Broken Tides

by Cayla Cavalletto

A stolen blade. A forbidden bond. A war between gods that could drown the world.

Kiralin Thorne, a half-blood rogue with a knack for surviving impossible jobs, never wanted to be tangled up in prophecy—or in the deadly politics of the Spire. But when her brother’s mysterious death points to a powerful relic known as the Shardblade, Kira will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. Even if it means entering a world of magic that despises her kind.

Assigned to train under Matthias Ironhart—a battle-hardened Sea Berserker with secrets as deep as the ocean—Kira soon finds herself bound to him in ways neither of them understands. As sparks of desire and distrust ignite between them, Kira discovers that the Shardblade isn’t just a weapon. It’s the key to a war brewing between gods, and she’s right in the center of it.

But someone in the Spire wants her dead. Someone who knows exactly what she carries.

If Kira can’t uncover the hidden threads around her—and master the fierce pull of her bond to Matthias—then the tides of war will rise, and everything she loves will drown.

Broken Tides is the debut novel in the Blade & Bonds series—a sweeping romantasy perfect for fans of Danielle L. Jensen, Sarah J. Maas, and Carissa Broadbent, where shadowy magic, slow-burn romance, and political intrigue collide.

429 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2025

Reviews

[What Sam Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story absolutely wrecked me, in the best way! The story is raw, emotional, and had me completely captivated from the very first paragraph. I loved how Cayla balances vulnerability with strength, showing characters who are broken in different ways but still fighting for something more.

The characters are ✨chef’s kiss👩🏼‍🍳🤌🏻💋✨
Aster & Taigh has me laughing my butt off! Kiralin is the perfect FMC. She’s damaged & broken, which just adds the best emotions to the book. Matthias… let me tell you about my Matty Baby😏 can I have one of him? He’s broody, annoyed with everyone, and holds a lot of secrets that I cannot wait to uncover!

The romance… sllloooowwwww burn but man, when it starts to burn it BURNS! Hot & fast. Whew, that one scene🥵 IYKYK! So worth the emotional damage.

I highly recommend diving into Broken Tides & visiting Eldrath🖤

[Aida Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Tides
By Cayla Cavalletto

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tropes Included:
Fated Mates / Forbidden Bond
He Falls First
Grumpy x Sunshine
Found Family
Slow Burn with high stakes

Broken Tides is a masterfully crafted debut that marks a thrilling start to the Blade & Bonds series. From the start, Cavalletto immediately immerses readers in the gritty, high-stakes world of the Spire through the eyes of Kiralin "Kira" Thorne, a half-blood rogue whose quest for justice for her brother pulls her into a dangerous web of ancient relics and godly wars. The prose is atmospheric and sharp, making every scene feel as though it was "painted with fire and ash," which keeps the tension high from the very first page.

The heart of the story lies in the complex, slow-burn connection between Kira and Matthias Ironhart, a battle-hardened Sea Berserker. Their relationship is a perfect example of the enemies-to-lovers trope. Built on a foundation of deep-seated distrust and a mysterious bond that neither fully understands. The banter between them is electric, providing a compelling emotional anchor as they navigate a world of magic that largely despises Kira’s kind.

Beyond the romance, the world-building is grand and imaginative. The mystery of the Shardblade serves as a driving force for the plot, revealing that much larger forces are at play than just the political schemes of the Spire. For readers who enjoy romantasy with high emotional stakes, intricate magic systems, and characters who refuse to break under pressure, this novel is a definite must.

If you are a fan of high-stakes fantasy with deep emotional resonance and sharp banter, this is a must-read for your 2026 TBR list. I’m already desperate for the next book after that ending! Cavaletto, having written such a beautiful and compelling book can only mean one thing…. She is definitely an author you want to look out for.

10/10 would recommend to all family and friends.

[CoffeeLovinRi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating/Recommend: (ARC)
4⭐️/3.5🌶️/ Yes, Maybe 👀 (depending on spice comfort)

Fav Quotes:
“For the first time in years, I let my guard down and weep. And he holds me through every tear.” 😩
“Although I feel like a ship lost at sea, he offers me a safe harbor to moor in, even if only for a moment.”🥹

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this read. It’s a romantasy with amazing world building and well developed characters. There is a found family aspect that I just loved. (Aster is such a sweetiepie character) I also really enjoyed the magic system and combat scenes in this book. I love a strong FMC & Kiralin fits the bill. There’s great banter between the FMC & MMC. Also, there are “nicknames” 🥹 I just love them.
And talk about a ✨territorial✨ fae male! ❤️‍🔥
If you’re looking for a romantasy that has a great fantasy world & loads of tension this one is for you!

Sidenote: If you are a no spice reader I do not recommend. Please see content warnings below.

Tropes:
~ Fated Mates
~ Corrupt Government
~ He Falls First
~ Grumpy x Sunshine
~ Found Family
~ Snarky FMC
~ Hurt Comfort
~ Slow Burn

CW:
- Language: innuendos & adult language throughout.
- Open Door Spice: Ch 21, 34, 43 (2.5 scenes. They progressively get spicier throughout the book)


- ****SPOILER**** : The last spicy scene in this book contains multiple partners. This is an unexpected addition from a reader standpoint. I don’t recommend to low or no spice readers even with there only being 2.5 scenes. The identity of the third character is important to the storyline, which makes it difficult to simply “skip” the scene.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiralin Thorne, a half-blooded night elf, enrolls at the Spire to uncover the truth about her brother’s death and the Shardblade. Matthias Ironhart, sea biserker, is one of her trainers. When the two end up bonded, her task becomes much more difficult. 

The author immediately begins this novel with bread crumbs building up the world around our FMC. The magic system is well explained, including the half-beings. The paragraph pieces at the beginning of each chapter fill in the gaps.

Kira is the perfect example of a fierce FMC. She is independent and I loved watching her learn to trust others around her. l really adored the supporting characters Aster & Taigh. They provide a humor and support our main characters really needed. Matthias was a likeable MMC and I can't wait to see how he is developed further in the series.

This last few chapters really pack a punch with information. I was not expecting the direction it took and it ends on quite the cliffhanger.

[Aria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Tides by Cayla Cavalletto is a compelling romantasy debut that blends fated mates, found family, and corrupt government into a gripping, emotional story. The world feels rich and dangerous, with political tension and moral grey areas giving real weight to the characters’ choices and alliances.The romance is a strong highlight—slow-burn, charged with tension, and deeply tied to the characters’ trauma and growth, which makes their connection feel earned and impactful. The found family elements and side characters add warmth and heart, balancing the darker, more twisted parts of the plot. Overall, Broken Tides is an engaging and atmospheric start to the Blade & Bonds series, perfect for readers who enjoy romantasy with emotional stakes, political intrigue, and messy, fated love. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ | Broken Tides by Cayla Cavalletto

I really enjoyed Broken Tides. It’s a strong romantasy debut with immersive world building, solid magic, and high emotional stakes. The world feels dangerous and lived in, and the combat scenes were especially fun to read.

Kira is a great FMC. She’s strong, snarky, and easy to root for. The banter between her and the MMC was a highlight for me, especially the nicknames, which I will always love. Add in a territorial male and I was fully on board.

The romance is a slow burn with lots of tension that builds naturally throughout the story. If you like romantasy with strong characters and plenty of tension, this one is worth checking out. That ending definitely left me wanting the next book.

⚠️ Not a no spice read, so check content warnings.

***** Huge thanks to Cayla Cavalletto for the ARC. I loved diving into this story!

[Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man! I didnt expect to love this book as much as I did. Kira is such a complex and tense character. She is so well written. Honestly all the characters are well written. They all have their flaws, secrets, and issues. I couldn't help but root for them all. They plot line with Lach and the Blade as well as Laz and whats going on with the gods had me at the edge of my seat. I thought, like Kira, I knew what was going on. But this author wove an intense and heartbreaking tale. Not only with everything going on but with Matthias as well. As much as I love Kira, the one character who stole the show was Aster. I laughed so hard at his antics. Very much the annoying little brother. 10/10 love for this book and story. Between the descriptions, the magic, characters, everything was flawless!!!

[Jessieca Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.”

Broken tides pulled me in fast it’s driven by emotion, danger, and complicated bonds, all wrapped in a gritty fantasy world that feels alive and constantly on the edge of breaking. It's a slow burn with romantic tention. It simmers just right.I highly recommed this to be added for your next read. Strong, emotionally complex FMC.
Tense, slow-burn romance
Found family and bond dynamics
High stakes without losing emotional focus
If you want:
Slow burn? ✔️
Strong FMC? ✔️
Fantasy + emotional damage? ✔️
Broken Tides by Cayla Cavalletto

Add this to your TBR 🌊⚔️

Cannot wait for the next book and to add this one on my shelf!

[Sofia Gajewski mamaqueleeromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since a book truly surprised me. The world the author created reminds me a lot of World of Warcraft - with humans, druids, orcs, two kinds of elves, and plenty of magic.

The FMC is a real badass who starts a mission to uncover what happened to her brother. During her journey, she ends up at an academy where the MMC—a powerful, handsome elf who also happens to be one of her instructors—begins to mess with her life.

I absolutely love the protagonist’s friends; they care deeply for her and are all unique and interesting.

I need more—I have so many questions! I’m already waiting, anxiously, for the next book!

[Sophia Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review.

First of all I would like to state that I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review and Thanks to Cayla Cavalletto for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.

This book was a really fun read. I loved all the characters so much and the plot twist were so unexpected it had me gasping. The main character is amazing but at the same time I was yelling at her to get it together. The plot was slightly confusing but I was still having a great time reading this book. The slow burn was slow but worth it. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooooooolllyyy smokes!
What a kickoff to a seriously deep world of magic, lore and wonder.
Our FMC reports to the military academy to find out the who, what, when, where and WHY of her brother's death.
Along the way she finds strays to collect, betrayal, strength, and a mate that goes beyond just fated.
I am so excited to see where this story goes.

Huge thank you to Cayla for letting me read an early copy. This was so fun.

[Michelle Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was hard for me to get into this book until about the 9th chapter. I loved the magic system and the plot kept me interested. I didn’t connect with the FFC, in fact, I really didn’t like her until almost the end. There are several male characters and I really liked all of them. I did find that in several places the transitions were clunky and I got confused at some points but over all it was good book.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful. The world building was amazing. Characters were so well developed. I loved the twists and turns, the chaos and romance. The spice was there for sure lol. This book really pulls you in and Leo’s you intrigued until you reach the end. And even then you’re wanting more. This was an excellent read and I loved getting lost in this adventure and tension, and love and betrayal.

[Amelia Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Broken Tides and it did not disappoint.

With epic world building, captivating magic system, and amazing side characters you can’t help but fall in love with, this debut Romantasy by Cayla Cavaletto is sure to be the best adventure!

My time is Eldrath so far has been not what I expected! Cayla has a way with words, characters that are so easy to fall in love with, action, a prophecy, corrupt government, and the best slow burn. I’ve obviously been in love with Matthias since he showed up, and I LOVE a fated mates romantasy more than anything!

This cliffhanger is a travesty, and I have so many questions I can’t wait to have answered!

[Olalere Usman · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

*Broken Tides* sounds like an exciting blend of dark fantasy, dangerous magic, and slow-burn romance. Kira’s search for the truth about her brother, alongside her complicated bond with Matthias, creates an intriguing setup. I’m especially curious about the secrets surrounding the Shardblade. Which character or part of this story was the most exciting for you to write?

[Shelly Buckley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a bit to really get into the story, but once I got going, I couldn’t wait to continue reading. Bit of a slower start. I really enjoyed the ending and am looking forward to the next in the series.

[Annie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

BRUTAL cliff hanger.
This is a world builder to the max. Stick with it. Oldest sister struggling with her grief and guilt, found family and betrayal from someone previously trusted, and fighting bonds.

[Kayla Ghee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending! very dungeons and dragons vibes (:

[thedirtychapters · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶🌶
This is the first book in the Blade and Bonds series and let me tell you… I am hooked! Kira has 63 warrants out for her arrest, seems a little aggressive until you realize she is hard-core to the extreme. She’s trying to figure out who killed her brother and her search leads her to infiltrate an academy where she has to face a series of trials. These are NOT easy trials people die, she could die. The romance is a very slow burn, but when you finally get to the burn…it goes from 0 to 60 in 0.2 seconds, but trust me, it is worth the wait......the scene with the druid well let’s just say that I may have read it twice. If you love fantasy, academy, trials, gods, magic, fated mates, a strong FMC, banter, and spice then what are you waiting for?

[Courtney Seeley courtney_isreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five freaking stars!!! Full review to come later! 🩶