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Savage Seas #2
The Demons in the Deep
(This is the Extended Edition, with full intimate scenes between the characters. For the fade-to-black, closed-door version, try the regular edition of "The Demons in the Deep.")
Mai sets sail with her cousin Kestra and Captain Flay on the Wind's Favor, but her excitement about seeing new lands is tinged with sadness. When the Wind's Favor makes port at the town governed by Flay's cruel father, Flay is forced to enter a competition against the other captains in his father's fleet. If Flay does not score a top place in the contest, he will lose his ship and be forced to crew aboard one of his father's slaving vessels.
When an old friend returns, Mai realizes her joy at his reappearance is tied to other emotions--things she has never felt for anyone before. But the ongoing competition puts Rake in danger, and risks Mai's goal of learning more about the mermaids' transformative technology.
TW: Slavery of fantasy characters and creatures, sexual threat, mermaids eating humans, violence, abuse, PTSD
Mai sets sail with her cousin Kestra and Captain Flay on the Wind's Favor, but her excitement about seeing new lands is tinged with sadness. When the Wind's Favor makes port at the town governed by Flay's cruel father, Flay is forced to enter a competition against the other captains in his father's fleet. If Flay does not score a top place in the contest, he will lose his ship and be forced to crew aboard one of his father's slaving vessels.
When an old friend returns, Mai realizes her joy at his reappearance is tied to other emotions--things she has never felt for anyone before. But the ongoing competition puts Rake in danger, and risks Mai's goal of learning more about the mermaids' transformative technology.
TW: Slavery of fantasy characters and creatures, sexual threat, mermaids eating humans, violence, abuse, PTSD
487 pages, Paperback
Published December 5, 2024
35 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca F. Kenney
72 books2,918 followersRebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 21, 2024
MF Mermaid/Human
Friends to Lovers
Trials/Games
Beautiful Love
Excellent Spice
(Incl. Mermaid Spice)
**I'm putting this blurb under spoilers, because just mentioning who this story is about is kinda a spoiler itself**
The second book in this duology was so much better that I had anticipated. I loved Rake and Mai so much! There was a respect and understanding that the two had for each other that just made their relationship so refreshing and fantastic to follow.
This book starts off where book one left off, I think about 3 weeks later. We meet Flay's horrible, slave trading family and it goes as well as expected. There was SO much adventure and was so fast paced, I read it in a 24hr period - I just devoured it. Its hard to give too many details with out spoiling. I just highly recommend these two books. Its a bit unconventional as far as romances go - its not so quickly A+B=C. There are emotional twists and turns that all come together to make an amazing story.
~~~~~~~~~~
Until I write a whole thing down, just need to say: fan-f*ckin-tastic. Really enjoyed book one, but adored this one!
Friends to Lovers
Trials/Games
Beautiful Love
Excellent Spice
(Incl. Mermaid Spice)
**I'm putting this blurb under spoilers, because just mentioning who this story is about is kinda a spoiler itself**
The second book in this duology was so much better that I had anticipated. I loved Rake and Mai so much! There was a respect and understanding that the two had for each other that just made their relationship so refreshing and fantastic to follow.
This book starts off where book one left off, I think about 3 weeks later. We meet Flay's horrible, slave trading family and it goes as well as expected. There was SO much adventure and was so fast paced, I read it in a 24hr period - I just devoured it. Its hard to give too many details with out spoiling. I just highly recommend these two books. Its a bit unconventional as far as romances go - its not so quickly A+B=C. There are emotional twists and turns that all come together to make an amazing story.
~~~~~~~~~~
Until I write a whole thing down, just need to say: fan-f*ckin-tastic. Really enjoyed book one, but adored this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2022
I received an ARC version of this book and am leaving my opinion voluntarily.
Wow! How did she top the first one? I really didn’t think that was possible and yet she did it! Everything has been upped in this sequel—stakes, emotional impact, the spice…
Rake has my heart and that has not changed. If anything, this book reinforces it.
The world grows and I love seeing how it builds on what came before while also keeping the story character focused to build the reader’s empathy. It works amazingly well.
The relationships are the best part of this story and they’re on point here. Every type: friend, platonic, romantic, parent—she gives them all to me.
A brilliant continuation that you’ll eat up!
Wow! How did she top the first one? I really didn’t think that was possible and yet she did it! Everything has been upped in this sequel—stakes, emotional impact, the spice…
Rake has my heart and that has not changed. If anything, this book reinforces it.
The world grows and I love seeing how it builds on what came before while also keeping the story character focused to build the reader’s empathy. It works amazingly well.
The relationships are the best part of this story and they’re on point here. Every type: friend, platonic, romantic, parent—she gives them all to me.
A brilliant continuation that you’ll eat up!
June 21, 2022
The Demons in the Deep is a marvelous continuation of The Teeth in the Tide! All our favorite characters are back, even ones who were previously believed to be dead!
It's so hard not to give away spoilers, especially for books I loved as much as I loved this one. So I'll keep this brief and to the point. RAKE AND MAI! I absolutely adored them together and even though I originally shipped my favorite mer-man with Kestra, I'm so glad that's not what happened. Kestra and Flay are great together. But Rake and Mai are PERFECT together! They are both so understanding of one another and the other's needs. And the extended edition scenes? HOT!! So hot!!
As always, Kenney's writing is incredible. She is one of the authors I go to when I'm in a reading slump and want a guaranteed five star read. She has so many books out there and I, for one, am eager to read them ALL!!
So if you're in need of a somewhat gory, super spicy, action-packed fantasy with lots of awesome characters and a riveting plot, check out this series! 5 stars!
It's so hard not to give away spoilers, especially for books I loved as much as I loved this one. So I'll keep this brief and to the point. RAKE AND MAI! I absolutely adored them together and even though I originally shipped my favorite mer-man with Kestra, I'm so glad that's not what happened. Kestra and Flay are great together. But Rake and Mai are PERFECT together! They are both so understanding of one another and the other's needs. And the extended edition scenes? HOT!! So hot!!
As always, Kenney's writing is incredible. She is one of the authors I go to when I'm in a reading slump and want a guaranteed five star read. She has so many books out there and I, for one, am eager to read them ALL!!
So if you're in need of a somewhat gory, super spicy, action-packed fantasy with lots of awesome characters and a riveting plot, check out this series! 5 stars!
July 28, 2022
Kenney brings us back to the world of the Savage Seas in this incredible sequel to The Teeth in the Tide.
Sequels can be tricky, but Kenney navigates those waters (pun intended) with her usual skill and flawless writing, crafting a beautiful conclusion for all the characters we know and love while also introducing us to a few new ones as well.
I honestly loved everything about this book. It focused much more heavily on Mai and Rake’s POV this time around while still giving us glimpses into Kestra and Flay’s mind as well. Seeing the growth and bond between everyone strengthen as they are faced with new challenges and dangers was so satisfying.
This book was the ending I hoped for. I could hardly put it down even when I should have been doing other things. Kudos Kenney for writing another wonderful story!
*I had the privilege of beta reading this book and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
Sequels can be tricky, but Kenney navigates those waters (pun intended) with her usual skill and flawless writing, crafting a beautiful conclusion for all the characters we know and love while also introducing us to a few new ones as well.
I honestly loved everything about this book. It focused much more heavily on Mai and Rake’s POV this time around while still giving us glimpses into Kestra and Flay’s mind as well. Seeing the growth and bond between everyone strengthen as they are faced with new challenges and dangers was so satisfying.
This book was the ending I hoped for. I could hardly put it down even when I should have been doing other things. Kudos Kenney for writing another wonderful story!
*I had the privilege of beta reading this book and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
July 13, 2022
When I saw that there were ARCs available for the 2nd book in Rebecca's dark, deadly mermaid series, it's safe to say I couldn't get there fast enough! There's something rare about the quality of Rebecca's books, how she seamlessly creates intriguing characters and highly readable plots with some damn fine prose. It's not often you see something so FUN combined with such simply excellent writing.
That being said, I did feel---especially to begin with---we were a bit hit over the head with how everyone felt about each other, and there was a fair bit of telling over showing when the actions and dialogue of the characters spoke for itself. It's an extremely minor complaint in an otherwise excellent book.
I loved the attention given to Mai and Rake's blossoming relationship. It may be a bit fast for some, but Mai was such an interesting character to get inside the head of. She felt very real---flawed and lovable and brilliant. She was very relatable, particularly with her struggling to understand her sexuality, and even if this is something that comes easily to you, it's done through a lens that makes it impossible to not understand her POV. 10/10 for character!
That being said, I did feel---especially to begin with---we were a bit hit over the head with how everyone felt about each other, and there was a fair bit of telling over showing when the actions and dialogue of the characters spoke for itself. It's an extremely minor complaint in an otherwise excellent book.
I loved the attention given to Mai and Rake's blossoming relationship. It may be a bit fast for some, but Mai was such an interesting character to get inside the head of. She felt very real---flawed and lovable and brilliant. She was very relatable, particularly with her struggling to understand her sexuality, and even if this is something that comes easily to you, it's done through a lens that makes it impossible to not understand her POV. 10/10 for character!
June 24, 2022
When I saw that there were ARCs available for the 2nd book in Rebecca's dark, deadly mermaid series, it's safe to say I couldn't get there fast enough! There's something rare about the quality of Rebecca's books, how she seamlessly creates intriguing characters and highly readable plots with some damn fine prose. It's not often you see something so FUN combined with such simply excellent writing.
That being said, I did feel---especially to begin with---we were a bit hit over the head with how everyone felt about each other, and there was a fair bit of telling over showing when the actions and dialogue of the characters spoke for itself. It's an extremely minor complaint in an otherwise excellent book.
I loved the attention given to Mai and Rake's blossoming relationship. It may be a bit fast for some, but Mai was such an interesting character to get inside the head of. She felt very real---flawed and lovable and brilliant. She was very relatable, particularly with her struggling to understand her sexuality, and even if this is something that comes easily to you, it's done through a lens that makes it impossible to not understand her POV. 10/10 for character!
That being said, I did feel---especially to begin with---we were a bit hit over the head with how everyone felt about each other, and there was a fair bit of telling over showing when the actions and dialogue of the characters spoke for itself. It's an extremely minor complaint in an otherwise excellent book.
I loved the attention given to Mai and Rake's blossoming relationship. It may be a bit fast for some, but Mai was such an interesting character to get inside the head of. She felt very real---flawed and lovable and brilliant. She was very relatable, particularly with her struggling to understand her sexuality, and even if this is something that comes easily to you, it's done through a lens that makes it impossible to not understand her POV. 10/10 for character!
May 4, 2023
2.5 Stars:
After reading the first book I expected the romance to be between Kestra & Rake. I was surprised that the interspecies romance was actually between Mai and Rake because I felt that he had better chemistry with Kestra and it was all pretty sudden.
I did not like Mai as a character. She was insufferable, naive, bratty and incredibly selfish I almost dnf every time she whined about not getting her own way.
Feral was interesting. I enjoyed reading about him.
Other than the shift in romantic pairings the plot was pretty predictable. The characters were a little two dimensional at times, but I still found it mostly enjoyable save for Mai’s obnoxious ass.
After reading the first book I expected the romance to be between Kestra & Rake. I was surprised that the interspecies romance was actually between Mai and Rake because I felt that he had better chemistry with Kestra and it was all pretty sudden.
I did not like Mai as a character. She was insufferable, naive, bratty and incredibly selfish I almost dnf every time she whined about not getting her own way.
Feral was interesting. I enjoyed reading about him.
Other than the shift in romantic pairings the plot was pretty predictable. The characters were a little two dimensional at times, but I still found it mostly enjoyable save for Mai’s obnoxious ass.
January 13, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the Savage Seas series, a dead, darkly mermaid series.
Like Rebecca's other books, this one was a blast. The characters were likeable and understandable, flawed and all. Rebecca's books always have this air around the characters which makes them easy to connect with, and this book is not exception. The "slow"-burn between the heroines was overall good. The spice was just great, like always.
I'm also giving brownie points for the interesting take on mermaid lore.
Like Rebecca's other books, this one was a blast. The characters were likeable and understandable, flawed and all. Rebecca's books always have this air around the characters which makes them easy to connect with, and this book is not exception. The "slow"-burn between the heroines was overall good. The spice was just great, like always.
I'm also giving brownie points for the interesting take on mermaid lore.
July 29, 2022
OK, I have a bone to pick...
*please note this review is about my experience not the content of the book*
I haven't read this book yet. I am sure once I get over my experience I will read it and then update this review accordingly.
HOWEVER...
I first discovered Rebecca Kennedy's novels when I came across book 1 in this series. I'm a simp for any and all mermaid books... sue me. At first, I didn't expect much because the cover seemed really low quality and was blown away by the book! Loved it! The originality. Writing quality. Read it in one sitting and RAN to the link for book 2 which was on pre-order and not out yet.
Of course I did NOT hesitate and added it to cart IMMEDIATELY and was super excited to read when it came out. This was several months ago.
In the meantime I BINGED Rebecca's other books and the quality and originality had been *chefs kiss* amazing. Was really fangirling and super impressed with her work.
Then, I get a notification that my pre-order for this book is downloaded and I literally clear my schedule to read it. So excited. Only to find out that there are now TWO versions of the book. When there were NOT two versions when I pre-ordered many moons ago. So I go to the listing to see that the one I got was the fade-to-black no spice version.......
And look, one of my only comments on book one was that I wanted more spice. So you can imagine how disappointing that is. No problem, I thought, I'll just return this version since I HAVE NOT READ IT YET and purchase the version I know I'll enjoy more. No big deal.
Only because it was pre-ordered months ago, I can't return it. Apparently it had to have been purchased within a week of download.
So, I'm annoyed at Amazon, obviously... but also, the author. I get having two versions. For many reasons. But there WEREN'T two versions when I pre-ordered. So either I order another book at full price knowing I won't read the other, or I read a version I know will frustrate me and leave me wanting more. And look, it's not about the price. It's about the principle. I've purchased tons of her books at this point full price. No worries. I love supporting authors.
But this really rubbed me the wrong way. As of right now I have not been able to bring myself to read this book. I was just left with a bad taste in my mouth. But I'll get over it eventually I'm sure and will read and accurately review the content of this book.
Also, please note, I'm not sending hate to anyone. I'm just reviewing for my experience as a customer and reader. And as stated, I've really enjoyed Rebecca's books.
*please note this review is about my experience not the content of the book*
I haven't read this book yet. I am sure once I get over my experience I will read it and then update this review accordingly.
HOWEVER...
I first discovered Rebecca Kennedy's novels when I came across book 1 in this series. I'm a simp for any and all mermaid books... sue me. At first, I didn't expect much because the cover seemed really low quality and was blown away by the book! Loved it! The originality. Writing quality. Read it in one sitting and RAN to the link for book 2 which was on pre-order and not out yet.
Of course I did NOT hesitate and added it to cart IMMEDIATELY and was super excited to read when it came out. This was several months ago.
In the meantime I BINGED Rebecca's other books and the quality and originality had been *chefs kiss* amazing. Was really fangirling and super impressed with her work.
Then, I get a notification that my pre-order for this book is downloaded and I literally clear my schedule to read it. So excited. Only to find out that there are now TWO versions of the book. When there were NOT two versions when I pre-ordered many moons ago. So I go to the listing to see that the one I got was the fade-to-black no spice version.......
And look, one of my only comments on book one was that I wanted more spice. So you can imagine how disappointing that is. No problem, I thought, I'll just return this version since I HAVE NOT READ IT YET and purchase the version I know I'll enjoy more. No big deal.
Only because it was pre-ordered months ago, I can't return it. Apparently it had to have been purchased within a week of download.
So, I'm annoyed at Amazon, obviously... but also, the author. I get having two versions. For many reasons. But there WEREN'T two versions when I pre-ordered. So either I order another book at full price knowing I won't read the other, or I read a version I know will frustrate me and leave me wanting more. And look, it's not about the price. It's about the principle. I've purchased tons of her books at this point full price. No worries. I love supporting authors.
But this really rubbed me the wrong way. As of right now I have not been able to bring myself to read this book. I was just left with a bad taste in my mouth. But I'll get over it eventually I'm sure and will read and accurately review the content of this book.
Also, please note, I'm not sending hate to anyone. I'm just reviewing for my experience as a customer and reader. And as stated, I've really enjoyed Rebecca's books.
July 11, 2022
3.75 stars
This book was as a great read - great characters, great writing, good plot. I really enjoyed the different depictions of good relationships. And I love Mai more than a fictional character should be loved because I can really simpathise with her (this part was really well written!).
I just missed the depth and discussion that the first book had and I was expecting to find on this one as well.
All in all, the book was a blast and I so enjoyed reading it, it just didn't completely match the expectations I had.
Note that I read this in a difficult time in my life and I'm sure that it affected my perception of things.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was as a great read - great characters, great writing, good plot. I really enjoyed the different depictions of good relationships. And I love Mai more than a fictional character should be loved because I can really simpathise with her (this part was really well written!).
I just missed the depth and discussion that the first book had and I was expecting to find on this one as well.
All in all, the book was a blast and I so enjoyed reading it, it just didn't completely match the expectations I had.
Note that I read this in a difficult time in my life and I'm sure that it affected my perception of things.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2024
About a month and a half ago I read my first Rebecca F. Kenney novel (The Sea Witch). I devoured it. Since then, I have torn through three more of her novels to the point where I'm once more an "avid reader" after a years-long drought of starting and not-finished reading books. Maybe I was just reading books that weren't pure fun...?
That all said, I'm infatuated with the pure, absolute escapism in her books. She's a master of writing a more complex story than you first think it'll be when you read the blurb. There are twists and characters often do unexpected things, and I think that's what keeps the pages turning so fast. I've come to rely on Kenney's style of taking her time to tell the full story. In some cases a plot seems to come to a head and I was like, "wait, there's at least 20% more of the novel left" (I mostly read on my Kindle) and wonder what the hell is going to happen next. Or I remember a secondary character hasn't surfaced in a bit and I'm anxious to see their return--usually for the worse, since it tends to be the antagonists who have one last twist of a knife to plunge into your heart.
But the thing I really love is how magnetic her characters become. I'm a total sucker for a damaged male lead. I can admit that now, because hey, we all like what we like! There are damaged male leads all over the place in her books. And her female MCs are imperfect, yet believably fierce/strong/clever... I love how they often save the day. Not always in the way you'd expect, but in very satisfying strategic moves or even being in the right place at the right time.
OK. Regarding the Savage Seas series... it's so damn good.
I know this review is for Demons in the Deep, but without mentioning the first novel--The Teeth in the Tide--this book would be lost. I absolutely love the dark, gory world of the mermaids Kenney created for this story. The themes of how damaging unchecked, rabid population growth can be and how natural resources can be destroyed while souls are crushed along the way was pretty damn compelling and thought-provoking.
There isn't a moment where you're lead to believe mermaids are these gorgeous, ethereal beings in these books. Even with Rake (a FABULOUS character!), who is described as beautiful, very often we're reminded that he is still a member of a dangerous race of beings who can tear people (and one another) limb from limb without much thought. This choice, to make mermaids inherently dangerous, means that the other characters in the series have varying responses to Rake, an escaped breeder-slave from the mermaid kingdom who's desperately seeking a better life for himself and his young son... some are fascinated, many are wary, some want to kill him out of revenge for past-mermaid killings of family members (Kestra, one of the female leads in the series)...and some are willing to get to know him and possibly work with him to alleviate the mermaid threat in the waters around Kiken Island.
I'm taking awhile to get to THIS BOOK in this review. Ha! But I don't want to give any spoilers because I really think it's more fun to just dive in (pardon the pun) and go with the story for a satisfying ride. In Demons of the Deep, I really fell hard for the two characters of Rake and Mai. Mai is a science-minded young woman who is genuinely consumed with the quest for knowledge. She wants to research things, she wants to dissect, she wants to experiment. All of that has left her not thinking much about relationships, or sex, and frankly this choice for a character was so welcome for me (I identify as asexual). For a book that promises "spice" you might be wondering how this will come about for a character not interested in sex. Rest assured, it does and in a very fun way. Kenney doesn't rush the relationship between Rake and Mai, but we know they are each very attracted to the other and their friendship grows with full respect, full consent with lots of checking in ("is this okay?").
The overall plot with Captain Flay (Kestra's BF) and the crew competing against their wills in an annual, brutal competition called the Meridian Games has some shades of Hunger Games and Goblet of Fire to it, but in the end it's all its own universe. Flay's strained and abusive relationship with his crappy father and malicious and clever older brother Feral add a deeper layer to a character that could have easily been written to be too-good-to-be-true. I also loved seeing Kestra and Flay's relationship deepen into total familiarity complete with unspoken understanding, teasing and exasperation and attraction; they feel very real.
I saw a plot twist a mile away, but didn't even care because like I said early on: total escapism. Sometimes a formula is just what you want, you know? With the world feeling like it's about to ignite in flames after the new year, I'm all about curling up with books about vicious mermaids, mysterious, giant sentient sea monster entities, sparring siblings, clever female scientists, loyal male friendships, beautiful costumes and settings, and lots of different shapes of love everywhere.
I loved this book even more than Teeth in the Tide because it was a great culmination for these characters. It was awesome spending more time with them, and having a pretty nice HEA to wrap things up.
That all said, I'm infatuated with the pure, absolute escapism in her books. She's a master of writing a more complex story than you first think it'll be when you read the blurb. There are twists and characters often do unexpected things, and I think that's what keeps the pages turning so fast. I've come to rely on Kenney's style of taking her time to tell the full story. In some cases a plot seems to come to a head and I was like, "wait, there's at least 20% more of the novel left" (I mostly read on my Kindle) and wonder what the hell is going to happen next. Or I remember a secondary character hasn't surfaced in a bit and I'm anxious to see their return--usually for the worse, since it tends to be the antagonists who have one last twist of a knife to plunge into your heart.
But the thing I really love is how magnetic her characters become. I'm a total sucker for a damaged male lead. I can admit that now, because hey, we all like what we like! There are damaged male leads all over the place in her books. And her female MCs are imperfect, yet believably fierce/strong/clever... I love how they often save the day. Not always in the way you'd expect, but in very satisfying strategic moves or even being in the right place at the right time.
OK. Regarding the Savage Seas series... it's so damn good.
I know this review is for Demons in the Deep, but without mentioning the first novel--The Teeth in the Tide--this book would be lost. I absolutely love the dark, gory world of the mermaids Kenney created for this story. The themes of how damaging unchecked, rabid population growth can be and how natural resources can be destroyed while souls are crushed along the way was pretty damn compelling and thought-provoking.
There isn't a moment where you're lead to believe mermaids are these gorgeous, ethereal beings in these books. Even with Rake (a FABULOUS character!), who is described as beautiful, very often we're reminded that he is still a member of a dangerous race of beings who can tear people (and one another) limb from limb without much thought. This choice, to make mermaids inherently dangerous, means that the other characters in the series have varying responses to Rake, an escaped breeder-slave from the mermaid kingdom who's desperately seeking a better life for himself and his young son... some are fascinated, many are wary, some want to kill him out of revenge for past-mermaid killings of family members (Kestra, one of the female leads in the series)...and some are willing to get to know him and possibly work with him to alleviate the mermaid threat in the waters around Kiken Island.
I'm taking awhile to get to THIS BOOK in this review. Ha! But I don't want to give any spoilers because I really think it's more fun to just dive in (pardon the pun) and go with the story for a satisfying ride. In Demons of the Deep, I really fell hard for the two characters of Rake and Mai. Mai is a science-minded young woman who is genuinely consumed with the quest for knowledge. She wants to research things, she wants to dissect, she wants to experiment. All of that has left her not thinking much about relationships, or sex, and frankly this choice for a character was so welcome for me (I identify as asexual). For a book that promises "spice" you might be wondering how this will come about for a character not interested in sex. Rest assured, it does and in a very fun way. Kenney doesn't rush the relationship between Rake and Mai, but we know they are each very attracted to the other and their friendship grows with full respect, full consent with lots of checking in ("is this okay?").
The overall plot with Captain Flay (Kestra's BF) and the crew competing against their wills in an annual, brutal competition called the Meridian Games has some shades of Hunger Games and Goblet of Fire to it, but in the end it's all its own universe. Flay's strained and abusive relationship with his crappy father and malicious and clever older brother Feral add a deeper layer to a character that could have easily been written to be too-good-to-be-true. I also loved seeing Kestra and Flay's relationship deepen into total familiarity complete with unspoken understanding, teasing and exasperation and attraction; they feel very real.
I saw a plot twist a mile away, but didn't even care because like I said early on: total escapism. Sometimes a formula is just what you want, you know? With the world feeling like it's about to ignite in flames after the new year, I'm all about curling up with books about vicious mermaids, mysterious, giant sentient sea monster entities, sparring siblings, clever female scientists, loyal male friendships, beautiful costumes and settings, and lots of different shapes of love everywhere.
I loved this book even more than Teeth in the Tide because it was a great culmination for these characters. It was awesome spending more time with them, and having a pretty nice HEA to wrap things up.
July 13, 2022
For the most part, I enjoyed this book and it definitely wins for the best mermaid romance I've ever read. I think the author did a great job with world-building (especially with regards to the mermaids), and I'm sure that was easier to explain/get across to the reader in this book since Mai is a scientist and likes to know all about things.
The major downside for me was the way that Mai and Rake's relationship developed. It was a total slow burn and it was like, "heated glances" every five minutes but nothing more than that, then all of sudden they were stripping in front of each other and getting it on a few pages later. (And yes, this extended version includes open-door scenes and they were written well; I think there's maybe three substantial scenes and they're explicit but not overly so.) Then of course the "I love you"'s came pretty quick too. That being said, I wonder if it would have been more believable for me if I had read the first book?
We're told that they developed a close relationship in the previous book while she was studying him, so maybe if I had seen their prior interactions it would have felt like less of a sudden thing, but this book didn't say that the first book had to be read in order to read this one, and though I think it's technically true, I definitely feel like I missed out on a lot. So again, maybe it would help if you read the first book.
Along the same lines, I'll just note that this story doesn't just focus on Mai and Rake; we also get POVs and development from the previous book's couple, Kestra and Flay. I personally don't like that (I prefer that every book have it's own focused couple), but I'll bet that if you read the first book, then you'll probably love seeing how Kestra and Flay are doing.
The other thing I didn't care for was the pacing. Honestly, it was pretty boring for the entire first half and it didn't really get interesting to me until the competition actually started. Then with the competition, it flew by pretty quickly and there were big jumps of time that just made it all feel rushed.
Overall, it was still an enjoyable read, I love the world that the author built, and if I just look at Rake and Mai's romance once they've gotten together, they do make a cute couple. As a final note, do make sure to read the warnings at the beginning of the book as it is a little dark.
*Main Couple*
-Mai: 20-year-old, virgin, scientist/inventor, Kestra's cousin, pretty impulsive
-Rake: Merman who was thought to be dead, has son named Jewel, possessive, a bit self-sacrificing, can be violent
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The major downside for me was the way that Mai and Rake's relationship developed. It was a total slow burn and it was like, "heated glances" every five minutes but nothing more than that, then all of sudden they were stripping in front of each other and getting it on a few pages later. (And yes, this extended version includes open-door scenes and they were written well; I think there's maybe three substantial scenes and they're explicit but not overly so.) Then of course the "I love you"'s came pretty quick too. That being said, I wonder if it would have been more believable for me if I had read the first book?
We're told that they developed a close relationship in the previous book while she was studying him, so maybe if I had seen their prior interactions it would have felt like less of a sudden thing, but this book didn't say that the first book had to be read in order to read this one, and though I think it's technically true, I definitely feel like I missed out on a lot. So again, maybe it would help if you read the first book.
Along the same lines, I'll just note that this story doesn't just focus on Mai and Rake; we also get POVs and development from the previous book's couple, Kestra and Flay. I personally don't like that (I prefer that every book have it's own focused couple), but I'll bet that if you read the first book, then you'll probably love seeing how Kestra and Flay are doing.
The other thing I didn't care for was the pacing. Honestly, it was pretty boring for the entire first half and it didn't really get interesting to me until the competition actually started. Then with the competition, it flew by pretty quickly and there were big jumps of time that just made it all feel rushed.
Overall, it was still an enjoyable read, I love the world that the author built, and if I just look at Rake and Mai's romance once they've gotten together, they do make a cute couple. As a final note, do make sure to read the warnings at the beginning of the book as it is a little dark.
*Main Couple*
-Mai: 20-year-old, virgin, scientist/inventor, Kestra's cousin, pretty impulsive
-Rake: Merman who was thought to be dead, has son named Jewel, possessive, a bit self-sacrificing, can be violent
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2024
Things I liked:
- Mai, most of the time. I love that she's a super intelligent scientist that designs weapons, ships, pretty much anything she's even vaguely interested in. Her demisexuality is also pretty interesting, though I feel like there are a decent number of people who have very specific attractions, or who just generally aren't into sex for the sake of sex. It's not a bad label, more that I don't feel like anyone should feel bad about not being horny for everyone around them, or even for the majority of people that they meet.
- Rake is great. He's the most mature, brave and fucking scary of all of the main characters. He's honest about identifying and expressing his emotions and he's an excellent balance for Mai and her clinical and impulsive ways. He's a good Dad too, despite being raised in some kind of fucked up matriarchal mermaid society. I also like that he's inhuman looking, with sharp teeth and claws, but kinder and softer than most of the other characters. All around my fave character in the book.
- The writing, storyline and worldbuilding were good, especially the giant pirate race. The pacing in the book was good and things moved along at a very fast clip once they got moving.
- Feral got a crossbow bolt through his head, yay.
Things I did not like:
- I didn't read the first book, but nothing in this book made me feel like Flay was any less than a serious fucking coward. I don't know that I could stay with someone who'd be cool with their father enslaving me, but I guess I must just have higher standards than Kestra. I guess he's good to his crew, but that seems like the only likeable thing about him. The fact that he also bet Rake's freedom in a card game with his mother made me want to chop his other hand off. Mai and Rake are the ones to save him from his brother and free him from his father in the end. Fuck Flay. Which brings me to...
- Kestra. Like, what does she do, other than make excuses for her pathetic loser of a boyfriend? She contributes absolutely nothing to the ship or the competition, though I guess she does start cooking after that's all over. Maybe she did some impressive shit in the first book, but I'm just not seeing the appeal here.
- Mai makes the worst decisions, just a continual string of them. If she wasn't likeable aside from that, well...
- 6 merbabies? What the fuck? Why? I'm not a huge fan of epilogue babies (though I'm even less of a fan of main story babies), but that's just a stupid amount of them. Gross.
- Mai, most of the time. I love that she's a super intelligent scientist that designs weapons, ships, pretty much anything she's even vaguely interested in. Her demisexuality is also pretty interesting, though I feel like there are a decent number of people who have very specific attractions, or who just generally aren't into sex for the sake of sex. It's not a bad label, more that I don't feel like anyone should feel bad about not being horny for everyone around them, or even for the majority of people that they meet.
- Rake is great. He's the most mature, brave and fucking scary of all of the main characters. He's honest about identifying and expressing his emotions and he's an excellent balance for Mai and her clinical and impulsive ways. He's a good Dad too, despite being raised in some kind of fucked up matriarchal mermaid society. I also like that he's inhuman looking, with sharp teeth and claws, but kinder and softer than most of the other characters. All around my fave character in the book.
- The writing, storyline and worldbuilding were good, especially the giant pirate race. The pacing in the book was good and things moved along at a very fast clip once they got moving.
- Feral got a crossbow bolt through his head, yay.
Things I did not like:
- I didn't read the first book, but nothing in this book made me feel like Flay was any less than a serious fucking coward. I don't know that I could stay with someone who'd be cool with their father enslaving me, but I guess I must just have higher standards than Kestra. I guess he's good to his crew, but that seems like the only likeable thing about him. The fact that he also bet Rake's freedom in a card game with his mother made me want to chop his other hand off. Mai and Rake are the ones to save him from his brother and free him from his father in the end. Fuck Flay. Which brings me to...
- Kestra. Like, what does she do, other than make excuses for her pathetic loser of a boyfriend? She contributes absolutely nothing to the ship or the competition, though I guess she does start cooking after that's all over. Maybe she did some impressive shit in the first book, but I'm just not seeing the appeal here.
- Mai makes the worst decisions, just a continual string of them. If she wasn't likeable aside from that, well...
- 6 merbabies? What the fuck? Why? I'm not a huge fan of epilogue babies (though I'm even less of a fan of main story babies), but that's just a stupid amount of them. Gross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2022
An incredible, rollicking adventure with a satisfying conclusion, The Demons in the Deep was indeed a good read: with a layered, complex cast, riveting storyline, steamy romance, and atmospheric environments, it had me turning the pages.
Mai proves to be an engaging, if sometimes frustrating character, though I wouldn't have had her any other way. She was smart, resourceful, prone to impulsive errors, but above all, the first to really love Rake for--and in spite of--who he was. And I especially liked how, even though it was a harsh truth, she disabused Kestra of the notion that she and Flay were the centre of the universe. It was good to see that the characters' lives, while entwined, are still their own; that each of them has their own desires, dreams, failings, and traumas to work through.
Really enjoyed this, and thoroughly recommend it to anyone who likes savage mermaid/merpeople stories. (And speaking of which--my nitpick from the first book was very concisely dealt with in this one, so bonus!) My only gripe for this one is the pacing in places, but overall, it didn't negatively impact my enjoyment of the story.
Mai proves to be an engaging, if sometimes frustrating character, though I wouldn't have had her any other way. She was smart, resourceful, prone to impulsive errors, but above all, the first to really love Rake for--and in spite of--who he was. And I especially liked how, even though it was a harsh truth, she disabused Kestra of the notion that she and Flay were the centre of the universe. It was good to see that the characters' lives, while entwined, are still their own; that each of them has their own desires, dreams, failings, and traumas to work through.
Really enjoyed this, and thoroughly recommend it to anyone who likes savage mermaid/merpeople stories. (And speaking of which--my nitpick from the first book was very concisely dealt with in this one, so bonus!) My only gripe for this one is the pacing in places, but overall, it didn't negatively impact my enjoyment of the story.
July 13, 2022
'The Demons in the Deep' is extremely well written. The characters show deep development (by the author) and character depth. The interactions are realistic. The story is very well planned, developed and written. This is a really good book.
The world in book one of Savage Seas 'Teeth in the Tide' is expanded in Demons. More fantastic creatures are introduced. The phrase dysfunctional family is defined in Captain Flay's family. The love story of Kestra and Flay introduced in Teeth expands and the love between Mai and Rake is discovered and blooms.
Lots of action. Some graphic violence and graphic sex, told in such a way to be natural to the story. A story of discovery of the world, of self and of relationships. Characters are torn between love and ambition. The demons are not all in the deep. They live on land as well.
I didn't believe Rebecca F. Kenney could top 'Teeth in the Tide' but I was wrong. I hope there are more of these books in the works.
I received an ARC of 'The Demons in the Deep: Extended Edition. This is my honest review.
The world in book one of Savage Seas 'Teeth in the Tide' is expanded in Demons. More fantastic creatures are introduced. The phrase dysfunctional family is defined in Captain Flay's family. The love story of Kestra and Flay introduced in Teeth expands and the love between Mai and Rake is discovered and blooms.
Lots of action. Some graphic violence and graphic sex, told in such a way to be natural to the story. A story of discovery of the world, of self and of relationships. Characters are torn between love and ambition. The demons are not all in the deep. They live on land as well.
I didn't believe Rebecca F. Kenney could top 'Teeth in the Tide' but I was wrong. I hope there are more of these books in the works.
I received an ARC of 'The Demons in the Deep: Extended Edition. This is my honest review.
July 22, 2024
DNF at 50%
Tore through the first one like no one’s business! Fantastic world building and genuinely fun and interesting characters. The mermaid/high seas vibes were immaculate✨
However, I feel like the first book was really setting up a love triangle and/or poly relationship with the main couple and I was a bit disappointed that it was not met…so much tension and build up for what?
I absolutely hated how the first book was told from the perspective of Kestra and then pivoted entirely to Mai — a secondary character whom I did not really emotionally connect with in comparison to Kestra (whom I felt like had so much more to prove in the story). I really didn’t see the point in that…perhaps the first book should’ve been told from Mai’s perspective all along? That would’ve made everything flow a lot better IMO.
The relationship between Mai and Rake also felt…forced to say the least and the chemistry wasn’t there.
All in all, beautifully written, but not my favorite from RFK (slowly but surely becoming one of my top authors regardless)!
Tore through the first one like no one’s business! Fantastic world building and genuinely fun and interesting characters. The mermaid/high seas vibes were immaculate✨
However, I feel like the first book was really setting up a love triangle and/or poly relationship with the main couple and I was a bit disappointed that it was not met…so much tension and build up for what?
I absolutely hated how the first book was told from the perspective of Kestra and then pivoted entirely to Mai — a secondary character whom I did not really emotionally connect with in comparison to Kestra (whom I felt like had so much more to prove in the story). I really didn’t see the point in that…perhaps the first book should’ve been told from Mai’s perspective all along? That would’ve made everything flow a lot better IMO.
The relationship between Mai and Rake also felt…forced to say the least and the chemistry wasn’t there.
All in all, beautifully written, but not my favorite from RFK (slowly but surely becoming one of my top authors regardless)!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
mixed emotions
The satisfying end to a turbulent duology. I really liked how the story was broken into sections. It kept the book from having a lull and made me want to read faster.
There are intense, high risk games that play out so nicely. As for the characters, there isn’t much team work and the connection they built is missing. So, individual interactions are okay, but the whole plan is scattered from their disconnect.
Mai’s decisions canceled out everything that was said in the end of book 1. They had no impact on the overall story and should have been left out. There were many alternate paths that would lead to the same conclusion and kept the flow from book one to book two.
Mai went from being smart and capable to naive and stupid. Her WANTS are worth more than everyone’s life and the story makes it seem like that’s justified. Absolutely not!
Kestra and Flay are still annoying self absorbed.
Also, Mai is a buzz kill. We finally get some spicy scenes and they are filled with her trying to scientifically figure out why she is feeling what she does.
The satisfying end to a turbulent duology. I really liked how the story was broken into sections. It kept the book from having a lull and made me want to read faster.
There are intense, high risk games that play out so nicely. As for the characters, there isn’t much team work and the connection they built is missing. So, individual interactions are okay, but the whole plan is scattered from their disconnect.
Mai’s decisions canceled out everything that was said in the end of book 1. They had no impact on the overall story and should have been left out. There were many alternate paths that would lead to the same conclusion and kept the flow from book one to book two.
Mai went from being smart and capable to naive and stupid. Her WANTS are worth more than everyone’s life and the story makes it seem like that’s justified. Absolutely not!
Kestra and Flay are still annoying self absorbed.
Also, Mai is a buzz kill. We finally get some spicy scenes and they are filled with her trying to scientifically figure out why she is feeling what she does.
June 15, 2025
My thoughts, in no particular order:
- the world was wonderfully expanded. I loved loved loved how our characters moved beyond Kiken Island and got to know about other places/species.
- I loved how concise the book was? I wasn't sure if this was the last book or just the second book in a series but everything was nice and tidy by the end
- Never once did I feel that the book was dragging
- Except perhaps during the smutty parts. I could have done without those. I mean, really.
- Loved the writing in general and how different relationships formed in particular. I'm talking about Mai and Rake.
- However, the larger part of me was sad that there wasn't a love triangle with him Kestra and Flay. Kestra was the first human he saw/fell in love with, there was just something there and while I thoroughly enjoyed how Rake and Mai came to know each other, I wish Rake and Kestra had a longer run.
- Basically, found this book utterly fantastic.
- the world was wonderfully expanded. I loved loved loved how our characters moved beyond Kiken Island and got to know about other places/species.
- I loved how concise the book was? I wasn't sure if this was the last book or just the second book in a series but everything was nice and tidy by the end
- Never once did I feel that the book was dragging
- Except perhaps during the smutty parts. I could have done without those. I mean, really.
- Loved the writing in general and how different relationships formed in particular. I'm talking about Mai and Rake.
- However, the larger part of me was sad that there wasn't a love triangle with him Kestra and Flay. Kestra was the first human he saw/fell in love with, there was just something there and while I thoroughly enjoyed how Rake and Mai came to know each other, I wish Rake and Kestra had a longer run.
- Basically, found this book utterly fantastic.
May 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!!
This sequel continues the high-stakes tension with a more introspective, emotional journey. Mai steps into the spotlight with an explorer’s heart and a scientist’s mind, and her chemistry with Flay and her rekindled connection with Rake adds layers of emotional complexity to the already dangerous waters they’re navigating.
The sailing contest is a brilliant narrative hook—competition meets politics meets survival—and Flay’s tension with his cruel father raises the stakes in a visceral way. This book leans more into the romance and emotional nuance than the sheer brutality of book one, but it still hits hard when it needs to. Rake remains a standout character—haunted and hopeful—and the world’s dark magic continues to surprise. The mermaid tech is wild in the best way, and the stakes are just as personal as they are political.
This sequel continues the high-stakes tension with a more introspective, emotional journey. Mai steps into the spotlight with an explorer’s heart and a scientist’s mind, and her chemistry with Flay and her rekindled connection with Rake adds layers of emotional complexity to the already dangerous waters they’re navigating.
The sailing contest is a brilliant narrative hook—competition meets politics meets survival—and Flay’s tension with his cruel father raises the stakes in a visceral way. This book leans more into the romance and emotional nuance than the sheer brutality of book one, but it still hits hard when it needs to. Rake remains a standout character—haunted and hopeful—and the world’s dark magic continues to surprise. The mermaid tech is wild in the best way, and the stakes are just as personal as they are political.
July 21, 2022
It has been awhile since I read book 1, so I had to refresh a little to remember all I read and could go into this one confidently.
Great story, the moment towards the beginning when Rake sees Jewel again... my heart <3 So sweet. The dynamics between the characters were interesting and kept me reading to the very end.
I recommend you read this, but make sure you have read book 1, The Teeth in the Tide first.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great story, the moment towards the beginning when Rake sees Jewel again... my heart <3 So sweet. The dynamics between the characters were interesting and kept me reading to the very end.
I recommend you read this, but make sure you have read book 1, The Teeth in the Tide first.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2022
Another great entry in the Savage Seas series, it had what I wanted from a mermaid story. The characters were great and I enjoyed the growth from the first book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2023
so hard to put down!
This series has been such a fun one to read. At no point could I have guessed where the story was going. The characters are well written, the plot is mesmerizing, and the world building is so different and interesting. This author has done it once again!
This series has been such a fun one to read. At no point could I have guessed where the story was going. The characters are well written, the plot is mesmerizing, and the world building is so different and interesting. This author has done it once again!
May 27, 2024
Better than the previous (though that one was still good). It did feel odd to switch to Mai as the love interest, but I actually like her more as a character.
This book would have been FANTASTIC if there had been one pair to focus on. A few too many characters, a few too many points of view
This book would have been FANTASTIC if there had been one pair to focus on. A few too many characters, a few too many points of view
January 18, 2026
I really loved this book as an ending to the duo-logy! You get to see them fight for freedom and then see how they rebuild after! I think Mai have 6 halfbreeds in one pregnancy might be a little far fetched but I guess we did have octomom so I’ll let it slide. Overall really good!!
July 11, 2022
I loved the first book and this one is just as good. These books will go in my list of books to reread. I received an ARC version of this book and am leaving my opinion voluntarily.
September 23, 2022
I was worried for poor Rake at the end of book one, but Kenney did an excellent job tying up this story. If possible, I think I enjoyed this one more than the first.
October 12, 2023
I loved this. I loved seeing Mai and Rake's love bloom and I loved how everyone got a happy ending
January 20, 2024
Perfect ending to the series
June 25, 2024
It was a perfect ending.
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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