What do you think?
Wicked Tides #2
Shadows of the Deep
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.
- GenresFantasyDark Romance
449 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2025
About the author
Courtney Leigh
28 books85 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 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 24, 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.
July 4, 2026
Wow, SO good! A shimmering, dark, jewel of a book that has beautifully carved out a place in this sub-genre of sea creature women, adventure, romance, and pirates. This book takes inspiration from lots of super cool IP while making it completely original and captivating. The pacing is great, and I thought the romance scenes were well spaced, well motivated, and steamy (and pretty intense). The ending is so satisfying and leaves you wanting more!
Spoilers ahead!
I've never read H.P Lovecraft's The Call of Cthulhu, but I absolutely will be now because Akareth was so fascinating, unsettling, and mystifying. I thought the villain was so well written, creepy, and cool. I loved how Dahlia kinda clocked him as a being from another world trapped in this one. I really, really would have loved more hints of a mystery woven in. I feel like it was right there to be done, and would have made putting the puzzle pieces all together in the mural room so so much more satisfying. I thought it was really cool how the stories from the previous book tied in, but I would have loved an exploration of more lore. I can't say whether the significance of Akareth discovering Dahlia as an adult was fully explored, nor how both sisters could use the voice on other sirens. Was that special to only the two of them? Did it have something to do with their mother being favored? I wish we got some more answers, and with that, some more Siren history and lore. I thought the defeat of Akareth was great and very clever. I was not expecting it, but I do feel like it kind of came out of left field. Again, I was just dying to get a glimpse into the history of how Akareth came to be, who the siren with the orb on the mural was, what the murals depicted, and why they might have been important, because they didn't end up being very crucial to Dahlia figuring out how to destroy him, if I remember correctly. But I could be wrong. I say all this because the world is SO cool, and I am so excited for more!
It took me a hot second to realize that the quotes before each chapter were mostly made up from sources that existed in the world of the book... I think. With some from literature that exists in our world (like Lovecraft). All the quotes were so meaningful and very fitting to the chapter. I loved that they were there; I just couldn't figure them out for a little bit.
I loved how all the sirens were brought together, and it didn't feel too much like a team-up or anything. I thought the author did a beautiful job of keeping each character distinct in their voices, motivations, and actions.
I also really, really, really enjoyed how dark this book got. I was so fascinated and pulled in by the exploration of madness, vengeance, dreams, and connection. It was very fitting for the concept of sirens and did their history in human imagination justice, in my opinion.
Such a rich and magnetic read, I will for sure be picking up any future books in this world!
Spoilers ahead!
I've never read H.P Lovecraft's The Call of Cthulhu, but I absolutely will be now because Akareth was so fascinating, unsettling, and mystifying. I thought the villain was so well written, creepy, and cool. I loved how Dahlia kinda clocked him as a being from another world trapped in this one. I really, really would have loved more hints of a mystery woven in. I feel like it was right there to be done, and would have made putting the puzzle pieces all together in the mural room so so much more satisfying. I thought it was really cool how the stories from the previous book tied in, but I would have loved an exploration of more lore. I can't say whether the significance of Akareth discovering Dahlia as an adult was fully explored, nor how both sisters could use the voice on other sirens. Was that special to only the two of them? Did it have something to do with their mother being favored? I wish we got some more answers, and with that, some more Siren history and lore. I thought the defeat of Akareth was great and very clever. I was not expecting it, but I do feel like it kind of came out of left field. Again, I was just dying to get a glimpse into the history of how Akareth came to be, who the siren with the orb on the mural was, what the murals depicted, and why they might have been important, because they didn't end up being very crucial to Dahlia figuring out how to destroy him, if I remember correctly. But I could be wrong. I say all this because the world is SO cool, and I am so excited for more!
It took me a hot second to realize that the quotes before each chapter were mostly made up from sources that existed in the world of the book... I think. With some from literature that exists in our world (like Lovecraft). All the quotes were so meaningful and very fitting to the chapter. I loved that they were there; I just couldn't figure them out for a little bit.
I loved how all the sirens were brought together, and it didn't feel too much like a team-up or anything. I thought the author did a beautiful job of keeping each character distinct in their voices, motivations, and actions.
I also really, really, really enjoyed how dark this book got. I was so fascinated and pulled in by the exploration of madness, vengeance, dreams, and connection. It was very fitting for the concept of sirens and did their history in human imagination justice, in my opinion.
Such a rich and magnetic read, I will for sure be picking up any future books in this world!
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.” 🌊
April 19, 2026
*Shadows of the Deep* completely pulled me under—I was hooked on the dark, oceanic world from the start.
The atmosphere in this book is *so* strong. The constant sense of dread, the unknown lurking beneath the surface, and the rising threat of something far worse than the “sons” made this feel tense the entire way through. It really leans into that deep, almost suffocating darkness, and it worked so well.
Vidar and Dahlia were a standout for me. There’s something really compelling about the way their relationship is tested—especially with Dahlia being pulled toward Akareth and questioning her own mind. That internal struggle added a layer of emotional tension that balanced the external chaos really nicely. Vidar’s determination to hold onto who she is (and who she was) gave the story a strong emotional anchor.
The journey of the *Burning Rose* crew into the heart of the deep was easily one of my favourite parts. The stakes felt high, the danger constant, and the world itself felt unpredictable in a way that kept me invested.
That said, the pacing did feel a little uneven at times, particularly in the middle where it slowed slightly compared to the intensity of the opening and ending. I also found myself wanting just a bit more depth in certain moments to fully hit the emotional impact.
Overall, this was a dark, immersive read with strong tension, compelling character dynamics, and a really gripping central threat. If you enjoy ocean-based fantasy with high stakes, creeping horror, and emotional conflict, this is definitely worth picking up.
The atmosphere in this book is *so* strong. The constant sense of dread, the unknown lurking beneath the surface, and the rising threat of something far worse than the “sons” made this feel tense the entire way through. It really leans into that deep, almost suffocating darkness, and it worked so well.
Vidar and Dahlia were a standout for me. There’s something really compelling about the way their relationship is tested—especially with Dahlia being pulled toward Akareth and questioning her own mind. That internal struggle added a layer of emotional tension that balanced the external chaos really nicely. Vidar’s determination to hold onto who she is (and who she was) gave the story a strong emotional anchor.
The journey of the *Burning Rose* crew into the heart of the deep was easily one of my favourite parts. The stakes felt high, the danger constant, and the world itself felt unpredictable in a way that kept me invested.
That said, the pacing did feel a little uneven at times, particularly in the middle where it slowed slightly compared to the intensity of the opening and ending. I also found myself wanting just a bit more depth in certain moments to fully hit the emotional impact.
Overall, this was a dark, immersive read with strong tension, compelling character dynamics, and a really gripping central threat. If you enjoy ocean-based fantasy with high stakes, creeping horror, and emotional conflict, this is definitely worth picking up.
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!
April 5, 2026
exciting conclusion
Exciting conclusion to this duology. Still dark and spicy but with a side of trauma and adventure. Good duology!
Favourite quotes include:
It is a great burden to bear knowing you are fully responsible for your future, but it is a burden I gladly carry. It’s a coward’s way out to blame your actions on a higher power. To blame your failures on something else and to rely on that thing for your successes.”
“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.” I stopped struggling for a breath to look him in his eyes and see his lips slant into a weak smile. “I will see you in your dreams.”
Exciting conclusion to this duology. Still dark and spicy but with a side of trauma and adventure. Good duology!
Favourite quotes include:
It is a great burden to bear knowing you are fully responsible for your future, but it is a burden I gladly carry. It’s a coward’s way out to blame your actions on a higher power. To blame your failures on something else and to rely on that thing for your successes.”
“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.” I stopped struggling for a breath to look him in his eyes and see his lips slant into a weak smile. “I will see you in your dreams.”
July 2, 2026
🌟4 Stars🌟
Such a good way to end Dahlia and Vidar’s part of this story! I loved this so much. That said…
Lyla was THEE BEST part of this book, basically my favorite character of the series (a scarred misunderstood princess of you’re into that).
So while I’m ready for Mullins and Meri’s story please know that I’m even readier for Cathal and Lyla.
IF LYLACATHAL HAS A MILLION FANS, THE I AM ONE OF THEM. IF LYLACATHAL HAS ONLY ONE FAN THEN THAT IS ME. IF LYLACATHAL HAS NO FANS, THEN THAT MEANS I AM NO LONGER ON EARTH. IF THE WORLD IS AGAINST LYLACATHAL, THEN AI AM AGAINST THE WORLD.
°:•.🐠*.•🪸.•:🧜♀️:•.°:•.🐚*.•🪸.•:🫧:•.°
{UPDATE} I just found out ‘Godsblood’ is Lyla’s book 😭❤️🩹. Sign me in HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOOO I’M SO EXCITED BYE
Such a good way to end Dahlia and Vidar’s part of this story! I loved this so much. That said…
Lyla was THEE BEST part of this book, basically my favorite character of the series (a scarred misunderstood princess of you’re into that).
So while I’m ready for Mullins and Meri’s story please know that I’m even readier for Cathal and Lyla.
IF LYLACATHAL HAS A MILLION FANS, THE I AM ONE OF THEM. IF LYLACATHAL HAS ONLY ONE FAN THEN THAT IS ME. IF LYLACATHAL HAS NO FANS, THEN THAT MEANS I AM NO LONGER ON EARTH. IF THE WORLD IS AGAINST LYLACATHAL, THEN AI AM AGAINST THE WORLD.
°:•.🐠*.•🪸.•:🧜♀️:•.°:•.🐚*.•🪸.•:🫧:•.°
{UPDATE} I just found out ‘Godsblood’ is Lyla’s book 😭❤️🩹. Sign me in HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOOO I’M SO EXCITED BYE
November 17, 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.
May 7, 2026
I am giving it a 4 because its not a 3..
But its a 3.75 for me. There are grammatical errors and that makes it hard to read fluidly which is the reason for my low score. The story itself though I loved it.
But its a 3.75 for me. There are grammatical errors and that makes it hard to read fluidly which is the reason for my low score. The story itself though I loved it.
December 16, 2025
Loved this sequel!
I need another from a certain sisters view x
I need another from a certain sisters view x
May 11, 2026
This duology was so good. I really enjoyed watching the FMC & MMC’s love story.
May 31, 2026
Great duology but my GOD read the trigger warnings this was darker than the first one 4.5/5
December 14, 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.
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