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This Splintered Sea
Not yet published
Expected 19 Mar 26“I used to be the warning in the chorus of a sea shanty. Men feared me. Now, I’m a petty thief.”
Killing her betrothed and fleeing an arranged marriage was meant to free Briar, the Princess of the Sea, from a life trapped on land and chained to a throne. Powerful, ruthless, and wild, she once sailed the seas under her queen mother’s rule as the feared captain of The Twelfth Night.
A decade later, she’s a pickpocket and the king’s favorite courtesan in a foreign, enemy court, working as an undercover spy while having a secret affair with the queen. As punishment for her murderous revenge, she’s stuck on land—cursed, forgotten to history, and stripped of her ruthless power that once made her so formidable. One spray of the sea against her skin will kill her.
She’s trapped, hiding in plain sight, until the King announces a competition in which the winner will be granted a single wish—a wish that could undo her curse. Determined, she conceals herself as a pirate, and magically seals herself to The Gales and its trials.
Only, the pirate identity she stole is being hunted by notorious bounty hunter and fellow trials competitor, Kressa—the same bounty hunter Briar is supposed to seduce and spy on as a courtesan.
The same woman whose kiss ignited Briar’s dormant magic, breaking all the rules of her curse.
Fifty competitors, three trials, two stolen identities, and one princess desperate enough to risk it all.
Let the games begin.
The adventure in Pirates of the Caribbean meets the romance of The Serpent of the Wings of Night in This Splintered Sea , a heart-wrenching sapphic romance full of adventure, intrigue, and betrayal.
Killing her betrothed and fleeing an arranged marriage was meant to free Briar, the Princess of the Sea, from a life trapped on land and chained to a throne. Powerful, ruthless, and wild, she once sailed the seas under her queen mother’s rule as the feared captain of The Twelfth Night.
A decade later, she’s a pickpocket and the king’s favorite courtesan in a foreign, enemy court, working as an undercover spy while having a secret affair with the queen. As punishment for her murderous revenge, she’s stuck on land—cursed, forgotten to history, and stripped of her ruthless power that once made her so formidable. One spray of the sea against her skin will kill her.
She’s trapped, hiding in plain sight, until the King announces a competition in which the winner will be granted a single wish—a wish that could undo her curse. Determined, she conceals herself as a pirate, and magically seals herself to The Gales and its trials.
Only, the pirate identity she stole is being hunted by notorious bounty hunter and fellow trials competitor, Kressa—the same bounty hunter Briar is supposed to seduce and spy on as a courtesan.
The same woman whose kiss ignited Briar’s dormant magic, breaking all the rules of her curse.
Fifty competitors, three trials, two stolen identities, and one princess desperate enough to risk it all.
Let the games begin.
The adventure in Pirates of the Caribbean meets the romance of The Serpent of the Wings of Night in This Splintered Sea , a heart-wrenching sapphic romance full of adventure, intrigue, and betrayal.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 19, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
━━━ઇଓㅤ⤸
꒰ 𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ꒱ Ⓘ pub date: march 19th 2026
𝟑.𝟐𝟓 ✩
𝐼 𝓊𝓈𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝓇𝓊𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝓈𝑒𝒶
𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓉𝓎. 𝑀𝑒𝓃 𝒻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒. 𝒩𝑜𝓌, 𝐼’𝓂 𝒶 𝓅𝑒𝓉𝓉𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝑒𝒻.
꒰ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: ꒱
I had such high hopes from looking at the synopsis, and when I read the first few chapters, I got that feeling. The one where you just know it’s going to be an incredible read. Unfortunately, my rating slowly decreased as the book continued, and I'm settling on alright yet slightly disappointing.
Let’s start with the things I didn’t like.
Honestly, most fantasy books have you utterly befuddled ninety-nine percent of the time; that’s just the norm. But this book was a different kind. There was information–or lack thereof–that made following along really difficult. Numerous times I completely forgot who a character was, and found that it was challenging to picture what exactly was going on. You know, the movie that plays in your head when you’re reading? Blank. Zero clue. Maybe the details the author gave weren’t thorough enough or the wording wasn’t chosen properly in order for us to get a good understanding. But apart from that, the story was pretty solid.
I very much dislike when characters who are pretending to be someone (secret identity, hidden in plain sight, you get me) make it so blatantly obvious as to who they are, but everyone is just too blind to see what’s right in front of their eyes. It’s not fun, and seriously irritates me. How did the Princess of the Sea hide in plain sight for a decade without anyone even a teensy tiny bit suspicious of her? Let alone be a competitor in the trials and not get caught?
Speaking of, many fantasies have the ‘deadly trials’ theme in them, and I know a lot of people are getting tired of how repetitive they are. However, I think the trials in This Splintered Sea were extraordinary compared to others I’ve read. They were unsettling to read, especially for someone who absolutely hates anything to do with the sea. Fun, and a bit emotional if I’m being honest. But on the downside, they sadly fell flat for me. I wanted to be on the edge of my seat, holding my breath and wondering if they were going to make it out alive–or at least unscathed. Yes, they were difficult and ended in bloodshed most of the time, but they were also too easy. Completed too quickly.
Despite there being a few negative aspects to this book, some parts were super enjoyable. It was dark. It was seductive. It was angsty. The world Haley Munroe created was unique with a strong and promising beginning, and the romance was certainly a tearjerker. This was my first sapphic romance, and I was hesitant about what I was getting into, but was blown away with how much I actually liked it. Fifty competitors, three trials, two stolen identities, and one princess desperate enough to risk it all. It certainly had everything I was hoping for, and though the execution wasn’t perfect, This Splintered Sea was still such an entertaining and adventurous read.
The romance was charged with tension and hidden desire, heartbreaking betrayals that leave you gutted, and bittersweet moments between Briar and Kressa; two headstrong and tenacious characters who want to fight for freedom–and love. There's many ups and downs that'll have you giggling when they flirt or one of them holds a dagger to the other's throat, and then sobbing uncontrollably from the soul shattering betrayals that cut deeper than any knife could.
And that ending, what a banger. It did feel a little rushed in my opinion, but my goodness was I shaken to the core when I read that last sentence. Jaw dropped. Eyes wide because I seriously was not expecting that after everything. Well done Haley.
━━━
ᰔᩚ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: ꒱
when i read what this was about on netgalley, i just had to request it immediately. [ Fifty competitors, three trials, two stolen identities, and one princess desperate enough to risk it all. Let the games begin. ] girl, this seriously sounds so fun. although i don’t usually read sapphic romance, i’m always open to branching out. please let this be as good as it sounds, i’ve read too many disappointing books already and it’s only february.
Ⓘ thank you @netgalley and publisher for giving me the chance to read this free arc, i'm very eager to share my thoughts.
pub date: march 19th 2026
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝: 3/2/2026
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 4/2/2026
-𝓖
꒰ 𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ꒱ Ⓘ pub date: march 19th 2026
𝟑.𝟐𝟓 ✩
𝐼 𝓊𝓈𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝓇𝓊𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝓈𝑒𝒶
𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓉𝓎. 𝑀𝑒𝓃 𝒻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒. 𝒩𝑜𝓌, 𝐼’𝓂 𝒶 𝓅𝑒𝓉𝓉𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝑒𝒻.
꒰ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: ꒱
I had such high hopes from looking at the synopsis, and when I read the first few chapters, I got that feeling. The one where you just know it’s going to be an incredible read. Unfortunately, my rating slowly decreased as the book continued, and I'm settling on alright yet slightly disappointing.
Let’s start with the things I didn’t like.
Honestly, most fantasy books have you utterly befuddled ninety-nine percent of the time; that’s just the norm. But this book was a different kind. There was information–or lack thereof–that made following along really difficult. Numerous times I completely forgot who a character was, and found that it was challenging to picture what exactly was going on. You know, the movie that plays in your head when you’re reading? Blank. Zero clue. Maybe the details the author gave weren’t thorough enough or the wording wasn’t chosen properly in order for us to get a good understanding. But apart from that, the story was pretty solid.
I very much dislike when characters who are pretending to be someone (secret identity, hidden in plain sight, you get me) make it so blatantly obvious as to who they are, but everyone is just too blind to see what’s right in front of their eyes. It’s not fun, and seriously irritates me. How did the Princess of the Sea hide in plain sight for a decade without anyone even a teensy tiny bit suspicious of her? Let alone be a competitor in the trials and not get caught?
Speaking of, many fantasies have the ‘deadly trials’ theme in them, and I know a lot of people are getting tired of how repetitive they are. However, I think the trials in This Splintered Sea were extraordinary compared to others I’ve read. They were unsettling to read, especially for someone who absolutely hates anything to do with the sea. Fun, and a bit emotional if I’m being honest. But on the downside, they sadly fell flat for me. I wanted to be on the edge of my seat, holding my breath and wondering if they were going to make it out alive–or at least unscathed. Yes, they were difficult and ended in bloodshed most of the time, but they were also too easy. Completed too quickly.
Despite there being a few negative aspects to this book, some parts were super enjoyable. It was dark. It was seductive. It was angsty. The world Haley Munroe created was unique with a strong and promising beginning, and the romance was certainly a tearjerker. This was my first sapphic romance, and I was hesitant about what I was getting into, but was blown away with how much I actually liked it. Fifty competitors, three trials, two stolen identities, and one princess desperate enough to risk it all. It certainly had everything I was hoping for, and though the execution wasn’t perfect, This Splintered Sea was still such an entertaining and adventurous read.
The romance was charged with tension and hidden desire, heartbreaking betrayals that leave you gutted, and bittersweet moments between Briar and Kressa; two headstrong and tenacious characters who want to fight for freedom–and love. There's many ups and downs that'll have you giggling when they flirt or one of them holds a dagger to the other's throat, and then sobbing uncontrollably from the soul shattering betrayals that cut deeper than any knife could.
And that ending, what a banger. It did feel a little rushed in my opinion, but my goodness was I shaken to the core when I read that last sentence. Jaw dropped. Eyes wide because I seriously was not expecting that after everything. Well done Haley.
━━━
ᰔᩚ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: ꒱
when i read what this was about on netgalley, i just had to request it immediately. [ Fifty competitors, three trials, two stolen identities, and one princess desperate enough to risk it all. Let the games begin. ] girl, this seriously sounds so fun. although i don’t usually read sapphic romance, i’m always open to branching out. please let this be as good as it sounds, i’ve read too many disappointing books already and it’s only february.
Ⓘ thank you @netgalley and publisher for giving me the chance to read this free arc, i'm very eager to share my thoughts.
pub date: march 19th 2026
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝: 3/2/2026
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 4/2/2026
-𝓖
February 2, 2026
4.5⭐️ Rounded up
Briar, princess of the sea was forced into a marriage a decade ago, but refused, killing get would-be husband. Cursed by her decisions, she cannot use her powers and if she touches sea water, she dies.
Kressa, a bounty hunter in the search for someone comes to the court in hopes of finding them.
A challenge called the Gales (it was giving Hunger Games), and the one who wins gets a wish. Both Briar(under a disguise) and Kressa enter in hopes of getting the one wish they hope to come true.
There was SO much action, SO many surprises and twists and turns. A few times I was a bit confused with what was going on because there was so much, but once I focused in things made a bit more sense. I still have so many questions I hope to get answered in book 2.
I absolutely love Kressa, would literally do anything for her. She was so amazing and was by far my favorite. Briar gave me a bit of whiplash because girly could not make a solid decision to save her life.
I loved the intricacies that the author wrote into the story, you literally feel like you’re part of it. But man, how were things not obvious to other characters? All the information war seriously right in front of them.
Of course we must end it on a cliff hanger while my heart is barely in one piece. I need more, immediately.
Thank you NetGalley and Haley Munroe for the fantastic read!
Briar, princess of the sea was forced into a marriage a decade ago, but refused, killing get would-be husband. Cursed by her decisions, she cannot use her powers and if she touches sea water, she dies.
Kressa, a bounty hunter in the search for someone comes to the court in hopes of finding them.
A challenge called the Gales (it was giving Hunger Games), and the one who wins gets a wish. Both Briar(under a disguise) and Kressa enter in hopes of getting the one wish they hope to come true.
There was SO much action, SO many surprises and twists and turns. A few times I was a bit confused with what was going on because there was so much, but once I focused in things made a bit more sense. I still have so many questions I hope to get answered in book 2.
I absolutely love Kressa, would literally do anything for her. She was so amazing and was by far my favorite. Briar gave me a bit of whiplash because girly could not make a solid decision to save her life.
I loved the intricacies that the author wrote into the story, you literally feel like you’re part of it. But man, how were things not obvious to other characters? All the information war seriously right in front of them.
Of course we must end it on a cliff hanger while my heart is barely in one piece. I need more, immediately.
Thank you NetGalley and Haley Munroe for the fantastic read!
January 30, 2026
This book was an absolute delight from the very first page. The author doesn’t just tell a story, they immerse you in a fully realized world that feels vivid, alive, and emotionally resonant. Every scene is crafted with care, and the writing is both eloquent and effortlessly engaging, striking that balance between lyrical prose and forward momentum. I found myself completely absorbed, as if I were walking alongside the characters rather than simply reading about them.
What truly sets this book apart is how relentlessly it pulls you forward. Each chapter contains just enough tension, intrigue, or emotional weight to make it impossible to put down. It’s a genuine page-turner in the best sense, one of those stories you keep thinking about long after you’ve closed the cover. By the final page, I was equal parts satisfied and desperate for more. I cannot wait for the sequel (I hope there is one) and to return to this world the author has so masterfully created.
What truly sets this book apart is how relentlessly it pulls you forward. Each chapter contains just enough tension, intrigue, or emotional weight to make it impossible to put down. It’s a genuine page-turner in the best sense, one of those stories you keep thinking about long after you’ve closed the cover. By the final page, I was equal parts satisfied and desperate for more. I cannot wait for the sequel (I hope there is one) and to return to this world the author has so masterfully created.
January 31, 2026
This Splintered Sea was EVERYTHING.
I love a good romantasy, but making it SAPPHIC? Instant obsession!! This book delivered on all fronts—drama, action, betrayal, romance, tension, and twists that had me hooked!
The pacing is fast and addictive, the characters are compelling, and the emotional stakes are high. I genuinely did not want to put this book down. The ending has me desperately wishing the next book was already out! The chemistry, the tension, Kressa! I genuinely loved every second.
This story was everything I didn’t know I needed, and I cannot wait to continue this series. If you love romantasy with high stakes and sapphic representation, do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
I love a good romantasy, but making it SAPPHIC? Instant obsession!! This book delivered on all fronts—drama, action, betrayal, romance, tension, and twists that had me hooked!
The pacing is fast and addictive, the characters are compelling, and the emotional stakes are high. I genuinely did not want to put this book down. The ending has me desperately wishing the next book was already out! The chemistry, the tension, Kressa! I genuinely loved every second.
This story was everything I didn’t know I needed, and I cannot wait to continue this series. If you love romantasy with high stakes and sapphic representation, do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 ⭐
This Splintered Sea takes place in a fantasy realm where Briar was once the legendary Princess of the Sea and the feared captain of The Twelfth Night. Everything changes when she’s cursed while trying to escape an arranged marriage imposed by her mother. Her very identity is erased from the kingdom’s memory. Ten years later, she survives as a highly regarded courtesan under His Highness Caelus; a vile man whose hunger for power knows no bounds.
After years of enduring a life she never chose, Briar is offered a chance at freedom: enter a deadly competition where the winner is granted one wish. The catch? She must steal a pirate’s identity — the same pirate who crossed paths with the elusive bounty hunter Kressa. The same Kressa, Briar is now assigned to spy on and seduce. But as tension builds and emotional walls begin to fall, Briar is forced to confront a dangerous truth: keeping up the lie might cost her far more than the curse ever did—especially if her feelings for Kressa get in the way.
Briar is a heroine full of grit, and I was impressed by how intact her fiery spirit remained despite everything she’s been through. She’s difficult to pin down, largely because she’s such a complex character. The contrast between her personas — Harriet the rough pirate, Briar the submissive courtesan, and her true self as the forgotten Princess — was handled beautifully and added so much depth to her character. I also appreciated how selfless she was, constantly putting herself in danger to help those around her.
That said, Briar’s complexity also made her frustrating at times. There were moments where her actions didn’t fully align with her words, and while that made sense given her guilt and trauma, it sometimes created distance between us as reader and character. Just when I thought I understood her, she’d surprise me in ways that felt emotionally jarring. I also felt her growth came a bit late and didn’t hit as hard as I hoped; though I’m optimistic the sequel will expand on this.
Kressa, meanwhile, was an absolute standout. Mysterious, confident, and magnetic...I loved how she matched Briar’s energy and never compromised who she was. The reveal surrounding her true identity genuinely surprised me and added an extra layer of intrigue.
The side characters were equally compelling. You can tell Haley crafted them with care and intention, giving each one clear fears, motivations, and desires that made them feel grounded and real. Caelus, especially, stood out as an exceptional antagonist. I felt genuine disgust every time his name appeared on the page, which really speaks to Haley’s strength as a storyteller.
On the more constructive side, the romance was a bit of a sore point for me, mainly because of the love triangle. It’s a trope I’ve always struggled with, and while it was clear who the true romantic interest would be, Briar’s constant indecisiveness between Isolde and Kressa tested my patience. The prolonged will-they-won’t-they dynamic, largely fueled by Briar’s fear and denial, had me on edge. I was relieved when things finally moved forward… until that devastating turn at the end.
I also would’ve loved deeper world-building. The magic system, Briar’s powers, Kressa’s abilities, and the bond between them felt full of potential that we only briefly touched on. But hopefully the sequel will explore this in greater depth.
Overall, This Splintered Sea offers a high-stakes fantasy filled with magic, power struggles, greed, and a ferocious enemies-to-lovers romance — packed with unexpected plot twists and a gripping cliffhanger that will leave you desperate to sink your teeth into the sequel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy! I’m genuinely grateful for the chance to review it.
This Splintered Sea takes place in a fantasy realm where Briar was once the legendary Princess of the Sea and the feared captain of The Twelfth Night. Everything changes when she’s cursed while trying to escape an arranged marriage imposed by her mother. Her very identity is erased from the kingdom’s memory. Ten years later, she survives as a highly regarded courtesan under His Highness Caelus; a vile man whose hunger for power knows no bounds.
After years of enduring a life she never chose, Briar is offered a chance at freedom: enter a deadly competition where the winner is granted one wish. The catch? She must steal a pirate’s identity — the same pirate who crossed paths with the elusive bounty hunter Kressa. The same Kressa, Briar is now assigned to spy on and seduce. But as tension builds and emotional walls begin to fall, Briar is forced to confront a dangerous truth: keeping up the lie might cost her far more than the curse ever did—especially if her feelings for Kressa get in the way.
Briar is a heroine full of grit, and I was impressed by how intact her fiery spirit remained despite everything she’s been through. She’s difficult to pin down, largely because she’s such a complex character. The contrast between her personas — Harriet the rough pirate, Briar the submissive courtesan, and her true self as the forgotten Princess — was handled beautifully and added so much depth to her character. I also appreciated how selfless she was, constantly putting herself in danger to help those around her.
That said, Briar’s complexity also made her frustrating at times. There were moments where her actions didn’t fully align with her words, and while that made sense given her guilt and trauma, it sometimes created distance between us as reader and character. Just when I thought I understood her, she’d surprise me in ways that felt emotionally jarring. I also felt her growth came a bit late and didn’t hit as hard as I hoped; though I’m optimistic the sequel will expand on this.
Kressa, meanwhile, was an absolute standout. Mysterious, confident, and magnetic...I loved how she matched Briar’s energy and never compromised who she was. The reveal surrounding her true identity genuinely surprised me and added an extra layer of intrigue.
The side characters were equally compelling. You can tell Haley crafted them with care and intention, giving each one clear fears, motivations, and desires that made them feel grounded and real. Caelus, especially, stood out as an exceptional antagonist. I felt genuine disgust every time his name appeared on the page, which really speaks to Haley’s strength as a storyteller.
On the more constructive side, the romance was a bit of a sore point for me, mainly because of the love triangle. It’s a trope I’ve always struggled with, and while it was clear who the true romantic interest would be, Briar’s constant indecisiveness between Isolde and Kressa tested my patience. The prolonged will-they-won’t-they dynamic, largely fueled by Briar’s fear and denial, had me on edge. I was relieved when things finally moved forward… until that devastating turn at the end.
I also would’ve loved deeper world-building. The magic system, Briar’s powers, Kressa’s abilities, and the bond between them felt full of potential that we only briefly touched on. But hopefully the sequel will explore this in greater depth.
Overall, This Splintered Sea offers a high-stakes fantasy filled with magic, power struggles, greed, and a ferocious enemies-to-lovers romance — packed with unexpected plot twists and a gripping cliffhanger that will leave you desperate to sink your teeth into the sequel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy! I’m genuinely grateful for the chance to review it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy. This honest review was based off my experience reading this eARC, which in no way biased me. All opinions are my own.
First of all I feel the need to disclose I knew next to nothing about this book when I requested for an ARC. It was sapphic, a romantasy, and something about pirates. If I’m being honest that’s all I really needed to know to immediately be intrigued, I wasn’t hopeful I would get an ARC, and yet here we are.
In case you aren’t like me and would like to know a little more of what you’ll find in here:
-enemies to lovers
-(a mild) love triangle (which as an avid love triangle trope hater, I didn’t really mind it)
-elemental magic
-deadly trials (which now that I see A Serpent and the Wings of Night as a comp title this makes sense)
-bounty hunters along with pirates
-lots of hidden identities
-mutual “touch her and die”
-political/court intrigue
-several knife to throat opportunities
-the “I don’t trust you” to “I’m mad that I do trust you now” to inevitable betrayals pipeline is just *chef’s kiss*
-forbidden romance
-(lowkey) fated mates (but not in an insta-love or insta-lust kind of way)
-lots of sapphic yearning
-secrets and betrayals
-its a slow burn
-this ain’t a spoiler but one of the best fucking cliffhangers I’ve ever read
-it is the first book in a trilogy so we have to wait, but I can tell it will be worth it.
Well now that all the facts are out of the way now it’s time for my opinions.
I enjoyed this book. Plain and simple. It was quite the journey. I do believe it personally took me a bit to get into, the first half I wasn’t as hooked, but it was interesting enough to keep my attention to keep going. It was like my own slow burn romance with this book. I don’t know when it happened but right around the middle of the book, it was a page turner and I fought myself to put it down to get things done. I loved the complexity of Briar, I think it could have been the cherry on top to have this either be dual POV with Briar’s love interest, or have it multi POV.
One thing I couldn’t manage to suspend reality that long, was that Briar’s secret identity isn’t figured out by more people, or even a single person. Like babygirl had so many slip ups and no one pieced it together? I think it could have made for a complicated conversation to see play out with a certain someone.
There are quite a bit of plot twists, that you might be able to infer if you pay enough attention, although I will admit, there was one that I did not see coming and I thought it was really well done. Not to toot my own horn, but I’m quite the observant reader, so it’s kind of tough to surprise me.
All in all, I ended up rating it 3.5 stars.
I will be reading book 2 and anything else this author puts out.
This Splintered Sea is out on March 19th, 2026, it will be included in KU.
First of all I feel the need to disclose I knew next to nothing about this book when I requested for an ARC. It was sapphic, a romantasy, and something about pirates. If I’m being honest that’s all I really needed to know to immediately be intrigued, I wasn’t hopeful I would get an ARC, and yet here we are.
In case you aren’t like me and would like to know a little more of what you’ll find in here:
-enemies to lovers
-(a mild) love triangle (which as an avid love triangle trope hater, I didn’t really mind it)
-elemental magic
-deadly trials (which now that I see A Serpent and the Wings of Night as a comp title this makes sense)
-bounty hunters along with pirates
-lots of hidden identities
-mutual “touch her and die”
-political/court intrigue
-several knife to throat opportunities
-the “I don’t trust you” to “I’m mad that I do trust you now” to inevitable betrayals pipeline is just *chef’s kiss*
-forbidden romance
-(lowkey) fated mates (but not in an insta-love or insta-lust kind of way)
-lots of sapphic yearning
-secrets and betrayals
-its a slow burn
-this ain’t a spoiler but one of the best fucking cliffhangers I’ve ever read
-it is the first book in a trilogy so we have to wait, but I can tell it will be worth it.
Well now that all the facts are out of the way now it’s time for my opinions.
I enjoyed this book. Plain and simple. It was quite the journey. I do believe it personally took me a bit to get into, the first half I wasn’t as hooked, but it was interesting enough to keep my attention to keep going. It was like my own slow burn romance with this book. I don’t know when it happened but right around the middle of the book, it was a page turner and I fought myself to put it down to get things done. I loved the complexity of Briar, I think it could have been the cherry on top to have this either be dual POV with Briar’s love interest, or have it multi POV.
One thing I couldn’t manage to suspend reality that long, was that Briar’s secret identity isn’t figured out by more people, or even a single person. Like babygirl had so many slip ups and no one pieced it together? I think it could have made for a complicated conversation to see play out with a certain someone.
There are quite a bit of plot twists, that you might be able to infer if you pay enough attention, although I will admit, there was one that I did not see coming and I thought it was really well done. Not to toot my own horn, but I’m quite the observant reader, so it’s kind of tough to surprise me.
All in all, I ended up rating it 3.5 stars.
I will be reading book 2 and anything else this author puts out.
This Splintered Sea is out on March 19th, 2026, it will be included in KU.
February 9, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC! 4.5 Stars
I was a little worried about how I would feel about the love triangle. I knew I would get attached to the love interest, Isolde. I can’t even imagine the pain she feels about her actions and how she can’t take them back. She is essentially trapped with the king and it felt like the only bright spot for her was Briar. Especially when Briar talks about how everyone has always used Isolde and that she only has Briar. Knowing what was coming, it broke my heart. I hated to think of that for Isolde. But I could see where the author was starting to place doubt in the readers’ mind about Isolde and while it is one way to make the love triangle no longer a love triangle, I wish I could’ve kept loving the queen. I usually don’t care for throuples but I would’ve been fine with a throuple in the beginning. I don’t want to give away anything but my view on Isolde definitely changed. It was kinda crazy how I went from loving her to hating her.
The author has written such a tragic plot. I found myself thinking about how alone Briar must feel, knowing she can’t tell anyone of her true identity, not even her former first mate, Thea, who doesn’t remember anything. It’s brilliantly tragic. I kept thinking about The Priory of the Orange Tree and how that author had a prequel after it. I think it would be really beneficial for This Splintered Sea to have one due to the intensive backstory of Briar. I was so fascinated by it and a lot of the plot in TSS is based on what happened before the story began.
I freaking adored Kressa from the beginning and only loved her even more as the story progressed. I can honestly say I didn’t not see the plot twist coming at all. I’m a little annoyed at Briar for being so upset when she has not right to be. Like girl, you have been doing the same thing the whole time?? I can’t say much more but Briar’s actions in the past are kinda worse than Kressa’s. I’ll leave it at that, iykyk.
This Splintered Sea was action packed from the jump. It literally grabs you by the neck and never let’s go. Throughout the whole book, you are in the midst of it all. I loved it. Usually it takes a while to build in fantasy books, but not this one. Holy cow!! Especially the last 30%.
While I don’t get how Kressa didn’t figure it out, I’ll let it slide. WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT ENDING?!!! I NEED THE SECOND BOOK NOW!!! I feel like I’m all over the place with this review but dang!! I read this so fast and so much happened!
I was a little worried about how I would feel about the love triangle. I knew I would get attached to the love interest, Isolde. I can’t even imagine the pain she feels about her actions and how she can’t take them back. She is essentially trapped with the king and it felt like the only bright spot for her was Briar. Especially when Briar talks about how everyone has always used Isolde and that she only has Briar. Knowing what was coming, it broke my heart. I hated to think of that for Isolde. But I could see where the author was starting to place doubt in the readers’ mind about Isolde and while it is one way to make the love triangle no longer a love triangle, I wish I could’ve kept loving the queen. I usually don’t care for throuples but I would’ve been fine with a throuple in the beginning. I don’t want to give away anything but my view on Isolde definitely changed. It was kinda crazy how I went from loving her to hating her.
The author has written such a tragic plot. I found myself thinking about how alone Briar must feel, knowing she can’t tell anyone of her true identity, not even her former first mate, Thea, who doesn’t remember anything. It’s brilliantly tragic. I kept thinking about The Priory of the Orange Tree and how that author had a prequel after it. I think it would be really beneficial for This Splintered Sea to have one due to the intensive backstory of Briar. I was so fascinated by it and a lot of the plot in TSS is based on what happened before the story began.
I freaking adored Kressa from the beginning and only loved her even more as the story progressed. I can honestly say I didn’t not see the plot twist coming at all. I’m a little annoyed at Briar for being so upset when she has not right to be. Like girl, you have been doing the same thing the whole time?? I can’t say much more but Briar’s actions in the past are kinda worse than Kressa’s. I’ll leave it at that, iykyk.
This Splintered Sea was action packed from the jump. It literally grabs you by the neck and never let’s go. Throughout the whole book, you are in the midst of it all. I loved it. Usually it takes a while to build in fantasy books, but not this one. Holy cow!! Especially the last 30%.
While I don’t get how Kressa didn’t figure it out, I’ll let it slide. WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT ENDING?!!! I NEED THE SECOND BOOK NOW!!! I feel like I’m all over the place with this review but dang!! I read this so fast and so much happened!
February 6, 2026
Killing her betrothed and fleeing an arranged marriage was meant to free Briar, the Princess of the Sea, from a life trapped on land and chained to a throne. Powerful, ruthless, and wild, she once sailed the seas under her queen mother’s rule as the feared captain of The Twelfth Night.
A decade later, she’s a pickpocket and the king’s favorite courtesan in a foreign, enemy court, working as an undercover spy while having a secret affair with the queen. As punishment for her murderous revenge, she’s stuck on land—cursed, forgotten to history, and stripped of her ruthless power that once made her so formidable. One spray of the sea against her skin will kill her.
She’s trapped, hiding in plain sight, until the King announces a competition in which the winner will be granted a single wish—a wish that could undo her curse. Determined, she conceals herself as a pirate, and magically seals herself to The Gales and its trials.
Only, the pirate identity she stole is being hunted by notorious bounty hunter and fellow trials competitor, Kressa—the same bounty hunter Briar is supposed to seduce and spy on as a courtesan.
The same woman whose kiss ignited Briar’s dormant magic, breaking all the rules of her curse.
Fifty competitors, three trials, two stolen identities, and one princess desperate enough to risk it all.
Let the games begin.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and maaaan, am I glad I did.
Fated mates. Games and trials. A sapphic love triangle (kind of… at least a little, lol). I absolutely devoured this book. The only reason it took me three days to finish is because I had to be a responsible adult and go to work. Otherwise, this would have been a one-sitting read, no question.
I loved Briar. Her determination to fix what she broke and do the right thing, even when it comes at a personal cost, made her so easy to root for. She is 100% a girl’s girl, and I was here for it the entire time.
This is definitely a slow burn, but when the spice finally hits? Whew. Worth. The. Wait.
The only part I wasn’t completely sold on was her relationship with Queen. Their connection didn’t fully translate for me and at times felt a bit forced. But honestly, that was a small hiccup in an otherwise addictive read.
I’m officially hooked and cannot wait for the second installment.
A decade later, she’s a pickpocket and the king’s favorite courtesan in a foreign, enemy court, working as an undercover spy while having a secret affair with the queen. As punishment for her murderous revenge, she’s stuck on land—cursed, forgotten to history, and stripped of her ruthless power that once made her so formidable. One spray of the sea against her skin will kill her.
She’s trapped, hiding in plain sight, until the King announces a competition in which the winner will be granted a single wish—a wish that could undo her curse. Determined, she conceals herself as a pirate, and magically seals herself to The Gales and its trials.
Only, the pirate identity she stole is being hunted by notorious bounty hunter and fellow trials competitor, Kressa—the same bounty hunter Briar is supposed to seduce and spy on as a courtesan.
The same woman whose kiss ignited Briar’s dormant magic, breaking all the rules of her curse.
Fifty competitors, three trials, two stolen identities, and one princess desperate enough to risk it all.
Let the games begin.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and maaaan, am I glad I did.
Fated mates. Games and trials. A sapphic love triangle (kind of… at least a little, lol). I absolutely devoured this book. The only reason it took me three days to finish is because I had to be a responsible adult and go to work. Otherwise, this would have been a one-sitting read, no question.
I loved Briar. Her determination to fix what she broke and do the right thing, even when it comes at a personal cost, made her so easy to root for. She is 100% a girl’s girl, and I was here for it the entire time.
This is definitely a slow burn, but when the spice finally hits? Whew. Worth. The. Wait.
The only part I wasn’t completely sold on was her relationship with Queen. Their connection didn’t fully translate for me and at times felt a bit forced. But honestly, that was a small hiccup in an otherwise addictive read.
I’m officially hooked and cannot wait for the second installment.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
my rating: ✦✦✦✦✦ — 4.70 stars, rounded up
–✧–
–✧–
this splintered sea is an amazing sapphic romantasy that follows briar, a fallen, forgotten princess-turned-courtesan, as she is assigned by the king to grow close to a mysterious woman named kressa, and learn what she’s hiding—but the seduction quickly-yet-reluctantly grows into something more. soon after, the king announces a series of trials, permitting all but those who work for the royal court to compete for the chance to win a wish. because briar is desperate for her suppressed power to return to her call, she decides to enter the trials using a disguise. since these two events happen simultaneously, briar is forced to juggle three identities at once, and also the problem of her confusing feelings for kressa.
although compulsively readable, this novel grows just a little bit repetitive toward the end. there’s clearly a pattern in kressa and briar’s relationship: getting close to each other, betrayal, and then the revelation that it was done for the other’s love for them. this pattern repeats itself at least three times throughout the novel, and it does get a little redundant. also, i will add that the entire motive for briar to grow close with kressa in the first place is to relay information from her to the king, caelus. but it’s almost as though this point is forgotten, and not brought up until roughly 60% into the story.
overall, this splintered sea was a great indie debut romantasy. i’d suggest it for people who want the appeal of competition-based romantasies like powerless, caraval, and lightlark, but with a splendid sapphic twist.
p.s. the cliffhanger at the end makes me very excited for the sequel!
–✧–
note: this arc was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. thank you to netgalley and victory publishing!
–✧–
stats:
spice 🌶️: 3.5/5
emotion 💧: 2.5/5
memorability 💭: 3/5
thought-provoking-ness 🧠: 1/5
–✧–
“‘I know you well enough to know you amaze me.’”
–✧–
this splintered sea is an amazing sapphic romantasy that follows briar, a fallen, forgotten princess-turned-courtesan, as she is assigned by the king to grow close to a mysterious woman named kressa, and learn what she’s hiding—but the seduction quickly-yet-reluctantly grows into something more. soon after, the king announces a series of trials, permitting all but those who work for the royal court to compete for the chance to win a wish. because briar is desperate for her suppressed power to return to her call, she decides to enter the trials using a disguise. since these two events happen simultaneously, briar is forced to juggle three identities at once, and also the problem of her confusing feelings for kressa.
although compulsively readable, this novel grows just a little bit repetitive toward the end. there’s clearly a pattern in kressa and briar’s relationship: getting close to each other, betrayal, and then the revelation that it was done for the other’s love for them. this pattern repeats itself at least three times throughout the novel, and it does get a little redundant. also, i will add that the entire motive for briar to grow close with kressa in the first place is to relay information from her to the king, caelus. but it’s almost as though this point is forgotten, and not brought up until roughly 60% into the story.
overall, this splintered sea was a great indie debut romantasy. i’d suggest it for people who want the appeal of competition-based romantasies like powerless, caraval, and lightlark, but with a splendid sapphic twist.
p.s. the cliffhanger at the end makes me very excited for the sequel!
–✧–
note: this arc was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. thank you to netgalley and victory publishing!
–✧–
stats:
spice 🌶️: 3.5/5
emotion 💧: 2.5/5
memorability 💭: 3/5
thought-provoking-ness 🧠: 1/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am well aware that there are tropes that I gravitate towards. Magic? Hidden identities? Queer relationships? Yes to all of the above. But queer PIRATES? Sign me up!
First off: there need to be some trigger warnings for domestic/spousal abuse and psychological torture. If those are distressing topics for you, this book may not be for you.
Briar is the exiled Princess of the Sea, cursed to be forgotten, powerless, and doomed to die if she so much as touches the sea. For the past ten years she’s found work as a courtesan and spy in the court of the King of the Air, all the while being in love with his wife. Everything changes when the King announces a to-the-death competition with the surviving winner getting a wish granted by the gods. Briar sneaks in under a false identity, but she can’t avoid the eye of bounty hunter Kressa who, for the first time in a decade, gives Briar a reminder of what it felt like to be powerful. And for the first time in a decade, Briar has hope.
This book was pretty fun. Briar’s yearning and longing for the life she used to have is palpable, and every interaction she had with Thea was chock-full of it. I think her relationships with Thea and Isolde were some of my favorite aspects of the book - they felt real and lived in. But while her relationship with Thea is warm and constant and painful, her relationship with Isolde becomes more and more neglected the closer Briar gets to Kressa and the taste of power she offers. This isn’t something that Briar gets concerned about or really thinks about more than in passing until things blow up in her face.
There were some serious pacing issues with crucial plot points during the false climax, and some reveals that I wish could have been played out differently or given more time to react to. More significantly, I feel some of those plot points, while pushing the story forward, came out of nowhere for some of the characters involved. Maybe there’s something we as readers weren’t privy to that’ll be addressed as the story continues? I’ll be checking out the sequel. (Justice for Isolde!)
First off: there need to be some trigger warnings for domestic/spousal abuse and psychological torture. If those are distressing topics for you, this book may not be for you.
Briar is the exiled Princess of the Sea, cursed to be forgotten, powerless, and doomed to die if she so much as touches the sea. For the past ten years she’s found work as a courtesan and spy in the court of the King of the Air, all the while being in love with his wife. Everything changes when the King announces a to-the-death competition with the surviving winner getting a wish granted by the gods. Briar sneaks in under a false identity, but she can’t avoid the eye of bounty hunter Kressa who, for the first time in a decade, gives Briar a reminder of what it felt like to be powerful. And for the first time in a decade, Briar has hope.
This book was pretty fun. Briar’s yearning and longing for the life she used to have is palpable, and every interaction she had with Thea was chock-full of it. I think her relationships with Thea and Isolde were some of my favorite aspects of the book - they felt real and lived in. But while her relationship with Thea is warm and constant and painful, her relationship with Isolde becomes more and more neglected the closer Briar gets to Kressa and the taste of power she offers. This isn’t something that Briar gets concerned about or really thinks about more than in passing until things blow up in her face.
There were some serious pacing issues with crucial plot points during the false climax, and some reveals that I wish could have been played out differently or given more time to react to. More significantly, I feel some of those plot points, while pushing the story forward, came out of nowhere for some of the characters involved. Maybe there’s something we as readers weren’t privy to that’ll be addressed as the story continues? I’ll be checking out the sequel. (Justice for Isolde!)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was so exciting all throughout. As soon as I started this book I knew it was gonna be M E S S Y. I love a sexy assassin plot and this book delivers.
My main criticism of this book is that there’s a lot of backstory that I feel like should be its own book. Keeping up was a little difficult. Like, Briar can’t touch the sea, but there’s multiple times she does, like when she fights the Kraken or when the Sopor puts her to sleep. There’s also a bunch of different factions, and their powers were difficult to keep up with. Caelus wants to become more powerful than Terra…but why doesn’t Terra just kill him? Also unclear if Caelus knew Briar was the princess of the sea from the start or not.
I did love how all the women in the story were bonafide badasses who outsmart Caelus together. However it was hard to believe that Kressa didn’t connect the dots that Briar and Harriet were the same person. Especially since Kressa has used glamours before. I didn’t like Isolde’s character arc either, I feel like she went from a very sympathetic and lovable character to an evil and jealous antagonist too quickly. She totally could have been a throuple with Kressa and Briar, just saying.
Kressa’s sudden coldness to Briar in the last chapter was also unexpected. I guess we’ll learn more in the next book?
In conclusion… Do you find it super sexy when an assassin lifts their mark’s chin with the tip of their sword? Even better, when the assassin and their mark are in lesbians with each other? If so, then this book is for you.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to have read an advanced copy this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My main criticism of this book is that there’s a lot of backstory that I feel like should be its own book. Keeping up was a little difficult. Like, Briar can’t touch the sea, but there’s multiple times she does, like when she fights the Kraken or when the Sopor puts her to sleep. There’s also a bunch of different factions, and their powers were difficult to keep up with. Caelus wants to become more powerful than Terra…but why doesn’t Terra just kill him? Also unclear if Caelus knew Briar was the princess of the sea from the start or not.
I did love how all the women in the story were bonafide badasses who outsmart Caelus together. However it was hard to believe that Kressa didn’t connect the dots that Briar and Harriet were the same person. Especially since Kressa has used glamours before. I didn’t like Isolde’s character arc either, I feel like she went from a very sympathetic and lovable character to an evil and jealous antagonist too quickly. She totally could have been a throuple with Kressa and Briar, just saying.
Kressa’s sudden coldness to Briar in the last chapter was also unexpected. I guess we’ll learn more in the next book?
In conclusion… Do you find it super sexy when an assassin lifts their mark’s chin with the tip of their sword? Even better, when the assassin and their mark are in lesbians with each other? If so, then this book is for you.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to have read an advanced copy this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Overall it was a great story. Full of intrigue, betrayals, secrets, adventures, trials and a really really hate worthy villain and boy, did I really hate the bad guy. There was enough suspense and tension throughout to keep me glued to the book and on the edge of my seat even if occasionally the plot felt thin and illogical.
As for the main character, Briar was a little underwhelming at times like at first she's brave and then a few pages later she's so cowardly, overconfident and then starts doubting everything she does, really smart and then she does something stupid. This back and forth throughout the book started to feel tiring and annoying.
The other thing I did not like was the writing style. Specifically in how a location or situation was described. Many times I felt difficulty in picturing what exactly was happening or where exactly the location is supposed to be. It's the lack of details and also a poorly constructed narrative of how event A proceeded to event B and then became event C etc. The path of it is unclear and confused.
The love in the story was a rather complicated three way affair. With feelings of distrust, jealousy and betrayal being the main theme of it as we're slowly weaned off one of the love interest.
So in conclusion it was a thoroughly entertaining story and I look forward to the second book of this trilogy.
Received a free ARC from NetGalley for review.
As for the main character, Briar was a little underwhelming at times like at first she's brave and then a few pages later she's so cowardly, overconfident and then starts doubting everything she does, really smart and then she does something stupid. This back and forth throughout the book started to feel tiring and annoying.
The other thing I did not like was the writing style. Specifically in how a location or situation was described. Many times I felt difficulty in picturing what exactly was happening or where exactly the location is supposed to be. It's the lack of details and also a poorly constructed narrative of how event A proceeded to event B and then became event C etc. The path of it is unclear and confused.
The love in the story was a rather complicated three way affair. With feelings of distrust, jealousy and betrayal being the main theme of it as we're slowly weaned off one of the love interest.
So in conclusion it was a thoroughly entertaining story and I look forward to the second book of this trilogy.
Received a free ARC from NetGalley for review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This Splintered Sea is a sharp, fast-paced sapphic pirate romantasy that hooked me early and never really let go. With high-stakes trials, intricate magic systems, and layered court politics, the story balances tension and worldbuilding in a way that feels immersive.
It’s fast-paced without feeling rushed. Each trial raises the stakes and reveals new complexities, keeping the momentum strong throughout. The characters are compelling and layered, and their choices carry real weight, making it easy to stay emotionally invested in their journeys.
The sapphic romance is woven thoughtfully into the narrative: present, meaningful, and emotionally resonant without overwhelming the larger plot. It enhances the story rather than pulling focus, which allows both the emotional arc and the overarching conflict to shine.
The ending… Did I want to throw my kindle? Yes. Did I want to scream? Yes. HOWEVER, I am choosing to stay positive and focus on the promise of more. (Haley, PLEASE) Rather than feeling abrupt, it leaves you eager to return to this world and see what comes next for these characters.
If you enjoy romantasy with intense trials, magical court intrigue, and a well-balanced sapphic romance, This Splintered Sea is one to add to your TBR immediately. I will be re-reading until the next book is dropped. (She says before the debut is dropped) WUH LUH WUHs, line up. This is for us.
It’s fast-paced without feeling rushed. Each trial raises the stakes and reveals new complexities, keeping the momentum strong throughout. The characters are compelling and layered, and their choices carry real weight, making it easy to stay emotionally invested in their journeys.
The sapphic romance is woven thoughtfully into the narrative: present, meaningful, and emotionally resonant without overwhelming the larger plot. It enhances the story rather than pulling focus, which allows both the emotional arc and the overarching conflict to shine.
The ending… Did I want to throw my kindle? Yes. Did I want to scream? Yes. HOWEVER, I am choosing to stay positive and focus on the promise of more. (Haley, PLEASE) Rather than feeling abrupt, it leaves you eager to return to this world and see what comes next for these characters.
If you enjoy romantasy with intense trials, magical court intrigue, and a well-balanced sapphic romance, This Splintered Sea is one to add to your TBR immediately. I will be re-reading until the next book is dropped. (She says before the debut is dropped) WUH LUH WUHs, line up. This is for us.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
Once a feared captain sung about in sea shanties, Briar, Princess of the Sea, is now cursed to live on land as a pickpocket and courtesan in an enemy court. One touch of seawater will kill her. When a deadly pirate competition promises a single wish that could undo her curse, she steals an identity and enters the trials — only to clash with Kressa, a notorious bounty hunter she’s also meant to seduce and spy on.
The premise is excellent: curses, stolen identities, sea monsters, and high-stakes trials. Unfortunately, I never fully connected with the characters. Briar’s many roles often felt like costumes rather than lived experiences, and I struggled to believe that Kressa wouldn’t see through her charade much earlier. Ironically, my favorite character was the kraken, who appears exactly twice and still stole the show.
Atmospheric and ambitious, but for me this remained more interesting than immersive, and the cliffhanger didn’t quite land.
For you, if you like:
• Sea monsters
• Betrayal, curses, and secrets
Not for you, if you dislike:
• LGBTQ+ representation
• The sea and ships
• Cliffhangers
I received an arc for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Once a feared captain sung about in sea shanties, Briar, Princess of the Sea, is now cursed to live on land as a pickpocket and courtesan in an enemy court. One touch of seawater will kill her. When a deadly pirate competition promises a single wish that could undo her curse, she steals an identity and enters the trials — only to clash with Kressa, a notorious bounty hunter she’s also meant to seduce and spy on.
The premise is excellent: curses, stolen identities, sea monsters, and high-stakes trials. Unfortunately, I never fully connected with the characters. Briar’s many roles often felt like costumes rather than lived experiences, and I struggled to believe that Kressa wouldn’t see through her charade much earlier. Ironically, my favorite character was the kraken, who appears exactly twice and still stole the show.
Atmospheric and ambitious, but for me this remained more interesting than immersive, and the cliffhanger didn’t quite land.
For you, if you like:
• Sea monsters
• Betrayal, curses, and secrets
Not for you, if you dislike:
• LGBTQ+ representation
• The sea and ships
• Cliffhangers
I received an arc for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up. Thank you to NetGalley and Munroe for the ARC opportunity.
This story was vivid, full of pirate, court intrigue, magic, and some great push-and-pull romance. If you’re interested in fated mates, secrets, and women fighting against corruption, this is definitely something to pick up.
I am obsessed with Briar and Kressa together. Characters who are so drawn to each other is a trope I eat up.
The whole concept is intriguing too. It’s a nice twist on a magic system and it wasn’t so overly detailed that I could lost in the mechanics of it all. Plus, I feel like the plot twists were pulled off VERY well. I think I only guessed one out of the many.
My only gripes, pulling it down half a star from a perfect score, were small but present. A few chapters here and there, the narrative felt like it didn’t transition as smoothly. Some of the plot points could’ve been followed through stronger, also. I would’ve liked to see more of Isolde, honestly.
I do wish we got a little bit more consistency from Briar and Kressa in terms of their relationship. The maddening back and forth was surely intentional but I’m an impatient person!
This is a story I can see myself rereading for sure. I’m very, very interested in a sequel!!!
This story was vivid, full of pirate, court intrigue, magic, and some great push-and-pull romance. If you’re interested in fated mates, secrets, and women fighting against corruption, this is definitely something to pick up.
I am obsessed with Briar and Kressa together. Characters who are so drawn to each other is a trope I eat up.
The whole concept is intriguing too. It’s a nice twist on a magic system and it wasn’t so overly detailed that I could lost in the mechanics of it all. Plus, I feel like the plot twists were pulled off VERY well. I think I only guessed one out of the many.
My only gripes, pulling it down half a star from a perfect score, were small but present. A few chapters here and there, the narrative felt like it didn’t transition as smoothly. Some of the plot points could’ve been followed through stronger, also. I would’ve liked to see more of Isolde, honestly.
I do wish we got a little bit more consistency from Briar and Kressa in terms of their relationship. The maddening back and forth was surely intentional but I’m an impatient person!
This is a story I can see myself rereading for sure. I’m very, very interested in a sequel!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early.
This Splintered Sea follows Briar, the vanished Princess of the Sea, and Kressa, a competitor Briar is drawn through, as they undergo the king's trials to gain one wish.
I loved this book! The characters and the world were so interesting and I was really rooting for Briar and Kressa by the end. I also thought the twists were really well done and had me unable to put the book down because I wanted to know what happened next.
I did feel like it started very abruptly and I found it difficult to know who the characters were and what the world was like. I would've loved a little more on the world and how the powers worked earlier as I found it so interesting.
But overall this was a very enjoyable read and I hope there's a sequel!
Thank you again to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.
This Splintered Sea follows Briar, the vanished Princess of the Sea, and Kressa, a competitor Briar is drawn through, as they undergo the king's trials to gain one wish.
I loved this book! The characters and the world were so interesting and I was really rooting for Briar and Kressa by the end. I also thought the twists were really well done and had me unable to put the book down because I wanted to know what happened next.
I did feel like it started very abruptly and I found it difficult to know who the characters were and what the world was like. I would've loved a little more on the world and how the powers worked earlier as I found it so interesting.
But overall this was a very enjoyable read and I hope there's a sequel!
Thank you again to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Something about pirates and sea creatures gets me everytime! This story presented some unique elements to tried and true romantasy tropes. We have curses, trials, sea monsters, pirates, bonded mates, and even gods. A lot going on in this world and I was pretty quickly pulled in.
This was my first sapphic (F/F) romantasy and I loved the connection between Briar and Kressa. At one point I wondered if the author had originally set Kressa as a boy just because there wasn't necessarily anything specifically feminine about her but that could have been her intention. That said, I enjoyed the story and their tension was evident from the moment they met. I also like that there was a bit of a love triangle (or maybe it was a square??).
There are definitely some indications that there might be more to the powers that both Kressa and Briar have and that ending has you excited to see what happens next!
Thanks to NetGally for this ARC.
This was my first sapphic (F/F) romantasy and I loved the connection between Briar and Kressa. At one point I wondered if the author had originally set Kressa as a boy just because there wasn't necessarily anything specifically feminine about her but that could have been her intention. That said, I enjoyed the story and their tension was evident from the moment they met. I also like that there was a bit of a love triangle (or maybe it was a square??).
There are definitely some indications that there might be more to the powers that both Kressa and Briar have and that ending has you excited to see what happens next!
Thanks to NetGally for this ARC.
February 9, 2026
Our main character Briar is the princess of the sea. She has been cursed by her decisions and cannot use her powers or touch the sea or else she will die.
From the moment I started this book I was immediately drawn in. There was so much action and so many twists. I loved the competition that that characters in the book must compete in. The winner will be granted 1 wish.
I really enjoyed Kressa’s character. She is a badass bounty hunter who is fearless and will do anything for the people she loves.
I do wish there was more world building and more explanation on the different courts and the powers that the characters possess. Some bits were a little confusing to visualize, but overall I really enjoyed the story. Hopefully in book 2 more of the courts and powers are explained. Really enjoyed this read!
Thank you to Netgalley and Haley Munroe for sending me sending me an ARC of this fantastic book!
From the moment I started this book I was immediately drawn in. There was so much action and so many twists. I loved the competition that that characters in the book must compete in. The winner will be granted 1 wish.
I really enjoyed Kressa’s character. She is a badass bounty hunter who is fearless and will do anything for the people she loves.
I do wish there was more world building and more explanation on the different courts and the powers that the characters possess. Some bits were a little confusing to visualize, but overall I really enjoyed the story. Hopefully in book 2 more of the courts and powers are explained. Really enjoyed this read!
Thank you to Netgalley and Haley Munroe for sending me sending me an ARC of this fantastic book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Time for a better review now that I had some time to let this book sink in.
This read was something else. Haley J Munroe certainly has an amazing series on her hand. From the slight hints at bigger plots at play to the absolutely amazing chemistry between all characters this was a ride from start to finish. I felt for the main character.
Briar is someone a lot of queer people can relate to. "Who am I in a world that deleted my existence". Nobody can speak of her, any mention of her is heavily punished. Yet nobody knows that she is still alive and kicking arse. Who are you in a world like that? What does it do to you? Forced into a role you do not want and living in a way that is not you. This will speak to a lot of people. Both Briar and Isolde are forced into a life they don't want to lead and yet they choose two completely different ways of handling it.
Kressa is Briar's crowbar of freedom. Leading to self acceptance, development and ultimately ending in a final huge confrontation of herself.
I can write so much more about the story, the plot, the romance but trust me. It's worth it!
This read was something else. Haley J Munroe certainly has an amazing series on her hand. From the slight hints at bigger plots at play to the absolutely amazing chemistry between all characters this was a ride from start to finish. I felt for the main character.
Briar is someone a lot of queer people can relate to. "Who am I in a world that deleted my existence". Nobody can speak of her, any mention of her is heavily punished. Yet nobody knows that she is still alive and kicking arse. Who are you in a world like that? What does it do to you? Forced into a role you do not want and living in a way that is not you. This will speak to a lot of people. Both Briar and Isolde are forced into a life they don't want to lead and yet they choose two completely different ways of handling it.
Kressa is Briar's crowbar of freedom. Leading to self acceptance, development and ultimately ending in a final huge confrontation of herself.
I can write so much more about the story, the plot, the romance but trust me. It's worth it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
High stakes and fast paced sapphic romantic fantasy! we begin with a curse, a Princess, a Tyrant, and a love story! Throw open the doors and run into this world!
I don’t know what it is (yes i do) about that first passionate kiss between women that just makes my heart flutter and steals my breath - a forbidden love, and one i’d be happy didn’t exist (ugh).
and a possible triangle?? enemies to…? oh this is GOOD!!! 🔥🔥🔥
my whole day just became about this book. grown up responsibilities be damned!!
The crescendo. The heart pounding suspense. It’s real… and I am gripping my kindle in fear and hope! *screams internally
Betrayals, secrets, lies, trials, elemental power… it has everything. it IS everything!!
Thank you to Netgalley for the gifted eARC!!
High stakes and fast paced sapphic romantic fantasy! we begin with a curse, a Princess, a Tyrant, and a love story! Throw open the doors and run into this world!
I don’t know what it is (yes i do) about that first passionate kiss between women that just makes my heart flutter and steals my breath - a forbidden love, and one i’d be happy didn’t exist (ugh).
and a possible triangle?? enemies to…? oh this is GOOD!!! 🔥🔥🔥
my whole day just became about this book. grown up responsibilities be damned!!
The crescendo. The heart pounding suspense. It’s real… and I am gripping my kindle in fear and hope! *screams internally
Betrayals, secrets, lies, trials, elemental power… it has everything. it IS everything!!
Thank you to Netgalley for the gifted eARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
O.M.G. First off.
Second of, all a cliffhanger!? 😭 How could you do this to us!
No but really, I actually cannot wait for what you have in store for the future of this, honestly. Set up so well, your character arcs are awesome, the overarching storyline, fantastic!
Also helps that right from the start, I wanted to throttle Caelus myself! 😁
At first (I'm talking maybe the first couple chapters) I wasn't sure it would grip my interest, but my goodness I am so glad I stuck with it! The way I bawled after Terras judgement!
Each little twist had me like 'excuse me? Oooh that kinda makes sense. But how? Ohhhh maybe...?'
Could picture each and every moment in my head as I was reading.
Actually LOVE your writing, thank you so so so much.'
Second of, all a cliffhanger!? 😭 How could you do this to us!
No but really, I actually cannot wait for what you have in store for the future of this, honestly. Set up so well, your character arcs are awesome, the overarching storyline, fantastic!
Also helps that right from the start, I wanted to throttle Caelus myself! 😁
At first (I'm talking maybe the first couple chapters) I wasn't sure it would grip my interest, but my goodness I am so glad I stuck with it! The way I bawled after Terras judgement!
Each little twist had me like 'excuse me? Oooh that kinda makes sense. But how? Ohhhh maybe...?'
Could picture each and every moment in my head as I was reading.
Actually LOVE your writing, thank you so so so much.'
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Holy. Bajama.
Mark my words, you're about to see Haley J Munroe all over booktok, bookstagram... the whole book world with This Splintered Sea.
I have been in a huge reading slump lately. So much romantasy has been feeling like a copy paste of trope salad. But this book had me in a chokehold. The writing, the tension, the emotional depth blew me away.
I need the next one as soon as possible.
I know it's only January but I'm certain This Splintered Sea has earned its place in my top 5 for 2026. It'll be hard to beat.
Thank you for the opportunity to read an early copy!!
Mark my words, you're about to see Haley J Munroe all over booktok, bookstagram... the whole book world with This Splintered Sea.
I have been in a huge reading slump lately. So much romantasy has been feeling like a copy paste of trope salad. But this book had me in a chokehold. The writing, the tension, the emotional depth blew me away.
I need the next one as soon as possible.
I know it's only January but I'm certain This Splintered Sea has earned its place in my top 5 for 2026. It'll be hard to beat.
Thank you for the opportunity to read an early copy!!
February 7, 2026
Thank you to Haley J Munroe and NetGalley for the ARC!
Pirates of the Caribbean meets Throne of Glass but make it sapphic? Say less.
I would have liked to see a bit more world-building/explanation of the magic system earlier in the book but the trials were action-packed, the love triangle was juicy, and even the side characters were entertaining! I hope the author continues this story with follow-up books - I want more!
Pirates of the Caribbean meets Throne of Glass but make it sapphic? Say less.
I would have liked to see a bit more world-building/explanation of the magic system earlier in the book but the trials were action-packed, the love triangle was juicy, and even the side characters were entertaining! I hope the author continues this story with follow-up books - I want more!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was everything I could have hoped for. Finally a boom that actually has wlw in it when they say they do. This is the best book I’ve read this year. Will definitely purchase once it’s released. I loved this world she’s created. Kept me on my toes the whole time. It’s not even released yet and I already can’t wait for the next one.
February 5, 2026
This book was captivating from the start. I have not finished a book this fast in many years. With twists and turns in every chapter, I was always kept wanting more and to keep reading. This story is brilliantly written. The enemies to lovers storyline is to die for. I’m only upset that it ends on a cliffhanger and I have to wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2026
I had the chance to read this book early as an ARC reader, and I’m honestly so happy I got that opportunity. It’s a really great book and not cliché at all. It’s also very fast-paced, which I really enjoyed because it kept me reading. I honestly can’t wait for the second book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Incredible. The plot was divine. There were unexpected plot twists that shook me to the core of the ocean. Kressa could make me do anything. I need this and the second book immediately Ms Munroe!!
February 6, 2026
Haley has done something special here—she takes tropes we know and love (lost princess, trials, enemies to lovers) and makes them sparkle. This book is fast paced from the jump, sucking the reader in with high stakes, quick-witted dialogue, and the perfect amount of romantic tension. It was a joy to read!
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