the ending was wholesome so it made up for it :)
September 30, 2022
4.5/5. Vicious, skull-bashing, body-squishing lady monster of legend and her sweet, gentle, soft boi lover.
As much as I loved the vicious bits, I loved the time dedicated to learning about Scylla’s and Ophelos’s pasts, how their respective trauma shapes how they perceive the world, relationships, and how they react to things—something they openly talk about with each other to improve communication and to better accommodate and support each other.
And I loved that the focus of this story is on the nymphs and monsters — not the Greek deities that use, abuse, and then carelessly cast them aside — and gives them their agency and pride back.
There was also some very lovely tentacle action - ngl would’ve loved even more.
And while the characters face some really rough obstacles, they’re able to turn things around and there is an HEA. The final chapter made me cry on a plane as I was finishing it.
So looking forward to reading more monster romance by Wren K. Morris.
Content notes (some contain spoilers): sex, tentacle-play, blood, gore, death, bullying, death of major characters.
As much as I loved the vicious bits, I loved the time dedicated to learning about Scylla’s and Ophelos’s pasts, how their respective trauma shapes how they perceive the world, relationships, and how they react to things—something they openly talk about with each other to improve communication and to better accommodate and support each other.
And I loved that the focus of this story is on the nymphs and monsters — not the Greek deities that use, abuse, and then carelessly cast them aside — and gives them their agency and pride back.
There was also some very lovely tentacle action - ngl would’ve loved even more.
And while the characters face some really rough obstacles, they’re able to turn things around and there is an HEA. The final chapter made me cry on a plane as I was finishing it.
So looking forward to reading more monster romance by Wren K. Morris.
Content notes (some contain spoilers): sex, tentacle-play, blood, gore, death, bullying, death of major characters.
December 28, 2023
If you love Greek mythology and strong character arcs, you’re in for a treat.
📖 Multi POV, first person, past tense
🏛️ Greek Mythology
⚡️ Vengeful Gods
🫂 Forced Proximity
😠🌞 Grumpy/Sunshine
🦑 Female Monster
🎭 Angst with a Happy Ending
✨ Synopsis:
When she isn’t busy eating sailors, Scylla spends her days in isolation fashioning bones into trinkets. But the arrival of Ophelos, a kind-hearted sailor, changes everything. She should eat him, but he sees her like no one ever has before.
✨ Review:
While I’m familiar with the more popular Greek myths, I’ve never heard about Scylla, so I found this story fascinating. I love female monsters, and Scylla is a force of nature. She’s fabulous.
You can’t help but have a soft place in your heart for Ophelos. He’s so tender-hearted and under-appreciated. I love that he respects and reveres Scylla’s strength rather than being intimidated by her. I’m a huge fan of the resulting Domme/sub relationship.
Both Scylla and Ophelos have strong character arcs (I love a thorough character transformation!) and the ending is fabulous.
I love that Wren K Morris added a glossary/pronunciation guide at the back. I referred to it often and learned so much.
Overall Rating: 🥭🥭🥭🥭
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Extended review on the blog.
Follow me on Instagram
📖 Multi POV, first person, past tense
🏛️ Greek Mythology
⚡️ Vengeful Gods
🫂 Forced Proximity
😠🌞 Grumpy/Sunshine
🦑 Female Monster
🎭 Angst with a Happy Ending
✨ Synopsis:
When she isn’t busy eating sailors, Scylla spends her days in isolation fashioning bones into trinkets. But the arrival of Ophelos, a kind-hearted sailor, changes everything. She should eat him, but he sees her like no one ever has before.
✨ Review:
While I’m familiar with the more popular Greek myths, I’ve never heard about Scylla, so I found this story fascinating. I love female monsters, and Scylla is a force of nature. She’s fabulous.
You can’t help but have a soft place in your heart for Ophelos. He’s so tender-hearted and under-appreciated. I love that he respects and reveres Scylla’s strength rather than being intimidated by her. I’m a huge fan of the resulting Domme/sub relationship.
Both Scylla and Ophelos have strong character arcs (I love a thorough character transformation!) and the ending is fabulous.
I love that Wren K Morris added a glossary/pronunciation guide at the back. I referred to it often and learned so much.
Overall Rating: 🥭🥭🥭🥭
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Extended review on the blog.
Follow me on Instagram
December 5, 2023
This book actually made me cry. I came in expecting tentacle hentai, and I got in-depth psychological analysis of fear, worry, helplessness, inability to trust and be vulnerable after a trauma, low self-worth and how we try to "earn" love when we don't feel worthy, and also some social commentary on who writes history, who is called a monster, how people who try to make the best out of their worst fate are still blamed for not being good enough, who gets a chance for redemption... It was extremely emotional and heart-rending.
This book is probably 10% plot, 10% sex, 80% internal monologue of the characters, and yet it held my attention from the beginning to the end, which is an astounding feat because I often get easily bored by low-plot novels.
And also, romance.io baited me. Why do they rank it as spice lvl 5, there are only 3 sex scenes. One at start of act 2, one before the climax and one in the ending. Is it because of the tentacles? I'm sick and tired of people's double standard, when I'm going through multiple books containing thinly veiled kink like maledom, primal play, praise kink, knotting, making the woman beg, weird alien male organs, dubcon, that's "vanilla", but when the woman is the dominant it's immediately rated as higher spice. It's the same in queer books, f/f is less spicy than m/m on average and harsher rated.
This is a very underappreciated book, judging by the low number of ratings, I wish this doesn't discourage the author from writing more, it's so hard to find full length romantasy novels with dominant women.
The editing was okay. There was maybe couple of typos but it was much better than your average self-pub, and the prose was intentional and evocative.
5 glowing stars! If you liked His Secret Illuminations by Scarlett Gale, Sweet Vengeance by Viano Oniomoh or The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian, you'll probably enjoy this one.
This book is probably 10% plot, 10% sex, 80% internal monologue of the characters, and yet it held my attention from the beginning to the end, which is an astounding feat because I often get easily bored by low-plot novels.
And also, romance.io baited me. Why do they rank it as spice lvl 5, there are only 3 sex scenes. One at start of act 2, one before the climax and one in the ending. Is it because of the tentacles? I'm sick and tired of people's double standard, when I'm going through multiple books containing thinly veiled kink like maledom, primal play, praise kink, knotting, making the woman beg, weird alien male organs, dubcon, that's "vanilla", but when the woman is the dominant it's immediately rated as higher spice. It's the same in queer books, f/f is less spicy than m/m on average and harsher rated.
This is a very underappreciated book, judging by the low number of ratings, I wish this doesn't discourage the author from writing more, it's so hard to find full length romantasy novels with dominant women.
The editing was okay. There was maybe couple of typos but it was much better than your average self-pub, and the prose was intentional and evocative.
5 glowing stars! If you liked His Secret Illuminations by Scarlett Gale, Sweet Vengeance by Viano Oniomoh or The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian, you'll probably enjoy this one.
April 15, 2025
Book Details
Title: Surrendering to Scylla
Series: Standalone
Author: Wren K Morris (She/Her/They/Them)
Genre: Monster Fantasy Romance
Tropes/Keywords: Domme FMC/Sub MMC, Captor/Captive, Cinnamon Roll MMC, Cursed FMC, Feminine Rage, Forced Proximity, Good Boy, Hurt Comfort, Kidnapped MMC, Magic, Mer, Morality Chain, Greek Mythology, Possessive FMC, Protective MMC, Revenge, Emotionally scarred MCs, Pegging
Rep: NB Author
Pages: 313
Main Characters: FMC: Scylla MMC: Ophelos
POV: 1st Person, Multi POV
My Thoughts
Steam: Open door
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Review: I was crying in public reading this book. I am not smart enough to explain the importance of the themes, but just know they hit home, especially for femmes living in todays society. As a Greek mythology lover, I am happy to see that the author gave us capricious gods. They are not humans, and they can be loving or cruel at a seconds notice. Scylla is the victim of such whims, and seeing who she becomes after getting cursed, girl I get it. If you like stories with Feminine Rage, and soft lovers I think this will be for you.
Quotes:
The two seemed so focused on the will and wants of each other that neither seemed to care about me, the shattered being in front of them.
Carnage. Absolute, remorseless carnage. She was rage personified.
Worse than his to-the-letter rule-following, he was polite. Downright endearing, the bastard.
Scylla. Queen of the seas. Destroyer of men. Ruiner of ships. Worthless against a set of brown eyes and rosy cheeks.
"I do love treasures. Would you like to be my Treasure?"
She both reveled in and resented this form, her body forever changed by others, but she knew how to make the most of the change.
CW Down Below
.
.
.
.
.
.
CW: Kidnapping. Gore. Mentions of bullying in the past. Death, dismemberment, and decapitation on page.
Pregnancy?: No
Babies/Children?: No
Title: Surrendering to Scylla
Series: Standalone
Author: Wren K Morris (She/Her/They/Them)
Genre: Monster Fantasy Romance
Tropes/Keywords: Domme FMC/Sub MMC, Captor/Captive, Cinnamon Roll MMC, Cursed FMC, Feminine Rage, Forced Proximity, Good Boy, Hurt Comfort, Kidnapped MMC, Magic, Mer, Morality Chain, Greek Mythology, Possessive FMC, Protective MMC, Revenge, Emotionally scarred MCs, Pegging
Rep: NB Author
Pages: 313
Main Characters: FMC: Scylla MMC: Ophelos
POV: 1st Person, Multi POV
My Thoughts
Steam: Open door
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Review: I was crying in public reading this book. I am not smart enough to explain the importance of the themes, but just know they hit home, especially for femmes living in todays society. As a Greek mythology lover, I am happy to see that the author gave us capricious gods. They are not humans, and they can be loving or cruel at a seconds notice. Scylla is the victim of such whims, and seeing who she becomes after getting cursed, girl I get it. If you like stories with Feminine Rage, and soft lovers I think this will be for you.
Quotes:
The two seemed so focused on the will and wants of each other that neither seemed to care about me, the shattered being in front of them.
Carnage. Absolute, remorseless carnage. She was rage personified.
Worse than his to-the-letter rule-following, he was polite. Downright endearing, the bastard.
Scylla. Queen of the seas. Destroyer of men. Ruiner of ships. Worthless against a set of brown eyes and rosy cheeks.
"I do love treasures. Would you like to be my Treasure?"
She both reveled in and resented this form, her body forever changed by others, but she knew how to make the most of the change.
CW Down Below
.
.
.
.
.
.
CW: Kidnapping. Gore. Mentions of bullying in the past. Death, dismemberment, and decapitation on page.
Pregnancy?: No
Babies/Children?: No
July 12, 2023
This was really good! The story flowed smoothly from start to finish. It gave me two main characters that I adored. Solid!
Worth noting that I do not know a whole lot about Greek or Roman Mythology or any of that. There's a warning in the front of the book that tells you the author took liberties in a few places, and that the descriptions of certain things might not line exactly up to what others who are really into all of that might be expecting. So on that front, I can't really comment. I know the basics of some mythology, but no deep details, and so I went into this book having no comparison. I just like reading monster type romances sometimes. On that note, this book perfectly fit the bill.
I also like that it flipped (for me) the roll of the dominate character to the female MC, and the submissive and shy roll fell on the male MC. I usually read the reverse, that's just what I typically like. But I really enjoyed it here, it makes perfect sense, and I enjoyed every minute of it. And the communication that these two eventually work up to having with each other? The way they learn each others ways and learn how to talk to each other and communicate what they need from each other? That was just wonderful to read.
Also, them Gods, Goddesses, and Demi-Gods are all real pieces of work. What a bunch of bratty children. Jeez! But we're supposed to be annoyed with them, so good job there too.
All in all, really enjoyed this, definitely interested in seeing what other stories and twists this author has in store.
Worth noting that I do not know a whole lot about Greek or Roman Mythology or any of that. There's a warning in the front of the book that tells you the author took liberties in a few places, and that the descriptions of certain things might not line exactly up to what others who are really into all of that might be expecting. So on that front, I can't really comment. I know the basics of some mythology, but no deep details, and so I went into this book having no comparison. I just like reading monster type romances sometimes. On that note, this book perfectly fit the bill.
I also like that it flipped (for me) the roll of the dominate character to the female MC, and the submissive and shy roll fell on the male MC. I usually read the reverse, that's just what I typically like. But I really enjoyed it here, it makes perfect sense, and I enjoyed every minute of it. And the communication that these two eventually work up to having with each other? The way they learn each others ways and learn how to talk to each other and communicate what they need from each other? That was just wonderful to read.
Also, them Gods, Goddesses, and Demi-Gods are all real pieces of work. What a bunch of bratty children. Jeez! But we're supposed to be annoyed with them, so good job there too.
All in all, really enjoyed this, definitely interested in seeing what other stories and twists this author has in store.
August 31, 2022
Thank you Wren K. Morris for allowing me to be an ARC for Surrendering to Scylla.
Where to even start? From the first page, I was hooked. Wren's writing is beautiful and captivating. I could feel every emotion that every character was feeling. Every page added more and more to the story.
Scylla was a beautiful Nymph who was cursed by the Gods because they didn't get what they wanted (so typical). She was then treated like a monster because no one wanted to know the real her, which would be quite difficult with her taking those who sail near her cave to feed her monsters 😂. She is definitely a grump but with a good reason.
Ophelos is just a small cinnamon roll boy and oh so submissive. I really enjoyed how he set boundaries with Scylla to help her understand that he was still a mortal cinnamon roll. Reading his chapters just showed how much he had gone through and that even mortals go through situations that make them feel like they don't belong or that they are only there to be at the mercy of others.
Overall, this book has probably become one of my favorite monster romance books. There were great moments that kept me hooked throughout the entire book. I can't wait to see what Wren comes up with next.
Where to even start? From the first page, I was hooked. Wren's writing is beautiful and captivating. I could feel every emotion that every character was feeling. Every page added more and more to the story.
Scylla was a beautiful Nymph who was cursed by the Gods because they didn't get what they wanted (so typical). She was then treated like a monster because no one wanted to know the real her, which would be quite difficult with her taking those who sail near her cave to feed her monsters 😂. She is definitely a grump but with a good reason.
Ophelos is just a small cinnamon roll boy and oh so submissive. I really enjoyed how he set boundaries with Scylla to help her understand that he was still a mortal cinnamon roll. Reading his chapters just showed how much he had gone through and that even mortals go through situations that make them feel like they don't belong or that they are only there to be at the mercy of others.
Overall, this book has probably become one of my favorite monster romance books. There were great moments that kept me hooked throughout the entire book. I can't wait to see what Wren comes up with next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews