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Fury of the Sea
A siren's scales are stolen, forcing her to forge an uneasy alliance with a haunted captain. As danger lurks and secrets rise from the depths, she must navigate treacherous tides of trust and betrayal to reclaim her identity and find her voice. In "Fury of the Sea", Mira's journey unfolds against a backdrop of swirling emotions and perilous adventures. Stripped of her scales, she is thrust into a world where the land feels foreign and the air is thick with uncertainty. Her only hope lies in the hands of Captain Emrys Eversail, a man burdened by his own dark past. Together, they sail through stormy waters, both literally and metaphorically, as they confront the ghosts that haunt them.
As Mira learns to adapt to life on land, she discovers the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The bond she forms with Emrys deepens, revealing layers of vulnerability and strength within both of them. Yet, the ocean is not done with Mira; its secrets threaten to resurface, challenging her newfound sense of self. With each passing day, Mira must grapple with her identity as a siren and the human world she is now part of. The stakes rise as enemies emerge from the shadows, intent on reclaiming what was lost. Mira's quest for belonging becomes a race against time, forcing her to confront her fears and embrace her true nature. "Fury of the Sea" is a captivating tale of love, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. It invites readers to dive into a world where the heart's desires clash with the harsh realities of fate, leaving them breathless and yearning for more.
As Mira learns to adapt to life on land, she discovers the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The bond she forms with Emrys deepens, revealing layers of vulnerability and strength within both of them. Yet, the ocean is not done with Mira; its secrets threaten to resurface, challenging her newfound sense of self. With each passing day, Mira must grapple with her identity as a siren and the human world she is now part of. The stakes rise as enemies emerge from the shadows, intent on reclaiming what was lost. Mira's quest for belonging becomes a race against time, forcing her to confront her fears and embrace her true nature. "Fury of the Sea" is a captivating tale of love, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. It invites readers to dive into a world where the heart's desires clash with the harsh realities of fate, leaving them breathless and yearning for more.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 20, 2025
This book is amazing. I read it in three or four days, and I pushed aside most of my regular responsibilities to finish.
Twists, turns, betrayal. Love! Spice. Action, adventure. Mira is such a great heroine.
It was comfortable and warm, it reminded me of The Little Mermaid-- the movie and the original story-- in all the best, most powerful ways. I cannot recommend this book enough. I love it, and I cannot wait for everyone to read it!
Twists, turns, betrayal. Love! Spice. Action, adventure. Mira is such a great heroine.
It was comfortable and warm, it reminded me of The Little Mermaid-- the movie and the original story-- in all the best, most powerful ways. I cannot recommend this book enough. I love it, and I cannot wait for everyone to read it!
February 17, 2026
Quite honestly, one of my favourite reads to date. The chaotic chemistry built on half-truths, desire, and naïve emotion is the perfect balance of what you want (and need) in a story like this. I found myself laughing, crying, and gasping with every deep heartbeat of this book—the chapters are tight, the tension and pacing are electric, and more importantly, the storytelling absolutely gripping.
Mira is the FMC you fall for without realizing you have. Emrys is the MMC who claws his way under your defenses before you even notice it happening(even when we don’t feel like letting him). And the rest of the characters slip into your heart with an ease that becomes almost torturous, because you find yourself flipping pages protectively, whispering over each one.(You know who I mean!)
The story is unpredictable, leaving you at the peak of devastation and shock by the very end—your heart suspended in the balance. You’re left with questions, and a deep, burning desire to have the next installment in your hands like yesterday.
This author is the real deal, wonderfully talented, creating a world that punches you in the chest with emotion, immersive worldbuilding, and devastating character work. If yearning, exploration, and lessons were locked in a room with sexiness, and lore—it’s this book. Wonderfully balanced, perfectly executed, and a story I will read, re-read, and cherish for years to come.
Mira is the FMC you fall for without realizing you have. Emrys is the MMC who claws his way under your defenses before you even notice it happening(even when we don’t feel like letting him). And the rest of the characters slip into your heart with an ease that becomes almost torturous, because you find yourself flipping pages protectively, whispering over each one.(You know who I mean!)
The story is unpredictable, leaving you at the peak of devastation and shock by the very end—your heart suspended in the balance. You’re left with questions, and a deep, burning desire to have the next installment in your hands like yesterday.
This author is the real deal, wonderfully talented, creating a world that punches you in the chest with emotion, immersive worldbuilding, and devastating character work. If yearning, exploration, and lessons were locked in a room with sexiness, and lore—it’s this book. Wonderfully balanced, perfectly executed, and a story I will read, re-read, and cherish for years to come.
January 6, 2026
Wow! I was hooked from the start with this book! I couldn't put it down! It is a must-read for anyone who has ever wanted a darker Little Mermaid mixed with some Pirates of the Caribbean!
I am in love with the story, the characters, and the vibes. I cannot wait to see how the rest of the series plays out.
First book of 2026 for me is a 6⭐️/5⭐️
I am in love with the story, the characters, and the vibes. I cannot wait to see how the rest of the series plays out.
First book of 2026 for me is a 6⭐️/5⭐️
April 23, 2026
I'm going to need you to stop what your reading and pick this up.
-fantasy
-mermaids
-hunky, broody man
-be prepared to be yeeted off a cliff hanger
Mira, a siren, who has the undying urge to know more, finds herself on a mission to learn more about those who dwell on the surface. She has lived her whole life in the depths of the ocean, where the sun doesn't penetrate, and her elders never speak of their time at the surface so long ago.
In her quest, she gets closer to the surface, and even though she's trying to be careful, she finds herself ensnared in a fishing net.
Trapped, with no escape she finds herself on the deck of a ship, begging for freedom. However, greed hazes the mans eyes as he takes in her beautiful tale and the fortune he could procure off her scales. After many are plucked from her, she passes out, and finds herself washed ashore . . . with legs. Gone is her tail.
But in her luck a woman and her kids find her, and they bring Mira to their home for her to rest.
She has given up, drowning in sorrow that she'll never be one with the ocean again, or see her family. She also worries if she does find her way home, her family may oust her entirely for going to the surface.
When she goes to a fair with her new found family, she runs into a pirate captain, who happens to have one of her four scales.
Emrys just wants to help. He bought the scale because he knows exactly what kind of power they hold and he refuses to let anyone have that power. Drawn like a moth to the flame Mira finds her scale and also finds a friend in him—or so she thinks.
I have NEVER read a book where I was wondering for a solid 200 pages to figure out if Emrys was actually nice or a fake. It was so wishy washy, but then his apologies and reasonings were so perfect and understandable. When I got to where the first secret comes out, I thought "nah, it's more than this, it has to be." AND. IT. WAS.
The author caught me, hook, line and sinker.
This book is so worth the read, and I'll be waiting for book two.
-fantasy
-mermaids
-hunky, broody man
-be prepared to be yeeted off a cliff hanger
Mira, a siren, who has the undying urge to know more, finds herself on a mission to learn more about those who dwell on the surface. She has lived her whole life in the depths of the ocean, where the sun doesn't penetrate, and her elders never speak of their time at the surface so long ago.
In her quest, she gets closer to the surface, and even though she's trying to be careful, she finds herself ensnared in a fishing net.
Trapped, with no escape she finds herself on the deck of a ship, begging for freedom. However, greed hazes the mans eyes as he takes in her beautiful tale and the fortune he could procure off her scales. After many are plucked from her, she passes out, and finds herself washed ashore . . . with legs. Gone is her tail.
But in her luck a woman and her kids find her, and they bring Mira to their home for her to rest.
She has given up, drowning in sorrow that she'll never be one with the ocean again, or see her family. She also worries if she does find her way home, her family may oust her entirely for going to the surface.
When she goes to a fair with her new found family, she runs into a pirate captain, who happens to have one of her four scales.
Emrys just wants to help. He bought the scale because he knows exactly what kind of power they hold and he refuses to let anyone have that power. Drawn like a moth to the flame Mira finds her scale and also finds a friend in him—or so she thinks.
"I know you'll leave when we find all your scales, but in the meantime, all I ask is one thing. Just... Please, let me be selfish with you."
I have NEVER read a book where I was wondering for a solid 200 pages to figure out if Emrys was actually nice or a fake. It was so wishy washy, but then his apologies and reasonings were so perfect and understandable. When I got to where the first secret comes out, I thought "nah, it's more than this, it has to be." AND. IT. WAS.
The author caught me, hook, line and sinker.
This book is so worth the read, and I'll be waiting for book two.
September 27, 2025
Beautifully written dark romantasy. Definitely worth the read. Can’t wait for book 2.
January 3, 2026
I met the author in Florida, this is her debut & it did not fail. Perfect mix of slow burn, spice, & plot. I just finished it & now I’m contemplating on what to do with my life & very impatiently awaiting book 2😂 And this is coming from someone who isn’t a romantasy fan. Thank you for changing my views on this genre🧡
August 20, 2026
To begin, Fury of the Sea is a dark romance fantasy, or romantasy if you will, that feels like a darker, deeper, and emotionally destroying version of the little mermaid. You get a curious siren whose scales were stolen from her by a human, and it sets the path to her journey on finding those scales so she can return home. Given the name Mira by a woman who taught her about this new curious world she was thrust into unwillingly, she then hears the call of her scale, leading her to a sea captain who happens to have one of the many scales ripped from her body. Emrys, gruff and not the most trusting looking of men, offers to help her find the rest of those little pieces of her. They set off on his ship, Fury of the Sea, where we get to see just how determined and ready she is to prove herself. There are secrets she didn’t even know about herself that she becomes aware of, secrets about feelings she's never felt before, and secrets about the man who she slowly realizes might be more than just an ally or companion. The deep connections and aching heart breaks that find her on this journey had me at the edge of my seat and begging for more with every page turn. The book leaves on a cliffhanger that lays out the roadwork for a sequel, and I am giddy to see what Mira has in store for us next.
I should be able to list the pros and cons of this story rather easily, as I’ve had the pleasure of reading it about fifteen times now. But honestly, I can’t find any cons or unanswered questions that can’t be explained by another book. It's a book that has it all. The plot had me engaged and curious the entire time, every line made me feel something for the story and for the characters. Every emotion was felt deeply, and every twist, trauma, thought, feeling was so well explored and said that I couldn’t help but want to hug, scream, cry, and hold the characters.
The characters, main and side characters, were so well introduced, described, written, and developed. I still say Pip is and will always be my favourite though. Mira's interest in Emrys had me interested in them both, their dynamic, their banter and connection. Emrys, a handsome man aged with experience, trauma, secrets, and heartache made him the perfect grey love for this story and for Mira. Their relationship is not only the sweetest, but the saddest, darkest twist I couldn’t help but love. The side characters gave them both depth and personality, while also having their own. Not just made to further the plot, but made to live and thrive alongside Mira and Emrys as friends, found family, and foes.
The pacing of the overall storyline, plot, relationships, and dialogue was perfect. Nothing ever felt rushed or too slow for discomfort or annoyance. It had you hooked, and ran through the water at such a steady pace that you got everything you wanted and needed at the right moments. Don’t even get me started on the raw and unfiltered version of Emrys from his journey entries. The mysterious man’s mystery revealed at the right moment for them both, and in the most gut wrenching way possible. Even now I’m sighing and crying as I think about it. The author’s writing style really pulled it all together. Her prose, her skill, the point of view she chose and how she chose to write them, were all beautifully written and made me feel as though I was watching these characters in the room with them. I’d be standing with Mira as she laughed and with Emrys as he got too close for comfort or when the side characters said something funny, I was right there with them laughing on a stool. Her voice in this book was nothing like I had read before and I can honestly say I can’t wait to read it again.
My overall impression of this book is simply, goddamn. Fury of the Sea by V.D. Salem was and still is the best experience I’ve ever had while reading. I’m so glad I got the pleasure of reading this book before its publication and I’d read it again and again just to be back on that island with Mira. I give her book an overwhelming five out of five stars. Her plot, characters, pacing, and dialogue are also a five out of five stars. I could not recommend this book more. I believe everyone with eyes, that are over the age of eighteen, should pick up this book and get lost at sea with these characters. This book was a monumental read for me, and I can’t wait to not only see it on the shelves but in the hands of loving readers.
Thank you V.D. Salem for writing this masterpiece and for giving me the honor of reading it before anyone else. This is my ARC Review for Fury of the Sea. I wish nothing but the best for this debuting author on her endeavors; Don’t cry guppy! You made it!
– Poison Violet
I should be able to list the pros and cons of this story rather easily, as I’ve had the pleasure of reading it about fifteen times now. But honestly, I can’t find any cons or unanswered questions that can’t be explained by another book. It's a book that has it all. The plot had me engaged and curious the entire time, every line made me feel something for the story and for the characters. Every emotion was felt deeply, and every twist, trauma, thought, feeling was so well explored and said that I couldn’t help but want to hug, scream, cry, and hold the characters.
The characters, main and side characters, were so well introduced, described, written, and developed. I still say Pip is and will always be my favourite though. Mira's interest in Emrys had me interested in them both, their dynamic, their banter and connection. Emrys, a handsome man aged with experience, trauma, secrets, and heartache made him the perfect grey love for this story and for Mira. Their relationship is not only the sweetest, but the saddest, darkest twist I couldn’t help but love. The side characters gave them both depth and personality, while also having their own. Not just made to further the plot, but made to live and thrive alongside Mira and Emrys as friends, found family, and foes.
The pacing of the overall storyline, plot, relationships, and dialogue was perfect. Nothing ever felt rushed or too slow for discomfort or annoyance. It had you hooked, and ran through the water at such a steady pace that you got everything you wanted and needed at the right moments. Don’t even get me started on the raw and unfiltered version of Emrys from his journey entries. The mysterious man’s mystery revealed at the right moment for them both, and in the most gut wrenching way possible. Even now I’m sighing and crying as I think about it. The author’s writing style really pulled it all together. Her prose, her skill, the point of view she chose and how she chose to write them, were all beautifully written and made me feel as though I was watching these characters in the room with them. I’d be standing with Mira as she laughed and with Emrys as he got too close for comfort or when the side characters said something funny, I was right there with them laughing on a stool. Her voice in this book was nothing like I had read before and I can honestly say I can’t wait to read it again.
My overall impression of this book is simply, goddamn. Fury of the Sea by V.D. Salem was and still is the best experience I’ve ever had while reading. I’m so glad I got the pleasure of reading this book before its publication and I’d read it again and again just to be back on that island with Mira. I give her book an overwhelming five out of five stars. Her plot, characters, pacing, and dialogue are also a five out of five stars. I could not recommend this book more. I believe everyone with eyes, that are over the age of eighteen, should pick up this book and get lost at sea with these characters. This book was a monumental read for me, and I can’t wait to not only see it on the shelves but in the hands of loving readers.
Thank you V.D. Salem for writing this masterpiece and for giving me the honor of reading it before anyone else. This is my ARC Review for Fury of the Sea. I wish nothing but the best for this debuting author on her endeavors; Don’t cry guppy! You made it!
– Poison Violet
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this book!
Mira is a siren and a Keeper, which basically means she's a historian for the sirens and is responsible for preserving their history through song. Sirens haven't been to the surface in around 80 years, and even being curious about the human world is forbidden. Mira, unfortunately for her, is VERY curious.
After finding human artifacts and eventually deciding to venture to the surface, she is almost immediately captured in a net and has four of her scales stolen. She wakes up with legs and no way to get back to the sea.
About six months later, while she's still figuring out how to live in the human world, she meets Captain Emrys Eversail, who has just bought one of her stolen scales from a merchant. Once he realizes what it is and that it belongs to her, he gives it back and offers to help her find the others. She joins his crew, and I really loved watching her slowly learn how to be part of life on the ship and find a place for herself there.
I also REALLY loved Mira and Emrys together. Their relationship was sweet, but more importantly, it actually felt earned. They spend time together and get to know each other, and I believed that they had genuinely fallen in love. I especially loved them deciding that they wanted to be selfish and have whatever time they could together, even knowing that once Mira recovered her scales, she would eventually have to return to the sea.
Unfortunately, Emrys has secrets. So many secrets. 😂
And when Mira finds out some of those secrets, she is understandably PISSED. I really appreciated that she didn't immediately forgive him because she was in love with him. She feels genuinely betrayed, and the book gives her the space to actually be angry about it. Even when you learn the reasons behind some of Emrys's choices, it doesn't suddenly erase the fact that he hurt her.
I also thought the trauma Mira experienced after having her scales stolen was handled really well. What happened to her wasn't just used as a way to get her onto land and start the story. It continues to affect her and the way she interacts with the human world.
The beginning definitely has some Little Mermaid vibes with the whole "sirens aren't allowed to go to the surface or they'll be banished" thing, but obviously this gets MUCH darker. Once the story gets going, there's so much more happening with the history between humans and sirens, siren hunters, sea witches, and everything Emrys has gotten himself tangled up in.
I loved the side characters too. The crew all have their own personalities and actually feel like characters instead of people who are just there because Emrys needed a crew.
And V.D. Salem's writing was fantastic. I honestly never would have guessed this was her debut novel. The characterization was great, I loved the romance, and the story kept getting more interesting as more of the world and everyone's history was revealed.
And then she ended it on a cliffhanger.
So that's rude.
Anyway, five stars. I need the next one. 😂
I absolutely loved this book!
Mira is a siren and a Keeper, which basically means she's a historian for the sirens and is responsible for preserving their history through song. Sirens haven't been to the surface in around 80 years, and even being curious about the human world is forbidden. Mira, unfortunately for her, is VERY curious.
After finding human artifacts and eventually deciding to venture to the surface, she is almost immediately captured in a net and has four of her scales stolen. She wakes up with legs and no way to get back to the sea.
About six months later, while she's still figuring out how to live in the human world, she meets Captain Emrys Eversail, who has just bought one of her stolen scales from a merchant. Once he realizes what it is and that it belongs to her, he gives it back and offers to help her find the others. She joins his crew, and I really loved watching her slowly learn how to be part of life on the ship and find a place for herself there.
I also REALLY loved Mira and Emrys together. Their relationship was sweet, but more importantly, it actually felt earned. They spend time together and get to know each other, and I believed that they had genuinely fallen in love. I especially loved them deciding that they wanted to be selfish and have whatever time they could together, even knowing that once Mira recovered her scales, she would eventually have to return to the sea.
Unfortunately, Emrys has secrets. So many secrets. 😂
And when Mira finds out some of those secrets, she is understandably PISSED. I really appreciated that she didn't immediately forgive him because she was in love with him. She feels genuinely betrayed, and the book gives her the space to actually be angry about it. Even when you learn the reasons behind some of Emrys's choices, it doesn't suddenly erase the fact that he hurt her.
I also thought the trauma Mira experienced after having her scales stolen was handled really well. What happened to her wasn't just used as a way to get her onto land and start the story. It continues to affect her and the way she interacts with the human world.
The beginning definitely has some Little Mermaid vibes with the whole "sirens aren't allowed to go to the surface or they'll be banished" thing, but obviously this gets MUCH darker. Once the story gets going, there's so much more happening with the history between humans and sirens, siren hunters, sea witches, and everything Emrys has gotten himself tangled up in.
I loved the side characters too. The crew all have their own personalities and actually feel like characters instead of people who are just there because Emrys needed a crew.
And V.D. Salem's writing was fantastic. I honestly never would have guessed this was her debut novel. The characterization was great, I loved the romance, and the story kept getting more interesting as more of the world and everyone's history was revealed.
And then she ended it on a cliffhanger.
So that's rude.
Anyway, five stars. I need the next one. 😂
March 2, 2026
Fury of the Sea is a captivating dark fantasy romance that follows the journey of Mira, a siren whose scales symbols of her identity and powers are stolen, forcing her into the unfamiliar world of land and humans. Stripped of her true form, Mira must confront challenges she’s never known and navigate a life of uncertainty and vulnerability. In her quest to reclaim what was lost, she forms an uneasy and deeply emotional alliance with Captain Emrys Eversail, a haunted seafarer burdened by his own past wounds. Together, they face literal and metaphorical storms, confront emerging enemies, and delve into hidden depths of trust, identity, and sacrifice. Set against perilous waves and emotional tides, the story is rich with adventure, romance, self-discovery, and the timeless struggle between personal desires and destiny.
August 20, 2026
WOW
This is such a good story with so many twists and turns.
I enjoyed the characters, especially Emrys' back story.
What an ending.
I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!
This is such a good story with so many twists and turns.
I enjoyed the characters, especially Emrys' back story.
What an ending.
I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!
March 28, 2026
This story is a perfect blend of tragedy, strength, and perseverance. It is rare that I connect with a character so deeply and feel the push and pull of dynamics shifting throughout a story. This book made me cry in a good way, and I am truly obsessed. I cannot wait to see what Salem has in store!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews