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The Deep Saga #1
Sea of Evil and Desire
A LOVE BOUND BY FATE. A KINGDOM ON THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION.
Beneath the waves, an ancient feud between the Mer and Drowned has simmered for centuries, sparked by a forbidden love and a tragic curse . . .
Morgana Scott isn’t like anyone else—she senses people’s feelings.
The unexpected death of her grandmother sends her to Ruadán’s Port, a windswept seaside town on Scotland’s Isle of Islay.
Steeped in superstition and shadowed by eerie tales of Mer, Selkies, gods, and ghosts, the town holds a history as restless as the sea itself.
Here, she meets Finn—magnetic, dark, and utterly unreadable. His mystery pulls her in, but the very thing that intrigues her might be why she should keep her distance.
As the festival of Samhain approaches, the ocean whispers tales of the dead, and an ancient prophecy stirs—one that could unravel everything Morgana thought she knew about herself and the world beneath the waves.
Here is what readers say about the author:
"The chemistry between Finn and Morgana is a slow-burn romance layered with tension, secrets, and undeniable passion." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beneath the waves, an ancient feud between the Mer and Drowned has simmered for centuries, sparked by a forbidden love and a tragic curse . . .
Morgana Scott isn’t like anyone else—she senses people’s feelings.
The unexpected death of her grandmother sends her to Ruadán’s Port, a windswept seaside town on Scotland’s Isle of Islay.
Steeped in superstition and shadowed by eerie tales of Mer, Selkies, gods, and ghosts, the town holds a history as restless as the sea itself.
Here, she meets Finn—magnetic, dark, and utterly unreadable. His mystery pulls her in, but the very thing that intrigues her might be why she should keep her distance.
As the festival of Samhain approaches, the ocean whispers tales of the dead, and an ancient prophecy stirs—one that could unravel everything Morgana thought she knew about herself and the world beneath the waves.
Here is what readers say about the author:
"The chemistry between Finn and Morgana is a slow-burn romance layered with tension, secrets, and undeniable passion." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
462 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2025
48 people are currently reading
17329 people want to read
About the author
J. Střelou
3 books117 followersJulia Střelou (J. Střelou) is an indie fantasy romance author and poet.
She was born in Glasgow and raised in Australia on a hippie commune without electricity, where she spent her time lost in books. She now lives in beautiful Middle-earth, AKA. New Zealand.
She is a hopeless romantic and loves weaving intricate tales of tortured hearts in magical worlds.
Millions worldwide have shared her short poems about love, heartbreak, and healing. Sea of Evil and Desire is her debut novel.
She was born in Glasgow and raised in Australia on a hippie commune without electricity, where she spent her time lost in books. She now lives in beautiful Middle-earth, AKA. New Zealand.
She is a hopeless romantic and loves weaving intricate tales of tortured hearts in magical worlds.
Millions worldwide have shared her short poems about love, heartbreak, and healing. Sea of Evil and Desire is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
April 23, 2025
This first book in what I’m sure will be a wonderful series is chock FULL of vibrant and magical world building. The whole ocean is well developed into different realms with different creatures and lore and characters.
I was entranced by the plot and each moment spent under the sea. I do wish Morgana was a bit older, the market is saturated with new adult romantasy stories, so having a more mature main character would be a bit different and more appealing to readers in outside of their 20s.
Would love to read the next book, it ends on a cliffhanger, so I hope there’s a second one in the works!
Thank you to NetGalley & the author for a copy to read and review!
I was entranced by the plot and each moment spent under the sea. I do wish Morgana was a bit older, the market is saturated with new adult romantasy stories, so having a more mature main character would be a bit different and more appealing to readers in outside of their 20s.
Would love to read the next book, it ends on a cliffhanger, so I hope there’s a second one in the works!
Thank you to NetGalley & the author for a copy to read and review!
June 15, 2025
at the start I was immersed and I did enjoy it but the more I read the more red flags were popping up for me. the characters in this did not read their age. the main character is 20 and she felt 16. one of the love interests is 28, and again he read 16/17. other than the romance, this book read like a middle grade book: the plot, the writing, the characters.
the story took so long to begin and it felt like I was reading set up for the first 40%.
it did pick up around the 60% mark but unfortunately it was not enough for me to rate the book as a whole higher
the story took so long to begin and it felt like I was reading set up for the first 40%.
it did pick up around the 60% mark but unfortunately it was not enough for me to rate the book as a whole higher
April 28, 2025
I’m so glad I got the chance to be an ARC reader of this book. I absolutely loved the underwater world. I was hooked in by the simmering romance and couldn’t put it down. I got that sad feeling when in it was over 'cause I just wanted to be back under the sea! Looking forward to the next one!
September 1, 2025
✦⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆✦
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Review ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
4.5 stars!!
Hey you! The one reading this…you NEED to go pick up this book right now! I promise you won’t regret it. A romantasy based on mermaids?! I didn’t know what I was walking into but I loved it. The whole time I was reading, the inner critique in me was trying to find faults and I couldn’t find any.
Mysterious - CHECK
Entertaining -CHECK
Fast paced - CHECK
Immersive world building - CHECK
Hooked from page one - CHECK
Poetic, fierce, descriptive, witty, good writing - CHECK
Gripping story that I couldn’t put down - CHECK
Attractive FMC and MMC - CHECK
✦⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆✦
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Quotes ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
“ɪ'ᴅ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜱᴇᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏᴄᴇᴀɴ ɪɴ ʀᴇᴀʟ ʟɪꜰᴇ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀꜱ ɪᴛ ᴜɴꜰᴏʟᴅᴇᴅ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ᴍᴇ, ᴀ ᴍᴀꜱꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴅᴇᴇᴘ ʙʟᴜᴇꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ɢʀᴀʏꜱ, ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴛʀᴀɴꜱꜰɪxᴇᴅ.”
“ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴜɴɴʏ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ꜱᴇʟꜰ-ᴄᴀʀᴇ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴏɴᴄᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ʙᴇɢɪɴ ᴛᴏ ʜᴏʟᴅ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴛᴏ ᴀ ʜɪɢʜᴇʀ ꜱᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʀᴅ, ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇꜱᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴀʏ ᴛᴏᴏ.”
“ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴍᴏᴏɴ ᴀᴍᴏɴɢꜱᴛ ᴘᴀʀᴛɪɴɢ ᴄʟᴏᴜᴅꜱ, ɢᴜɪᴅɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴏʀᴍ, ᴀ ʟɪɢʜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋꜱ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴍʏ ᴅᴀʀᴋᴇꜱᴛ ᴡᴀᴛᴇʀꜱ, ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴏɴɢ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴀ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴄᴀʟʟɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ʙᴀᴄᴋ . . . ʏᴏᴜ, ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ᴍʏ ʜᴏʀɪᴢᴏɴ, ᴏꜰꜰᴇʀɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴀ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ɪ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴋɴᴇᴡ ᴇxɪꜱᴛᴇᴅ. ɪ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ’ꜱ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ᴜꜱ. ᴇᴠᴇɴ ɪꜰ ɪᴛ’ꜱ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴀ ꜱɪɴɢʟᴇ ᴅʀᴏᴘ, ʙᴀʀᴇʟʏ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛᴏ ᴛᴀꜱᴛᴇ, ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴅʀᴏᴘ, ɪ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ꜱᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴇ.”
“ꜱʜᴇ ɪꜱ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʙᴏɴᴇꜱ, ᴍʏ ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ, ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴘᴀᴄᴇꜱ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ʙʀᴇᴀᴛʜ. ɴᴏ ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴀ ᴏʀ ꜱᴋʏ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴘᴜʟʟ ʜᴇʀ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴍᴇ ɴᴏᴡ.”
“ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴀʀʟɪɢʜᴛ ʀᴇꜰʟᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀᴠᴇꜱ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴍɪꜱᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛɪᴍᴇꜱ ᴄᴏᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɪꜱʟᴇꜱ, ᴡʀᴀᴘᴘɪɴɢ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅʀᴀᴡɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ɪɴᴛᴏ ʜᴇʀ.”
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Review ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
4.5 stars!!
Hey you! The one reading this…you NEED to go pick up this book right now! I promise you won’t regret it. A romantasy based on mermaids?! I didn’t know what I was walking into but I loved it. The whole time I was reading, the inner critique in me was trying to find faults and I couldn’t find any.
Mysterious - CHECK
Entertaining -CHECK
Fast paced - CHECK
Immersive world building - CHECK
Hooked from page one - CHECK
Poetic, fierce, descriptive, witty, good writing - CHECK
Gripping story that I couldn’t put down - CHECK
Attractive FMC and MMC - CHECK
✦⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆✦
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Quotes ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
“ɪ'ᴅ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜱᴇᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏᴄᴇᴀɴ ɪɴ ʀᴇᴀʟ ʟɪꜰᴇ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀꜱ ɪᴛ ᴜɴꜰᴏʟᴅᴇᴅ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ᴍᴇ, ᴀ ᴍᴀꜱꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴅᴇᴇᴘ ʙʟᴜᴇꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ɢʀᴀʏꜱ, ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴛʀᴀɴꜱꜰɪxᴇᴅ.”
“ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴜɴɴʏ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ꜱᴇʟꜰ-ᴄᴀʀᴇ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴏɴᴄᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ʙᴇɢɪɴ ᴛᴏ ʜᴏʟᴅ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴛᴏ ᴀ ʜɪɢʜᴇʀ ꜱᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʀᴅ, ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇꜱᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴀʏ ᴛᴏᴏ.”
“ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴍᴏᴏɴ ᴀᴍᴏɴɢꜱᴛ ᴘᴀʀᴛɪɴɢ ᴄʟᴏᴜᴅꜱ, ɢᴜɪᴅɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴏʀᴍ, ᴀ ʟɪɢʜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋꜱ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴍʏ ᴅᴀʀᴋᴇꜱᴛ ᴡᴀᴛᴇʀꜱ, ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴏɴɢ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴀ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴄᴀʟʟɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ʙᴀᴄᴋ . . . ʏᴏᴜ, ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ᴍʏ ʜᴏʀɪᴢᴏɴ, ᴏꜰꜰᴇʀɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴀ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ɪ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴋɴᴇᴡ ᴇxɪꜱᴛᴇᴅ. ɪ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ’ꜱ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ᴜꜱ. ᴇᴠᴇɴ ɪꜰ ɪᴛ’ꜱ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴀ ꜱɪɴɢʟᴇ ᴅʀᴏᴘ, ʙᴀʀᴇʟʏ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛᴏ ᴛᴀꜱᴛᴇ, ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴅʀᴏᴘ, ɪ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ꜱᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴇ.”
“ꜱʜᴇ ɪꜱ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʙᴏɴᴇꜱ, ᴍʏ ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ, ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴘᴀᴄᴇꜱ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ʙʀᴇᴀᴛʜ. ɴᴏ ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴀ ᴏʀ ꜱᴋʏ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴘᴜʟʟ ʜᴇʀ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴍᴇ ɴᴏᴡ.”
“ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴀʀʟɪɢʜᴛ ʀᴇꜰʟᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀᴠᴇꜱ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴍɪꜱᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛɪᴍᴇꜱ ᴄᴏᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɪꜱʟᴇꜱ, ᴡʀᴀᴘᴘɪɴɢ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅʀᴀᴡɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ɪɴᴛᴏ ʜᴇʀ.”
May 6, 2025
This was something different and adventurous. It's a dark Romantasy in a world of lore, myth and sea creatures. Morgana thinks she's human until her dreams turn dark, she sees impossible things and the ocean lures her away. Finn, the mysterious new stranger is also full of secrets, but is drawn to Morgana.
It's an intriguing story with magical worldbuilding and lots of mystery that ends on a cliffhanger.
It's an intriguing story with magical worldbuilding and lots of mystery that ends on a cliffhanger.
October 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sea of Evil and Desire has a great premise filled with Celtic folklore, dark secrets, and the haunting beauty of the Scottish coast. The setting of Ruadán’s Port was atmospheric and full of eerie myths that really brought the story to life.
While I loved the idea and the moody tone, the pacing felt a bit uneven. Some parts dragged while others moved too quickly. Morgana was interesting, but I struggled to fully connect with her, and the romance with Finn didn’t have the spark I was hoping for.
Overall, it’s an intriguing and well-written story with a lot of potential. Fans of dark coastal tales and myth-based fantasy might still really enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sea of Evil and Desire has a great premise filled with Celtic folklore, dark secrets, and the haunting beauty of the Scottish coast. The setting of Ruadán’s Port was atmospheric and full of eerie myths that really brought the story to life.
While I loved the idea and the moody tone, the pacing felt a bit uneven. Some parts dragged while others moved too quickly. Morgana was interesting, but I struggled to fully connect with her, and the romance with Finn didn’t have the spark I was hoping for.
Overall, it’s an intriguing and well-written story with a lot of potential. Fans of dark coastal tales and myth-based fantasy might still really enjoy this one.
May 7, 2025
Thank you to J. Střelou and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 1 star, DNF @20%.
Genre(s): new adult fantasy romance.
Overall impression: I was mistakenly under the impression that this was an adult dark fantasy romance novel with folklore elements. Instead, the characters spoke, thought and acted more like teenagers than adults and I found the plot to be extremely unbelievable and disjointed. There were so many awkward scenes that I just had to put the book down and couldn't push myself to finish it. It felt more like a coming-of-age story than anything else, which is a trope I no longer enjoy reading or relate to.
Statistics:
➵ Date read: 30/04/2025-07/05/25 DNF (8 days).
➵ Page count: 460
➵ Type: e-book.
➵ Volume: series.
➵ Special: NetGalley ARC.
Social Media Links:
Instagram | TikTok | Threads
Follow for reviews, unboxings and book aesthetic videos.
Rating: 1 star, DNF @20%.
Genre(s): new adult fantasy romance.
Overall impression: I was mistakenly under the impression that this was an adult dark fantasy romance novel with folklore elements. Instead, the characters spoke, thought and acted more like teenagers than adults and I found the plot to be extremely unbelievable and disjointed. There were so many awkward scenes that I just had to put the book down and couldn't push myself to finish it. It felt more like a coming-of-age story than anything else, which is a trope I no longer enjoy reading or relate to.
Statistics:
➵ Date read: 30/04/2025-07/05/25 DNF (8 days).
➵ Page count: 460
➵ Type: e-book.
➵ Volume: series.
➵ Special: NetGalley ARC.
Social Media Links:
Instagram | TikTok | Threads
Follow for reviews, unboxings and book aesthetic videos.
July 30, 2025
A sea fantasy book perfect for the summer but the MMC is the merman 🧜♂️ and if you love sirens and selkies in your books then this is for you!
Big thank you to the author for sending me a copy of her book! I absolutely love and adored the magical elements and creatures in this book as it really brought out to your imagination!
I’m also a Pisces, so I’ve always loved the water and the ocean in general and when I was a kid I’ve always dreamed of becoming a mermaid 😂 and this book really made me feel those feelings as a child again but experiencing it inside this book 💙🧜♂️🧜♀️
Big thank you to the author for sending me a copy of her book! I absolutely love and adored the magical elements and creatures in this book as it really brought out to your imagination!
I’m also a Pisces, so I’ve always loved the water and the ocean in general and when I was a kid I’ve always dreamed of becoming a mermaid 😂 and this book really made me feel those feelings as a child again but experiencing it inside this book 💙🧜♂️🧜♀️
May 5, 2025
Review: Sea of Evil and Desire by Julia Strelou
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Sea of Evil and Desire is a lyrical, emotionally charged tale of fated mates, set in a kingdom teetering on the edge of ruin. Without giving away spoilers, the male lead gives off strong Kai Azer energy—he’s a man bound by blood to a mad king, burdened by duty and tainted by violence. Emotions are a weakness he cannot afford… until he’s sent to investigate a curious human girl. A girl who might be the key to a prophecy that could reduce his burning kingdom to sand.
Only, his powers don’t work on her. But she works on him. Irrevocably. Her presence unsettles him, her allure anchors him. And when he realizes who she truly is, he would burn the world he’s sworn to protect just to keep her safe.
This fantasy novel weaves sensuality, ancient secrets, found family, rebirth, and prophecy into a rich, romantic narrative. The emotional stakes are intense, the conflict devastating, and the ache between the two leads—palpable. It’s a story of lovers fated by the gods not to save the sea, but to end it. The catch? Finn and Morgana love each other as deeply as they love the sea.
In a war of love versus duty, which will survive? When destiny calls for destruction, can love still be salvation—or is it simply the gods’ most poetic form of revenge?
Julia Strelou writes like a poet. The prose is beautiful and immersive, full of lyrical sentences that beg to be underlined. My only critique would be that the worldbuilding occasionally felt overwritten, especially in the setting descriptions. But for a fantasy realm as layered as this one, it may have been necessary to ease into the depth.
The book ends on a cliffhanger—sort of. Will I read the next one? Absolutely.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy.
Find full review, edits of the book and highlighted quotes on my bookstagram @booktaletalks
The post link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJRvTZdT9...
Sea of Evil and Desire is a lyrical, emotionally charged tale of fated mates, set in a kingdom teetering on the edge of ruin. Without giving away spoilers, the male lead gives off strong Kai Azer energy—he’s a man bound by blood to a mad king, burdened by duty and tainted by violence. Emotions are a weakness he cannot afford… until he’s sent to investigate a curious human girl. A girl who might be the key to a prophecy that could reduce his burning kingdom to sand.
Only, his powers don’t work on her. But she works on him. Irrevocably. Her presence unsettles him, her allure anchors him. And when he realizes who she truly is, he would burn the world he’s sworn to protect just to keep her safe.
This fantasy novel weaves sensuality, ancient secrets, found family, rebirth, and prophecy into a rich, romantic narrative. The emotional stakes are intense, the conflict devastating, and the ache between the two leads—palpable. It’s a story of lovers fated by the gods not to save the sea, but to end it. The catch? Finn and Morgana love each other as deeply as they love the sea.
In a war of love versus duty, which will survive? When destiny calls for destruction, can love still be salvation—or is it simply the gods’ most poetic form of revenge?
Julia Strelou writes like a poet. The prose is beautiful and immersive, full of lyrical sentences that beg to be underlined. My only critique would be that the worldbuilding occasionally felt overwritten, especially in the setting descriptions. But for a fantasy realm as layered as this one, it may have been necessary to ease into the depth.
The book ends on a cliffhanger—sort of. Will I read the next one? Absolutely.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy.
Find full review, edits of the book and highlighted quotes on my bookstagram @booktaletalks
The post link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJRvTZdT9...
May 6, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and J. Strelou for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the concept of this book as it's not my usual type of read.
I found the story interesting and liked the small town trope. I found the plot intriguing and liked how it unravelled slowly.
I think if you are a fan of aquatic mythology, this is a great read, but I've found it not to be a favourite of mine. I would definitely recommend for readers who are fans of Mer-people, sirens, selkies, and underwater kingdoms full of mystery.
I would have liked the romance to run a bit deeper but enjoyed it none the less.
I liked the duel POV and the characters.
Thank you again
I loved the concept of this book as it's not my usual type of read.
I found the story interesting and liked the small town trope. I found the plot intriguing and liked how it unravelled slowly.
I think if you are a fan of aquatic mythology, this is a great read, but I've found it not to be a favourite of mine. I would definitely recommend for readers who are fans of Mer-people, sirens, selkies, and underwater kingdoms full of mystery.
I would have liked the romance to run a bit deeper but enjoyed it none the less.
I liked the duel POV and the characters.
Thank you again
April 16, 2025
SEA OF EVIL & DESIRE 🫧🌊 4.5⭐️
Wow, this is such an emotional journey. I absolutely loved reading this book, watching Morganna (FMC) and Finn (MMC) develop as characters throughout the book, seeing their journey. Just incredible.
Firstly LOVE the map and the glossary!
We’re introduced to Morganna our FMC living with her mother. However her grandmother passed away and she’s forced to go to stay with her grandfather in England. Scotland to be specific, in a coastal town called Ruadán’s Port. Which i absolutely love. Her mother never wants to go back there, we’re left asking questions like why? And I became very intrigued into the story immediately.
There’s lots of weird paranormal instances occurring once she settles in the town. Hearing songs, seeing people with sunken faces and people who disappear.
We’re then introduced to Finn our MMC, he’s absolutely gorgeous. However alluring and suspicious. We get glimpses of what we think his personality is and then it changes. I felt myself desperately asking who is he? What is he about? It kept me on edge THE WHOLE TIME.
This was literally what I wrote whilst reading the book.
“Who is Finn? I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HES ABOUT, WHY DOESN’T HE HAVE NETFLIX? WHY DOES HE SEEM SO ARROGANT THEN CHARMING? He’s strange”
Morganna starts hearing the music of the sea and how this connects with her and her grandmother as she has dreams of the deep sea, what lies beneath is it real or true? She has the insignia mark of the kingdom of the deep, her dreams show her “the drowned” - everyone who’s ever drowned at sea.
Morganna had a dream but wasn’t a dream then disappeared for 2 days. This is where the journey begins, there’s so much plot to the story, and I never knew what direction it was going to go in. The world building is really well written and can visualise everything so clearly.
🫧 DUAL POV
🌊 DARK AND MYSTERIOUS MMC
🫧 SLOW BURN
🌊 UNDERWATER WORLD
🫧 MYTHS & LEGENDS
🌊 SCOTLAND SETTING
🫧 DARK ROMANTASY 🌶️
🌊 UNIQUE LORE & MAGIC SYSTEM
🫧 POLITICAL INTRIGUE
Thank you so much J Strelou for the ARC, I throughly enjoyed this and desperate to see Morganna & Finn’s story continue.
Wow, this is such an emotional journey. I absolutely loved reading this book, watching Morganna (FMC) and Finn (MMC) develop as characters throughout the book, seeing their journey. Just incredible.
Firstly LOVE the map and the glossary!
We’re introduced to Morganna our FMC living with her mother. However her grandmother passed away and she’s forced to go to stay with her grandfather in England. Scotland to be specific, in a coastal town called Ruadán’s Port. Which i absolutely love. Her mother never wants to go back there, we’re left asking questions like why? And I became very intrigued into the story immediately.
There’s lots of weird paranormal instances occurring once she settles in the town. Hearing songs, seeing people with sunken faces and people who disappear.
We’re then introduced to Finn our MMC, he’s absolutely gorgeous. However alluring and suspicious. We get glimpses of what we think his personality is and then it changes. I felt myself desperately asking who is he? What is he about? It kept me on edge THE WHOLE TIME.
This was literally what I wrote whilst reading the book.
“Who is Finn? I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HES ABOUT, WHY DOESN’T HE HAVE NETFLIX? WHY DOES HE SEEM SO ARROGANT THEN CHARMING? He’s strange”
Morganna starts hearing the music of the sea and how this connects with her and her grandmother as she has dreams of the deep sea, what lies beneath is it real or true? She has the insignia mark of the kingdom of the deep, her dreams show her “the drowned” - everyone who’s ever drowned at sea.
Morganna had a dream but wasn’t a dream then disappeared for 2 days. This is where the journey begins, there’s so much plot to the story, and I never knew what direction it was going to go in. The world building is really well written and can visualise everything so clearly.
🫧 DUAL POV
🌊 DARK AND MYSTERIOUS MMC
🫧 SLOW BURN
🌊 UNDERWATER WORLD
🫧 MYTHS & LEGENDS
🌊 SCOTLAND SETTING
🫧 DARK ROMANTASY 🌶️
🌊 UNIQUE LORE & MAGIC SYSTEM
🫧 POLITICAL INTRIGUE
Thank you so much J Strelou for the ARC, I throughly enjoyed this and desperate to see Morganna & Finn’s story continue.
October 14, 2025
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book called, Sea of Evil and Desire. This is about Morgana, she lived her life feeling like an outsider and never quite fitting in because she's different. She can sense people's emotions and feelings, but she doesn't know why she's like this. When her grandmother suddenly passes, Morgana decides to move in with her grandfather instead of going to college. While living with her grandfather she starts to uncover the folklore tales and history of this little beach town about things like mer, ghosts, and selkies. She meets a dark and mysterious guy named Finn, and they can't seem to stay out of each other's orbit but they're both holding onto pretty big secrets. With an evil lurking in the shadows and then unexplainable things start happening, an ancient prophecy is revealed and Morgana finds out she might be meant for so much more than the life she thought she knew before coming to this little beach town. She might be the missing piece to saving not only the land but the sea as well.
This book was quite an adventure! There is so much folklore weaved throughout this story, it was so entertaining because it wasn't just a "mermaid story", it dove so much deeper than that and was so much more! I am eager to read book 2 and continue reading Morgana and Finn's story! I really enjoyed this one! 💙📚
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC of Sea of Evil and Desire, in exchange for an honest review.
This book was quite an adventure! There is so much folklore weaved throughout this story, it was so entertaining because it wasn't just a "mermaid story", it dove so much deeper than that and was so much more! I am eager to read book 2 and continue reading Morgana and Finn's story! I really enjoyed this one! 💙📚
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC of Sea of Evil and Desire, in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2025
I read this book in one sitting I could't put it down. I loved the unique world building, the slow burn and the suspense. I enjoyed the twists and turns of Finn and Morgana's aching relationship, the only issue I had was that there was a cliff hanger ending and the next book is not out yet! :(
Thank you to NetGalley and J Strelou for providing this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and J Strelou for providing this ARC.
July 10, 2025
Love destroys us in the most devastatingly beautiful way...and I would destroy myself a thousand times for you.
Wow! I love this book! I've never read a mermaid fantasy book before and this was perfect! The underwater world building was so well done that I felt like I was there! I love the Scottish folklore and Greek mythology! So fun! This did end on a cliffhanger :( I'm so excited and can't wait to read the second book! Thank you to NetGalley and J. Strelou for the opportunity to read this ARC!
~E📖
Wow! I love this book! I've never read a mermaid fantasy book before and this was perfect! The underwater world building was so well done that I felt like I was there! I love the Scottish folklore and Greek mythology! So fun! This did end on a cliffhanger :( I'm so excited and can't wait to read the second book! Thank you to NetGalley and J. Strelou for the opportunity to read this ARC!
~E📖
August 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
🌶️🌶️½ spice
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly
Oh. My. God. 😱 I feel like I was strapped into a roller coaster—my emotions grabbed and thrown through a windmill of feelings.
How can I sum up what I just read? One word: outstanding. If I could stand and slow clap for the author, I would 👏👏👏. As I write this review, it’s 5AM. Do you think I could sleep? Nope. This book had me in a death grip, and I could not put it down until I had basked in the entire thing.
Where do I even begin?
The writing style was fantastic and easy to read. I did have a small issue with a sudden transition near the start that felt a bit jarring—but honestly, that’s my only complaint.
The level of detail and the raw, clear portrayal of loss and grief had me ugly sobbing 😭. It pulled up memories of my own losses, and I felt the grief like it was my own. The author nailed it.
Then came the mystery and the heat—it felt like a murder mystery one moment and a teen drama the next, but the way it all flowed together was flawless. I was completely drawn into the details of the undersea world like I was being called by sirens myself. I was happy to be lost there... and miss sleep because of it.
The overall atmosphere was epic—a rich mix of deep emotions, unspeakable secrets, and the unknown. It wraps you in a tight grip and refuses to let go.
One of the best things about this book? I’ve never read anything like it. It was so, so, so well done. Even with its intricate storyline, it had a beautiful slow burn, a strong sense of longing, and a perfect level of spice 🌶️ that never overshadowed the heart of the story.
Would I recommend it?
Hands down, YES. It’s a brilliant book and a must-read.
Would I read it again?
Absolutely! This is a new fan favorite for me 💖
How would I sum it up?
A very different, emotionally rich, late-night read that blends mystery, fantasy, grief, and heat into one unforgettable ride. A perfect mix of emotion, story, and spice that’ll keep you up all night
🌶️🌶️½ spice
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly
Oh. My. God. 😱 I feel like I was strapped into a roller coaster—my emotions grabbed and thrown through a windmill of feelings.
How can I sum up what I just read? One word: outstanding. If I could stand and slow clap for the author, I would 👏👏👏. As I write this review, it’s 5AM. Do you think I could sleep? Nope. This book had me in a death grip, and I could not put it down until I had basked in the entire thing.
Where do I even begin?
The writing style was fantastic and easy to read. I did have a small issue with a sudden transition near the start that felt a bit jarring—but honestly, that’s my only complaint.
The level of detail and the raw, clear portrayal of loss and grief had me ugly sobbing 😭. It pulled up memories of my own losses, and I felt the grief like it was my own. The author nailed it.
Then came the mystery and the heat—it felt like a murder mystery one moment and a teen drama the next, but the way it all flowed together was flawless. I was completely drawn into the details of the undersea world like I was being called by sirens myself. I was happy to be lost there... and miss sleep because of it.
The overall atmosphere was epic—a rich mix of deep emotions, unspeakable secrets, and the unknown. It wraps you in a tight grip and refuses to let go.
One of the best things about this book? I’ve never read anything like it. It was so, so, so well done. Even with its intricate storyline, it had a beautiful slow burn, a strong sense of longing, and a perfect level of spice 🌶️ that never overshadowed the heart of the story.
Would I recommend it?
Hands down, YES. It’s a brilliant book and a must-read.
Would I read it again?
Absolutely! This is a new fan favorite for me 💖
How would I sum it up?
A very different, emotionally rich, late-night read that blends mystery, fantasy, grief, and heat into one unforgettable ride. A perfect mix of emotion, story, and spice that’ll keep you up all night
May 31, 2025
Okay, thank goodness for this book and getting me out of my May reading slump 🫣 I read this baby in 2 days 😅📚
It was a fabulous tale of ancient sea folklore steeped in adventure and mystery of the unknown. For ALL undersea lovers, THIS is the book for you!
We've got:
Humans
Mer
Sirens
Selkies
Drowned(Humans)
and an array of marvellous sea creatures. This book had it all!!!
It follows Morgana, who is a little bit different. Going back to care for her Grandfather in a small port town after her Grandmothers death.
I liked Morgana and found her confusion and disbelief extremely relatable and real. I like to read about FMCs who aren't born assassins and know everything 😅 so sue me. 🤷♀️
I thoroughly enjoyed the shift between land and the undersea world and the complexity of the both. And Finn, ahhhhh Finn. The broody, dark and complex MMC. Another poor tortured soul who I want to help SO badly!!
There is some amazing side characters too! Can't wait for book 2 🙌📚
It was a fabulous tale of ancient sea folklore steeped in adventure and mystery of the unknown. For ALL undersea lovers, THIS is the book for you!
We've got:
Humans
Mer
Sirens
Selkies
Drowned(Humans)
and an array of marvellous sea creatures. This book had it all!!!
It follows Morgana, who is a little bit different. Going back to care for her Grandfather in a small port town after her Grandmothers death.
I liked Morgana and found her confusion and disbelief extremely relatable and real. I like to read about FMCs who aren't born assassins and know everything 😅 so sue me. 🤷♀️
I thoroughly enjoyed the shift between land and the undersea world and the complexity of the both. And Finn, ahhhhh Finn. The broody, dark and complex MMC. Another poor tortured soul who I want to help SO badly!!
There is some amazing side characters too! Can't wait for book 2 🙌📚
May 1, 2025
Oh my Finn! This book was incredible.
The writing style kept me captivated and on the edge of my seat the entire ride. I loved the darkness in this book of the main characters, and how they developed.
My first sea/underwater adventure and it was written so well. Morally grey mmc and virg!n mfc go hand in hand. There’s plenty of action, plot twists, and I love the complexity of the family houses and kingdoms. The descriptions of the underwater world were incredible, between the Mer, the Drowned, the sea life and the SS Lady Davey I felt I was right there.
I would have liked to have seen more from Robbie, I feel he could have been a bigger part of the story but then if you’d read the book you know why he may be shying away! And Skye, I hope she gets her revenge, iykyk.
Thank you for allowing me to read this ahead of publication :)
The writing style kept me captivated and on the edge of my seat the entire ride. I loved the darkness in this book of the main characters, and how they developed.
My first sea/underwater adventure and it was written so well. Morally grey mmc and virg!n mfc go hand in hand. There’s plenty of action, plot twists, and I love the complexity of the family houses and kingdoms. The descriptions of the underwater world were incredible, between the Mer, the Drowned, the sea life and the SS Lady Davey I felt I was right there.
I would have liked to have seen more from Robbie, I feel he could have been a bigger part of the story but then if you’d read the book you know why he may be shying away! And Skye, I hope she gets her revenge, iykyk.
Thank you for allowing me to read this ahead of publication :)
October 29, 2025
*Arc review*
Firstly thank you to J. Střelou and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Well now, after a slow start (for me) this was one of those books that was a hidden gem.
We have an FMC who relocates to Scotland and uncovers secrets that people would like to stay buried and an MMC with secrets of his own.
The world building for their undersea adventures is beautifully written, Just wish we went a little more indepth with the different species but I'm sure that will become more as the story unfolds and the slow burn in this book is delightful.
I'm glad I carried this on as now I can't wait to read more books about underwater worlds
Firstly thank you to J. Střelou and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Well now, after a slow start (for me) this was one of those books that was a hidden gem.
We have an FMC who relocates to Scotland and uncovers secrets that people would like to stay buried and an MMC with secrets of his own.
The world building for their undersea adventures is beautifully written, Just wish we went a little more indepth with the different species but I'm sure that will become more as the story unfolds and the slow burn in this book is delightful.
I'm glad I carried this on as now I can't wait to read more books about underwater worlds
May 9, 2025
I was so privileged to be given an ARC copy of this book. I love reading fantasy and this book didn’t disappoint! I was hooked from the first chapter and now desperate to read book two!! The character building was perfect and the world building had me living in a fantasy world alongside Morgana. If you only read one fantasy this year, let this be the one!!
January 24, 2025
Beautifully written and intriguing suspense.
January 18, 2026
For someone who is seeking mermaid books which focus more building a world filled with great characters and allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the underwater world, I thought this book was fantastic. I felt that the world building was great, loved the different races and the added folklore including selkies was wonderful.
This is one of the best mermaid books I’ve read. It’s a keeper for my growing underwater shelf.
Now looking into selkie books too thanks to this author 🙌
This is one of the best mermaid books I’ve read. It’s a keeper for my growing underwater shelf.
Now looking into selkie books too thanks to this author 🙌
April 8, 2025
Oh man I couldn’t even get though the first chapter. The writing just does not flow. Sorry!
June 5, 2025
When Morgana Scott’s grandmother dies unexpectedly, she’s drawn to the remote seaside town of Ruadán’s Port on Scotland’s Isle of Islay a place steeped in myth, folklore, and the haunting pull of the sea. Born with the rare gift to sense emotions, Morgana finds herself tangled in the town’s eerie legends of Mer, Selkies, and ancient curses. There, she meets the enigmatic and alluring Finn, whose presence is as magnetic as it is unsettling. As the mystical festival of Samhain nears, the ocean begins to stir with whispers of the past, awakening a centuries-old prophecy tied to a forbidden love and a curse that still lingers beneath the waves. As secrets rise with the tide, Morgana must uncover the truth about her destiny before an ancient feud threatens to destroy both worlds
I was lucky enough to receive a PR box from the author, and everything inside was absolutely beautiful! The presentation was stunning and made the whole experience even more special
The book cover is divine. I was instantly drawn to it which is why I reached out in the first place and I’m so glad I did. The design is gorgeous, and the attention to detail extends inside the book too, with beautiful chapter headings that really elevate the reading experience
This was my first adult mermaid book, and it did not disappoint. The premise was so interesting, and I loved how unique and whimsical the story felt. The writing was immersive and easy to follow, pulling me into this mysterious underwater world from the very start
The world-building was really well done. It didn’t feel info-dumpy or overwhelming. Instead, it was naturally woven into the story, making it feel rich and layered without ever dragging. The underwater setting and small coastal town vibe gave it the perfect balance of eerie and cosy
Let’s talk tropes, because this book had some of my favourites: Dual POV, Dark and Mysterious MMC, Underwater World, Small Town, Slow Burn, Myths & Legends, Romantasy, Political Intrigue, Unique Lore and Magic System, Scotland Setting basically a fantasy reader’s dream
The Drowned were such a fascinating addition. I thought they were written so well, and I’d love to learn more about them in the next book. The mix of mer, selkies, sirens, drowned, humans, and even adorable sea creatures created such a compelling and magical world
The dual POV added a lot to the story. It gave great insight into both leads and helped build the romantic tension beautifully. I also really enjoyed the side characters they were all written in such a unique and fun way. I hope we see more of them in the sequel because I already miss them!
The plot itself was layered with twists and subplots that kept things engaging the whole way through. It’s a dark romantasy filled with myth, magic, sea lore, and emotion. I honestly don’t know how much more I can say without spoiling anything, but if you love mermaids, legends, and adult romantasy with darker vibes, this book is a must-read
I’m already desperate for book two. It needs to be here now!
I was lucky enough to receive a PR box from the author, and everything inside was absolutely beautiful! The presentation was stunning and made the whole experience even more special
The book cover is divine. I was instantly drawn to it which is why I reached out in the first place and I’m so glad I did. The design is gorgeous, and the attention to detail extends inside the book too, with beautiful chapter headings that really elevate the reading experience
This was my first adult mermaid book, and it did not disappoint. The premise was so interesting, and I loved how unique and whimsical the story felt. The writing was immersive and easy to follow, pulling me into this mysterious underwater world from the very start
The world-building was really well done. It didn’t feel info-dumpy or overwhelming. Instead, it was naturally woven into the story, making it feel rich and layered without ever dragging. The underwater setting and small coastal town vibe gave it the perfect balance of eerie and cosy
Let’s talk tropes, because this book had some of my favourites: Dual POV, Dark and Mysterious MMC, Underwater World, Small Town, Slow Burn, Myths & Legends, Romantasy, Political Intrigue, Unique Lore and Magic System, Scotland Setting basically a fantasy reader’s dream
The Drowned were such a fascinating addition. I thought they were written so well, and I’d love to learn more about them in the next book. The mix of mer, selkies, sirens, drowned, humans, and even adorable sea creatures created such a compelling and magical world
The dual POV added a lot to the story. It gave great insight into both leads and helped build the romantic tension beautifully. I also really enjoyed the side characters they were all written in such a unique and fun way. I hope we see more of them in the sequel because I already miss them!
The plot itself was layered with twists and subplots that kept things engaging the whole way through. It’s a dark romantasy filled with myth, magic, sea lore, and emotion. I honestly don’t know how much more I can say without spoiling anything, but if you love mermaids, legends, and adult romantasy with darker vibes, this book is a must-read
I’m already desperate for book two. It needs to be here now!
August 16, 2025
I had three (main) problems with this book:
1. I was so bored. Pages were turning but nothing was happening. Morgana didn't seem to have that much motivation to do things? I can't really explain it, but she'd wake up in a strange location and didn't show much of an urge to figure out what's going on, why she was there, or how to get home. There was no hustle or push to motivate the characters and the reader. It just felt slow.
2. The characters. They all read as teenagers- naive, simple, lust-filled teenagers. All of them. Also, justice for Morgana's human friend who appeared a bunch in the beginning, dropped the revelation that she moved in with her boyfriend and was a victim of DA, and then vanished?? Because Morgana didn't care or react all that much to this enormous, DANGEROUS revelation, and then they said goodbye for the day, and that was it. It's just- it really showed Morgana's character and how self-absorbed she kind of was (or how much of a throwaway character her friend was, I guess) because she didn't even think about her friend after that. Not only does that show how to be a bad friend, but it also just wrote off the DA issue.
3. All the sex/innuendos. Why was literally every character thinking about sex all the time? Also, WHAT'S WITH THE CONSTANT SA MENTIONS??? Not only is SA insinuated several times but it also almost happens once with little to no consequences??? Why was it there? What was the point? Because all the constant mentions did was put a poor taste in my mouth. I also don't feel like making sex a large part of the story was that great a choice. Maybe the author didn't mean for it to be such a large part, but it felt like it was when Morgana could not stop her lustful thoughts, even when she found out Finn was engaged !! And after they had multiple conversations about how he was most definitely engaged !!
Idk. It's like the only way to show the two had chemistry was to make them constantly think about sex.
I just couldn't get into the story. The plot idea is good, but the flow was off and the characters could not act their age.
thank you Netgalley and J. Střelou for the arc
1. I was so bored. Pages were turning but nothing was happening. Morgana didn't seem to have that much motivation to do things? I can't really explain it, but she'd wake up in a strange location and didn't show much of an urge to figure out what's going on, why she was there, or how to get home. There was no hustle or push to motivate the characters and the reader. It just felt slow.
2. The characters. They all read as teenagers- naive, simple, lust-filled teenagers. All of them. Also, justice for Morgana's human friend who appeared a bunch in the beginning, dropped the revelation that she moved in with her boyfriend and was a victim of DA, and then vanished?? Because Morgana didn't care or react all that much to this enormous, DANGEROUS revelation, and then they said goodbye for the day, and that was it. It's just- it really showed Morgana's character and how self-absorbed she kind of was (or how much of a throwaway character her friend was, I guess) because she didn't even think about her friend after that. Not only does that show how to be a bad friend, but it also just wrote off the DA issue.
3. All the sex/innuendos. Why was literally every character thinking about sex all the time? Also, WHAT'S WITH THE CONSTANT SA MENTIONS??? Not only is SA insinuated several times but it also almost happens once with little to no consequences??? Why was it there? What was the point? Because all the constant mentions did was put a poor taste in my mouth. I also don't feel like making sex a large part of the story was that great a choice. Maybe the author didn't mean for it to be such a large part, but it felt like it was when Morgana could not stop her lustful thoughts, even when she found out Finn was engaged !! And after they had multiple conversations about how he was most definitely engaged !!
Idk. It's like the only way to show the two had chemistry was to make them constantly think about sex.
I just couldn't get into the story. The plot idea is good, but the flow was off and the characters could not act their age.
thank you Netgalley and J. Střelou for the arc
April 18, 2025
4.75 🌟 - Thank you NetGalley and J Strelou for a copy of this ARC. I will be giving my honest review. WOW! The premise and delivery of this book was phenomenal. This is the first fantasy book/series that I have read that is set underwater. I thought the world building of Ruadan Port, SS Jones' Lady & the Seven different kingdoms was so interesting and such an original idea. I enjoyed learning about the history of both the port and the underwater locations and the history behind the ongoing feud between the mer and the drowned. The imagery and descriptions of all of the places was written so well that you could just imagine everything so vividly.
I LOVED the slow burn romance between Finn and Morgana and I thought they were so cute together. I hope in the rest of the series we will see this develop.
However, I do wish that there was more of a conclusion to the first book because it ended so abruptly (or maybe I just wanted to continue reading about these characters). When this book publishes on the 6th May, I implore you all to go, buy and read this book because I had such a fun time reading it.
TW : This book featured a lot of SA and dark themes so read cautiously at your own will. Some of the scenes made me feel a bit uncomfortable, but the TW are stated at the beginning of the book and more information is available online.
I LOVED the slow burn romance between Finn and Morgana and I thought they were so cute together. I hope in the rest of the series we will see this develop.
However, I do wish that there was more of a conclusion to the first book because it ended so abruptly (or maybe I just wanted to continue reading about these characters). When this book publishes on the 6th May, I implore you all to go, buy and read this book because I had such a fun time reading it.
TW : This book featured a lot of SA and dark themes so read cautiously at your own will. Some of the scenes made me feel a bit uncomfortable, but the TW are stated at the beginning of the book and more information is available online.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2025
4.5⭐️
2.5🌶️
‘Love is the reason for everything.
But it can also be our ruin.’
Wow. I could not put this down. I am so glad I was granted an eARC copy of this book. Thank you NetGalley.
I need book 2 now. I was not ready to leave this world behind AND I need to know what’s going to happen!
Dual POV
Small Scottish town
Mystery
Prophecy
Mer, Selkies, the Drowned
Slow burn
Dark Romantasy
Dark mysterious MMC
I wanted a mermaid/ocean fantasy and this book delivered!
Let me start by mentioning the beautiful map and glossary…..I was hooked before the story had begun. Then knowing it was set in a small Scottish town on an island and I was sold (I love anything Scottish). Also add the fact it is steeped in Scottish and Celtic mythology of the ocean….totally enraptured.
The writing was poetic and emotional. The plot and storyline was twisty without being far-fetched or predictable. The tension between our MMC and FMC was boiling, and had me yearning for them to be together. The FMC and MMC were likeable and the FMC relatable. The world building was magical and the reader discovered along with the FMC being shown through her eyes.
It ends on a plot twist that had me frustrated and wanting book 2 now!
2.5🌶️
‘Love is the reason for everything.
But it can also be our ruin.’
Wow. I could not put this down. I am so glad I was granted an eARC copy of this book. Thank you NetGalley.
I need book 2 now. I was not ready to leave this world behind AND I need to know what’s going to happen!
Dual POV
Small Scottish town
Mystery
Prophecy
Mer, Selkies, the Drowned
Slow burn
Dark Romantasy
Dark mysterious MMC
I wanted a mermaid/ocean fantasy and this book delivered!
Let me start by mentioning the beautiful map and glossary…..I was hooked before the story had begun. Then knowing it was set in a small Scottish town on an island and I was sold (I love anything Scottish). Also add the fact it is steeped in Scottish and Celtic mythology of the ocean….totally enraptured.
The writing was poetic and emotional. The plot and storyline was twisty without being far-fetched or predictable. The tension between our MMC and FMC was boiling, and had me yearning for them to be together. The FMC and MMC were likeable and the FMC relatable. The world building was magical and the reader discovered along with the FMC being shown through her eyes.
It ends on a plot twist that had me frustrated and wanting book 2 now!
September 20, 2025
Firstly I would like to say a big thank you to J. Střelou and Netgalley for granting me an early copy of Sea of Evil and Desire.
This was a very different world to those in my usual fantasy books. This is set within a small coastal town in Scotland and moves on to a wonderfully detailed world under the ocean waves. The underwater world that J. Střelou created is so vivid the reader will have absolutely no issue picturing both its beauty and its macabre.
Although this book didn’t go in-depth with them, I did enjoy the fact that there are different factions and communities within the underwater world. I look forward to reading more about them as this story continues in book two and seeing the impact they have upon one another.
Our FMC is a strongly independent young woman in her 20’s who relocates from America to Scotland, to stay and care for her grandfather, upon the passing of her beloved grandmother. She finds herself in a small town where things are most definitely not as they appear on the surface. As if things are not confusing enough for her on land, she is thrust into the underwater world, where she must navigate the 'Drowned' and the Mer. Two factions who have been enemies and who are bound to always be so by a centuries old curse.
Our MMC is a grumpy, conflicted and confusing character who I found myself equally wanting love and smack the attitude out of
The writing in this book is first-class and the pacing was spot on, but it does end on a cliff-hanger, so be warned.
I cannot wait to read the second book. Now, what to do with myself until it’s released…
This was a very different world to those in my usual fantasy books. This is set within a small coastal town in Scotland and moves on to a wonderfully detailed world under the ocean waves. The underwater world that J. Střelou created is so vivid the reader will have absolutely no issue picturing both its beauty and its macabre.
Although this book didn’t go in-depth with them, I did enjoy the fact that there are different factions and communities within the underwater world. I look forward to reading more about them as this story continues in book two and seeing the impact they have upon one another.
Our FMC is a strongly independent young woman in her 20’s who relocates from America to Scotland, to stay and care for her grandfather, upon the passing of her beloved grandmother. She finds herself in a small town where things are most definitely not as they appear on the surface. As if things are not confusing enough for her on land, she is thrust into the underwater world, where she must navigate the 'Drowned' and the Mer. Two factions who have been enemies and who are bound to always be so by a centuries old curse.
Our MMC is a grumpy, conflicted and confusing character who I found myself equally wanting love and smack the attitude out of
The writing in this book is first-class and the pacing was spot on, but it does end on a cliff-hanger, so be warned.
I cannot wait to read the second book. Now, what to do with myself until it’s released…
May 4, 2025
I really love the idea and concept of this book. There are not many books that have undersea mythology. We have the Drowned, Mer’s, Selkies and whilst Sirens were mentioned a couple of times, we didn’t get any insight into what they really brought to the kingdom but hoping this will be explored in book 2.
It was a quick and easy read and I liked the world building very much. I think it really set the scene visually. I found the underwater descriptions captivating.
I did, however, struggle to connect with the characters. I feel like I only got to know Morgana & Finn on a superficial level. I really wanted to get to know them on a much deeper level.
But I did really like Edward. We got to glimpse into his past and how it affected him in the present day and the emotions from him made me feel something and I need that in a character.
As an emotional reader, I rate books based on how they make me feel. Whilst I enjoyed the lore & world building, it was the connection with the characters that fell a little short for me.
I would love to thank Julia again sending me a hardback version of the book. It’s something I’ll cherish for a long time.
It was a quick and easy read and I liked the world building very much. I think it really set the scene visually. I found the underwater descriptions captivating.
I did, however, struggle to connect with the characters. I feel like I only got to know Morgana & Finn on a superficial level. I really wanted to get to know them on a much deeper level.
But I did really like Edward. We got to glimpse into his past and how it affected him in the present day and the emotions from him made me feel something and I need that in a character.
As an emotional reader, I rate books based on how they make me feel. Whilst I enjoyed the lore & world building, it was the connection with the characters that fell a little short for me.
I would love to thank Julia again sending me a hardback version of the book. It’s something I’ll cherish for a long time.
May 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Julia Strelou for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am still at a loss for words over this book. The world building was phenomenal and the plot had so much potential. This was a suspenseful, quick read. I was 100% on my toes the entire time, and had no idea what was coming next. You follow the story of a young girl who discovers she has a family secret, only after she meets a dark, mysterious, handsome man (obviously).
I did not personally enjoy the book as much as I thought I would. I could not find myself connecting with any of the characters, and honestly I think I may just not be a fan of aquatic mythology. I love it as a subplot, but I heavily confused throughout the book, and I did NOT know what a Selkie was (oops). While this was not a favorite of mine, I have to say that the writing style was captivating and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Selkies, mermen, and drowned fantasy.
I am still at a loss for words over this book. The world building was phenomenal and the plot had so much potential. This was a suspenseful, quick read. I was 100% on my toes the entire time, and had no idea what was coming next. You follow the story of a young girl who discovers she has a family secret, only after she meets a dark, mysterious, handsome man (obviously).
I did not personally enjoy the book as much as I thought I would. I could not find myself connecting with any of the characters, and honestly I think I may just not be a fan of aquatic mythology. I love it as a subplot, but I heavily confused throughout the book, and I did NOT know what a Selkie was (oops). While this was not a favorite of mine, I have to say that the writing style was captivating and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Selkies, mermen, and drowned fantasy.
May 4, 2025
*ARC review* Release date: May 6th
4/5 ⭐️
Sea of Evil and Desire by J. Střelou is an under the sea, mythological fantasy with a slow burn romance. The story takes you from Scotland to the deep sea discovering a world of Mer, Selkies, the Drowned, and many more. Overall, I enjoyed this book. The plot and world building was something new to me so it was a breath of fresh air. While I enjoyed the romance, I would love to see their relationship go deeper. The book leaves you on a cliffhanger- I can’t wait to see what happens next. Recommend: yes
Pros:
- Likable characters
- Dual POV
- Scene description
Cons:
- Slow start
- Inconsistent pacing
- Quick spice scenes
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review this book
4/5 ⭐️
Sea of Evil and Desire by J. Střelou is an under the sea, mythological fantasy with a slow burn romance. The story takes you from Scotland to the deep sea discovering a world of Mer, Selkies, the Drowned, and many more. Overall, I enjoyed this book. The plot and world building was something new to me so it was a breath of fresh air. While I enjoyed the romance, I would love to see their relationship go deeper. The book leaves you on a cliffhanger- I can’t wait to see what happens next. Recommend: yes
Pros:
- Likable characters
- Dual POV
- Scene description
Cons:
- Slow start
- Inconsistent pacing
- Quick spice scenes
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review this book
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