Oaths of Land and Sea: Three Dragon Kings. Two spies. One war that broke them.

by Evelyn A. Bernard

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.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2025

Reviews

[Seaweed Brain · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Joanne Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – 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!

[Hanna (musteen.jaljet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loistavaa, synkkää ja monitahoista fantasiaa! Rakastin tässä melkein kaikkea, jopa romanssia 😂

[Brittany Newland · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ana Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oaths of land and sea

The twist opening?! Marvellous.

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

[Tara Kanaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Soha Amer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jen Husemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ This should be your next romantasy read✨

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✨

[Savannah Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[frenchy_reads_all · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Alex Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a captivating world. Dragons, Sirens, Kelpies you name this book has it.
What a world like no other where there is an epic war unfolding this is the book for you!
The descriptive writing style of @evelynardenauthor transports you riiight onto the page.
This is not your average run of the mill Dragon fantasy book it is so much more.
The only flaw is that it ended and I don’t have my grubby hands on the second!!!!

An absolute banger of a book 5 Stars!!!!

[Narelle Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid story with strong use of fantasy tropes - I can see why many readers are enjoying the tale. I just didn’t relate to the main character so it wasn’t quite for me. Evelyn Bernard has certainly captured a range of character types in shaping her story from dragons to sirens. Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

[Summer Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced from the start but it struggled to keep my attention. I think maybe it wasn’t high stakes enough for me. I feel like I’m definitely in the minority with my opinion though. Thank you so much to Evelyn Bernard for the ARC and opportunity ❤️

[Rebekah Huey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC read!

If you enjoy shorter books packed with whirlwind romances, fantasy creatures, and spies then this is the book for you!

[Erin Masura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet review but this book has it all. Beautifully written and amazing story