Life was good. Cassandrea liked it the way it was. Not simple, but cosy. She owned a nice home in Borve, the capital of Ordeara, the southern kingdom ruled by a dragon king and his two sisters. A kingdom of mild weather and pleasant people, where humans and magical creatures coexisted peacefully. There was literally nothing to complain about. She even had a kind husband who was anything but boring. No kids yet, but that could change. So life was good.
Until the night she woke with a rope around her neck.
I really enjoyed this book. The style was different then I was used to, almost like a classic. Except I could understand it. Cassandra is what I would hope to be if I lived in a land where two dragon kings were fighting for the crown. I liked this book and hope for a sequel. Thank you Evelyn A. Bernard for an ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A Spellbinding Fantasy Full of Intrigue and Heart
Oaths of Land and Sea is an absolutely mesmerizing fantasy novel that had me hooked from the very first chapter. Evelyn A. Bernard has crafted a world so rich and immersive that I felt like I was walking the winding paths of Eberanth and soaring through the skies alongside Cassandrea.
Cassandrea is a phenomenal protagonist—fierce, intelligent, and deeply layered. Her journey is one of survival, loyalty, and self-discovery, and I loved every second of following her through the treacherous political landscapes and the breathtaking magical realms Bernard has built. The novel is packed with action, heart-pounding tension, and beautifully written prose that brings the story to life.
The relationships in this book—whether steeped in loyalty, betrayal, or unexpected alliances—are written with such depth that they linger long after turning the final page. And let’s talk about the intrigue! Every twist and turn kept me on edge, making it impossible to put the book down.
If you love high-stakes fantasy with complex characters, a dash of romance, and a world you’ll want to get lost in, Oaths of Land and Sea is a must-read. Evelyn A. Bernard is a rising star in fantasy, and I cannot wait for the rest of the series!
So much intrigue- everyone has secrets, a kingdom at war, the heir to the throne has split off and caused rebellion … why would he do that? We are introduced to many magical creatures in this world. From Kelpie to Kappa to Will o wisp to Sirens, dragons, and fae (oh my). Our FMC is a spy and a siren, utterly devoted to her king, who uses her skills to get information, she meets Kerr a kelpie and they have a job to do behind enemy lines. She will learn not all she thinks she knows is true, but will her blind loyalty to the king shake? We need book 2 to see…
My heart still hurts a little!! This book was so good! It was action packed, and hit all those emotions. This was a 5⭐️ read for me.
I haven’t been reading a lot of books lately with sea/water creatures and monsters, so this was a special treat for me! There was a siren, kelpies and kappas. But, there were also some of my favorites… dragons and fae.
This book was action packed from start to finish. The characters were well developed and I loved the world, from those creepy marshes, to the beautiful city in the mountain. The FMC Cassandrea was tough, but she also longed to belong and to have people to see the woman she was past her siren abilities.
This book hit all the emotions, it was intense, exciting, there was that delicious tension and heartbreak. I went from loving a character to 🔪🔪🔪. When you read it, you’ll know! 🤣
I am so glad that book 2 is already out because I need to know what happens!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🫑 Light Spice Kindle Unlimited: ✅ Yes Recommend to my Book Bestie: 😏 Yes Yes!!
So I think I have a new book boyfriend! I loved Kerr. I wouldn’t have minded the story all from his POV to be honest. Overall, a solid start to a fantasy trilogy. For me, third person in this genre now feels a bit jarring, but it was well told, with great world building, action and a twist of romance. Nice to see some new mythical creatures - a siren and a kelpie as MCs is a first for me - and I’m looking forward to book two.
This book pulled me under and did not let me come up for air…and I didn’t even want to.
𝙊𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙚𝙖 is high fantasy done beautifully. There’s intrigue, war, espionage, morally grey loyalties, and a heroine who is perfectly scarred, with strength and sharp edges.
Cassandrea is a siren sent to undermine a city under siege, all while a civil war rages between two dragon kings. She is devastatingly loyal, fiercely competent, and heartbreakingly pure-hearted, which makes her journey both compelling and painful to watch.
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚…𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙮𝙖𝙡 𝙤𝙣𝙚.”
Not gonna lie, her relationship with the dragon king had me clenching. His transactional affection and quiet manipulation SCREAMED red flags and Cassandrea’s unwavering loyalty to him added layers of tragedy to what unfolds. Watching her slowly harden as truths come to light was DEVASTATING in the best way.
So enter Kerr, Lord of the Moonlit Mire, a kelpie with depth, charm, and an unsettling ability to truly see Cassandrea beyond the monster the world insists she is. Their connection is subtle, emotionally grounded, and quietly powerful. There’s romance here, but it’s soft and aching. And the closed door, fade-to-black was extremely refreshing.
Though worldbuilding could be a bit richer and more immersive (maybe book two?) the book is still filled with treacherous plans, ancient magic, and beautifully written settings that feel vast without being overwhelming. The pacing is fast, the twists are GUTTING, and the final reveal at the end demolishes everything you thought you understood.
This book is layered and intense. It’s about loyalty, betrayal, identity, and what happens when devotion is weaponized. You’ll GLARE at the last sentence and immediately want to reach for book two.
*Thank you to Evelyn A. Bernard for this arc opportunity!
When I first picked up this book, I thought, oh great, another Romantasy—but this one quickly proved to be something different. The story introduces unique creatures, emotionally layered characters, and a world caught in war, all wrapped around a deep, lingering mystery that keeps you turning the pages.
Cassandrea, the main character, has real depth. She’s cruel and ruthless on the surface, yet hides a softer side she reveals only to a select few. Strong, badass, and unapologetic, she’s the kind of FMC you can’t help but love. And Kerr… don’t even get me started. If you’re not swooning over him, I genuinely don’t know what to tell you. He’s the perfect morally grey MMC: hot, cruel, dangerous—and just soft enough to completely wreck your heart. Yes, hearts will be broken.
Looking for Fae? You’ll find them here, in many different forms. It’s unusual, sometimes surprising, and yet it makes perfect sense. Why should there be only one kind of Fae? The author absolutely nailed it by creating multiple types within the same world.
The world-building is stunning and a true pleasure to experience. There’s a perfect balance between description and dialogue, with secrets and mysteries always simmering beneath the surface. And the slow-burn romance? Painful in the best way—and completely worth it.
If you love Romantasy, mysterious worlds, and unique creatures, don’t wait another minute. Go grab Oaths of Land and Sea.
This book felt like being strapped into a fantasy roller coaster. Fast, twisty, and constantly moving.
From the very beginning, Oaths of Land and Sea leans heavily into plot, with turns I did not always see coming and a story that never really slows down. It is told mostly from Cassandrea’s POV, and I appreciated how much time we spend inside her head. The focus on her internal thoughts and emotions felt unique compared to other fantasy romances and gave the story a more introspective tone.
The romance is present but understated, with minimal, fade to black intimacy. This makes it a great choice for readers who prefer less spice and more story, including a younger audience.
I did find myself wanting more depth in the worldbuilding and supporting cast. Even near the end, new characters are introduced, which left me curious but occasionally slightly disoriented. There was also a brief adjustment period with the way Cassandrea is referred to interchangeably as “she” and “the siren,” but once I understood the pattern, it stopped pulling me out of the story.
Overall, this is a plot-heavy, emotionally driven fantasy that clearly sets the stage for a larger story. I am interested to see where the series goes next.
We are introduced to Cassandrea in what we believe as a devastating way, only to have our opinion flipped on its head early on. Cassandrea begins to make a journey in which we are given background information on her. What she is. Her purpose.
There are a few time jumps in this story and I did feel like I lost some characterisation within this period but not too much that it hugely affected the story.
Her relationship with the dragon king made me feel anxious. The way he is overly affectionate with her only when he needs to be shows his manipulative nature. I don’t trust him. Her lack of questioning motives really shows the audience just how loyal she is and trusting and what happens to her breaks my heart but could’ve been avoided had she asked relevant questions. Because of this, it hardens her further and this added depth to her character and hope for revenge and answers will compel me to read the next book.
A cliffhanger? Not a huge one that I’m losing sleep over thinking about what could happen but enough for you to hate that the book ended there.
Listen to your instincts about Kerr.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This was such a fantastic book! Amazing characters, amazing storyline, fantastic dialogues and heart breaking plot twist. If you like high fantasy settings, war and spy stories, this is for you.
Attention: minor spoilers ahead!
Cassandrea is a Siren. She’s sent by the dragon king to undermine a city under siege. As part of the civil war against his own son. A war between two dragons. And Cassandrea is most loyal to her king. As she works side by side with Kerr, a Kelpie lord (I loved the wording of „Lord of the moonlit mire“!) she starts to catch feelings for him. For the first time in a long time she has someone by her side who seems to understand her and see more than the monster, a siren is considered to be! As he’s the same as a kelpie. But when the city falls, nothing is like it seems before!
This was such an amazing ride! I loved every page and I almost couldn’t stop reading. Amazing and fast paced. A tough but lovable heroine. A little romance, no spice, only behind closed doors and a little fade to black. A heroine that is not a teenager but a grown up woman is a big plus in my eyes as well!
The second book is a 100% YES! for me. Definitely going to continue the story. Can’t wait to start right now.
Oaths of Land and Sea follows Cassandrea, a half siren spy, as she navigates a brutal war, her own traumatic past, and a dangerous mission to sabotage an enemy city. Along the way, she faces hostility, kindness, and moral dilemmas, all while serving a dragon king who may be her only ally. The story blends action, political intrigue, and emotional depth, with a focus on Cassandrea’s internal conflict and her relationships with Torquil, Mairi, and the mysterious fae warrior. The world is populated by a variety of mythical creatures, each with their own cultures, histories, and roles in the war. What makes it a very interesting backdrop for the story. Cassandarea is both predator and victim, feared and reviled by those around her due to her being half siren. She is fiercely loyal to Valderan. Her internal struggles with her nature, betrayals and the scars she carries make her a deeply human character. I would have loved it if her emotions were more expressed towards the grief of Ryker. This book is a promising dark fantasy with a strong protagonist and a rich world. I enjoyed reading this book, but I often had to track back a bit to keep up with where we are in the story.
This book completely swept me away from the very first chapter. Oaths of Land and Sea is rich, immersive, and emotionally intense in a way that lingers long after you close the book. The world-building is stunning without ever feeling overwhelming, and every chapter adds another layer of tension, loyalty, and quiet dread that something bigger is coming.
What I loved most was how the stakes kept rising. Just when you think you understand the rules of this world—and the oaths binding everyone together—the story twists and reminds you that nothing is simple, and no promise comes without a cost. The pacing is tight, the atmosphere is moody and dark, and the sense of impending conflict is constant.
And that ending… absolutely brutal in the best way. It ends on a true cliffhanger, not the mild kind, but the kind that makes you stare at the last page in disbelief, heart racing, already desperate for the next book. Loose threads, unanswered questions, and a final moment that changes everything—I need answers now.
If you love fantasy with depth, tension, and an ending that hits you right in the chest, this one is a must-read. I’ll be counting down until the sequel.
This book completely pulled me in from the very first page—the author truly has siren magic in their writing. The world-building is rich and immersive, filled with an incredible variety of magical creatures including fae, dragons, sirens, kelpies, kappas, and changelings.
We follow Cassandrea, a strong and compelling female main character who is fiercely loyal to her king—who also happens to be a dragon. As his trusted spy, she’s sent on a dangerous mission to help take down another dragon who claims the throne, and the stakes only rise from there.
This story delivers action, loyalty, and just the right amount of flirting to make you smile. The writing is vivid and engaging, making it easy to feel fully immersed in Cassandrea’s journey. I loved her character and watching her navigate a world full of danger, secrets, and magic.
The ending left me eager for more, and I’m very excited that book two is right around the corner. Highly recommend for fantasy lovers who enjoy strong heroines, magical creatures, and captivating storytelling
Oaths of Land and Sea is a beautifully imagined fantasy romance that leans into loyalty, destiny, and the tension between duty and desire. Evelyn A. Bernard weaves a rich world shaped by elemental forces, political undercurrents, and slow-burn emotional stakes.
The story balances its worldbuilding with character growth, allowing relationships to unfold naturally against a backdrop of land and sea magic. The emotional pull comes from oaths sworn, promises tested, and the quiet moments where characters must decide whether to honor duty or follow their hearts.
What stands out most is the atmosphere — immersive, lyrical, and grounded in themes of sacrifice and belonging. Readers who enjoy fantasy romance with depth, restrained tension, and meaningful bonds will find this especially satisfying.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: • Fantasy romance • Elemental or nature-based magic • Political tension & sworn oaths • Slow-burn relationships • Lush worldbuilding
Wow this was suprisingly good!! I have yet to read something this different, it has humans, sirens, dragons, kelpies & other creatures. The fmc, Cassandra, is a Siren who is very loyal to her king. A king that I don’t fully trust. Cass is also very strong and smart and there is still so much to her that we don’t know, which has me wanting to read more. The romance is very good, the twist had me shocked, and now she seems to have so many GOOD potential suiters!!
The writing was very different for me, it switched ALOT from “she” to “the siren” very quickly and it kind of took me out of the story for a second? It also took me a little bit to get into the story because it felt like there was alot of jumps, although I do think its to keep some information a secret from us until the other books.
Overall, super good and I will definitely be reading the 2nd book 🤭 Thank you Evelyn for making my first arc so so good✨
A beautiful siren who is also an accomplished spy. A handsome kelpie who charms everyone he meets. Two warring dragon kings. What’s not to love?
I inhaled this book in two days and enjoyed every moment of reading it! Cassandrea and Kerr are a main character duo that is impossible not to love. Though forced to work together by the dragon king’s military advisors, their attraction for each other is immediate. Their instant connection is as close to love-at-first-sight as a story can get while still being believable.
I especially enjoyed the diverse lineup of mythical creatures—sirens, kelpies, fae, kappas, will-o-the-wisps, and of course, dragons! I’m eager to read more about this world and the characters that I’ve already come to love. If you connected with Tisaanah from Daughter of No Worlds or Peter Colson from A Forbidden Alchemy, you’ll likely enjoy Cassandrea and Kerr’s story! The book ended on a cliffhanger, so I will definitely be reading the next book in the series!
This is a book that will pull you into the riptide and not let go. I thought the prose was special and distinctive, harkening back to fantasies I grew up on. The world building is immersive and the emotional intensity grabs you from the beginning. Cassandrea and Kerr's banter and teasing each other is priceless. The way you feel for Cassandrea in the ways she's been mistreated and her fierce misplaced loyalty while enduring the shock of betrayal is heart wrenching. The plot twists are eye widening, and that brutal cliffhanger has me needing to read book two as soon as possible.
If you want to enter a world of fae, sirens, kelpies and dragons full of adventure as they navigate war, espionage, betrayals and forbidden romance all set in a dark moody atmosphere, you've got to give this one a read.
Thank you @oathsoflandandsea for giving me the chance to read this ARC. This series definitely deserves to reach as many readers as possible!
I was completely immersed in a world filled with mythical creatures I hadn’t encountered before, kelpies and kappas alongside fae, sirens, and dragons. The story is action‑packed from the very first chapter and never lets up.
The book follows Cassandra, a siren in a world where sirens are feared and rejected. Cassandra is constantly searching for a place where she belongs, and her longing adds emotional depth to an already high‑stakes adventure. The writing itself is beautiful, bringing the world and its dangers vividly to life.
My only drawback was the lack of intense romance, which I personally would have loved more of. That said, I still really enjoyed the story and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves high‑fantasy adventures with rich world‑building, unique creatures, and high stakes.
I recently read Oaths of Land and Sea. I found her book on Instagram, and I really loved the atmosphere and concept. It was romantasy with dragons, war, and a kelpie. I loved Cassandrea and Kerr’s dynamic. I feel the relationship has a lot of potential, and I enjoyed seeing how it developed. I was also really excited to see Rheon Nightshade (especially after getting to work on artwork of him!) and even though his role is smaller, I’m really looking forward to seeing more of him in book two.
I would’ve loved a bit more depth in some of the emotional and romantic moments (I am not a huge Romantasy reader but surprisingly this author had me wishing for more and rooting with the FMC)
Overall, it’s a great start to a series, and I’m excited to see how the story and characters continue to grow in the next book.
This Romantasy has high-stakes war and rebellion, witty banter, dragons and other mythical creatures. From the characters and the world building, to the plot twists and cliffhanger at the end, “Oaths Of Land And Sea” was a 10/10. We start of with a bang being introduced to Cassandrea, a siren who works for her King as a spy. She had created a life for herself with a husband in a nice village and we immediately see her life being torn away. She had to move on quick as she was put into another mission with a Kelpie named Kerr. Her and Kerr have an almost instant connection with witty banter and an understanding of each other that was so sweet to watch unfold. The twists in the end will have your jaw on the floor and like me ready to start book two right away!
Oaths of land and sea is one that lingers on the heart for awhile after you read it. It’s an epic fantasy that is full of adventure with just the right amount of plot and flirty banter. It focuses on two characters. The FMC (Cassandrea) is a gorgeous siren who’s wholeheartedly loyal to her king and will do anything to serve him and ensure that they win the war. The MMC (Kerr) is a dreamy Kelpie hired to help Cassandrea on her current mission but when the harsh reality of war, feelings and a unexpected change in plans happens cassandreas whole world is turned upside down. Without giving away too much This book will keep you captivated the whole read and makes you feel all the emotions in the best way. I can’t recommend this read enough.
Thank you for allowing me to read an ARC of this book! The book starts out with Cassandrea’s husband physically trying to take her out. But she’s a siren who finally sees her chance to escape him. She works for the dragon king, and he sends her on a mission to reclaim a city that was lost. She gets help from a Kerr a kelpie who comes up with a way to help Cassandrea in her quest. If you’re a fan of epic adventures, and a bold ‘take no prisoners’ strong willed MFC you’ll eat this book up! The people she meets along the way are sometimes sneaky and complicated, but that’s part of their charm.
In realms of big fantasy worlds where fae,wolves, and dragons dominate. It was a nice turn of pace learning about creatures from Welsh folklore. If any of those things appeal to you, you need to pick up this book!
I tend to review fantasy with romance and particularly romantasy more strictly than others - so while I would say this was a 3.75 I can easily see this being a solid 4 for others. It’s a fun easy read involving sirens, kelpies, dragons, fae and more.
What I really appreciated is Bernard’s execution of the fantasy elements. The world building has been done well and the plot has solid structure, is engaging, and holds series interest. I particularly liked the last character reveal!!
There is some quick time jumps in the first 2-3 chapters but after this the pace returns to a more traditional flow. The jumps do make sense though.
The FMC and MMC romance is currently heavy petting and closed door/fade to black making it acceptable for older YA.
Overall a good fun read and looking forward to book 2, City of Storms
Oaths of Land and Sea was beautifully written. I don't often get to read stories involving sirens and kelpies so this was a real treat. The mythology of the characters in this book is really cool and reminds me of my obsession with the Percy Jackson series.
Evelyn did an excellent job of fleshing out both the characters and the world she created. I feel like I understand each characters choice because I feel like I know them on a personal level. I know Cassandra and Kerr like I know a friend. It is because of that, that I truly ache for them to find happiness. Cass has been through so much and deserves the world. I also feel like I could reach out and touch each new place that they visit in the book with how well the author describes locations.
This book does end on a cliffhanger that will make you crave the next book in the need to find answers.
Talk about a book that reeled me in by the first page! The author sure does know how to start a book off! This was an amazing read! The characters are so well written, they were easy to get attached to! Though with a ruthless, badass FMC, and a morally grey, swoon worthy MMC, who would complain? (Thank goodness for series, am I right?) haha. The world building is also amazing, as someone who sometimes struggles with keeping up with this location, or this character, etc , this book was easy to follow! This is a closed door, light spice story, which is honestly one of my favorites, light on the spice, heavy on the PLOT! Now even closed door, the slow burn romance is AHMAZING.
This fast paced high stakes love story is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat, so be sure to check it out.
Oaths of Land and Sea was a twisted book full of espionage, loyalty, betrayal, drama, intrigue and edginess with a dash of flirting and romance.
This book was intense and profound. The story was written in great detail and draws you in from the very first chapter! The horrors of war and political instability wrapped in a beautiful landscape filled with magic and magical creatures.
I was prepared for slow burn. There is a low amount of spice in this book and what was there was closed door. However, I was not prepared for that cliff! It was BRUTAL! Now I have to wait for book 2! But wait I will…I need to know what happens next!!!
I liked the story. It did keep me engaged. The writing I will say was different than what I'm used to. It was more so like in a first and third person. There is a lot of betrayal in this story. It seems everyone is dealing with a type of betrayal. I wonder if Casandra will continue to please her king or will her path change? I am sorta of hoping it changes. I really liked Kerr but sad to see he on the other side. I did kind of see it coming. I also keep wondering WHY did Terren feel the need to betray Valderan. There has to be a reason... At the end you also get a bonus chapter about what happened to Kerr which was kind of interesting...
First, I want to thank Evelyn for the advance ebook and audiobook.
In a world of warring dragons and kings, whose side will you choose? This is a plot forward fantasy with elements of romance. The story follows Cassandrea, a siren and a spy for the dragon king, Valderan. She is sent into a rebel city on a mission of espionage against the self named king, Terren, the former heir to the throne. Through prejudice, manipulation, and betrayal, Cassandrea must fight to save those she cares about and to serve her king.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was a wonderfuly different take on magical creatures. I can really see how the depth of the story will develop in the next book. I am excited to read book 2!
Sirens and kelpies and fae, oh my! Pssst! We also have dragons! Evelyn A. Bernard has written an adventure full of mystery, distrust, a budding romance, loyalty and a betrayal that physically hurts.
Cassandrea is a Siren and the Dragon King’s most beautiful and loyal creature, there is nothing she won’t do to serve him. Kerr is the Kelpie spy employed to help her bring down the traitors who seek to destroy her King.
Oaths of Sea and Land is a fun ride that will leave you devastated and wanting more!