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The Vermilion Sea: A Novel
From the author of Glamorous Notions comes a harrowing tale set aboard a yacht in the 1920s, where luxury borders on lunacy and mysteries of the deep blur the lines between science and the occult.
The Great War may be over, but brilliant scientist Billie McKennan continues the fight to be taken seriously. When a deliberate omission wins her a marine biologist position aboard an expedition funded by a wealthy eccentric, she quickly discovers she’s not the only one keeping secrets.
The opulent Eurybia sets sail for the Gulf of California with a handful of well-to-do passengers and talented scientists on board. To Billie’s surprise, her ex-husband counts among them. The true mission of the voyage comes into question when a mysterious specimen is captured. And then science unexpectedly gives way to wild rumors and superstition.
Soon, a sinister force takes hold of the vessel—and everyone on it. Billie must reconcile her beliefs with the reality of what she encounters in the vermilion sea. But how much is she willing to sacrifice in order to survive?
The Great War may be over, but brilliant scientist Billie McKennan continues the fight to be taken seriously. When a deliberate omission wins her a marine biologist position aboard an expedition funded by a wealthy eccentric, she quickly discovers she’s not the only one keeping secrets.
The opulent Eurybia sets sail for the Gulf of California with a handful of well-to-do passengers and talented scientists on board. To Billie’s surprise, her ex-husband counts among them. The true mission of the voyage comes into question when a mysterious specimen is captured. And then science unexpectedly gives way to wild rumors and superstition.
Soon, a sinister force takes hold of the vessel—and everyone on it. Billie must reconcile her beliefs with the reality of what she encounters in the vermilion sea. But how much is she willing to sacrifice in order to survive?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 3, 2026
4277 people want to read
About the author
Megan Chance
32 books712 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com
Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Billie felt as if she'd landed inside the story where different rules existed, where the laws of physics and chemistry and biology had been thrown out of the window, leaving her flailing for understanding."
- quote from ARC
I enjoyed this historical novel with paranormal elements. The historical setting was interesting, the main character compeling. Bilie is a woman scientist at the time, when it was difficult for a woman to have a career. The romance was a great addition to the story. It was a second-chance romance and added a new dimension to the characters.
My only complaint is that the scary monster was not scary enough for me and even at the end what happened to the characters was left unexplained. That was the whole point, I guess, because the author wanted to establish that there are many things, that escape our limited understanding. Still, it was a bit jarring for me.
I received "The Vermilion Sea" from the publisher via NetGalley. I would like to thank the author and the publisher for providing me with the advance reader copy of the book.
- quote from ARC
I enjoyed this historical novel with paranormal elements. The historical setting was interesting, the main character compeling. Bilie is a woman scientist at the time, when it was difficult for a woman to have a career. The romance was a great addition to the story. It was a second-chance romance and added a new dimension to the characters.
My only complaint is that the scary monster was not scary enough for me and even at the end what happened to the characters was left unexplained. That was the whole point, I guess, because the author wanted to establish that there are many things, that escape our limited understanding. Still, it was a bit jarring for me.
I received "The Vermilion Sea" from the publisher via NetGalley. I would like to thank the author and the publisher for providing me with the advance reader copy of the book.
November 8, 2025
The Vermilion Sea by Megan Chance is an eerie destination thriller about an expedition to study marine life that becomes a deadly whodunnit with a mystery as deep as the sea.
In 1920s, Billie McKennan is a marine biologist navigating the sexist academic world when she sneakily earns a spot on a wealthy expedition to study the Gulf of California. Once aboard the ship, she discovers her wealthy patron is an eccentric who has brought with him a few strange guests, including her ex-husband. As Billie attempts to conduct her research, supernatural occurrences and a mysterious specimen threaten to reveal the secrets of her wealthy patron, the eccentric guests, and Billie herself.
I liked the setting and location of this story, although I think it would fare better as a film. I enjoyed learning about marine biology, especially from the perspective of a woman in the 1920s. The author did a great job at creating an eerie atmosphere, with the ship and the remote islands. Once the mysterious specimen was introduced, the story took on more of a sci-fi feel, however, the specimen and supernatural elements were never quite resolved. I wanted to learn more about Emile, the secret society, and the creature. How they all tied together was hinted at but did not come together by the end of the story.
Overall I would recommend The Vermilion Sea to fans of destination thrillers, historical mysteries, and fans of light science fiction.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
In 1920s, Billie McKennan is a marine biologist navigating the sexist academic world when she sneakily earns a spot on a wealthy expedition to study the Gulf of California. Once aboard the ship, she discovers her wealthy patron is an eccentric who has brought with him a few strange guests, including her ex-husband. As Billie attempts to conduct her research, supernatural occurrences and a mysterious specimen threaten to reveal the secrets of her wealthy patron, the eccentric guests, and Billie herself.
I liked the setting and location of this story, although I think it would fare better as a film. I enjoyed learning about marine biology, especially from the perspective of a woman in the 1920s. The author did a great job at creating an eerie atmosphere, with the ship and the remote islands. Once the mysterious specimen was introduced, the story took on more of a sci-fi feel, however, the specimen and supernatural elements were never quite resolved. I wanted to learn more about Emile, the secret society, and the creature. How they all tied together was hinted at but did not come together by the end of the story.
Overall I would recommend The Vermilion Sea to fans of destination thrillers, historical mysteries, and fans of light science fiction.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Vermilion Sea blends historical fiction with a touch of eco‑horror and something quietly uncanny, following a 1920s marine expedition where scientific ambition, personal history, and an eerie presence beneath the waves all intersect. I drifted at times and grew curious at others, especially once the story moved past the early focus on Billie and Roland’s unresolved tension.
I liked the idea of Billie’s position as a woman in science during a time when that required a particular kind of resilience, though her dynamic with Roland sometimes overshadowed the aspects of her character I wanted to understand more deeply. I also found that Billie’s thoughts about Roland sometimes felt slightly at odds with how she’s otherwise portrayed, and her frustration with his ambition felt uneven given her own. I also wished for more clarity about their past; the generalities made it harder for me to understand the depth of their conflict. I think I would have connected more if their dynamic as colleagues had been the foundation, with romance present but softer, instead of shaping most of their interactions.
I greatly enjoyed the audiobook narration by Karen Peakes. Her performance fits the era, gives each character a distinct presence, and adds emotional texture that deepened my experience of the story. The clarity of her delivery made the atmosphere vivid, and I’m glad I experienced this novel in audio form. Listening kept me more engaged than I imagine reading would have.
The dredging, blasting, specimen collecting, and lack of ethical restraint in 1920s marine biology bothered me in the way it was meant to — a discomfort that felt purposeful rather than gratuitous. The story shows how routine and unquestioned these practices were — bycatch treated as disposable and entirely expected, experiments unregulated, and scientists praised and professionally rewarded less for the quality of their research than for the sheer quantity of specimens they brought back. A moment between Maud and Billie, when they look down into the water and talk about the creatures below, stayed with me. Billie’s reflection, “Not seeing them is what would scare me,” echoed my own feelings but put them into words for the first time. It made the sea feel even more alive, watchful, and wounded, almost like a character in its own right.
I’m less certain how I feel about the creature itself. It’s described in ways that reminded me more of a marine mammal or an amphibian than a fish, so hearing it repeatedly called a “fish” sometimes pulled me out of the story. It’s referred to as an amphibian once or twice, which actually felt the most fitting and underscored how unusual it is — especially since no fully sea‑dwelling amphibians exist. (Its ability to communicate is certainly unique as well.) I would have preferred a more consistent term like “creature” or “sea monster,” at least from Billie, since she’s the marine biologist and we see things from her perspective. Later, the back‑and‑forth about what to do with the creature and what they were discovering started to feel repetitive. It dulled the momentum of the moments that were working for me. Still, it was intriguing.
In the final stretch, the danger did not reach the level of urgency the story kept signaling, and the final turn happened so quickly that it felt a bit rushed. It was satisfying, but perhaps too neat. To me, tropes are like templates: what matters is how they’re executed. I don’t mind the ending leaning on a familiar good‑versus‑bad dynamic, but it didn’t move beyond that framework enough to bring anything new or emotionally layered to the conclusion.
Speaking of tropes, I also didn’t feel that Billie and Roland’s relationship issues were meaningfully resolved. Their conversations stayed broad and circular, so the shift from exes to collaborators to something more didn’t feel fully earned. There was also a recurring pattern where Billie thinks something isn’t rational or is a bad idea, and then does it anyway. At a certain point, it began to feel more like a device than genuine internal conflict. Their scenes often pulled me away from the scientific horror and mystery unfolding around them. Fans of romance may not mind this at all, but I tend to connect more with romantic arcs that develop through deeper conversation and emotional specificity.
Even when certain elements didn’t fully land for me, I found the core idea of the story compelling. Megan Chance’s research into 1920s marine biology comes through in the details, and I appreciated how she used the slightly fantastical, eerie elements to explore the tension between scientific discovery and the harm humans have done to the ocean. I love how the sea is written so that it feels like a character of its own — alive, mysterious, and shaped by what we take from it. It made me think about how far we’ve come in marine ethics, and how much more there is to protect. The author’s afterword brought together the scientific, historical, and mythic threads behind the story in a way that deepened my understanding of the themes.
Overall, this read to me as a romantic historical fiction with an undercurrent of eerie eco‑horror and mystery, the genres moving in waves — no pun intended, but I’m pleased it fits. The romance didn’t always land for me, but it’s still a novel I’d recommend. The atmosphere, ethical tension, and strong narration kept me listening.
3.25 ⭐
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing (Brilliance Audio) and NetGalley for the advance listening copy of The Vermilion Sea by Megan Chance.
(Oceans produce 50–80% of the Earth’s oxygen. Growing up by the sea, I’ve always felt connected to it and personally donate to Oceana, though there are many organizations doing meaningful work if you’re curious to explore them. Visit oceana.org to learn more. 🐬)
---
Rating Guide: My star ratings represent personal resonance, not universal value. I admire writers for the courage it takes to be seen and the discipline it takes to create. Thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 — Deeply resonant, even when I can’t fully put it into words
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 — Compelling and well-written
⭐⭐⭐ 3 — Not quite my style, but still enjoyable
⭐⭐ 2 — Had promise but didn't quite land
⭐ 1 — Fell short of what I hoped for
I liked the idea of Billie’s position as a woman in science during a time when that required a particular kind of resilience, though her dynamic with Roland sometimes overshadowed the aspects of her character I wanted to understand more deeply. I also found that Billie’s thoughts about Roland sometimes felt slightly at odds with how she’s otherwise portrayed, and her frustration with his ambition felt uneven given her own. I also wished for more clarity about their past; the generalities made it harder for me to understand the depth of their conflict. I think I would have connected more if their dynamic as colleagues had been the foundation, with romance present but softer, instead of shaping most of their interactions.
I greatly enjoyed the audiobook narration by Karen Peakes. Her performance fits the era, gives each character a distinct presence, and adds emotional texture that deepened my experience of the story. The clarity of her delivery made the atmosphere vivid, and I’m glad I experienced this novel in audio form. Listening kept me more engaged than I imagine reading would have.
The dredging, blasting, specimen collecting, and lack of ethical restraint in 1920s marine biology bothered me in the way it was meant to — a discomfort that felt purposeful rather than gratuitous. The story shows how routine and unquestioned these practices were — bycatch treated as disposable and entirely expected, experiments unregulated, and scientists praised and professionally rewarded less for the quality of their research than for the sheer quantity of specimens they brought back. A moment between Maud and Billie, when they look down into the water and talk about the creatures below, stayed with me. Billie’s reflection, “Not seeing them is what would scare me,” echoed my own feelings but put them into words for the first time. It made the sea feel even more alive, watchful, and wounded, almost like a character in its own right.
I’m less certain how I feel about the creature itself. It’s described in ways that reminded me more of a marine mammal or an amphibian than a fish, so hearing it repeatedly called a “fish” sometimes pulled me out of the story. It’s referred to as an amphibian once or twice, which actually felt the most fitting and underscored how unusual it is — especially since no fully sea‑dwelling amphibians exist. (Its ability to communicate is certainly unique as well.) I would have preferred a more consistent term like “creature” or “sea monster,” at least from Billie, since she’s the marine biologist and we see things from her perspective. Later, the back‑and‑forth about what to do with the creature and what they were discovering started to feel repetitive. It dulled the momentum of the moments that were working for me. Still, it was intriguing.
In the final stretch, the danger did not reach the level of urgency the story kept signaling, and the final turn happened so quickly that it felt a bit rushed. It was satisfying, but perhaps too neat. To me, tropes are like templates: what matters is how they’re executed. I don’t mind the ending leaning on a familiar good‑versus‑bad dynamic, but it didn’t move beyond that framework enough to bring anything new or emotionally layered to the conclusion.
Speaking of tropes, I also didn’t feel that Billie and Roland’s relationship issues were meaningfully resolved. Their conversations stayed broad and circular, so the shift from exes to collaborators to something more didn’t feel fully earned. There was also a recurring pattern where Billie thinks something isn’t rational or is a bad idea, and then does it anyway. At a certain point, it began to feel more like a device than genuine internal conflict. Their scenes often pulled me away from the scientific horror and mystery unfolding around them. Fans of romance may not mind this at all, but I tend to connect more with romantic arcs that develop through deeper conversation and emotional specificity.
Even when certain elements didn’t fully land for me, I found the core idea of the story compelling. Megan Chance’s research into 1920s marine biology comes through in the details, and I appreciated how she used the slightly fantastical, eerie elements to explore the tension between scientific discovery and the harm humans have done to the ocean. I love how the sea is written so that it feels like a character of its own — alive, mysterious, and shaped by what we take from it. It made me think about how far we’ve come in marine ethics, and how much more there is to protect. The author’s afterword brought together the scientific, historical, and mythic threads behind the story in a way that deepened my understanding of the themes.
Overall, this read to me as a romantic historical fiction with an undercurrent of eerie eco‑horror and mystery, the genres moving in waves — no pun intended, but I’m pleased it fits. The romance didn’t always land for me, but it’s still a novel I’d recommend. The atmosphere, ethical tension, and strong narration kept me listening.
3.25 ⭐
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing (Brilliance Audio) and NetGalley for the advance listening copy of The Vermilion Sea by Megan Chance.
(Oceans produce 50–80% of the Earth’s oxygen. Growing up by the sea, I’ve always felt connected to it and personally donate to Oceana, though there are many organizations doing meaningful work if you’re curious to explore them. Visit oceana.org to learn more. 🐬)
---
Rating Guide: My star ratings represent personal resonance, not universal value. I admire writers for the courage it takes to be seen and the discipline it takes to create. Thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 — Deeply resonant, even when I can’t fully put it into words
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 — Compelling and well-written
⭐⭐⭐ 3 — Not quite my style, but still enjoyable
⭐⭐ 2 — Had promise but didn't quite land
⭐ 1 — Fell short of what I hoped for
October 26, 2025
Its 1925 and scientist Billie is stuck in a dead-end job at the San Diego Zoo. She’s awarded a once-in-a-lifetime research opportunity aboard the Eurybia to study the creatures of the Gulf of Mexico. Unbeknownst to the leaders of the expedition, she is a woman. Unbeknownst to her, the other scientist aboard is her ex-husband Roland. The owner of the ship, James Holloway, is in search of something that surely doesn’t exist and his wife, Victorine, wants to communicate with the spirit of her brother, who died on the ship two years before.
In what turns out to be a far from normal expedition, Billie encounters strange spirits, an impossible discovery, and untold danger.
Part historical fiction, part horror, I found this book to be a bit slow going. I also wasn’t expecting the unbelievable elements. It’s a very different book from Glamorous Notions, the book by Chance that I read previously. All-in-all, I was hoping for historical fiction more grounded in reality. What I got was a strange ride that ended with lots of dead characters and no real answers.
In what turns out to be a far from normal expedition, Billie encounters strange spirits, an impossible discovery, and untold danger.
Part historical fiction, part horror, I found this book to be a bit slow going. I also wasn’t expecting the unbelievable elements. It’s a very different book from Glamorous Notions, the book by Chance that I read previously. All-in-all, I was hoping for historical fiction more grounded in reality. What I got was a strange ride that ended with lots of dead characters and no real answers.
October 15, 2025
This was a fascinating book. Set in the mid 1920, marine biologist Billie wants more for her life than scrubbing out algae from the sea lion tank at the zoo where she works. She applies for and gets a job with James Holloway, who is financing an expedition to the Sea of Cortez to explore the Gulf of California. She is promised the opportunity to stop in 6 different locations to collect samples of marine life, in order to start a proper marine exhibit at the zoo.
When she boards the Eurybia, she soon learns that her hiding behind her initials when she applied for the job, (fearing she wouldn't be considered simply for being a woman), isn't the only secret at play. She quickly learns that she wasn't turned away because there is a lot going on that is suspect. Starting with why fellow scientist, Roland Ely, expert in amphibians and lizards is on this trip and why he didn't reveal to their host that he is Billie's ex husband. James and Roland belong to a secret society that is rumored to dabble in unnatural experimentation on animals and possibly humans?
James is using his incredible fortune to search for a cure for an ailment that leaves him weak and struggling to breathe. Conventional medicine hasn't improved his health and now he is in search of a mythological fish-lizard hybrid, a possible missing link in evolution, that might hold the answer to curing him. Whether or not Roland believes in this creature, or that it has healing abilities, he agrees to help James in exchange for riches and fame and an academy in his name.
Victorine, James' wife, supports her husband's quest to be healed and clings to his last quest - spiritualism - to try and connect with her late brother Emile, who killed himself aboard the Eurybia some time ago.
Eventually Billie learns that the crew on board are not very experienced and were lured by promises of big salaries, after the regular crew quit in protest over the danger and stupidity of the voyage planned. This will lead to several vicious circles when things start to go wrong. Do things go wrong because the crew doesn't know what they are doing, or is there something inexplicable occurring that gets magnified by the crew's various superstitions, which leads them to not staying on top of maintain things?
And things do go terribly wrong. Engines work sporadically, they get infested by fleas or other noseeums only to then be swarmed by bats who want the tiny bugs. A swordfish charges right for the side of the boat only to get his sword stuck just below the upper deck. When algae cause a red bloom, the crew is convinced that it is blood, the final evil portent and they attempt a mutiny.
A storm leaves them without engines or electricity and they are trapped, as people start to die. Crew members, Victorine, the Captain. Who or what is behind this, and will Billie survive and make it home?
A really fascinating book, with wonderful period details, interesting marine life and an ending that lets you choose your conclusion as to what happened and why.
When she boards the Eurybia, she soon learns that her hiding behind her initials when she applied for the job, (fearing she wouldn't be considered simply for being a woman), isn't the only secret at play. She quickly learns that she wasn't turned away because there is a lot going on that is suspect. Starting with why fellow scientist, Roland Ely, expert in amphibians and lizards is on this trip and why he didn't reveal to their host that he is Billie's ex husband. James and Roland belong to a secret society that is rumored to dabble in unnatural experimentation on animals and possibly humans?
James is using his incredible fortune to search for a cure for an ailment that leaves him weak and struggling to breathe. Conventional medicine hasn't improved his health and now he is in search of a mythological fish-lizard hybrid, a possible missing link in evolution, that might hold the answer to curing him. Whether or not Roland believes in this creature, or that it has healing abilities, he agrees to help James in exchange for riches and fame and an academy in his name.
Victorine, James' wife, supports her husband's quest to be healed and clings to his last quest - spiritualism - to try and connect with her late brother Emile, who killed himself aboard the Eurybia some time ago.
Eventually Billie learns that the crew on board are not very experienced and were lured by promises of big salaries, after the regular crew quit in protest over the danger and stupidity of the voyage planned. This will lead to several vicious circles when things start to go wrong. Do things go wrong because the crew doesn't know what they are doing, or is there something inexplicable occurring that gets magnified by the crew's various superstitions, which leads them to not staying on top of maintain things?
And things do go terribly wrong. Engines work sporadically, they get infested by fleas or other noseeums only to then be swarmed by bats who want the tiny bugs. A swordfish charges right for the side of the boat only to get his sword stuck just below the upper deck. When algae cause a red bloom, the crew is convinced that it is blood, the final evil portent and they attempt a mutiny.
A storm leaves them without engines or electricity and they are trapped, as people start to die. Crew members, Victorine, the Captain. Who or what is behind this, and will Billie survive and make it home?
A really fascinating book, with wonderful period details, interesting marine life and an ending that lets you choose your conclusion as to what happened and why.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2026
The Vermilion Sea really should have worked for me. It has so many elements I love: nautical setting, a lady scientist, marine biology, a mysterious ocean creature; but the prose and overall storytelling weren’t up to par. The writing was serviceable, but it was also generic, largely atmosphereless, and lacked the literary richness and dimension needed to bring the story to life or build any real tension.
That basic writing also hurt the characterization. Emotions are frequently stated outright, which results in flat, affectless passages that would have benefited from more visceral, dramatized detail. The narrative voice is consistent, but it’s so plain that it never becomes distinctive or memorable. Learning that the author’s previous work includes a YA trilogy and historical romance novels, it became pretty clear to me that she was working with genre elements, horror/paranormal and bio–sci-fi, that she isn’t very familiar with narratively, and it shows. The voice and character interactions read very much in a YA/romance style and tone. The FMC came across as naïve, to the point where I kept having to remind myself that she’s old enough to have an ex-husband.
The themes of sexism and prejudice against women in STEM are important, and they’re themes I usually love seeing explored, but they were handled in a very on-the-nose and monotonous way. The book repeatedly drops variations of “it’s because she’s a woman,” and while I understand the point, I don’t need to be beaten over the head with it. It felt like the author either didn’t know how to weave this into the subtext, or didn’t know how to construct subtext at all, so she opted to just state it outright—many times—to the point of fatigue.
The bioscience elements were rudimentary at best. I appreciate when authors do research for their fiction, but it wasn't enough to feel convincing in this case. I think the novel might have worked better if the marine biology/sci-fi elements had been swapped out for something more suited to general historical fiction, or removed altogether. Writing outside your usual genre can be great, but it can also result in a book that feels deeply confused about what it wants to be—historical fiction? sci-fi? horror? romance? all of the above? I genuinely couldn’t tell.
This read is a less impressive version of Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant, and no one is going to convince me otherwise.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That basic writing also hurt the characterization. Emotions are frequently stated outright, which results in flat, affectless passages that would have benefited from more visceral, dramatized detail. The narrative voice is consistent, but it’s so plain that it never becomes distinctive or memorable. Learning that the author’s previous work includes a YA trilogy and historical romance novels, it became pretty clear to me that she was working with genre elements, horror/paranormal and bio–sci-fi, that she isn’t very familiar with narratively, and it shows. The voice and character interactions read very much in a YA/romance style and tone. The FMC came across as naïve, to the point where I kept having to remind myself that she’s old enough to have an ex-husband.
The themes of sexism and prejudice against women in STEM are important, and they’re themes I usually love seeing explored, but they were handled in a very on-the-nose and monotonous way. The book repeatedly drops variations of “it’s because she’s a woman,” and while I understand the point, I don’t need to be beaten over the head with it. It felt like the author either didn’t know how to weave this into the subtext, or didn’t know how to construct subtext at all, so she opted to just state it outright—many times—to the point of fatigue.
The bioscience elements were rudimentary at best. I appreciate when authors do research for their fiction, but it wasn't enough to feel convincing in this case. I think the novel might have worked better if the marine biology/sci-fi elements had been swapped out for something more suited to general historical fiction, or removed altogether. Writing outside your usual genre can be great, but it can also result in a book that feels deeply confused about what it wants to be—historical fiction? sci-fi? horror? romance? all of the above? I genuinely couldn’t tell.
This read is a less impressive version of Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant, and no one is going to convince me otherwise.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It was interesting to learn that this was loosely based on something that actually occurred in the 1920’s…
The year is 1925. Billie is a scientist that is stuck at a dead end job inside a zoo, as being a woman, she will not be taken seriously… and therefore seems to NEVER be able to move up in the world and/or her field.
She quietly applies for a spot on a beautiful cruise ship with an eccentric owner who is looking to collect specimens and make history! Billie would LOVE to get in on this, but in order to do so, she needs to take some liberties with her name… and being a woman, well… it kind of works in her favor.,.or maybe not?! 😮
She is admitted for the journey, but when she shows up, they are all looking for a man, not a woman…
Luckily, or unluckily…depending on the mood, her ex-husband Roland is the other scientist on the journey.
Billie is happy to be there, and tries to make herself at home, and not a burden to anyone. But, it seems as if they are all giving her the cold shoulder…
Additionally, it seems like EVERYONE on board the yacht has a screw loose! In one way or another, they do not seem to be rational… And, Billie seems to be the one that’s trying to keep them all logical…
But, there’s something going on within the ship that’s just not right… and she’s having a hard time figuring out what it is.
But, things keep going wrong.
Like… very wrong. And people begin to die…
It was an interesting read for the most part, although at times my mind was drifting off to other things while reading. But for the most part it did hold my attention! But the “monster” “ghost” aspect was a bit on the strange side… but ended up playing out well in the long run.
3 solid, turbulent, eerie, strange stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️. 😮
#TheVermilionSea by @MeganChance and narrated nicely by @KarenPeakes.
This one has not been released yet, but it’s coming out this week!! Look 👀 for it on 2/3/26!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @BrillianceAudio and @BrilliancePublishing for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
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The year is 1925. Billie is a scientist that is stuck at a dead end job inside a zoo, as being a woman, she will not be taken seriously… and therefore seems to NEVER be able to move up in the world and/or her field.
She quietly applies for a spot on a beautiful cruise ship with an eccentric owner who is looking to collect specimens and make history! Billie would LOVE to get in on this, but in order to do so, she needs to take some liberties with her name… and being a woman, well… it kind of works in her favor.,.or maybe not?! 😮
She is admitted for the journey, but when she shows up, they are all looking for a man, not a woman…
Luckily, or unluckily…depending on the mood, her ex-husband Roland is the other scientist on the journey.
Billie is happy to be there, and tries to make herself at home, and not a burden to anyone. But, it seems as if they are all giving her the cold shoulder…
Additionally, it seems like EVERYONE on board the yacht has a screw loose! In one way or another, they do not seem to be rational… And, Billie seems to be the one that’s trying to keep them all logical…
But, there’s something going on within the ship that’s just not right… and she’s having a hard time figuring out what it is.
But, things keep going wrong.
Like… very wrong. And people begin to die…
It was an interesting read for the most part, although at times my mind was drifting off to other things while reading. But for the most part it did hold my attention! But the “monster” “ghost” aspect was a bit on the strange side… but ended up playing out well in the long run.
3 solid, turbulent, eerie, strange stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️. 😮
#TheVermilionSea by @MeganChance and narrated nicely by @KarenPeakes.
This one has not been released yet, but it’s coming out this week!! Look 👀 for it on 2/3/26!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @BrillianceAudio and @BrilliancePublishing for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Billie just wants to study marine life, and maybe make a name for herself by discovering something new. She sees an opportunity when a rich, eccentric man proposes an expedition to collect specimens for the zoo where Billie works. What Billie doesn't realize is 1. her ex-husband who (possibly accidentally) left her name off of a scientific publication is also on the expedition, 2. she'll be expected to socialize and "party" with the other passengers, and 3. they're not actually going on the expedition solely to collect Billie's specimens, there is another goal whose importance will far surpass Billie's specimen collecting. This goal will push the expedition in ways Billie could never have expected.
This book is part scientific exploration of marine life and evolution, part a treatise on the idle rich of the 1920s and the lengths they will go to get what they want, and part supernatural mythos consisting of hauntings, curses, and possible supernatural powers. I liked the book, but without giving too much away, I wish the author had left most of the supernatural content on the editing room floor. Considering I read primarily sci-fi and fantasy, I am one who frequently has to suspend her disbelief in my reading choices, but in this book many of the supernatural elements felt unnecessary, and the plot could have advanced just fine without it. With that said, I would still recommend the book (3.5 stars rounded up).
The narrator did a good job differentiating voices, and pronouncing the many scientific terms sprinkled throughout the book.
I received an ARC of this audiobook from #NetGalley.
This book is part scientific exploration of marine life and evolution, part a treatise on the idle rich of the 1920s and the lengths they will go to get what they want, and part supernatural mythos consisting of hauntings, curses, and possible supernatural powers. I liked the book, but without giving too much away, I wish the author had left most of the supernatural content on the editing room floor. Considering I read primarily sci-fi and fantasy, I am one who frequently has to suspend her disbelief in my reading choices, but in this book many of the supernatural elements felt unnecessary, and the plot could have advanced just fine without it. With that said, I would still recommend the book (3.5 stars rounded up).
The narrator did a good job differentiating voices, and pronouncing the many scientific terms sprinkled throughout the book.
I received an ARC of this audiobook from #NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of Vermillion Sea by Megan Chance - releasing February 3, 2026.
*No Spoilers in my review*
When reading the synopsis of this upcoming novel, I was intrigued by the historical context behind an expedition in the 1920’s where a woman scientist was invited to her complete surprise.
Billie McKennan is just a qualified as her male counterparts although never acknowledged other than she can just be an assistant. This is Billie’s opportunity to shine and be in her research element exploring the sea creatures off the gulf of California… she just requires one or two discoveries. She can finally write a research paper with her rightful name.
Although, this expedition is clearly not what Billie intended when she is faced onboard with newly hired crew when the experienced crew all revolted and didn’t board, the pretentious owners and her male counterpart scientist assigned. Billie should have bolted out before the Eurybia set sail. Billie did not back down! She needs this to accomplish her set goal.
This novel delves into topics of the time including a famous trial on creation vs evolution; the author creativity weaves it all into the storyline. All onboard have a mission to themselves and how does it all interweave into the mysterious events occurring? Where does the line get drawn when just surviving to the next day becomes the goal?
Thank you again for the early release. Look forward to reading more from this author.
*No Spoilers in my review*
When reading the synopsis of this upcoming novel, I was intrigued by the historical context behind an expedition in the 1920’s where a woman scientist was invited to her complete surprise.
Billie McKennan is just a qualified as her male counterparts although never acknowledged other than she can just be an assistant. This is Billie’s opportunity to shine and be in her research element exploring the sea creatures off the gulf of California… she just requires one or two discoveries. She can finally write a research paper with her rightful name.
Although, this expedition is clearly not what Billie intended when she is faced onboard with newly hired crew when the experienced crew all revolted and didn’t board, the pretentious owners and her male counterpart scientist assigned. Billie should have bolted out before the Eurybia set sail. Billie did not back down! She needs this to accomplish her set goal.
This novel delves into topics of the time including a famous trial on creation vs evolution; the author creativity weaves it all into the storyline. All onboard have a mission to themselves and how does it all interweave into the mysterious events occurring? Where does the line get drawn when just surviving to the next day becomes the goal?
Thank you again for the early release. Look forward to reading more from this author.
January 28, 2026
I’m not quite sure what to categorize this book—The Vermilion Sea is a combination of historical fiction, sci-fi, and thriller. I did enjoy the story, but I feel it had a lot more potential. Instead, it got lost in unbelievable complexities.
The setting is 1920s on a science expedition in the Gulf of Mexico. Billie, the FMC, is a marine biologist/naturalist, on an expedition of her dreams. Only this expedition proves to be more of a nightmare than she, or anyone, could have ever expected.
A fearful, yet spiritual crew. Suspicious deaths. Mysterious creatures. Unlucky weather patterns. Unexplained phenomenons. If only the truth of what Billie was hired to do there could surface as fast as all the misfortunes.
I liked the themes of the book, a nautical mystery and addressing the prejudice in this era towards women in STEM. Unfortunately, the story somewhat lost itself and started to become less and less believable the more it moved forward. I wish we would’ve dove deeper into the science roles and experienced more expedition versus phenomena. The emotions of the characters weren’t fleshed out well, I wanted more depth to believe in what was happening. This is a book woven in conspiracies, superstitions, relationships, exploring, spirituality and family. I just wish the author could’ve combined these elements in a bit more organized and believable way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing the ARC for me to read and review.
The setting is 1920s on a science expedition in the Gulf of Mexico. Billie, the FMC, is a marine biologist/naturalist, on an expedition of her dreams. Only this expedition proves to be more of a nightmare than she, or anyone, could have ever expected.
A fearful, yet spiritual crew. Suspicious deaths. Mysterious creatures. Unlucky weather patterns. Unexplained phenomenons. If only the truth of what Billie was hired to do there could surface as fast as all the misfortunes.
I liked the themes of the book, a nautical mystery and addressing the prejudice in this era towards women in STEM. Unfortunately, the story somewhat lost itself and started to become less and less believable the more it moved forward. I wish we would’ve dove deeper into the science roles and experienced more expedition versus phenomena. The emotions of the characters weren’t fleshed out well, I wanted more depth to believe in what was happening. This is a book woven in conspiracies, superstitions, relationships, exploring, spirituality and family. I just wish the author could’ve combined these elements in a bit more organized and believable way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing the ARC for me to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC REVIEW (2/3/26): the vermilion sea by megan chance 🦑 a harrowing tale set aboard a yacht in the 1920s, where luxury borders on lunacy and mysteries of the deep blur the lines between science and the occult.
a horror on the high seas and a mystery from the depths 🌊 this is exactly the paranormal*ish*, historical fiction that I’ve been looking for. at its heart is a determined woman refusing to settle in a male-dominated scientific world. this cast of characters was my ideal eclectic group of humans. not only are they navigating the seas for their own benefits, but deep down they’re driven by myth and superstition. I like to think this is how I lived in another life.
⚓ the middle dropped its anchor and dragged a bit but the explorations of marie biology kept this story flowing- and I wish we had gotten a bit more from the ending! when considering this time period, the writing was easy to digest, at times a bit rudimentary, but nothing went over my head. if someone whispers to me about a nautical mystery, I’m dropping everything to read it.
forever turning pages on the high seas, thank you brilliance publishing for the early copy 🪸 3.75 stars!
a horror on the high seas and a mystery from the depths 🌊 this is exactly the paranormal*ish*, historical fiction that I’ve been looking for. at its heart is a determined woman refusing to settle in a male-dominated scientific world. this cast of characters was my ideal eclectic group of humans. not only are they navigating the seas for their own benefits, but deep down they’re driven by myth and superstition. I like to think this is how I lived in another life.
⚓ the middle dropped its anchor and dragged a bit but the explorations of marie biology kept this story flowing- and I wish we had gotten a bit more from the ending! when considering this time period, the writing was easy to digest, at times a bit rudimentary, but nothing went over my head. if someone whispers to me about a nautical mystery, I’m dropping everything to read it.
forever turning pages on the high seas, thank you brilliance publishing for the early copy 🪸 3.75 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of Advanced Listening Copy provided by NetGalley.
Thank you for the opportunity to listen to the ALC of The Vermillion Sea: A Novel, to NetGalley and the author/publisher.
I read the description of the book on Instagram, someone shared it and I was like "this sounds exciting" because what could go wrong on a science expedition right?
I enjoyed this book, and I loved it. It started off as just your typical expedition, but as the trip goes on, it is reveled that it's anything but. Strange things happen, and in the middle of things, there is a strange creature.
I think this book will be interesting for fans of the TV show Invasion (2025) and the movie+book The Perfect Storm.
I recommend it.
Thank you for the opportunity to listen to the ALC of The Vermillion Sea: A Novel, to NetGalley and the author/publisher.
I read the description of the book on Instagram, someone shared it and I was like "this sounds exciting" because what could go wrong on a science expedition right?
I enjoyed this book, and I loved it. It started off as just your typical expedition, but as the trip goes on, it is reveled that it's anything but. Strange things happen, and in the middle of things, there is a strange creature.
I think this book will be interesting for fans of the TV show Invasion (2025) and the movie+book The Perfect Storm.
I recommend it.
October 8, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC.
A terrific, fascinating book with otherworldly nuances. It's like a locked room mystery on a yacht, where not many leave alive. The female character, Billie, hopes this trip will restore her career as a naturalist. Little does she suspect the perils she and the others will face.
Not everyone will survive the trip...
I must admit I was slightly unnerved by the means they used to catch the poor specimens for their research, but I know that's naive. It's a really good story with a cliffhanger end to practically each chapter and I very much enjoyed the author's notes at the end of the book.
A terrific, fascinating book with otherworldly nuances. It's like a locked room mystery on a yacht, where not many leave alive. The female character, Billie, hopes this trip will restore her career as a naturalist. Little does she suspect the perils she and the others will face.
Not everyone will survive the trip...
I must admit I was slightly unnerved by the means they used to catch the poor specimens for their research, but I know that's naive. It's a really good story with a cliffhanger end to practically each chapter and I very much enjoyed the author's notes at the end of the book.
January 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set in 1920 aboard a ship exploring the Gulf of California, this novel starts with a strong, atmospheric sense of time and place. The premise is compelling, and the opening chapters promise adventure and discovery.
Unfortunately, the story became increasingly complicated and hard to believe. The main character makes choices that felt inconsistent, the side characters were often frustrating, and the pacing was uneven. I also wished for more focus on the exploration itself. An interesting idea that didn’t quite come together for me.
Set in 1920 aboard a ship exploring the Gulf of California, this novel starts with a strong, atmospheric sense of time and place. The premise is compelling, and the opening chapters promise adventure and discovery.
Unfortunately, the story became increasingly complicated and hard to believe. The main character makes choices that felt inconsistent, the side characters were often frustrating, and the pacing was uneven. I also wished for more focus on the exploration itself. An interesting idea that didn’t quite come together for me.
October 16, 2025
The Vermilion Sea by new to me author Megan Chance, published by Montlake is a story that'll stay with the reader. Set in the golden tweties of the last millenium tells the book the story of Billie.
Billie is a scientist who's often not taken seriously. She just became a marine biologist, is on a yacht on expedition with other scientists includung her ex-husband. Soon mysterious things are happening and less and less passengers are to found on board.
Mysterious, mysterious, twirls mustache.
The story ends in a cliffie and hopefully continues in the next book.
Billie is a scientist who's often not taken seriously. She just became a marine biologist, is on a yacht on expedition with other scientists includung her ex-husband. Soon mysterious things are happening and less and less passengers are to found on board.
Mysterious, mysterious, twirls mustache.
The story ends in a cliffie and hopefully continues in the next book.
October 18, 2025
A novel set on a 1920s yacht? Sign me up! But The Vermilion Sea offers far more than its glamorous premise. At its heart is a determined woman refusing to settle in a male-dominated scientific world. The story weaves together relationships, characters and themes displaying redemption, desperation, myth, and superstition—all unfolding against the intrigue of life at sea. Perfect for historical fiction fans who crave a story that’s both atmospheric and intellectually thrilling, with a scientific edge that sets it apart.
January 30, 2026
This interesting, 1920s-based story has elements of Moby Dick, Heart of Darkness, and Howard Hughes...from a feminine perspective. Elements of superstition, secret societies, and the pecadillos of the ultra-wealthy add texture to this novel about a female marine biologist who signs on to a sea voyage with the hope of reigniting her scientific career. She plans to collect samples from the Sea of Cortez and publish articles on her findings. But the trip ends up not being all she expected. The story is populated with unique characters, 1920s glamour, and misogyny. The audiobook is well narrated. 4.25 stars.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheVermillionSea for review purposes. Publication date: 3 February 2026.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheVermillionSea for review purposes. Publication date: 3 February 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Secrets and conspiracies envelope Billie McKennan as she joins a private expedition to the Sea of Cortez. She intends this journey to rebuild her career as a marine biologist. To her dismay her ex-husband is also on board. And he knows details she is not privy to. Why did the yacht's crew refuse to sail? Why is the newly hired crew terrified? And what is this "monstruo" the crew whisper about? Nature can be unforgiving to men who think they can best her.
December 9, 2025
horror historical fiction with some impeccably done writing and a very eerie main antagonist as it starts to build up. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
February 3, 2026
2.75⭐️
Just could not get into this one at all
Just could not get into this one at all
December 8, 2025
Megan Chance’s The Vermillion Sea swept me away to the Gulf of California in the 1920s. It’s the story of a young woman determined to prove herself in science at a time when men ruled the field, and the mix of history, mystery, and suspense kept me turning pages late into the night. The setting is vivid, the tension builds beautifully, and the whole book has that spine‑tingling quality that makes you want to keep reading “just one more chapter.” If you love historical fiction with strong female leads and a touch of eerie suspense, this one is a must‑read.
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