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The Thorn and the Shadow
I Summon the Sea
I loved a fair boy once, and he was taken from me. I’m back to avenge him, no matter the cost.
Every year, the fae king organizes deathly trials with human tributes to please the gods.
This year, I am taking part in them.
My goal? To enter the palace in the aftermath and take the king out once and for all.
My advantage? I’m no ordinary human. Not anymore.
I am a sea maiden. These trials, held in the sea, should be a piece of cake for me.
My mistake? I hadn’t counted on my magic failing me, or on Jai, the fae king’s arrogant dragon-summoner, volunteering in the trials to protect me.
I hadn’t counted on resurfacing feelings and memories.
On the people surrounding me not being who they seem.
On the tables turning on me.
I am a razor-sharp thorn, a blade honed to fight, and this is when it all comes together, when it all ends.
Yet I am foiled by prophecies and signs, illusions and lies.
Who is Jai? What is the truth? And what price will I have to pay to find out?
The legend of Theseus meets the Little Mermaid, with a dash of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, in this epic romance story set against a sky full of dragons.
*Look inside the book for warnings - the series is now complete!*
Every year, the fae king organizes deathly trials with human tributes to please the gods.
This year, I am taking part in them.
My goal? To enter the palace in the aftermath and take the king out once and for all.
My advantage? I’m no ordinary human. Not anymore.
I am a sea maiden. These trials, held in the sea, should be a piece of cake for me.
My mistake? I hadn’t counted on my magic failing me, or on Jai, the fae king’s arrogant dragon-summoner, volunteering in the trials to protect me.
I hadn’t counted on resurfacing feelings and memories.
On the people surrounding me not being who they seem.
On the tables turning on me.
I am a razor-sharp thorn, a blade honed to fight, and this is when it all comes together, when it all ends.
Yet I am foiled by prophecies and signs, illusions and lies.
Who is Jai? What is the truth? And what price will I have to pay to find out?
The legend of Theseus meets the Little Mermaid, with a dash of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, in this epic romance story set against a sky full of dragons.
*Look inside the book for warnings - the series is now complete!*
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2025
62 people are currently reading
1288 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 16, 2025
I SUMMON THE SEA
4.75⭐️
🌊🐚DETAILED REVIEW🐚🌊
📖 371 pages (should have been 571!)
🌶🌶.5
Release 11th April 2025
TROPES
🌊 Fated Mates
🐚 Trials, Games, and Survival
🧜♀️ Secrets and Deception
🧜♂️ Dragons, humans, fae, mermaids, and sea monsters
👑 Shadow Daddy
🌊 Prophecy
I HAVE TO WAIT- HOW. LONG. FOR THE NEXT BOOK?!!
This was my first read by Mona Archer, and I admit my expectations were low for this one. But boy do I love it when I'm proven wrong because this author created a tense and dark, high-stakes tale of fae, death, vengeance and secrets, brimming with mythical trials, sea monsters, dragons, strong characters and buried emotions, all set in a world where nothing — and no one — is what they seem.
The story’s core is layered with prophecies, illusions, and hauntingly brutal questions about truth, history, identity, and fate.
The world-building was full of depth and a level of detail that made an almost impossible 9 worlds worth of lore, magic, history, and creatures easy to follow and enjoyable to learn about.
The characters were really memorable - almost to a fault because the side characters really stand out, and we dont get to know enough about them and their stories. The main cast however are given a wonderful backstory and which is steeped in history, darkness, and mystery.
Our FMC Rae is a bad ass b1tch, who voluntarily enters the deathly trials (think hunger games as all other humans are forced, she is the first in history to volunteer) not for fame and glory, but for revenge and justice.
This isn’t your typical underdog story — Rae carries the weight of loss, brutal memories, and a seething purpose with her along this suicidal mission. But, when her magic doesn't return to her upon being called, she’s forced to rely on Jai, the dragon-summoning, arrogant shadow daddy she never prepared for. The mission takes a heart-wrenching turn. Their reluctant alliance blazes with chemistry, conflict, and secrets just lying at the surface waiting to be set free.
Although I have found some flaws in the story and for me, there was a bit too much left unanswered or unasked, which is the reason this didn't get a full 5 stars from me. For example, why did rae wait so long to get a pen and paper? Why do we not learn more about the jealous fae girl and the strange relationship between her and her betrothed- especially as its brought up numerous times in detail and she has such a dark character I thought we were leading somewhere with this? Also, this would have been a good opportunity for said pen and paper so rae could ask wtf is with your girl thinking I'm after you?!
A smaller yet no looser thread that's left dangling is the human girl that was saved from the games - what happened to her then? Did she, in fact, get taken home? And the male that was replaced too actually - what of his fate? Something else that was skirted over was rae's encounter under the water where she was told "swim down and we'll chat"- in all of the internal monologues and details in the story, we didn't get much in the way of digesting this encounter... I presume it will play out in book 2, but still, a little more thought over the chat would have been good. (For example; 'now I'm calm it's just come back to me that she knows me, what could she want with me, when did she realise I was not who she thought I was, what gave me away and why did the other creatures not pick up on it? That kind of thing to help explain such an odd and fast moment.)
The book throws you into the thick of it at the start and with great detail. I thought the pace slowed in the middle but that's because it started out so fast! However i was still up until 3am turning pages, unwilling to stop reading, put it down and sleep- and then everything seemed to happen at once in the last 50 pages or so. When i turned the last page i screamed because i thought my kindle was broken as that could not be all that i was getting! Surely not! My god, the finale was exhilarating and nail biting, and I could have died on that twist, and then the cliff-hanger hit, and like i said- i screamed.
This will be a series in which you must read all the books together. Where one epic story is broken down across 3 books because it needs the space to breathe, to show you around the world, and the story just deserves to be told in detail.
Final thoughts:
Archer doesn’t just tell a story — she paints a legend, steeped in pain, prophecy, and passion.
This book is perfect for fans of fated mates, dangerous trials, and emotionally complex characters. It's romantic, it’s raw, and it’s utterly unputdownable.
4.75⭐️
🌊🐚DETAILED REVIEW🐚🌊
📖 371 pages (should have been 571!)
🌶🌶.5
Release 11th April 2025
TROPES
🌊 Fated Mates
🐚 Trials, Games, and Survival
🧜♀️ Secrets and Deception
🧜♂️ Dragons, humans, fae, mermaids, and sea monsters
👑 Shadow Daddy
🌊 Prophecy
I HAVE TO WAIT- HOW. LONG. FOR THE NEXT BOOK?!!
This was my first read by Mona Archer, and I admit my expectations were low for this one. But boy do I love it when I'm proven wrong because this author created a tense and dark, high-stakes tale of fae, death, vengeance and secrets, brimming with mythical trials, sea monsters, dragons, strong characters and buried emotions, all set in a world where nothing — and no one — is what they seem.
The story’s core is layered with prophecies, illusions, and hauntingly brutal questions about truth, history, identity, and fate.
The world-building was full of depth and a level of detail that made an almost impossible 9 worlds worth of lore, magic, history, and creatures easy to follow and enjoyable to learn about.
The characters were really memorable - almost to a fault because the side characters really stand out, and we dont get to know enough about them and their stories. The main cast however are given a wonderful backstory and which is steeped in history, darkness, and mystery.
Our FMC Rae is a bad ass b1tch, who voluntarily enters the deathly trials (think hunger games as all other humans are forced, she is the first in history to volunteer) not for fame and glory, but for revenge and justice.
This isn’t your typical underdog story — Rae carries the weight of loss, brutal memories, and a seething purpose with her along this suicidal mission. But, when her magic doesn't return to her upon being called, she’s forced to rely on Jai, the dragon-summoning, arrogant shadow daddy she never prepared for. The mission takes a heart-wrenching turn. Their reluctant alliance blazes with chemistry, conflict, and secrets just lying at the surface waiting to be set free.
Although I have found some flaws in the story and for me, there was a bit too much left unanswered or unasked, which is the reason this didn't get a full 5 stars from me. For example, why did rae wait so long to get a pen and paper? Why do we not learn more about the jealous fae girl and the strange relationship between her and her betrothed- especially as its brought up numerous times in detail and she has such a dark character I thought we were leading somewhere with this? Also, this would have been a good opportunity for said pen and paper so rae could ask wtf is with your girl thinking I'm after you?!
A smaller yet no looser thread that's left dangling is the human girl that was saved from the games - what happened to her then? Did she, in fact, get taken home? And the male that was replaced too actually - what of his fate? Something else that was skirted over was rae's encounter under the water where she was told "swim down and we'll chat"- in all of the internal monologues and details in the story, we didn't get much in the way of digesting this encounter... I presume it will play out in book 2, but still, a little more thought over the chat would have been good. (For example; 'now I'm calm it's just come back to me that she knows me, what could she want with me, when did she realise I was not who she thought I was, what gave me away and why did the other creatures not pick up on it? That kind of thing to help explain such an odd and fast moment.)
The book throws you into the thick of it at the start and with great detail. I thought the pace slowed in the middle but that's because it started out so fast! However i was still up until 3am turning pages, unwilling to stop reading, put it down and sleep- and then everything seemed to happen at once in the last 50 pages or so. When i turned the last page i screamed because i thought my kindle was broken as that could not be all that i was getting! Surely not! My god, the finale was exhilarating and nail biting, and I could have died on that twist, and then the cliff-hanger hit, and like i said- i screamed.
This will be a series in which you must read all the books together. Where one epic story is broken down across 3 books because it needs the space to breathe, to show you around the world, and the story just deserves to be told in detail.
Final thoughts:
Archer doesn’t just tell a story — she paints a legend, steeped in pain, prophecy, and passion.
This book is perfect for fans of fated mates, dangerous trials, and emotionally complex characters. It's romantic, it’s raw, and it’s utterly unputdownable.
April 11, 2025
Mona Archer has delivered one of my favorite fantasy reads of the year with I Summon the Sea. Packed with high-stakes trials, rich world-building, and a broody, shadow-wielding love interest, this romantasy takes familiar tropes and spins them into something entirely fresh and exciting.
The story kicks off with a gripping prologue and slowly builds into a beautifully layered fantasy full of secrets, tension, and emotional depth. While the beginning takes its time, the pacing accelerates dramatically in the second half—and by the final chapters, I was completely hooked. That ending? Brutal, masterful, and guaranteed to leave you desperate for book two.
One of the highlights is the immersive world Archer has crafted. With elemental magic, dragons, fae politics, and mysterious celestial events shaping the rules of existence, it’s an intricate setting that never overwhelms. The sea-based trials brought a unique twist to the “games and survival” trope I love, and they were intense, creative, and full of surprises.
Our heroine, Rae, is a standout. Strong, smart, and carrying heavy emotional weight, she navigates this world while also keeping powerful secrets of her own. Her muteness adds an intriguing layer to her character and the story—it’s handled with depth and nuance that’s rarely seen in fantasy.
And then there’s him—the broody, mysterious male lead with shadow magic and serious emotional baggage. His dynamic with Rae is charged and unpredictable, keeping you constantly on edge. Their chemistry is undeniable, and while the romance is slow-burn with just a touch of spice, it’s emotionally satisfying and well-earned.
The supporting cast is equally memorable, especially a certain loyal companion and a morally gray Fae King who I cannot wait to learn more about.
If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with emotional stakes, layered world-building, and an undercurrent of dark mystery, I Summon the Sea is a must-read. It’s a slow burn, yes—but one that pays off beautifully. Just be warned: the cliffhanger will haunt you.
The story kicks off with a gripping prologue and slowly builds into a beautifully layered fantasy full of secrets, tension, and emotional depth. While the beginning takes its time, the pacing accelerates dramatically in the second half—and by the final chapters, I was completely hooked. That ending? Brutal, masterful, and guaranteed to leave you desperate for book two.
One of the highlights is the immersive world Archer has crafted. With elemental magic, dragons, fae politics, and mysterious celestial events shaping the rules of existence, it’s an intricate setting that never overwhelms. The sea-based trials brought a unique twist to the “games and survival” trope I love, and they were intense, creative, and full of surprises.
Our heroine, Rae, is a standout. Strong, smart, and carrying heavy emotional weight, she navigates this world while also keeping powerful secrets of her own. Her muteness adds an intriguing layer to her character and the story—it’s handled with depth and nuance that’s rarely seen in fantasy.
And then there’s him—the broody, mysterious male lead with shadow magic and serious emotional baggage. His dynamic with Rae is charged and unpredictable, keeping you constantly on edge. Their chemistry is undeniable, and while the romance is slow-burn with just a touch of spice, it’s emotionally satisfying and well-earned.
The supporting cast is equally memorable, especially a certain loyal companion and a morally gray Fae King who I cannot wait to learn more about.
If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with emotional stakes, layered world-building, and an undercurrent of dark mystery, I Summon the Sea is a must-read. It’s a slow burn, yes—but one that pays off beautifully. Just be warned: the cliffhanger will haunt you.
April 19, 2025
I Summon the Sea had me hooked from the start with its compelling premise a grieving woman entering deadly trials to avenge her lost love and take down a fae king. The themes of love, loss, and revenge are powerful, and the idea of a protagonist who's no longer "ordinary" promised an intriguing journey. Archer also paints a vibrant world, and the hints of prophecies, illusions, and hidden identities kept me guessing.
However, the pacing ultimately held the story back. While the initial setup drew me in, the middle section felt bogged down. There were moments where the plot meandered, and the revelations felt too spaced out. The tension that should have been building during the trials seemed to ebb and flow unevenly. I found myself wanting the story to move forward with more urgency, especially as the connection between the protagonist and Jai developed. The potential for dramatic impact was there, but the slow burn sometimes felt more like a slow simmer, leaving me a little impatient.
The characters, particularly the protagonist and Jai, had potential, but the slower pace hindered their development. Although I was engaged by the plot, I feel there was the potential for more complexity and a stronger emotional connection.
Overall, I Summon the Sea offers an interesting world and a captivating revenge plot, but the uneven pacing prevents it from reaching its full potential. With a tighter narrative and a more consistent build-up of tension, this could have easily been a 4 or 5-star read. It's worth checking out if you enjoy fae stories with a darker edge, but be prepared for a story that takes its time to unfold.
However, the pacing ultimately held the story back. While the initial setup drew me in, the middle section felt bogged down. There were moments where the plot meandered, and the revelations felt too spaced out. The tension that should have been building during the trials seemed to ebb and flow unevenly. I found myself wanting the story to move forward with more urgency, especially as the connection between the protagonist and Jai developed. The potential for dramatic impact was there, but the slow burn sometimes felt more like a slow simmer, leaving me a little impatient.
The characters, particularly the protagonist and Jai, had potential, but the slower pace hindered their development. Although I was engaged by the plot, I feel there was the potential for more complexity and a stronger emotional connection.
Overall, I Summon the Sea offers an interesting world and a captivating revenge plot, but the uneven pacing prevents it from reaching its full potential. With a tighter narrative and a more consistent build-up of tension, this could have easily been a 4 or 5-star read. It's worth checking out if you enjoy fae stories with a darker edge, but be prepared for a story that takes its time to unfold.
October 21, 2025
4.5 stars.
What a twisty cliffhanger! This book still has so many mysteries to be solved, I'm glad not all of it was given away. Really liked this unique world and the mythical creatures. I'm dying for the next book!
What a twisty cliffhanger! This book still has so many mysteries to be solved, I'm glad not all of it was given away. Really liked this unique world and the mythical creatures. I'm dying for the next book!
July 22, 2025
This is a very cool world and magic system, I was hooked right away. I loved the narration from the perspective of someone who is mute, but did feel this was a touch too much narration and too little plot. I was disappointed that the entire book takes place only over the span of a week or so, but only because I so badly wanted to learn even more about the world, the creatures, the magic system, and the character’s histories. The ending was a perfect cliffhanger, I was shocked because I thought that revelation was going to be about a different character. I really hope the next book is out asap, and that it provides more clarity and the rest of the trials. A heartfelt thank you to Mona for providing me with a copy to review, I will be preordering the next book.
March 13, 2025
I received an ARC for this book. I really enjoyed reading! It has undersea trials, a shadow daddy, and DRAGONS, I loved Rae and Jai, and that ending!! I need book 2 please 🤣 I was a reading slump simply bc so many Romantasy books are so similar, and i feel like I'm reading one long book. This book was just different enough for me. I'll be buying a physical copy once they're available.
March 29, 2025
Rae is on a specific mission and has to start questioning everything she thought, was told, and anticipates. The world and characters of this story are fantastical and well built.
April 13, 2025
This book contains one of my favorite tropes… games and trials and this time it’s at sea! We have a broody MMC with shadow powers and FMC that’s hiding secrets from her past. The fantasy world is a unique and creative one, very refreshing. The book had a slow start but really picks up at the end… the cliffhanger is brutal and beautifully orchestrated, I need book two now.
Thank you to Booksprout, the author, and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Booksprout, the author, and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2025
This book… it was so good that I devoured it in less than 24 hours, simply because I was that invested. “I Summon the Sea” by Mona Archer is everything I didn’t know I needed in an an epic fantasy romance, and I’m 100% here for it.
I’d say the two most important characters in this series are Rae, our temporarily mute heroine who’s hiding many secrets and is determined to kill the fae king, and Athdara, otherwise known as Jai, a dangerously powerful man who controls shadows and has the ability to speak to dragons.
Rae and Athdara’s chemistry was explosive and fiery, even though they didn’t always get along. I was intrigued by their relationship, and that didn’t change as I kept reading. Rae was a very fun, snarky and sassy character despite being mute, and I’m both obsessed with and intrigued by Athdara.
Also the whole thing with the fae king… I think Rae has valid reasons for hating him, but he’s fascinated me from the very beginning. Everything about this book was amazing, even though that plot twist at the end may have actually destroyed me. I can’t wait to read book two!
I’d say the two most important characters in this series are Rae, our temporarily mute heroine who’s hiding many secrets and is determined to kill the fae king, and Athdara, otherwise known as Jai, a dangerously powerful man who controls shadows and has the ability to speak to dragons.
Rae and Athdara’s chemistry was explosive and fiery, even though they didn’t always get along. I was intrigued by their relationship, and that didn’t change as I kept reading. Rae was a very fun, snarky and sassy character despite being mute, and I’m both obsessed with and intrigued by Athdara.
Also the whole thing with the fae king… I think Rae has valid reasons for hating him, but he’s fascinated me from the very beginning. Everything about this book was amazing, even though that plot twist at the end may have actually destroyed me. I can’t wait to read book two!
April 12, 2025
I absolutely loved this Romantasy book, what a ride we were taken on! This is the first book in the series and it has THE BEST cliffhanger i have read in quite a while.
Rae is on quest to get herself not only into the human trials which if you think Hunger Games you are on the right track. Not only is she on a mission to enter the games but also on a r-3-v-3-nge mission with the Fae King.
The only problem is her feelings get confused along the way when the Fae Kings Dragon keeper/whisperer Jai who can bring out dark shadows decides he will accompany her to the trials to protect her.
Rae exists in a world of Fae, Dragons, Humans, Mermaids and she needs to keep her wits about her at all times.
This is a slow burn with an enemies to lovers type feel and keep in mind book 1 ends on the biggest cliffy which I absolutely did noit see coming and boy did i LOVE it!
I cannot wait for book 2
5 stars
Rae is on quest to get herself not only into the human trials which if you think Hunger Games you are on the right track. Not only is she on a mission to enter the games but also on a r-3-v-3-nge mission with the Fae King.
The only problem is her feelings get confused along the way when the Fae Kings Dragon keeper/whisperer Jai who can bring out dark shadows decides he will accompany her to the trials to protect her.
Rae exists in a world of Fae, Dragons, Humans, Mermaids and she needs to keep her wits about her at all times.
This is a slow burn with an enemies to lovers type feel and keep in mind book 1 ends on the biggest cliffy which I absolutely did noit see coming and boy did i LOVE it!
I cannot wait for book 2
5 stars
April 14, 2025
Rae is determined to get to the Sea Palace for the Festival that takes place yearly. As she travels with the Royal Guards, she meets Athdara, who she is drawn to despite his conflicting personalities. As the Kings Sword, she is amazed to learn that he has shadow abilities and can communicate with dragons. Now as the Death Games begin, Rae finds herself mixed up in the fight for survival and the danger of keeping her secret safe while being right under the enemies nose. Even more confusing is that the Kings Sword, whose real name is Jayen, enters himself along with her to keep her safe. I could not put this book down!! It draws you into a magical fae realm with mythical creatures, perilous missions, and a passionate slow-burn romance!! It puts you on the edge of your seat and keeps you there the whole ride through! Definitely a must read for those who loved The Hunger Games but with a Little Mermaid twist!! I cannot wait to see what comes next for this series!
December 27, 2025
This book was amazing! It was so intriguing and held my attention from the first page. It was so well written and thought out, keeping you guessing and trying to figure out what was going to happen next. It is a very character driven story, which is amazing. You get to know them and how they think. You root for them and fall in love with them. Rae, our strong and smart heroine, will keep you locked into her story, and her being mute brings a level of uniqueness that makes the story that much more interesting. Jai is broody and mysterious, and Rae and his dynamic are chaotic and the best slow burn. I loved the world building that takes place, though there is definitely a lot more to learn, and I loved meeting all of the characters. That ending almost killed me, but luckily, I'm able to drive right into book two. I'm not sure I would have survived if I couldn't because it will leave you hanging and needing more! It's definitely one of my favouite reads of the year!
April 13, 2025
The first book in The Thorn and the Shadow series, an epic romantasy of revenge and survival. Archer gives a very detailed description of the world and characters. An intimate feel of the emotions Rae is challenged with squeezes your heart. The cliffhanger has got me waiting till December. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2025
Wow and I mean wow. Mona is one incredible world builder. The way she weaves her universe is immense. It pulled me in from page one and devoured me whole. I’m a little behind on reading but now to book two I’m solely invested and I’m not dropping the tiniest spoiler this book is just too intense to do that.
April 20, 2025
She’s out to avenge the murder of Mars her first love. Did I mention dragons?!!!? There’s so much excitement and adventure in this book. Can’t wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2025
Wow! What a world!
It starts a bit slow ... lots of details to reveal in a complex world -- and especially in a world the residents themselves don't really understand. But stick with it -- our FMC has a lot of questions... and ooh that steamy MMC! We need more of that!
It starts a bit slow ... lots of details to reveal in a complex world -- and especially in a world the residents themselves don't really understand. But stick with it -- our FMC has a lot of questions... and ooh that steamy MMC! We need more of that!
May 15, 2025
Absolutely amazing!
This book blew my mind, it's absolutely the best book I have read in a very long time! I would recommend this book to everyone!!
This book blew my mind, it's absolutely the best book I have read in a very long time! I would recommend this book to everyone!!
June 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
RTC
RTC
June 24, 2025
Oh my
I have been captivated by these characters, the push and pull of the fmc the struggle and conflict within herself is just relatable. I can't wait to see what comes next!!
I have been captivated by these characters, the push and pull of the fmc the struggle and conflict within herself is just relatable. I can't wait to see what comes next!!
September 12, 2025
🌊 I Thought I Was Ready. I Was Not. 🌊
“I am a razor‑sharp thorn, a blade honed to fight, and this is when it all comes together, when it all ends.”
I opened I Summon the Sea expecting a haunting, ocean-themed fantasy. What I got? A siren’s call into a world so lush, dangerous, and emotionally sharp, I’m still recovering.
Let’s talk worldbuilding first—because Mona Archer doesn’t just build a fantasy setting; she conjures an entire cosmos. Elemental magic, dragons, fae court intrigue, and celestial forces that twist the laws of existence—it should be overwhelming, but it’s not. It’s immersive. Intoxicating. Addictive. The sea-based trials bring a fresh, brutal twist to the “games and survival” trope—each one layered with creativity, danger, and just enough emotional landmines to keep your heart in your throat.
Then there’s Rae. Our heroine doesn’t scream for attention—she commands it. Mute but never voiceless, she navigates this treacherous world with a strength and emotional complexity that’s rare in fantasy. Her silence becomes a weapon, her secrets a shield, and her journey... unforgettable.
And then there’s Athdara—Jai—the broody, dangerously unhinged shadow daddy of your dreams (or nightmares). One moment, he’s ice-cold and cruel. The next, he’s doing something shockingly gentle. Rae—and the reader—are constantly off-balance, unsure where he stands or what he truly wants. His backstory is a riddle wrapped in shadows, and while I did find myself craving a dual POV just to understand him better, that ambiguity only deepened the tension. You never feel safe around him—and that’s half the thrill.
Special mention to Tru, Jai’s loyal companion, who is so much more than a sidekick. His relationship with Athdara adds genuine emotional weight to the story. Their bond is messy, layered, and quietly heartbreaking. And the Fae King? Morally gray, terrifyingly powerful, and impossible to look away from. He’s clearly playing a long game, and I need to know what it is.
I thought I was diving into a lush sea fantasy. What I got was a storm—unpredictable, fierce, and strangely beautiful. Archer doesn’t just tell a story. She drags you into it, drenches you in emotion, and leaves you gasping for the next wave.
This is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. One moment you're reading. The next? You're completely wrecked. And you’ll thank it for every bruise.
🧜♀️ Silent but Deadly Heroine – Rae is mute, but don’t mistake that for weakness. Her silence speaks volumes.
🌊 Deadly Trials – Survival challenges with a sea twist? Yes please. Think Hunger Games... but saltier.
🗡️ Secret Identity / Hidden Powers – Rae’s hiding something big—and when it hits, it hits.
🖤 Morally Gray Love Interest – Athdara (Jai) is broody, unpredictable, and maybe a little unhinged... aka perfect.
🌌 Celestial Magic / Cosmic Forces – Stars, omens, and sky-driven rules shape the world’s magic.
🧚 Fae Politics & Court Intrigue – Manipulative monarchs, layered alliances, and dangerous deals.
🐉 Dragons – Enough said.
🔥 Enemies-to-Something-Complicated – Rae and Jai’s dynamic isn’t exactly romantic… but it’s definitely something.
🪞 Found Family (with Teeth) – Tru, Jai, and Rae form a trio with tension, loyalty, and secrets.
👑 The Fae King is Watching – A morally gray ruler who’s powerful, unpredictable, and fascinating.
🕯️ Slow Burn Tension – Romantic? Dangerous? Both? You won’t be sure until your heart’s already committed.
🪶 Non-Verbal Communication – Rae’s muteness adds layers of complexity to interactions, especially emotional ones.
“I am a razor‑sharp thorn, a blade honed to fight, and this is when it all comes together, when it all ends.”
I opened I Summon the Sea expecting a haunting, ocean-themed fantasy. What I got? A siren’s call into a world so lush, dangerous, and emotionally sharp, I’m still recovering.
Let’s talk worldbuilding first—because Mona Archer doesn’t just build a fantasy setting; she conjures an entire cosmos. Elemental magic, dragons, fae court intrigue, and celestial forces that twist the laws of existence—it should be overwhelming, but it’s not. It’s immersive. Intoxicating. Addictive. The sea-based trials bring a fresh, brutal twist to the “games and survival” trope—each one layered with creativity, danger, and just enough emotional landmines to keep your heart in your throat.
Then there’s Rae. Our heroine doesn’t scream for attention—she commands it. Mute but never voiceless, she navigates this treacherous world with a strength and emotional complexity that’s rare in fantasy. Her silence becomes a weapon, her secrets a shield, and her journey... unforgettable.
And then there’s Athdara—Jai—the broody, dangerously unhinged shadow daddy of your dreams (or nightmares). One moment, he’s ice-cold and cruel. The next, he’s doing something shockingly gentle. Rae—and the reader—are constantly off-balance, unsure where he stands or what he truly wants. His backstory is a riddle wrapped in shadows, and while I did find myself craving a dual POV just to understand him better, that ambiguity only deepened the tension. You never feel safe around him—and that’s half the thrill.
Special mention to Tru, Jai’s loyal companion, who is so much more than a sidekick. His relationship with Athdara adds genuine emotional weight to the story. Their bond is messy, layered, and quietly heartbreaking. And the Fae King? Morally gray, terrifyingly powerful, and impossible to look away from. He’s clearly playing a long game, and I need to know what it is.
I thought I was diving into a lush sea fantasy. What I got was a storm—unpredictable, fierce, and strangely beautiful. Archer doesn’t just tell a story. She drags you into it, drenches you in emotion, and leaves you gasping for the next wave.
This is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. One moment you're reading. The next? You're completely wrecked. And you’ll thank it for every bruise.
🧜♀️ Silent but Deadly Heroine – Rae is mute, but don’t mistake that for weakness. Her silence speaks volumes.
🌊 Deadly Trials – Survival challenges with a sea twist? Yes please. Think Hunger Games... but saltier.
🗡️ Secret Identity / Hidden Powers – Rae’s hiding something big—and when it hits, it hits.
🖤 Morally Gray Love Interest – Athdara (Jai) is broody, unpredictable, and maybe a little unhinged... aka perfect.
🌌 Celestial Magic / Cosmic Forces – Stars, omens, and sky-driven rules shape the world’s magic.
🧚 Fae Politics & Court Intrigue – Manipulative monarchs, layered alliances, and dangerous deals.
🐉 Dragons – Enough said.
🔥 Enemies-to-Something-Complicated – Rae and Jai’s dynamic isn’t exactly romantic… but it’s definitely something.
🪞 Found Family (with Teeth) – Tru, Jai, and Rae form a trio with tension, loyalty, and secrets.
👑 The Fae King is Watching – A morally gray ruler who’s powerful, unpredictable, and fascinating.
🕯️ Slow Burn Tension – Romantic? Dangerous? Both? You won’t be sure until your heart’s already committed.
🪶 Non-Verbal Communication – Rae’s muteness adds layers of complexity to interactions, especially emotional ones.
April 5, 2025
At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The story starts slowly, and it took me a little while to find my footing in this richly layered world. But once it clicked? I was hooked. Even though the writing style took me a little while to get into, i got used to it after a few chapters.
Rae, our mute and magic-bound FMC, is brilliant. Strong, resourceful, and fiercely guarded, she keeps her secrets close—especially when it comes to the Fae. Her voice (or lack thereof) adds a rare, fascinating layer to the story, offering a fresh perspective I hadn’t seen before in fantasy. That said, her inner monologue, especially when swooning over a certain someone, sometimes veers toward the childish. Still, she’s compelling and easy to root for. At first, it gave me the ick; I like my FMC's fierce, but further along in the book, you'll understand why.
And then there’s Athdara (Jai)—the broody, dangerously unhinged shadow daddy of your dreams (or nightmares). One moment he’s cold and cruel, the next he’s shockingly kind, leaving Rae (and the reader) constantly off balance. His backstory is cloaked in mystery, and while I wished for a dual POV to better understand his actions, the ambiguity only adds to the tension.
Let’s not forget Tru, a standout side character and loyal companion to Athdara. His layered relationship with Jai adds real emotional depth to the story. And the Fae King? Morally gray, terrifyingly powerful, and utterly fascinating. There’s clearly so much more to unpack with him, and I can’t wait.
Now, about that world.
Mona Archer has created a universe that’s stunningly complex without being overwhelming—an impressive feat. There’s everything from dragons to finnfolk, elemental magic to planetary shifts like The Reversal, and an underlying sense of ancient forces at play. And don’t be fooled by any surface-level references to familiar stories (yes, there’s a sea setting)—this world is entirely its own.
The plot truly shines when Rae enters the Fae King's deadly games at sea. The stakes skyrocket, secrets unravel, and the pacing becomes relentless. And yes… that cliffhanger? Absolutely amazing.
I can't wait for book two.
As for the romance? It’s a slow burn with instant chemistry if that makes sense—intentional and well-executed. There’s only one spicy scene, but with romantasy that isn't uncommon. I do hope the spice kicks up in book two.
This book is a wild ride through a mesmerizing world full of secrets, shadows, trials, and tension. If you’re into broody MMCs, high-stakes fantasy, and morally gray characters who keep you guessing, you need to read this—right now. Don’t let the slow start fool you. Stick with it. The payoff is so worth it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rae, our mute and magic-bound FMC, is brilliant. Strong, resourceful, and fiercely guarded, she keeps her secrets close—especially when it comes to the Fae. Her voice (or lack thereof) adds a rare, fascinating layer to the story, offering a fresh perspective I hadn’t seen before in fantasy. That said, her inner monologue, especially when swooning over a certain someone, sometimes veers toward the childish. Still, she’s compelling and easy to root for. At first, it gave me the ick; I like my FMC's fierce, but further along in the book, you'll understand why.
And then there’s Athdara (Jai)—the broody, dangerously unhinged shadow daddy of your dreams (or nightmares). One moment he’s cold and cruel, the next he’s shockingly kind, leaving Rae (and the reader) constantly off balance. His backstory is cloaked in mystery, and while I wished for a dual POV to better understand his actions, the ambiguity only adds to the tension.
Let’s not forget Tru, a standout side character and loyal companion to Athdara. His layered relationship with Jai adds real emotional depth to the story. And the Fae King? Morally gray, terrifyingly powerful, and utterly fascinating. There’s clearly so much more to unpack with him, and I can’t wait.
Now, about that world.
Mona Archer has created a universe that’s stunningly complex without being overwhelming—an impressive feat. There’s everything from dragons to finnfolk, elemental magic to planetary shifts like The Reversal, and an underlying sense of ancient forces at play. And don’t be fooled by any surface-level references to familiar stories (yes, there’s a sea setting)—this world is entirely its own.
The plot truly shines when Rae enters the Fae King's deadly games at sea. The stakes skyrocket, secrets unravel, and the pacing becomes relentless. And yes… that cliffhanger? Absolutely amazing.
I can't wait for book two.
As for the romance? It’s a slow burn with instant chemistry if that makes sense—intentional and well-executed. There’s only one spicy scene, but with romantasy that isn't uncommon. I do hope the spice kicks up in book two.
This book is a wild ride through a mesmerizing world full of secrets, shadows, trials, and tension. If you’re into broody MMCs, high-stakes fantasy, and morally gray characters who keep you guessing, you need to read this—right now. Don’t let the slow start fool you. Stick with it. The payoff is so worth it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2025
I Summon the Sea started strong, with a rich, fascinating world that I was eager to explore. The stakes were high from the beginning, as our protagonist Rae embarks on a mission to enter the fae kingdom and protect her world from the death and destruction the fae bring with them. Seeking vengeance on the Fae King who murdered her family and first love, Rae volunteers as a human sacrifice for the deadly games the fae hold for pleasure and to placate the Gods. Rae did not anticipate the king's broody right-hand man, Athdara (Jai), to volunteer alongside her. As she fights for her life, more questions emerge in this complex network of deadly trials.
The world-building was intriguing, and I pictured it as an upside-down, multi-layered universe with complexities that I have yet to untangle. It was incredibly interesting, and I couldn't wait to learn more. Although this is a take of The Little Mermaid, it is based on the darker elements of the story and only borrows a small amount from the classic, giving it a nice twist. But I found myself comparing it to the second book of The Hunger Games, when we enter the later stages of the arena, which, surprisingly, did not take up a large proportion of the novel.
The characters were really strong, and their stories and origins are steeped in history and mystery. Although I found some very basic things strange, like how long Rae took to ask for a pen and paper to communicate, and she didn't even ask for it, it was handed to her.
For me, there was a bit too much left unanswered and dangling, or there weren't enough threads supplied for me to attempt to make predictions, so I'm a little lost. As a result, I thought the pace slowed in the middle, and everything seemed to happen at once in the final 50 pages. The finale was exciting, and I loved the twist and cliff-hanger, and I'm looking forward to what happens next; yet, I feel slightly left in the dark.
I think this will be a series in which you must read the books as a whole rather than as individuals; as I suspect each book will be a section in the story arc rather than each one having its own. I feel like I got the introduction and the beginning of the filler rather than a start, middle, and end. This might be the writing style, which is new to me, but I'm willing to try it and see how the story develops in the next book.
🌶🌶/5
Favourite Quote:
To the conquerors of my world, to the fae, I only have to say this: beware, for here I come.
The world-building was intriguing, and I pictured it as an upside-down, multi-layered universe with complexities that I have yet to untangle. It was incredibly interesting, and I couldn't wait to learn more. Although this is a take of The Little Mermaid, it is based on the darker elements of the story and only borrows a small amount from the classic, giving it a nice twist. But I found myself comparing it to the second book of The Hunger Games, when we enter the later stages of the arena, which, surprisingly, did not take up a large proportion of the novel.
The characters were really strong, and their stories and origins are steeped in history and mystery. Although I found some very basic things strange, like how long Rae took to ask for a pen and paper to communicate, and she didn't even ask for it, it was handed to her.
For me, there was a bit too much left unanswered and dangling, or there weren't enough threads supplied for me to attempt to make predictions, so I'm a little lost. As a result, I thought the pace slowed in the middle, and everything seemed to happen at once in the final 50 pages. The finale was exciting, and I loved the twist and cliff-hanger, and I'm looking forward to what happens next; yet, I feel slightly left in the dark.
I think this will be a series in which you must read the books as a whole rather than as individuals; as I suspect each book will be a section in the story arc rather than each one having its own. I feel like I got the introduction and the beginning of the filler rather than a start, middle, and end. This might be the writing style, which is new to me, but I'm willing to try it and see how the story develops in the next book.
🌶🌶/5
Favourite Quote:
To the conquerors of my world, to the fae, I only have to say this: beware, for here I come.
April 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Holy, Holy, HOLY! This book was beyond anything I was expecting! I Summon the Sea by Mona Archer is my newest fantasy obsession and I am desperate for the next book in this series. Mona wrote a fantasy with all my favorite things, but bigger and better! The characters, the plot line, the world building! If you haven’t read this yet, I say run and do so! I could not put this book down, even if I wanted to. I became invested quickly and needed to see what was going to happen.
This high stakes fantasy book combines fae, sea creatures, and mythical trials to give readers an amazing read. Dripping in prophecies and illusions it is evident that nothing is as it seems and there is still so much to come in this series. The world that Mona has created is hauntingly beautiful, dangerously enticing, but written in a way that is easy to follow and understand. And her characters!!! They all stand out, main or side, and bring crucial information to the storyline. There is so much potential for this series just from this one book!
Rae brings “I volunteer as tribute” vibes when she is the first human to volunteer for the deadly trials. But rather than saving someone she loves, she is avenging someone. She is beyond fierce, with a don’t f*ck with me attitude that I ate up. She doesn’t expect to live, but will do everything she can to fulfill her mission.
It is here she meets Athdara, who let me just say…for a shadow daddy rivals Azriel vibes. He is surrounded by mystery, but the tension and chemistry between he and Rae threaten to ignite the book in the palm of your hands. Their story is going to rival some of the greats within the romantasy genre and I am beyond ready for them!
If you are a fan of fantasy in any capacity and any sub genre, this book is a must read for you! Mona Archer easily is a must read author of mine and as stated before, I will be very impatiently waiting for book two in the Thorn and Shadow series.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🌊Fated Mates
💖Enemies to Lovers
🌊Deadly Sea Games
💖Broody Shadow Daddy
🌊Intelligent Dragons
💖Touch Her and 💀
Holy, Holy, HOLY! This book was beyond anything I was expecting! I Summon the Sea by Mona Archer is my newest fantasy obsession and I am desperate for the next book in this series. Mona wrote a fantasy with all my favorite things, but bigger and better! The characters, the plot line, the world building! If you haven’t read this yet, I say run and do so! I could not put this book down, even if I wanted to. I became invested quickly and needed to see what was going to happen.
This high stakes fantasy book combines fae, sea creatures, and mythical trials to give readers an amazing read. Dripping in prophecies and illusions it is evident that nothing is as it seems and there is still so much to come in this series. The world that Mona has created is hauntingly beautiful, dangerously enticing, but written in a way that is easy to follow and understand. And her characters!!! They all stand out, main or side, and bring crucial information to the storyline. There is so much potential for this series just from this one book!
Rae brings “I volunteer as tribute” vibes when she is the first human to volunteer for the deadly trials. But rather than saving someone she loves, she is avenging someone. She is beyond fierce, with a don’t f*ck with me attitude that I ate up. She doesn’t expect to live, but will do everything she can to fulfill her mission.
It is here she meets Athdara, who let me just say…for a shadow daddy rivals Azriel vibes. He is surrounded by mystery, but the tension and chemistry between he and Rae threaten to ignite the book in the palm of your hands. Their story is going to rival some of the greats within the romantasy genre and I am beyond ready for them!
If you are a fan of fantasy in any capacity and any sub genre, this book is a must read for you! Mona Archer easily is a must read author of mine and as stated before, I will be very impatiently waiting for book two in the Thorn and Shadow series.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🌊Fated Mates
💖Enemies to Lovers
🌊Deadly Sea Games
💖Broody Shadow Daddy
🌊Intelligent Dragons
💖Touch Her and 💀
April 14, 2025
Prepare to be swept away into a dazzling, high-stakes romantasy where vengeance, love, magic, and destiny collide. In I Summon the Sea, Mona Archer crafts a spellbinding tale brimming with mythic trials, dragon summoners, and buried emotions, all set in a world where nothing — and no one — is what they seem.
At the heart of the story is a fierce and determined protagonist who enters the fae king’s brutal trials not for glory, but for revenge. This isn’t your typical underdog story — she’s no longer an ordinary human and carries the weight of loss, memory, and seething purpose. But when her magic falters and she’s forced to rely on Jai, the dragon-summoning, arrogant companion she never planned for, the mission takes a heart-wrenching turn. Their reluctant alliance blazes with chemistry, conflict, and unspoken pasts.
The story’s emotional core is layered with prophecies, illusions, and haunting questions about truth, identity, and love. It's a rich tapestry of fantasy elements blended with an intense, slow-burn romance that grips you from the first line: “Don’t you know I’d defy death to bring you back?”
Imagine the epic questing of Theseus, the yearning depth of The Little Mermaid, and the psychological duality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, all wrapped in a sky full of dragons. Archer doesn’t just tell a story — she paints a legend, steeped in pain, prophecy, and passion.
This book is perfect for fans of fated mates, dangerous trials, and emotionally complex characters. It's romantic, it’s raw, and it’s utterly unputdownable. Just be sure to check the content warnings — and prepare for an unforgettable ride.
At the heart of the story is a fierce and determined protagonist who enters the fae king’s brutal trials not for glory, but for revenge. This isn’t your typical underdog story — she’s no longer an ordinary human and carries the weight of loss, memory, and seething purpose. But when her magic falters and she’s forced to rely on Jai, the dragon-summoning, arrogant companion she never planned for, the mission takes a heart-wrenching turn. Their reluctant alliance blazes with chemistry, conflict, and unspoken pasts.
The story’s emotional core is layered with prophecies, illusions, and haunting questions about truth, identity, and love. It's a rich tapestry of fantasy elements blended with an intense, slow-burn romance that grips you from the first line: “Don’t you know I’d defy death to bring you back?”
Imagine the epic questing of Theseus, the yearning depth of The Little Mermaid, and the psychological duality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, all wrapped in a sky full of dragons. Archer doesn’t just tell a story — she paints a legend, steeped in pain, prophecy, and passion.
This book is perfect for fans of fated mates, dangerous trials, and emotionally complex characters. It's romantic, it’s raw, and it’s utterly unputdownable. Just be sure to check the content warnings — and prepare for an unforgettable ride.
July 21, 2025
Take a retelling of the Little Mermaid, add a dash of the Greek Myth of Theseus and add a dollop of Jekyll and Hyde and you have a totally intriguing fantasy romance!
There are many stray strands of this story that have not yet been explained and the cliffhanger at the end is a bit of a doozy! I have my theories but I don't want to give away the storyline to those who haven't read it yet. Let's just say that the madness of Jai is I think in some way related to the lost memories of both him and Rae and not just to his "dark passenger".
Athdara (aka Jai) really is the morally grey mc! He's done some appalling things prior to the story beginning but we also see that he is being manipulated and controlled and not everything was of his own volition. He has inspired soem true friends/found family in Tru et al. Yes, he's another shadow daddy but can you really have too many???
Rae’s paid a high price to get in these deadly trials and her plan has soon gone to pot. She's improvising on the fly and she's not quite sure what to make of her new adversary/ally.
The world building is pretty good and I didn't fall over any info-dumps. Rae's inner monologue did grate occasionally but I'll out that down to her scrambled memories and essentially dealing with a type of chronic pain due to altered appearance/suppressed talents.
There are a wide selection of different kinds of people/persons in the story including: humans, fae, finnfolk, dragons, elemental magic wielders. The Reversal was a great way to inject something novel into the story and explain the changes undergone by each of the worlds and its people.
Rae is intelligent, independent, deadly and a tad naïve. With her characters mutism, she was a breath of fresh air and so much had to be conveyed by a look or lip reading and it really showed how people ignore/infantilise the deaf and mute communities in real life.
I have a not so subtle crush on Tru, I'll admit. He's funny and pushes Jai in a brotherly way. He ses past that murderous/manic outer shell into the heart of his bestie.
This is a slow burn, insta-attraction story. The spice is mostly of the tension variety but there is one particular scene which may set your book ablaze!
Now to wait for book #2!
There are many stray strands of this story that have not yet been explained and the cliffhanger at the end is a bit of a doozy! I have my theories but I don't want to give away the storyline to those who haven't read it yet. Let's just say that the madness of Jai is I think in some way related to the lost memories of both him and Rae and not just to his "dark passenger".
Athdara (aka Jai) really is the morally grey mc! He's done some appalling things prior to the story beginning but we also see that he is being manipulated and controlled and not everything was of his own volition. He has inspired soem true friends/found family in Tru et al. Yes, he's another shadow daddy but can you really have too many???
Rae’s paid a high price to get in these deadly trials and her plan has soon gone to pot. She's improvising on the fly and she's not quite sure what to make of her new adversary/ally.
The world building is pretty good and I didn't fall over any info-dumps. Rae's inner monologue did grate occasionally but I'll out that down to her scrambled memories and essentially dealing with a type of chronic pain due to altered appearance/suppressed talents.
There are a wide selection of different kinds of people/persons in the story including: humans, fae, finnfolk, dragons, elemental magic wielders. The Reversal was a great way to inject something novel into the story and explain the changes undergone by each of the worlds and its people.
Rae is intelligent, independent, deadly and a tad naïve. With her characters mutism, she was a breath of fresh air and so much had to be conveyed by a look or lip reading and it really showed how people ignore/infantilise the deaf and mute communities in real life.
I have a not so subtle crush on Tru, I'll admit. He's funny and pushes Jai in a brotherly way. He ses past that murderous/manic outer shell into the heart of his bestie.
This is a slow burn, insta-attraction story. The spice is mostly of the tension variety but there is one particular scene which may set your book ablaze!
Now to wait for book #2!
April 12, 2025
This is a romantic fantasy adventure that had a bit of Greek mythology, Little Mermaid and hunger games vibe going on with dragons in it which I really liked. It started off a little confusing for me, but I ended up really enjoying the book.
I agree with the blurb in the book summary that this book is like the Little Mermaid meets Theseus. But I would call Jai/Athdara, our MMC, a possessed Theseus. For half the book I was trying to figure out if he was possessed by some kind of demon or something else the way both his eyes and his personality changed so drastically from one moment to the next. And then I was also trying to figure out who Rae was and why she couldn’t talk. Even though the story is told from her point of view, I had a hard time figuring her out. She's very mysterious. But I’m glad I kept reading and learned a lot of what was going on because it was a very good story and interesting world with plenty of action from start to finish.
Be forewarned, though, that this book is the first of a trilogy and ends in a huge cliffhanger. And oh my goodness was that ending a jaw dropper. I was immediately looking up when the sequel to this book was coming out, so I would know how long I have to wait to find out what happens next. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book once it comes out later this year.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I agree with the blurb in the book summary that this book is like the Little Mermaid meets Theseus. But I would call Jai/Athdara, our MMC, a possessed Theseus. For half the book I was trying to figure out if he was possessed by some kind of demon or something else the way both his eyes and his personality changed so drastically from one moment to the next. And then I was also trying to figure out who Rae was and why she couldn’t talk. Even though the story is told from her point of view, I had a hard time figuring her out. She's very mysterious. But I’m glad I kept reading and learned a lot of what was going on because it was a very good story and interesting world with plenty of action from start to finish.
Be forewarned, though, that this book is the first of a trilogy and ends in a huge cliffhanger. And oh my goodness was that ending a jaw dropper. I was immediately looking up when the sequel to this book was coming out, so I would know how long I have to wait to find out what happens next. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book once it comes out later this year.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2025
The story starts out with revenge in mind from our FMC, Lady Rae a dead soul sent back to her plain of existence years later to exact her revenge. Her revenge is for the death of her family, the death of her friends ,and all those that she loved that were murdered by the fae.
I really like Tru and Arkin, they are almost like a pair of bantering comedians, except they don’t know how ridiculous they really are.
There is a whole lot of back and forth even with the same character and what they are thinking, constantly filtering from one extreme to the other and from one course of thinking to another. That's on top of all the secrets, the madness, and the tyrannical dictator, that forces the humans to compete with no hope of winning.
For some reason a common trope, that a strong independent female should also be so extremely stubborn that they end up hurting themselves and everyone around them.
Also I did not see that ending coming, honestly saw it going completely different.
Spicy in the last 15%
Key points in no particular order:
- Magic infused MMC
- Enemies to lovers
- Trials and games
- Invading realms
- Revenge
- Longing/yearning
- Single POV
- Plot twists and a heavy cliff hanger
- magic
- elves
- sea mythology, sirens, tridents (mermen), flesh eating water horses,
- dragons and dragon riders
I really like Tru and Arkin, they are almost like a pair of bantering comedians, except they don’t know how ridiculous they really are.
There is a whole lot of back and forth even with the same character and what they are thinking, constantly filtering from one extreme to the other and from one course of thinking to another. That's on top of all the secrets, the madness, and the tyrannical dictator, that forces the humans to compete with no hope of winning.
For some reason a common trope, that a strong independent female should also be so extremely stubborn that they end up hurting themselves and everyone around them.
Also I did not see that ending coming, honestly saw it going completely different.
Spicy in the last 15%
Key points in no particular order:
- Magic infused MMC
- Enemies to lovers
- Trials and games
- Invading realms
- Revenge
- Longing/yearning
- Single POV
- Plot twists and a heavy cliff hanger
- magic
- elves
- sea mythology, sirens, tridents (mermen), flesh eating water horses,
- dragons and dragon riders
April 10, 2025
This book surprised me in the best way. I Summon the Sea dives into themes of trauma, anxiety, and identity, all wrapped in a beautifully built fantasy world. Rae, the FMC is dealing with some serious inner demons, and I really appreciated how raw and honest her struggles felt. It made her journey so much more powerful.
The story kicks off with a gripping prologue that totally pulled me in. I will say, the pacing dips a bit after that, but once the plot finds its rhythm, it’s full of twists I genuinely didn’t see coming. The magic system and the setting are super unique, and I’m always here for that kind of immersive world-building.
There is a romantic thread & we love a broody MMC, but it doesn’t overpower the story—this is much more about Rae’s growth and the eerie, high-stakes mystery she finds herself in. I flew through the last third of the book, and now I need the next one. That cliffhanger though!
If you like character-driven fantasy with emotional depth and unexpected twists, this is definitely worth picking up.
I received a free eARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story kicks off with a gripping prologue that totally pulled me in. I will say, the pacing dips a bit after that, but once the plot finds its rhythm, it’s full of twists I genuinely didn’t see coming. The magic system and the setting are super unique, and I’m always here for that kind of immersive world-building.
There is a romantic thread & we love a broody MMC, but it doesn’t overpower the story—this is much more about Rae’s growth and the eerie, high-stakes mystery she finds herself in. I flew through the last third of the book, and now I need the next one. That cliffhanger though!
If you like character-driven fantasy with emotional depth and unexpected twists, this is definitely worth picking up.
I received a free eARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2025
I'm honestly confused by my feelings about this. The general idea is probably good (I haven't read the whole series so I can't be sure) but the execution is lacking. I feel like absolutely nothing has happened, I don't know the characters at all and the world building is just kind of silly? The world looks like a cake stand and while the flipping is interesting, the rest makes very little sense.
Jai is quite inconsistent in his behavior and I'm not talking about the Eosphor. He's not a shadow daddy, more like a shadow boy and I'm actually unsure whether he's the MC, but like in a bad way.
I really hated the pacing. I noticed it was off when there were 3-4 attacks on the same boat and always with the same routine. I'm not sure if the author was trying to tell us how dangerous the ocean is or just trying to get the MCs to interact with each other.
I did finish it but I honestly don't care about any of the characters except for the poor dead brother. According to the ending his death isn't more important than a childhood crush...rip.
Jai is quite inconsistent in his behavior and I'm not talking about the Eosphor. He's not a shadow daddy, more like a shadow boy and I'm actually unsure whether he's the MC, but like in a bad way.
I really hated the pacing. I noticed it was off when there were 3-4 attacks on the same boat and always with the same routine. I'm not sure if the author was trying to tell us how dangerous the ocean is or just trying to get the MCs to interact with each other.
I did finish it but I honestly don't care about any of the characters except for the poor dead brother. According to the ending his death isn't more important than a childhood crush...rip.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2025
This book felt like a different take on a Hunger Games type story (think competing against others in a series of trials where it’s a fight for your life) except in a paranormal context with Humans, Fae, Dragons and lots of other creatures.
I felt the start was abit slow as there was a lot of world building and character development as they travel to the trial site but then it started to pick up.
Despite being magical, Rae finds herself in a position to enter the human trials and finally, hopefully get revenge on the ones who killed her family.
Jai, the Kings Dragon, follows Rae into the trials to try and protect her (there is some history between them that is alluded to by the end of the book).
It is an interesting read, full of action and revenge plots. There’s not much romance in this first book so if you like a slow burn, enemies to lovers then this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I felt the start was abit slow as there was a lot of world building and character development as they travel to the trial site but then it started to pick up.
Despite being magical, Rae finds herself in a position to enter the human trials and finally, hopefully get revenge on the ones who killed her family.
Jai, the Kings Dragon, follows Rae into the trials to try and protect her (there is some history between them that is alluded to by the end of the book).
It is an interesting read, full of action and revenge plots. There’s not much romance in this first book so if you like a slow burn, enemies to lovers then this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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