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The Winterflame Dragon #1
Dragon of the Deep
Not yet published
Expected 26 Jan 27Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 22:28:49
10 copies available
U.S. only
From New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis comes the first book in a breathtaking new romantic fantasy duology about a woman exiled by superstition who joins a dragon-hunting voyage only to be caught between a formidable longship captain, a prince destined for the throne, and an ancient power that could change her fate…or destroy a kingdom.
Branded as bad luck and bound to her barren island home by the superstition of skalds and sailors alike, Emelya has no future…until she risks her life to save a storm-tossed longship and boldly challenges formidable—and dangerously compelling—Captain Ragnar to let her prove her worth.
But what begins as a desperate gamble soon becomes the adventure of a lifetime, for the crew is hunting a legendary colossal dragon—a mythic beast said to bear the old gods' blessing. Only Prince Erik, the devastatingly handsome (and charming) son of an ailing king, believes the myths are true…just as he believes Emelya may be the key to helping him unlock their ancient power.
As the longship sails farther north, storms rage, monsters rise from icy depths, and the line between legend and death grows perilously thin…and Emelya finds herself caught between an ancient power meant for kings and the love of two men that could bring ruin to them all.
By the dragon's choosing, Queens will rise and Kingdoms will shatter.
Branded as bad luck and bound to her barren island home by the superstition of skalds and sailors alike, Emelya has no future…until she risks her life to save a storm-tossed longship and boldly challenges formidable—and dangerously compelling—Captain Ragnar to let her prove her worth.
But what begins as a desperate gamble soon becomes the adventure of a lifetime, for the crew is hunting a legendary colossal dragon—a mythic beast said to bear the old gods' blessing. Only Prince Erik, the devastatingly handsome (and charming) son of an ailing king, believes the myths are true…just as he believes Emelya may be the key to helping him unlock their ancient power.
As the longship sails farther north, storms rage, monsters rise from icy depths, and the line between legend and death grows perilously thin…and Emelya finds herself caught between an ancient power meant for kings and the love of two men that could bring ruin to them all.
By the dragon's choosing, Queens will rise and Kingdoms will shatter.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 26, 2027
About the author
Beth Revis
59 books6,847 followersBeth Revis writes books. She also eats too much chocolate, wishes she could travel more, and prefers puppies to people. Beth lives in rural NC with her boys: one husband, one son, two very large puppies.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3,5 ⭐️
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.
I really loved the foundation of this world and how it was presented to us through the story. The old gods, the Mother, the runes, and the different kinds of dragons – it was super interesting and imaginative and definitely some of the strongest aspects of the book. It was obvious that the author did a lot of research and really cared about the way she spun the Scandinavian inspiration into her own story, and the world she created was all the better for it.
The dragons were hands down my favorite part of the book. I really liked how they were an integral part of society and how they had different roles and purposes that felt so real and realistic. And I loved getting to know both the adorable Poppy and the magnificent Isbrøt. Emelya's bond with both of them was incredibly special to read about.
Unfortunately, I wasn't completely sold on the romance. It happened so fast and I never really thought it felt natural or truly believable. The way their feelings developed so early on and with barely any interactions between them just didn't really make sense to me and ended up feeling forced. Furthermore, I think a lot of the dialogue felt slightly awkward and unnatural, and it just never really clicked for me. These things ended up affecting my overall enjoyment of the book, which is why my rating isn't higher – but it definitely still had some strong elements and themes throughout, and I mostly had a good time. It was fun! So, if you're looking for a book filled with dragons, seafaring adventure, and rich lore, you should check this out.
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.
I really loved the foundation of this world and how it was presented to us through the story. The old gods, the Mother, the runes, and the different kinds of dragons – it was super interesting and imaginative and definitely some of the strongest aspects of the book. It was obvious that the author did a lot of research and really cared about the way she spun the Scandinavian inspiration into her own story, and the world she created was all the better for it.
The dragons were hands down my favorite part of the book. I really liked how they were an integral part of society and how they had different roles and purposes that felt so real and realistic. And I loved getting to know both the adorable Poppy and the magnificent Isbrøt. Emelya's bond with both of them was incredibly special to read about.
Unfortunately, I wasn't completely sold on the romance. It happened so fast and I never really thought it felt natural or truly believable. The way their feelings developed so early on and with barely any interactions between them just didn't really make sense to me and ended up feeling forced. Furthermore, I think a lot of the dialogue felt slightly awkward and unnatural, and it just never really clicked for me. These things ended up affecting my overall enjoyment of the book, which is why my rating isn't higher – but it definitely still had some strong elements and themes throughout, and I mostly had a good time. It was fun! So, if you're looking for a book filled with dragons, seafaring adventure, and rich lore, you should check this out.
Want to Read
July 3, 2026🐉🌊 Dragon of the Deep 🐉🌊
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨What to Expect
• Dragon Hunting
• Seafaring Adventure
• Norse Inspired
• Ancient Magic
• Forced Proximity
• Epic Romantasy
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: January 26, 2027
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨What to Expect
• Dragon Hunting
• Seafaring Adventure
• Norse Inspired
• Ancient Magic
• Forced Proximity
• Epic Romantasy
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: January 26, 2027
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
August 15, 2026
I love Beth Revis, and this book is just another banger from her! This story centers on a woman who is an outcast and trapped in an island with her locker sized dragon, but she dreams of following her mother’s legacy of navigating on the sea. A series of events occur that draw her into ancient prophecy, a royal quest, mounting police tension, and dragon bonding. This is a sea faring fantasy with yearning, found family, high stakes, fast paced action, and sentient dragons. I loved the experience of reading the story and was totally invested in the character’s arcs and conflict. I can’t wait for the next installment!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was unsure what to expect from Dragon of the Deep as I'm a huge dragon fan but mostly have not connected with popular "romantasy" novels, despite enjoying both fantasy and a good romance. I think the problem comes down authors abandoning one in favour of the other, often ignoring the fantasy and worldbuilding to focus mostly on the romance. Dragon of the Deep actually has the opposite problem: the worldbuilding is fantastic, so good that it took me longer than it should have to realise that the romance was bare-bones and skipping too many steps to try and force deep, meaningful connections between people who only met one or two days ago.
Despite my criticisms, I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. (Romantasies sometimes wind up a straight, early DNF for me.) The worldbuilding was amazing. I love dragons (and firelizards, wow, Poppy is such a callback to Pern), so I loved a world that has integrated small-ish dragons into their daily lives, to power forges and ships, to set gold/metal engravings, to harden wood, to keep a hearth going in a kitchen. The dragons felt so natural and useful in the Norse-Viking world that the author has created. I loved the mythology, too, of the various gods and religions, and the epic tales of past heroes. I felt a lot of research behind the temples, using ropes to propel characters around ships and to decorate high walls and ceilings, the construction of period-appropriate ships, the methods of making and setting paint, etc. Realistic details help make the larger world feel real even when it gets more fantastic. I can believe in a Viking quest to find giant dragons because the details of the Viking ship and life on that ship make it grounded.
The politics and brewing war were interesting. I wish we'd had a bit more of that in this novel, if they'd had to visit one of those other kingdoms on their journey after picking up Emelya, rather than having done all that before the novel started.
I also really connected with Emelya's struggles in the early book, her harsh life stranded on an island that wasn't even her home, with people who have decided she can't leave because who doesn't love an easy punching bag and/or culprit for all your own problems. I admired her resilience, and her efforts to keep herself paid, fed, and somewhat mentally-healthy.
I honestly think that this could have been a straight-up "fantasy" novel, rather than a romantasy, if there had been less insta-lust, more time building character connections (eg. less of the "I'll do it only for you" when YOU ONLY MET YESTERDAY), and written in third-person perspective. This novel uses first person POVs that sound exactly the same across three wildly different characters -- some more effort in separating Voices and making them unique would have been nice.
But since this IS a romantasy, there is a huge focus on a (very unnecessary) love quadrangle, and sadly the time spent on it doesn't manage to develop it properly. I was at the 25% mark, 40% mark, 50% mark (and so on) before I knew it, so I think this novel is perhaps shorter than it could have been -- and should have been, to develop the relationships better. There were scenes between FMC Emelya and one of her two love interests, Prince Erik, that could have been good relationship-builders, and scenes (like after her rescue) that were meant to be longing and poignant. The problem is that they've only known each other for two days at that point, and he's spouting lines like "I need you to know that you're worth everything" (including risking his quest to save his kingdom and his family). Because the work wasn't put in to build the relationship over time, this comes off as weird and unearned instead of deep and meaningful. The second love interest, Captain Ragnar, needed a lot more work. I never saw any good reason why his strong dislike of her would turn into attraction, other than him springing a boner at their first physically-close brush (initiated solely by him) the day after they met, as if he hadn't seen a woman in months (his crew is 80% female). I felt there was less effort to forge a connection between Ragnar and Emelya than there was between Erik and Emelya (who at least discussed stories, politics, their personal backgrounds and traumas), so it felt very empty as a potential relationship choice. Other than lust and proximity, what did they have?
My other big gripe is a repeated lack of consistency. This happens both in small details (one scene has Emelya's hair in braids, then weaving the braids into a crown so they're not loose, then loose unbraided hair that she then re-braids, then loose again to put into a bun -- no timeskip, no mention of how/why the previously-stated hairstyle was changed... just random changes like too many edits were spliced together) and in larger relationship-building details (Erik believes Emelya has been sent by the gods to help him but he was also planning to abandon her with no thanks for saving his life, his ship, and his crew; Ragnar hates the idea of Emelya on his ship and wants to throw her off but he was also the only one to pull her safely onto the ship when she tried to board it during a storm). There's also background-culture inconsistencies, such as culturally-acceptable nudity: the women all feel fine to strip off around the men, but for the men it's a titillating thrill they shouldn't be watching... which is it? One character attempts to murder another in a vicious, torturous manner, and only gets a stern warning because hey she felt scared after realising there might be consequences for her actions, so it's definitely fine to have zero punishment for a murder attempt that was very almost successful. The small detail inconsistencies speak to a lack of editing that worries me for a trad-published novel. The larger inconsistencies to issues with character arcs and development, which makes me fear that there won't be a satisfying conclusion to the romance/s in the second half of this duology.
Overall, this wasn't quite for me, even if it was closer to my preferences than I expected. I think romantasy fans looking for more fantasy worldbuilding than the average romantasy novel provides will find a lot to enjoy here.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3 stars - Fantastic worldbuilding but far too many skips in developing romance or any relationships between characters, so depends which one you value more.
Despite my criticisms, I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. (Romantasies sometimes wind up a straight, early DNF for me.) The worldbuilding was amazing. I love dragons (and firelizards, wow, Poppy is such a callback to Pern), so I loved a world that has integrated small-ish dragons into their daily lives, to power forges and ships, to set gold/metal engravings, to harden wood, to keep a hearth going in a kitchen. The dragons felt so natural and useful in the Norse-Viking world that the author has created. I loved the mythology, too, of the various gods and religions, and the epic tales of past heroes. I felt a lot of research behind the temples, using ropes to propel characters around ships and to decorate high walls and ceilings, the construction of period-appropriate ships, the methods of making and setting paint, etc. Realistic details help make the larger world feel real even when it gets more fantastic. I can believe in a Viking quest to find giant dragons because the details of the Viking ship and life on that ship make it grounded.
The politics and brewing war were interesting. I wish we'd had a bit more of that in this novel, if they'd had to visit one of those other kingdoms on their journey after picking up Emelya, rather than having done all that before the novel started.
I also really connected with Emelya's struggles in the early book, her harsh life stranded on an island that wasn't even her home, with people who have decided she can't leave because who doesn't love an easy punching bag and/or culprit for all your own problems. I admired her resilience, and her efforts to keep herself paid, fed, and somewhat mentally-healthy.
I honestly think that this could have been a straight-up "fantasy" novel, rather than a romantasy, if there had been less insta-lust, more time building character connections (eg. less of the "I'll do it only for you" when YOU ONLY MET YESTERDAY), and written in third-person perspective. This novel uses first person POVs that sound exactly the same across three wildly different characters -- some more effort in separating Voices and making them unique would have been nice.
But since this IS a romantasy, there is a huge focus on a (very unnecessary) love quadrangle, and sadly the time spent on it doesn't manage to develop it properly. I was at the 25% mark, 40% mark, 50% mark (and so on) before I knew it, so I think this novel is perhaps shorter than it could have been -- and should have been, to develop the relationships better. There were scenes between FMC Emelya and one of her two love interests, Prince Erik, that could have been good relationship-builders, and scenes (like after her rescue) that were meant to be longing and poignant. The problem is that they've only known each other for two days at that point, and he's spouting lines like "I need you to know that you're worth everything" (including risking his quest to save his kingdom and his family). Because the work wasn't put in to build the relationship over time, this comes off as weird and unearned instead of deep and meaningful. The second love interest, Captain Ragnar, needed a lot more work. I never saw any good reason why his strong dislike of her would turn into attraction, other than him springing a boner at their first physically-close brush (initiated solely by him) the day after they met, as if he hadn't seen a woman in months (his crew is 80% female). I felt there was less effort to forge a connection between Ragnar and Emelya than there was between Erik and Emelya (who at least discussed stories, politics, their personal backgrounds and traumas), so it felt very empty as a potential relationship choice. Other than lust and proximity, what did they have?
My other big gripe is a repeated lack of consistency. This happens both in small details (one scene has Emelya's hair in braids, then weaving the braids into a crown so they're not loose, then loose unbraided hair that she then re-braids, then loose again to put into a bun -- no timeskip, no mention of how/why the previously-stated hairstyle was changed... just random changes like too many edits were spliced together) and in larger relationship-building details (Erik believes Emelya has been sent by the gods to help him but he was also planning to abandon her with no thanks for saving his life, his ship, and his crew; Ragnar hates the idea of Emelya on his ship and wants to throw her off but he was also the only one to pull her safely onto the ship when she tried to board it during a storm). There's also background-culture inconsistencies, such as culturally-acceptable nudity: the women all feel fine to strip off around the men, but for the men it's a titillating thrill they shouldn't be watching... which is it? One character attempts to murder another in a vicious, torturous manner, and only gets a stern warning because hey she felt scared after realising there might be consequences for her actions, so it's definitely fine to have zero punishment for a murder attempt that was very almost successful. The small detail inconsistencies speak to a lack of editing that worries me for a trad-published novel. The larger inconsistencies to issues with character arcs and development, which makes me fear that there won't be a satisfying conclusion to the romance/s in the second half of this duology.
Overall, this wasn't quite for me, even if it was closer to my preferences than I expected. I think romantasy fans looking for more fantasy worldbuilding than the average romantasy novel provides will find a lot to enjoy here.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3 stars - Fantastic worldbuilding but far too many skips in developing romance or any relationships between characters, so depends which one you value more.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Beth Revis for this exciting new romantasy! With dragons! Emelya longs to be back at sea, but the town having branded her cursed means no one will let her join their crew. But one stormy night, she saves a man who's been knocked overboard and then jumps aboard. Turns out they're on a crazy mission that will gradually be revealed and Emelya is exactly who they need. I can't remember a time recently where a book actually had my heart racing from the action, but this absolutely succeeds there several times! I await the sequel anxiously!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Here is a picture of the delightful ARC that they sent me:
Dragon of the Deep by Beth Revis is the first book in a Norse or Viking-inspired romantasy duology. The story revolves around Emelya, who joins a dragon-hunting voyage and finds herself caught between two men: Captain Ragnar and Prince Erik, the heir to the throne. They are hunting a dragon who has mythical powers, but not all believe that they will actually find the dragon. As the sea rages and sea monsters lurk, Emelya will need to decide who to trust and ultimately who to love.
Overall, Dragon of the Deep is an adult fantasy romance that will appeal to fans of Karina Halle and Victoria Ayegard. One highlight of this book is the stunning cover. I love the edges of the cover are adorned with Viking or perhaps Viking-inspired runes. It is details like that that made me stare in awe at the cover. Another highlight of this book is the world-building. I felt like I had been transported to a Norse fantasy world, and I absolutely didn't want to leave. If you're intrigued by the summary above, or if you're a fan of fantasy in general, you won't regret checking out this book when it comes out in January!
Here is a picture of the delightful ARC that they sent me:
Dragon of the Deep by Beth Revis is the first book in a Norse or Viking-inspired romantasy duology. The story revolves around Emelya, who joins a dragon-hunting voyage and finds herself caught between two men: Captain Ragnar and Prince Erik, the heir to the throne. They are hunting a dragon who has mythical powers, but not all believe that they will actually find the dragon. As the sea rages and sea monsters lurk, Emelya will need to decide who to trust and ultimately who to love.
Overall, Dragon of the Deep is an adult fantasy romance that will appeal to fans of Karina Halle and Victoria Ayegard. One highlight of this book is the stunning cover. I love the edges of the cover are adorned with Viking or perhaps Viking-inspired runes. It is details like that that made me stare in awe at the cover. Another highlight of this book is the world-building. I felt like I had been transported to a Norse fantasy world, and I absolutely didn't want to leave. If you're intrigued by the summary above, or if you're a fan of fantasy in general, you won't regret checking out this book when it comes out in January!
Read
September 12, 2026I received a free copy from Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley in exchange for a fair review. Release date January 26th, 2027.
Review held until December 28th by request of the publisher.
Review held until December 28th by request of the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fun fantasy with vikings vibes and who doesn't love dragons and bonds. The book leaves on a cliffhanger so I'm excited to see where the story goes. There is some smut, a wonderful adventure.
July 1, 2026
First off, thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for this ARC!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!
Wow, this book thoroughly surprised me. I really enjoyed it! I’ve been enjoying a lot of the Nordic and Viking inspired books the last few years and this was a standout. The mixture of dragons and a Viking world with rich world building and historically based evidence - amazing!
The author said she was inspired by How to Train a Dragon, and I see that! I loved the inspiration and the end result. The world was so interesting and I was sold from page 1.
I loved our main lead and she felt real. Yes, she made some mistakes and one of them bugged me the entire book, but she also grew and by the end made the right choices.
There is an entanglement of romance but I felt like this book focused heavily on the mission within the story and on lore. By the end, I understand why things happened the way they did with the story.
If you’re a fan of Demi Winters but want just a sprinkle more of fantasy, this is the book for you!
Ragnar, you sweet stoic captain. Be true to yourself! And fight for what you want.
I’m so pumped for the next book!!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!
Wow, this book thoroughly surprised me. I really enjoyed it! I’ve been enjoying a lot of the Nordic and Viking inspired books the last few years and this was a standout. The mixture of dragons and a Viking world with rich world building and historically based evidence - amazing!
The author said she was inspired by How to Train a Dragon, and I see that! I loved the inspiration and the end result. The world was so interesting and I was sold from page 1.
I loved our main lead and she felt real. Yes, she made some mistakes and one of them bugged me the entire book, but she also grew and by the end made the right choices.
There is an entanglement of romance but I felt like this book focused heavily on the mission within the story and on lore. By the end, I understand why things happened the way they did with the story.
If you’re a fan of Demi Winters but want just a sprinkle more of fantasy, this is the book for you!
Ragnar, you sweet stoic captain. Be true to yourself! And fight for what you want.
I’m so pumped for the next book!!
August 30, 2026
*Arc Review*
This book was such a fun read and a refreshing take on dragons and rune lore. The world building was so good and immersive in my opinion. The plot was intriguing and I enjoyed the strong FMC. There is spice but it doesn’t take away from the story at all. The ending was set up so well for the next book, and I am so ready to see how the story will play out. I will definitely be grabbing a copy when this drops to add to my dragon book shelf.
This book was such a fun read and a refreshing take on dragons and rune lore. The world building was so good and immersive in my opinion. The plot was intriguing and I enjoyed the strong FMC. There is spice but it doesn’t take away from the story at all. The ending was set up so well for the next book, and I am so ready to see how the story will play out. I will definitely be grabbing a copy when this drops to add to my dragon book shelf.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
How To Train Your Dragon meets Game Of Thrones.
Emelya, an orphan in a small northern town called Fenrow, struggles to get by after inheriting her mother’s curse. It is said that she will sink any ship she sails on, trapping her on the one island she’s desperate to flee. Her maritime adventure finally starts after she finds a Thornican ship on the coast. She joins forces with a prince, a captain, and their crew, to search for the lost land of colossal dragons to stop a brewing war before it starts. Dragon of the Deep is unique and captivating - perfect for romantasy readers who loved Fourth Wing and are looking for their next spicy romantasy read.
* Bi FMC, LGBTQ+ rep
* 3 POV’s
* Norse mythology
* Maritime adventure
* Dragon bonds
* Fate, prophecy, curse breaking
* Open door spice
The romance feeling strong but secondary. The romantic tension & spice are good, but the emotional connection of the main romance feels a little unearned and there are clear yellow/red flags. There are hints to a second romance (and a potential love triangle) - reminiscent of ACOTAR 1 & 2.
The dialogue is natural with hints of humor that will make you smirk, and the pace strikes the right balance of quick and grounded. The world building & war politics are moderate, and there are some beautifully immersive scenes - the majestic Fenrow temple, the vivid norther lights, and the unique colossal dragon. These elements, paired with the rich plot, will keep you turning the page, especially as more details on dragons and the overall plot are revealed in the last quarter of the book.
Dragon of the Deep also tackles some deep themes:
- How we are all chained in some way, and how our relationships should guide us toward and enhance our freedom, not serve as a transfer or chains.
- The connection between history & myths, and how the writers of history often skew it in their favor.
- The different ways in which grief can shape a person, whether it’s grief from loss or of path’s closed, and finding hope despite it.
- How power has the ability to corrupt those who are motivated by ego
While the main plot resolves, the overarching background plot of looming war and romance is left unfinished, with clear set up for a second book. Having grown invested in the characters, their world, and their romances, the wait for the second book feels like torture! Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Beth Revis for the free advanced copy, I can't wait for book 2.
Emelya, an orphan in a small northern town called Fenrow, struggles to get by after inheriting her mother’s curse. It is said that she will sink any ship she sails on, trapping her on the one island she’s desperate to flee. Her maritime adventure finally starts after she finds a Thornican ship on the coast. She joins forces with a prince, a captain, and their crew, to search for the lost land of colossal dragons to stop a brewing war before it starts. Dragon of the Deep is unique and captivating - perfect for romantasy readers who loved Fourth Wing and are looking for their next spicy romantasy read.
* Bi FMC, LGBTQ+ rep
* 3 POV’s
* Norse mythology
* Maritime adventure
* Dragon bonds
* Fate, prophecy, curse breaking
* Open door spice
The romance feeling strong but secondary. The romantic tension & spice are good, but the emotional connection of the main romance feels a little unearned and there are clear yellow/red flags. There are hints to a second romance (and a potential love triangle) - reminiscent of ACOTAR 1 & 2.
The dialogue is natural with hints of humor that will make you smirk, and the pace strikes the right balance of quick and grounded. The world building & war politics are moderate, and there are some beautifully immersive scenes - the majestic Fenrow temple, the vivid norther lights, and the unique colossal dragon. These elements, paired with the rich plot, will keep you turning the page, especially as more details on dragons and the overall plot are revealed in the last quarter of the book.
Dragon of the Deep also tackles some deep themes:
- How we are all chained in some way, and how our relationships should guide us toward and enhance our freedom, not serve as a transfer or chains.
- The connection between history & myths, and how the writers of history often skew it in their favor.
- The different ways in which grief can shape a person, whether it’s grief from loss or of path’s closed, and finding hope despite it.
- How power has the ability to corrupt those who are motivated by ego
While the main plot resolves, the overarching background plot of looming war and romance is left unfinished, with clear set up for a second book. Having grown invested in the characters, their world, and their romances, the wait for the second book feels like torture! Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Beth Revis for the free advanced copy, I can't wait for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for the ARC opportunity!!
WOW. I am honestly blown away by this novel. I was completely hooked from the very first page.
First and foremost... it has dog-sized dragons (need I say more?!) And among them is the tiny, lovable Poppy, who I can only picture as a feminine version of Mushu (IYKYK). She completely stole my heart and I'm quite honestly sad that I don't also have my own tiny loveable dragon.
Poppy is the dragon companion to the main FMC, Emelya, who is probably one of my top three favorite female main characters of all time. She's brave, compassionate, and incredibly capable, but she also has a vulnerability that makes her feel real and relatable.
The story follows Emelya on her quest to leave Fenrow and escape the "curse" the town believes she carries. She sees a ship that's in danger and while trying to warn them she witnesses one of the crew fall overboard. After swimming out to rescue him (Erick), he returns to the ship without offering Emelya the escape on the boat she's hoping for. After saving Erick, she unconventionally "boards" the ship he is sailing on, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Erick and the ship captain (Ragnar) are the two MMCs in this book. They each have distinct personalities, great chemistry with Emelya, and just enough mystery that I am dying to see where their character arcs go in the next book.
The expedition to find colossal dragons (creatures long believed to be extinct) was everything I wanted it to be. The world-building is immersive, the monsters are absolutely epic, and there was never a point where the story dragged. It made it nearly impossible to put the book down (I literally woke up early just so I could read before going to work).
This book had adventure, dragons (of every size!), fantastic characters, and a world I can't wait to explore more. I would absolutely rate this book 5 stars without hesitation. I'm already chomping at the bit for Book 2!
WOW. I am honestly blown away by this novel. I was completely hooked from the very first page.
First and foremost... it has dog-sized dragons (need I say more?!) And among them is the tiny, lovable Poppy, who I can only picture as a feminine version of Mushu (IYKYK). She completely stole my heart and I'm quite honestly sad that I don't also have my own tiny loveable dragon.
Poppy is the dragon companion to the main FMC, Emelya, who is probably one of my top three favorite female main characters of all time. She's brave, compassionate, and incredibly capable, but she also has a vulnerability that makes her feel real and relatable.
The story follows Emelya on her quest to leave Fenrow and escape the "curse" the town believes she carries. She sees a ship that's in danger and while trying to warn them she witnesses one of the crew fall overboard. After swimming out to rescue him (Erick), he returns to the ship without offering Emelya the escape on the boat she's hoping for. After saving Erick, she unconventionally "boards" the ship he is sailing on, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Erick and the ship captain (Ragnar) are the two MMCs in this book. They each have distinct personalities, great chemistry with Emelya, and just enough mystery that I am dying to see where their character arcs go in the next book.
The expedition to find colossal dragons (creatures long believed to be extinct) was everything I wanted it to be. The world-building is immersive, the monsters are absolutely epic, and there was never a point where the story dragged. It made it nearly impossible to put the book down (I literally woke up early just so I could read before going to work).
This book had adventure, dragons (of every size!), fantastic characters, and a world I can't wait to explore more. I would absolutely rate this book 5 stars without hesitation. I'm already chomping at the bit for Book 2!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars rated up. Thank you Net galley for this AR .
This book was such an interesting mix of everything I should love—dragons, Viking-inspired fantasy, seafaring adventure, ancient lore, and a heroine desperate to escape the life she’s been stuck in. And honestly, there were definitely moments where I was ALL IN. 👀
The Scandinavian-inspired setting was probably my favorite part. I loved the atmosphere and the idea of dragons existing within this Nordic world. The dragon lore was especially intriguing, and I could really see the How to Train Your Dragon inspiration that the author mentioned. There was something so fun about the overall concept!
The action was another huge win for me. Revis knows how to write a tense scene, and there were several moments where I was completely glued to the page. The ship battle and the tunnel sequence in particular had me holding my breath. ⚔️🌊
I also really liked Emelye. She felt flawed but believable, and I appreciated that her character actually grew throughout the story. She’s determined to prove herself and escape the island she hates, although I did occasionally want to grab her by the shoulders and remind her that proving yourself probably involves… doing the job you signed up for. 😂
And then there’s ISBRØT. 🥹 I can’t say much without getting into spoiler territory, but the portion of the story where Emelye is isolated with Isbrøt was easily one of my favorite parts. Absolutely CHEFS KISS. I need more of this character immediately.
Where I struggled was the romance. It moved much too quickly for me, and the instalove made it difficult for me to become fully invested. I also wanted more depth from the worldbuilding. The dragons and their mythology were fascinating, but I found myself wanting a clearer picture of the wider world, its different nations, cultures, and how everything connected.
The supporting characters also felt a little thin, with several of the crewmates blending together instead of having personalities that really stood apart. I wanted more from them because I think a stronger ensemble could have made the journey even more immersive.
Still, there was SO much potential here, and I can absolutely understand why romantasy readers would devour this. The combination of dragons + Nordic vibes + adventure is ridiculously appealing, and the story definitely had moments that made me excited to see where things were going.
Not quite the five-star dragon-filled adventure I was hoping for, but there was enough here to keep me entertained—and honestly, I’m still thinking about Isbrøt. 😂🐉
If you love Scandinavian-inspired fantasy, dragons, action, and a dash of romance, this is definitely one to check out!
This book was such an interesting mix of everything I should love—dragons, Viking-inspired fantasy, seafaring adventure, ancient lore, and a heroine desperate to escape the life she’s been stuck in. And honestly, there were definitely moments where I was ALL IN. 👀
The Scandinavian-inspired setting was probably my favorite part. I loved the atmosphere and the idea of dragons existing within this Nordic world. The dragon lore was especially intriguing, and I could really see the How to Train Your Dragon inspiration that the author mentioned. There was something so fun about the overall concept!
The action was another huge win for me. Revis knows how to write a tense scene, and there were several moments where I was completely glued to the page. The ship battle and the tunnel sequence in particular had me holding my breath. ⚔️🌊
I also really liked Emelye. She felt flawed but believable, and I appreciated that her character actually grew throughout the story. She’s determined to prove herself and escape the island she hates, although I did occasionally want to grab her by the shoulders and remind her that proving yourself probably involves… doing the job you signed up for. 😂
And then there’s ISBRØT. 🥹 I can’t say much without getting into spoiler territory, but the portion of the story where Emelye is isolated with Isbrøt was easily one of my favorite parts. Absolutely CHEFS KISS. I need more of this character immediately.
Where I struggled was the romance. It moved much too quickly for me, and the instalove made it difficult for me to become fully invested. I also wanted more depth from the worldbuilding. The dragons and their mythology were fascinating, but I found myself wanting a clearer picture of the wider world, its different nations, cultures, and how everything connected.
The supporting characters also felt a little thin, with several of the crewmates blending together instead of having personalities that really stood apart. I wanted more from them because I think a stronger ensemble could have made the journey even more immersive.
Still, there was SO much potential here, and I can absolutely understand why romantasy readers would devour this. The combination of dragons + Nordic vibes + adventure is ridiculously appealing, and the story definitely had moments that made me excited to see where things were going.
Not quite the five-star dragon-filled adventure I was hoping for, but there was enough here to keep me entertained—and honestly, I’m still thinking about Isbrøt. 😂🐉
If you love Scandinavian-inspired fantasy, dragons, action, and a dash of romance, this is definitely one to check out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca, the author and Netgalley for the e-arc opportunity ✨
Este es un libro de aventuras con dragones y vikingos, y como FAN INMENSA DE HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGONS... tenía que leerlo. Sio. Es que no había de otra.
(Además, esa portada conquista a cualquiera)
Aquí conocemos a Emelya, una joven navegante que ha estado atrapada en una isla desde que su madre murió dos años atrás, durante una misión imposible en el mar.
Desde entonces, Emelya ha sido marcada como alguien que tiene mala suerte. Cosa que no le ha sido de ayuda para escapar y perseguir sus sueños, hasta que un barco está apunto de encallar terriblemente en la costa, y Emelya no duda en arrojarse para salvarlo.
Y luego no duda en arrojarse para irse en él.
Emelya sabe que esta tripulación está tras algo muy sospechoso y posiblemente peligroso, pero por recuperar su libertad, se arriesgará a vivir la aventura de su vida, sin imaginarse que la guerra se asoma más cerca de lo que piensa.
⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖
Es una historia preciosa, llena de esos elementos mágicos y de aventura que yo amo tanto, y que siempre me devuelven a mi lugar feliz en la fantasía. Los personajes son increíbles, todos bastante diferentes entre sí, y conocerlos fue bastante interesante.
La autora tiene una pluma preciosa, además, porque simplemente sientes que estás en el drekki (aka el barco) navegando con Emelya, Erik, Ragnar, los dragones, etc. Ves un montón de monstruos, paisajes increíbles y magia en absolutamente cada detalle.
Hay un montón de mitología enlazada a un world building bastante amplio que, para ser un primer tomo, está bastante bien desarrollado, y que te deja queriendo ver más ⚔️
Siento que aún hay mucho por ver, el final quedó en una escena que simplemente me dejó atrapada EN LA INTRIGA. Porque se nota que las cosas está por dar un vuelcón intenso que yo quiero ver. Necesito ver. Promete guerra, drama, conflicto, traición y drama.
Ya había dicho drama, no?
Pues sí, yo quiero drama.
Y pues, me verán en el segundo tomo sin dudas cuando llegue a mis manitas 🙂↕️✨
4/5★
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣠⣤⣶⣶⡞⡀⣤⣬⣴⠀⠀⢳⣶⣶⣤⣄⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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⠀⠀⢠⡾⣫⣿⣻⣿⣽⣿⡇⠀⠈⢿⣧⡝⠟⠀⠀⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣟⢷⣄⠀⠀
⠀⢠⣯⡾⢿⣿⣿⡿⣿⣿⣿⣆⣠⣶⣿⣿⣷⣄⣰⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢷⣽⣄⠀
⢠⣿⢋⠴⠋⣽⠋⡸⢱⣯⡿⣿⠏⣡⣿⣽⡏⠹⣿⣿⣿⡎⢣⠙⢿⡙⠳⡙⢿⠄
⣰⢣⣃⠀⠊⠀⠀⠁⠘⠏⠁⠁⠸⣶⣿⡿⢿⡄⠈⠀⠁⠃⠈⠂⠀⠑⠠⣈⡈⣧
⡏⡘⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⡥⢄⢸⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⢳⢸
⠇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠸⣄⣸⠟⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⢨
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Este es un libro de aventuras con dragones y vikingos, y como FAN INMENSA DE HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGONS... tenía que leerlo. Sio. Es que no había de otra.
(Además, esa portada conquista a cualquiera)
Aquí conocemos a Emelya, una joven navegante que ha estado atrapada en una isla desde que su madre murió dos años atrás, durante una misión imposible en el mar.
Desde entonces, Emelya ha sido marcada como alguien que tiene mala suerte. Cosa que no le ha sido de ayuda para escapar y perseguir sus sueños, hasta que un barco está apunto de encallar terriblemente en la costa, y Emelya no duda en arrojarse para salvarlo.
Y luego no duda en arrojarse para irse en él.
Emelya sabe que esta tripulación está tras algo muy sospechoso y posiblemente peligroso, pero por recuperar su libertad, se arriesgará a vivir la aventura de su vida, sin imaginarse que la guerra se asoma más cerca de lo que piensa.
⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖
Es una historia preciosa, llena de esos elementos mágicos y de aventura que yo amo tanto, y que siempre me devuelven a mi lugar feliz en la fantasía. Los personajes son increíbles, todos bastante diferentes entre sí, y conocerlos fue bastante interesante.
La autora tiene una pluma preciosa, además, porque simplemente sientes que estás en el drekki (aka el barco) navegando con Emelya, Erik, Ragnar, los dragones, etc. Ves un montón de monstruos, paisajes increíbles y magia en absolutamente cada detalle.
Hay un montón de mitología enlazada a un world building bastante amplio que, para ser un primer tomo, está bastante bien desarrollado, y que te deja queriendo ver más ⚔️
Siento que aún hay mucho por ver, el final quedó en una escena que simplemente me dejó atrapada EN LA INTRIGA. Porque se nota que las cosas está por dar un vuelcón intenso que yo quiero ver. Necesito ver. Promete guerra, drama, conflicto, traición y drama.
Ya había dicho drama, no?
Pues sí, yo quiero drama.
Y pues, me verán en el segundo tomo sin dudas cuando llegue a mis manitas 🙂↕️✨
4/5★
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣠⣤⣶⣶⡞⡀⣤⣬⣴⠀⠀⢳⣶⣶⣤⣄⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⣠⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⡇⠀⢸⣿⠿⣿⡇⠀⠀⠸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⣦⡀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⢠⡾⣫⣿⣻⣿⣽⣿⡇⠀⠈⢿⣧⡝⠟⠀⠀⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣟⢷⣄⠀⠀
⠀⢠⣯⡾⢿⣿⣿⡿⣿⣿⣿⣆⣠⣶⣿⣿⣷⣄⣰⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢷⣽⣄⠀
⢠⣿⢋⠴⠋⣽⠋⡸⢱⣯⡿⣿⠏⣡⣿⣽⡏⠹⣿⣿⣿⡎⢣⠙⢿⡙⠳⡙⢿⠄
⣰⢣⣃⠀⠊⠀⠀⠁⠘⠏⠁⠁⠸⣶⣿⡿⢿⡄⠈⠀⠁⠃⠈⠂⠀⠑⠠⣈⡈⣧
⡏⡘⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⡥⢄⢸⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⢳⢸
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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⡴⠋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⡳⣶⣄⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
This book follows Emelye, a young woman stuck living on an island she hates in a Scandinavian-inspired world. After a brave maneuver saving someone from a storm, she is offered the chance to escape the island and work as a crew member on their boat- she takes them up on this offer and shenanigans ensue.
I’ll start with what I enjoyed about this book. I think Revis writes action scenes pretty well. There were several scenes in this book that really made me lock in and feel pretty tense. The two that come to mind are a big fight on the ship and a rather claustrophobic scene set in a tunnel.
I also overall did enjoy Emelye. She felt pretty layered and well thought out. Her motivations are pretty clear and consistent and her actions normally align with those motivations. My only complaint here is how she is so desperate to prove herself yet several times shirks her duties on the ship to go gallivant with her romantic interest.
The other thing I REALLY enjoyed about this book was the brief period where Emelye was completely alone with just one other character named Isbrøt. I will not give any spoilers about this character, but the section of the book where these two were together with no other characters was absolutely chefs kiss. I LOVE Isbrøt.
What did not work for me about this book was the romance, the world building, and most of the characters. The romance happened WAY too fast. I know this is more of a romantasy, but that doesn’t mean there needs to be instalove, and there definitely was here. The world building just didn’t feel very tight. Some of it was done decently, like the whole idea of the dragons, but other things, like the layout of the world and the other nations in it, were severely underdeveloped. The characters felt similarly underdeveloped. Most of the crewmates were indistinguishable to me, as they only really had one personality trait. I kid you not, there was no way that Halla and Kempa were distinct from each other; they were just the lesbian couple with no distinct characteristics.
Overall, this isn’t a bad romantasy. I’m not the biggest romantasy fan, but I am a big fan of both Scandinavian-inspired fantasy and dragons. I thought those things would carry me through but unfortunately there were more things I didn’t like. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this series, but I would still definitely recommend it to romantasy lovers.
This book follows Emelye, a young woman stuck living on an island she hates in a Scandinavian-inspired world. After a brave maneuver saving someone from a storm, she is offered the chance to escape the island and work as a crew member on their boat- she takes them up on this offer and shenanigans ensue.
I’ll start with what I enjoyed about this book. I think Revis writes action scenes pretty well. There were several scenes in this book that really made me lock in and feel pretty tense. The two that come to mind are a big fight on the ship and a rather claustrophobic scene set in a tunnel.
I also overall did enjoy Emelye. She felt pretty layered and well thought out. Her motivations are pretty clear and consistent and her actions normally align with those motivations. My only complaint here is how she is so desperate to prove herself yet several times shirks her duties on the ship to go gallivant with her romantic interest.
The other thing I REALLY enjoyed about this book was the brief period where Emelye was completely alone with just one other character named Isbrøt. I will not give any spoilers about this character, but the section of the book where these two were together with no other characters was absolutely chefs kiss. I LOVE Isbrøt.
What did not work for me about this book was the romance, the world building, and most of the characters. The romance happened WAY too fast. I know this is more of a romantasy, but that doesn’t mean there needs to be instalove, and there definitely was here. The world building just didn’t feel very tight. Some of it was done decently, like the whole idea of the dragons, but other things, like the layout of the world and the other nations in it, were severely underdeveloped. The characters felt similarly underdeveloped. Most of the crewmates were indistinguishable to me, as they only really had one personality trait. I kid you not, there was no way that Halla and Kempa were distinct from each other; they were just the lesbian couple with no distinct characteristics.
Overall, this isn’t a bad romantasy. I’m not the biggest romantasy fan, but I am a big fan of both Scandinavian-inspired fantasy and dragons. I thought those things would carry me through but unfortunately there were more things I didn’t like. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this series, but I would still definitely recommend it to romantasy lovers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 Star Read!!
I LOVED this book! The vibes were very Atlantis/ Treasure Island meets House of Dragons/ How to Train Your Dragon!
Dragon of the Deep has great world building, it is action packed, and full of magic! There was politely intrigue, romance, adventure, mythology, and the information given all played an important role in the plot.
Dragons of the Deep follows Emelya, a feisty FMC, who was born and raised with an adventurers heart. Her mother raised her on ships and taught her everything about life at sea, that was all she knew. Her mother set off on a grand expedition to find Ventur Island, a mystical land of Magic and Mundane, under the kings banner and never returned. She was stuck on a small island where the townspeople called her cursed so she could never board another ship to leave again.
After a big storm almost wrecks a ship Emelya sets off to try to warn it of the impending danger of the sharp rocks and sees a crew member fall overboard. Without thinking Emelya dives into the water, saving Erik. Once the ship is able to get close enough to retrieve the passenger Emelya jumps on after him in an attempt to flee the island and gain her freedom.
After some hesitation, Ragnar the captain, deems it acceptable for her to stay they continue on their trek North. It is then revealed to Emelya they are headed to Ventur Island, the birthplace of Colossal Dragons. Erik believes Emelya was sent to him by the old gods to help him on their journey, his real life helt.(Hero) They develop an instant connection and the feelings come quickly. Ragnar is also taken by Emelya, but he sees how enraptured Erik; Patron of the voyage, second born son of the king, and his best friend is by her. Ragnar’s approach to not letting his feelings for her grow is emotional avoidance. He is more careful and practical in his feelings. Despite all odds their connection is slower to grow but still strong and trusting.
Overall, Dragon of the Deep was enthralling and captivating! I cannot wait to see what book 2 will have in store for us! Beth Revis is an incredible storyteller with actual knowledge and backing! Dragon of the Deep is a MUST READ!
I LOVED this book! The vibes were very Atlantis/ Treasure Island meets House of Dragons/ How to Train Your Dragon!
Dragon of the Deep has great world building, it is action packed, and full of magic! There was politely intrigue, romance, adventure, mythology, and the information given all played an important role in the plot.
Dragons of the Deep follows Emelya, a feisty FMC, who was born and raised with an adventurers heart. Her mother raised her on ships and taught her everything about life at sea, that was all she knew. Her mother set off on a grand expedition to find Ventur Island, a mystical land of Magic and Mundane, under the kings banner and never returned. She was stuck on a small island where the townspeople called her cursed so she could never board another ship to leave again.
After a big storm almost wrecks a ship Emelya sets off to try to warn it of the impending danger of the sharp rocks and sees a crew member fall overboard. Without thinking Emelya dives into the water, saving Erik. Once the ship is able to get close enough to retrieve the passenger Emelya jumps on after him in an attempt to flee the island and gain her freedom.
After some hesitation, Ragnar the captain, deems it acceptable for her to stay they continue on their trek North. It is then revealed to Emelya they are headed to Ventur Island, the birthplace of Colossal Dragons. Erik believes Emelya was sent to him by the old gods to help him on their journey, his real life helt.(Hero) They develop an instant connection and the feelings come quickly. Ragnar is also taken by Emelya, but he sees how enraptured Erik; Patron of the voyage, second born son of the king, and his best friend is by her. Ragnar’s approach to not letting his feelings for her grow is emotional avoidance. He is more careful and practical in his feelings. Despite all odds their connection is slower to grow but still strong and trusting.
Overall, Dragon of the Deep was enthralling and captivating! I cannot wait to see what book 2 will have in store for us! Beth Revis is an incredible storyteller with actual knowledge and backing! Dragon of the Deep is a MUST READ!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A huge thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca, Beth Revis & Netgalley for an early copy of this book. Dragon of the Deep by Beth Revis will be released January 26, 2027.
I want to start this review by discussing the wonderful representation in this book. As a lesbian, I am prone to notice & be a little critical of these things. Oftentimes, we find brief mentions of LGBTQIA+ characters & nothing more. Beth Revis, however, gave us heart racing depth. She brought two beautiful, strong, individually-minded women together & showed us a solid representation of sapphic love. She made being part of my community feel as natural as breathing, something they talk about with ease & no trepidation. This touched my heart deeply.
Our main character Emelya is strong, has a firm head on her shoulders & yet there’s something special tucked away inside her. The main romance was a bit insta love but I was here for it. Erik is full of intrigue but I started Team Ragnar from the beginning & here I firmly stand. These characters are well developed & understanding them on an emotional level is maybe one of the things Beth Revis does best. Even in moments of frustration, she hammers at your heart & makes you see empathy. I enjoy that immensely.
My fave character is Poppy. She is a tiny, lil red dragon that captures your heart & won’t let go. The dragon representation in this book was beyond my expectations. They are apart of the crew, personalities/stories that fuel the plot, & there is no story without the dragons. I loved it.
The adventure is top knotch with excellent pacing. I cannot think of a time when the action slowed down. I was always eager to get to the next chapter. She gives you moments that absolutely shock you, moments that still your heart, moments that make steam come out of your ears & you won’t want to put it down.
This book builds you up for the fabled Ventur Island and it takes its time getting there but the pacing is strong and its well worth the wait. Jump aboard Ragnar’s ship along with Emelya, meet his colorful crew & set sail for a destination you will never see coming January 26, 2027!
I want to start this review by discussing the wonderful representation in this book. As a lesbian, I am prone to notice & be a little critical of these things. Oftentimes, we find brief mentions of LGBTQIA+ characters & nothing more. Beth Revis, however, gave us heart racing depth. She brought two beautiful, strong, individually-minded women together & showed us a solid representation of sapphic love. She made being part of my community feel as natural as breathing, something they talk about with ease & no trepidation. This touched my heart deeply.
Our main character Emelya is strong, has a firm head on her shoulders & yet there’s something special tucked away inside her. The main romance was a bit insta love but I was here for it. Erik is full of intrigue but I started Team Ragnar from the beginning & here I firmly stand. These characters are well developed & understanding them on an emotional level is maybe one of the things Beth Revis does best. Even in moments of frustration, she hammers at your heart & makes you see empathy. I enjoy that immensely.
My fave character is Poppy. She is a tiny, lil red dragon that captures your heart & won’t let go. The dragon representation in this book was beyond my expectations. They are apart of the crew, personalities/stories that fuel the plot, & there is no story without the dragons. I loved it.
The adventure is top knotch with excellent pacing. I cannot think of a time when the action slowed down. I was always eager to get to the next chapter. She gives you moments that absolutely shock you, moments that still your heart, moments that make steam come out of your ears & you won’t want to put it down.
This book builds you up for the fabled Ventur Island and it takes its time getting there but the pacing is strong and its well worth the wait. Jump aboard Ragnar’s ship along with Emelya, meet his colorful crew & set sail for a destination you will never see coming January 26, 2027!
September 8, 2026
I really enjoyed the way the worldbuilding and the handling of dragons was written in this book, it felt like a refreshing read. It had a strange mix of things I personally have never seen before; viking/celtic inspired mythology, seafaring escapades, dragons, in depth worldbuilding and a strongheaded female lead trying to get away from a situation being thrust onto her. At first I was a bit unsure how this would unfold but I feel like all these elements actually worked really well together. The power of Beth Revis I guess.
I did enjoy that the romance felt like it was more a subplot than the driving force, a lot of fantasy novels like to have the romance be the central plot and while I don't mind when that happens. But it felt like with how much this book had going on, putting the romance at the forefront would have done the world a disservice, so I'm very happy with how it was handled. The LGBTQ+ representation in this book was really fun, I feel like it isn't often we see Bi characters in novels, but when we do I always enjoy it immensely.
The pace was always moving appropriately with the situations, and I really liked the humour in the book and that it knew when to be funny or to be serious. It really elevated the story for me, and the story itself was already amazing. There were a few times when I wasn't as invested with what was going on and it took me a bit longer to get through some parts, but when it drew me in, it really drew me in. I definitely recommend this to anyone honestly, it covers such a vast range of things that it feels like everyone has something they can find joy in in this world and story Beth Revis has made.
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book early in exchange for an honest review!
I did enjoy that the romance felt like it was more a subplot than the driving force, a lot of fantasy novels like to have the romance be the central plot and while I don't mind when that happens. But it felt like with how much this book had going on, putting the romance at the forefront would have done the world a disservice, so I'm very happy with how it was handled. The LGBTQ+ representation in this book was really fun, I feel like it isn't often we see Bi characters in novels, but when we do I always enjoy it immensely.
The pace was always moving appropriately with the situations, and I really liked the humour in the book and that it knew when to be funny or to be serious. It really elevated the story for me, and the story itself was already amazing. There were a few times when I wasn't as invested with what was going on and it took me a bit longer to get through some parts, but when it drew me in, it really drew me in. I definitely recommend this to anyone honestly, it covers such a vast range of things that it feels like everyone has something they can find joy in in this world and story Beth Revis has made.
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book early in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dragons of the Deep transports the reader back to a fantastical world full of adventure, dragons, and dangers. The book cover is beautiful, symbolic and captured my attention immediately. I last read Beth Revis in her science fiction series Across the Universe more than 10 years ago and was excited to dive into this romantic fantasy. Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for an eARC copy of this book.
Emelya is a phenomenal heroine to follow. She possesses heroic qualities and the courage to embrace the unknown. I found her interactions with the world and other characters organic, witty, and endearing. Meanwhile, Prince Erik is an MMC of interest. His personality is complex and he is determined in his resolve. The other character Captain Ragnar I found to be a great leader and mentor whose personality balanced out both Emelya’s and Erik’s characters. Together with the rest of their crew, they create a family surviving on treacherous waters.
The pacing of events and adversity in this book are also cleverly weaved so as to not break the reader’s immersion while between scenes. Throughout the story, there are themes surrounding morality and one’s autonomy to fate. The various POVs in this story help readers gain critical insight into the world they live in, their individual motives, and the conflict and consequences they must endure to achieve their goals.
This story is the first in a duology and is set up with just the right amount of romance, suspense, and action that keeps readers addicted and craving more. I can’t wait to see what happens in the finale.
Emelya is a phenomenal heroine to follow. She possesses heroic qualities and the courage to embrace the unknown. I found her interactions with the world and other characters organic, witty, and endearing. Meanwhile, Prince Erik is an MMC of interest. His personality is complex and he is determined in his resolve. The other character Captain Ragnar I found to be a great leader and mentor whose personality balanced out both Emelya’s and Erik’s characters. Together with the rest of their crew, they create a family surviving on treacherous waters.
The pacing of events and adversity in this book are also cleverly weaved so as to not break the reader’s immersion while between scenes. Throughout the story, there are themes surrounding morality and one’s autonomy to fate. The various POVs in this story help readers gain critical insight into the world they live in, their individual motives, and the conflict and consequences they must endure to achieve their goals.
This story is the first in a duology and is set up with just the right amount of romance, suspense, and action that keeps readers addicted and craving more. I can’t wait to see what happens in the finale.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Favorite quote(s):
“You are allowed joy,” Isbrøt says gently. “You should hold on to it even stronger in times like these.”
“Myths exist for a reason-some to teach us, some to remember history, some to entertain, some to witness. The older a story is, the more it drifts from its origin, but that doesn't mean it wasn't created as a response to something true.”
Review:
This book had so much of what I love. Dragons, runes, viking inspired, determined FMC. Emelya was brave, determined, and kind despite everything she dealt with. I loved how she felt at home at sea and how it reminded her of her mother. I adored Ragnar's crew so much, even Astrid, who at times frustrated me. They all were interesting and complex, but I loved how they welcomed Emelya to the crew, even if some took a bit. Ragnar was an amazing character, and I kind of wanted more of him and Emelya, but she had a thing with Erik. I loved the dragons, especially Poppy and Isbrøt, though I did find others interesting, too. I loved the journey this book takes you on through the Sea and Monsters and Dragons and emotional tension between characters along with their hard histories and questionable futures. I did feel bad for Erik throughout the book and about his brother, but by the end, I was frustrated with him. The writing was descriptive and engrossing. I loved the way not only the landscapes and settings were described but also the dragons. It made them so easy to envision. The ending was incredible and insane. I loved it and was on the edge of my seat until the very end. I can't wait for what comes next.
Favorite quote(s):
“You are allowed joy,” Isbrøt says gently. “You should hold on to it even stronger in times like these.”
“Myths exist for a reason-some to teach us, some to remember history, some to entertain, some to witness. The older a story is, the more it drifts from its origin, but that doesn't mean it wasn't created as a response to something true.”
Review:
This book had so much of what I love. Dragons, runes, viking inspired, determined FMC. Emelya was brave, determined, and kind despite everything she dealt with. I loved how she felt at home at sea and how it reminded her of her mother. I adored Ragnar's crew so much, even Astrid, who at times frustrated me. They all were interesting and complex, but I loved how they welcomed Emelya to the crew, even if some took a bit. Ragnar was an amazing character, and I kind of wanted more of him and Emelya, but she had a thing with Erik. I loved the dragons, especially Poppy and Isbrøt, though I did find others interesting, too. I loved the journey this book takes you on through the Sea and Monsters and Dragons and emotional tension between characters along with their hard histories and questionable futures. I did feel bad for Erik throughout the book and about his brother, but by the end, I was frustrated with him. The writing was descriptive and engrossing. I loved the way not only the landscapes and settings were described but also the dragons. It made them so easy to envision. The ending was incredible and insane. I loved it and was on the edge of my seat until the very end. I can't wait for what comes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Dragon of the Deep" by Beth Revis absolutely left me in awe.
I've never been one to enjoy books set on ships but let me tell you, I loved every single second of this novel.
"Dragon of the Deep" follows Emelya, the daughter of a skilled navigator. After her mother dies during one of her journeys, Emelya is left stranded on an island full of people who hate her. She has spent the last two years alone with her tiny dragon, Poppy, trying to find a way off the island that has cursed her. One day a large ship gets caught up in a storm near her home and she puts her life on the line to rescue the crew from danger. After her heroism, she boards their ship and they set sail on dangerous task that could change her life forever.
I LOVED the way that Revis painted the world in this novel. I felt like I was directly in the book right besides the characters. The beautiful scenery of the open sea, the islands they encounter, and the mythical creatures is breathtaking.
The crew on the ship felt like a dysfunctional family that all knew they need one another to survive. The relationships and bonds that Emelya forms in this book are both witty and heartfelt. The romance is also really well done.
The ending left me wanting more and I'm so excited for when the next book releases.
This novel is great for readers who love dragons, found family, and unique magic systems.
Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks Casablanca for early access to the eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review!
I've never been one to enjoy books set on ships but let me tell you, I loved every single second of this novel.
"Dragon of the Deep" follows Emelya, the daughter of a skilled navigator. After her mother dies during one of her journeys, Emelya is left stranded on an island full of people who hate her. She has spent the last two years alone with her tiny dragon, Poppy, trying to find a way off the island that has cursed her. One day a large ship gets caught up in a storm near her home and she puts her life on the line to rescue the crew from danger. After her heroism, she boards their ship and they set sail on dangerous task that could change her life forever.
I LOVED the way that Revis painted the world in this novel. I felt like I was directly in the book right besides the characters. The beautiful scenery of the open sea, the islands they encounter, and the mythical creatures is breathtaking.
The crew on the ship felt like a dysfunctional family that all knew they need one another to survive. The relationships and bonds that Emelya forms in this book are both witty and heartfelt. The romance is also really well done.
The ending left me wanting more and I'm so excited for when the next book releases.
This novel is great for readers who love dragons, found family, and unique magic systems.
Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks Casablanca for early access to the eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review!
September 15, 2026
I was originally going to read this through my Netgalley copy, but then I got my hands on a physical ARC and I devoured it on my plane ride last weekend.
Holy crap, Beth. This was so freaking good. I don't know if there was anything I didn't like about it.
Emelya was such a fun character, though a bit heartbreaking. I totally understand a lot of her actions (even though I definitely criticize her for them, I get it), and I really enjoyed reading this first part to her story. Emelya is a downtrodden, "cursed," individual who is stuck living on a rock with people who genuinely couldn't giver a crap about her. She's desperate to leave and takes a jump at the first chance she gets to finally be free, even if it's maybe not the safest option out there. She's a hard worker, desperate for affection, and just wants to enjoy her freedom. She joins a crew searching for the impossible and goes on a grand journey through the unknown.
This book is a multi-POV book with each chapter labeled which character's POV you're in. I really enjoy Ragnar a lot (he's the captain of the ship Emelya's on), and Erik's POVs are fascinating to say the least. There's a lot of runic breakdowns in the back on what each rune discussed in the book looks like and means, which is really cool.
The story gives pirates or Sinbad, in the sense that it's a crew of people sailing off the edge of the map to find the impossible and they find monsters. There's magic and dragons and lots and lots of ocean, with some romance sprinkled in for good measure.
Holy crap, Beth. This was so freaking good. I don't know if there was anything I didn't like about it.
Emelya was such a fun character, though a bit heartbreaking. I totally understand a lot of her actions (even though I definitely criticize her for them, I get it), and I really enjoyed reading this first part to her story. Emelya is a downtrodden, "cursed," individual who is stuck living on a rock with people who genuinely couldn't giver a crap about her. She's desperate to leave and takes a jump at the first chance she gets to finally be free, even if it's maybe not the safest option out there. She's a hard worker, desperate for affection, and just wants to enjoy her freedom. She joins a crew searching for the impossible and goes on a grand journey through the unknown.
This book is a multi-POV book with each chapter labeled which character's POV you're in. I really enjoy Ragnar a lot (he's the captain of the ship Emelya's on), and Erik's POVs are fascinating to say the least. There's a lot of runic breakdowns in the back on what each rune discussed in the book looks like and means, which is really cool.
The story gives pirates or Sinbad, in the sense that it's a crew of people sailing off the edge of the map to find the impossible and they find monsters. There's magic and dragons and lots and lots of ocean, with some romance sprinkled in for good measure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I loved this one and flew through it. I've read a handful of Norse-inspired romantasy at this point, and this might be my favorite of the bunch.
A lot of things made it stand out, starting with the writing. That isn't always a given in this genre (we all know), but Beth Revis can actually write. The world is vivid and gorgeous. Emelya is also an FMC I I can get behind. She's a badass, she's compelling, and she never flattens into a single note or grated on me the way so many FMCs do. The dragons are used in a way that felt fresh, which is amazing in a genre absolutely stuffed with dragon books.
And I LOVE POPPY. #teampoppy forever.
The only thing keeping this from five stars is the MMC situation.
SPOILERS AHEAD
You can probably guess from the blurb that there are two main MMCs, which means the first is a bait and switch. It's never confirmed on the page by the end of the book, but the book hints hard in that direction. That setup isn't a favorite of mine, and it forces the first romance to burn hot and fast — her falling for him felt rushed, almost instalust. Then the author has to make him turn out badly so Emelya has a reason to drift toward the second guy, and that's exactly how it read to me. I didn't quite buy how much he changed; he changed because the plot needed him to so she could move on. At least that's what I'm anticipating.
All that said, I'm really eager for book two.
I loved this one and flew through it. I've read a handful of Norse-inspired romantasy at this point, and this might be my favorite of the bunch.
A lot of things made it stand out, starting with the writing. That isn't always a given in this genre (we all know), but Beth Revis can actually write. The world is vivid and gorgeous. Emelya is also an FMC I I can get behind. She's a badass, she's compelling, and she never flattens into a single note or grated on me the way so many FMCs do. The dragons are used in a way that felt fresh, which is amazing in a genre absolutely stuffed with dragon books.
And I LOVE POPPY. #teampoppy forever.
The only thing keeping this from five stars is the MMC situation.
SPOILERS AHEAD
You can probably guess from the blurb that there are two main MMCs, which means the first is a bait and switch. It's never confirmed on the page by the end of the book, but the book hints hard in that direction. That setup isn't a favorite of mine, and it forces the first romance to burn hot and fast — her falling for him felt rushed, almost instalust. Then the author has to make him turn out badly so Emelya has a reason to drift toward the second guy, and that's exactly how it read to me. I didn't quite buy how much he changed; he changed because the plot needed him to so she could move on. At least that's what I'm anticipating.
All that said, I'm really eager for book two.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I've had a hankering for a romantasy that was not just the same story in a new setting, and this scratched that itch. It follows a "cursed" young woman who is trapped on an island following her mother's death, and she manages to join the crew of a ship hunting mythical giant dragons (to ride, not kill).
The author infuses a good amount of world-building, with really interesting descriptions of nordic life, utilitarian and pet mini dragons, as well as political intrigue. The vibes are immaculate, with a kind of dark lovecraftian approach to massive horrors that lurk in the deep and can crush your mind with their mere presence.
The romance plot doesn't work as well as it could have for me. I think the seeming speed that it happens makes sense for the MMC as he's 100% in on everything he does, but I think our FMC needed to be set up as less cautious than she was. I almost think it would have worked better to forego the physical relationship in this book altogether, but for sure bring it into the next book in the series (think if Alina and The Darkling got together *evil cackles*). Along these same lines, I would have liked the big twist to be a little more subtly foreshadowed.
Overall though, I really enjoyed the high seas adventures and below decks drama, and I will be back for book 2.
Disclaimer: I'm a bookseller, and I sell this book in my store. I received a copy for review from the publisher.
The author infuses a good amount of world-building, with really interesting descriptions of nordic life, utilitarian and pet mini dragons, as well as political intrigue. The vibes are immaculate, with a kind of dark lovecraftian approach to massive horrors that lurk in the deep and can crush your mind with their mere presence.
The romance plot doesn't work as well as it could have for me. I think the seeming speed that it happens makes sense for the MMC as he's 100% in on everything he does, but I think our FMC needed to be set up as less cautious than she was. I almost think it would have worked better to forego the physical relationship in this book altogether, but for sure bring it into the next book in the series (think if Alina and The Darkling got together *evil cackles*). Along these same lines, I would have liked the big twist to be a little more subtly foreshadowed.
Overall though, I really enjoyed the high seas adventures and below decks drama, and I will be back for book 2.
Disclaimer: I'm a bookseller, and I sell this book in my store. I received a copy for review from the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had, in my opinion, a really interesting world and plot - both of which continued to become more interesting as the book progressed. A hunt for colossal dragons believed to be extinct; a dying king, a mad prince, and other kingdoms of the verge of invading. Giant, dangerous creatures. And the more we learned about these things, the more interesting they became.
Unfortuately, learning about these things and experiencing the plot meant following along with characters I couldn't care about less. Erik, Ragnar, and especially Emelya were so uninteresting to me. There were occasional moments and side characters that piqued my interest occasionally - learning about Ragnar's past was interesting. Astrid seemed like a character who, while not necessarily likeable, was at least interesting. The dragons were cool. But those occasional moment did nothing to stop the spiral of me finding the main characters, especially Emelya, more and more uninteresting and unlikeable as the story continued.
And not liking the characters meant I really disliked the romance aspect of the book as well. Which is a shame, because I know Beth Revis can (and has!) written romances that I quite enjoy.
But, in the end, this book just wasn't it for me.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to have read it early, thanks to an eARC through NetGalley and hope it finds its audience.
Unfortuately, learning about these things and experiencing the plot meant following along with characters I couldn't care about less. Erik, Ragnar, and especially Emelya were so uninteresting to me. There were occasional moments and side characters that piqued my interest occasionally - learning about Ragnar's past was interesting. Astrid seemed like a character who, while not necessarily likeable, was at least interesting. The dragons were cool. But those occasional moment did nothing to stop the spiral of me finding the main characters, especially Emelya, more and more uninteresting and unlikeable as the story continued.
And not liking the characters meant I really disliked the romance aspect of the book as well. Which is a shame, because I know Beth Revis can (and has!) written romances that I quite enjoy.
But, in the end, this book just wasn't it for me.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to have read it early, thanks to an eARC through NetGalley and hope it finds its audience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for an eARC of this book!
This was such a fun and action packed story. Emelya was such an interesting character, and every glimpse into her past and thought process made me appreciate her even more. The author's prose is so vivid and exciting, I felt completely drawn into every scene. I especially loved the Viking-inspired lore and the high seas setting. Even though the majority of the book takes place on a boat, I was never bored and it felt very fast paced. The world also felt so alive through the descriptions, and you can really see the passion that went into the world building. My favorite details were the dragons and their distinct personalities, so cute!
Initially the romance felt very sudden, and while I could tell the characters genuinely cared about each other, I wasn't always convinced by how quickly their relationship developed. As the story went on though I realized this was intentional which made it far more interesting. The author did a great job creating an authentic and complex dynamic. I really loved how Emelya was patient but not passive as she worked through her emotions. She remains a strong character throughout the story and doesn’t hesitate to do what is right.
That ending was WILD and I can’t wait to see what happens in Book 2!
This was such a fun and action packed story. Emelya was such an interesting character, and every glimpse into her past and thought process made me appreciate her even more. The author's prose is so vivid and exciting, I felt completely drawn into every scene. I especially loved the Viking-inspired lore and the high seas setting. Even though the majority of the book takes place on a boat, I was never bored and it felt very fast paced. The world also felt so alive through the descriptions, and you can really see the passion that went into the world building. My favorite details were the dragons and their distinct personalities, so cute!
Initially the romance felt very sudden, and while I could tell the characters genuinely cared about each other, I wasn't always convinced by how quickly their relationship developed. As the story went on though I realized this was intentional which made it far more interesting. The author did a great job creating an authentic and complex dynamic. I really loved how Emelya was patient but not passive as she worked through her emotions. She remains a strong character throughout the story and doesn’t hesitate to do what is right.
That ending was WILD and I can’t wait to see what happens in Book 2!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I got this book as an ARC from Netgalley, but my opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book. Once i got hooked, i couldn't stop. The characters are interesting, the world is well constructed, and Beth Revis, a nerd's nerd, goes deep into the mythology, the runes, the ethos of Norse folk lore.
As expected in a book by Revis, the story is propelled by the protagonists' moral choices. The hero's blunder is both predictable and unavoidable. There is a clear sense of lessons learned.
There are 2 things, in my opinion, that are very hard to represent in fiction: religion and sex.
The religion is very well done in this book. It's layered, complex, and believable.
There are three very explicit sex scenes that didn't seem to add to the story, but i have to suspend my unbelief here because this is only the first of a trilogy or duology. Who knows what's to come? (Beth knows.)
My only mild criticism, is that this reads like a "YA" book with sex scenes added to it, and removing the sex scenes would have left the story mostly unchanged. But it's a great addition to the Revsian canon, and hopefully a harbinger of many more good books to come.
I enjoyed this book. Once i got hooked, i couldn't stop. The characters are interesting, the world is well constructed, and Beth Revis, a nerd's nerd, goes deep into the mythology, the runes, the ethos of Norse folk lore.
As expected in a book by Revis, the story is propelled by the protagonists' moral choices. The hero's blunder is both predictable and unavoidable. There is a clear sense of lessons learned.
There are 2 things, in my opinion, that are very hard to represent in fiction: religion and sex.
The religion is very well done in this book. It's layered, complex, and believable.
There are three very explicit sex scenes that didn't seem to add to the story, but i have to suspend my unbelief here because this is only the first of a trilogy or duology. Who knows what's to come? (Beth knows.)
My only mild criticism, is that this reads like a "YA" book with sex scenes added to it, and removing the sex scenes would have left the story mostly unchanged. But it's a great addition to the Revsian canon, and hopefully a harbinger of many more good books to come.
July 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars!
Absolutely incredible story. Vikings, yup. Ships and mystical creatures of the deep, yes. And of course, DRAGONS.
Emelya has spent years trapped on an island, ostracized by her village, wanting to be free of the “curse” that her village believes she is under. Then, a storm bringing a ship gives her the chance to leave the island with her tiny and super adorable dragon. Her adventure begins and it’s way crazier than she ever dreamed it would be. She joins a crew on an impossible mission to find dragons that could save their kingdom.
I absolutely love Scandinavian stories and the Viking era. This delivered and then some. Action, adventure, and romance that makes you swoon. It was everything I needed. The culture is rich and the author does an incredible job of bringing the culture to life. And the dragons were everything I could ever want.
The huge bummer of being done with this book is that I have to wait for the next one. 😭 truly a masterpiece.
100% I recommend this book and I can’t wait for the next one. Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks, and Beth Revis for the advanced copy!
Absolutely incredible story. Vikings, yup. Ships and mystical creatures of the deep, yes. And of course, DRAGONS.
Emelya has spent years trapped on an island, ostracized by her village, wanting to be free of the “curse” that her village believes she is under. Then, a storm bringing a ship gives her the chance to leave the island with her tiny and super adorable dragon. Her adventure begins and it’s way crazier than she ever dreamed it would be. She joins a crew on an impossible mission to find dragons that could save their kingdom.
I absolutely love Scandinavian stories and the Viking era. This delivered and then some. Action, adventure, and romance that makes you swoon. It was everything I needed. The culture is rich and the author does an incredible job of bringing the culture to life. And the dragons were everything I could ever want.
The huge bummer of being done with this book is that I have to wait for the next one. 😭 truly a masterpiece.
100% I recommend this book and I can’t wait for the next one. Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks, and Beth Revis for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for my ARC of Dragon of the Deep!
This was a fun first book in what has the potential to be a great series. Vikings and dragons and monsters oh my!! The writing style pulled me in right away and felt natural and engaging throughout. I appreciated that the characters were developed through their actions and thought processes rather than the author telling me about them, and the settings felt tangible enough to play a movie in my head.
I really enjoyed the FMC. She's independent, competent, strong, and has believable motivations and decision-making processes. The MMCs I will reserve judgment on for now. I feel like this first book was much more about developing the FMC, and the romance definitely wasn't the main focus. While I typically like multiple or dual POVs, in this case I didn't feel like the MMC chapters added enough to deepen their characters or their relationships with the FMC. I hope that in the next book the additional POVs add more to the plot and to those characters' development.
I'm especially excited to see more of the dragons in future books, and I'll definitely be looking out for book two!
This was a fun first book in what has the potential to be a great series. Vikings and dragons and monsters oh my!! The writing style pulled me in right away and felt natural and engaging throughout. I appreciated that the characters were developed through their actions and thought processes rather than the author telling me about them, and the settings felt tangible enough to play a movie in my head.
I really enjoyed the FMC. She's independent, competent, strong, and has believable motivations and decision-making processes. The MMCs I will reserve judgment on for now. I feel like this first book was much more about developing the FMC, and the romance definitely wasn't the main focus. While I typically like multiple or dual POVs, in this case I didn't feel like the MMC chapters added enough to deepen their characters or their relationships with the FMC. I hope that in the next book the additional POVs add more to the plot and to those characters' development.
I'm especially excited to see more of the dragons in future books, and I'll definitely be looking out for book two!
September 22, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the eARC!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4!
Dragons and Viking inspired? Sign me up!
I very much enjoyed this!!!
Emelya was a great main character and obviously, flawed but we love that here. She’s just trying to escape a place where they see her as a “curse” and I do not blame her one bit.
The world building was a hit and miss for me though. Some parts of it was really well done and other parts left me a little confused about how undeveloped it felt. I also felt like some of the characters felt like that too.
I’m not a fan of instalove and the romance here felt very much instalove, so that part of the story didn’t click for me and honestly? Most of the time it took me out of the book.
I will say and I won’t spoil much but her scenes with Isbrøt were *CHEFS KISS*
I don’t know if I’ll pick up book two though? I loved the dragons and I love it being Viking/Scandinavian inspired but it took me quite a bit to finish this because I wasn’t that into it, and a lot of parts just took me out of the book. It was a fun and enjoyable read overall. But if you love dragons and sea adventures this is defs a book for you to read!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4!
Dragons and Viking inspired? Sign me up!
I very much enjoyed this!!!
Emelya was a great main character and obviously, flawed but we love that here. She’s just trying to escape a place where they see her as a “curse” and I do not blame her one bit.
The world building was a hit and miss for me though. Some parts of it was really well done and other parts left me a little confused about how undeveloped it felt. I also felt like some of the characters felt like that too.
I’m not a fan of instalove and the romance here felt very much instalove, so that part of the story didn’t click for me and honestly? Most of the time it took me out of the book.
I will say and I won’t spoil much but her scenes with Isbrøt were *CHEFS KISS*
I don’t know if I’ll pick up book two though? I loved the dragons and I love it being Viking/Scandinavian inspired but it took me quite a bit to finish this because I wasn’t that into it, and a lot of parts just took me out of the book. It was a fun and enjoyable read overall. But if you love dragons and sea adventures this is defs a book for you to read!
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