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The Siren Mage #1
In the Veins of the Drowning
An "atmospheric and evocative" (Rachel Gillig) romantasy debut about a threatened Siren who forges a bond with a brooding, self-righteous king in order to flee the king who raised her, for fans of
One Dark Window
and
For the Wolf.
The monster is always slain…
Imogen Nel is in hiding. Hiding from a cruel kingdom that believes Sirens are monstrous, blood-hungry creatures. Hiding from a king and his captain who viciously hunt her kind. Hiding from her own alluring abilities. By keeping herself from the sea, Imogen’s bloodlust is dulled, and her black wings remain hidden beneath her skin.
When a neighboring king comes to visit, Imogen can no longer hide. He knows precisely what she is, and he believes she can save both their kingdoms from an even greater monster. But Imogen’s power threatens to violently reveal itself, and the two form a blood bond that protects them both. They flee the kingdom together, traversing waters teeming with the undead. As the lines between duty to their people and desire for each other begin to blur, Imogen worries her own ancestral powers may not be enough to kill what hunts her—the only way to defeat a monster may be to become one herself.
The monster is always slain…
Imogen Nel is in hiding. Hiding from a cruel kingdom that believes Sirens are monstrous, blood-hungry creatures. Hiding from a king and his captain who viciously hunt her kind. Hiding from her own alluring abilities. By keeping herself from the sea, Imogen’s bloodlust is dulled, and her black wings remain hidden beneath her skin.
When a neighboring king comes to visit, Imogen can no longer hide. He knows precisely what she is, and he believes she can save both their kingdoms from an even greater monster. But Imogen’s power threatens to violently reveal itself, and the two form a blood bond that protects them both. They flee the kingdom together, traversing waters teeming with the undead. As the lines between duty to their people and desire for each other begin to blur, Imogen worries her own ancestral powers may not be enough to kill what hunts her—the only way to defeat a monster may be to become one herself.
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First published July 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,721 reviews
July 21, 2025
If you listen closely, you can hear the distant sound of Rachel Gillig cackling and whispering “told you so.”
If you’ve ever wanted your siren stories rewritten by someone with a soft spot for the “monsters,” you’ll adore this one. In the Veins of the Drowning is a gothic fairytale of siren lore, toxic family dynamics, salty secrets, angst and… zombie sirens? Plus yearning so agonising it’s almost psychological torture with a side of heart-eyes.
Look, I’m not saying it’s my favourite romantasy of the year, but I am saying it might just be a three-way tie between this, Terror at the Gates and Broken Souls & Bones. 2025 has been delivering.
Firstly, there are so many of my favourite tropes in here, for example, forced proximity, forbidden love, one horse (the execution had me squealing), and a surprise trope twist reveal that was perfection. It’s like Cassidy wrote this book just for me and for you too, if you love those tropes.
But what really blew me away was how the author put her own unique spin on them.
Stylistically, it’s lush, haunting and atmospheric with some mild horror elements. If you’re someone who gets high on vibes, this will feed you. It’s easy to see why Rachel Gillig endorsed it, the moody aesthetic is reminiscent of One Dark Window, along with its allegories about who the real monster is, with mythological siren lore from Greek mythology/The Odyssey woven in, the kind with talons and feathers. There’s even a touch of Mr. Darcy in the characterisation, brooding and all.
Furthermore, if you squint (or maybe it’s just my perception), there’s a ghost of The Little Mermaid lurking beneath the surface. Not the Disney sparkle version, but the much stranger, darker Hans Christian Andersen one. Still, even with those glimmers, this book isn't trying to be anything else. It's 100% its own thing and Cassidy understood the assignment.
I won't be surprised if people go feral for Imogen & Theo. The pining is off the Richter scale, complete with awkward, flustered moments between them and I think those were my favourite scenes of all.
Additionally, spice levels are perfect--Not gratuitous but high reward.
I can’t believe this is a debut. If this is how she starts, I’m cancelling all my plans and binge-reading everything Kalie writes.
Thank you so much to NetGalley & Orion Publishing Group | Gollancz for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
Never grew out of my mermaid phase, now it's just a lot darker. 🧜♀️🔪
If you’ve ever wanted your siren stories rewritten by someone with a soft spot for the “monsters,” you’ll adore this one. In the Veins of the Drowning is a gothic fairytale of siren lore, toxic family dynamics, salty secrets, angst and… zombie sirens? Plus yearning so agonising it’s almost psychological torture with a side of heart-eyes.
Look, I’m not saying it’s my favourite romantasy of the year, but I am saying it might just be a three-way tie between this, Terror at the Gates and Broken Souls & Bones. 2025 has been delivering.
Firstly, there are so many of my favourite tropes in here, for example, forced proximity, forbidden love, one horse (the execution had me squealing), and a surprise trope twist reveal that was perfection. It’s like Cassidy wrote this book just for me and for you too, if you love those tropes.
But what really blew me away was how the author put her own unique spin on them.
Stylistically, it’s lush, haunting and atmospheric with some mild horror elements. If you’re someone who gets high on vibes, this will feed you. It’s easy to see why Rachel Gillig endorsed it, the moody aesthetic is reminiscent of One Dark Window, along with its allegories about who the real monster is, with mythological siren lore from Greek mythology/The Odyssey woven in, the kind with talons and feathers. There’s even a touch of Mr. Darcy in the characterisation, brooding and all.
Furthermore, if you squint (or maybe it’s just my perception), there’s a ghost of The Little Mermaid lurking beneath the surface. Not the Disney sparkle version, but the much stranger, darker Hans Christian Andersen one. Still, even with those glimmers, this book isn't trying to be anything else. It's 100% its own thing and Cassidy understood the assignment.
I won't be surprised if people go feral for Imogen & Theo. The pining is off the Richter scale, complete with awkward, flustered moments between them and I think those were my favourite scenes of all.
Additionally, spice levels are perfect--Not gratuitous but high reward.
I can’t believe this is a debut. If this is how she starts, I’m cancelling all my plans and binge-reading everything Kalie writes.
Thank you so much to NetGalley & Orion Publishing Group | Gollancz for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
Never grew out of my mermaid phase, now it's just a lot darker. 🧜♀️🔪
December 9, 2025
SUCH an easy 5 star.
Sirens, gothic atmosphere, twists and turns, and a love interest who really has a way with words.
That CLIFFHANGER? Bye. I need book 2 now.
Sirens, gothic atmosphere, twists and turns, and a love interest who really has a way with words.
That CLIFFHANGER? Bye. I need book 2 now.
October 4, 2025
the perfect amount of awe struck, begging, crawling, moaning, groveling, on his knees behavior for the main character who is a powerful siren on a mission
Read my full review
man bonds with siren and is overcome with sickening longing and emotions finds himself giving speeches reminiscent of anthony bridgerton in season two
but is he really down bad if he’s not begging for you / completely in awe of your power
theo likes imogen so much it makes him look stupid (affectionate)
“I don’t regret my decision, but I should.”
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Bookstagram | Blog
Read my full review
man bonds with siren and is overcome with sickening longing and emotions finds himself giving speeches reminiscent of anthony bridgerton in season two
but is he really down bad if he’s not begging for you / completely in awe of your power
theo likes imogen so much it makes him look stupid (affectionate)
“I don’t regret my decision, but I should.”
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Bookstagram | Blog
August 9, 2025
જ⁀➴ 3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, Kalie Cassidy, and Little, Brown and Company for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. In the Veins of the Drowning is out now!
🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲
I finally finished! I wish I had more time during the week to finish this earlier to get a review out, but life's been kind of hectic lately with work and me trying to get my Bookstagram account off the ground, so here we are. (If you're wondering why I've been a little quieter on Goodreads with the reviews lately, that's why!)
Imogen Nel is a Siren in hiding. She lives in a kingdom where Sirens are meant to be killed. Serving a king and betrothed to a captain who wants her dead, she dreads her wedding day and avoids the water at all costs to avoid revealing her secret. When a visiting king, Theodore, visits for the wedding, she quickly realizes that he knows her secret. Desperate times come with desperate measures, and they form a blood bond. As they travel to Theo's kingdom, they realize that their connection runs deeper than they thought, and with the threat of a monster threatening everything they love, Imogen must decide whether or not set the monster within her free.
This was the PERFECT book to read after finishing One Dark Window. For a debut, this was extremely strong! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It was the perfect, gothic atmosphere, so if you're coming off of a One Dark Window and/or Two Twisted Crowns high or are currently in a book hangover, I feel like this will be the book for you if you're feeling in a gothic romantasy mood. The atmosphere was probably my favorite aspect of the entire story!
Another plus to this story is that I felt like nothing about it was filler. I know that the middle of any story could get super muggy at times, with the characters going through the motions of the plot and the story overall, and there could be things that don't always contribute to the overall plot that happen on the side. I didn't think there was any of that here, and I felt like everything that happened contributed to the overarching storyline of Imogen and Theo's journey. The issue with this, though, is that this was also what I felt was the book's greatest weakness.
I felt like even though there were all the pieces there to create a perfect story—romance, a good plot, a perfect atmosphere—not all of it was executed well. Let's break this down:
°˖➴ The worldbuilding: It was nonexistent. I feel like worldbuilding is absolutely necessary for any fantasy book, especially one that's projected to be the first in a series. I felt like there was no worldbuilding in this story at all. I figured that at some point everything would be explained, whether it was through an info dump or bits of information given throughout the story, but I was left with nothing and wanting more. There were multiple times when I was reading and thought that everything would just click in my head at some point, but that never came. I was like, "Am I just too stupid to understand this?" Turns out I wasn't stupid, none of the information I was looking for was in the book.
°˖➴ The Sirens: For a FMC that is a Siren herself, we didn't get a lot of Siren lore or anything about the Sirens at all. It's constantly alluded to that she is a Siren and she had to spend her entire life hiding the fact that she is a Siren, but I couldn't tell you a single thing about the lore and what the Sirens do in the story, and that's not because I read this book like, 3 weeks ago and am only getting around to writing this review now.
°˖➴ The romance: in the iconic words of Abby Lee, "You were good, I'm waiting for you to be great." I wanted more tension and yearning because the romance between Theo and Imogen was super insta-lovey. Sure, you can contribute that to the blood bond they have, which is totally understandable considering what the blood bond does to them. However, not all of the romance felt believable to me when both of them spend a decent amount of time saying "oh, we're not REALLY in love because it's just the blood bond," but then they randomly decide at some point they don't feel that way anymore and it became super insta-lovey.
Overall, this was a solid debut, and I'd still recommend reading this if you're looking for an atmospheric, gothic read! I actually ended up getting a special edition of the book through my Allurial book subscription box and I'm looking forward to the second book! I'm hoping these issues will be smoothed out in the second book and we get more context, worldbuilding, and lore, otherwise it'll be a very difficult read to get through.
🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: Okay, so this isn't a 100% true pre-read considering I just read the first chapter, but I have a feeling this is going to be good. Like, "I'm going to get out of my reading slump" good. We'll see how I feel by the end of it, but it's off to such a strong start already that I feel excited to read after the slump I've been in this month!
This is ARC 5/16 for my July 2025 ARC reading schedule, and eARC 3/4 for my next deadline of July 15th, 2025!
P.S. (I actually found it at Barnes & Noble last weekend...take that information as you will.)
Thank you to NetGalley, Kalie Cassidy, and Little, Brown and Company for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. In the Veins of the Drowning is out now!
"And what am I?" The question was strung enough with more emotion than I cared to reveal. His brow smoothed at the question. "Your subject? Your mistress? Your queen? The heir of Seraf and queen of Sirens? I am none of those things and all of them at once. I belong nowhere and everywhere."
🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲
I finally finished! I wish I had more time during the week to finish this earlier to get a review out, but life's been kind of hectic lately with work and me trying to get my Bookstagram account off the ground, so here we are. (If you're wondering why I've been a little quieter on Goodreads with the reviews lately, that's why!)
Imogen Nel is a Siren in hiding. She lives in a kingdom where Sirens are meant to be killed. Serving a king and betrothed to a captain who wants her dead, she dreads her wedding day and avoids the water at all costs to avoid revealing her secret. When a visiting king, Theodore, visits for the wedding, she quickly realizes that he knows her secret. Desperate times come with desperate measures, and they form a blood bond. As they travel to Theo's kingdom, they realize that their connection runs deeper than they thought, and with the threat of a monster threatening everything they love, Imogen must decide whether or not set the monster within her free.
This was the PERFECT book to read after finishing One Dark Window. For a debut, this was extremely strong! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It was the perfect, gothic atmosphere, so if you're coming off of a One Dark Window and/or Two Twisted Crowns high or are currently in a book hangover, I feel like this will be the book for you if you're feeling in a gothic romantasy mood. The atmosphere was probably my favorite aspect of the entire story!
Another plus to this story is that I felt like nothing about it was filler. I know that the middle of any story could get super muggy at times, with the characters going through the motions of the plot and the story overall, and there could be things that don't always contribute to the overall plot that happen on the side. I didn't think there was any of that here, and I felt like everything that happened contributed to the overarching storyline of Imogen and Theo's journey. The issue with this, though, is that this was also what I felt was the book's greatest weakness.
I felt like even though there were all the pieces there to create a perfect story—romance, a good plot, a perfect atmosphere—not all of it was executed well. Let's break this down:
°˖➴ The worldbuilding: It was nonexistent. I feel like worldbuilding is absolutely necessary for any fantasy book, especially one that's projected to be the first in a series. I felt like there was no worldbuilding in this story at all. I figured that at some point everything would be explained, whether it was through an info dump or bits of information given throughout the story, but I was left with nothing and wanting more. There were multiple times when I was reading and thought that everything would just click in my head at some point, but that never came. I was like, "Am I just too stupid to understand this?" Turns out I wasn't stupid, none of the information I was looking for was in the book.
°˖➴ The Sirens: For a FMC that is a Siren herself, we didn't get a lot of Siren lore or anything about the Sirens at all. It's constantly alluded to that she is a Siren and she had to spend her entire life hiding the fact that she is a Siren, but I couldn't tell you a single thing about the lore and what the Sirens do in the story, and that's not because I read this book like, 3 weeks ago and am only getting around to writing this review now.
°˖➴ The romance: in the iconic words of Abby Lee, "You were good, I'm waiting for you to be great." I wanted more tension and yearning because the romance between Theo and Imogen was super insta-lovey. Sure, you can contribute that to the blood bond they have, which is totally understandable considering what the blood bond does to them. However, not all of the romance felt believable to me when both of them spend a decent amount of time saying "oh, we're not REALLY in love because it's just the blood bond," but then they randomly decide at some point they don't feel that way anymore and it became super insta-lovey.
Overall, this was a solid debut, and I'd still recommend reading this if you're looking for an atmospheric, gothic read! I actually ended up getting a special edition of the book through my Allurial book subscription box and I'm looking forward to the second book! I'm hoping these issues will be smoothed out in the second book and we get more context, worldbuilding, and lore, otherwise it'll be a very difficult read to get through.
🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: Okay, so this isn't a 100% true pre-read considering I just read the first chapter, but I have a feeling this is going to be good. Like, "I'm going to get out of my reading slump" good. We'll see how I feel by the end of it, but it's off to such a strong start already that I feel excited to read after the slump I've been in this month!
This is ARC 5/16 for my July 2025 ARC reading schedule, and eARC 3/4 for my next deadline of July 15th, 2025!
P.S. (I actually found it at Barnes & Noble last weekend...take that information as you will.)
October 8, 2025
“I cannot even see her for the way you encompass me.”“You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
I ate this up!! A dark fantasy with sirens, mages, monsters and gods. This execution of this story felt unique, completely gripping and kept me hooked from page one. I felt the balance of plot to romance in this was perfect!! The tension, denial, yearning and longing was exquisite and the character development of our FMC was SO GOOD!!
I ate this up!! A dark fantasy with sirens, mages, monsters and gods. This execution of this story felt unique, completely gripping and kept me hooked from page one. I felt the balance of plot to romance in this was perfect!! The tension, denial, yearning and longing was exquisite and the character development of our FMC was SO GOOD!!
August 14, 2025
Don’t hate me, I can see why people would like this but it didn’t work for me unfortunately
I loved the beginning it jumped straight in and read like the last 100 pages of a fantasy book, however i feel like the super fast pace through the whole book meant there wasn’t enough world building or character development for me.
The fmc was also lowkey annoying, she made selfish decisions and didn’t care about the repercussions for others. Which i do believe she knew about herself so good for her on being able to self reflect.
The romance felt like insta love, with how short the book is and how it spans a week or 2, the i love you moment just felt unearned.
The ending was abrupt and unsatisfying. I was actually shocked (kinda happy) that it was over
Im not invested in these characters or the storyline so i shall not be continuing
I loved the beginning it jumped straight in and read like the last 100 pages of a fantasy book, however i feel like the super fast pace through the whole book meant there wasn’t enough world building or character development for me.
The fmc was also lowkey annoying, she made selfish decisions and didn’t care about the repercussions for others. Which i do believe she knew about herself so good for her on being able to self reflect.
The romance felt like insta love, with how short the book is and how it spans a week or 2, the i love you moment just felt unearned.
The ending was abrupt and unsatisfying. I was actually shocked (kinda happy) that it was over
Im not invested in these characters or the storyline so i shall not be continuing
September 11, 2025
OBSESSED with this man. but hate his lady & the plot of this book lol.
i'm interested to read more from this author in the future but probably wouldn't continue with this series.
i'm interested to read more from this author in the future but probably wouldn't continue with this series.
April 9, 2025
4.75 stars because how dare this book not be longer??? you’re gonna give me a One Dark Window-esque, gothic masterpiece with Siren lore and an MMC birthed from the likes of Anthony Bridgerton himself… and make it under 400 pages??? JAIL.
I need book 2 yesterday and this doesn’t even come out until July 😭 help😭
I need book 2 yesterday and this doesn’t even come out until July 😭 help😭
August 31, 2025
*2.5* Wish I’d liked this one more.
The FMC came across as selfish and self-absorbed. She’s in her late 20s, a ward of the King, and wants us to believe she’s at his mercy at all times. Yet she admits to having dalliances with men over the years. So she couldn’t escape all this time, but had plenty of freedom for that? It felt like she was just drifting through life, doing nothing to change her situation. What exactly was she waiting for?
And when she finally begs to be rescued, the man she asks points out that it would spark a war and cost innocent lives. She basically responds…ok, when can we leave?
The first half of the book worked better than the second, but overall I just wish the characters and the worldbuilding had been stronger.
*They’re churning out mediocre romantasy in a rush, desperate to cash in on the trend before the genre goes stale. The only one I’ve found recently that worth the read, is A Vow of Blood and Tears.
The FMC came across as selfish and self-absorbed. She’s in her late 20s, a ward of the King, and wants us to believe she’s at his mercy at all times. Yet she admits to having dalliances with men over the years. So she couldn’t escape all this time, but had plenty of freedom for that? It felt like she was just drifting through life, doing nothing to change her situation. What exactly was she waiting for?
And when she finally begs to be rescued, the man she asks points out that it would spark a war and cost innocent lives. She basically responds…ok, when can we leave?
The first half of the book worked better than the second, but overall I just wish the characters and the worldbuilding had been stronger.
*They’re churning out mediocre romantasy in a rush, desperate to cash in on the trend before the genre goes stale. The only one I’ve found recently that worth the read, is A Vow of Blood and Tears.
July 27, 2025
“You should fear the water..it belongs to me” 🌊
This book will pull you under with its dark and lyrical prose. Like a siren’s song, it won’t just captivate you, it will wreck you. You’ll be left gasping for air, forever changed yet aching for more. 😩
“You have shone a light on me. You made me feel fury and terror and joy and longing. How do I curl myself back into the darkness after being so alive?”
This book is for you if you love Sirens, prophecies, magic and yearning so hot it can burn underwater 🔥
“You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams”
“You knelt for me” 😭
This book will pull you under with its dark and lyrical prose. Like a siren’s song, it won’t just captivate you, it will wreck you. You’ll be left gasping for air, forever changed yet aching for more. 😩
“You have shone a light on me. You made me feel fury and terror and joy and longing. How do I curl myself back into the darkness after being so alive?”
This book is for you if you love Sirens, prophecies, magic and yearning so hot it can burn underwater 🔥
“You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams”
“You knelt for me” 😭
September 13, 2025
I should have known better. In fact I would argue that I did know better. I was skeptical going into this. But I saw so many good reviews, Rachel Gillig blurbed it, and I was really in the mood for a solid gothic romantic fantasy. I was intrigued, and optimistic enough to buy a physical copy when I saw how long the wait on Libby was. So much regret. I gave this two stars… I honestly kind of hated it.
But what pisses me off the most about this one is that it grabbed my attention immediately. I was immediately intrigued which made my expectations so much higher. I loved the setting, there was great banter, the set up was interesting but then it just dropped off. And it became a story that I had to force myself to finish.
The characters are insufferable. Imogen is particularly obnoxious because she’s incredibly whiny and self centered. She spends the whole book complaining about how bad her life is and how unfair everyone else is. And to be fair her life is very bad. But it is hard to sympathize with her when we never get the sense that she has actually tried to do anything different. She seemed completely unconcerned with the negative impact that her actions had on other people. The way she reacted to the first major obstacle is where the story really started to lose me.
Theodore is… a brooding romantic fantasy love interest cut out. Who is immediately obsessed with Imogen for some reason. The romance was completely unbelievable. Despite this it made up the entire plot of the book. There was some potential to explore the politics, magic, or, you know, the WAR that they started. I’m so frustrated that a lot of recent romantic fantasy releases seem to skip past the tension, yearning, falling in love part of their romance plots. The romance, along with honestly all of the book, moved so fast for no reason!
The plot was kind of a mess. The romance took up too much of it and then there were attempts to pull in political and magical story threads but they were done very haphazardly. The ending, and the switch up that happens at the very end, confused me. But to be completely honest I was so sick of reading this that maybe I wasn’t paying enough attention.
The magic isn’t anything particularly unique or interesting but it’s fine. One thing that I really didn’t like was the supposed recency of the gods. On one hand we have these established religions, churches with long histories of worshipping the gods, and different systems of worship in each kingdom. But they’re also their grandparents? I think? And not in a Percy Jackson demigod way. It was really confusing.
Maybe after this absolute disaster I will finally learn that I actually do know my own reading taste. But I probably won’t learn my lesson lol.
Links to my TikTok | Instagram
But what pisses me off the most about this one is that it grabbed my attention immediately. I was immediately intrigued which made my expectations so much higher. I loved the setting, there was great banter, the set up was interesting but then it just dropped off. And it became a story that I had to force myself to finish.
The characters are insufferable. Imogen is particularly obnoxious because she’s incredibly whiny and self centered. She spends the whole book complaining about how bad her life is and how unfair everyone else is. And to be fair her life is very bad. But it is hard to sympathize with her when we never get the sense that she has actually tried to do anything different. She seemed completely unconcerned with the negative impact that her actions had on other people. The way she reacted to the first major obstacle is where the story really started to lose me.
Theodore is… a brooding romantic fantasy love interest cut out. Who is immediately obsessed with Imogen for some reason. The romance was completely unbelievable. Despite this it made up the entire plot of the book. There was some potential to explore the politics, magic, or, you know, the WAR that they started. I’m so frustrated that a lot of recent romantic fantasy releases seem to skip past the tension, yearning, falling in love part of their romance plots. The romance, along with honestly all of the book, moved so fast for no reason!
The plot was kind of a mess. The romance took up too much of it and then there were attempts to pull in political and magical story threads but they were done very haphazardly. The ending, and the switch up that happens at the very end, confused me. But to be completely honest I was so sick of reading this that maybe I wasn’t paying enough attention.
The magic isn’t anything particularly unique or interesting but it’s fine. One thing that I really didn’t like was the supposed recency of the gods. On one hand we have these established religions, churches with long histories of worshipping the gods, and different systems of worship in each kingdom. But they’re also their grandparents? I think? And not in a Percy Jackson demigod way. It was really confusing.
Maybe after this absolute disaster I will finally learn that I actually do know my own reading taste. But I probably won’t learn my lesson lol.
Links to my TikTok | Instagram
March 29, 2025
Many readers are going to love this book and I understand why. It has sirens with sharp teeth and wings! It has a handsome, mysterious King as a love interest. What's not to love? Unfortunately, this one didn't really work for me. I didn't like the FMC and I felt like she was just flailing about with no real direction. The world building was severely lacking for me and I needed more answers. I felt like I stepped into the story not really knowing what was happening and that can be fine if some of those questions are answered along the way and I didn't really feel like this book did that.
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2025
Thank you, Little, Brown, and Company!! I absolutely loved every part of it—I couldn't put this book down. The story perfectly blends dark, eerie, whimsical, and lyrical elements. It will draw you in, captivate your attention, and make you fall in love with both the MMC and FMC. This is one hell of a slow burn; the tension is palpable. The storytelling, the character development, the prose - all perfect. Dying to get my hands on book two!!! I can't wait to jump back into this world ASAP.
Pub Date: July 15, 2025
As always, all thoughts are my own! 🖤✨
Pub Date: July 15, 2025
As always, all thoughts are my own! 🖤✨
October 14, 2025
✩ 4 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Marriage of Convenience
➼ Blood Bonds
➼ Duty vs. Desire
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Winged Sirens, Gods, & Monsters
➼ Political Intrigue
➼ He Falls First
➼ Yearning
➼ One Horse
➼ Prophecies
➼ Narrated by Ell Potter
➼ First Person Single POV
Let me first start by saying that this is an EXTREMELY impressive debut! I’m honestly amazed that this is Kalie Cassidy’s first book. Bravo girl! 👏🏻👏🏻
I’ll be honest, I’m not the biggest Rachel Gillig fan, but I definitely think this will be a hit with those who love her work. This is a gothic fairytale with a dark and atmospheric setting that rivaled One Dark Window, making it the perfect read for spooky season!
Imogen was raised far away from her people and the sea and taught to be meek and accommodating. Sirens are feared and hated for their alluring powers so when she shifts for the first time in front of her betrothed her life and freedom are immediately put in danger. He wishes to possess her for himself, but her instincts won’t allow that, no matter how meek and mild she was taught to be. Fearing for her life, she offers to bind herself to a neighboring King in exchange for her life and safe passage out of her kingdom. This is of course when the juicy forced proximity slow burn romance really takes off!
The yearning in this book was top tier and the storyline was very unique. The only thing that kind of bothered me was that I never felt 100% sure that he was attracted to her and falling for her of his own free will. It’s not that I thought she was intentionally putting a spell on him or anything, but her allure as a siren seemed strong enough that it might have affected him even when she wasn’t actively using her powers.
When they were bound together, the magic of that binding unquestionably affected both of them emotionally, physically and psychologically and increased their desire and need to protect each other. He was pretty obsessed with her honestly and while that would typically be romantic and desirable, the circumstances and nature of her magic made it feel a little uncomfortable for me. It’s fiction and I’m probably overthinking it, but I can’t seem to get it out of my head.
Other than that, this was an excellent read! Happy to see that book two is already in the works, even if we don’t have a date yet. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long! 🤞🏻I definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR!
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: I’ve read a few books I didn’t really feel like reading this month, but I’m VERY excited for this one! I’ve seen only rave reviews and the consensus seems to be that it’s a perfect read for spooky season! 🙌🏻
Fully expecting this to be a 5 star read! 🧜🏼♀️🌊✨
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
What to Expect:
➼ Marriage of Convenience
➼ Blood Bonds
➼ Duty vs. Desire
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Winged Sirens, Gods, & Monsters
➼ Political Intrigue
➼ He Falls First
➼ Yearning
➼ One Horse
➼ Prophecies
➼ Narrated by Ell Potter
➼ First Person Single POV
Let me first start by saying that this is an EXTREMELY impressive debut! I’m honestly amazed that this is Kalie Cassidy’s first book. Bravo girl! 👏🏻👏🏻
I’ll be honest, I’m not the biggest Rachel Gillig fan, but I definitely think this will be a hit with those who love her work. This is a gothic fairytale with a dark and atmospheric setting that rivaled One Dark Window, making it the perfect read for spooky season!
Imogen was raised far away from her people and the sea and taught to be meek and accommodating. Sirens are feared and hated for their alluring powers so when she shifts for the first time in front of her betrothed her life and freedom are immediately put in danger. He wishes to possess her for himself, but her instincts won’t allow that, no matter how meek and mild she was taught to be. Fearing for her life, she offers to bind herself to a neighboring King in exchange for her life and safe passage out of her kingdom. This is of course when the juicy forced proximity slow burn romance really takes off!
The yearning in this book was top tier and the storyline was very unique. The only thing that kind of bothered me was that I never felt 100% sure that he was attracted to her and falling for her of his own free will. It’s not that I thought she was intentionally putting a spell on him or anything, but her allure as a siren seemed strong enough that it might have affected him even when she wasn’t actively using her powers.
When they were bound together, the magic of that binding unquestionably affected both of them emotionally, physically and psychologically and increased their desire and need to protect each other. He was pretty obsessed with her honestly and while that would typically be romantic and desirable, the circumstances and nature of her magic made it feel a little uncomfortable for me. It’s fiction and I’m probably overthinking it, but I can’t seem to get it out of my head.
Other than that, this was an excellent read! Happy to see that book two is already in the works, even if we don’t have a date yet. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long! 🤞🏻I definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR!
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: I’ve read a few books I didn’t really feel like reading this month, but I’m VERY excited for this one! I’ve seen only rave reviews and the consensus seems to be that it’s a perfect read for spooky season! 🙌🏻
Fully expecting this to be a 5 star read! 🧜🏼♀️🌊✨
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
December 22, 2025
I really need to stop torturing myself by starting unfinished series 😩 now I have to sit and wait for book two?!?
"I cannot even see her for the way you encompass me. You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
"I cannot even see her for the way you encompass me. You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
September 26, 2025
2.5✨
I’m so disappointed. I wish I had loved this. I’m just sad I wasted time on this to be quite frank.
I feel like I was dropped in the middle of a story and had to grasp information here and there for things to be coherent… but sadly, the information thrown at me just didn’t mix well. I was rereading chapters because I felt like I was missing something but no, it just didn’t always follow a coherent path.
The world building felt nonexistent and so was the siren lore. A lot of important unanswered questions. Insta love disguised in a mating bond… I couldn’t believe they were in love, it’s been 2 weeks?? Not the most coherent storyline. The FMC was victimizing herself to the max and she was extremely whiny. The twists were predictable.
Nemea was extremely mean to her, and she was super submissive. Then comes Theodore, who was kind… and him, she decided, she would put through hell lol. And if she was that powerful, why didn’t she just leave with Agatha? It seemed to me she just wanted to be saved but wasn’t putting anything into actions to facilitate this.
—•pre read
Need to take my mind off things. Hope this gives me a much needed reprieve ❤️🩹
I’m so disappointed. I wish I had loved this. I’m just sad I wasted time on this to be quite frank.
I feel like I was dropped in the middle of a story and had to grasp information here and there for things to be coherent… but sadly, the information thrown at me just didn’t mix well. I was rereading chapters because I felt like I was missing something but no, it just didn’t always follow a coherent path.
The world building felt nonexistent and so was the siren lore. A lot of important unanswered questions. Insta love disguised in a mating bond… I couldn’t believe they were in love, it’s been 2 weeks?? Not the most coherent storyline. The FMC was victimizing herself to the max and she was extremely whiny. The twists were predictable.
Nemea was extremely mean to her, and she was super submissive. Then comes Theodore, who was kind… and him, she decided, she would put through hell lol. And if she was that powerful, why didn’t she just leave with Agatha? It seemed to me she just wanted to be saved but wasn’t putting anything into actions to facilitate this.
—•pre read
Need to take my mind off things. Hope this gives me a much needed reprieve ❤️🩹
September 10, 2025
Okay okay OKAY. Guess who’s gone and got themselves a new god tier read? Yup. Me. This. That’ll do it.
This read like a delicious gothic fairytale, filled with siren lore, prophecies, and dark magic that will pull you under. You cannot help but be completely under this books spell.
Don’t even get me started on the yearning 🫠 or the angst?! With a haunting and lyrical prose?! oh boy I think this book is just so remarkably special.
If you loved one dark window, you’ll adore this. I’ll not be sleeping until we get book two, consider me lost at sea.
This read like a delicious gothic fairytale, filled with siren lore, prophecies, and dark magic that will pull you under. You cannot help but be completely under this books spell.
Don’t even get me started on the yearning 🫠 or the angst?! With a haunting and lyrical prose?! oh boy I think this book is just so remarkably special.
If you loved one dark window, you’ll adore this. I’ll not be sleeping until we get book two, consider me lost at sea.
July 25, 2025
I haven’t felt this way about a book in a long time. The romance, their characters, the world…it’s all built with care and the writing is beautiful. I can die happy now (after book 2, of course)
Also…that sneak peek of book 2 made things so much worse 😆😆😭😭 (do it again)
Also…that sneak peek of book 2 made things so much worse 😆😆😭😭 (do it again)
August 16, 2025
unpopular opinion i think but... this had so much potencial but didnt hit the mark
December 12, 2025
I have seen nothing but good things about this book, but it was thanks to my bestie Esta that I picked it up 📚🩵✨
In the Veins of the Drowning is a story about belonging, love, and identity. All of which are explored through this gothic romantasy with plenty of dark twists along the way. Kalie delivers an addictive story that covers many of my favourite tropes, including forced proximity and forbidden love, in this fantastic DEBUT novel. I was totally blown away and can not wait to see what she writes next 👀
“I called you a gnat, and I detest myself for it. I am the bug. A moth. And you are the moon. Drawing me, pulling me. But I’ll never be able to reach you without destroying myself. All I can do is pray for the day.” 😍💖✨
Imogen Nel is in hiding.
She was brought up far from the sea, taught to be meek and obliging. For Sirens are monstrous, blood-hungry creatures; feared for their alluring powers. When she accidentally shifts in front of her betrothed, her life and freedom are put in danger. She must escape. And when a neighboring king comes to visit, he can see exactly what she is and wishes to possess her for himself. In exchange for a safe passage out of the kingdom, they form a blood bond that protects them both…
The line of duty begins to blur and their forced proximity tests them both. With everything set against them, who will fall first?
"You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams." 💘✨
Ngl, I spent the first 1/4 of this book totally confused by the various characters. However, it made a quick turn around for the better and I was back on track before I knew it. The characters were written in so much detail that I could almost picture them. As was the setting - the atmospheric vibes were off the charts 🙌🏽 a perfect blend of moody and haunting, yet there was a lingering charm, probably due to the romantic tension ❤️🔥
“What I feel for you is beyond reason — beyond duty and desire. You have tipped my whole world on its side, and you are the one clear thing in the chaos.” 🙇🏻♀️😍💖✨
This was such a unique slow burning romance novel. The plot was multilayered with complex details and surprises around every corner. While there was political and family drama, the thing that stood out to me was the yearning between Imogen and Theo. When they were bound, they were undeniably affected on ALL levels and desire took over duty. The romance was definitely a case of ‘he falls first’ and he was obsessed (not in an annoying way)! His love for her was all-consuming, and written in such a beautiful way. However, I wasn’t totally sold that she felt for him to the same extent.
Kalie’s writing was lyrical and haunting; It had quite an incredible impact on the atmosphere of the story. While I enjoyed the first person POV from Imogen, I would have LOVED to see Theo’s POV. I felt that seeing his side would he would have balanced out the storyline better.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and very original story about Sirens, monsters, and magic 👿✨ I will admit I was confused in parts but for the most part I loved the whole atmospheric adventure this story takes us on. And with that ending…. 🤐 I need book 2 like yesterday 🙇🏻♀️
4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
In the Veins of the Drowning is a story about belonging, love, and identity. All of which are explored through this gothic romantasy with plenty of dark twists along the way. Kalie delivers an addictive story that covers many of my favourite tropes, including forced proximity and forbidden love, in this fantastic DEBUT novel. I was totally blown away and can not wait to see what she writes next 👀
“I called you a gnat, and I detest myself for it. I am the bug. A moth. And you are the moon. Drawing me, pulling me. But I’ll never be able to reach you without destroying myself. All I can do is pray for the day.” 😍💖✨
Imogen Nel is in hiding.
She was brought up far from the sea, taught to be meek and obliging. For Sirens are monstrous, blood-hungry creatures; feared for their alluring powers. When she accidentally shifts in front of her betrothed, her life and freedom are put in danger. She must escape. And when a neighboring king comes to visit, he can see exactly what she is and wishes to possess her for himself. In exchange for a safe passage out of the kingdom, they form a blood bond that protects them both…
The line of duty begins to blur and their forced proximity tests them both. With everything set against them, who will fall first?
"You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams." 💘✨
Ngl, I spent the first 1/4 of this book totally confused by the various characters. However, it made a quick turn around for the better and I was back on track before I knew it. The characters were written in so much detail that I could almost picture them. As was the setting - the atmospheric vibes were off the charts 🙌🏽 a perfect blend of moody and haunting, yet there was a lingering charm, probably due to the romantic tension ❤️🔥
“What I feel for you is beyond reason — beyond duty and desire. You have tipped my whole world on its side, and you are the one clear thing in the chaos.” 🙇🏻♀️😍💖✨
This was such a unique slow burning romance novel. The plot was multilayered with complex details and surprises around every corner. While there was political and family drama, the thing that stood out to me was the yearning between Imogen and Theo. When they were bound, they were undeniably affected on ALL levels and desire took over duty. The romance was definitely a case of ‘he falls first’ and he was obsessed (not in an annoying way)! His love for her was all-consuming, and written in such a beautiful way. However, I wasn’t totally sold that she felt for him to the same extent.
Kalie’s writing was lyrical and haunting; It had quite an incredible impact on the atmosphere of the story. While I enjoyed the first person POV from Imogen, I would have LOVED to see Theo’s POV. I felt that seeing his side would he would have balanced out the storyline better.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and very original story about Sirens, monsters, and magic 👿✨ I will admit I was confused in parts but for the most part I loved the whole atmospheric adventure this story takes us on. And with that ending…. 🤐 I need book 2 like yesterday 🙇🏻♀️
4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 17, 2025
⭐️ 4.25 ⭐️ Are you looking for a HOT Gothic summer? Look no further because this is it. This will make you bite your cheek, squirm in your seat, compel and lure you in like a siren song! Ughh and the tension! Oh that tension!! So edgy, so sweet, so pulsating. I need book 2 like yesterday!
After “The Knight and the Moth” flop of the year, I was looking for something with a gothic backdrop. I picked up this book on a whim and the gothic vibes with siren lore were exactly what I was looking for. Cassidy delivered a compelling tale full of action, plot, alluring sirens and created a man who will go to the end of the world for his woman. With a tender romance and a golden-retriever male love interest, Cassidy’s outstanding writing shined through the grim-world building.
In this seaside lore, Imogen is a siren hiding in a kingdom that hurts her kind. She is engaged to be married off to the kings’ commander who is vile and cruel and wants power. A visiting king, Theodore, offers her protection through a dangerous blood bond. He literally sails her away and the angst rises! He shouldn’t love her but he does anyways; he’s willing to throw everything away for her safety and protection, including his kingdom.
QUOTE:
* “You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
With everything set against them, who is going to fall first? Imogen must first learn about her true identity and power before settling her feelings and choosing a path to freedom.
After “The Knight and the Moth” flop of the year, I was looking for something with a gothic backdrop. I picked up this book on a whim and the gothic vibes with siren lore were exactly what I was looking for. Cassidy delivered a compelling tale full of action, plot, alluring sirens and created a man who will go to the end of the world for his woman. With a tender romance and a golden-retriever male love interest, Cassidy’s outstanding writing shined through the grim-world building.
In this seaside lore, Imogen is a siren hiding in a kingdom that hurts her kind. She is engaged to be married off to the kings’ commander who is vile and cruel and wants power. A visiting king, Theodore, offers her protection through a dangerous blood bond. He literally sails her away and the angst rises! He shouldn’t love her but he does anyways; he’s willing to throw everything away for her safety and protection, including his kingdom.
QUOTE:
* “You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
With everything set against them, who is going to fall first? Imogen must first learn about her true identity and power before settling her feelings and choosing a path to freedom.
August 21, 2025
I am so conflicted, I can’t even explain.
I liked the middle of this book, but beginning made me viscerally angry with how she was treated, and the ending was confusing as hell.
The middle was pretty good, the yearning was reallll in this book.
I liked the FMC, but she felt very inconsistent behavior-wise. The MMC is where this book shines, he was *chef’s kiss*.
I am gonna go with 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4 as my rating on this one.
I liked the middle of this book, but beginning made me viscerally angry with how she was treated, and the ending was confusing as hell.
The middle was pretty good, the yearning was reallll in this book.
I liked the FMC, but she felt very inconsistent behavior-wise. The MMC is where this book shines, he was *chef’s kiss*.
I am gonna go with 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4 as my rating on this one.
October 16, 2025
OK.. THIS WAS SO GOOD!!
I was hooked from the beginning. Kalie Cassidy CAN WRITE! I truly enjoyed this story so much. I was able to read and envision this world perfectly. I also think this was super unique! I haven't read anything like it.
I will say I am OBSESSED with everything Rachel Gillig writes and the writing gave me similar vibes at times.
The way this ended... CHILLS. I cannot wait for the next book! I need more immediately.
Also, THEO. He's perfect. Proof below ⬇️
"If you let me, I will happily carve myself open again and pour you pack inside me." HE SAID WHATTTTT
4.5 ⭐️ | 🌶️
-romantasy
-sirens
-slow burn
-he falls first
-marriage/ bond of convenience
-they go on a quest
-forced proximity
I was hooked from the beginning. Kalie Cassidy CAN WRITE! I truly enjoyed this story so much. I was able to read and envision this world perfectly. I also think this was super unique! I haven't read anything like it.
I will say I am OBSESSED with everything Rachel Gillig writes and the writing gave me similar vibes at times.
The way this ended... CHILLS. I cannot wait for the next book! I need more immediately.
Also, THEO. He's perfect. Proof below ⬇️
"If you let me, I will happily carve myself open again and pour you pack inside me." HE SAID WHATTTTT
4.5 ⭐️ | 🌶️
-romantasy
-sirens
-slow burn
-he falls first
-marriage/ bond of convenience
-they go on a quest
-forced proximity
September 23, 2025
5 stars because I loved every single thing about this book! My only big complaint is the fact that it isn’t longer!! I’m actually in need of the book 2 right now!!! The vibes were immaculate. The gothic fairytale vibes, siren lore and greek mythology was giving me life. I’m obsessed and now I’m itching to read more books like this one!! This needs to be a movie just purely based on the vibes and how beautifully and atmospheric it was written!
The fmc is a siren in hiding in a kingdom where her kind is killed and she forced to obey and serve the cruel king until she meets a “stranger” who happens to be the crown prince of the rival kingdom. I immediately feel in love with the mmc Theo. He was so hot and served us yearning, tension and a dirty mouth🫦 this was so juicy and the forced proximity and blood bond between Theo and Imogen added to the yearning and tension! I NEED Theo’s pov in the next book pls!!
If Imogen could just stop being so self sabotaging and confused about her feelings, I would very much appreciate it because argh I was internally screaming!! Now I have to wait probably a year until the next book comes out😭 cruel!!
Pre-read:
I had to start this because I constantly see my book besties reading this book and loving it!! And I haven’t really read books with sirens so I’m very intrigued!😍
The fmc is a siren in hiding in a kingdom where her kind is killed and she forced to obey and serve the cruel king until she meets a “stranger” who happens to be the crown prince of the rival kingdom. I immediately feel in love with the mmc Theo. He was so hot and served us yearning, tension and a dirty mouth🫦 this was so juicy and the forced proximity and blood bond between Theo and Imogen added to the yearning and tension! I NEED Theo’s pov in the next book pls!!
If Imogen could just stop being so self sabotaging and confused about her feelings, I would very much appreciate it because argh I was internally screaming!! Now I have to wait probably a year until the next book comes out😭 cruel!!
Pre-read:
I had to start this because I constantly see my book besties reading this book and loving it!! And I haven’t really read books with sirens so I’m very intrigued!😍
August 5, 2025
“But if you are to devastate me, then let it be completely. Lay waste to me and everything that’s mine. A life without you in it is not one I wish to lead.”
I NEED BOOK 2 LIKE I NEED AIR TO BREATHE 😭😭😭 I will be waiting with bated breath. Reading the first chapter of book 2 at the end of this one has me ON MY KNEEEEES. PLEASE 😭
This was absolutely enchanting. It was brimming with tension and yearning that had me silently screaming into my pillow in agony. I was drawn in from the very first chapter. I’ve yet to read a fantasy that explores the beauty of siren folklore, so this was a unique change of pace for me and so incredibly refreshing. The author’s prose was dark, elegant, and powerfully evocative.
The draw that the main characters had to one another….. exquisite. I was loving every second of every interaction between them. Imogen, a woman on a journey to discover the darkest parts of herself and Theo, a man who would literally crawl to the ends of the universe for her. A man who would give up anything and everything for her. UGHHHH😫🙏🏻
“I am the bug. A moth. And you are the moon. Drawing me, pulling me. But I’ll never be able to reach you without destroying myself.”
I— PLEASSEEEEEEEE😫😫😫😫😫
"I cannot even see her for the way you encompass me." Emotion etched his face. ”You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
LIKE???? I CAN’T TAKE THIS
“What I feel for you is beyond reason — beyond duty and desire. You have tipped my whole world on its side, and you are the one clear thing in the chaos. You. I want you.”
“If you are selfish, then I am a gluttonous, greed-riddled fiend for how badly I want you.”
THEOOOO 😩😩😩
FINALLY. I have been released from the shackles of my book slump of mediocre books!!!! Yall better get to reading this one 🤌🏻
I NEED BOOK 2 LIKE I NEED AIR TO BREATHE 😭😭😭 I will be waiting with bated breath. Reading the first chapter of book 2 at the end of this one has me ON MY KNEEEEES. PLEASE 😭
This was absolutely enchanting. It was brimming with tension and yearning that had me silently screaming into my pillow in agony. I was drawn in from the very first chapter. I’ve yet to read a fantasy that explores the beauty of siren folklore, so this was a unique change of pace for me and so incredibly refreshing. The author’s prose was dark, elegant, and powerfully evocative.
The draw that the main characters had to one another….. exquisite. I was loving every second of every interaction between them. Imogen, a woman on a journey to discover the darkest parts of herself and Theo, a man who would literally crawl to the ends of the universe for her. A man who would give up anything and everything for her. UGHHHH😫🙏🏻
“I am the bug. A moth. And you are the moon. Drawing me, pulling me. But I’ll never be able to reach you without destroying myself.”
I— PLEASSEEEEEEEE😫😫😫😫😫
"I cannot even see her for the way you encompass me." Emotion etched his face. ”You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
LIKE???? I CAN’T TAKE THIS
“What I feel for you is beyond reason — beyond duty and desire. You have tipped my whole world on its side, and you are the one clear thing in the chaos. You. I want you.”
“If you are selfish, then I am a gluttonous, greed-riddled fiend for how badly I want you.”
THEOOOO 😩😩😩
FINALLY. I have been released from the shackles of my book slump of mediocre books!!!! Yall better get to reading this one 🤌🏻
August 13, 2025
5 Captured the essence of true love ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
OMG, this was good. You will have to look a long time, to come across a more romantic build up. My heart was breaking in all the good ways.
I don’t want to tell you what happens, it would ruin the adventure. Don’t read any spoilers. But wow, my faith is being restored in authors being able to capture the essence of love on paper
Theo, The King of Varya,is very regal, prudent, proper, fair and serves his people to his own detriment.
Imogene is being abused by King Nemea, and needs to escape. In order to do that she must have help from Theo and that’s where we start and all you should now. She is loyal, you want to be her. She is mature and has a wicked inner dialogue.🙌
The love is comparable to that of Romeo and Juliet, they are not their own obstacles. The world and their situation is.
“The outside world were coming for us with a hammer and chisel”
It is so beautifully written it hard to understand it’s a debut novel, I devoured this. I didn’t pick up the phone or open my door. I was completely immersed ❤️
There is a blood bond between Imogene and Theo and the way it’s written, how their feelings explode, slowly, but so believable. This author has had a great love of her own.
“If you are to devastate me, let it be completely. Lay waste to me and everything that is mine. A life without you in it, is not one I wish lead. “😭
This is how you put feelings onto paper❤️
Should you read it? YES RIGHT NOW! I already bought a copy for my daughter!
P.s. THIS IS HOW YOU TITLE A BOOK🫶
OMG, this was good. You will have to look a long time, to come across a more romantic build up. My heart was breaking in all the good ways.
I don’t want to tell you what happens, it would ruin the adventure. Don’t read any spoilers. But wow, my faith is being restored in authors being able to capture the essence of love on paper
Theo, The King of Varya,is very regal, prudent, proper, fair and serves his people to his own detriment.
Imogene is being abused by King Nemea, and needs to escape. In order to do that she must have help from Theo and that’s where we start and all you should now. She is loyal, you want to be her. She is mature and has a wicked inner dialogue.🙌
The love is comparable to that of Romeo and Juliet, they are not their own obstacles. The world and their situation is.
“The outside world were coming for us with a hammer and chisel”
It is so beautifully written it hard to understand it’s a debut novel, I devoured this. I didn’t pick up the phone or open my door. I was completely immersed ❤️
There is a blood bond between Imogene and Theo and the way it’s written, how their feelings explode, slowly, but so believable. This author has had a great love of her own.
“If you are to devastate me, let it be completely. Lay waste to me and everything that is mine. A life without you in it, is not one I wish lead. “😭
This is how you put feelings onto paper❤️
Should you read it? YES RIGHT NOW! I already bought a copy for my daughter!
P.s. THIS IS HOW YOU TITLE A BOOK🫶
April 14, 2025
What a STUNNING dark fantasy romance!
If you love sirens/the ocean you need to pick this one up!
If you love sirens/the ocean you need to pick this one up!
July 15, 2025
I am yet again sitting before you absolutely crashing out over one of the best fantasy romance books I have ever read.
My heart feels caught in a siren’s song. I have been utterly bewitched by this magical romantasy.
This is unlike any story I have read before. It wrapped me up in it’s talons immediately and I did not know peace until it was over. Actually... now that’s it’s over I’m in even worse turmoil.
This story is about a Siren who forges a bond with a brooding King in order to flee the King who raised her…. That doesn’t even SCRATCH THE SURFACE but you need to read this book in order to know more about what’s going on…
Ladies and gentlemen, forget every semblance of yearning you’ve ever read… THIS IS yearning. This is the ache I’ve dreamed of. The kind of beautiful agony that claws at your heart and yet, somehow, leaves you desperate for more.
This book didn’t just feel romantic… it felt like the sea itself… powerful, rising, and utterly consuming. It pulled my breath away more times than I can count, and now… well, I’m still floating in longing… trying to catch my breath.
I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. I couldn’t stay still. Every scene pulled me deeper and deeper. It’s packed with sea shaping lore, crown weighing responsibilities, shimmering magic, and divine oceanic gods.
This story is a tempest of treachery and secrets, with revelations that crash over you like waves, leaving you gasping for the calm of resolution.
This book doesn't just tell a story. It drowns you in it. The emotional riptide I was caught in felt as real and relentless as the sea itself.
"The way you encompass. You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
I feel like I’ve gone to battle and back. I can’t even begin to describe the emotional toll this story had on me.
"You have shined a light on me. You made me feel fury and terror and joy and longing. How do I curl myself back into the darkness after being so alive?"
Did I mention this is one of the most romantic stories I’ve ever read? I was practically howling at every smirk and stormy glance between these two.
Imagine if Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride & Prejudice, and One Dark Window collided in a storm of passion and peril… this book would be their tempestuous love child.
“His absence would bring me more than heartache. For awful things filled empty spaces. And it was in the darkest, deepest part of the sea that monsters were made.”
There’s a profound satisfaction watching a woman who has been taught to be small and timid… caged and quieted… break free of her restrains and soar. Or in this case… swim.
These are the stories that keep me reading. That keeps me searching for the next magical story to sweep me away. I’m so grateful this tale exists in my lifetime. I won’t soon forget it.
My heart feels caught in a siren’s song. I have been utterly bewitched by this magical romantasy.
This is unlike any story I have read before. It wrapped me up in it’s talons immediately and I did not know peace until it was over. Actually... now that’s it’s over I’m in even worse turmoil.
This story is about a Siren who forges a bond with a brooding King in order to flee the King who raised her…. That doesn’t even SCRATCH THE SURFACE but you need to read this book in order to know more about what’s going on…
Ladies and gentlemen, forget every semblance of yearning you’ve ever read… THIS IS yearning. This is the ache I’ve dreamed of. The kind of beautiful agony that claws at your heart and yet, somehow, leaves you desperate for more.
This book didn’t just feel romantic… it felt like the sea itself… powerful, rising, and utterly consuming. It pulled my breath away more times than I can count, and now… well, I’m still floating in longing… trying to catch my breath.
I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. I couldn’t stay still. Every scene pulled me deeper and deeper. It’s packed with sea shaping lore, crown weighing responsibilities, shimmering magic, and divine oceanic gods.
This story is a tempest of treachery and secrets, with revelations that crash over you like waves, leaving you gasping for the calm of resolution.
This book doesn't just tell a story. It drowns you in it. The emotional riptide I was caught in felt as real and relentless as the sea itself.
"The way you encompass. You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
I feel like I’ve gone to battle and back. I can’t even begin to describe the emotional toll this story had on me.
"You have shined a light on me. You made me feel fury and terror and joy and longing. How do I curl myself back into the darkness after being so alive?"
Did I mention this is one of the most romantic stories I’ve ever read? I was practically howling at every smirk and stormy glance between these two.
Imagine if Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride & Prejudice, and One Dark Window collided in a storm of passion and peril… this book would be their tempestuous love child.
“His absence would bring me more than heartache. For awful things filled empty spaces. And it was in the darkest, deepest part of the sea that monsters were made.”
There’s a profound satisfaction watching a woman who has been taught to be small and timid… caged and quieted… break free of her restrains and soar. Or in this case… swim.
These are the stories that keep me reading. That keeps me searching for the next magical story to sweep me away. I’m so grateful this tale exists in my lifetime. I won’t soon forget it.
September 28, 2025
I enjoyed this book even though it was slow for me to get into because our siren heroine, Imogen, has so little agency, which doesn't make sense, especially after we learn what kind of power she does have. It would've been easier to understand had she been younger (Imogen is 25) or if she'd been separated from all of her kind (her only friend and lady's maid is a siren), OR if she hadn't been held in a castle on an island surrounded by the element that holds her power. So that weakened the book. There's also some confusion about the gods. Many of them are dead but their half mortal children are living normal lifespans, even when their divine parents are talked about as being alive in the ancient times. Ancient times? Twenty-five years? The world building needs refining. But all in all the story is entertaining. I'll read the next book hoping the author's skills mature because her writing is rich with potential.
Want to read
February 8, 2025For fans of one dark window and loved by Ms Gillig herself 🤭 I need this!!
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