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The Isles #1
The Smoke and the Sea
She’s bound to her draguls. He’s sworn to his nation. Their love could ignite a revolution.
Britt Helsing is a dragul keeper, desperate to rescue her missing brother and save her fragile race of butterfly-sized dragons. Henrik is a loyal soldat of Stenberg, trained from childhood to obey the tyrannical rule of His Glory.
Hidden on a ship, Britt crosses paths—quite literally—with Henrik on a journey to Stenberg. When she’s discovered, Henrik saves her from a ravaging storm and secrets her away from Stenberg sailors.
Backed into a reluctant alliance, Henrik and Britt strike a she’ll help him uncover the truth he seeks about his past, and he’ll aid her quest to free her brother. Their charade as lovers plunges them deep into Stenberg’s secrets.
With the ruthless Captain Oliver closing in and time running out, Henrik and Britt must navigate treacherous waters—both on the battlefield and in their hearts. As rebellion brews and an ancient creature awakens, they face impossible odds to save the people they love and the fragile hope of freedom.
In a world ruled by tyranny, can two unlikely allies find the courage to defy their fates—or will their pasts consume them both?
THE SMOKE AND THE SEA is the first book in the Isles Series, a thrilling new Romantasy series that will take your breath—and your heart—away.
Britt Helsing is a dragul keeper, desperate to rescue her missing brother and save her fragile race of butterfly-sized dragons. Henrik is a loyal soldat of Stenberg, trained from childhood to obey the tyrannical rule of His Glory.
Hidden on a ship, Britt crosses paths—quite literally—with Henrik on a journey to Stenberg. When she’s discovered, Henrik saves her from a ravaging storm and secrets her away from Stenberg sailors.
Backed into a reluctant alliance, Henrik and Britt strike a she’ll help him uncover the truth he seeks about his past, and he’ll aid her quest to free her brother. Their charade as lovers plunges them deep into Stenberg’s secrets.
With the ruthless Captain Oliver closing in and time running out, Henrik and Britt must navigate treacherous waters—both on the battlefield and in their hearts. As rebellion brews and an ancient creature awakens, they face impossible odds to save the people they love and the fragile hope of freedom.
In a world ruled by tyranny, can two unlikely allies find the courage to defy their fates—or will their pasts consume them both?
THE SMOKE AND THE SEA is the first book in the Isles Series, a thrilling new Romantasy series that will take your breath—and your heart—away.
444 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2025
About the author
Katie Cross
181 books825 followersMy world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 29, 2026
I picked this to read ages ago when I was in the mood for fantasy and it was the first one available on BorrowBox. It wasn't bad -- I think I actually enjoyed the plot and the writing more than I thought I would. But it probably didn't engage me enough to want to read the sequel.
Also it pains me to say it, but I really did not like the audiobook narration. I read that the author does her own narration and she clearly puts a lot of work into it, so good for her. And she actually does have a nice voice. But I was listening on 1.25 speed and not only could you not even tell it had been sped up at all, but it still often sounded so stilted and AI-like. I also was not a big fan of the Scottish-sounding accents.
All in all, I think the narration definitely hampered my enjoyment of the book, which is a shame.
Also it pains me to say it, but I really did not like the audiobook narration. I read that the author does her own narration and she clearly puts a lot of work into it, so good for her. And she actually does have a nice voice. But I was listening on 1.25 speed and not only could you not even tell it had been sped up at all, but it still often sounded so stilted and AI-like. I also was not a big fan of the Scottish-sounding accents.
All in all, I think the narration definitely hampered my enjoyment of the book, which is a shame.
June 19, 2025
Pocket-sized dragons, and handsome soldiers? YESSSSSSSSSSSSS
The Smoke and the Sea was so good. Katie does so well at creating worlds I love to immerse myself in. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one 🙌🏻
The Smoke and the Sea was so good. Katie does so well at creating worlds I love to immerse myself in. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one 🙌🏻
July 31, 2026
This was a brilliantly written romantasy that I could hardly put down!
May 8, 2025
Love love loved this book! Katie does a wonderful job explaining the intricate workings of what she created in timely ways that makes it easier for the reader. Britt is my favorite type of strong-headed heroine that gets things done! Her slow building connection with Henrick on vulnerability and trust is incredible. We love a couple with OPEN COMMUNICATION. A hunky protective viking-esque man is an added bonus for sure!
Already pre-ordered #2!
Already pre-ordered #2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2025
Two Words
Two words. MUST READ This has been a story that you can not stop reading until the last word on the last page . Enjoy ✨️
Two words. MUST READ This has been a story that you can not stop reading until the last word on the last page . Enjoy ✨️
February 14, 2026
An addictive tale
What's not to love about a brave, fiery heroine and a powerful, kind soldat who are both trying to find loved ones and protect their world. This is a haunting, lyrical tale of magical isles and seas with rich, complex characters who have true hearts even though they find themselves caught in the webs of conspiracy. I also thoroughly enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the narrative and the way Katie spins a love story. Looking forward to the next book.
What's not to love about a brave, fiery heroine and a powerful, kind soldat who are both trying to find loved ones and protect their world. This is a haunting, lyrical tale of magical isles and seas with rich, complex characters who have true hearts even though they find themselves caught in the webs of conspiracy. I also thoroughly enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the narrative and the way Katie spins a love story. Looking forward to the next book.
May 1, 2025
The Smoke and the Sea is the first book in the Isles romantasy series by Award-Winning author Katie Cross.
Britt, a dragul keeper, in a desperate attempt to save her butterfly-sized dragons and her brother Malcolm, travels covertly to an enemy nation. On the way she meets Henrik, a loyal soldat of Stenberg. Forced to work together, they enter into a fake relationship and afterward both enter into unknown territory.
I really enjoyed this book and the adventures it took me on. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
🏴☠️Pirates🏴☠️ ✨Magic✨ 🐉Dragons🐉 🏝️ The Isles Series 🏝️
#KatieCross #theislesseries #thesmokeandthesea
#Dragons #Magic #secrets # Romance
May 20, 2026
review with young christian girls in mind (12+):
No spice, semi clean- in that any swearing/cursing/ foul language is written in slang terms ie: shite, bastid, demmed (I think those are the only 3) There is also an element of magic, with "arcane" and curses.
Overall, this was a great story, I was intrigued and on the edge of my seat for several parts, but I dont think I'd let my young readers read this book. Just because the language used, was so unnecessary to the rest of the story, and I prefer them to read fully clean titles. maybe when theyre older, and can decide if thats the kind of thing they can overlook in the books they read.
No spice, semi clean- in that any swearing/cursing/ foul language is written in slang terms ie: shite, bastid, demmed (I think those are the only 3) There is also an element of magic, with "arcane" and curses.
Overall, this was a great story, I was intrigued and on the edge of my seat for several parts, but I dont think I'd let my young readers read this book. Just because the language used, was so unnecessary to the rest of the story, and I prefer them to read fully clean titles. maybe when theyre older, and can decide if thats the kind of thing they can overlook in the books they read.
September 26, 2026
Britt is a dragon keeper, charged with keeping her brother’s dragon safe. But her brother never returned from his mission and now his dragon will die if it’s not reunited with him soon. Henrik is a soldat, a ruthless soldier, secretly looking for the family he was stolen from when he was only five years old. When they meet, a deal is struck: if she helps him find his mother, he’ll help her find her brother.
This was a bit of light reading for me, I needed a break from the intensity of the books I’ve been reading and thought I’d dive into a romantasy.
The first thing that stood out to me was that it was an interesting twist on dragons. Instead of these gargantuan lizards, the dragons in this book are small enough to fit in a pocket. But I don’t really understand the system in which dragons are bonded with people… I suppose there’s a benefit to the dragon: being so small means it would have a much bigger protector. But on the other hand there seems to be no benefit to the humans who bond with them, or if there is this book didn’t cover it (this is a 5 book series).
One of the things that I like about this book (and the ones that follow, even though I haven’t read them yet) is that it’s advertised as a clean romance. Romantasy is a relatively new genre, but most of the adult titles I’ve heard about in this genre are high on spice. This isn’t specifically young adult, but your kids could safely read it.
There is one glaring problem with this first novel in the series. There’s virtually no romance. Even with clean romance, I would have liked to see a little heat between the two characters to at least suggest they’re falling in love with each other, but at most Henrik becomes slightly protective of Britt when she’s in trouble which she often is. It left me asking a question to the author: “You are going to put romance in your romance novel, aren’t you?” And I asked this question right up until the very end… The answer was no, no she was not. Maybe it occurs in book 2,3,4,or 5. But I’m not sure if I want to read more.
I would classify the actual writing style and storytelling as just okay. If you are looking for easy comparisons the writing is better than Twilight (which I guess is technically classified as paranormal romance), but not as good as The Fourth Wing.
It’s a good read if you are looking for some good clean fun, but don’t expect to be swept off your feet by a handsome hero.
This was a bit of light reading for me, I needed a break from the intensity of the books I’ve been reading and thought I’d dive into a romantasy.
The first thing that stood out to me was that it was an interesting twist on dragons. Instead of these gargantuan lizards, the dragons in this book are small enough to fit in a pocket. But I don’t really understand the system in which dragons are bonded with people… I suppose there’s a benefit to the dragon: being so small means it would have a much bigger protector. But on the other hand there seems to be no benefit to the humans who bond with them, or if there is this book didn’t cover it (this is a 5 book series).
One of the things that I like about this book (and the ones that follow, even though I haven’t read them yet) is that it’s advertised as a clean romance. Romantasy is a relatively new genre, but most of the adult titles I’ve heard about in this genre are high on spice. This isn’t specifically young adult, but your kids could safely read it.
There is one glaring problem with this first novel in the series. There’s virtually no romance. Even with clean romance, I would have liked to see a little heat between the two characters to at least suggest they’re falling in love with each other, but at most Henrik becomes slightly protective of Britt when she’s in trouble which she often is. It left me asking a question to the author: “You are going to put romance in your romance novel, aren’t you?” And I asked this question right up until the very end… The answer was no, no she was not. Maybe it occurs in book 2,3,4,or 5. But I’m not sure if I want to read more.
I would classify the actual writing style and storytelling as just okay. If you are looking for easy comparisons the writing is better than Twilight (which I guess is technically classified as paranormal romance), but not as good as The Fourth Wing.
It’s a good read if you are looking for some good clean fun, but don’t expect to be swept off your feet by a handsome hero.
May 30, 2025
One would assume, that after having read every single book and short story written (published) by Katie Cross that I would expect a transportive story; that I would expect to be wrapped in a blanket of words that whisk me to another world. I haven’t been able to put this book down since I started. I find myself sitting here, still wrapped in the story, wishing I still had more to read, and feeling downright CRANKY that I have to wait til September for the next novel. Super duper cranky. I have pre-ordered the next two novels. This brilliant woman can’t write fast enough…
I’m astonished by the worlds and characters she creates. After the first paragraph I was e entranced. The names she comes up with - many familiar to me and then some so unique I keep tripping over the thought, “how does she create these names?” Denerfen is a fascinating character on his own. I’m beginning to suspect Katie travels between alternate universes and shares them with us. It’s probably a secret. I won’t tell anyone…
If you haven’t bought this book yet, be kind to yourself and grab it. Find a cozy place to curl up and enjoy the trip to yet another fascinating and beautiful world that is filled with well-rounded out characters, tantalizing descriptions and laugh-out-loud conversations.
I’m astonished by the worlds and characters she creates. After the first paragraph I was e entranced. The names she comes up with - many familiar to me and then some so unique I keep tripping over the thought, “how does she create these names?” Denerfen is a fascinating character on his own. I’m beginning to suspect Katie travels between alternate universes and shares them with us. It’s probably a secret. I won’t tell anyone…
If you haven’t bought this book yet, be kind to yourself and grab it. Find a cozy place to curl up and enjoy the trip to yet another fascinating and beautiful world that is filled with well-rounded out characters, tantalizing descriptions and laugh-out-loud conversations.
September 9, 2026
I liked the book. It was a good setting. I thought it was fairly well written though some elements were confusing. The action and descriptions were good. I wish there was a little more romance. Like, we didn't really get much of a conclusion between the leads and the focus was more on introducing the next book than in ending this one. The dragons were so cute! Loved the characters. Great descriptions.
In general I don't like dystopian settings. It was interesting but very stressful to read. While I like the characters and want to spend more time with them I just can't take the stress. It wasn't enjoyable to read for the most part. If you like suspense you'd like the book more than I did. I'm really glad I read it. And I might read more of the series another time but I don't want to right now.
In general I don't like dystopian settings. It was interesting but very stressful to read. While I like the characters and want to spend more time with them I just can't take the stress. It wasn't enjoyable to read for the most part. If you like suspense you'd like the book more than I did. I'm really glad I read it. And I might read more of the series another time but I don't want to right now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2026
Spice Level: 0.5 (No kisses from MMC/FMC. Desire described only. Hold hands. Side character kisses wife’s forehead.)
Language: High
Uses tons of replacement swear words yet they are so close that it’s basically swearing
*shite *bastid *demmed *piss *bloody
Then it started straight up cursing *he**
Good storyline and writing is pretty good (although very wordy, so it doesn’t read easy as your head gets caught up in all the layers of details). Would have enjoyed if author didn’t add so much “replacement language.” It was excessive.
High Violence - wiping, graphic fights
Cannot recommend. Almost didn’t even finished it myself.
Language: High
Uses tons of replacement swear words yet they are so close that it’s basically swearing
*shite *bastid *demmed *piss *bloody
Then it started straight up cursing *he**
Good storyline and writing is pretty good (although very wordy, so it doesn’t read easy as your head gets caught up in all the layers of details). Would have enjoyed if author didn’t add so much “replacement language.” It was excessive.
High Violence - wiping, graphic fights
Cannot recommend. Almost didn’t even finished it myself.
July 26, 2026
3.5⭐️. I struggled a bit to stay engaged thru the first half of the book but the second had plenty of intrigue and action. I’m not sure what it was but the characters just didn’t gel for me. I liked Britt and Henrik but they seemed really on their own most of the time, there was very little tension between than and almost zero romance. They felt more like platonic acquaintances and eventually friends than anything.
Also the only slightly altered swear words was bizarre. If you’re going to change them that little, either include them as normal and let it go or make up completely fake ones. It just didn’t fit when all the rest of the language was modern.
Also the only slightly altered swear words was bizarre. If you’re going to change them that little, either include them as normal and let it go or make up completely fake ones. It just didn’t fit when all the rest of the language was modern.
August 18, 2026
This was a really interesting fantasy with a unique storyline and a world filled with tiny dragons, rebellion, secrets, and an ancient creature awakening. Britt and Henrik were both great characters, and I enjoyed watching their reluctant alliance develop as they worked together. The story itself was good and kept me interested, but I was a little disappointed by the lack of romance. I was expecting more of a romance between Britt and Henrik. I do believe there is more on their romance in future books but I am not that patient. Still, it was an entertaining read with an interesting plot and a unique fantasy world.
April 21, 2025
Simply delightful high seas romantasy
Ms. Cross shows the breadth of her imagination knows no bounds in this delightful new series. Britt is such an amazing heroine, full of vivacity and determination. The world she inhabits is different in every way from Alkarra, but arrives fully-formed, with a rich history brimming with mysteries and intrigue. I won’t spoil too much about Henrik, but he’s far more than his gruff, brooding exterior first suggests.
And butterfly-sized dragons! How could they not be awesome?
Ms. Cross shows the breadth of her imagination knows no bounds in this delightful new series. Britt is such an amazing heroine, full of vivacity and determination. The world she inhabits is different in every way from Alkarra, but arrives fully-formed, with a rich history brimming with mysteries and intrigue. I won’t spoil too much about Henrik, but he’s far more than his gruff, brooding exterior first suggests.
And butterfly-sized dragons! How could they not be awesome?
May 27, 2025
Absolutely unbelievable!! I can’t believe I could like another series so much that I read the first book except when I had to go to sleep for a little while and already bought the next two in the series. Britt should never have been on the ship taking her to an island that was a against her tribe. Then she met Henrik who was a soldat that was not like other soldats —could she change his demeanor, would she be able to help him and herself? I can’t believe I have finished the first book and all I want to do is get busy with the next two—buy this series you won’t be disappointed.
July 10, 2025
Rating: 2.5
What to expect
Completely clean romantsy with piratey vibes
Dislike-to-love
Quest vibes
Mini dragons
This book had a strong concept, but I think the execution was lacking. I was in such a romantsy mood and I this one had the piratey vibes which I was so here for. I was intrigued in the first bit but the middle was a DRAG. The ending was low key intriguing though and anything to do with curses does hook me usually. The next book in the series comes out in September, and if it ends up on KU I might continue.
What to expect
Completely clean romantsy with piratey vibes
Dislike-to-love
Quest vibes
Mini dragons
This book had a strong concept, but I think the execution was lacking. I was in such a romantsy mood and I this one had the piratey vibes which I was so here for. I was intrigued in the first bit but the middle was a DRAG. The ending was low key intriguing though and anything to do with curses does hook me usually. The next book in the series comes out in September, and if it ends up on KU I might continue.
October 22, 2025
I'm not usually one for dragon books (though I love fantasy), but Katie Cross made these pint-sized dragons so unique, I fell in love with them. They act like birds, from bonding with their person to chirping and snuggling in on shoulders. Perfect for those who like familiars and animal companion books.
The age of sail elements were fun too, and I liked the characters. I was hoping for more romance, though the FMC and MMC have good tension, and I can tell this book is setting up more romance for Book 2. Will read Book 2.
The age of sail elements were fun too, and I liked the characters. I was hoping for more romance, though the FMC and MMC have good tension, and I can tell this book is setting up more romance for Book 2. Will read Book 2.
August 4, 2026
I’m pretty confused about this book. I was seeing an AI generated ad for this book and the scene from the ad that drew me into the book wasn’t even in the book! A whole lot of nothing happened. No chemistry, no declarations of love (or even interest) and no resolution at the end to what they were seeking. Confusing world building and plot. I’m disappointed and I hate being disappointed as I know how challenging writing a book is and this author did try to write something entertaining but it just fell flat for me.
May 24, 2025
Secrets, dangerous creatures, powerful men, tough men and strict rules in a world at risk of collapsing. But Britt is determined to find her missing brother even at risk for her life. Finding help in an stoic soldat, they will challenge their great power of His Glory and put in motion a rebellion to a better life. Katie Cross's voice makes an incredible story into an even better one. Looking forward to listen to their next adventure
August 24, 2026
This had potential for four stars but the romance was building and building and yet - NOT A SINGLE KISS! I couldn’t believe it. Very infuriating. I tried getting into the second book but just couldn’t - and then discovered there are five books. The romance just moved too slow. It wasn’t on pace with the rest of the book, even though the male lead was super dedicated to her by the end. I liked the dual POV. I kind of liked the tiny dragons, but that was a little strange.
May 2, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this new world that Katie has created. There was a strong heroine who will stop at nothing to save those who mean the most to her. There are tiny butterfly dragons called draguls and I totally wish they were real!
You will be taken in with the first page and left yearning for the next book on the last.
You will be taken in with the first page and left yearning for the next book on the last.
July 9, 2025
I couldn't put it down! I've been in a fantasy slump because all the characters and plots seem so similar. This book was a refreshing change. It's the best parts of fantasy with new imagintive twists, including a new magic system. Bonus, it has tiny dragons! I've already downloaded The Queens and the Kings, I have to know what happens when they get to the main land.
September 14, 2025
Who wouldn’t want a butterfly sized dragon as a soulmate? If only they were available.
Britt is one courageous young lady, determined to reunite her brother with his dragul.
I loved this mix of magic and sibling love.
Katie Cross writes truly magical adventures and I am looking forward to the next instalment of Britt’s adventures with Denerfen, her dragul.
Britt is one courageous young lady, determined to reunite her brother with his dragul.
I loved this mix of magic and sibling love.
Katie Cross writes truly magical adventures and I am looking forward to the next instalment of Britt’s adventures with Denerfen, her dragul.
May 27, 2026
It took me a while to get hooked but I’m glad I pushed through! Fun world building and unique with the tiny dragons and pirate vibes. I listened to the audio book and appreciated the different character accents but the narration sometimes felt like it was choppy - speeding it up to 1.5x helped it flow better for me. Already listening to book 2!
August 20, 2026
3.5 stars I guess. It was interesting at the end but very slow in the beginning and middle IMO. I’ll probably try the second in the series to see if it picks up speed or resolves some more things and especially to see if an actual romance actually blooms since there was barely anything in this one.
May 11, 2025
Want a dragon that fits in your pocket? I would love to have one. Well Britt is the lucky one because she has one. This book will take you on adventures with dragons, sailors, magic, and a hint of romance.
January 4, 2026
This book was so fun to read. I loved the characters because they felt really fleshed out and believable. The story was very unique and I held my breath towards the end! I enjoyed reading about Britt and Henrick's turmoil and loved seeing their relationship develop.
June 24, 2026
While this book is long, it definitely didn't seem like it. It kept me wondering what was going to happen next, with a few things maybe being predictable, it was enjoyable and kept my attention and I feel its hard to find that lately. I'll definitely be going on to book two!
July 23, 2026
This is super slow burn and super slow developing plot-wise. But it's interesting enough that I will eventually continue the series. Also - butterfly-sized dragons? - super adorable.
Heat index: Nothing.
Profanity meter: Intermittent.
Heat index: Nothing.
Profanity meter: Intermittent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews