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Shadows of the Deep: A Siren/Pirate Dark Fantasy Romance
Love is the deadliest curse of all.
Months of hunting the dreaded "sons," horrifying creatures from the deep come to feed on humans and sirens alike, Vidar and Dahlia realize there is no end to the chase.
Unless they sail for the heart of chaos itself.
Akareth's incessant pull still haunts Dahlia and as she questions whether or not it is her own madness driving her to the brink, Vidar is determined to hunt the most horrifying monster of his time to ensure she remains the woman--the siren--he fell in love with.
Plagued by drastically changing tides and threats from all sides, the crew of the Burning Rose must navigate unknown waters and the hellish deep to reclaim the ocean as well as land.
"The waters are yet a mystery. At every turn, the darkness is clawing toward the surface from the deepest trenches of the world, but one thing remains true. The crew of the Rose faces every nightmare with a bronze blade in hand."
***This book is a direct continuation of "Wicked Tides." Triggers Sirens eating humans, violence and gore, erotic asphyxiation, blood play, torture, rape in a dream setting, references to rape, and cannibalism.
Months of hunting the dreaded "sons," horrifying creatures from the deep come to feed on humans and sirens alike, Vidar and Dahlia realize there is no end to the chase.
Unless they sail for the heart of chaos itself.
Akareth's incessant pull still haunts Dahlia and as she questions whether or not it is her own madness driving her to the brink, Vidar is determined to hunt the most horrifying monster of his time to ensure she remains the woman--the siren--he fell in love with.
Plagued by drastically changing tides and threats from all sides, the crew of the Burning Rose must navigate unknown waters and the hellish deep to reclaim the ocean as well as land.
"The waters are yet a mystery. At every turn, the darkness is clawing toward the surface from the deepest trenches of the world, but one thing remains true. The crew of the Rose faces every nightmare with a bronze blade in hand."
***This book is a direct continuation of "Wicked Tides." Triggers Sirens eating humans, violence and gore, erotic asphyxiation, blood play, torture, rape in a dream setting, references to rape, and cannibalism.
- GenresFantasy
449 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2025
19 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Leigh
29 books78 followersI was born on a teeny tiny island in the middle of the ocean to two amazing and adventurous parents. When we moved to the mainland, I was raised on an ostrich ranch in rural Arizona where learned about hard work and responsibility. I attribute my determination to my upbringing and loved the adventures of my younger years. Myself and my siblings schooled in the city, a one hour commute each way.
I majored in theatre then immediately moved on to college when I was 17 pursuing fashion and costume design. I graduated during the recession and couldn't find work, so depression got me until I found the cosplay community and opened up again with both a social life and a creative drive.
Through ALL of this, I was writing in my spare time. From the moment I could draw really sloppy letters on a page, I was creating stories and it became something I did to relieve stress and cope with life changes. At 17, I finished my first novel at 160,000 words (it since got lost in many crashed computers and moves) But since then I have been writing like a mad woman and finally published in 2019. I have no plans of stopping.
I majored in theatre then immediately moved on to college when I was 17 pursuing fashion and costume design. I graduated during the recession and couldn't find work, so depression got me until I found the cosplay community and opened up again with both a social life and a creative drive.
Through ALL of this, I was writing in my spare time. From the moment I could draw really sloppy letters on a page, I was creating stories and it became something I did to relieve stress and cope with life changes. At 17, I finished my first novel at 160,000 words (it since got lost in many crashed computers and moves) But since then I have been writing like a mad woman and finally published in 2019. I have no plans of stopping.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 16, 2025
Well I finished this last night and had to take 12 hours to process it. I don’t think 12 is enough because I’m still reeling from it.
I loooooveeeeee Dahlia and Vidar. Their relationship is raw. It’s powerful. It’s broken. It’s still under construction. It’s a great representation of what it means to feel completely under the influence of someone else’s life but attempts to navigate it with an autonomy that benefits them both.
I love the desperation they both feel in their ability to be at the mercy of the other and trust that they will not run from the jagged edges of their souls. I think they’ve cemented their spot as one of my favourite book couples.
The plot was fantastic. I didn’t know where it was going to go given they had to disarm a God but I think the impossibility of it was handled well. The comparison to real world religious zealots was fitting given the state of the world today.
I don’t want to spoil anything so I will just say I LOVED Lyla. What a character to introduce.
She is a big book but it doesn’t feel like it. I could have read more and enjoyed every second of it.
Thank you so much to Courtney Leigh for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.
I loooooveeeeee Dahlia and Vidar. Their relationship is raw. It’s powerful. It’s broken. It’s still under construction. It’s a great representation of what it means to feel completely under the influence of someone else’s life but attempts to navigate it with an autonomy that benefits them both.
I love the desperation they both feel in their ability to be at the mercy of the other and trust that they will not run from the jagged edges of their souls. I think they’ve cemented their spot as one of my favourite book couples.
The plot was fantastic. I didn’t know where it was going to go given they had to disarm a God but I think the impossibility of it was handled well. The comparison to real world religious zealots was fitting given the state of the world today.
I don’t want to spoil anything so I will just say I LOVED Lyla. What a character to introduce.
She is a big book but it doesn’t feel like it. I could have read more and enjoyed every second of it.
Thank you so much to Courtney Leigh for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.
December 5, 2025
If you’re new to this world please check the content warning. This world is dark (and delicious) but understand: the romance isn’t soft and sweet, much like the characters.
They’re intense, violent, devoted, and instinct-driven.
If you’re coming from wicked tides, you’re going to enjoy this ride.
They’re intense, violent, devoted, and instinct-driven.
If you’re coming from wicked tides, you’re going to enjoy this ride.
November 26, 2025
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC.
Plot 4/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 4.5/5
Overall 4/5
-So, it wasn’t a standalone. Now that u think about it, I understand that there was so much more to explore in this world and so much more to uncover and resolve. I was intrigued with the mysterious creatures and this fictitious or very real god like person taking charge of all the sirens. Mixing the plot line, romance and familial relationships made for a very interesting book.
-I still really like these characters. They have such a dark vibe to them and that makes them so uniquely beautiful to read about. What did bother me, though, was that I felt like they just had sex all the time, even when it didn’t add anything to the story and even when it wants the right time at all and took me out of it. To be honest, I kind of skipped over those scenes and moved on. I liked the additional characters introduced in this book, they really did add a lot to the story. Also enjoyed seeing the characters from the novella.
-The last few lines of the book really close it up amazingly. The ending itself isn’t exactly expected but it’s not surprising either, so I don’t have much to say about that. But the last chapter makes me a little sad that it’s over. I would love to read more of this world, these characters and even new characters.
Plot 4/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 4.5/5
Overall 4/5
-So, it wasn’t a standalone. Now that u think about it, I understand that there was so much more to explore in this world and so much more to uncover and resolve. I was intrigued with the mysterious creatures and this fictitious or very real god like person taking charge of all the sirens. Mixing the plot line, romance and familial relationships made for a very interesting book.
-I still really like these characters. They have such a dark vibe to them and that makes them so uniquely beautiful to read about. What did bother me, though, was that I felt like they just had sex all the time, even when it didn’t add anything to the story and even when it wants the right time at all and took me out of it. To be honest, I kind of skipped over those scenes and moved on. I liked the additional characters introduced in this book, they really did add a lot to the story. Also enjoyed seeing the characters from the novella.
-The last few lines of the book really close it up amazingly. The ending itself isn’t exactly expected but it’s not surprising either, so I don’t have much to say about that. But the last chapter makes me a little sad that it’s over. I would love to read more of this world, these characters and even new characters.
December 17, 2025
Back to Vidar and Dahlia hunting the seas for an end to the darkness. We get introduced to new characters and old ones during this journey. It was a bit too much “bed time” for me, so I skipped a few, but a great ending to this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 21, 2025
Read if you Like:
-true enemies to lovers
-dark romantasy
-pirate x siren
-found family
-forced proximity
-forbidden romance
-dual POV
-open door spice
Dahlia and Vidar are everything and more. This series has gripped me so hard. I can’t express enough how much I love it. This true enemies-to-lovers romance is perfect. These two spend most of the first book trying to kill each other. The true enemy of the ocean brings them and other unlikely pairings together to defeat him.
There are so many twists and turns, so many emotional moments. This book was everything I wanted in a sequel and more. If you like pirate books, you HAVE to read this one. It is dark and oh so good. I can’t wait to read more from the world that Courtney has created. This book is available on KU. I hope you will read it and love it too.
Favorite Quotes:
“I believe neither of us knows what the word means,” he said calmly. “Perhaps it is why I said it so quickly. Perhaps it is why you have not said it at all. We are monsters, built on hate and violence. How are we to know anything? Either way, you desire my company and I desire yours. We need not name the reasons why.”
“Your sharp edges and violent stares are the things I love most.”
“Even if those sharp edges may one day be directed at you?” “They’ve been directed at me since we first saw each other on that island, love. Now stop this pouting and get back in bed.”
We can find each other again. You can come back to me. He can bend your mind, Dahlia, but your heart is mine. And your soul is yours.”
“I will look for you in every lifetime. In every body,” he said. “I will love you in all of them, until the last star burns out in the sky.”
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bookkat1214
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookkat1214
***Check your TWs***
-true enemies to lovers
-dark romantasy
-pirate x siren
-found family
-forced proximity
-forbidden romance
-dual POV
-open door spice
Dahlia and Vidar are everything and more. This series has gripped me so hard. I can’t express enough how much I love it. This true enemies-to-lovers romance is perfect. These two spend most of the first book trying to kill each other. The true enemy of the ocean brings them and other unlikely pairings together to defeat him.
There are so many twists and turns, so many emotional moments. This book was everything I wanted in a sequel and more. If you like pirate books, you HAVE to read this one. It is dark and oh so good. I can’t wait to read more from the world that Courtney has created. This book is available on KU. I hope you will read it and love it too.
Favorite Quotes:
“I believe neither of us knows what the word means,” he said calmly. “Perhaps it is why I said it so quickly. Perhaps it is why you have not said it at all. We are monsters, built on hate and violence. How are we to know anything? Either way, you desire my company and I desire yours. We need not name the reasons why.”
“Your sharp edges and violent stares are the things I love most.”
“Even if those sharp edges may one day be directed at you?” “They’ve been directed at me since we first saw each other on that island, love. Now stop this pouting and get back in bed.”
We can find each other again. You can come back to me. He can bend your mind, Dahlia, but your heart is mine. And your soul is yours.”
“I will look for you in every lifetime. In every body,” he said. “I will love you in all of them, until the last star burns out in the sky.”
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bookkat1214
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookkat1214
***Check your TWs***
November 12, 2025
4.5 | 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼 ⭐️
ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴇᴘ By @courtneyandbooks
Courtney Leigh returns to her storm-soaked world with Shadows of the Deep, a dark, intoxicating continuation of Wicked Tides series that drags you straight back beneath the waves.
From the first chapter, the sea feels alive, hungry, vengeful, and beautiful…and it’s impossible not to get swept under.
Dahlia and Vidar’s story burns hotter and darker here, filled with longing, danger, and the kind of love that feels like drowning and breathing all at once.
Leigh’s writing is lush and cinematic, every wave and wound painted in detail. You can taste the salt in the air, feel the sway of the ship, and sense the ancient gods stirring in the deep. What I loved most is how the romance refuses to be soft or simple. it’s violent, tender, and deeply human even amid monsters and magic. The characters are broken and brave, clawing their way toward something like redemption.
This isn’t a gentle read. The story wades through blood and darkness, confronting pain and power in equal measure. Yet there’s something hauntingly beautiful in how it all unfolds. Leigh doesn’t shy away from showing the cost of survival or the hunger of the heart.
The result is a story that feels both mythic and raw, where love isn’t the light above the surface but the current pulling you deeper.
By the final page, I was breathless—wrecked in the best way. Shadows of the Deep is a storm disguised as a book: wild, violent, and unforgettable.
🌊 “You will break me until I cannot recognize myself.” His mouth curled beneath my fingertips. “A fate I will gladly accept.” 🌊
ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴇᴘ By @courtneyandbooks
Courtney Leigh returns to her storm-soaked world with Shadows of the Deep, a dark, intoxicating continuation of Wicked Tides series that drags you straight back beneath the waves.
From the first chapter, the sea feels alive, hungry, vengeful, and beautiful…and it’s impossible not to get swept under.
Dahlia and Vidar’s story burns hotter and darker here, filled with longing, danger, and the kind of love that feels like drowning and breathing all at once.
Leigh’s writing is lush and cinematic, every wave and wound painted in detail. You can taste the salt in the air, feel the sway of the ship, and sense the ancient gods stirring in the deep. What I loved most is how the romance refuses to be soft or simple. it’s violent, tender, and deeply human even amid monsters and magic. The characters are broken and brave, clawing their way toward something like redemption.
This isn’t a gentle read. The story wades through blood and darkness, confronting pain and power in equal measure. Yet there’s something hauntingly beautiful in how it all unfolds. Leigh doesn’t shy away from showing the cost of survival or the hunger of the heart.
The result is a story that feels both mythic and raw, where love isn’t the light above the surface but the current pulling you deeper.
By the final page, I was breathless—wrecked in the best way. Shadows of the Deep is a storm disguised as a book: wild, violent, and unforgettable.
🌊 “You will break me until I cannot recognize myself.” His mouth curled beneath my fingertips. “A fate I will gladly accept.” 🌊
November 20, 2025
I don’t know where to start other than I adored this book! It’s dark and twisted yet still balances out an incredible found family trope. Which is a personal favourite but the romance … my god the romance. It’s obsessive and raw the intensity of Vidar and Dahlia is breath taking. It’s not perfect it’s two people who once hated one another slowly stitching themselves and each other back together. I love that I love to see the struggles and how they navigate the darkness.
This book doesn’t hold your hand it explodes deliciously dark themes. These are sirens not mermaids and Courtney leans into those themes and never shies away from her characters exploring the more feral aspects of their personalities. The plot was perfection and the pacing great. It felt much shorter then it actually was i mean that in the best possible way. Loved it just as much as wicked tides and highly recommend it.
If you want to read a dark fantasy that is very unique and well written. Then this is the book for you 100%!
This book doesn’t hold your hand it explodes deliciously dark themes. These are sirens not mermaids and Courtney leans into those themes and never shies away from her characters exploring the more feral aspects of their personalities. The plot was perfection and the pacing great. It felt much shorter then it actually was i mean that in the best possible way. Loved it just as much as wicked tides and highly recommend it.
If you want to read a dark fantasy that is very unique and well written. Then this is the book for you 100%!
November 26, 2025
Thank you for a chance to read this book before the masses.
If you have not read Wicked Tides, I would recommend reading it before reading this one so that you can get the full impact of this story. And what an incredible story it was.
Dahlia and Vidar, along with their crew go on an adventure into uncharted waters to track down a god. What is real and what is in your mind? That is the question throughout.
This book had everything. It is not an easy read because it is so deep and so dark, but it is a fantastic read. You will go through all of the emotions from sadness to anger to excitement.
Dahlia is vicious and she is tested in this book. Vidar is strong but he is also tested. How do you hunt something you know nothing about? Find out when you read this book. If I could give it six stars I would.
If you have not read Wicked Tides, I would recommend reading it before reading this one so that you can get the full impact of this story. And what an incredible story it was.
Dahlia and Vidar, along with their crew go on an adventure into uncharted waters to track down a god. What is real and what is in your mind? That is the question throughout.
This book had everything. It is not an easy read because it is so deep and so dark, but it is a fantastic read. You will go through all of the emotions from sadness to anger to excitement.
Dahlia is vicious and she is tested in this book. Vidar is strong but he is also tested. How do you hunt something you know nothing about? Find out when you read this book. If I could give it six stars I would.
December 2, 2025
4⭐️
Shadows of the Deep picks up where Wicked Tides ended, and it just keeps running full steam. I didn’t want to put this book down. I never knew what was going to happen next and I did not see that ending coming!
This book gives very Pirates of the Caribbean vibes in all the best ways.
I loved that this book focused more on Dahlia and her overcoming the darkness. The love and support Vidar has for her is unmatched.
🖤“I will look for you in every lifetime. In every body. I will love you in all of them, until the last star burns out in the sky.”🖤
If you love a DARK (check the trigger warnings) fantasy romance book with sirens, morally grey characters, and them against world vibes, you’ll want to grab the Wicked Tide series! 🧜♀️
Thank you Courtney and BookSirens for an eARC!
Shadows of the Deep picks up where Wicked Tides ended, and it just keeps running full steam. I didn’t want to put this book down. I never knew what was going to happen next and I did not see that ending coming!
This book gives very Pirates of the Caribbean vibes in all the best ways.
I loved that this book focused more on Dahlia and her overcoming the darkness. The love and support Vidar has for her is unmatched.
🖤“I will look for you in every lifetime. In every body. I will love you in all of them, until the last star burns out in the sky.”🖤
If you love a DARK (check the trigger warnings) fantasy romance book with sirens, morally grey characters, and them against world vibes, you’ll want to grab the Wicked Tide series! 🧜♀️
Thank you Courtney and BookSirens for an eARC!
November 19, 2025
What a nail biting ride !!!
I loved Vidar and Dhalia in Wicked Tides and they are somehow even better in book 2.
They are still just as violent and ruthless, but at the same time they now have each other to lean on, love on and fight for.
They also have their ship crew family to protect and fight with them.
The story was thrilling and surprising at every turn. You never know what will happen next, what is real and what is not. But through it all you just know that the strength of Dahlia‘s and Vidar’s love will carry them through.
I loved everything about this book, it kept me glued to it, rooting every second for the characters.
It was dark, deep, chilling, thrilling, and spicy.
I am hoping there will be more to come in this world.
I have received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
4🌶️ / 5⭐️
I loved Vidar and Dhalia in Wicked Tides and they are somehow even better in book 2.
They are still just as violent and ruthless, but at the same time they now have each other to lean on, love on and fight for.
They also have their ship crew family to protect and fight with them.
The story was thrilling and surprising at every turn. You never know what will happen next, what is real and what is not. But through it all you just know that the strength of Dahlia‘s and Vidar’s love will carry them through.
I loved everything about this book, it kept me glued to it, rooting every second for the characters.
It was dark, deep, chilling, thrilling, and spicy.
I am hoping there will be more to come in this world.
I have received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
4🌶️ / 5⭐️
November 27, 2025
I really liked ‘Wicked Tides’, but was unsure after completing it whether I would continue to read the series because I am not a fan of choking sex and so on. Do not misunderstand - I love really steamy scenes in my books - but I am not at all into this type of sexual relations, and prefer not to read about it. In my eyes, it kills much of the romance.
But when I got the chance to read ‘ Shadows of the Deep’ as an ARC, I said yes straight away since the plot and the characters are very good.
I am glad I kept reading. Relationships evolve, the plot twists and turns, and there is a certain dark edge to it all that I truly liked.
But when I got the chance to read ‘ Shadows of the Deep’ as an ARC, I said yes straight away since the plot and the characters are very good.
I am glad I kept reading. Relationships evolve, the plot twists and turns, and there is a certain dark edge to it all that I truly liked.
November 25, 2025
This intense journey between Vidar and Dahlia continues on from where book 1 left off. Now that new threats are darkening the waters and land is becoming more chaotic there is much to determine. This book not only has intensity but grit, chaos, strength, vulnerability and determination. Some new characters are brought forward and histories exposed. Spice was high heat and only done in the way Dahlia and Vidar do it. Please read those trigger warnings but also enjoy this stunning and adventures series. ✨️📚✨️
November 12, 2025
This book sucks you in & keeps you in a chokehold until you finally finish. As we continue on with Dahlia & Vidar's story, they have so many obstacles to overcome not only physically, but mentally & following them through it all is an intense read! Heavy on the dark fantasy with a little bit of added romance.
I would have absolutely LOVED Lyla or Meri's POV at some point, but at the same time am hoping for spin offs with Cathal & Mullins.
I would have absolutely LOVED Lyla or Meri's POV at some point, but at the same time am hoping for spin offs with Cathal & Mullins.
December 5, 2025
I continue to be obsessed with this series and these characters, I’ve never read anything else like it and the world building and character development are incredible! Always looking forward to getting my hands on the next piece of the adventure!
January 1, 2026
This was another phenomenal book. It carries on from the last perfectly.
The world is expanded and the relationships broadened.
So good that it’s hard to put down once you start.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The world is expanded and the relationships broadened.
So good that it’s hard to put down once you start.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 16, 2025
Loved this sequel!
I need another from a certain sisters view x
I need another from a certain sisters view x
December 22, 2025
God, I love this series. Courtney’s writing style is superb. The story and world are so thoughtfully crafted, with genuine character development that really helps you understand motivations and decision-making throughout.
We dive deeper into the beliefs of the Kroans, and the flow-on from book one and the novella is incredibly seamless. It felt so easy to drop straight back into this world, like no time had passed at all.
This is a dark fantasy romance featuring sirens x hunters, and I highly recommend giving it a go. It’s such an interesting take on sirens, especially with the inclusion of their gods. The descent into madness was chef’s kiss, and it genuinely felt like questions from book one were being answered. My brain is very, very happy.
Just read it, ok? Trust me.
And because I’m late with this review (classic me), the book is now officially out and available on KU.
We dive deeper into the beliefs of the Kroans, and the flow-on from book one and the novella is incredibly seamless. It felt so easy to drop straight back into this world, like no time had passed at all.
This is a dark fantasy romance featuring sirens x hunters, and I highly recommend giving it a go. It’s such an interesting take on sirens, especially with the inclusion of their gods. The descent into madness was chef’s kiss, and it genuinely felt like questions from book one were being answered. My brain is very, very happy.
Just read it, ok? Trust me.
And because I’m late with this review (classic me), the book is now officially out and available on KU.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews