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Grimoire & Key #2
The Hunt of Calypso
He knows me by another name. But that girl is dead.
And she needs to stay dead.
The Hidden Sea has swallowed ships whole. Only the brave, or foolhardy, risk setting sail in search of her magical islands and enchanted treasures.
Caly knows only too well the lost riches in those waters. The granddaughter of the legendary Captain Calypso, she awaits the day when she can finally claim her inheritance. But until then, she’s forced to travel with a crew when she’d rather rule the waves alone.
Hunter Calder set sail on the Golden Flame over three years ago with little hope of making it back to Cartier City and keeping his promise to a friend. Lost at sea, he has little choice but to follow the orders of a ruthless captain who is becoming more mad with each passing day.
When Caly comes face to face with an old enemy and her buried secrets are at risk of being exposed, Calypso’s lost treasure may be the only thing that can save them both from a burial at sea.
The Hidden Sea is about to have a new queen.
Filled with heart-pounding action and an impossible quest, this second book in a sweeping reimagining of Alexandre Dumas’ masterpiece, The Count of Monte Cristo, invites you to set sail with a motley crew and watch as Caly discovers what it takes to not only find legendary treasure, but become a legend herself.
And she needs to stay dead.
The Hidden Sea has swallowed ships whole. Only the brave, or foolhardy, risk setting sail in search of her magical islands and enchanted treasures.
Caly knows only too well the lost riches in those waters. The granddaughter of the legendary Captain Calypso, she awaits the day when she can finally claim her inheritance. But until then, she’s forced to travel with a crew when she’d rather rule the waves alone.
Hunter Calder set sail on the Golden Flame over three years ago with little hope of making it back to Cartier City and keeping his promise to a friend. Lost at sea, he has little choice but to follow the orders of a ruthless captain who is becoming more mad with each passing day.
When Caly comes face to face with an old enemy and her buried secrets are at risk of being exposed, Calypso’s lost treasure may be the only thing that can save them both from a burial at sea.
The Hidden Sea is about to have a new queen.
Filled with heart-pounding action and an impossible quest, this second book in a sweeping reimagining of Alexandre Dumas’ masterpiece, The Count of Monte Cristo, invites you to set sail with a motley crew and watch as Caly discovers what it takes to not only find legendary treasure, but become a legend herself.
- GenresFantasy
Hardcover
First published April 24, 2026
28 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Erin Phillips
12 books1,208 followersStories teach the heart to believe, and Erin tries to fill every second with stories, whether it’s an audiobook while on the go, a movie with her hubs, or just snuggling up with a good book. She is not afraid of a dark story, for the Light is often the most brilliant in the dead of night.
Erin graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a B.F.A. in Costume Design & Technology, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, Jeremy, and their happy corgis, Parker and Fable.
Erin graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a B.F.A. in Costume Design & Technology, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, Jeremy, and their happy corgis, Parker and Fable.
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September 20, 2025For those who are bleeding
and for those who help us mend
Quand on est aimé on ne doute de rien.
Quand on aime, on doute de tout.
-Colette
and for those who help us mend
Quand on est aimé on ne doute de rien.
Quand on aime, on doute de tout.
-Colette
Want to Read
August 8, 2025I got the honor of being an alpha reader for this story, so I won't say too much until I get to review a more finished version next year, but it's going to be SO GOOD and I can't wait for everyone to read it and fall in love with it like I did 🥰
August 2, 2025
Literally OBSESSED with this book and feel it’s Erin’s best one yet!! Real review to come closer to publishing date, I just needed to fangirl a little bit real quick since I finished reading it this week!! Y’all absolutely NEED to preorder this one, trust me.
March 2, 2026
It keeps getting better!
I'm not gonna overthink this review, but if you're a fanatsy lover, you need to start this series!
Can I say Hunt of Calypso was somehow even better than Betrayal of Eden? 'Cause that sounds crazy, but it was! And I loved BoE!
Readers of this series will not be disappointed--the end is golden and I'm dying to see how all the threads come together in Book#3!
I'm not gonna overthink this review, but if you're a fanatsy lover, you need to start this series!
Can I say Hunt of Calypso was somehow even better than Betrayal of Eden? 'Cause that sounds crazy, but it was! And I loved BoE!
Readers of this series will not be disappointed--the end is golden and I'm dying to see how all the threads come together in Book#3!
April 25, 2026
I have been dying to review this book since I finished the ARC I was blessed enough to receive back in February. But thought I would save this post until The Hunt of Calypso was avaliable for everyone to read.
Where to start? This book was spectacular, the writing and themes were top notch. I enjoyed it even more than I did The Betrayal of Eden, which is saying a lot because that was one of my favourite books of last year.
The Hunt of Calypso was everything I wanted in this sequel and more. The pirate elements were so much fun and the found family between Caly and her crew was perfect. Also the themes of overcoming betrayal and hurt were so impactful and important yet told in a way that it didn't feel preachy instead it was simply real. I also loved the added aspect of the letters to break up chapters and those characters were some of my favourites in the first book. Hunter was once again my favourite character and his character in this book was amazing, I loved how supportive he was yet also how he stayed true to his morals. I loved this sequel and am so so so very excited for the conclusion of this trilogy.
"To be known feels a bit like coming home." - The Hunt of Calypso
"If all good things must come to an end, I’m going to make the most of the good while it’s in my grasp." - The Hunt of Calypso
Where to start? This book was spectacular, the writing and themes were top notch. I enjoyed it even more than I did The Betrayal of Eden, which is saying a lot because that was one of my favourite books of last year.
The Hunt of Calypso was everything I wanted in this sequel and more. The pirate elements were so much fun and the found family between Caly and her crew was perfect. Also the themes of overcoming betrayal and hurt were so impactful and important yet told in a way that it didn't feel preachy instead it was simply real. I also loved the added aspect of the letters to break up chapters and those characters were some of my favourites in the first book. Hunter was once again my favourite character and his character in this book was amazing, I loved how supportive he was yet also how he stayed true to his morals. I loved this sequel and am so so so very excited for the conclusion of this trilogy.
"To be known feels a bit like coming home." - The Hunt of Calypso
"If all good things must come to an end, I’m going to make the most of the good while it’s in my grasp." - The Hunt of Calypso
May 6, 2026
Erin did it again!
First of all, thank you for letting me read this amazing story — what a ride!
If you haven’t picked up Book 1 yet, swipe up or go order it now while you still can. Trust me, you’ll want to be caught up before diving into this sequel.
Now… my review:
I. CANNOT. WAIT. FOR. BOOK. THREE. GIVE. IT. TO. ME. NOW. 😭
This is one of those books you can’t put down, yet you don’t want it to end. Erin’s writing always leaves me in awe, the emotions feel so real, and the crew of the Canard Chanceux has completely stolen my heart. 💙
Continuing Eden’s journey even made me want to revisit The Count of Monte Cristo, the inspiration shines through beautifully.
An adventure at sea, sprinkled with romance, and packed with “who can I trust?” moments… this series is shaping up to be unforgettable. 🌊⚓📖
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌.
First of all, thank you for letting me read this amazing story — what a ride!
If you haven’t picked up Book 1 yet, swipe up or go order it now while you still can. Trust me, you’ll want to be caught up before diving into this sequel.
Now… my review:
I. CANNOT. WAIT. FOR. BOOK. THREE. GIVE. IT. TO. ME. NOW. 😭
This is one of those books you can’t put down, yet you don’t want it to end. Erin’s writing always leaves me in awe, the emotions feel so real, and the crew of the Canard Chanceux has completely stolen my heart. 💙
Continuing Eden’s journey even made me want to revisit The Count of Monte Cristo, the inspiration shines through beautifully.
An adventure at sea, sprinkled with romance, and packed with “who can I trust?” moments… this series is shaping up to be unforgettable. 🌊⚓📖
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2026
Reminiscent of Pirates of the Caribbean, with magical and faith-based elements, plus characters you’ll cry over and cheer on...The Hunt of Calypso picks up where The Betrayal of Eden left off and it does not disappoint. Treasure hunts, romance, characters that will worm their way into your heart, and internal struggles that will be a balm for those searching for home. If you love found family, no-spice romance, and a bit of “will-they, won’t-they,” you’ll love this series.
This is a series for the one who's been burned...who comes to realize healing is the only thing that can fix the ache. It's impactful, deep, and thought-provoking as much as it is fun. With a blend of new characters and old, there's a lot to explore in this sequel. I think I loved this one even more than the first book in the series. You'll feel right at home with this pirate crew...
This is a series for the one who's been burned...who comes to realize healing is the only thing that can fix the ache. It's impactful, deep, and thought-provoking as much as it is fun. With a blend of new characters and old, there's a lot to explore in this sequel. I think I loved this one even more than the first book in the series. You'll feel right at home with this pirate crew...
April 13, 2026
The Hunt for Calypso is book 2 in the Grimoire and Key trilogy, which is a fantasy retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo. Like book 1, this book is STUNNING—the story! The characters! The romance!
Though book one is dark academia book, this is a pirate book—sailing seas that need precious star maps and specialized navigators to not be stranded in the ocean, manning ships, hunting treasure—and it’s my favorite pirate book I’ve ever read! The descriptions are so well done about life on the boat and what happens when a ship faces a storm or faces an enemy at sea but not so technical the action is lost.
The internal struggles are balanced well with the external obstacles faced as Caly searches for her grandmere’s hidden treasure while being hunted by someone from the past she’s desperate to leave behind. The character arc!! I can’t say more because of spoilers but one of my favorite parts of the book. My other favorite elements of THOC are the overall character dynamics and the found family trope. It gives a little bit One Piece vibes in this sense (which I adore!)
Overall, a must read! One of my new top favorite reads. I love this series and I eagerly await the conclusion to the trilogy.
Though book one is dark academia book, this is a pirate book—sailing seas that need precious star maps and specialized navigators to not be stranded in the ocean, manning ships, hunting treasure—and it’s my favorite pirate book I’ve ever read! The descriptions are so well done about life on the boat and what happens when a ship faces a storm or faces an enemy at sea but not so technical the action is lost.
The internal struggles are balanced well with the external obstacles faced as Caly searches for her grandmere’s hidden treasure while being hunted by someone from the past she’s desperate to leave behind. The character arc!! I can’t say more because of spoilers but one of my favorite parts of the book. My other favorite elements of THOC are the overall character dynamics and the found family trope. It gives a little bit One Piece vibes in this sense (which I adore!)
Overall, a must read! One of my new top favorite reads. I love this series and I eagerly await the conclusion to the trilogy.
April 24, 2026
"Maybe together, we could make our own storm."
Dare I say the second part of the Grimoire and Key trilogy was even more spellbinding? The Hunt of Calypso loses none of the momentum and tension of The Betrayal of Eden, while also introducing us to a quite literally enchanting new world and a colorful cast of new characters.
Years after Eden Fortin escaped the island prison of Creuset, a new legend rides the waves of the Hidden Sea. The self-proclaimed granddaughter of the famed cacheur, Captain Calypso, Caly is set on finding her grandmother's treasure and proving herself a rightful heir. But that plan is complicated when a warship on a mission to track down the missing Eden terrorizes the seas and brings back familiar faces from Caly's past.
To find the treasure and claim her place in the Hidden Sea's mythos, Caly will need more than her wits and cunning. She'll need a crew. But for the girl who doesn't trust anyone, relying on a team of misfits, outcasts, and troublemakers is more than difficult. And if she can't learn how to be a good captain, and a true leader, the Hidden Sea may destroy them all.
I didn't want to put this book down. The twists and turns, the new discoveries, and the uncharted waters of the Hidden Sea all kept me curious and engaged. The characters stole a piece of my heart, even the side ones! (I won't spoil anything, but I was reading with my heart in my throat wondering what was going to happen to a character who was in the book for a total of maybe six chapters...) This is a book I will want to read again and again to immerse myself in its magical world and spend time with Caly's crew!
*I received an advance copy of this book from the author-all opinions are honest and my own!
Dare I say the second part of the Grimoire and Key trilogy was even more spellbinding? The Hunt of Calypso loses none of the momentum and tension of The Betrayal of Eden, while also introducing us to a quite literally enchanting new world and a colorful cast of new characters.
Years after Eden Fortin escaped the island prison of Creuset, a new legend rides the waves of the Hidden Sea. The self-proclaimed granddaughter of the famed cacheur, Captain Calypso, Caly is set on finding her grandmother's treasure and proving herself a rightful heir. But that plan is complicated when a warship on a mission to track down the missing Eden terrorizes the seas and brings back familiar faces from Caly's past.
To find the treasure and claim her place in the Hidden Sea's mythos, Caly will need more than her wits and cunning. She'll need a crew. But for the girl who doesn't trust anyone, relying on a team of misfits, outcasts, and troublemakers is more than difficult. And if she can't learn how to be a good captain, and a true leader, the Hidden Sea may destroy them all.
I didn't want to put this book down. The twists and turns, the new discoveries, and the uncharted waters of the Hidden Sea all kept me curious and engaged. The characters stole a piece of my heart, even the side ones! (I won't spoil anything, but I was reading with my heart in my throat wondering what was going to happen to a character who was in the book for a total of maybe six chapters...) This is a book I will want to read again and again to immerse myself in its magical world and spend time with Caly's crew!
*I received an advance copy of this book from the author-all opinions are honest and my own!
March 2, 2026
Brilliant!
The Hunt of Calypso brings all the tension, betrayal, and grimoire magic onto the table for an epic adventure and many riveting tales across the Hidden Sea!
Picking up a few years after the events from The Betrayal of Eden, we are introduced to many new, exciting characters, as well as some familiar ones that feel like old friends.
Reading this book felt like re-reading The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, but with a twist.
Overall, I enjoyed following along with Captain Caly and her crew! I’m looking forward to the finale!
*I received this eARC from the author, but this honest review is voluntary*✨
The Hunt of Calypso brings all the tension, betrayal, and grimoire magic onto the table for an epic adventure and many riveting tales across the Hidden Sea!
Picking up a few years after the events from The Betrayal of Eden, we are introduced to many new, exciting characters, as well as some familiar ones that feel like old friends.
Reading this book felt like re-reading The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, but with a twist.
Overall, I enjoyed following along with Captain Caly and her crew! I’m looking forward to the finale!
*I received this eARC from the author, but this honest review is voluntary*✨
April 28, 2026
Holy crow dude. Erin does it again (to no one's surprise)!
I had the privilege of alpha reading THOC last summer and even then this story blew me away. Erin has such a gift for taking the most broken of stories and showing exactly how they can still shine the Light.
Caly's arc is stunning.
Hunter's arc is inspiring.
The romance is *chef's kiss*
And the vibes are so One Piece I can't even handle it.
READ THIS SERIES Y'ALL
I had the privilege of alpha reading THOC last summer and even then this story blew me away. Erin has such a gift for taking the most broken of stories and showing exactly how they can still shine the Light.
Caly's arc is stunning.
Hunter's arc is inspiring.
The romance is *chef's kiss*
And the vibes are so One Piece I can't even handle it.
READ THIS SERIES Y'ALL
November 5, 2025
4.5 stars!!! PTL for Erin Phillips and for ARCs and all da dings. Will review more thoroughly when cover is released!!!!
September 28, 2025
Honored to be a Beta reader for this book, so I’ll share a more detailed review when it gets closer to release. But I will say this book is just as good as, if not better than, The Betrayal of Eden. I really had a hard time not binging it, I was hooked from the get go, and absolutely cannot wait for everyone to get to read this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fantastic second book in the fantasy trilogy retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo. I definitely recommend reading The Betrayal of Eden first, and if it’s been awhile since you read it, maybe a re-read or refresher before starting this one. Being dropped back into the story, but three years later, we find ourselves immediately in the action and intrigue. This book continues the dual POV (and somewhat of a third POV,) which highlights the changes and growth of our two main characters. I really appreciated the insight into their thoughts and feelings as the story progressed as it helped us to understand their motivations for their actions.
I feel like this book touches on so many relatable human emotions and experiences that everyone has felt at one time or another: bitterness and rage, shame and guilt, stubbornness and steadfastness, insecurity and vulnerability, bravery and strength, reliance and trust, selfishness and selflessness, and desire and love. These all played out in the cast of characters in different ways, both in the main characters and the supporting cast, which led me to connect to each of them in some way.
The romance was subtle, but still there, and it was very slow burn, as through the story these hardened hearts needed to soften and be coaxed to open up to the possibility of love, while also discovering if who they were trying to be was really who they were meant to be. When there was romance, it was sweet, no-spice, and kisses only. The more prominent love story here instead focused more on found family, which I really enjoyed!
This was an exciting book, full of action and adventure, which means there was also some violence, mentions of injuries and death, and cruelty as you can expect in a story about “pirates” and life at sea.
Overall, this was a wonderfully magical, exciting, and at times heart-wrenching story that I highly recommend for teens and adults alike. Be sure to start at the beginning of the Grimoire & Key Trilogy! Now I’m eagerly anticipating the third book in the series!
Thank you to the author for gifting this eARC edition. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given willingly.
I feel like this book touches on so many relatable human emotions and experiences that everyone has felt at one time or another: bitterness and rage, shame and guilt, stubbornness and steadfastness, insecurity and vulnerability, bravery and strength, reliance and trust, selfishness and selflessness, and desire and love. These all played out in the cast of characters in different ways, both in the main characters and the supporting cast, which led me to connect to each of them in some way.
The romance was subtle, but still there, and it was very slow burn, as through the story these hardened hearts needed to soften and be coaxed to open up to the possibility of love, while also discovering if who they were trying to be was really who they were meant to be. When there was romance, it was sweet, no-spice, and kisses only. The more prominent love story here instead focused more on found family, which I really enjoyed!
This was an exciting book, full of action and adventure, which means there was also some violence, mentions of injuries and death, and cruelty as you can expect in a story about “pirates” and life at sea.
Overall, this was a wonderfully magical, exciting, and at times heart-wrenching story that I highly recommend for teens and adults alike. Be sure to start at the beginning of the Grimoire & Key Trilogy! Now I’m eagerly anticipating the third book in the series!
Thank you to the author for gifting this eARC edition. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given willingly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was even better than the first book, and I am going to be in AGONY waiting for the third book to come out!
While the vibes of The Hunt of Calypso are shockingly different from the vibes of The Betrayal of Eden, it was just as good (if not better) and I LOVED it! I loved the dark academia vibes of the first book, but the found family, sea-faring vibes of this one were also so much fun, and I'm so incredibly excited to see how the third book rounds out. Will it also have a completely different vibe, or will it combine the two?
After reading this book, I am even more eager to see how Eden and Hunter's individual characters develop. I am also very eager to learn more of the magic system in this world. It is so fascinating to me, and something that I think is quite unique, at least I don't think I've read anything quite like it.
I am so grateful to have been on this ARC team, and I am so excited for book 3! Thank you so much Erin for writing such wonderful, captivating stories, and for filling them with hope. While this book wasn't as "Christian Fiction" as some of the other stories you've written, the worldview you write from is very Christian, and those themes shine through. Thank you for staying true to your convictions and writing clean, deep, captivating tales with Christian themes woven through. I'm finding that each book you write is better than the last, and I cannot wait to see where you go next!
If you like books with found family, piratey vibes, great character growth and development, complex characters, and a unique magic system, then this is the book for you.
While the vibes of The Hunt of Calypso are shockingly different from the vibes of The Betrayal of Eden, it was just as good (if not better) and I LOVED it! I loved the dark academia vibes of the first book, but the found family, sea-faring vibes of this one were also so much fun, and I'm so incredibly excited to see how the third book rounds out. Will it also have a completely different vibe, or will it combine the two?
After reading this book, I am even more eager to see how Eden and Hunter's individual characters develop. I am also very eager to learn more of the magic system in this world. It is so fascinating to me, and something that I think is quite unique, at least I don't think I've read anything quite like it.
I am so grateful to have been on this ARC team, and I am so excited for book 3! Thank you so much Erin for writing such wonderful, captivating stories, and for filling them with hope. While this book wasn't as "Christian Fiction" as some of the other stories you've written, the worldview you write from is very Christian, and those themes shine through. Thank you for staying true to your convictions and writing clean, deep, captivating tales with Christian themes woven through. I'm finding that each book you write is better than the last, and I cannot wait to see where you go next!
If you like books with found family, piratey vibes, great character growth and development, complex characters, and a unique magic system, then this is the book for you.
April 24, 2026
4.5 Stars.
The vibes:
- Pirates
- Trust issues
- Unique magic system
- Found family
- Slow burn
- Retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo
- Book 2 in trilogy
- Closed door (kisses only)
🗝️ My thoughts:
You know how book 2 reviews go for me. I’m very vague to avoid any spoilers. While I’ve watched several film adaptions of The Count of Monte Cristo, I’ve never read the novel. Because of that, I’m not fully able to recognize how this trilogy compares to the original material. But I’m really enjoying where the story is going. This book picks up a few years after the end of book 1. We have a new setting, new characters, and some exciting twists.
🗝️ Caly was a bit insufferable at times. About the sign language, about the treasure, and about anything that she didn’t have complete control over. I know it was coming from a place of distrust, but her outbursts almost felt like a tantrum. I think if I had read book 1 and 2 back-to-back, I may have carried over a little more grace for her in those moments.
🗝️ With that said, I loved the setting and the vibes of this book so much. Life at sea made this an atmospheric read while not getting lost in the descriptions. I liked the found family aspects here, and the side characters really filled out the story nicely.
🗝️ Everything was moving forward, and I’m excited for the conclusion to the trilogy. This trilogy has definitely made me want to read the original novel this is based off of.
Note / spice content: closed door (kisses only)
Release date: April 24, 2026.
Thank you so much to Erin Phillips for the gifted copy. I received this eARC from the author, but this honest review is voluntary.
The vibes:
- Pirates
- Trust issues
- Unique magic system
- Found family
- Slow burn
- Retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo
- Book 2 in trilogy
- Closed door (kisses only)
🗝️ My thoughts:
You know how book 2 reviews go for me. I’m very vague to avoid any spoilers. While I’ve watched several film adaptions of The Count of Monte Cristo, I’ve never read the novel. Because of that, I’m not fully able to recognize how this trilogy compares to the original material. But I’m really enjoying where the story is going. This book picks up a few years after the end of book 1. We have a new setting, new characters, and some exciting twists.
🗝️ Caly was a bit insufferable at times. About the sign language, about the treasure, and about anything that she didn’t have complete control over. I know it was coming from a place of distrust, but her outbursts almost felt like a tantrum. I think if I had read book 1 and 2 back-to-back, I may have carried over a little more grace for her in those moments.
🗝️ With that said, I loved the setting and the vibes of this book so much. Life at sea made this an atmospheric read while not getting lost in the descriptions. I liked the found family aspects here, and the side characters really filled out the story nicely.
🗝️ Everything was moving forward, and I’m excited for the conclusion to the trilogy. This trilogy has definitely made me want to read the original novel this is based off of.
Note / spice content: closed door (kisses only)
Release date: April 24, 2026.
Thank you so much to Erin Phillips for the gifted copy. I received this eARC from the author, but this honest review is voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this ebook for free with no obligations as a member of Erin Phillips’ Street Team!
I have so much to say, I don’t know where to start!
First off, no spoilers, cause release day isn’t until April, so don’t worry!
This was such an amazing sequel, it actually might be better than the first! But then again, I feel like both books fit into their own different categories, that it is almost impossible to compare them! It was such a great continuation and natural progression of Eden‘s story.
Without giving too much away, this book was:
Magnificent
Healing
So much fun
And the best pirate, action/adventure novel I’ve ever read!
This book takes the best parts of Treasure Island/Planet, 20,000 Leagues, National Treasure, and Pirates of the Caribbean and gives us truly one of the best adventure novels of modern times! All while continuing Erin’s gender-swapped retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo!
The lore is so grounded and thought out that I just want to know MORE about the Grimoires, their history and Notre Pere, the God equivalent of this story’s world.
The characters were so relatable too! Even though I’ve personally never experienced betrayal, I have dealt with trust issues and just wanting life to be kinder and better to me. I can relate to, and understand the loss that a lot of the characters have and the desire to want to tip the scales of justice myself.
There was so much realism, and humanity in the characters that they don’t just feel like characters in a book, but almost like real people themselves.
Now, I will say that some of the side characters we meet annoying and hard to like it first (looking at you Bara), but thankfully they get better or redeem themselves in the end.
As for the villain of the story, I don’t wanna give too much away, but I do want to say that he had the essence of a really great Disney villain! So much so, that I really wish we had villains like him more nowadays! The climax was absolutely stunning and reminiscent of one of the classic Disney villain fights. I’m talking like Gaston and Clayton mixed into one, where you see the culmination of all of the buildup of madness and anger and evil come to a head and burst at the end of the story!
I now can’t wait for book three and find out just how our Edmond Dante’s equivalent will get her revenge. Because trust me, I will devour every satisfying portion of comeuppance that is dished out! You’d better believe it that I’ve been waiting for a certain long list of people to get served their just desserts since book one.
Thank you so much Erin for choosing me to be on your Street Team!
I have so much to say, I don’t know where to start!
First off, no spoilers, cause release day isn’t until April, so don’t worry!
This was such an amazing sequel, it actually might be better than the first! But then again, I feel like both books fit into their own different categories, that it is almost impossible to compare them! It was such a great continuation and natural progression of Eden‘s story.
Without giving too much away, this book was:
Magnificent
Healing
So much fun
And the best pirate, action/adventure novel I’ve ever read!
This book takes the best parts of Treasure Island/Planet, 20,000 Leagues, National Treasure, and Pirates of the Caribbean and gives us truly one of the best adventure novels of modern times! All while continuing Erin’s gender-swapped retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo!
The lore is so grounded and thought out that I just want to know MORE about the Grimoires, their history and Notre Pere, the God equivalent of this story’s world.
The characters were so relatable too! Even though I’ve personally never experienced betrayal, I have dealt with trust issues and just wanting life to be kinder and better to me. I can relate to, and understand the loss that a lot of the characters have and the desire to want to tip the scales of justice myself.
There was so much realism, and humanity in the characters that they don’t just feel like characters in a book, but almost like real people themselves.
Now, I will say that some of the side characters we meet annoying and hard to like it first (looking at you Bara), but thankfully they get better or redeem themselves in the end.
As for the villain of the story, I don’t wanna give too much away, but I do want to say that he had the essence of a really great Disney villain! So much so, that I really wish we had villains like him more nowadays! The climax was absolutely stunning and reminiscent of one of the classic Disney villain fights. I’m talking like Gaston and Clayton mixed into one, where you see the culmination of all of the buildup of madness and anger and evil come to a head and burst at the end of the story!
I now can’t wait for book three and find out just how our Edmond Dante’s equivalent will get her revenge. Because trust me, I will devour every satisfying portion of comeuppance that is dished out! You’d better believe it that I’ve been waiting for a certain long list of people to get served their just desserts since book one.
Thank you so much Erin for choosing me to be on your Street Team!
April 28, 2026
What a great sequel! I was on the edge of my seat! I loved the developing relationships, the lowering of Caly's walls, the treasure hunt, and the puzzles to solve. This was reminiscent of the action and adventure of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Caly's guarded nature was understandable but frustrating at times. I just wanted her to let people love her and help her! When she does, ooo, it was wonderful. The found family aspect of this story was beautiful, along with the slowburn romance, but it didn't take as prominent a role.
Again, the short chapters were engaging and kept the story feeling fast-paced. I liked the letters that came every few chapters, which kept us connected to some of the characters on the mainland, but I won't say more than that, because of spoilers.
The ending was clever and wrapped up a few loose ends while also introducing some new dynamics and complications. I couldn't see how it would end well there for a moment!
I am eagerly awaiting the final book in this trilogy to see how these characters get their revenge.
What you'll find in this book:
*The Count of Monte Cristo retelling
*not really pirates
*grimoire magic
*found family
*slowburn romance
*mythical creatures
*epic treasure hunt
*trust issues
Content warning: imprisonment, gun shooting, violence, discovery of dead body
Romance level: 3/7 (kisses only, little to no description)
Thank you to Erin for the dARC of this book (digital advanced reader copy). All opinions expressed are my own, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Caly's guarded nature was understandable but frustrating at times. I just wanted her to let people love her and help her! When she does, ooo, it was wonderful. The found family aspect of this story was beautiful, along with the slowburn romance, but it didn't take as prominent a role.
Again, the short chapters were engaging and kept the story feeling fast-paced. I liked the letters that came every few chapters, which kept us connected to some of the characters on the mainland, but I won't say more than that, because of spoilers.
The ending was clever and wrapped up a few loose ends while also introducing some new dynamics and complications. I couldn't see how it would end well there for a moment!
I am eagerly awaiting the final book in this trilogy to see how these characters get their revenge.
What you'll find in this book:
*The Count of Monte Cristo retelling
*not really pirates
*grimoire magic
*found family
*slowburn romance
*mythical creatures
*epic treasure hunt
*trust issues
Content warning: imprisonment, gun shooting, violence, discovery of dead body
Romance level: 3/7 (kisses only, little to no description)
Thank you to Erin for the dARC of this book (digital advanced reader copy). All opinions expressed are my own, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2026
I loved this book just as much as the first one, and with this being a trilogy that can sometimes be hard to do with the “middle” book. This book had a more “Pirates of the Caribbean” feel, contrasted to book one's "dark academia” vibe.
The Hunt of Calypso takes the reader to the high seas a few years after book one. The book follows Caly (Eden) and Hunter as they are on a journey to return to Cartier City. Caly is on a hunt to find her Grandmère Calypso’s treasure, so she can use it to seek revenge on those who wrongly sent her and her Grandmère to Creuset Isle. Hunter, being enslaved on a ship to pay off his deceased father’s debt, is biding his time so he can go back home to protect those he has come to care for.
This story starts off with Caly so desperate for revenge that she cannot trust anyone to help her search for her inheritance from her Grandmère. Jo, her friend, gathers a rag-tag crew and gives Caly the people in her life that she needs. I love that the crew becomes a “found family” group, and it gives Caly the ability to open her heart and start to trust people. Hunter and Caly’s character growth through this book makes me excited to see how this will all end in book three. Also the magic system is intriguing and I’m curious to see how or if magic can be used without negative effects against others.
This is an exciting high seas fantasy adventure with found family, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, a treasure hunt, true friendship, sweet romance and hope. I highly recommend this no-spice YA fantasy trilogy!
I received a complimentary book from Erin Phillips. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
The Hunt of Calypso takes the reader to the high seas a few years after book one. The book follows Caly (Eden) and Hunter as they are on a journey to return to Cartier City. Caly is on a hunt to find her Grandmère Calypso’s treasure, so she can use it to seek revenge on those who wrongly sent her and her Grandmère to Creuset Isle. Hunter, being enslaved on a ship to pay off his deceased father’s debt, is biding his time so he can go back home to protect those he has come to care for.
This story starts off with Caly so desperate for revenge that she cannot trust anyone to help her search for her inheritance from her Grandmère. Jo, her friend, gathers a rag-tag crew and gives Caly the people in her life that she needs. I love that the crew becomes a “found family” group, and it gives Caly the ability to open her heart and start to trust people. Hunter and Caly’s character growth through this book makes me excited to see how this will all end in book three. Also the magic system is intriguing and I’m curious to see how or if magic can be used without negative effects against others.
This is an exciting high seas fantasy adventure with found family, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, a treasure hunt, true friendship, sweet romance and hope. I highly recommend this no-spice YA fantasy trilogy!
I received a complimentary book from Erin Phillips. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
May 2, 2026
🏴☠️Sea-faring Treasure Hunt
In part 2 of this Counte of Monte Cristo reimagining, FMC, Caly, has learned a few things since escaping Le Cruset, and one of those is:trust no one. Throughout the book Caly sets out to make a way for herself claiming her grandmother's (Calypso) luck, reputation, and treasure as her own. She can't seem to fully escape her past, and is forced to face more than one person whom she once knew.
I did like this book. It took at least 20% for it to pick up at all, and probably didn't start to really come together for me until the 50% mark. I'm realizing this is and Erin Phillips (or perhaps Grimoire and Key) trait for me. There is a lot of groundwork, world/character building in the first part of the book, and the magic is definitely not a major part of the story at first. The story does start to pick up when the magic kicks in, and I really did enjoy it from there. I could have used for some more suspense, and deeper development of the story overall, but despite that, it is an excellent YA read; and could be enjoyed by the younger side of the YA audience.
The romance was kisses only with no innuendo or high-heat/"progression", so perfect for younger readers.
I look forward to finishing the trilogy in the next installment!
I received a complementary ARC of this book from the author. My review is voluntary, and the opinions expressed above are my own.
In part 2 of this Counte of Monte Cristo reimagining, FMC, Caly, has learned a few things since escaping Le Cruset, and one of those is:trust no one. Throughout the book Caly sets out to make a way for herself claiming her grandmother's (Calypso) luck, reputation, and treasure as her own. She can't seem to fully escape her past, and is forced to face more than one person whom she once knew.
I did like this book. It took at least 20% for it to pick up at all, and probably didn't start to really come together for me until the 50% mark. I'm realizing this is and Erin Phillips (or perhaps Grimoire and Key) trait for me. There is a lot of groundwork, world/character building in the first part of the book, and the magic is definitely not a major part of the story at first. The story does start to pick up when the magic kicks in, and I really did enjoy it from there. I could have used for some more suspense, and deeper development of the story overall, but despite that, it is an excellent YA read; and could be enjoyed by the younger side of the YA audience.
The romance was kisses only with no innuendo or high-heat/"progression", so perfect for younger readers.
I look forward to finishing the trilogy in the next installment!
I received a complementary ARC of this book from the author. My review is voluntary, and the opinions expressed above are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me just start by saying how much I love all of Erin's books. They capture my heart every time, so I was super excited to read THOC. I'll be honest though, I wish I had reread TBOE, simply because there were several names I forgot. That was definitely a me problem though😅. I always love the writing style and flow of Erin's books. She does a great job of making it feel very natural. I loved Jo's personality! She is so sweet and I love her enthusiasm for life.
One of my favorite things about Erin's books is that they are no spice and no profanity. I can recommend them to people without being worried at all. I loved the pirateyness(I think I just made that up) of THOC. TBOE had a completely different setting, but I loved THOC setting just as much! The tidbits from Valentine that gave an insight to what was happening back in Cartier City. And then the epilogue fit perfectly in with that! I'm literally on the edge of my seat in anticipation of book 3! Thank you to Erin for the chance to read this early😊
One of my favorite things about Erin's books is that they are no spice and no profanity. I can recommend them to people without being worried at all. I loved the pirateyness(I think I just made that up) of THOC. TBOE had a completely different setting, but I loved THOC setting just as much! The tidbits from Valentine that gave an insight to what was happening back in Cartier City. And then the epilogue fit perfectly in with that! I'm literally on the edge of my seat in anticipation of book 3! Thank you to Erin for the chance to read this early😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
Like a magical Pirates of the Caribbean adventure, in book two of the Grimoire & Key trilogy, Captain Caly and her loveable crew tackle storms, treasure hunts, and monsters of every kind. Caly has to heal the hurt of her past in this clever Count of Monte Cristo reimagining. It's a complex and realistic exploration into the extremes we fall into after being betrayed.
I love Caly's fierce new fire, but how she also has to learn to trust and be cared for. Characters feel the consequence of striving to control the outcome. I loved to see Hunter further embrace his protective side that we saw glimpses of in Book 1.
Breathless danger, swoony romance, and hilarious commentary clash swords masterfully throughout this stakes-raising sequel. I can't wait for the final installment!
*I received this early ebook for free with no obligations.*
Favorite quotes:
"His arms wrap around me and I sink against him, feeling his chest rise with each breath. Just two restless souls desperate for solid ground but destined to float adrift, the casualties of someone else’s raging storm."
"His silence, staring at me like he’s trying to find a star map in my freckles, makes my heart beat so loud that I fear it might burst and make me say something I’ll regret. Or maybe that I won’t."
I love Caly's fierce new fire, but how she also has to learn to trust and be cared for. Characters feel the consequence of striving to control the outcome. I loved to see Hunter further embrace his protective side that we saw glimpses of in Book 1.
Breathless danger, swoony romance, and hilarious commentary clash swords masterfully throughout this stakes-raising sequel. I can't wait for the final installment!
*I received this early ebook for free with no obligations.*
Favorite quotes:
"His arms wrap around me and I sink against him, feeling his chest rise with each breath. Just two restless souls desperate for solid ground but destined to float adrift, the casualties of someone else’s raging storm."
"His silence, staring at me like he’s trying to find a star map in my freckles, makes my heart beat so loud that I fear it might burst and make me say something I’ll regret. Or maybe that I won’t."
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received the eARC from the author, but this is my 1,000,000% honest review… This is my fourth book from Erin Phillips and might tie for my favorite (Bond of Briars refuses to give up its spot but is willing to share). I was honored to be a Beta reader for The Betrayal of Eden and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, so when the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy presented itself I was all in!
I’m not a huge fan of sailing or pirate tales, but Erin thrusts her readers on the ships, sails us through storms, plunges us into the sea with a serpent, docks us at floating cities, and lands us on uncharted islands… and she does it so well! Hunter remains my favorite character in this second part of her three part series, and it was great seeing a little more depth to his personality in this tale.
This is a no spice, God-honoring novel, which means I can gladly pass these along to my niece and students without fearing what they might be exposed to - and I will never stop singing the praises of authors who consider the young minds that will read their books and seek to honor God with the stories they write!
I’m not a huge fan of sailing or pirate tales, but Erin thrusts her readers on the ships, sails us through storms, plunges us into the sea with a serpent, docks us at floating cities, and lands us on uncharted islands… and she does it so well! Hunter remains my favorite character in this second part of her three part series, and it was great seeing a little more depth to his personality in this tale.
This is a no spice, God-honoring novel, which means I can gladly pass these along to my niece and students without fearing what they might be exposed to - and I will never stop singing the praises of authors who consider the young minds that will read their books and seek to honor God with the stories they write!
March 10, 2026
BOOK REVIEW - The Hunt of Calypso by @erinphillipsauthor on Instagram.
“He knows me by another name. But that girl is dead.
And she needs to stay dead.”
I received this ebook for free with NO OBLIGATIONS! But I loved it so much, I have to share! Book 1 (The Betrayal of Eden) was a 5-star read for me, and so is book 2! I can’t wait for release day, so I can hold a hardcover copy in my hands.
If you have not read Book 1 yet, SCROLL AWAY LEST YE ENCOUNTER SPOILERS!!!!!!
In this book, we meet Caly, the granddaughter of the legendary Calypso. She starts out on another ship captain’s crew, saving her money to buy her own boat and search for her inheritance.
We also catch up with Hunter on The Golden Flame. He’s at the beck and call of Gerard, and all he wants is to go home. To set his feet on solid ground again. And to return Valentine’s necklace.
The Flame is on the prowl, attacking every ship it comes into contact with, but it wasn’t prepared for the quick-witted, nimble Caly, who sneaks aboard and does some SERIOUS damage.
Hunter doesn’t want to have anything to do with these raids, so he does his best to stay out of sight and out of mind. But in the process, he falls into the sight and mind of a familiar face. A red-headed pirate girl who’s a dead ringer for Eden. The only probelm is, right before she got away, Gerard saw her too. And he’s descending deeper and deeper into madness.
All three of their fates seem to be permanently intertwined.
I absolutely loved the pirate vibes of this book. I could clearly imagine what it’s like to be on the boat. The vibes reminded me of Seafire by Natalie C. Parker. The magic system of the Grimories continues to develop throughout the book. The new characters we meet are all so unique and quirky in their own way.
Altan is my favorite, so keep your eye out for his first appearance.
The characters are struggling with trust issues, desire for revenge, and the temptation to hide behind emotional walls for protection. The biggest thing that stuck out to me about this book was how God can use any circumstance for our good if we surrender our lives to HIM!
“He knows me by another name. But that girl is dead.
And she needs to stay dead.”
I received this ebook for free with NO OBLIGATIONS! But I loved it so much, I have to share! Book 1 (The Betrayal of Eden) was a 5-star read for me, and so is book 2! I can’t wait for release day, so I can hold a hardcover copy in my hands.
If you have not read Book 1 yet, SCROLL AWAY LEST YE ENCOUNTER SPOILERS!!!!!!
In this book, we meet Caly, the granddaughter of the legendary Calypso. She starts out on another ship captain’s crew, saving her money to buy her own boat and search for her inheritance.
We also catch up with Hunter on The Golden Flame. He’s at the beck and call of Gerard, and all he wants is to go home. To set his feet on solid ground again. And to return Valentine’s necklace.
The Flame is on the prowl, attacking every ship it comes into contact with, but it wasn’t prepared for the quick-witted, nimble Caly, who sneaks aboard and does some SERIOUS damage.
Hunter doesn’t want to have anything to do with these raids, so he does his best to stay out of sight and out of mind. But in the process, he falls into the sight and mind of a familiar face. A red-headed pirate girl who’s a dead ringer for Eden. The only probelm is, right before she got away, Gerard saw her too. And he’s descending deeper and deeper into madness.
All three of their fates seem to be permanently intertwined.
I absolutely loved the pirate vibes of this book. I could clearly imagine what it’s like to be on the boat. The vibes reminded me of Seafire by Natalie C. Parker. The magic system of the Grimories continues to develop throughout the book. The new characters we meet are all so unique and quirky in their own way.
Altan is my favorite, so keep your eye out for his first appearance.
The characters are struggling with trust issues, desire for revenge, and the temptation to hide behind emotional walls for protection. The biggest thing that stuck out to me about this book was how God can use any circumstance for our good if we surrender our lives to HIM!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A quest for the inheritance of a pirate.
A heart that wonders if it can ever trust again.
And a found family in the making.
Oh, I think I loved Book Two even more than Book One, and I *really* liked The Betrayal of Eden.
The Hunt of Calypso is full of adventure on magical seas, deep friendships...and something more?, heartache and wrestling, and budding hope in the midst of betrayal.
It is the best sort of "middle book" that not only carries on the story but really builds on the characters and world we already know and love while also expanding it and filling it with new meaningful characters all with fresh energy and fun.
I love each character and the nuance they bring. I love the unique worldbuilding of the setting and how it unfolds and weaves into the plot. I love the themes that ebb and flow throughout with raw and honest truth.
I love knowing we get more in Book Three. ;D Read now and get ready!!
***
I received from the author for an honest review a digital advaced copy of this book (...a dArc, as we say in the Spine Collector's Army).
A heart that wonders if it can ever trust again.
And a found family in the making.
Oh, I think I loved Book Two even more than Book One, and I *really* liked The Betrayal of Eden.
The Hunt of Calypso is full of adventure on magical seas, deep friendships...and something more?, heartache and wrestling, and budding hope in the midst of betrayal.
It is the best sort of "middle book" that not only carries on the story but really builds on the characters and world we already know and love while also expanding it and filling it with new meaningful characters all with fresh energy and fun.
I love each character and the nuance they bring. I love the unique worldbuilding of the setting and how it unfolds and weaves into the plot. I love the themes that ebb and flow throughout with raw and honest truth.
I love knowing we get more in Book Three. ;D Read now and get ready!!
***
I received from the author for an honest review a digital advaced copy of this book (...a dArc, as we say in the Spine Collector's Army).
Review of advance copy received from Author
Trying to keep this spoiler free but this is book 2 so if you haven’t read The Betrayal of Eden, maybe proceed with caution.
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this story. The Hunt of Calypso releases on April 24th!
AHHHHHH!! This book blew me out of the water. I really enjoyed book 1, but book 2 😮💨. I literally cried and was glued to the last 35% of the book.
This one picks up about 3 years after book 1 left off. We meet new characters and I love them all so much. We see a bit of our old friends but their stories are woven in through creative ways. I honestly love them all so much even though there were a few times I, like Jo I’d bet, wanted to shake Caly for falling right back into her not so wise, secretive, & selfish ways. I was so happy to witness her character development. It was so well done!
The slow burn was slowwwww but it burned. The love was innocent and yet, so filled with complexity from their pasts.
💖 closed door, slow burn, swoon worthy
🫢 clean language
CW/TW: minor descriptions of gore/injury, murder, death, torture
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this story. The Hunt of Calypso releases on April 24th!
AHHHHHH!! This book blew me out of the water. I really enjoyed book 1, but book 2 😮💨. I literally cried and was glued to the last 35% of the book.
This one picks up about 3 years after book 1 left off. We meet new characters and I love them all so much. We see a bit of our old friends but their stories are woven in through creative ways. I honestly love them all so much even though there were a few times I, like Jo I’d bet, wanted to shake Caly for falling right back into her not so wise, secretive, & selfish ways. I was so happy to witness her character development. It was so well done!
The slow burn was slowwwww but it burned. The love was innocent and yet, so filled with complexity from their pasts.
💖 closed door, slow burn, swoon worthy
🫢 clean language
CW/TW: minor descriptions of gore/injury, murder, death, torture
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this book, but my review is my own…I loved being back with this story. Eden dying to herself and becoming this strong captain Caly is so heart warming! It was so hard to see what happened to her in the first book but she really became something special in this book. Finding treasure that was left to her from Captain Calypso. The crew that turn into friends that she meets along the way are so great in their own ways. Having each other’s backs and being friends that she could end up counting on is all the treasure she really needed. The tension between Hunter and Caly was everything! I wanted them together so badly!! And loved that they ended up together. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait till the final one is released. I highly recommend!! Erin Phillips is an autobuy author for me and I will forever be reading her books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this ebook for free with no obligations as a member of Erin Phillips Street Team!
⭐4.5⭐ I absolutely loved this book, this series as a whole so far! Erin's story telling ability is so magical and entrancing.
This book was such a fun time! It has action, adventure, humer, and a hint of romance. It checks all the boxes.
The magic is so unique with the use of grimoires. I cannot wait to learn more about the history behind them.
The characters are very relatable and realistic. I just wanted to reach in and give the FMC a hug a few times. The growth and development of the 2 main characters is paced so well.
This series just keeps getting better and I cannot wait for book 3! She can't write is fast enough! I have already preordered a sign copy of this book for a shelf trophy!
⭐4.5⭐ I absolutely loved this book, this series as a whole so far! Erin's story telling ability is so magical and entrancing.
This book was such a fun time! It has action, adventure, humer, and a hint of romance. It checks all the boxes.
The magic is so unique with the use of grimoires. I cannot wait to learn more about the history behind them.
The characters are very relatable and realistic. I just wanted to reach in and give the FMC a hug a few times. The growth and development of the 2 main characters is paced so well.
This series just keeps getting better and I cannot wait for book 3! She can't write is fast enough! I have already preordered a sign copy of this book for a shelf trophy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wanted to write something as soon as I finished the book, but nothing came to me as adequate to describe how I felt while reading this book.
First and foremost, let me thank Erin Phillips for the dARC. It was a delight to enjoy the book before it was published last week.
Now that that is out of the way...
You probably know how I called the first book the Prison Break book, and that is true for this one as well. Since book 1 had the vibes of s2 and s3, book 2 had the vibe of s4, hence its dubbing as the Scylla book.
In this book, the story revolves around Caly and Hunter, both trying to start fresh (for different reasons), and while they do so, they encounter so many obstacles, that you cannot wait to see how they fare at the end.
The dynamic of this book took my breath away. At moments you think that finally they get their reprieve, but in the next moment they are fighting magic or just simply the evilness that is Gerard on the ship in the middle of the Hidden Sea.
I won't delve too much in the story itself, you gotta read the book to be able to discover it. But first you have to read TBOE, so you get the whole picture, as it is.
A really nice surprise, and someone I did not expect to fall for was Lorcan. Me and my bestie have already cast him mentally, and it's so much fun to imagine him now.
Also Altan is like a big teddy bear, I love him so much.
The ASL usage? Amazing.
I would love if everyone read this book and enjoyed it as much as I did.
First and foremost, let me thank Erin Phillips for the dARC. It was a delight to enjoy the book before it was published last week.
Now that that is out of the way...
You probably know how I called the first book the Prison Break book, and that is true for this one as well. Since book 1 had the vibes of s2 and s3, book 2 had the vibe of s4, hence its dubbing as the Scylla book.
In this book, the story revolves around Caly and Hunter, both trying to start fresh (for different reasons), and while they do so, they encounter so many obstacles, that you cannot wait to see how they fare at the end.
The dynamic of this book took my breath away. At moments you think that finally they get their reprieve, but in the next moment they are fighting magic or just simply the evilness that is Gerard on the ship in the middle of the Hidden Sea.
I won't delve too much in the story itself, you gotta read the book to be able to discover it. But first you have to read TBOE, so you get the whole picture, as it is.
A really nice surprise, and someone I did not expect to fall for was Lorcan. Me and my bestie have already cast him mentally, and it's so much fun to imagine him now.
Also Altan is like a big teddy bear, I love him so much.
The ASL usage? Amazing.
I would love if everyone read this book and enjoyed it as much as I did.
May 6, 2026
The Hunt of Calypso is such an exciting, heartfelt, and adventure filled story, brimming with found family, magic, and the high seas! If you are a fan of nautical tales, treasure, and sea creatures this is definitely the book for you. From telepathic rings, to ever-changing stars, and the rules of grimoire magic, there is so much creativity in this story. The characters were fantastic, and I have such a soft spot for the kind and spunky crew-mate Jo! Hunter was also such a warm, grounded, and thoughtful character that I also adored in Book One. It was heartbreaking to see the changes in Caly after everything she went through in The Betrayal of Eden and how jaded she had become. My heart is with all these characters and I can't wait to see how their story ends!
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