Swift as the Rising Tide

The Nostos #2.5

by E.K. Condos

Swift as the Rising Tide is the next installment of The Nostos Series, a Greek Mythology and Pirates of the Caribbean inspired Romantasy. It is best read after book two, A Spell of Bones and Madness and follows a side quest of our favorite characters Dimitris and Thalia.


A reckless prince sent to do his brother’s bidding.

A cursed seer determined not to fall in love.

On the eve of war in the Mykandrian Sea, Dimitris Kirassos is set to accompany Thalia—the illustrious, yet irksome seer of The Nostos' crew—to rally soldiers in the Lost Isle of Skiatha. His orders are simple, bring a fleet back to Nexos to aid in the looming war with Hades’ acolytes and don’t, under any circumstances, touch the seer. As the winter solstice nears, Dimitris can’t help but wonder if he would risk Alexander’s wrath to call Thalia his own.

Cursed to relive the pain of death over and over, Thalia only agrees to travel on the journey to Skiatha for one reason—to rescue her sister from the vicious Lernean Legion. With the wise guidance of her psychí, Mykonos, Thalia must navigate the treacherous waters of being confined to a ship with Alexander’s rakish younger brother. To her surprise, the prince has more than just gambling and tricks up his sleeve. Perhaps the Fates have more in store for her than what she has seen. Perhaps Dimitris is the key to breaking her curse. Perhaps love was always the answer.

But can they both decide before the God of the Underworld claims Thalia for good?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Found Family

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2025

Reviews

[bookswithmari · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a first-time ARC reader, this was the perfect introduction. I got to fall in love with a world before it officially meets everyone else. Thank you to EK Condos and The Alchemy Lit for this opportunity
Thoughts: The atmosphere is truly the star of this book; moody, introspective, and drenched in coastal magic. The characters feel real; imperfect, hopeful, carrying their own shadows, and trying to rise above them. The author’s writing style is poetic without ever feeling heavy. The only thing that kept this from being a 5-star read for me were a few slow pacing moments, even then I never wanted to put the book down.
The author recommends you read the first 2 books “A Wrecking of Salt & Fire” and “A Spell of Bones and Madness”to fully understand the story/characters.
While I had not read the first 2 books I did not feel lost while reading. It just made me want to run and read the first 2 books!

[Kendra H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 🌟

“Don’t touch the seer.” If that line doesn’t hook you, I don’t know what will. 😉 Add in a cursed seer haunted by repeated death, a reckless prince ordered to avoid her, and a myth‑inspired world teetering on the brink of war, and you’ve got Swift as the Rising Tide.

The slow‑burn romance between Thalia (the seer) and Dimitris Kirassos (the prince) is delicious. Their tension, forbidden attraction, and the weight of curses and duty kept me invested. The stakes are high, a looming war on the Mykandrian Sea, a rescue mission for Thalia’s sister, and the possibility that love might be the only thing powerful enough to break the curse.

I loved the world‑building. The mix of Greek‑myth vibes, sea voyages, magical curses, and pirate‑style danger creates a vivid, sweeping backdrop. And there’s something about seeing the characters forced together on a ship, navigating not only external threats but internal grudges and secrets… it’s tense, immersive, and feels elemental.

My only reason for a 4‑star rather than 5‑star rating? I wanted more... more time with the characters, more depth, more unraveling of secrets, more resolution. 😭

QOTD: If you were cursed like Thalia, who would you trust to break it?

[Alex Kant · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

The Nostos series quickly became one of my favorites this year as it includes Greek mythology, magic, found family and fierce female characters! I was so excited to be back in this world with Swift as a Rising Tide, a novella picking up after the events of book 2, and following one my favorite characters, Thalia and her psychí Mykonos.

Even though this is a novella, it still packs a punch and highlights Condos’ prowess to weave an epic tale of magic, adventure and romance. Filled with seafaring adventure akin to Pirates of the Caribbean, a Seer facing the traumas of her past, and a charming wolf-shifter who REALLY doesn’t like cats 😉

If this sounds up your alley, PLEASE read books 1 and 2 first! They are so so good and will set the stage so beautifully for this novella!

Thank you so much EK Condos and The Alchemy Lit for the eARC of this novella! My thoughts are my own 💙

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being called "The Nostos Novella Book 1" this definitely feels like I should have already known the characters. I guess you're supposed to read books 1 and 2 and THEN this one.

Things start off with a lot of tension - and not really the good kind. For two characters who seemingly hate each other, they go from loathe to lust really fast.

Dimitris - the MMC. He's got some ongoing beef with his family, including his brother the king. He's not even sure why he's being treated poorly. This seems a too naive.

Thalia - the FMC. Powerful seer. Maybe some childhood resentment for being shipped off by the parents to The Order of the Delphine.

I didn't buy the romance. I truly felt like things happened for convenience of this story. It really felt like Thalia, out of the blue, decided this was the right second to rescue her sister. Then she bungles the whole thing and Dimitris has to save the day.

What I did enjoy was Thalia and Dafne's relationships with their psychís,

Thank you The Alchemy Lit for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[JB Mojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review

Greek-Mythology x Pirates of the Caribbean Vibes • Flirtatious Wolf Shifter MMC • Seer FMC

This novella was such a delightful read! The story of Thalia and Dimitris hooked me from the first few chapters, thanks to its perfect blend of Greek mythology influence and Pirates of the Caribbean adventure. The world E.K. Condos created feels atmospheric and enchanting, full of magic, sea mist, and danger.

Dimitris absolutely stole the show for me — He's a flirtatious, charming wolf-shifter captain who knows exactly how to get under Thalia’s skin in the best way. And Thalia? Her seer gift/curse adds an intriguing layer to her character... it keeps you guessing about the choices she will make based on either the visions she receives or what she feels in her gut. I also loved her psychi Mykonos, which added a creative way for the reader to gain more insight into Thalia's inner thoughts and struggles. The banter, tension, and growing connection between the FMC and MMC felt effortless and fun with that little splash of tension ✨

Spice rating? I would give it a 1.5 out of 5 🌶️
I feel that it was the perfect amount for this style of writing.

For a novella, it’s rich with worldbuilding and emotion without ever dragging. By the end, I genuinely wished it were longer because I wasn’t ready for it to be over just yet.

I can’t wait to read more from this author — the next installment can’t come fast enough.

I received an ARC of this novella, and this review reflects my honest thoughts.

[sara_explores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's talk about Swift as the Rising Tide by E.K. Condos.

For a novella and also a series that I have yet to read, this book was such a joy. It didn't leave me questioning at all who the players were and what the backstory was. Honestly, it almost felt like a standalone, although I am sure - without a doubt - that the stories are all interconnected and will flow throughout the series that E.K. Condos has laid out for us.

For my first introduction into E.K. Condos writing and storytelling - she left me wanting more. I loved the Greek mythology aspect, the descriptive world building, the unique magic system, and can I just say - the animal familiars. Mykonos has already won my heart!

Thank you to E.K. Condos and The Alchemy Lit for the wonderful advanced reader copy and for allowing me to review and give my open and honest feedback.

✨ Greek Mythology Inspired
✨ Fated Mates
✨ Found Family
✨ Epic World Building
✨ Animal Familiars

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥 .5
Series: Novella (2.5)

[Shannelle Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘…I knew you would ruin me, consume me, haunt me - and I never wanted anything more.’

I enjoyed the POV shift to Thalia and Dimitris and seeing who they really are. I do wish we got more background on both of them, especially Dimitris with his shifter powers, his role as alpha and how the pack works.

I felt like the pacing was off again in this book, it felt like those bigger, important moments happened way too quickly and out of the blue.

What I did enjoy about this book is all of the powerful, capable fighting females! ‘You have the strength and skill of a gladiator and no man can take that from you. We will fight. Fight for our people, fight for our freedom, fight so that no man can ever take pieces of us again.’

[Melissa Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an eARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This was a quick novella with greek mythology and pirates of the Caribbean vibes. Dimitris and Thalia story draws you in!! Just loved it!

“Swift as the Rising Tide is the next installment of The Nostos Series, a Greek Mythology and Pirates of the Caribbean inspired Romantasy. It is best read after book two, A Spell of Bones and Madness and follows a side quest of our favorite characters Dimitris and Thalia.

A reckless prince sent to do his brother’s bidding.

A cursed seer determined not to fall in love.”

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you The Alchemy Lit and EK Condos for the advanced copy! ☺️

First things first. Please read books 1 and 2 before this novella! Some characters start showing up later on and it won't make a lot of sense in my opinion if you don't know who they are from the other books.

I really enjoyed The Nostos books 1 and 2 so it didn't come as a surprise to me I also enjoyed this novella! It was nice to have a short story and get to know Dimitris and Thalia a bit better.

Also can we talk about Dimitris?? Now I loved Ander but Dimitris has the touch her and die and some jealousy 🤭 I definitely had a few kick my feet in the air moments.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still trying to recover because that ending completely wrecked me.😭💔 EM WHAT THE ACTIAL WHAT🫨

Swift as the Rising Tide is a quick read that somehow carries the weight of a full journey, and I felt every moment of it. As a Nostos Series novella, it delivers exactly what I hoped for and then some.🤭💞✨

The enemies to friends to lovers arc is soooooo satisfying and the chemistry builds until it practically spills over!🥵🥵 I kept thinking I was prepared and I absolutely was not.

The emotional pull is STRONG and the tension is even stronger.😏 I turned the last page already wanting more from this world and these characters. If this is a sign of what is coming next for the Nostos universe, then we are all in for something incredible. Em you’re incredible!! Love you lots🫶🏻

[Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review
This book is perfect! The forced proximity with the Greek/pirates of the Caribbean vibe was as always a great mix! I loved the animal sidekicks and the magical element involved with them! His care for her while she’s sick while she pretends she doesn’t care was such a cute moment. Honestly a 5 star read!!

[Meredith D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Dimitrius and Thalia’s little story. I think I’m left with more questions though as the timeline seems to have moved for these characters while leaving things too open for others? Unless we are getting novellas for all the groups on missions? I did like how quickly this one moved, being just over 200 pages helps too!

[Beth Pinkston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read and a great introduction to the characters and world. Excited to continue this series!
Thank you to The Alchemy Lit and author E.K. Condos for allowing me to read and review ❤️

[Lauren Gunderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two deserve a whole novel. I love this series. My only gripe is this should have been more than a novella.

[Bookish Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dedication: For anyone who is underestimated, misunderstood, or told they are less than: never feel shame over the pain others inflict on you.
Is it wrong that I want to live my life in a fictional place & sail on the seas endlessly with a rakish fool, a stunning seer, & her feline soul companion? It's not? Cool, you can find me happily aboard The Aphrodite then. Honestly, this whole book is great, but Mykonos totally stole the show.

But that was it.
One. Fucking. Horse.
“No,” Thalia said, shaking her head furiously... Where is the other one?”
“The other what?” he laughed.
“The other horse, Dimitris!”
He cocked his head to the side as if he was genuinely confused. “There is no other horse.”
Gods, she was going to throttle him. “That is the point, are you daft? There are two of us and only one of it... Can’t you just shift and run alongside the horse? She is certainly not big enough for the two of us..."
“I certainly could, but I am tired. And it brings me too much joy to know how uncomfortable this will make you..."
[to her psychí]
“You know who will shift and run through the forest? Me...”
“You are just going to leave me with him?” Thalia replied, but Mykonos just gave a rustle of her fur and a large meow. “Fine, but no more eating those tiny birds, it gives you terrible hairballs!”
“I will eat whatever I wish and deal with the consequences at a later time.”

I never knew I needed her POV, but now that I’ve read it, I can’t live without it. She’s everything I wanted her to be. Yep. Aside from the sassy feline, I loved learning a bit more about Thalia, our FMC. She’s such a strong character, not just because of her magic, but her inner strength too.

It didn't matter at this point if Dimitris was compassionate purely out of the goodness in his heart. Thalia had made up her mind—she would feel nothing. Not loyalty, not affection, not hope. Hope was a fickle thing. Hope was not something she could afford.

She’s been through some tough times & suffered heartbreaking things that might’ve completely broken someone else... not her. Yes, she wears her past like armor & uses it to keep a protective layer from the MMC so she doesn’t get hurt, but he’s... persistent.

It was more than kinship, than respect, or love even—it felt as if his soul had fractured into a million tiny pieces and the only thing that would keep the broken bits together was her. Her smell. Her smile. Her laugh. The way her nose wrinkled when he got too close and said something too snarky. The fire in her eyes when she was determined and even more so when she was angry. It made him want to fall to his knees and thank all the gods that came before him for the chance to even be in the same room near her. The bond in his heart that had frayed for years weaved itself back together when he had her.
There was only one reasonable explanation for that world-shattering feeling of longing... Thalia was his—his Fated in this life and any that were before or would come after. Psychí mou...
Thalia already had a psychí, she did not need him as well.

He won’t let her dull her shine, fade into the background, or ever forget how amazing she is. Isn’t that what we want in our swoony MMCs? Dimitris completely delivers.

Psychí mou. My soul... The term of endearment was one of lore, of gods that became stars in the night sky just so they could forever be placed next to the one they loved. Their soul. Their counterpart in every way...
“You might not believe me, but I always have. From the moment I sat across from you at my father’s table in Nexos it was as if something in me snapped—like I knew you would ruin me, consume me, haunt me—and I had never wanted anything more.”
...
“You really are a rakish fool, Dimitris.”
“I never said I wasn’t—but I am only a fool for you. Sleep, gatáki, I’ll protect you from the creatures of the night...”
“I am counting on it,” she whispered.
“I will always protect you, Thalia,” he whispered back.

And the banter? Jeezus. Their flirty banter of “I hate you...” “no you don’t,” is hilarious. They’re so evenly matched.

He shrugged. “Hmm… looks like quite the painful way to die, doesn’t it?”
What the fuck was wrong with this man? How was he smiling right now?
“Answer me! They are gutted—and not by a sword or a dagger, Dimitris, those are claw marks...
“Don’t worry your pretty little head about it, gatáki. No one will come after us.”
Insolent rake. This stupid, gods-damned insolent rake was going to get them all killed. What made him think he was above the law? Above the oath he took as a prince? As a Grechi? ...
He strode over to Thalia’s side, brushing his fingers over her cheek before tucking a loose strand of her braid behind her ear. “Don’t look so angry, gatáki, I did this for you.”
Her heart fluttered at the words, skin turning a damning shade of rose. How was she supposed to spend the next few weeks with someone so reckless?

This whole story brings everything we already love about the series: witty banter,

Without thought she drew an arrow, planting her feet firmly and drawing back the string of her bow. Onyx fur blurred, disappearing into similarly colored leathers, but those beastly silver eyes remained, staring back at her.
“Were you actually considering firing that bow?” A shifted Dimitris now stood in the middle of her trail, hands on his thighs, bent over and panting.
“I was tired of chasing you. We’ve been running for miles. Don’t worry, I was only planning to pin you to the ground—nothing fatal.” Thalia slid her bow and arrow back into her quiver.
The prince shot her a glare as he stormed over to her... Dimitris pinned his arm across her throat. “You may be an exceptional hunter, but I assure you, you would not meet your mark.”
Her lip twitched up in a smirk. “I wouldn’t underestimate me, fengaráki, I have never missed. You’d be on your knees begging to be released...”
“I’d gladly drop to my knees before you, gatáki, but it would be you who’d beg for a release...”
Thalia swatted him away. “You are despicable...”
That undeniable gaze was now paired with a wicked twitch on his lips. “That’s not what you said on our journey here.”

epic battle sequences,

Swift as the rising tide on a full moon, the walls around the castle fell...
Yet here he stood... all for her. All to see her live. If he perished, then a sweet death it would be...
Time.
They needed more time.
And he would give it to them.
Death be damned...
Thalia would not die. Not today.
On the battlefield or in the gardens of Elysium—I will find you.

dramatic stakes with lives on the line,

There was no longer a chance for grace from the gods. There was only death.
Death for them all.

characters we absolutely adore,

...it was utterly infuriating that such a woman made him want to fall down to his knees and beg while simultaneously making him loathe himself for the thought.

romance that’s got plenty of swoon-worthy moments,

“Yield, fengaráki...”
“I’d gladly yield control to you...”
“And if I wanted you in control?” she whispered...
Looping one leg around her, he flipped them so Thalia’s back was flush with the floor. She tilted her head back, exposing more of that beautiful neck Dimitris wanted to claim...
“Tell me that you want this. I need to hear it, gatáki.”
“I want this,” she whispered, letting her hands roam down every curve of his chest.
“Thank fuck.”

& of course, there’s trauma. Look, it’s not all sunshine & rainbows in this series, alright? But we love it because it’s an emotional journey with a great reward.

The world of Odessia is at a turning point—one where we no longer have the luxury of standing aside while others take the blow for being smaller or weaker. Nexos has long stood behind our own wards, protected from the wickedness of the kingdoms around us, yet when we were called to action, we rose to the cause. Protecting those who cannot protect themselves is not a privilege, it is not a duty we must partake in...
We are no longer fighting for power amongst ourselves. We are fighting for life! And I pity those who cannot see that.”

If you’re wondering “can I pick up this book without reading the others in the series?” my answer would be a resounding “no.” Just don’t do that. Please. For the love of gods, don’t do that. This novella is a sidequest first introduced in book 2 of the series (A Spell of Bones and Madness). The FMC in this book is introduced in book 1 of the series (A Wrecking of Salt and Fire) & she reluctantly works with the MMC, the brother of the main MMC of the series, in book 2. Some stuff goes down. Like, so much stuff that I refuse to spoil it, but it’s ginormous & super crucial to read these events, as they completely set up this novella. As the crew tries to vanquish the villain, they’ve gotta gather some troops & intel to use for the upcoming war. This story details what happens when these characters split from the crew to prep for the war. Literally everything they’re doing is in direct response to the events from book 2. Yes, EK gives us a little “previously...” background at the beginning of the book, but it’s really just to refresh our brains for those of us who read these books as they release months apart. If it’s not already obvious, I am literally begging you to read the other books before this one.

[Fanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this novella read it and then forgot to write my review, but better late then never I'm here.
Before I get into it I want to preface that I didn't read the first 2 books in the series (YET!!) so this was my introduction to the world and characters.

I highly dislike books in third person so when I opened it and read the first page I had some apprehension, imagine my surprise that I loooooved this book. The writing was very beautiful and even the style of writing set the vibe of the world we were in by the choice of words and how the sentences rolled together. No notes!!

And the vibes OHMYGOD. Imagine Pirate of the Carabbean mixed with greek-mythology with a dash of magic, shifters and seers and so much more.
It was unique and it sucked me in. The world building in this book was immaculate and I understood everything but still missed some crutial background info so I would suggest to start with book1 not this if you have a chance.
The pacing was a bit off in some parts but I guess it's due to the fact that it's a novella so it's shorter, I could have read 100+ more pages of Thalia & Dimitris tbh.

Rating: 4 ⭐
Spice: 1,5 🌶️
Banter: chef's kiss!!!!

[Claudia Kolta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy how I started reading this series in May and immediately became obsessed. Every book that I have read so far have been 5 star reads. It has two things that I love most: Greek Mythology and Pirates. I can’t choose a favourite one because they all are. This series feels like my second home( aka Greece). It also became my comfort read and I know that I will do a re-read. I’m scared for how how the series ends. It made me feel all the emotions, it helped me while grieving my mom. READ THIS SERIES PLEASE. You will not be disappointed, read the quotes below. Patiently waiting for book 3 🏴‍☠️🌊🥹🖤
I think about Odessia 24/7 🥹

“Don’t look so angry, gatáki, I did this for you.”

“Do not make me repeat myself, fengaráki, because I will not.”

“Do not argue with me, fengaráki, I have no patience left today.”

“Maybe one day that will change, gatáki. Maybe one day you will return.”

“Are you insinuating that I would lose to an overly feral little thing like yourself? Oh, gatáki.”

“ I could pick you up and toss you to the ground with one arm before you landed a single blow.”
“We will see, fengaráki.”

“It was more than kinship, than respect, or love even—it felt as if his soul had fractured into a million tiny pieces and the only thing that would keep the broken bits together was her. Her smell. Her smile. Her laugh. The way her nose wrinkled when he got too close and said something too snarky. The fire in her eyes when she was determined and even more so when she was angry. It made him want to fall to his knees and thank all the gods that came before him for the chance to even be in the same room near her. The bond in his heart that had frayed for years weaved itself back together when he had her.”_ Dimitris
Thalia was his—his Fated in this life and any that were before or would come after. Psychí mou.”

“You might not believe me, but I always have. From the moment I sat across from you at my father’s table in Nexos it was as if something in me snapped—like I knew you would ruin me, consume me, haunt me—and I had never wanted anything more.”
“Stay with me,”
“You do not need to say you feel the same—I do not expect that—but just stay the night with me.”_ Dimitris 🖤

He would hold her until she was awake—until the pain faded. It wouldn’t be the first time Dimitris stayed with the seer as she healed—itwouldn’t be the last either. He only wished there was a way he could take away the pain from the beginning, that she didn’t need to suffer through this alone.
There was.

“she really is someone I never saw coming. I had resigned myself a lone man—that I would never find my equal in life, someone who I would want standing by my side at the helm of my ship and in battle. But she is it. If she will have me. Gods, I feel like I am asking a cat for her hand in marriage. I am not, by the way, asking for marriage. Only that she might come with me on this journey, be my partner as we fight for peace. What am I even doing? I’m going to stop talking now.”_ Dimitris 🖤

“I never said I wasn’t—but I am only a fool for you. Sleep, gatáki, I’ll protect you from the creatures of the night.”Thalia nuzzled closer to him, tucking Mykonos under her arm. “I am counting on it,” she whispered. 
“I will always protect you, Thalia”

“I will find you, Thalia. I promise—on the battlefield or in the gardens of Elysium—I will find you.”

“the woman he loved—because he did love Thalia, without regard for expectations or whether she felt anything close to that for him—almost died. She would not fall again, not when he could protect her. It wasn’t as if he needed to protect her, but Dimitris could feel it in his bones, in the tether that kept him grounded, that he had to. He would rip the throats from every creature that dared harm her. He hadn’t realized it that day he cut the daimon down in Aidesian, but the preternatural obsession with making any living or dead thing perish if they harmed her was so much more than loyalty. He’d convinced himself time and time again that was all it was. Yet here he stood, ready to face those vicious creatures—or something so much worse—all for her. All to see her live. If he perished, then a sweet death it would be. ”

“Please,” he whispered, voice strained and crackling. “Not now—not when we’ve only just begun. Come back to me, Thalia. Come back.”

“Please, please, please, he repeated over and over in his head. Come back to me, psychí mou. Come back to me.”

[Tales In Paradise · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS - SWIFT AS THE RISING TIDE BY E.K.CONDOS

THALIA 🔮
Our guarded, gorgeous Seer, who is carrying so much trauma that she won’t let it show. After enduring so much in the last book, it genuinely hurt to see how much more emotionally closed off she was. However, despite all of it, she is still powerful, perceptive and fights to survive anyway. I bonded with her instantly, and the way she feels deeply, even when she pretends she doesn’t.

DIMITRIS 🐺
OH Dmitiris...our Alpha wolf shifter prince and ship captain. I won’t lie, I did not warm to him in the earlier books; I just thought he was Ander’s arrogant, promiscuous younger brother. Like Thalia, I believed I was immune to his flirty charm. OH HOW WRONG I WAS. This man...woo. His restraint, his devotion..his mouth? I folded completely and now proud to be a member of the Dimitris cult (sorry Ander)

THE TENSION ❤️‍🔥
You thought these two separately were bad. Wait till you get them both together! The sharp, witty banter, the mutual irritation, the palpable tension and silence between them? Absolutely immaculate, chef’s kiss. This novella was short, but the way Dimitris pined and yearned after Thalia felt like an eternity. Their relationship completely sneaks up behind you before it wrecks you into pieces, but I loved it.

WORLDBUILDING 🏛️
If you haven't read her other books in this series, this book takes place in a Greek mythology-inspired world filled with salty air, ancient seas, ominous prophecies and dangerous Gods. Of course, we also got the added fun of psychi-bonds (animal companions) like our sassy little white cat, Mykonos, who just adds to the humour and warmth in my soul. I love him (probably cause i see my baby Prince in him).

TRAUMA + FOUND FAMILY 🖤
Now, those of you who know me know I love a little psychology and trauma in my books. This novella definitely doesn’t shy away from exploring heavier themes, including grief, SA, and trauma (check the trigger warnings). I was especially obsessed with the found-family and father-figure dynamic between Thalia and Cal. This just added so much emotional depth, which I was obsessed with.

FINAL THOUGHTS 💭
This book's ending. Wow. Just Wow. I cried (not the single aesthetic tear shed) but full-on ugly don't-look-at-me, why-am-I-attached kinda crying. It followed me all night until the morning after, like a bruise. The way this story makes you care without you even realising it should be illegal, especially as a novella.

I’m still not over it, and I don’t want to be. I will be impatiently counting the days until book 3.

[Alex Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swift as the Rising Tide is a novella in the Nostos series, and it follows right after the end of the second book, A Spell of Bones and Madness. Some people say this can be read as a standalone too, but I actually devoured the first two books before diving into it, because I wanted to feel the full impact (and boy did I feel it).

I loved the premise of Greek mythology, pirates(ish), and werewolves, hence why I chose to apply to receive an eARC (many thanks to the author for it), and I am glad I did. I enjoyed the story so much; I didn't know where it was going because I forbade myself from reading anything about it (lol), and I was immediately taken abroad within the world of Odessia, with its villains and political intrigue.

Swift as the Rising Tide has the perfect amount of banter and feelings, and even though at times I've felt things were happening too fast (yes, I am looking at you, Dimitris and Thalia plus one very poor poor horse), I had a great time getting to know the characters better, with their quirky personalities and all. The multiple p.o.vs (while still a third-person narrative) offered a glimpse into their hearts and minds, and as ravaged as they were, these characters had something endearing (even with the occasional inconsistencies).

DON'T READ. SPOILER.
Because I read the ending in public, I had to read it again at home, and cry peacefully because what was that? What do you mean Dafne and sweet Nyx are not gonna kick arse in the next book?? I demand compensations because I personally cannot take animal deaths well in any form, real or fictional.
OKAY, CAN READ. NO MORE SPOILER.

I think this is a perfect read for those who enjoy mythology, sea-sailing themes, werewolves, personal cough training, and animal sidekicks, while getting to know both MCs perspectives. Especially if you're looking for a new series to jump into, let it be this one. I enjoyed this world a lot, and I am yearning for the next book. I hope our waiting will be as Swift as the Rising Tide (I'm sorry if this was cringe). Happy reading!

[Nicole R Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Swift as the Rising Tide Novella is a wonderful mix of Greek Mythology meets Pirates of the Caribbean vibes by @authoremilyk all while being the perfect taste of these characters and their side story from the main series, The Nostos Series. I was pulled in right away with the storyline, the charcaters, and the world the author built around them. I love a good push and pull Forbidden Romance and the Author gave that plus more in this Novella. The main characters acted at face value as if they loathed eachother but, oh the internal dialouge was too good and most definitely saying otherwise 😏.

Let me just say, Oh my goodness, as things got going, they didn't stop. The banter, the pull, the emotion, the fight, the tension and then finally putting it all together to give us what was Dimitris and Thalia. Dimitris considered the reckless Prince who was sent to do his brothers' bidding and Thalia a cursed seer who is determined not to fall in love are a match made from the Fates.

There were some intense scenes within the plot, with the world around them falling into a war amongst the God Hades, an imprisoned sister, rallying troops, and other outside factors. They race to try to secure troops to aid with the war coming while also taking the time to attempt to fight their attraction and pull to eachother. Will they figure out this bond between them?

The only thing wrong with this book was that I wanted more and more of it even as it came to a close. I'm definitely continuing this series because the ending was perfectly played and left me with WHAT IN THE GODS IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT.

This Novella was filled with beautiful description, entertainment factors, emotional characters, intense moments plus a captivating side story to the main series with characters I thoroughly enjoyed. I was definitely given a range of emotions and I'm an emotional girl so they were definitely enjoyed and well spent.

This Novella is best read after reading Book 2 of The Nostos Series.

[Amy]

Swift as the Rising Tide is, without question, my favourite entry in the Nostos series so far. This novella follows Thalia and Dimitris on a perilous journey across ancient seas, blending Greek mythology–inspired fantasy, political intrigue, and emotionally charged romantasy in a way that feels both intimate and high-stakes.

Thalia is a guarded, powerful seer carrying immense trauma, cursed to feel pain and yet still determined to fight for the people she loves - especially her sister. Watching her navigate grief, fear, and survival while keeping her heart fiercely protected was heartbreaking and compelling. Dimitris, the wolf-shifter prince and captain, surprised me the most. Beneath his rakish reputation lies a deeply emotional, loyal, and restrained character whose quiet devotion and internal conflict added so much depth to the story.

The tension between Thalia and Dimitris is expertly done. Their banter, silences, and slow-burn connection create a constant undercurrent of yearning that never feels rushed, despite the novella’s fast pace. Dimitris’ pining feels endless, while Thalia’s gradual softening is earned and emotionally satisfying. Their relationship sneaks up on you and leaves a lasting impact.

E.K. Condos continues to shine in her worldbuilding. The Greek mythology fantasy setting is rich with ancient gods, ominous prophecies, political unrest, and salt-heavy seas. The magic system feels unique, and the inclusion of psychi-bonds - especially Mykonos - adds warmth, humour, and heart to an otherwise dangerous world. For a shorter instalment, this novella delivers remarkable emotional depth while expanding the broader fantasy romance series.

The ending left me reeling. It raises fascinating questions about Skiatha, Hades, and the consequences Dimitris is clearly going to face moving forward. Swift as the Rising Tide may be fast-paced, but its emotional resonance lingers long after the final page.

A beautifully written romantasy novella filled with yearning, devotion, trauma, and fate. A must-read for fans of the Nostos series and anyone who loves Greek mythology–inspired fantasy with slow-burn romance.

[ReviewsByNic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Swift as the Rising Tide by E.K. Condos
ARC

Thank you The Alchemy Lit for giving me the opportunity to read Swift as the Rising Tide. All parts of the review are of my honest opinion

I will admit I had a little difficulty at first. Everything moved too fast for me at the beginning, especially the first smut scene. Some parts just didn’t fit where it was placed as well as it could have. But this is a novella so I can understand the fast pace. I also wish we had maybe a page with just definitions or details that would have helped. I didn't understand some of the terms without googling a Greek to English translation. Because of this I enjoyed more so the second half of the novella compared to the first.

But overall it wasn’t bad. I enjoyed the characters and how they were imperfect and hopeful in their own way. You could also tell that they each had some trauma from their past that shaped them into who they were. It gave them a nice level of depth for a novella. And that twin sister, I couldn’t help feel for her and now I am heartbroken over what happened. Iykyk

It is also suggested to read Book 1 and 2 of the series, but I can say that it isn’t entirely necessary if you can't do so. I have not read the first two and though it would have helped knowing some background information, I could still understand what was happening in the novella and enjoyed it. I would like to say that you do have to keep in mind that there is a cliffhanger in this novella so you'll want to read the next book.

If you like a Pirates of the Caribbean vibe with seers, wolves, animal companions, and evil creatures, give the novella a shot. It does have a little spice, but you could skip if needed

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acknowledgement: I received this ARC from the author & The Alchemy Lit in exchange for an honest review.


This book is part of The Nostos Series and is best read after book 2, HOWEVER, as it’s a side quest/Novella, it can be read alone.

Now for my thoughts: I absolutely loved this book, it has everything I love—Greek mythology and pirates inspired romantasy where He falls first and HARD!

Dimitri and Thalia start out as enemies, or at least on Thalia’s side, but circumstances forcing them together [see 1 HORSE 🙃] and an opinionated uncle has Thalia finally giving him a chance to be more.

The story is entirely an adventure and totally gives Pirates of the Caribbean vibes…but darker (🤗).

Some things I really enjoyed:
Dimitri (the cinnamon roll mmc I didn’t know I needed)
The uncle (totally gives Uncle Iroh from Avatar the Last Airbender—IYKYK 😉)
The familiars, especially Mykonos (he totally ships Dimitri/Thalia 🥰)
The BATTLE SCENES…🔥

Overall, the writing was great, the storyline was amazing, and the characters well fleshed out, relatable, and PHENOMENAL.

I LOVED this book and will definitely be reading the rest of the series…I absolutely LOVE Dimitri and I would certainly recommend this to all the romantasy, mythology, and pirate lovers out there.

Favorite quotes:

“I will find you, Thalia. I promise—on the battlefield or in the gardens of Elysium—I will find you.”

“Don’t look so angry, gatáki, I did this for you.”

“For the record, Thalia, this does change things for me,”

Tropes you can expect to find/LOVE

💖 Reluctant allies to lovers
💖 Animal sidekick
💖 Shifters and seers
💖 Fate ties
💖 One horse
💖 He crawls to her

[Vallenreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I started off wanting to throttle the MFC, but she came into her own and I loved her by the end. I haven’t read any of the main series books, and whilst some info is missing, I didn’t find that distracting and there was enough in the story to fill the gaps where necessary.
In this story we have Dimitris, our MMC, he’s a prince, and a ships captain. He is seen to be reckless and selfish, but perceptions can be wrong and we find out who he really is. I love that we seem to get his point of view on actions in one of the previous books, and we see him differently afterwards, there is always two sides to a story.
Then we have Thalia, our MFC, she is a Seer in Dimitris’ brothers Nostros Crew. She is formidable but incredibly stubborn. She easily believes others’ perceptions of Dimitris, but eventually learns that Dimitris is not like his brother says he is, not who everyone judges him to be, and makes up her own mind.
On the mission that they’ve been sent on by Dimitris’ brother, Thalia has her own secret quest, she forces Dimitris to detour, and against his better judgement they go. They face mercenaries and storms, but the quest goes well and they make it to their original destination safely enough. Intrigue and prophecy, action and suspense, fate starts to unwind and love starts to bloom, but will it be too late for Dimitris and Thalia? The ending, whilst not a cliff hanger, is left wide open and I cannot wait to see what happens next, because their story can’t just end there! This was a really enjoyable book and I recommend it if you like the sound of Greek Mythology x Pirates of the Caribbean.

[Ashley - taleswithash · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars - ARC Review

E.K. Condos continues to feed us everything The Nostos! This Nostos novella is the perfect blend of introducing a new romance while continuing to build the lore and world of The Nostos Series. Thalia and Dimitris are not new characters to us, but we learn so much more about their backgrounds and their struggles in this novella. Thalia has built impenetrable walls and is quick to judge Dimitris for who she believes he is. Dimitris really stews in the hurt of being misunderstood by everyone around him. He doesn’t correct them, as he seems to believe no one will truly see him. However, we see both of them melt their preconceived notions of themselves and each other as they continue on their mission together, even if it is a little reluctant lol.

I will say I felt a little indifferent about this pairing coming into the novella, but I really loved it. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Thalia and was intrigued by Dimitris from what we learned in the previous books, but I was so wrapped up in everything else going on in The Nostos Series that I didn’t know what this romance or novella would bring. I definitely get tunnel vision when reading fantasy. However, I enjoyed learning more about them and seeing how their romance grew and what they both contribute to the larger plot of The Nostos Series. I say this in case you felt the same and weren’t sure what you would enjoy about Thalia and Dimitris in the beginning. Read this novella! It is so good and you will end up absolutely loving them both!

[Paige Seach Sorrenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review, thank you for my early copy
3.75 ⭐️
Spice 🌶️

I did read the first two books in the series right before reading this novella and should be read after book 2. I think this was my favourite in the series so far.

The one main issue for me which continues in the series is timeline. I’m not actually sure how much time passed during this book 😅 however, I really liked Dimitri and Tahlia’s story. I liked that we got to see more of Dimitri and I felt bad for him almost the entire book. Tahlia continues to be a strong FMC, however it takes her a while to actually form her own opinion of Dimitri, instead just hating him based on his family’s opinion which I kinda disagree with. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

Dimitri - the second in line to the throne; the Alpha of the pack. Hated by his siblings. Seems like he’s actually selfless and helps those around him without any acknowledgment.

Tahlia- a seer with a psychi (a shapeshifter which is essentially a part of her soul) with a traumatic childhood and was sold to Ander who gave her freedom. Tahlia seems to be nice and connect with all those she comes into contact with except Dimitri, who continuously protects and saves her.

I feel like their relationship is more her hating him until she actually stops being judgmental and forms her own opinion based on his actions. I also feel like while Dimitri may have had real feelings for her, Tahlia used him as a distraction

[Tamara • tamaramayimreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝒮𝓌𝒾𝒻𝓉 𝒶𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝒾𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒾𝒹𝑒 𝑜𝓃 𝒶 𝒻𝓊𝓁𝓁 𝓂𝑜𝑜𝓃, 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓈𝓉𝓁𝑒 𝒻𝑒𝓁𝓁.

I’ll be honest, I had a hard time getting into this story. About halfway through I found out that, even though this is the first book in a new series, it leans heavily on two books from a different series. Without that background, I often felt like I was missing key pieces about the world and the characters.

I still enjoyed it, but I wish this book offered a bit more context so new readers could follow along without feeling lost. Some interconnected series manage to work as standalones while still nudging you to read the others; here, I really felt the gap.

That said, the book does deliver on a lot of elements I love:

🔥 slow burn romance
🐺 shifters and seers
🐾 an animal sidekick
✨ magical curses
🏛️ Greek-myth energy
🏴‍☠️ pirate-style vibes

The pacing is quick, I think I would’ve loved it even more if it had been longer and had more room to breathe.

I really liked Thalia and Dimitri together. Their tension and chemistry are fantastic, and moments like “That’s my girl.” hit exactly right.

The cliffhanger was excellent and definitely hooked me. It made me want to pick up the other books just so I can return to this series with all the context I need.

I’d recommend reading the two books in the other series first so you can go into this one with all the information and enjoy it fully.

Thank you to The Alchemy Lit and the author for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Skye Mckean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Swift as the Rising Tide by E.K Condos is the first book of Nostos Novella. To avoid confusion with this series, I’d highly recommend reading book one and two of the Nostos series, otherwise you are going to be confused.
This book includes Greek Mythology, magic, found family, and a friend’s brother.

I will admit, I had some difficulty getting into this at first, it was very fast paced at the beginning, as to be expected for a Novella, but because I did not read the first series, (like an idiot, I know , I know) it was very confusing for me.

Overall, this book was not bad, I enjoyed the chapters, they obviously have their own trauma which gives them depth, and they are perfect in their own ways.
Dimitris, a wolf shifter captain, is flirtatious, and charming, he knows how to get under Thalias skin.
Thalia is a seer, she keeps you on your toes throughout the book, not knowing what choice she is going to make.
The slowburn romance between the two and their tension and their forbidden attraction was extremely well done.

I will most likely be coming back for this series in the future, and reading them in order, how they were meant to and I look forward to it and hopefully going to enjoy it much more then.

Thank you E.K. Condos for the opportunity to read Swift as the Rising Tide. All thoughts and reviews are of my own.

[Soraya · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to E.K. Condos for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novella. This review reflects my honest thoughts.

Swift as the Rising Tide was such an exciting and enjoyable novella! Following Dimitris and Thalia on this side quest had me completely hooked from start to finish. Despite its shorter length, the story is packed with tension, danger, and emotional depth, and it genuinely kept me on edge the entire time.

The chemistry between Dimitris and Thalia is fantastic. Dimitris is charming, reckless, and impossible not to love, while Thalia’s curse and seer abilities add constant suspense to every choice she makes. Being trapped together on a ship, surrounded by looming war and fate itself, creates a delicious sense of urgency and forbidden tension that made their interactions incredibly fun to read.

What really stood out to me was how immersive the novella felt. The Greek-mythology-inspired world, the sea voyages, and the underlying sense of danger made the story feel rich and atmospheric without ever dragging. By the end, I found myself wishing it were longer, always a good sign.

Overall, this was a thrilling, romantic, and well-paced novella that perfectly complements The Nostos series. I had such a great time reading it and can’t wait to see what comes next from E.K. Condos.

[Guss Vellichor & Vine · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Swift as a Rising Tide was a welcome return to the Nostos world. One that leans into atmosphere, character, and emotion rather than sheer scale. As a novella set after book two, it feels more like a reflective tide than a crashing wave, giving space to sit with Thalia and the aftermath of everything she’s survived.

This installment shines most in its character work. Thalia’s internal journey especially as she confronts old wounds and lingering fears adds depth to her arc and the bond with her psychí, Mykonos, continues to be one of my favorite elements of the series. The maritime setting brings a sense of movement and adventure, while the magic and romance remain woven in with Condos’ signature touch. Plus, a certain wolf-shifter adds both charm and humor… even if he’s very anti-cat.

While I loved being back in this world, the novella format did leave me wanting a little more, more time with the characters, more room for some scenes to fully unfold. Still, it succeeds as an emotional and atmospheric companion piece that enriches the larger story rather than trying to overshadow it.

This is best enjoyed after reading the first two books, which provide essential context and make the emotional beats land much more strongly.

Thank you EK Condos and The Alchemy Lit for the ARC. All thoughts are my own