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Darkness Duet #1
Daughter of the Drowned
A broken young woman will stop at nothing to discover why she’s being haunted, even if that means storming the Underworld to face off with Death himself.
Twenty-one-year-old Lovely Timms hasn’t always been afflicted with otherworldly visions; in fact, it’s only these last four years that have been a haze of addiction and denial since she drowned.
Only when she’s visited by an apparition of her father does she finally begin to believe her hauntings are real. Desperate to discover why she is plagued by the dead, she travels to the occult-filled city of New Orleans with childhood best friend, Tino, by her side. Though, as her abilities grow, so does the icy herald of Death.
Death with a face, a name, and a delicious voice with which to beckon her.
Death calls to Lovely, will he get to keep her?
Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and V.E Schwab, those who like their romantic fantasy with a side of gore, childhood friends to lovers, Death as a love interest, and their romance with more steam and less spice.
Twenty-one-year-old Lovely Timms hasn’t always been afflicted with otherworldly visions; in fact, it’s only these last four years that have been a haze of addiction and denial since she drowned.
Only when she’s visited by an apparition of her father does she finally begin to believe her hauntings are real. Desperate to discover why she is plagued by the dead, she travels to the occult-filled city of New Orleans with childhood best friend, Tino, by her side. Though, as her abilities grow, so does the icy herald of Death.
Death with a face, a name, and a delicious voice with which to beckon her.
Death calls to Lovely, will he get to keep her?
Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and V.E Schwab, those who like their romantic fantasy with a side of gore, childhood friends to lovers, Death as a love interest, and their romance with more steam and less spice.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2025
4 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Williams
5 books46 followersKerry Williams is a romantic fantasy author based in the heart of England.
She loves to read and write haunting, emotionally devastating love stories that explore the tension between light and dark, human and otherworldly with characters caught between two worlds.
Copywriter by day, she gets lost in a world of magic at night, her creative roots cultivated by the gothic writing of the unforgettable Anne Rice. These days she’s inspired by the work of Holly Black, Rachel Griffin and Krystal Sutherland.
She graduated from Brunel University with a 2:1(hons) in Creative Writing and is an avid cat lady, die-hard tea drinker, and eternal star gazer. Always known to her family as a daydreamer, she and her young daughter, Ivy, can often be found looking at the moon.
Her books include the twisty and magical YA Trilogy, Other Nature and the dark and occult-filled adult portal fantasy, Darkness Duet.
She loves to read and write haunting, emotionally devastating love stories that explore the tension between light and dark, human and otherworldly with characters caught between two worlds.
Copywriter by day, she gets lost in a world of magic at night, her creative roots cultivated by the gothic writing of the unforgettable Anne Rice. These days she’s inspired by the work of Holly Black, Rachel Griffin and Krystal Sutherland.
She graduated from Brunel University with a 2:1(hons) in Creative Writing and is an avid cat lady, die-hard tea drinker, and eternal star gazer. Always known to her family as a daydreamer, she and her young daughter, Ivy, can often be found looking at the moon.
Her books include the twisty and magical YA Trilogy, Other Nature and the dark and occult-filled adult portal fantasy, Darkness Duet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 9, 2025
I wrote this book!
I’m so excited to share it with the world, it is part of my creepy little soul.
This is a story for anyone who loves to see a flawed female protagonist who has to claw the way to her strength.
It’s a ghost story. It’s a love story. It’s a JOURNEY. (Quite literally from one life to the next)
Trigger warnings: this is an adult book in that it explores adult themes of death, the afterlife, self harm and addiction. There is some serious fantasy based gore within, but also one non-explicit scene of real world sexual assault. There is also a plot device which may be triggering for those sensitive to eating disorders/food consumption.
This book is for those who enjoy tension and steam in their romance rather than spice
I’m so excited to share it with the world, it is part of my creepy little soul.
This is a story for anyone who loves to see a flawed female protagonist who has to claw the way to her strength.
It’s a ghost story. It’s a love story. It’s a JOURNEY. (Quite literally from one life to the next)
Trigger warnings: this is an adult book in that it explores adult themes of death, the afterlife, self harm and addiction. There is some serious fantasy based gore within, but also one non-explicit scene of real world sexual assault. There is also a plot device which may be triggering for those sensitive to eating disorders/food consumption.
This book is for those who enjoy tension and steam in their romance rather than spice
December 23, 2024
Firstly this is the vibe that ninth house thought it was gonna be but wasn’t….
Secondly, this is an urban fantasy much more akin to Crescent City with visits to other realms, but mostly in the human realm. Most of the characters are humans with no magic or otherness. So think supernatural.
Ok, now that we got all that covered
Damnnnnnnnn
When you read this, you are gonna hurt, you are gonna feel anguish. Our FMC seems weak. It seems like she gives into vices to forget her life, and she does. She is not a perfect person by any stretch of the imagination, she is fighting demons and hell, quite literally.
What she puts herself through is another level of hell.
Imagine you had a terrible experience and your entire life everybody said that it wasn’t possible, it wasn’t true, you would feel so alone and isolated. You be left knowing the terror of it happening all the time without your control and still not being believed each time. A living Hell.
And after all that, what is there left to do but face actual hell?
What would you be willing to do and risk to be with the one person that feels like heaven?
This is an amazing book but the trigger warnings are not a joke here!!!!
Secondly, this is an urban fantasy much more akin to Crescent City with visits to other realms, but mostly in the human realm. Most of the characters are humans with no magic or otherness. So think supernatural.
Ok, now that we got all that covered
Damnnnnnnnn
When you read this, you are gonna hurt, you are gonna feel anguish. Our FMC seems weak. It seems like she gives into vices to forget her life, and she does. She is not a perfect person by any stretch of the imagination, she is fighting demons and hell, quite literally.
What she puts herself through is another level of hell.
Imagine you had a terrible experience and your entire life everybody said that it wasn’t possible, it wasn’t true, you would feel so alone and isolated. You be left knowing the terror of it happening all the time without your control and still not being believed each time. A living Hell.
And after all that, what is there left to do but face actual hell?
What would you be willing to do and risk to be with the one person that feels like heaven?
This is an amazing book but the trigger warnings are not a joke here!!!!
January 20, 2025
Kerry has done it again. I’ve never read a book written in this way. Her writing is truly different. I love the fact that there are Easter eggs in this book and I screamed when I realised what they were. It is the kind of story that you believe could happen as it is set in our world in the present. I cannot wait for book 2.
January 4, 2025
ARC Review!
Lovely (Lee) was dead for three whole minutes. But when she came back, she was haunted by the spirits that haven’t moved on. What’s worse is that nobody believes her, and she’s accepted that she is crazy. After years of this, substance abuse, and feeling lost, a chance to figure out why she has this ability and to prove to herself she’s not insane, comes up.
Lee and her friend Tino travel to New Orleans to visit with some occult people and try to break through Lee’s barriers to figure out her death. But what happens if death is a being that doesn’t want to let Lee go once she’s crossed that bridge again?
When I started this, my idea of what it would be was nowhere near correct. I will say I was a bit over all the drama leading up to the MC getting to the underworld to figure everything out, but after the ending I understand why we took that journey. I don’t want to spoil anything for others, but this was a cool take on different lore of what happens when we die/the underworld/the beings that inhabit that plane. Honestly will look forward to book two so I can see just how the author justifies how that ending came to fruition!
Also, I’m not sure the final version will be this way, but the book doesn’t use quotation marks, it uses single quotations for when characters are talking. This threw me in the beginning!
Lovely (Lee) was dead for three whole minutes. But when she came back, she was haunted by the spirits that haven’t moved on. What’s worse is that nobody believes her, and she’s accepted that she is crazy. After years of this, substance abuse, and feeling lost, a chance to figure out why she has this ability and to prove to herself she’s not insane, comes up.
Lee and her friend Tino travel to New Orleans to visit with some occult people and try to break through Lee’s barriers to figure out her death. But what happens if death is a being that doesn’t want to let Lee go once she’s crossed that bridge again?
When I started this, my idea of what it would be was nowhere near correct. I will say I was a bit over all the drama leading up to the MC getting to the underworld to figure everything out, but after the ending I understand why we took that journey. I don’t want to spoil anything for others, but this was a cool take on different lore of what happens when we die/the underworld/the beings that inhabit that plane. Honestly will look forward to book two so I can see just how the author justifies how that ending came to fruition!
Also, I’m not sure the final version will be this way, but the book doesn’t use quotation marks, it uses single quotations for when characters are talking. This threw me in the beginning!
January 9, 2025
Rating: 3.5
It's been a while since I read a straight-up fantasy, but I do love Death (well... sort of) as a love interest, so in I dove! I mostly liked this book, but it got pretty dark at times (DEFINITELY check the content warnings!!!) Sometimes the language, especially the way Lovely speaks, seems oddly antiquated and almost purple prose-y, and it kept throwing me out of the story and making me sort of irritated. There's also some back and forth between Lovely and her childhood BFF Tino where I was sort of left reeling and wondering who is mad at who and why now?
Still, the story pulled me in and I found myself unwilling to put the book down because I wanted to find out what would happen next. I also really liked several of the side characters a lot (Hero and Leander!!!) and when Lovely was starting to get on my nerves I kept reading for them. Something of a love triangle developing as well, so I'm interested to see how all that plays out.
This is the first book in the Darkness Duet, and while it could probably be read as a standalone it does end on... it's not quite a cliffhanger, more like a definite "To Be Continued..." note. I'll definitely be coming back for book two!
It's been a while since I read a straight-up fantasy, but I do love Death (well... sort of) as a love interest, so in I dove! I mostly liked this book, but it got pretty dark at times (DEFINITELY check the content warnings!!!) Sometimes the language, especially the way Lovely speaks, seems oddly antiquated and almost purple prose-y, and it kept throwing me out of the story and making me sort of irritated. There's also some back and forth between Lovely and her childhood BFF Tino where I was sort of left reeling and wondering who is mad at who and why now?
Still, the story pulled me in and I found myself unwilling to put the book down because I wanted to find out what would happen next. I also really liked several of the side characters a lot (Hero and Leander!!!) and when Lovely was starting to get on my nerves I kept reading for them. Something of a love triangle developing as well, so I'm interested to see how all that plays out.
This is the first book in the Darkness Duet, and while it could probably be read as a standalone it does end on... it's not quite a cliffhanger, more like a definite "To Be Continued..." note. I'll definitely be coming back for book two!
February 22, 2025
Tropes:
Childhood friends to lovers
MFC
Supernatural
Mystery
Urban fantasy
Love triangle
Greek mythology
4.75 ⭐️ Arc read
Out February 18th Waterstones & A-Mazon
Absolutely adored this book I couldn’t put it down! What a unique concept I have never read anything like it, it’s giving supernatural otherworldly underworld witches of New Orleans vibes. This was written so beautifully by Kerry, the plot was fast paced which I loved I did indeed stay up all hours binging this.Touching up on subjects such as Death, Mental health, Eating disorders, Trauma and addiction. You can tell so much love thought and imagination has gone into The FMC Lovely (Lees) character and the whole concept of the book. I cannot wait to see what the next book will bring! Without saying too much Does she make it back? We love a cliff hanger but don’t keep us hanging too long!
Off to read the other nature series!
Childhood friends to lovers
MFC
Supernatural
Mystery
Urban fantasy
Love triangle
Greek mythology
4.75 ⭐️ Arc read
Out February 18th Waterstones & A-Mazon
Absolutely adored this book I couldn’t put it down! What a unique concept I have never read anything like it, it’s giving supernatural otherworldly underworld witches of New Orleans vibes. This was written so beautifully by Kerry, the plot was fast paced which I loved I did indeed stay up all hours binging this.Touching up on subjects such as Death, Mental health, Eating disorders, Trauma and addiction. You can tell so much love thought and imagination has gone into The FMC Lovely (Lees) character and the whole concept of the book. I cannot wait to see what the next book will bring! Without saying too much Does she make it back? We love a cliff hanger but don’t keep us hanging too long!
Off to read the other nature series!
January 7, 2025
2⭐️
(I received an arc from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving this review)
First, let me start by saying that i was really vibing with the book from 35% to 60%.
But
The rest of the book? Not so much.
I am confused about what happened in the end because the story went from no fantasy ( more of a spooky book ) to a proper fantasy book, which wouldn’t be a problem if i liked the execution.
I liked Tino, despite his name being Tino but i wasn't like 100% rooting for him.
I did not like the FMC.
Although i did like the 3 side characters who were helping out the FMC.
I'm not sure if I'll pick up the 2nd book or not because i am honestly not anticipating it that much.
Tropes/themes:
● childhood friends to lovers
● Single pov
● Girl sees ghosts
● Death (?) as a character
● underworld
While the book unfortunately didn't work out for me, i am grateful to the author for providing me an arc.
(I received an arc from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving this review)
First, let me start by saying that i was really vibing with the book from 35% to 60%.
But
The rest of the book? Not so much.
I am confused about what happened in the end because the story went from no fantasy ( more of a spooky book ) to a proper fantasy book, which wouldn’t be a problem if i liked the execution.
I liked Tino, despite his name being Tino but i wasn't like 100% rooting for him.
I did not like the FMC.
Although i did like the 3 side characters who were helping out the FMC.
I'm not sure if I'll pick up the 2nd book or not because i am honestly not anticipating it that much.
Tropes/themes:
● childhood friends to lovers
● Single pov
● Girl sees ghosts
● Death (?) as a character
● underworld
While the book unfortunately didn't work out for me, i am grateful to the author for providing me an arc.
February 26, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
♨️♨️♨️( More steamy than spicey)
Oh my god! What a pleasure it has been to follow Lovely on this journey! A harrowingly sad, dark, loveing, crazy, magical journey, but I loved every second!
I fell in love with the characters and the story. Didn't know what to expect from page to page.
Seriously an amazing book. If you do anything this year pick up this book!!
Book two now yes? Please?
Also your Nan would be so proud of you for writing this book! Well done 🩵🩵
♨️♨️♨️( More steamy than spicey)
Oh my god! What a pleasure it has been to follow Lovely on this journey! A harrowingly sad, dark, loveing, crazy, magical journey, but I loved every second!
I fell in love with the characters and the story. Didn't know what to expect from page to page.
Seriously an amazing book. If you do anything this year pick up this book!!
Book two now yes? Please?
Also your Nan would be so proud of you for writing this book! Well done 🩵🩵
January 20, 2025
I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to arc read this and wow, it did not dissapoint.
The story follows fmc Lovely who is haunted by ghosts after a brush with death. Wanting to uncover the mystery of her visions she travels to New Orleans with childhood best friend Tino in tow and Deaths voice beckoning her to him.
This is a beautifully written romantasy with occult vibes. If Hades of the underworld, Supernatural and the New Orleans eitches from The Originals had a baby, this would be it 💜
I loved the characters, the plot was well paced, original and it handled the topics of addiction and death well. Loved it 💜
The story follows fmc Lovely who is haunted by ghosts after a brush with death. Wanting to uncover the mystery of her visions she travels to New Orleans with childhood best friend Tino in tow and Deaths voice beckoning her to him.
This is a beautifully written romantasy with occult vibes. If Hades of the underworld, Supernatural and the New Orleans eitches from The Originals had a baby, this would be it 💜
I loved the characters, the plot was well paced, original and it handled the topics of addiction and death well. Loved it 💜
January 2, 2025
This was unexpectedly familiar yet new in so many ways. Lovely has had a brush with death, and now her life is haunted. After a few years she finally has someone who may be able to help her, and she runs at the chance. Accompanied by her friend Tino, she embarks on a trip that will change her entire life...or afterlife.
When Lovely and Tino arrive, they're met with a duo who brings them to the woman who will change the course of fate. Dancing with Death, and wishing she could be less broken and be with Tino, Lovely has a monumental task ahead of her. As she struggles with what she's become at the hands of Death in the underworld, she longs for the surface above.
When Lovely and Tino arrive, they're met with a duo who brings them to the woman who will change the course of fate. Dancing with Death, and wishing she could be less broken and be with Tino, Lovely has a monumental task ahead of her. As she struggles with what she's become at the hands of Death in the underworld, she longs for the surface above.
March 8, 2025
I read this one slowly, savoured every sentence and welcomed every word. A beautiful triumph of a book that will draw you in, mess with your mind, and tamper with your heart.
The word building is unique and had me desperate to travel to the Underworld. Lovely is a true gothic heroine - a tortured soul whose journey you can’t help but be invested in. I love a good love triangle and this one certainly had me hooked. A brilliant fantasy romance that will have you questioning your morals. Highly recommend and can’t wait for She of the Shadows.
The word building is unique and had me desperate to travel to the Underworld. Lovely is a true gothic heroine - a tortured soul whose journey you can’t help but be invested in. I love a good love triangle and this one certainly had me hooked. A brilliant fantasy romance that will have you questioning your morals. Highly recommend and can’t wait for She of the Shadows.
September 7, 2024
This book is soooooooooooo good! I'm eagerly awaiting the second one to see how it all comes together in the end! <3
5 stars
5 stars
December 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Kerry Williams, and the publishers for the chance to read Daughter of the Drowned. This book swept me away (pun intended) with its haunting atmosphere, deeply flawed yet relatable characters, and an unpredictable, gripping plot. Without hesitation, it’s a 5 out of 5 stars from me.
The story follows Lovely Timms, a 21-year-old struggling to piece her life back together after a near-death experience that left her with visions of the otherworldly. Lovely is such a raw and relatable character; her battle with trauma and denial is both heartbreaking and deeply human. As the supernatural begins to bleed into her reality, she’s forced to confront truths about herself that she’s tried to bury. Her arc is beautifully done, showcasing resilience and vulnerability in equal measure. Watching Lovely grow into someone who learns to accept her past while challenging her fate is one of the most rewarding parts of the book.
Tino, her childhood best friend, is the rock she didn’t know she needed. His loyalty and quiet strength provide a perfect counterbalance to Lovely’s chaotic and self-destructive tendencies. What’s amazing about Tino’s role is that he’s not just a sidekick; he has his own moments of introspection and growth as he struggles to navigate his changing dynamic with Lovely. Their relationship is layered, with an unspoken tension that adds depth to every interaction.
And then there’s Death. Yes, Death, personified as a dark, mysterious figure with motives that are as seductive as they are terrifying. The dynamic between Death and Lovely is absolutely electric—it’s more than just a typical “antagonist vs. protagonist” situation. Their interactions are a mix of danger, curiosity, and reluctant connection, making every scene they share pulse with tension.
The world-building in Daughter of the Drowned is phenomenal. Set against the backdrop of a magical, hauntingly atmospheric New Orleans, the city itself feels like a character in the story. From candlelit alleys to shadowy crypts, every setting is described in lush detail that pulls you deeper into the narrative. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the real world, creating a unique and immersive experience.
The plot is perfectly paced, with twists and reveals that genuinely caught me off guard. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, Kerry Williams threw in a twist that made me reevaluate everything. The themes of life, death, and redemption are explored in ways that feel fresh and emotionally impactful.
If I had to nitpick, there were a few moments where the introspection lingered a bit too long, slowing the pacing in the middle of the book. But honestly, those quieter moments added so much depth to the characters that I wouldn’t change a thing—it’s such a minor issue compared to how incredible the story is as a whole.
In conclusion, Daughter of the Drowned is an unforgettable blend of dark fantasy, romance, and supernatural intrigue. With complex characters, a vividly drawn setting, and a story that keeps you on your toes, this book has cemented itself as one of my favorites of the year. I can’t wait to see where Kerry Williams takes this story next! Highly recommend!
The story follows Lovely Timms, a 21-year-old struggling to piece her life back together after a near-death experience that left her with visions of the otherworldly. Lovely is such a raw and relatable character; her battle with trauma and denial is both heartbreaking and deeply human. As the supernatural begins to bleed into her reality, she’s forced to confront truths about herself that she’s tried to bury. Her arc is beautifully done, showcasing resilience and vulnerability in equal measure. Watching Lovely grow into someone who learns to accept her past while challenging her fate is one of the most rewarding parts of the book.
Tino, her childhood best friend, is the rock she didn’t know she needed. His loyalty and quiet strength provide a perfect counterbalance to Lovely’s chaotic and self-destructive tendencies. What’s amazing about Tino’s role is that he’s not just a sidekick; he has his own moments of introspection and growth as he struggles to navigate his changing dynamic with Lovely. Their relationship is layered, with an unspoken tension that adds depth to every interaction.
And then there’s Death. Yes, Death, personified as a dark, mysterious figure with motives that are as seductive as they are terrifying. The dynamic between Death and Lovely is absolutely electric—it’s more than just a typical “antagonist vs. protagonist” situation. Their interactions are a mix of danger, curiosity, and reluctant connection, making every scene they share pulse with tension.
The world-building in Daughter of the Drowned is phenomenal. Set against the backdrop of a magical, hauntingly atmospheric New Orleans, the city itself feels like a character in the story. From candlelit alleys to shadowy crypts, every setting is described in lush detail that pulls you deeper into the narrative. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the real world, creating a unique and immersive experience.
The plot is perfectly paced, with twists and reveals that genuinely caught me off guard. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, Kerry Williams threw in a twist that made me reevaluate everything. The themes of life, death, and redemption are explored in ways that feel fresh and emotionally impactful.
If I had to nitpick, there were a few moments where the introspection lingered a bit too long, slowing the pacing in the middle of the book. But honestly, those quieter moments added so much depth to the characters that I wouldn’t change a thing—it’s such a minor issue compared to how incredible the story is as a whole.
In conclusion, Daughter of the Drowned is an unforgettable blend of dark fantasy, romance, and supernatural intrigue. With complex characters, a vividly drawn setting, and a story that keeps you on your toes, this book has cemented itself as one of my favorites of the year. I can’t wait to see where Kerry Williams takes this story next! Highly recommend!
January 20, 2025
Haunting and alluring dive into the occult and death spun with a touch of romance.
Twenty-one-year-old Lovely Timms has spent the last four years lost in a haze of addiction and denial after she drowned. When an apparition of her father finally convinces her that her haunting visions are real, she embarks on a desperate journey to uncover why the dead are reaching out to her. Joined by her childhood best friend, Tino, Lovely travels to New Orleans, a city steeped in the occult, where her powers intensify—and so does the chilling presence of Death, now taking on a hauntingly alluring form. As Death's voice beckons her closer, Lovely must confront the truth of her past and face the dark forces that seek to claim her.
Lovely’s journey is not just one of discovery but also a battle against herself: her self-doubt, self-sabotage, and an ingrained belief that no one, not even herself, deserves redemption. The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult and horrifying topics surrounding her - drug addiction, sexual assault, food binging, and the stark realities of death. These moments are raw and unflinching, adding layers of weight and urgency to Lovely’s emotional and physical struggles.
Tino is a standout character. After a year of no contact, he immediately returns to her side without hesitation, embodying a friend who truly understands what it means to be a ride or die. His loyalty is unwavering, and he never judges her past mistakes or addictions. Tino’s emotional depth and fierce protectiveness form an essential backbone to the narrative, offering a safe space for Lovely to slowly rebuild trust, not only in others but in herself.
The romantic and seductive elements in the novel are intense, but the physical intimacy is largely kept behind closed doors, allowing the tension to build through atmosphere and emotion rather than explicit acts. The most intriguing - and chilling - aspect of the story, however, is the portrayal of Death itself. The author offers a fresh, alluring take on the Underworld and its inhabitants, with Death depicted as an enigmatic, almost seductive figure whose voice calls to Lovely in a way that is both dangerous and strangely enticing. The Underworld is depicted with a vivid, almost intoxicating allure, pulling both Lovely and readers into a world of mystery and danger, where the line between life and death blurs.
The book is a thrilling, emotionally charged exploration of survival, love, and redemption. With its lush, atmospheric writing and its exploration of pain, healing, and the undeniable pull of Death, this story offers something uniquely captivating and unforgettable, leaving me eagerly waiting for book two.
Twenty-one-year-old Lovely Timms has spent the last four years lost in a haze of addiction and denial after she drowned. When an apparition of her father finally convinces her that her haunting visions are real, she embarks on a desperate journey to uncover why the dead are reaching out to her. Joined by her childhood best friend, Tino, Lovely travels to New Orleans, a city steeped in the occult, where her powers intensify—and so does the chilling presence of Death, now taking on a hauntingly alluring form. As Death's voice beckons her closer, Lovely must confront the truth of her past and face the dark forces that seek to claim her.
Lovely’s journey is not just one of discovery but also a battle against herself: her self-doubt, self-sabotage, and an ingrained belief that no one, not even herself, deserves redemption. The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult and horrifying topics surrounding her - drug addiction, sexual assault, food binging, and the stark realities of death. These moments are raw and unflinching, adding layers of weight and urgency to Lovely’s emotional and physical struggles.
Tino is a standout character. After a year of no contact, he immediately returns to her side without hesitation, embodying a friend who truly understands what it means to be a ride or die. His loyalty is unwavering, and he never judges her past mistakes or addictions. Tino’s emotional depth and fierce protectiveness form an essential backbone to the narrative, offering a safe space for Lovely to slowly rebuild trust, not only in others but in herself.
The romantic and seductive elements in the novel are intense, but the physical intimacy is largely kept behind closed doors, allowing the tension to build through atmosphere and emotion rather than explicit acts. The most intriguing - and chilling - aspect of the story, however, is the portrayal of Death itself. The author offers a fresh, alluring take on the Underworld and its inhabitants, with Death depicted as an enigmatic, almost seductive figure whose voice calls to Lovely in a way that is both dangerous and strangely enticing. The Underworld is depicted with a vivid, almost intoxicating allure, pulling both Lovely and readers into a world of mystery and danger, where the line between life and death blurs.
The book is a thrilling, emotionally charged exploration of survival, love, and redemption. With its lush, atmospheric writing and its exploration of pain, healing, and the undeniable pull of Death, this story offers something uniquely captivating and unforgettable, leaving me eagerly waiting for book two.
December 16, 2024
*Thank you to Kerry Williams and Netgalley for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
Wow. Just Wow. I dont know what Kerry Williams laces her books with but once again I have devoured her work in 24 hours and have been left an emotional wreck and dying for the next installment!
The story follows Lovely who died when she was 17 and was brought back to life. She has been haunted with visions of the dead, and Death himself, ever since. The story follows her after the death of her father, she is a recovering addict and is reconnected with her childhood friend Tino. They travel to New Orleans to try to figure out why this is happening to her.
Kerry does an amazing job at making you fall in love with Lovely and really sympathise with her struggles. She makes mistakes, she makes bad decisions but all if this makes her human and relatable. Her addiction, self harm and mental struggles are written so well, you can tell a lot of care has been put into this aspect of the story.
The story does end on a cliffhanger, and it has destroyed me! I dont know how I am going to wait until book 2!!!
I would like to give an honourable mention to Death, or Charion. You will know once you reach it, but ohhhh i melted!
Wow. Just Wow. I dont know what Kerry Williams laces her books with but once again I have devoured her work in 24 hours and have been left an emotional wreck and dying for the next installment!
The story follows Lovely who died when she was 17 and was brought back to life. She has been haunted with visions of the dead, and Death himself, ever since. The story follows her after the death of her father, she is a recovering addict and is reconnected with her childhood friend Tino. They travel to New Orleans to try to figure out why this is happening to her.
Kerry does an amazing job at making you fall in love with Lovely and really sympathise with her struggles. She makes mistakes, she makes bad decisions but all if this makes her human and relatable. Her addiction, self harm and mental struggles are written so well, you can tell a lot of care has been put into this aspect of the story.
The story does end on a cliffhanger, and it has destroyed me! I dont know how I am going to wait until book 2!!!
I would like to give an honourable mention to Death, or Charion. You will know once you reach it, but ohhhh i melted!
February 24, 2025
This book is haunting in the best way. Daughter of the Drowned is a modern dark fantasy that doesn’t just brush against real-world struggles, it dives in unafraid to get its hands dirty. It’s raw, unsettling, and gripping from the start
Lovely has spent her life haunted by visions, convinced they’re nothing more than a symptom of madness. She turns to addiction to quiet them, to numb the world around her. But when she sees her father after his death, reality starts to shift. Maybe she isn’t losing her mind. Maybe something is calling to her. With her friend Tino, she sets out to uncover the truth, but what she finds is far darker than she ever imagined.
The pacing is pretty spot on. The darker themes of addiction, trauma, and grief are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making the story feel disturbingly real despite its supernatural core. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t shy away from heavy topics, but instead, leans into them, grounding the fantasy in something painfully human.
Overall, this was a visceral, compelling read that sticks with you long after you turn the last page. If you love dark fantasy with depth, emotional weight, and an eerie atmosphere that never lets up, Daughter of the Drowned is absolutely worth your time.
Lovely has spent her life haunted by visions, convinced they’re nothing more than a symptom of madness. She turns to addiction to quiet them, to numb the world around her. But when she sees her father after his death, reality starts to shift. Maybe she isn’t losing her mind. Maybe something is calling to her. With her friend Tino, she sets out to uncover the truth, but what she finds is far darker than she ever imagined.
The pacing is pretty spot on. The darker themes of addiction, trauma, and grief are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making the story feel disturbingly real despite its supernatural core. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t shy away from heavy topics, but instead, leans into them, grounding the fantasy in something painfully human.
Overall, this was a visceral, compelling read that sticks with you long after you turn the last page. If you love dark fantasy with depth, emotional weight, and an eerie atmosphere that never lets up, Daughter of the Drowned is absolutely worth your time.
February 28, 2025
To die at 17 and being brought back to life with visions of Death is the burden of Lovely, the protagonist of the story.
I loved this book, it drew me in from the very first sentence. We find our characters travelling to the atmospheric, mysterious and haunting New Orleans. I liked the world building, the characters were loveable and relatable. A great read for fans of the supernatural/ urban fantasy/ romance.
Please mind the trigger warnings, as this book deals with Trauma and drug abuse.
Death/itself/ himself as a love interest reminded me of the book “Belladonna” which I also loved. I found the story entirely unusual and thoroughly enjoyable. I was lucky enough to pre-read the first three chapters of this book and could not wait for the release, I was not disappointed. I can’t wait to read Book 2 in this series!
Thank you to Kerry and her PR team for the incredible opportunity to read this book early. I encourage everyone to check out Kerry’s other series “Other Nature” which I also really loved.
I loved this book, it drew me in from the very first sentence. We find our characters travelling to the atmospheric, mysterious and haunting New Orleans. I liked the world building, the characters were loveable and relatable. A great read for fans of the supernatural/ urban fantasy/ romance.
Please mind the trigger warnings, as this book deals with Trauma and drug abuse.
Death/itself/ himself as a love interest reminded me of the book “Belladonna” which I also loved. I found the story entirely unusual and thoroughly enjoyable. I was lucky enough to pre-read the first three chapters of this book and could not wait for the release, I was not disappointed. I can’t wait to read Book 2 in this series!
Thank you to Kerry and her PR team for the incredible opportunity to read this book early. I encourage everyone to check out Kerry’s other series “Other Nature” which I also really loved.
December 30, 2024
I knew very little about this book before diving into it, and let me just say I was so pleasantly surprised with the outcome! I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but the character building is top notch. The book starts off at a slower pace because there is a lot of backstory happening, but it is all interesting. The last half of the book though I could not put it down! And to say I am desperate to get to read the next one would be an understatement. If you enjoy the occult, friends to lovers, or redemption stories of people who have hit rock bottom absolutely read this!!!
January 11, 2025
What a great read, had me wanting to know what happens next. Story follows Lovely who died but when she comes back she can see ghosts/spirits. Her life has been hell since dying.
She travels to New Orleans with her friend Tino after she realises she is not insane, and needs to find answers as to why these spirits will not leave her alone.
This story pulls you in and was not what I expected. Definitely has many twists I did not expect. The ending sent a chill up my spine.
So looking forward to book 2,
This book has:-
Magic
Death
Supernatural
Ghost
Addiction
Self harm
Afterlife
Sexual assault
Eating disorder
She travels to New Orleans with her friend Tino after she realises she is not insane, and needs to find answers as to why these spirits will not leave her alone.
This story pulls you in and was not what I expected. Definitely has many twists I did not expect. The ending sent a chill up my spine.
So looking forward to book 2,
This book has:-
Magic
Death
Supernatural
Ghost
Addiction
Self harm
Afterlife
Sexual assault
Eating disorder
January 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC book, this is my honest review.
I was hooked and couldn’t put this book down. Lovely is a 21 year old whom has died and is now haunted but the recently deceased. She goes on a mission with her best friend Tino to New Orleans to join others who are much more experienced with the afterlife. In her journey to help overcome her fear and misunderstandings of her life, Lovely finds at way to visit the underworld and meet the one and only Death.
I very much enjoyed this book it threw me into the world with its amazing world building. You can most definitely see it just by words. The writing was incredible.
Things I will say I didn’t enjoy so much was that it was fairly slow for the first half but that’s for good cause, gathering back story. This book is more of an urban fantasy as well with over half being in the human world with very little “magic”. This also didn’t scream romance to me.
With that being said I am absolutely looking forward to the next book with the cliff hanger of an ending I need more!!
I was hooked and couldn’t put this book down. Lovely is a 21 year old whom has died and is now haunted but the recently deceased. She goes on a mission with her best friend Tino to New Orleans to join others who are much more experienced with the afterlife. In her journey to help overcome her fear and misunderstandings of her life, Lovely finds at way to visit the underworld and meet the one and only Death.
I very much enjoyed this book it threw me into the world with its amazing world building. You can most definitely see it just by words. The writing was incredible.
Things I will say I didn’t enjoy so much was that it was fairly slow for the first half but that’s for good cause, gathering back story. This book is more of an urban fantasy as well with over half being in the human world with very little “magic”. This also didn’t scream romance to me.
With that being said I am absolutely looking forward to the next book with the cliff hanger of an ending I need more!!
February 15, 2025
I went in to this one pretty blind and it did not disappoint! I quite enjoyed his paranormal themed, urban fantasy that speaks of death and the mystery of what happens in the Afterlife. The life FMC, Lovely, lived was pretty traumatic however the plot had me invested from the start.
If you love the paranormal, occult and theories of the Afterlife then this is for you!
If you love the paranormal, occult and theories of the Afterlife then this is for you!
January 4, 2025
Firstly thank you to hot tree publishing & the author for letting me ARC read
This book was quite unquie , definitely more towards an urban fantasy with slow burn , most of the book is set in the human real before the characters venture into other worlds. It was nice to see each character develop in there own way & a cohesive well written story
This book was quite unquie , definitely more towards an urban fantasy with slow burn , most of the book is set in the human real before the characters venture into other worlds. It was nice to see each character develop in there own way & a cohesive well written story
December 11, 2024
Great read. Gives The Sixth Sense vibes, perfect if you like your fantasy in a real world setting with a bit of a twist at the end.
Good ending that feels satisfying while leaving you wanting book two yesterday!
Good ending that feels satisfying while leaving you wanting book two yesterday!
January 21, 2025
I really tried to like this one. There just wasn't any part of it that drew me in. I kept falling out of the story. The dialogue was odd. It didn't flow. The love interest mediocre. The FMC wasn't likeable or understandable. Just so woe is me, it killed me. The fantasy part was more paranormal set in New Orleans of course. I'm sorry I just didn't like it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2024
I am always down to read a book about Death personified. I just LOVE that. I eat that up so fast.
This is yet another example of INCREDIBLE idea, but lackluster execution. When I read a fantasy book, even if it's urban fantasy, I expect whimsy! And fantasy! But I feel like that was really not here. I got nearly halfway into the book before it felt like anything even remotely whimsical happened (or the main plot/point of the book). And even then, I still was constantly going "this is supposed to be fantasy, isn't it?" Sorry if that sounds harsh, but when an incredible concept doesn't live up to its full potential it just grinds my gears.
The cover also makes it seem far more fantasy than it is. So that was also throwing me off quite a bit.
Really cool idea, but kind of disappointing for me. I really don't think that I will be returning to this series. Sorry!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This is yet another example of INCREDIBLE idea, but lackluster execution. When I read a fantasy book, even if it's urban fantasy, I expect whimsy! And fantasy! But I feel like that was really not here. I got nearly halfway into the book before it felt like anything even remotely whimsical happened (or the main plot/point of the book). And even then, I still was constantly going "this is supposed to be fantasy, isn't it?" Sorry if that sounds harsh, but when an incredible concept doesn't live up to its full potential it just grinds my gears.
The cover also makes it seem far more fantasy than it is. So that was also throwing me off quite a bit.
Really cool idea, but kind of disappointing for me. I really don't think that I will be returning to this series. Sorry!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
January 30, 2025
My Initial Thoughts
When I first started reading, initially I was confused about how Lovely was linked to any kind of other worldly activities. However as the first few chapters unfold and you begin to learn more about Lovely's past. I kept reading as it soon become a read that was so immersive and beautifully descriptive that I just always needed to know the next part.
Plot
The plot is everything! Absolutely this deserves to be the next hyped fantasy duet! Where to even start with my love of the plot, so my favourite part was definitly the last 40 percent. I did not want to put the book down then as everything was so gripping and I was truly submerged in the plot and Charon.... IYKYK......
I enjoyed the slow burn between the characters as Loevly finds a way to reconnect with a lost friend, due to her need to shut the world and the other worldly out. Once they hit America and different spirit types enter the plot, it just wholly grips you and makes you want to know everything and the who, what, when and why in this world, both human and supernatural.
Characters
So the main characters are all great, despite their flaws and i'll get to them in just a second but one of the side characters, kinda, Kane, he intrigues me so much and although we know a little, I'd love to read a whole story just about him and his suituation!
Kerry is this possible, the shadows and wraiths need it. ah now lets dive into my thoughts about the main characters. Lovely is one incredibly strong and independent women, who has had to overcome so much in her life and makes a bad arse FMC. Tino is the MMC, well one of them and he is the short of loving, supportive friend, that will support even your stupid choices and when being pushed away. The friend everyone needs and wants. Now Lisette, Lorna and Maria are side characters with great personaility, unique to their own. Although I'm iffy about Maria. And then going to the underworld and the octopuses and the ferryman, just make everything even more intresting.
Recommend
I recommend this to everyone that loves fantasy, that involves sprities, the underworld, and the unknown. Slow burn and danger, rediscovery of themselves. Then just pick this up on release day, you'll not regret it!
Favourite Quotes
"My home would be in the Underworld, but my heart would remain in the living one."
"Be my Fury."
"She wants you. Death wants you. I want you."
".. your're going to break my heart into a million pieces. I love you Lee. Desperately. The kind of love that is destroying me."
"And every step closer to Death you take, the greater the longing for you that overwhelms me. I love you that bit more with every sun that sets. With every passing moment, I find it harder and harder not to touch you."
"I believe you're the light, Lovely. Somehow, it's you who'll bring light to this world."
Favourite Chapter/s
Chapters 14, 19, and 23.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect mix of self growth, darkness and light.
Overall Wrap up
Overall I just really loved reading this and being immersed in Lovely's very unique world, I can't wait for the last part of this duet, but the wait will not be patient let me tell you that for sure. I think the main part of my review really summed up my love for this book, the characters and the world. So what I will say is this... Kerry has an outstanding way of writing. Her descriptions are beautifully vivid and add so much to the mental images while reading.
Stars.
4.75
Spice.
2
Book Information
Daughter Of The Drowned by Kerry Willliams
Genre - Fantasy with a sprinkle of romance and spice.
Pages - 402 pages.
Tropes -
Childhood friends to lovers.
Death.
Wraiths and other spirits.
Available on Kindle Unlimited - No
Available Formats - Kindle and paperback.
Publishing Information - Due to be published on the 20th Febuary 2025 by Hot Tree Publishing.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle.
Where my copy come From - Netgallery.
POVs - Told from Lovely's pov.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines - Single timeline.
1st or 3rd Person - 1st person.
HEA, HFN or Cliffhanger - Open-ended/semi-cliffhanger.
Series or Standalone - Book 1 of the duet.
Trigger Warnings - There is multiple content warnings, all listed at the start of the book. Remember your mental health matters.
January 29, 2025
Thank you again Kerry for this book
Due to be released in February (available now for preorder on Amazon)
Bit about the book taken from Amazon
“A broken young woman will stop at nothing to discover why she's being haunted, even if that means storming the Underworld to face off with Death himself.
Twenty-one-year-old Lovely Timms hasn't always been afflicted with otherworldly visions; in fact, it's only these last four years that have been a haze of addiction and denial since she drowned.
Only when she's visited by an apparition of her father does she finally begin to believe her hauntings are real. Desperate to discover why she is plagued by the dead, she travels to the occult-filled city of New Orleans with childhood best friend, Tino, by her side. Though, as her abilities grow, so does the icy herald of Death.
Death with a face, a name, and a delicious voice with which to beckon her.
Death calls to Lovely, will he get to keep her?”
I enjoyed this book, Lovely is a character with a lot of emotions and a Kerry’s writing style makes you as the reader feel those emotions along side her and really feel connected to the rest of the characters and how they fit in with the story.
The book is descriptive and I enjoyed being able to imagine everything that is happening as the plot progresses.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense and mystery, something supernatural and romance with out the spice but the longing.
Due to be released in February (available now for preorder on Amazon)
Bit about the book taken from Amazon
“A broken young woman will stop at nothing to discover why she's being haunted, even if that means storming the Underworld to face off with Death himself.
Twenty-one-year-old Lovely Timms hasn't always been afflicted with otherworldly visions; in fact, it's only these last four years that have been a haze of addiction and denial since she drowned.
Only when she's visited by an apparition of her father does she finally begin to believe her hauntings are real. Desperate to discover why she is plagued by the dead, she travels to the occult-filled city of New Orleans with childhood best friend, Tino, by her side. Though, as her abilities grow, so does the icy herald of Death.
Death with a face, a name, and a delicious voice with which to beckon her.
Death calls to Lovely, will he get to keep her?”
I enjoyed this book, Lovely is a character with a lot of emotions and a Kerry’s writing style makes you as the reader feel those emotions along side her and really feel connected to the rest of the characters and how they fit in with the story.
The book is descriptive and I enjoyed being able to imagine everything that is happening as the plot progresses.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense and mystery, something supernatural and romance with out the spice but the longing.
January 26, 2025
Give this book all of the stars. Every last one of them. Incredible DARK paranormal fantasy that emotionally wrecked me.
Mind the triggers because they're powerful.
This is one of the best books I've read lately. The storytelling is phenomenal, and the writing is beautiful. I had a hard time getting used to single quotes for dialog, and it slowed my reading as I stumbled over it. But even so, I devoured the book in one sitting. The story follows a woman who has abilities and a man that helps her discover more about it. I loved the way he treated her and how soft and sweet he came across. The emotional toll is very high as she works through her trauma and addictions. Rock bottom. The story goes ballistic after that, in a good way.
This book had trauma, emotional damage, sweetness, self-discovery, discovery of friendship, twists, turns, fantasy, romance, steam, and tension.
The characters. The characters. Extremely well done. I lived in this book while reading it. I can not even express how much I loved about this book.
I am excited for book two. I can't wait to see what happens!! The cliff isn't the worst cliff. I'm thankful for that.
The only things I disliked: the repetitive nature of the ending, so it dragged a slight bit, and I also thought there could be more time right after the main trauma before she jumped back in.
Mind the triggers because they're powerful.
This is one of the best books I've read lately. The storytelling is phenomenal, and the writing is beautiful. I had a hard time getting used to single quotes for dialog, and it slowed my reading as I stumbled over it. But even so, I devoured the book in one sitting. The story follows a woman who has abilities and a man that helps her discover more about it. I loved the way he treated her and how soft and sweet he came across. The emotional toll is very high as she works through her trauma and addictions. Rock bottom. The story goes ballistic after that, in a good way.
This book had trauma, emotional damage, sweetness, self-discovery, discovery of friendship, twists, turns, fantasy, romance, steam, and tension.
The characters. The characters. Extremely well done. I lived in this book while reading it. I can not even express how much I loved about this book.
I am excited for book two. I can't wait to see what happens!! The cliff isn't the worst cliff. I'm thankful for that.
The only things I disliked: the repetitive nature of the ending, so it dragged a slight bit, and I also thought there could be more time right after the main trauma before she jumped back in.
March 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
"𝑨 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓. 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏, 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒏𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏."
This was such an interesting read! I found myself being immersed in the world because the writing of certain pivotal scenes was so vivid! This "gift" Lee has is so unique (and creepy) and then to find out the reason behind it was crazy. I really didn't know where the story was headed!
Lovely wasn't exactly my favorite FMC. She is pretty self-destructive and it was frustrating. BUT, she has great growth through the story. I liked the unspoken tension between her and Tino. Tino was her rock from the beginning, so I was pulling for him! I enjoyed the relationship between Lovely and "Death" though, too. He's mysterious, dark and broody, & there's just something about them together that had me wanting more.
Overall, the beginning was a bit slow for me and I thought some things droned on a bit longer than necessary. It started to pick up toward the end though, so I'm interested to see where it goes!
🚨Definitely check the TWs before because there is SA on-page‼️
"𝑨 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓. 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏, 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒏𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏."
This was such an interesting read! I found myself being immersed in the world because the writing of certain pivotal scenes was so vivid! This "gift" Lee has is so unique (and creepy) and then to find out the reason behind it was crazy. I really didn't know where the story was headed!
Lovely wasn't exactly my favorite FMC. She is pretty self-destructive and it was frustrating. BUT, she has great growth through the story. I liked the unspoken tension between her and Tino. Tino was her rock from the beginning, so I was pulling for him! I enjoyed the relationship between Lovely and "Death" though, too. He's mysterious, dark and broody, & there's just something about them together that had me wanting more.
Overall, the beginning was a bit slow for me and I thought some things droned on a bit longer than necessary. It started to pick up toward the end though, so I'm interested to see where it goes!
🚨Definitely check the TWs before because there is SA on-page‼️
August 20, 2025
Water.
Dripping.
Always dripping.
In Daughter of the Drowned, Kerry Williams makes grief liquid. It soaks into every page, heavy and slow, until the reader feels drenched too. Lovely, the narrator, has already "died" once and she came back, but she’s never really been alive since. Addiction followed. Family fell away. And the dead began to arrive.
They come wet, skin wrinkled, lips moving without sound. She sees them everywhere—at funerals, in her flat, in the corner of her eye while pouring tea. And then one day, it’s her father. He’s gone, but not gone.
The book moves like a tide: scenes of quiet, aching stillness swell into moments of pure, heart-pounding fear. In Birmingham’s smoke-stained rooms, Lovely hides from both the living and the dead. Then New Orleans enters—a different kind of ghost story, where strangers offer help, and the air itself feels thick with secrets.
There is horror here, yes, but it’s not the loud kind. It’s the horror of being disbelieved. Of doubting yourself. Of wondering if the only people who understand you are already gone.
I read it in bursts, like holding my breath underwater. It’s not a book you skim, actually it drags you down, holds you there, makes you listen to the silence between each drip. And when you surface, you’re still not sure if what you saw was real.
Dripping.
Always dripping.
In Daughter of the Drowned, Kerry Williams makes grief liquid. It soaks into every page, heavy and slow, until the reader feels drenched too. Lovely, the narrator, has already "died" once and she came back, but she’s never really been alive since. Addiction followed. Family fell away. And the dead began to arrive.
They come wet, skin wrinkled, lips moving without sound. She sees them everywhere—at funerals, in her flat, in the corner of her eye while pouring tea. And then one day, it’s her father. He’s gone, but not gone.
The book moves like a tide: scenes of quiet, aching stillness swell into moments of pure, heart-pounding fear. In Birmingham’s smoke-stained rooms, Lovely hides from both the living and the dead. Then New Orleans enters—a different kind of ghost story, where strangers offer help, and the air itself feels thick with secrets.
There is horror here, yes, but it’s not the loud kind. It’s the horror of being disbelieved. Of doubting yourself. Of wondering if the only people who understand you are already gone.
I read it in bursts, like holding my breath underwater. It’s not a book you skim, actually it drags you down, holds you there, makes you listen to the silence between each drip. And when you surface, you’re still not sure if what you saw was real.
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