What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fatebound Duology #2
Beneath the Buried Sea
A mortal journalist. A mysterious series of drownings. An exiled Fey king. A forgotten Fatesong. A single, desperate chance to save magic from extinction.The thrilling conclusion to The Fatebound Duology.
556 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2024
102 people are currently reading
850 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 7, 2024
I’ll return to finish this review. I love the mushy love between Reagan and the King. The RAGE!! The ending kinda ticked me off, not gonna lie. Hence the 4 instead of a 5 ⭐️ rating 🙃
January 21, 2025
Wish I could take back the years of my life this duology took from me smh
December 5, 2024
Literally sobbing at the ending. What a beautifully written sequel, everything that I was hoping to get after the first book.
January 29, 2025
Not bad, but not good. I’m surprised they got anything done when they spent most of the time lusting over each other every few minutes. I think this is the first time I’ve ever skimmed through the romance to get to the plot instead of the other way around. But, hey, at least I could never forget what the King smelled like because it was mentioned every 20 pages.
December 20, 2024
man i dont know there's something about the way reagan is written that i don't like. the other characters are all great & i really love a female protagonist filled with rage but hers just feels forced. i don't really feel like she's fleshed out.
October 22, 2024
Okay, I have it a try,but genuinely had to stop because Reagan's thought process was so windy and frankly annoying that I was like, babe this isn't cute
September 8, 2024
“I do so adore your rage, little deathless thing.” Holy crap, what an epic story. 4.75 rounded up because of the ending.
Mier’s writing is once again beautiful- lyrical and fit to make a perfect picture without being too flowery. The story was more complex than the first book- not sure how that’s even possible. The fantastical creatures and places she’s makes are truly astounding and original. Grandfather clocks will forever live in my nightmares.
I thoroughly enjoyed each character’s story. I ate up Raegan’s rage, lack of tact, and just realness as a depressed 30-something-year-old fighting to heal the centuries old ache in her heart. I loved watching her become more comfortable with herself- with her confidence (in body and mind), with her love for the King, and her absolute defiance of fate. Oberon was a perfect Unseelie King- seemingly unfeeling on the outside but filled with so much rage, ache, and love that he’s not afraid to show his emotions around Raegan (even though he usually only shows them in little tells). The secondary characters were great. I wish I could have known a little more about Maelona, but she was a perfect grumpy cigarette aunt.
The unexpected bits of humor were much needed. For example, “The King took a deep breath, and she had the distinct feeling he was counting to ten.”
The ending. Wow.
Potential spoilers, so stop reading this if you haven’t read it: It wasn’t perfect, but I wasn’t left with a sour taste in my mouth like others. I thought it was real. Raegan was right- the King needed more time to process. Raegan also wanted to spend time with her father. We have no idea what that looks like, but she left the coming back to Fate. Fate waiting 15 years, not Raegan. There were a LOT of things unanswered, but this already slow book would have been waaaay too long if everything was tied up with a bow. Mier could have ended it without the epilogue, but I felt like it was *just* enough information to tie it up. Did I like it? No. Did it make sense to me? Yes. I don’t know how else to describe it other than the ending was ok, but not the worst? Please know that this is my opinion and I by no means wish to make anyone else’s opinion invalid.
Anyway, I loved this duology. I wish I could erase my memory and read it again. I will recommend this to literally everyone.
Mier’s writing is once again beautiful- lyrical and fit to make a perfect picture without being too flowery. The story was more complex than the first book- not sure how that’s even possible. The fantastical creatures and places she’s makes are truly astounding and original. Grandfather clocks will forever live in my nightmares.
I thoroughly enjoyed each character’s story. I ate up Raegan’s rage, lack of tact, and just realness as a depressed 30-something-year-old fighting to heal the centuries old ache in her heart. I loved watching her become more comfortable with herself- with her confidence (in body and mind), with her love for the King, and her absolute defiance of fate. Oberon was a perfect Unseelie King- seemingly unfeeling on the outside but filled with so much rage, ache, and love that he’s not afraid to show his emotions around Raegan (even though he usually only shows them in little tells). The secondary characters were great. I wish I could have known a little more about Maelona, but she was a perfect grumpy cigarette aunt.
The unexpected bits of humor were much needed. For example, “The King took a deep breath, and she had the distinct feeling he was counting to ten.”
The ending. Wow.
Potential spoilers, so stop reading this if you haven’t read it: It wasn’t perfect, but I wasn’t left with a sour taste in my mouth like others. I thought it was real. Raegan was right- the King needed more time to process. Raegan also wanted to spend time with her father. We have no idea what that looks like, but she left the coming back to Fate. Fate waiting 15 years, not Raegan. There were a LOT of things unanswered, but this already slow book would have been waaaay too long if everything was tied up with a bow. Mier could have ended it without the epilogue, but I felt like it was *just* enough information to tie it up. Did I like it? No. Did it make sense to me? Yes. I don’t know how else to describe it other than the ending was ok, but not the worst? Please know that this is my opinion and I by no means wish to make anyone else’s opinion invalid.
Anyway, I loved this duology. I wish I could erase my memory and read it again. I will recommend this to literally everyone.
March 1, 2025
“I’m the rising tide,” she shouted, her throat raw and aching, the wind tearing the words from her mouth. “When we meet again, you and everything you’ve built will drown in my flood.”
“I am the Unseelie king, the Nameless One, the Render of Worlds, and yet I am little more than ash in your flame.”
She held out her free hand, reaching for him as she always did—across time and space, across graves and cradles, endlessly and defiantly.
💭 My thoughts
What an incredible ending to this duology! It was on my TBR for way longer than it needed to be and I'm so glad I finally read it. Victoria's prose continued to blow my mind throughout the second book. The amount of highlights I made in these books far exceed any other books I've read which is saying a lot! I've read a few books.
We do get a HEA at the end of it all but not without a bit of longing which is what these characters understand more than anything. The characters remained true to who they were, specifically Raegan, but she also made some considerable changes within herself. I love when characters are held accountable and grow. The King was as steady as he had always been and is no doubt a tether for Raegan physically and emotionally. Their love has transcended time and space and it is written so, so beautifully.
The atmosphere as always is impeccable, and I absolutely loved the Timekeeper's realm and the grandfather clocks. Honestly, time is the ultimate monster in this story and the author conveyed that metaphorically through the villain and its minions. Highly recommend this series if you love longing, star-crossed-love, and an incredible but difficult journey of vengeance.
⚠️ Trigger warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Confinement, Death
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, War
Minor: Medical content
Follow my Instagram
Francesca by Hozier
September 25, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
“My love for you knows no bounds. Neither does the violence I will gladly wreak on your behalf.”
✨Beneath the Buried Sea is the conclusion to The Fatebound duology. Victoria’s writing is so lyrically beautiful that I found myself pulled into this world. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it so this review will be shorter. It picks up right where Beyond the Aching Door left off. We get to see Raegan and Oberon working together to try and break the cycle they are in. This one is full of mystery, yearning, action, and romance.
✨Raegan is our 30 year old FMC who is full of rage and heartbreak. She is brave and fierce and willing to take on fate to get the ending she yearns for. I loved watching her character develop into believing in herself and knowing what she deserves.
✨Oberon is our morally grey fae king. He loves to dive into the depths of darkness and shows it. He is also full of sorrow and gives off such raw emotion that I was literally crying for him at times.
“when you lose me, because you will, it’ll be your destruction.”
“And yet,” the faerie king told her, the ocean of his eyes fathomless, “here I am on my knees, begging you to destroy me.”
✨Raegan and Oberon are star-crossed lovers. They have gone through thousands of cycles that always end in death. Yet their love for one another is so deep that it never dies. The yearning for each other had me in a puddle. There is no limit to what they would do for each other.
“Do you not realize,” the King murmured, breaking the silence, his words as fragile as dew upon a spiderweb, “that I love you enough to lose you a thousand times over and still seek you like a moth to flame?”
Beneath the Buried Sea has:
🖤 Urban fantasy
🗡️ Forced proximity
🐦⬛ Morally grey mmc & fmc
💫 Star-crossed lovers
🍃 “My wife.”
🥀 Welsh myth
💚 Slow burn
It’s bittersweet to finish a series where you’ve come to love the characters. I will miss them 🥹
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
“My love for you knows no bounds. Neither does the violence I will gladly wreak on your behalf.”
✨Beneath the Buried Sea is the conclusion to The Fatebound duology. Victoria’s writing is so lyrically beautiful that I found myself pulled into this world. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it so this review will be shorter. It picks up right where Beyond the Aching Door left off. We get to see Raegan and Oberon working together to try and break the cycle they are in. This one is full of mystery, yearning, action, and romance.
✨Raegan is our 30 year old FMC who is full of rage and heartbreak. She is brave and fierce and willing to take on fate to get the ending she yearns for. I loved watching her character develop into believing in herself and knowing what she deserves.
✨Oberon is our morally grey fae king. He loves to dive into the depths of darkness and shows it. He is also full of sorrow and gives off such raw emotion that I was literally crying for him at times.
“when you lose me, because you will, it’ll be your destruction.”
“And yet,” the faerie king told her, the ocean of his eyes fathomless, “here I am on my knees, begging you to destroy me.”
✨Raegan and Oberon are star-crossed lovers. They have gone through thousands of cycles that always end in death. Yet their love for one another is so deep that it never dies. The yearning for each other had me in a puddle. There is no limit to what they would do for each other.
“Do you not realize,” the King murmured, breaking the silence, his words as fragile as dew upon a spiderweb, “that I love you enough to lose you a thousand times over and still seek you like a moth to flame?”
Beneath the Buried Sea has:
🖤 Urban fantasy
🗡️ Forced proximity
🐦⬛ Morally grey mmc & fmc
💫 Star-crossed lovers
🍃 “My wife.”
🥀 Welsh myth
💚 Slow burn
It’s bittersweet to finish a series where you’ve come to love the characters. I will miss them 🥹
September 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ hot and spicy
- fae and prophecies and yearning and tears
- many many tears
- it’s glorious
- Arthurian legend
- great pacing
- spicy and angsty
- heartbreakingly gorgeous writing
- soft only for her, fabulous shadow daddy
- rageful, older, powerful FMC
- mossy forests, aged castles, dark and deep rivers, mysterious creatures vibes
- second book in the series - complete!
THIS is THE series. Arthurian legend? Powerful women full of rage? A love that spans the centuries? Deep and unending, soul crushingly beautiful love?? OHHHHH how I love these books. This one is a different vibe than the first, a change in focus on the romance and the yearning, and it is oh so gratifying. Victorias writing is beautiful, BTBS showcasing her strengths - emotional, deep, sweet, dark, lush, chilling, and inexplicably gorgeous words in a gripping story. These are the kind of books that grab you and make you so grateful to be alive in a time when THEY exist.
Raegan and Oberon have found each other, and now have Raegans memories of her ruthless and tumultuous lives that have come before. They struggle and fight, clawing against fate and time to bring peace to both the Fae and the human realms. Their adventure takes dark turns, testing their will to continue, their deaths feeling far too close, the threat of their separation imminent. IT IS GLORIOUS. Raegan is one of my favorite FMCs of all time, she’s messy and flawed, but ultimately a fierce some force of nature. Oberon is THE shadow daddy, powerful and lithe, devoted and morally gray as they come.
I LOVE THESE BOOKS - HIGHLY recommend!
🌶️ hot and spicy
- fae and prophecies and yearning and tears
- many many tears
- it’s glorious
- Arthurian legend
- great pacing
- spicy and angsty
- heartbreakingly gorgeous writing
- soft only for her, fabulous shadow daddy
- rageful, older, powerful FMC
- mossy forests, aged castles, dark and deep rivers, mysterious creatures vibes
- second book in the series - complete!
THIS is THE series. Arthurian legend? Powerful women full of rage? A love that spans the centuries? Deep and unending, soul crushingly beautiful love?? OHHHHH how I love these books. This one is a different vibe than the first, a change in focus on the romance and the yearning, and it is oh so gratifying. Victorias writing is beautiful, BTBS showcasing her strengths - emotional, deep, sweet, dark, lush, chilling, and inexplicably gorgeous words in a gripping story. These are the kind of books that grab you and make you so grateful to be alive in a time when THEY exist.
Raegan and Oberon have found each other, and now have Raegans memories of her ruthless and tumultuous lives that have come before. They struggle and fight, clawing against fate and time to bring peace to both the Fae and the human realms. Their adventure takes dark turns, testing their will to continue, their deaths feeling far too close, the threat of their separation imminent. IT IS GLORIOUS. Raegan is one of my favorite FMCs of all time, she’s messy and flawed, but ultimately a fierce some force of nature. Oberon is THE shadow daddy, powerful and lithe, devoted and morally gray as they come.
I LOVE THESE BOOKS - HIGHLY recommend!
September 5, 2024
Some books (and series) leave a piece of themselves in your soul to linger long after you turn the last page. Beneath the Buried Sea is one of those books. This duology is one of those series. It weaves together mythology, Arthurian legend, rage and revenge, and the ever-present specter of death, fate, and love.
From the first chapter, where we pick up where Beyond the Aching Door left us waiting, the emotional toll begins mounting. No one is safe from gods or time or the Protectorate working to claim the power of magic for themselves. Fate is fickle, and Prophecies are a bit vague. Absolute, bone-deep love can still be brought to its' knees by death, even for a deathless witch and an Unseelie Fey King.
What I have come to appreciate most about Reagan (and the King) is that they are not afraid to feel and rage and become monstrous. A millennia of love doomed to face death changes a person (or a King). But at some point, you risk the pain to save the one you love. To face down a god and Fate for a chance at changing the threads of the world and the people you hold dear.
It was beautiful to see Reagan find the power in her rage. At the same time, we get to see a King who truly appreciates the depths and the darkness of his love and revels in his willingness to do anything for his love, even bear the weight of loss over and over again. The ache of the first book is still present, perhaps more because now we can see how the past lives have molded into the present journey.
The world is rich, full of depth, and filled with a sense of rebellion, hope, and a little bit (or a lot) of sacrifice. There are no easy choices. But there is always a deep river of love. Love as an oath. Love as an anchor. Love as a thread to guide you home.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
From the first chapter, where we pick up where Beyond the Aching Door left us waiting, the emotional toll begins mounting. No one is safe from gods or time or the Protectorate working to claim the power of magic for themselves. Fate is fickle, and Prophecies are a bit vague. Absolute, bone-deep love can still be brought to its' knees by death, even for a deathless witch and an Unseelie Fey King.
What I have come to appreciate most about Reagan (and the King) is that they are not afraid to feel and rage and become monstrous. A millennia of love doomed to face death changes a person (or a King). But at some point, you risk the pain to save the one you love. To face down a god and Fate for a chance at changing the threads of the world and the people you hold dear.
It was beautiful to see Reagan find the power in her rage. At the same time, we get to see a King who truly appreciates the depths and the darkness of his love and revels in his willingness to do anything for his love, even bear the weight of loss over and over again. The ache of the first book is still present, perhaps more because now we can see how the past lives have molded into the present journey.
The world is rich, full of depth, and filled with a sense of rebellion, hope, and a little bit (or a lot) of sacrifice. There are no easy choices. But there is always a deep river of love. Love as an oath. Love as an anchor. Love as a thread to guide you home.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 21, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ Breaking habits and behaviors can take a MINUTE, but once Reagan addresses her insecurities I felt like it made all the difference as a reader and for the flow of the story itself. What starts out slow and building and frustrating turns into more fast-paced and epic. It’s complicated and fierce but so so worth it. ✨
September 15, 2024
Beautiful, romantic, a perfect conclusion. Reagan and Oberon are the standard for fated mates.
I loved the addition of more Arthurian elements, the side quests, and new characters. Victoria Mier is a storytelling goddess! I love love this duology! 🌿🗝
I loved the addition of more Arthurian elements, the side quests, and new characters. Victoria Mier is a storytelling goddess! I love love this duology! 🌿🗝
October 14, 2024
I loved this completed duology. The yearning, the angst, the pain, ugh the characterizations were perfection and the writing is stunning. I love the conplex world and politics and unravelling the mystery. Victoria Meir is now an autobuy author for me and I cannot wait to read what she does next.
December 1, 2025
thank god i finally finished reading this book. don’t get me wrong, this book was beautifully written, but it was definitely not for me. i just couldn’t get into it and i had to convince myself not to dnf im so sorry 😭 i need a pick me up rn
September 24, 2024
BENEATH THE BURIED SEA 💚🗝️ ARC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“My villainous thing”
“You are terrifying my love”
“And yet-the fae king told her, the ocean of his eyes fathomless-here I am on my knees, begging you to destroy me”
“Though two goddesses created me, it is you, I think, who is truly divine”
I cannot express how much I love this book. I never will. This book was everything I needed and wanted. Victoria Mier’s writing was just off the charts. ITS A CRIME THIS BOOK IS NOT BEING READ WORLDWIDE. A crime I tell you. This is such a hidden gem. This duology will stick with me forever. I really didn’t think Victoria could top the first book but she did and now she has set the bar incredibly high for every book I read after this one.
STOP SLEEPING ON INDIE AUTHORS AND GO OUT AND BUY HER BOOKS 💚🗝️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“My villainous thing”
“You are terrifying my love”
“And yet-the fae king told her, the ocean of his eyes fathomless-here I am on my knees, begging you to destroy me”
“Though two goddesses created me, it is you, I think, who is truly divine”
I cannot express how much I love this book. I never will. This book was everything I needed and wanted. Victoria Mier’s writing was just off the charts. ITS A CRIME THIS BOOK IS NOT BEING READ WORLDWIDE. A crime I tell you. This is such a hidden gem. This duology will stick with me forever. I really didn’t think Victoria could top the first book but she did and now she has set the bar incredibly high for every book I read after this one.
STOP SLEEPING ON INDIE AUTHORS AND GO OUT AND BUY HER BOOKS 💚🗝️
September 24, 2024
I’m still letting my brain steep in everything I just read so full review to come at a later date. But for now my feelings on the duology are as follows……
This is anything but your typical fae fantasy. Norse mythology, Scottish folklore, kelpies that ride into battle with dark shadowy fae kings and a feral fierce 30 something female who has lived a thousand different lives and loves pissing people off, including the reader! Victoria weaves spells into her lush prose that will send you directly into this dark magical world she’s created. 5 stars all around for both Beyond The Aching Door and Beneath The Buried Sea.
This is anything but your typical fae fantasy. Norse mythology, Scottish folklore, kelpies that ride into battle with dark shadowy fae kings and a feral fierce 30 something female who has lived a thousand different lives and loves pissing people off, including the reader! Victoria weaves spells into her lush prose that will send you directly into this dark magical world she’s created. 5 stars all around for both Beyond The Aching Door and Beneath The Buried Sea.
September 20, 2025
Victoria!!! You witch of a woman!!! In this overwhelming oversaturated market of fantasy and romance she has written a sequel that was somehow?!? even better than the first?!?? I’m in love with this story and these characters, I wish to linger in the sun with them just a moment more 🥹
December 24, 2024
I truly enjoyed the first installment of this duology and I couldn't wait to read this sequel. Unfortunately, this second book was just okay. I struggled to finish it and I kept coming across things that took me out of the story.
SPOILERS
Reagan spends the first half of the book picking stupid fights with Oberon that make no sense. She's at least 30 (and her seal is removed so she supposedly has the wisdom of hundreds of lives) but she reacts like a teenager.
So many new characters and plot lines that I'm just not sure were necessary. The Timekeeper is our villain, right? Who is Arthur? Why did we hype him up just to kill him instantly while he sleeps? Who are all these other new people? Why are they important?
The magic stopped making sense to me and it just started to feel like there were no rules and anything was possible. The ability for magic to solve a problem seemed to depend on the whim of the author and not on any established system. Somehow she cries a portal just when she needs to escape and it's implied she has phoenix tears now or something? They need a disguise? Good thing we stashed these completely undetectable glamour rings away for safekeeping. Reagan needs time magic? Guess what girl, you got time magic now. Reagan wants to heal a stranger/enemy? Done! Reagan wants to heal Oberon? Nope, now she doesn't remember how, can't do it. (Also apparently Oberon can't use healing magic at all in this book even though I'm pretty sure he heals Reagan's ankle in the first book.)
The ending was wild. Reagan spends the whole book worrying about how much pain it will cause Oberon if she dies and then she lets him stew for 15 years not knowing if she'll ever come back to him? She says he needs time and the world needs him more right now? WHAT. So not only are you going to torture him, you're going to make him rebuild the world on his own while pushing through his misery? I am upset. The reunion at the end from Oberon's POV is cute but I had a hard time enjoying it after all his needless suffering.
SPOILERS
Reagan spends the first half of the book picking stupid fights with Oberon that make no sense. She's at least 30 (and her seal is removed so she supposedly has the wisdom of hundreds of lives) but she reacts like a teenager.
So many new characters and plot lines that I'm just not sure were necessary. The Timekeeper is our villain, right? Who is Arthur? Why did we hype him up just to kill him instantly while he sleeps? Who are all these other new people? Why are they important?
The magic stopped making sense to me and it just started to feel like there were no rules and anything was possible. The ability for magic to solve a problem seemed to depend on the whim of the author and not on any established system. Somehow she cries a portal just when she needs to escape and it's implied she has phoenix tears now or something? They need a disguise? Good thing we stashed these completely undetectable glamour rings away for safekeeping. Reagan needs time magic? Guess what girl, you got time magic now. Reagan wants to heal a stranger/enemy? Done! Reagan wants to heal Oberon? Nope, now she doesn't remember how, can't do it. (Also apparently Oberon can't use healing magic at all in this book even though I'm pretty sure he heals Reagan's ankle in the first book.)
The ending was wild. Reagan spends the whole book worrying about how much pain it will cause Oberon if she dies and then she lets him stew for 15 years not knowing if she'll ever come back to him? She says he needs time and the world needs him more right now? WHAT. So not only are you going to torture him, you're going to make him rebuild the world on his own while pushing through his misery? I am upset. The reunion at the end from Oberon's POV is cute but I had a hard time enjoying it after all his needless suffering.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2025
I wanted to love this book as much as the first one but to be honest, I S T R U G G L E D to get through it. Whilst Mier's prose is lovely and stirs up beautiful emotions, I didn't find it compelling with the fast-paced plot and action this sequel book wanted to have. I found myself distracted every few pages by literally anything else because I just couldn't get into it. An enjoyable enough read, just not compelling like the first book.
January 12, 2025
Honestly tried so hard to finish this, basically did not know what was going on the entire time, didn’t love the FMC that much, felt inclined to try after the cliffhanger from the first book but just couldn’t get through it
December 19, 2025
I am so disappointed. I really liked the first book and was eager to read this one but I couldn't manage to get into it.
The story is messy, so many elements from the past lives show up without any context, all mythologies are mixed up in a weird way, it's confusing.
SPOILERS BELOW
Reagan and Oberon are cringing me out in this one. Like that scene when he kills Bedwyr with his sword and then bites his throat out?? Why my dude??? And then the kiss with the "yummy" taste of Bedwyr blood?? Ew. And of course all of that with Reagan being horny on poor Rainer's back... Almost put the book down for good, it was disgusting.
Also why is Reagan acting like a teenager??? Times and times again, Oberon tries to talk to her, giving her time, asking gently, and all she does is snap at him and lie. Girly pop where are your communications skills????
And the ending??? Why would you let the love of your life suffer FOR 15 YEARS???
The story is messy, so many elements from the past lives show up without any context, all mythologies are mixed up in a weird way, it's confusing.
SPOILERS BELOW
Reagan and Oberon are cringing me out in this one. Like that scene when he kills Bedwyr with his sword and then bites his throat out?? Why my dude??? And then the kiss with the "yummy" taste of Bedwyr blood?? Ew. And of course all of that with Reagan being horny on poor Rainer's back... Almost put the book down for good, it was disgusting.
Also why is Reagan acting like a teenager??? Times and times again, Oberon tries to talk to her, giving her time, asking gently, and all she does is snap at him and lie. Girly pop where are your communications skills????
And the ending??? Why would you let the love of your life suffer FOR 15 YEARS???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2024
I tried. But I wasn’t a huge fan of book 1, but the cliffhanger made me want to read book 2. Cliffhanger was resolved within 3 chapters. Read several more chapters to see if it got interesting and it turned into a Camelot retelling - which love a good Camelot novel but this one wasn’t doing it for me. Is it weird that it is mostly because how badly the fmc uses the mmc? Poor guy literally does anything for her across centuries and it doesn’t feel even remotely reciprocated. Very unbalanced- really throws off the attempt at an epic love story across multiple lives.
Also why does the word ‘cream’ need to be used as a descriptor so often? 😂
Also why does the word ‘cream’ need to be used as a descriptor so often? 😂
March 7, 2025
Dnf 50%, it just drug on and on. Which stinks because the first book was soooooo good! ☹️
September 15, 2024
What another fantastic read. After falling in love with the first book, I knew I had to get my hands on BTBS ASAP and it did not disappoint!
BTBS continued to build upon the incredible world that Victoria has created, further diving into characters, Arthurian elements and the long history with the Protectorate. Frankly, this duology is unlike anything I've read before and I genuinely don't know how Victoria has done it. I truly believe she has a great career ahead of her.
Standouts:
- I love how this book delved into side characters more than it did within the first. We got to see more of Raegan and Oberon outside of their own relationship, catching glimpses of their relationships with others and how fiercely they will protect those that stand beside them. It gave another perspective to who they are as characters, especially Raegan who went out on a whim to trust others and showed mercy to those who have fought against her. It just further adds to their overall appeal and just solidifies why you root for them in the first place.
- This book being influenced by Welsh mythology and mentioning Hiraeth. Despite not speaking Welsh or seeing myself as particularly patriotic, feeling a sense of being seen and Welsh culture being celebrated through the storytelling was really special. I'm unfamiliar with a lot of the mythology, but it's been seen so lovely to see Victoria put in the effort to do the research and tell stories that are influenced by my country. I hope others can enjoy them as much as I have.
- Raegan's powers really coming into their own. Of course, we saw glimpses of what Raegan could do and learnt some of her history, but this book really highlighted what she was capable of. As I said previously, her powers were unlike what I've seen in other romantasy books so I really enjoyed a different perspective/fresh take on a badass FMC.
- The relationship between Raegan and Oberon. I adore how their relationship spanned over centuries. I thought it was beautifully done and I think the complexities between them were always well communicated to us as the reader.
Just my personal opinion:
- As someone who has read a good few fantasy/romantasy books, I did expect a little more fighting. Don't get me wrong, I am not a death trope girl, but I could've done with one more big battle because they just have such cool powers! I mean, levitating?! That's so badass.
- Despite getting more of the side characters, I wish we could've delved into Alanna more. I was so intrigued by her powers, I would've loved to learn more about them and her as a person.
Overall, a wonderful read and I am so excited to see what Victoria does next.
Thank you so much for the ARC!<3
P.S - Raegan sticking her middle fingers up to the Timekeeper is exactly what I needed.
BTBS continued to build upon the incredible world that Victoria has created, further diving into characters, Arthurian elements and the long history with the Protectorate. Frankly, this duology is unlike anything I've read before and I genuinely don't know how Victoria has done it. I truly believe she has a great career ahead of her.
Standouts:
- I love how this book delved into side characters more than it did within the first. We got to see more of Raegan and Oberon outside of their own relationship, catching glimpses of their relationships with others and how fiercely they will protect those that stand beside them. It gave another perspective to who they are as characters, especially Raegan who went out on a whim to trust others and showed mercy to those who have fought against her. It just further adds to their overall appeal and just solidifies why you root for them in the first place.
- This book being influenced by Welsh mythology and mentioning Hiraeth. Despite not speaking Welsh or seeing myself as particularly patriotic, feeling a sense of being seen and Welsh culture being celebrated through the storytelling was really special. I'm unfamiliar with a lot of the mythology, but it's been seen so lovely to see Victoria put in the effort to do the research and tell stories that are influenced by my country. I hope others can enjoy them as much as I have.
- Raegan's powers really coming into their own. Of course, we saw glimpses of what Raegan could do and learnt some of her history, but this book really highlighted what she was capable of. As I said previously, her powers were unlike what I've seen in other romantasy books so I really enjoyed a different perspective/fresh take on a badass FMC.
- The relationship between Raegan and Oberon. I adore how their relationship spanned over centuries. I thought it was beautifully done and I think the complexities between them were always well communicated to us as the reader.
Just my personal opinion:
- As someone who has read a good few fantasy/romantasy books, I did expect a little more fighting. Don't get me wrong, I am not a death trope girl, but I could've done with one more big battle because they just have such cool powers! I mean, levitating?! That's so badass.
- Despite getting more of the side characters, I wish we could've delved into Alanna more. I was so intrigued by her powers, I would've loved to learn more about them and her as a person.
Overall, a wonderful read and I am so excited to see what Victoria does next.
Thank you so much for the ARC!<3
P.S - Raegan sticking her middle fingers up to the Timekeeper is exactly what I needed.
September 26, 2024
MEET MY NEW FAVORITE DUOLOGY. Ever? Yeah I think probably ever.
Beyond the Aching Door changed the chemistry of my brain earlier this year. Beneath the Buried Sea solidified Victoria Mier as one of my favorite authors, someone who I think should be on EVERYONE’s radar.
The Fatebound duology is one that makes you believe in things you can’t see. It’s the feeling that magic is right behind the door that you’ve been too afraid of opening, but that has been calling to you all your life. It makes you ACHE for romance that never dies, but that also is always lost. It’s stunning, unexpected, & otherworldly & I couldn’t put it down even if I tried.
Raegan and the King are going to be on my mind for the rest of my life. I’m trying to review this without spoilers (very hard because there’s SO MUCH like so much) but here is what I will say: I’ve never encountered a romance that had the power to deep into my bones quite this much. I feel like I know these two, & while I would most certainly be afraid of them if I met them, they are literally never afraid of one another. Even when they’re monstrous & unhinged, even when the loss they’ve felt has threatened to ruin them forever.
ALSO. We MUST talk about Raegan on her own because my new favorite gal is 30, flirty & feral and I LOVE IT SO MUCH. She is full of rage & so many flaws, & she’s also perfect in my eyes. When I talk about a complex & lovable character, she is exactly what I want. You can’t help but root for her, nor can you help but understand her eccentricities on a deep & resounding level. The way that Victoria writes her (and really just the way she WRITES) is so beautiful & full of ache & yearning, but also unbridled anger. I genuinely don’t know that I’ve ever encountered a writing style that I adore more.
If you like fae fantasy, but also if you enjoy: older morally grey MCs, magic hidden in the world we know, Arthurian legend, welsh & Slavic folklore, The Starless Sea, and Star-crossed love, you NEED this book in your life. Thank you SO very much to Victoria Mier for trusting me with your book babies as an arc reader, and for being such a wonderful gem of a human and a writer. I’ll be eagerly awaiting everything you ever create from here on out (and maybe sending you my therapy bill after all the tears I shed finishing this one 👀).
BEYONG THE ACHING DOOR and its sequel BENEATH THE BURIED SEA are out now, can be found on KU, and now make up a completed duology! Download them RIGHT NOW I’m so serious you won’t regret it!
Beyond the Aching Door changed the chemistry of my brain earlier this year. Beneath the Buried Sea solidified Victoria Mier as one of my favorite authors, someone who I think should be on EVERYONE’s radar.
The Fatebound duology is one that makes you believe in things you can’t see. It’s the feeling that magic is right behind the door that you’ve been too afraid of opening, but that has been calling to you all your life. It makes you ACHE for romance that never dies, but that also is always lost. It’s stunning, unexpected, & otherworldly & I couldn’t put it down even if I tried.
Raegan and the King are going to be on my mind for the rest of my life. I’m trying to review this without spoilers (very hard because there’s SO MUCH like so much) but here is what I will say: I’ve never encountered a romance that had the power to deep into my bones quite this much. I feel like I know these two, & while I would most certainly be afraid of them if I met them, they are literally never afraid of one another. Even when they’re monstrous & unhinged, even when the loss they’ve felt has threatened to ruin them forever.
ALSO. We MUST talk about Raegan on her own because my new favorite gal is 30, flirty & feral and I LOVE IT SO MUCH. She is full of rage & so many flaws, & she’s also perfect in my eyes. When I talk about a complex & lovable character, she is exactly what I want. You can’t help but root for her, nor can you help but understand her eccentricities on a deep & resounding level. The way that Victoria writes her (and really just the way she WRITES) is so beautiful & full of ache & yearning, but also unbridled anger. I genuinely don’t know that I’ve ever encountered a writing style that I adore more.
If you like fae fantasy, but also if you enjoy: older morally grey MCs, magic hidden in the world we know, Arthurian legend, welsh & Slavic folklore, The Starless Sea, and Star-crossed love, you NEED this book in your life. Thank you SO very much to Victoria Mier for trusting me with your book babies as an arc reader, and for being such a wonderful gem of a human and a writer. I’ll be eagerly awaiting everything you ever create from here on out (and maybe sending you my therapy bill after all the tears I shed finishing this one 👀).
BEYONG THE ACHING DOOR and its sequel BENEATH THE BURIED SEA are out now, can be found on KU, and now make up a completed duology! Download them RIGHT NOW I’m so serious you won’t regret it!
January 9, 2025
okay, i’ve had time to process this a bit.
in all honesty, i liked the first book way better.
in the first book, raegan’s anger was a character flaw, one that made her feel realistic and grounded. in this one, it almost felt like a deus ex machina. there were parts where it felt over the top and maybe i’m just a chill person, but i could not fathom what she was angry at in some scenes. she had some lines that were… a little cringey too, talking about her rage and being a “primordial being.” i found myself frustrated and emotionally exhausted with raegan at times.
the romance fell flat for me in this, too. in the first book, i felt the yearning, the uncertainty, the build-up. i loved it! the smut in the first one wasn’t over the top, either. i was excited to see where their relationship would go.
but in this one, oh my god, the smut was too much. it wasn’t that it was overly explicit or poorly written, there was… just. so. damn. much. and i didn’t feel like the characters really loved each other? it felt more like lust. 9/10 times when raegan is looking or thinking about oberon, or he’s protecting her, she feels sexual desire, not affection. i also don’t know what brings these two together other than lust and their shared history? like… when they’re just hanging out, what do these two even talk about?? the weather? that might also be because oberon doesn’t seem to have much of a personality other than feral hotness, shadows, and desire for raegan.
NOW! this is this author’s debut, and the writing itself is GORGEOUS. the way emotions are portrayed and settings and atmosphere come through are just so beautiful, and i will definitely be looking forward to whatever comes next. i still had fun with this book, i just had more fun with the first. i think i liked the atmosphere in the first better too.
overall, fun read, solid descriptive writing. i think with some fine-tuning of characters, worldbuilding, and pacing, this could’ve been amazing, and i am looking forward to whatever this author writes next.
in all honesty, i liked the first book way better.
in the first book, raegan’s anger was a character flaw, one that made her feel realistic and grounded. in this one, it almost felt like a deus ex machina. there were parts where it felt over the top and maybe i’m just a chill person, but i could not fathom what she was angry at in some scenes. she had some lines that were… a little cringey too, talking about her rage and being a “primordial being.” i found myself frustrated and emotionally exhausted with raegan at times.
the romance fell flat for me in this, too. in the first book, i felt the yearning, the uncertainty, the build-up. i loved it! the smut in the first one wasn’t over the top, either. i was excited to see where their relationship would go.
but in this one, oh my god, the smut was too much. it wasn’t that it was overly explicit or poorly written, there was… just. so. damn. much. and i didn’t feel like the characters really loved each other? it felt more like lust. 9/10 times when raegan is looking or thinking about oberon, or he’s protecting her, she feels sexual desire, not affection. i also don’t know what brings these two together other than lust and their shared history? like… when they’re just hanging out, what do these two even talk about?? the weather? that might also be because oberon doesn’t seem to have much of a personality other than feral hotness, shadows, and desire for raegan.
NOW! this is this author’s debut, and the writing itself is GORGEOUS. the way emotions are portrayed and settings and atmosphere come through are just so beautiful, and i will definitely be looking forward to whatever comes next. i still had fun with this book, i just had more fun with the first. i think i liked the atmosphere in the first better too.
overall, fun read, solid descriptive writing. i think with some fine-tuning of characters, worldbuilding, and pacing, this could’ve been amazing, and i am looking forward to whatever this author writes next.
October 12, 2024
I would give it a million stars if I could.
I can count on one hand the authors that have altered my brain chemistry. Struck a cord so deep with writing that spoke to my soul. Victoria Mier is one of those authors. Her writing. The haunting, yearning, beautiful prose is indescribable. There is something palpable about the dark atmosphere she weaves. I want to it stitch into my blood.
The culmination of this duology could not have been more perfect. My heart is full and at peace. The King and the Deathless Witch suffered so much, loved and lost so much, but fought relentlessly. For their people. For each other. For peace. And they finally were able to linger in the sun, unburdened and happy. I miss them already 😭. Reagan’s rage spoke to me. She’s angry, rightfully so, and exhausted. And doesn’t always say the right things. Which made her so relatable. And Oberon is so full of yearning and hurt but still gives her his heart despite the seemingly unending cycle of heartbreak.
The blending of the various myths and Arthurian legend was uniquely done and seamless. The whimsical gothic touches with the sentient ancient faerie fort and malevolent grandfather clocks and stormy atmosphere swept me away on adventure that won’t be soon forgotten.
Thanks to the author for the eARC. Honored really.
I can count on one hand the authors that have altered my brain chemistry. Struck a cord so deep with writing that spoke to my soul. Victoria Mier is one of those authors. Her writing. The haunting, yearning, beautiful prose is indescribable. There is something palpable about the dark atmosphere she weaves. I want to it stitch into my blood.
The culmination of this duology could not have been more perfect. My heart is full and at peace. The King and the Deathless Witch suffered so much, loved and lost so much, but fought relentlessly. For their people. For each other. For peace. And they finally were able to linger in the sun, unburdened and happy. I miss them already 😭. Reagan’s rage spoke to me. She’s angry, rightfully so, and exhausted. And doesn’t always say the right things. Which made her so relatable. And Oberon is so full of yearning and hurt but still gives her his heart despite the seemingly unending cycle of heartbreak.
The blending of the various myths and Arthurian legend was uniquely done and seamless. The whimsical gothic touches with the sentient ancient faerie fort and malevolent grandfather clocks and stormy atmosphere swept me away on adventure that won’t be soon forgotten.
Thanks to the author for the eARC. Honored really.
October 22, 2025
If Beyond the Aching Door cracked open the veil between worlds, Beneath the Buried Sea drags you straight through it. Victoria Mier deepens her mythology here—everything feels richer, darker, more deliberate. The stakes aren’t just personal anymore; they’re tidal.
Raegan is at her best in this sequel. Her voice carries more steel, but also more vulnerability. The Unseelie King, meanwhile, is a revelation—every line between protector and predator blurred by longing. The tension between them remains electric, but it’s sharpened by grief, guilt, and the looming shadow of destiny.
Where the first book thrived on discovery, this one thrives on consequence. Mier’s writing hums with melancholy beauty—sentences that read like spells, heavy with saltwater and sorrow. A few pacing dips in the middle, but the emotional through-line never wavers. The final chapters left me hollowed and hopeful at once.
Ratings:
✨ Story: 5/5
✨ Characters: 5/5
✨ Pacing: 4/5
✨ Emotional Impact: 5/5
Beneath the Buried Sea cements this duology as something rare—a modern fae tale that doesn’t rely on glitter and glamour but on ache, agency, and the haunting question of what love costs when it crosses worlds.
Raegan is at her best in this sequel. Her voice carries more steel, but also more vulnerability. The Unseelie King, meanwhile, is a revelation—every line between protector and predator blurred by longing. The tension between them remains electric, but it’s sharpened by grief, guilt, and the looming shadow of destiny.
Where the first book thrived on discovery, this one thrives on consequence. Mier’s writing hums with melancholy beauty—sentences that read like spells, heavy with saltwater and sorrow. A few pacing dips in the middle, but the emotional through-line never wavers. The final chapters left me hollowed and hopeful at once.
Ratings:
✨ Story: 5/5
✨ Characters: 5/5
✨ Pacing: 4/5
✨ Emotional Impact: 5/5
Beneath the Buried Sea cements this duology as something rare—a modern fae tale that doesn’t rely on glitter and glamour but on ache, agency, and the haunting question of what love costs when it crosses worlds.
August 1, 2025
OKAY the follow up to Beyond the Aching Door was both disappointing, and satisfying at the same time. Let me try to explain -- the solution to the actual plot and all it's mysteries was extremely satisfying. We got everything wrapped up in a nice little bow, and things were explained, and well, I enjoyed that aspect of the book.
HOWEVER.
When it comes to our main character, Raegan, I really did not like her in this book. She had a lot of character development, which is good, but her personality turned into just...pure anger? Like, YES, of course she has every reason to be RAGE INCARNATE, so that part makes sense. But omg girl not EVERYONE is out to get you, and will you CHILL when it comes to talking to the love of your (many) lives? Raegan frequently talks to Oberon in the nastiest ways that I just did not enjoy reading. I wanted to see her actually settle and enjoy being with him but for the most part she's just angry.
AND AND AND
The whole King Arthur thing?
Yeah. Weird.
IDK what else to say other than, for once, I enjoyed the plot rather than the romance.
Three and a half stars.
HOWEVER.
When it comes to our main character, Raegan, I really did not like her in this book. She had a lot of character development, which is good, but her personality turned into just...pure anger? Like, YES, of course she has every reason to be RAGE INCARNATE, so that part makes sense. But omg girl not EVERYONE is out to get you, and will you CHILL when it comes to talking to the love of your (many) lives? Raegan frequently talks to Oberon in the nastiest ways that I just did not enjoy reading. I wanted to see her actually settle and enjoy being with him but for the most part she's just angry.
AND AND AND
The whole King Arthur thing?
Yeah. Weird.
IDK what else to say other than, for once, I enjoyed the plot rather than the romance.
Three and a half stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews