Bound by Blood and Sea

The Drowned Gods #1

by Eva Aleksandra

On Inis Allta, peace is only ever borrowed. The sea remembers every debt.

Tuiren Branloch has always known her place: bound to the Order of the Drowned, scarred by their rituals, and destined to bleed for gods that were driven beneath the waves. But when her mother forces her into marriage with Caelen Morvan—heir to their ancient enemies—Tuiren discovers that some sacrifices cost more than others.

Caelen's family is drowning in debt, and his freedom is the price of their survival. His new bride is no compliant pawn, and this alliance may prove more dangerous than he anticipated.

Caught between them is Etain, Caelen's sworn guard, whose loyalty runs deeper than duty. But protecting her charge means confronting feelings she cannot name for a woman she cannot ignore.

Meanwhile, Tuiren’s brother mourns a love lost to the sea and drowns in secrets too big to ignore.

As whispers of drowned gods and lost beasts stir beneath the waves, loyalties shift in a web of betrayal, forbidden desire, and blood-soaked politics. Some alliances are worth dying for. Others are worth killing for.

Bound by Blood and Sea is the first book in the Drowned Gods Series. Perfect for readers of The Cruel Prince, To Kill a Kingdom, and The Jasmine Throne.

Genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Queer, Romance

Kindle Edition

Reviews

[Dancergal56 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I follow Eva's youtube channel and I was surprised I even got picked as an ARC reader. I did get this book for free but it's not going to affect what I think about the book.

The first sentences of this book had me immediately hooked. Where we start just sets the tone of what to expect and I love that. The words created such rich imagery for me while I was reading, it made reading the book a delight.

I loved how much rich Irish myth was packed into this book. It actually made me look into what was used in the book in my own time to learn more. The book flows so well, I completely devoured this book (when my schedule would allow me). The world of this book is just so interesting, going between the sea and the land, learning how both peoples work, absolutely loved that.

I believe the strength of this book is the banter between what I think are the main four characters. It flows fairly easily and is so believable, some of it reminds me of talks I have with my own friends. The only gripe I have is that I wish some of the banter was extended. There would be such good talks but it felt like it would just stop and never get picked up again (Aran and Caelen is the main one I can think of). I feel like if the author could let the conversations breathe, it would make the book that much better.

I am so excited for the next book to come out, especially how this book ended on such a cliffhanger!

[Red · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful debut! I was selected to recieve an ARC after backing the Kickstarter, and I feel lucky to be one of the first to read it.

Overall, a very competent first novel. I like the characters and the world and the descriptions are pretty immersive.

In particular, I really like how the characters interact with each other. I absolutely needed more Aran and Caelen, as their companionship seemed like it was going to be really positive for both of them. Tuiren is definitely unbearable at times, but that's clearly by design, and I always came back around on her quickly.

I would say I have two major pieces of feedback:
1. The first quarter has a lot of the same sentence structure (Clause, comma, active present tense verb phrase). Maybe it's just because I'm an English teacher who runs a creative writing club, but once I noticed it I couldn't un-notice it. After that, there is a lot of repetition in Tuiren's perspective sections in terms of her thought processes and beliefs. She and Etain also have the same conversation multiple times and I don't really believe it developed their relationship much. But I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next one.

2. I wish it were longer! So many moments deserved more time to breathe. I wanted more deleopment between the leads, as mentioned above, but also more plot. Give me more of the Order beyond Orla, more investigation by Aran, more of him and Tuiren working together against their mother.

I think it struggles under the weight of so many perspective characters, which could be solved with more book 😅

Anyway, I'm excited to get my physical copy and read it again as I eagerly await the sequel.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

FYI: I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book for review, but this didn’t influence my opinions regarding the book itself. (and I still do have a pre-order placed for when it’s officially released)

As s reader who adores a good fantasy story (with the added bonus of rich world-building and diversity), I honestly believe Eva Aleksandra's Bound by Blood and Sea is a must-read. This debut novel blends fascinating Irish folklore with a plot full of political intrigue and forbidden romance, and is a wonderfully character driven story.

The story centers on Tuiren Branloch, a merfolk shapeshifter trapped by ancient rituals to the Order of the Drowned, who is forced into an arranged marriage with Caelen Morvan, the heir to her family's ancient fae enemies. What follows is a delicious web of political intrigue, betrayal, and hidden agendas that had me guessing literally until the very end of book. The multiple points of view offered a compelling look into the shifting loyalties and complex motivations of Tuiren, Caelen, and Etain, Caelen’s sworn guard. Etain’s storyline introduced an unexpected, and refreshing, romance that added another layer of tension and emotion to the plot.

While the plot was generally excellent, there were still some areas that caught my attention. The action scene within the maze could have been clearer and more fleshed out, as it was a bit confusing and felt somewhat rushed, and Tuiren’s return to the fold of the Order of the Drowned after her vision felt very abrupt, and didn’t seem to have any deep reasoning behind why she was going back, especially considering her close relationship with her brother and his subplot The narrative might have benefited from a deeper exploration of her reasoning, allowing her emotional journey to feel more earned.

Despite these minor issues, the book is packed with all the elements a fantasy fan could want: mermaids, fae, morally grey characters, and a tangled web of lies and betrayal. It’s an immersive start to what is sure to be an enthralling fantasy series. I can honestly say that I am so excited for the next book in this series!

[lottie ｡꒰ঌ ✦໒꒱ ༘*.ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

I received this book as an e-arc for free, but it does not affect my review.

I definitelty sped theough this book and at first wasn’t sure if I would love it but it really picks up after the halfway point and kept me hooked the whole way through!

I thoroughly enjoyed the writing in this book. Its prose was delectable and right up my alley, and brilliant especially for a debut author. I enjoyed a lot of the characters, I found they had interesting depth (heh) and I was invested in what was going to happen to them!

My only gripe is the slower plot, I think it is definitely setting up the rest of the series and I am intrigued to see where it goes, but it did affect my reading and enjoyment at the start but the plot had a lot more to it after the halfway mark!

And at first I was unsure about the way the sapphic romance was being built up with some elements of telling instead of showing, but it came together in the second half and I enjoyed it a lot more and I love that it is a true slow burn.

So thank you to the author for a copy of the e-arc, I am excited for the sequel especially with the cliffhanger!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Raging Tide of Magic and Romance!

Eva Aleksandra's Bound by Blood and Sea is a stunning debut that crashes into the fantasy landscape with the force of a tidal wave. If you’re looking for a book that perfectly balances breathtaking world-building, high-stakes political intrigue, and a deeply passionate romance, look no further—this is your next obsession.

The world Aleksandra creates is utterly intoxicating. She masterfully weaves together the relentless, beautiful terror of the sea with an ancient, dark magic rooted in blood and sacrifice. You don't just read about this world; you feel the salt spray, the chill of the forbidden magic, and the tension of a kingdom on the brink. The atmosphere is thick, moody, and instantly immersive.

At the heart of the story is an unforgettable cast, led by a protagonist whose resilience is matched only by their emotional vulnerability. The chemistry between the main characters is electric—a true "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic that sizzles on every page. Their bond isn't just a side plot; it is the anchor that drives the entire narrative, complicated by duty and shadowed by powerful secrets. Every shared glance and tense confrontation feels earned, making their journey intensely satisfying.

Aleksandra handles the pacing like a seasoned pro, mixing furious action sequences with tender, quiet moments that allow the emotional core to resonate. The plot twists kept me guessing until the very end, culminating in a spectacular, gut-wrenching conclusion that left me desperate for the next installment. Bound by Blood and Sea is a must-read for fans of epic romantasy. Dive in—you won't regret getting lost in these depths!

Disclaimer: I was able to review this book prior to its release because I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC). My early access did not influence the honesty of this glowing review.

[CristoC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is what I can only describe as a self indulgent read, simply because it was the right read at the right time and it’s definitely not a perfect book but it is extremely enjoyable. Me, being a sucker for well forged characters, I loved this. It’s basically a character study embedded in a historical fantasy-romance setting, with a dash of political intrigue. This also means that the plot is minimal; I know it’s not for everyone, and to be honest it’s the weakest element of the book and the only(-ish) target of my criticism, but as I said, I favour character depth and this book came at the right time. I’m extremely fatigued by hetero bullshit and I needed something light. A sapphic low-stakes fantasy was the balm I needed.
I’ll start by rambling about what I liked; surprise surprise, the characters! Tuiren is what I’d define the main character simply due to her taking up the stage more often and therefore being the most explored of the whole cast. She’s a Merrow and the heir to the throne, which of course means that she’s a mess of a woman, broken and shaped by her mother into an instrument since birth, whose true self and conscience are in constant conflict with the twisted road her mother has paved for her. This conflict manifests itself not only in the calculating political games she is forced to play, but in the relationship with her brother Aran, who feels betrayed by her adherence to her mother’s teachings, and with the people she’s been taught to despise, the Aos Sí, particularly with Caelen, her soon to be husband, and his personal guard, Etain. It’s fascinating how Aran’s point of view – criminally scarce in quantity to be honest – is also what the reader is bound to find most accurate when it comes to judging Tuiren’s character: she’s a contradiction, she feels and hurts but in secret, she is slave to her upbringing but she rejects preconceptions. All perfectly reasonable traits for someone who is the result of years of abuse and grooming. Her whole personality is a battle of wills, and her character arc is a gradual breach in the mould she’s been squeezed into.
Caelen...is a charming dumb ass on the outside and an alcoholic, closeted, sad and lonely man on the inside. “Alcoholic” and “closeted” are speculation on my part because they’re not explicitly portrayed as such in the book, but I feel like I’m on the right path. His remarks kept me laughing while his drinking made me worried about the state of his liver. But the lack of scenes between him and Etain, the woman that he fought so hard to have as his personal guard and that is sworn to protect him and that is like a sister to him? That’s a crime. The bond between them is shown through Etain’s character, but I would have loved to see more moments between them, just a sliver of tenderness between these idiots. Etain is still a bit of a mystery, but her conflicting personality blends perfectly well with Tuiren’s, making their angst-ridden relationship a feast for those that like impossible relationship and stubborn characters that struggle to reconcile their sense of duty with their wants and wishes. The tension between Tuiren and Etain is perfectly built up, with my only criticism being aimed at their conversations, that at times felt forced or disconnected for the sake of bringing them closer.
As I said, Aran’s character is the most underdeveloped, despite being the sole propulsive force when it comes to plot, making him more of a device than a fleshed out, three-dimensional character. He appears in very few scenes, interacts rarely with other characters, and the plot moves with him, very slowly. He finds clues about the real mechanisms and schemes behind the religious cult his mother leads, and the climax of the whole ordeal is disappointingly brief and redundant in it’s confirming something that had been instilled in readers’ mind since the first clue the character found. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t know this book would end with a cliffhanger – the information somehow slipped past me, damn me – so maybe the expectation of a stand-alone story made the lack of conclusiveness more jarring, but the plot is very marginal nonetheless. In hindsight, the world-building is sketched out faintly but appropriately for a first book in a series.

It’s still getting 4 full stars from me because I love lesbians, and I love angst. Cheers.



I received an eARC of the book from Booksprout and this represents my honest opinion.

[Allie A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello fellow readers! Like the other early reviewers, I had the privilege of receiving an ARC of this debut novel. To be upfront, I normally enjoy reading sci-fi horror and sm*t. The book description made it clear that the story was going to be focused mainly on character relationships, but the hinting at the potential inclusion of eldritch gods was what made me REALLY want to read this novel.

Let me start off with the positives and what I really liked about this book. First off, I appreciated that there was a trigger warnings at the beginning. No need to elaborate. Second, I really enjoyed how this author described her world. As I was going through, I found it very easy to imagine the scene that was playing out. The descriptions helped place me in the environment without being too poetic, and I could easily imagine what the characters were seeing and feeling, physically. Third, I enjoyed how the author used magic. The magic system is simple, with no complicated explanation of how it works or why. Fourth, Caelen Morvan. I absolutely loved this character! At first I was worried he would be your typical overly sarcastic male lead, but I found his attitude and overall personality very realistic and enjoyable. He wasn't overly obnoxious with his snark, he made jokes at his own expense, owned up to his weaknesses, and was open and honest with other characters when they did the same with him. I even found myself chuckling at some of his interactions with the other characters.

Now, some of my frustrations. First off, I feel like the book should have been a little longer. I know this is the first book in a series, but there are some parts in the story that I wished had more to them. The maze trial being one of them, or adding more to the fastival that was happening before the original third trial. There were also some time skips that I thought could have been explained a bit better, as I found myself wondering a few times if the chapter I started reading was the next day, or if it had been several. Second, the unused plot points. This is getting into potentially spoiler territory, so feel free to skip the rest of this paragraph with the bullet points if you would like to avoid these.
*Aran sneaks into his mother's private study and tears a page from a super important, secret ledger. But despite being described as someone who should notice immediately what he did, his mother never brings it up.
*And he, Aran, doesn't do anything with the page, though it could have helped in his later conversation with Tuiren.
*Tuiren speaks later on in the story about bringing down the Order, but there didn't seem to be any kind of planning as to how she was going to do that, despite being portrayed as a competent strategist.
*Tuiren, at her mother's command, unintentionally nearly kills Caelen, and this is never discovered. Tuiren is also more worried about confessing her feelings and actions with Etain when a truth binding is placed on her, despite the previously mentioned near murder she committed.
*The Order is described as being this super secret cult, with rituals, demands of blood oaths, and brutal offerings. They also supposedly have influence in many aspects of the story's world, but I didn't see that influence in anything other than Tuiren and her family.
*Tuiren's vision conclusion was anticlimactic.
My final frustration with this story is the relationship between Tuiren and Etain. I didn't really feel any connection between the two woman. Yes, Tuiren was hinting at being attracted to her early on, but their interactions felt forced to me. By the time the steamy scene happens between them towards the end, I was left feeling more awkward than excited.

Now again, I acknowledge that this is the first book in a series, as well as an ARC copy. So please, feel free to take my review however you want. And despite my frustrations, I do highly recommend anyone who is thinking about reading this book to go ahead and give it a go! It's a good debut novel, and I'm genuinely curious where this author is going to take these characters moving forward.

[Alice Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author.

A really enjoyable fantasy read, with evocative worldbuilding and likeable characters, with a dash of romance and political conflict and dangerous cults. Honestly a stand-out debut and I will be reading the next one.

The main thing that made this story shine was the four main characters and their vivid interactions. Each of them feel real and they spark off each other so well--too well, almost? I find myself wanting more of their conversations, to finish certain thoughts and threads they shared and never competed (Caelan and Aran especially). The banter between all the characters also felt very real, and genuinely funny, and at times very self-aware. Probably the best banter I've read in any book as far as I can remember.

The world is a rich, gloomy Irish setting, with mermaids, and reading it feels like having a cold salty wind in your face the entire time, almost enough to make you a bit uncomfortable, in a good way of course. The political tensions between the factions are believable and grounded in a fascinating setting of mythology and magic.

The (forbidden) romance works well, and I like that some of the other characters, especially those who are supposed to be super observant, actually spot the romance right away and use that against the characters. It's not immediately clear who the love interest is going to be (hint, not the groom), but then, this is not a romantasy.

My only hesitation was the ending, which had too many plotlines open for my liking. I am not a great fan of cliffhanger endings and while this isn't truly a cliffhanger, I'm not entirely satisfied with amount of loose threads. There are many secrets left to explore in the second book, but I'd hoped perhaps not quite so many... of course, Tuiren's plotline is a very difficult one to write, because the goal she starts out with, on the surface, is so different from the need inside her, and her entire goal changes halfway through the story (which makes sense). But she doesn't quite achieve either goal by the end. The story doesn't get a neat little bow at the end (and I do like neat little bows at the end because they make me feel fulfilled).

All in all, it was a great read and I'll definitely pick up the next one.
I'm invested in the characters, and I want to see how they're going to solve their newest set of problems. And I would probably read another three books of them bantering even if there was no plot, if I'm honest.

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Water magic, Earth magic, gay mermaids, sapphic romance, a corrupt order, betrayal and secrets, trials, and families with a bad history joining through marriage to better the kingdom? Yes please!
This book starts strong. The first two lines immediately piqued my interest, and the ending of the first chapter had me invested! There was a bit of repetition with particular descriptions and flow, but I’m not particularly precious about that side of things. I did want to see more between Tuiren and Etain earlier, though. Also more time spent on some of the sections because there’s so much going on and several important connections between the main characters that I wanted more exploration of, but by the last third of the book, I was super invested and loved how the story unfolds! Very excited for book 2.

Plot summary
Two races, the Merrow (Irish sea people, transform into mermaids, water magic) and Aos Sí (fae, earth magic). A lot of bad history between them, current political issues and some financial ruin mean that a marriage between two royal families from each side is.. necessary. Each queen has her own interest and ulterior motives behind this, and the heirs are just the pawns, however Tuiren (Merrow princess) and Caelen (Aos Sí heir) find each other to be more than expected and secrets start to unravel. Throw in Caelen’s Fénnid (sworn protector) being the actual love interest for Tuiren, Aran (Tuiren’s gay brother), sacrifices to Gods and a corrupt Order, extinct sea creatures, magic and a lot of sarcasm and banter, and you’ve got a very interesting and captivating world!

Things I loved:
- the humorous dialogue between Caelen and Tuiren, especially around the magic differences
- The yearning and unfolding romance between Tuiren and Etain
- The drowned gods and corrupt Order
- Love to hate the political scheming and sinister motives
- The renewal ceremony had me floored
- The book finishes off in the perfect place to wait for book 2!

Overall, a rich fantasy world with corruption and scheming, an arranged marriage, forbidden sapphic romance, gay mermaids, magic, sarcasm and yearning!

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical, Addictive, and Deep as the Sea

Bound by Blood and Sea by Eva Aleksandra is a hauntingly beautiful, emotionally intense fantasy that completely swept me off my feet — and straight into a world of mermaids, shapeshifters, and soul-binding romance that I never wanted to leave.

From the first page, I was drawn into this darkly magical world where the ocean is both breathtaking and dangerous, and where ancient powers are as seductive as they are deadly. Aleksandra’s writing is rich and immersive, with every sentence pulling you deeper into a story that’s both epic in scope and heartrendingly personal.

The mermaid and shapeshifter lore is fresh, wild, and utterly captivating. These aren’t the sweet sea creatures of childhood stories — they’re fierce, mysterious, and full of secrets. The way the author explores identity, transformation, and what it means to belong — both to the sea and to another person — is truly stunning.

And the romance? Absolutely electric. It’s that intense, slow-burn, can’t-look-away kind of connection — filled with longing, danger, and deep emotional stakes. It’s the kind of love story that hurts in all the best ways.

The heroine is powerful and complex, and her journey had me fully invested — both in her survival and in her heart. Watching her navigate a world of betrayal, magic, and love was incredibly rewarding. And her dynamic with the love interest? Let’s just say it left me breathless more than once.

“She was made of salt and sorrow — but even the tide bows to a queen.”
(Not a direct quote, but it captures the soul of this book perfectly.)

[Emily Hatton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect starting this book as this is a debit from the Author but I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. It started as a 4 star but by the end I knew it was a 5 as I devoured this book and want the next one immediately.

At the beginning it felt slower paced bit on reflection this was needed to achieve the full embellishment of world creation and plot narration that is solidified by the end.

I was apprehensive due to being unfamiliar with Irish names and folklore but Eva has done an incredible job grounding the themes and characters in familiarity that leaves no confusion. Particularly with the characters, they are so well rounded and fleshed out that as a reader I could recognise their tone and inflection without obvious markers.

The interpersonal relationships are very nuanced and realistic which really builds the familial, romantic and political dialogue into believability. Even the ones I hated, I loved.

I did not see the revelation at the end coming at all and had my mouth agape with wild delight. I couldn't identify any plot holes and think possibly everything has been well studied and well written.

Can't wait for the next volume.

[Amriel (Harli) Bang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected something amazing and was still incredibly impressed.

This was so much fun to read. The magic, the characters, the story, the real Irish lore and language weaved within...all of it made for an intriguing and beautiful story that I can't wait to continue.

Tuiren starts off with faith in the ways and beliefs of her people, and thats immediately shaken in the first chapter and only continues to be shaken throughout the book. As she prepares to go through with the political marriage that her mother had arranged, she finds out that horrifying secrets abound, all while simultaneously falling for her betrotheds guard. The confusion, horror, and seemingly impossible to navigate realities are crashing around her.

I was hooked the entire book, hanging on what would happen next. I hope for happy endings while knowing we have a ways to go before we get there.

Thank you, Eva, for trusting me with this opportunity to go on this journey that your mind brought to us. it's truly amazing. ❤️

[Rayne]

DNF @ 24%

Thank you Eva Aleksandra for the chance to read the ARC! All opinions are honest and my own.

What I liked:
- gay mermaids
- arranged marriage
- court politics/intrigue
- woman with sword!!! (very important)
- sapphic and achillean romances
- deadly trials

I originally applied for the ARC because I saw "gay mermaids" and was like yes please! Sadly I DNFed this book, but only because I realized it's not for me. It has so many tropes I love, and I found the characters interesting! However, it has a bit of a slower pace, and is more character driven and focused on the relationships and romances between the characters. I'm also not usually a fan of multiple POVs. I need books to be faster paced, and I prefer plot driven stories.

I think this is a good book, and I definitely recommend it! It just wasn't for me, and that's okay! Sometimes books just aren't for everybody, even if they're good books. If the summary and tropes interest you, and you like a slower, character driven story, then you should definitely give this a read!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost: I read the ARC, after backing Eva's kickstarter and this is my first time reviewing anything :D

I've been a frequent watcher of Eva's youtube channel for quite some time and I've always enjoyed listening to her perspective and opinion on things. When I heard she was going to write and release a book I backed it on kickstarter.

I loved this book! The characters are fleshed out and nuanced. Their reactions are believable and not overdramatic. I loved Tuiren and Caelen's witty remarks and sarcasm and how it's initial hostile undertone turns friendly. The relationships between the protagonists are wonderfully built and naturally evolve into something more
The world building is subtle and intricate and I enjoyed how a lot is inferred instead of blatantly stated. The Irish mythology was a breath of fresh air compared to most fantasy books these days.

This book left me wanting more, and I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel!!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start off, I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book after expressing my interest to do so.

I quite enjoyed this novel, it gripped me from the start, and I really enjoyed the interpersonal relationships between the characters.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was the Irish mythology used throughout the narrative. Oftentimes when irish mythology is used, it's stereotyped or incorrectly implemented. The pronunciation guide at the start of the book was also incredibly useful, as, though I do speak some Irish, there were times I was unsure of how something should be said, so I appreciated the effort put into that by Eva Aleksandra.

The plot is also my favourite type of plot, the romance that was present, the political intrigue, the family dynamics, all of it spoke to me and drew me in. I'm quite disappointed to have finished it, simply because I wish I could read more of the story immediately.

I really do reccomend this book!

[Vices · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book. Even though I knew it would be difficult due to my current cognitive issues, I also knew I was going to be as ready as I could be when this book was released. I'm glad that I was, and honestly, the incredible visuals this author produced from the start made it feel more like I was watching a beloved series. Being able to see the world so clearly in my mind made a huge difference in my ability to track information, despite my cognitive issues. I almost cried when the visuals came so fast and were so clear, and then I did cry while reading and feeling fully immersed in the emotional depths of the story. I don't want to spoil anything, but I highly recommend getting lost in the world of the drowned gods in Bound by Blood and Sea by Eva Aleksandra. I can't wait to reread my hard copy when I receive it! Just beautiful!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: Early copy review. A moody and sea filled fantasy romance. Very atmospheric and although following some romance formulas, puts a nice new twist on them. I only wanted something more, something longer, although that might be too much to ask from a first novel. I would have loved to see a more detailed exploration of the world and its cultures but I hope that any sequels will get to that.

[chloe bolton · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love fantasy book and love all the world-building involved than this may be the book for you! I received an advanced reader copy of this book and it did not disappoint!
The descriptions in this book were fantastic you really felt like you were there!
I loved that it had multiple POVs as it can really make a book when there are so many characters involved!
The story was well paced so it didn’t feel rushed!
Although it ended on a cliffhanger I can’t wait to read the next book!

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive Debut!
This story had a wonderful sprinkle of many elements that all appealed to me. ITt is an Amazing fantasy that appealed to me in every way. I am extremely happy that I read it. It did leave me wanting more of the author and the world that she created. I is Fantastic and I Loved It!!! I Highly Recommend!! No Spoilers!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Neely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I DEVOURED this book! For a debut novel, I was completely blown away by Eva's writing ability and talent. The world building, the characters, the plot all gripped me from page one. I cannot wait to read more of her work.

[Selena Woodruff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely introduction to this new world. I love the way the magic system works and the twist on mermaids. I can't wait to read more.

[jennifer Suarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and i enjoyed the storyline and difference of the characters.

[Rye B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy, but I am thoroughly invested in this series already. I love the mythology, the characters and the potential for stories to come. I started out taking notes, but by chapter 5, I was completely gagged and just along for the ride. This was such a great read and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series.

[Artemis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an e-book ARC, and this is not influencing my review.

After that disclaimer, I AM IN LOVE. I need more from this series. I love all mythology, and this is the best Irish mythology I have read. The pronunciation guide has been super helpful, and I can't wait to reread it in its physical form so I can actually keep track of all the Irish words I don't know. *insert stereotypical American joke here*

Anywhoooo, 100% my favorite Indy author read of 2025.