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In Rising Tides
Can their love survive the depth and darkness of the ocean between them?
Forced back into the sea, Lyra returns to an Atlantis she barely recognizes. New rulers hold power, old loyalties have crumbled, and her family name now carries dangerous weight. Bound by a bargain with the High King, she must fulfill the first part of the pact beneath the sea—but Atlantis does not welcome change, least of all from a mermaid.
Political unrest swells through the kingdom like a rising tide. Betrayal hides in every shadowed current. And the greatest threat to Lyra’s life is time itself—the bargain will claim what is owed.
On land, Wilder faces an impossible choice. The High King refuses to wage war against Atlantis, leaving Wilder with only one desperate challenge for a throne he never wanted. But when a betrayal of staggering proportions tears his plan apart, Wilder finds himself further than ever from saving Lyra—from the sea, and from the bargain slowly draining her life.
In Rising Tides is the second book in the Tidal Tithe Trilogy. It's a slow-burn, enemies to lovers, epic fantasy.
Forced back into the sea, Lyra returns to an Atlantis she barely recognizes. New rulers hold power, old loyalties have crumbled, and her family name now carries dangerous weight. Bound by a bargain with the High King, she must fulfill the first part of the pact beneath the sea—but Atlantis does not welcome change, least of all from a mermaid.
Political unrest swells through the kingdom like a rising tide. Betrayal hides in every shadowed current. And the greatest threat to Lyra’s life is time itself—the bargain will claim what is owed.
On land, Wilder faces an impossible choice. The High King refuses to wage war against Atlantis, leaving Wilder with only one desperate challenge for a throne he never wanted. But when a betrayal of staggering proportions tears his plan apart, Wilder finds himself further than ever from saving Lyra—from the sea, and from the bargain slowly draining her life.
In Rising Tides is the second book in the Tidal Tithe Trilogy. It's a slow-burn, enemies to lovers, epic fantasy.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 10, 2026
Fantastic follow up to the first one! I need the next one now.
September 22, 2026
J.A. Townsend heard me say “the patriarchy is the real villain” after book one and said, Oh, you haven't seen anything yet.
In Rising Tides picks up exactly where In Violent Waves left us: Lyra has been dragged back to Atlantis by Drystan, separated from Wilder, and forced to face the bargain she made in book one. Except Atlantis isn't the place she left.
Her father is dead. Drystan killed him and intends to take the throne—but he can't do that without marrying Lyra. Her sisters have returned. And in Lyra's absence, religious extremism has taken hold of the kingdom under Aegir, the new Tidal Master. And let me get this out of the way: Fuck Aegir.
Mermaids are no longer allowed to read. Women are expected to cover themselves for religious ceremonies. Those who violate increasingly extreme standards of “morality” or challenge the Tidal Master are publicly punished. Others are forced into servitude. History is being suppressed even further, and religious authority is rapidly becoming political authority.
And Lyra—the woman whose literal magical gift is her voice—is at one point fitted with a collar that physically hurts her if she tries to speak. Subtle? Absolutely fucking not.
There were moments that reminded me viscerally of The Handmaid's Tale, particularly the physical silencing of women. And while I don't know what specific contemporary parallels Townsend intended, I couldn't read this without thinking about the real-world relationship between religious extremism, government, control over women's bodies, suppression of knowledge, morality policing, and the punishment of dissent.
What I especially appreciated is that this isn't disconnected from what Townsend established in book one. We already knew mermaids were denied access to certain knowledge. We already knew goddesses and powerful women had been erased from their history. We already knew women had been taught that obedience was virtue.
In Rising Tides essentially asks: What happens when a system built on those beliefs feels its control beginning to slip? It gets worse.
And while all of that is happening, the literal foundations of Atlantis are cracking. Earthquakes are uncovering temples and images of Tiandra that were deliberately buried beneath those of Ennosidas. Lyra and her sisters begin piecing together just how much history was erased—and how badly magic has been thrown out of balance because of it. Which brings me to possibly my favorite development in this entire book: THE SISTERS. 😭😭😭
In In Violent Waves, Lyra believes she has essentially no one in Atlantis. She has twelve older sisters, but she grew up isolated from them, and they've been married off throughout the kingdoms. This book completely changed how I understood that loneliness.
Because Lyra wasn't alone because her sisters didn't love her. She was alone because they were kept apart. And as an oldest sister myself, this absolutely wrecked me.
Lyra has spent her entire life believing she had nobody, only to discover that these women have loved her, worried about her, rooted for her, and wanted her home the entire time. When she's sick, they care for her. They share knowledge with her. They investigate with her. One helps her understand the history that's been deliberately hidden. They help her strengthen her magic. There were people in her corner all along. She just wasn't allowed to know them.
And considering how much this series has already explored the ways women are isolated, controlled, and denied knowledge of their own power, I am VERY interested in where Townsend takes the sisters next. Because if there's one thing a system designed to control women probably doesn't want, it's twelve sisters comparing notes.
Then there's Drystan. Goddammit, Drystan. I LIKE HIM. I DON'T WANT TO LIKE HIM. Wilder and Lyra are made for each other. I am not questioning that for one second; but, Drystan is so much more complicated than I expected him to be. He genuinely seems horrified by what Atlantis has become. He tells Lyra that once they marry and he takes the throne, she will rule beside him, not behind him, and that together they can begin undoing the damage. And I believe him. I also believe he knows she may never love him. And essentially, he's asking: Fine. But can you please just let me love you? Which is so much for me to grapple with
Because, like, here's the problem: I believe that Drystan genuinely loves Lyra, but the way he understands love is fundamentally incompatible with the person Lyra is becoming. He wants to protect her. He wants to shelter her. He wants to make decisions that will keep her safe. And he doesn't seem to understand that protection can become another form of possession when the person you're protecting isn't allowed to choose it. His love is genuine. So is his control. And I think both things being true makes him infinitely more interesting than if Townsend had simply made him another monster Lyra needed to escape.
Meanwhile, on land:
Wilder: pine pine pine yearn yearn yearn. I should probably overthrow my father.
Wilder: pine yearn pine
Wilder: You know who I should tell highly sensitive information about Lyra's bargain to? A WULVER.
ME: WILDER WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING.
😂
honestly, I think that's because this is Lyra's story .Separating them gave Lyra something she desperately needed: the opportunity to become the woman we saw emerging at the end of book one without Wilder there to save her. She's still Lyra. There are absolutely moments when she's basically lying on the floor going well, I guess I'll die.
But then she gets up. She challenges the council. She talks back to men who expect her obedience. She investigates forbidden history. She learns to pull at the thread of her magic. And when she uses her voice, she's learning to be extraordinarily deliberate about what she commands people to do. She's not just discovering how powerful she is; she's deciding what kind of powerful person she wants to be. That's growth.
Eventually Lyra has to confront something much more important: Wilder can't save her from this. Her sisters can help her. Wilder's people can help her. They can give her information and tools and love and support. But ultimately? Lyra has to save Lyra.
This is definitely a middle book. I don't think there's any getting around that. For how anxious I was basically the entire time, relatively little actually happens. A lot of In Rising Tides is exploring relationships, expanding the history and mythology, moving political pieces around the board, and setting everyone into position for whatever absolute chaos is coming in book three. But I also...didn't really care? Because the character work and escalation were doing enough to keep me glued to my Kindle.
In Violent Waves was about Lyra discovering that the world she had been taught to believe in was built on lies. In Rising Tides is about what happens when she brings that knowledge home—and the institutions that benefited from her silence realize she isn't willing to be silent anymore.
Book one gave Lyra a found family. Book two gave her back her sisters. Book three? Well.
Tiandra was erased.
Her temples were buried.
Her history was rewritten.
Her magic was suppressed.
And now a siren has come home.
Give me book three immediately.
In Rising Tides picks up exactly where In Violent Waves left us: Lyra has been dragged back to Atlantis by Drystan, separated from Wilder, and forced to face the bargain she made in book one. Except Atlantis isn't the place she left.
Her father is dead. Drystan killed him and intends to take the throne—but he can't do that without marrying Lyra. Her sisters have returned. And in Lyra's absence, religious extremism has taken hold of the kingdom under Aegir, the new Tidal Master. And let me get this out of the way: Fuck Aegir.
Mermaids are no longer allowed to read. Women are expected to cover themselves for religious ceremonies. Those who violate increasingly extreme standards of “morality” or challenge the Tidal Master are publicly punished. Others are forced into servitude. History is being suppressed even further, and religious authority is rapidly becoming political authority.
And Lyra—the woman whose literal magical gift is her voice—is at one point fitted with a collar that physically hurts her if she tries to speak. Subtle? Absolutely fucking not.
There were moments that reminded me viscerally of The Handmaid's Tale, particularly the physical silencing of women. And while I don't know what specific contemporary parallels Townsend intended, I couldn't read this without thinking about the real-world relationship between religious extremism, government, control over women's bodies, suppression of knowledge, morality policing, and the punishment of dissent.
What I especially appreciated is that this isn't disconnected from what Townsend established in book one. We already knew mermaids were denied access to certain knowledge. We already knew goddesses and powerful women had been erased from their history. We already knew women had been taught that obedience was virtue.
In Rising Tides essentially asks: What happens when a system built on those beliefs feels its control beginning to slip? It gets worse.
And while all of that is happening, the literal foundations of Atlantis are cracking. Earthquakes are uncovering temples and images of Tiandra that were deliberately buried beneath those of Ennosidas. Lyra and her sisters begin piecing together just how much history was erased—and how badly magic has been thrown out of balance because of it. Which brings me to possibly my favorite development in this entire book: THE SISTERS. 😭😭😭
In In Violent Waves, Lyra believes she has essentially no one in Atlantis. She has twelve older sisters, but she grew up isolated from them, and they've been married off throughout the kingdoms. This book completely changed how I understood that loneliness.
Because Lyra wasn't alone because her sisters didn't love her. She was alone because they were kept apart. And as an oldest sister myself, this absolutely wrecked me.
Lyra has spent her entire life believing she had nobody, only to discover that these women have loved her, worried about her, rooted for her, and wanted her home the entire time. When she's sick, they care for her. They share knowledge with her. They investigate with her. One helps her understand the history that's been deliberately hidden. They help her strengthen her magic. There were people in her corner all along. She just wasn't allowed to know them.
And considering how much this series has already explored the ways women are isolated, controlled, and denied knowledge of their own power, I am VERY interested in where Townsend takes the sisters next. Because if there's one thing a system designed to control women probably doesn't want, it's twelve sisters comparing notes.
Then there's Drystan. Goddammit, Drystan. I LIKE HIM. I DON'T WANT TO LIKE HIM. Wilder and Lyra are made for each other. I am not questioning that for one second; but, Drystan is so much more complicated than I expected him to be. He genuinely seems horrified by what Atlantis has become. He tells Lyra that once they marry and he takes the throne, she will rule beside him, not behind him, and that together they can begin undoing the damage. And I believe him. I also believe he knows she may never love him. And essentially, he's asking: Fine. But can you please just let me love you? Which is so much for me to grapple with
Because, like, here's the problem: I believe that Drystan genuinely loves Lyra, but the way he understands love is fundamentally incompatible with the person Lyra is becoming. He wants to protect her. He wants to shelter her. He wants to make decisions that will keep her safe. And he doesn't seem to understand that protection can become another form of possession when the person you're protecting isn't allowed to choose it. His love is genuine. So is his control. And I think both things being true makes him infinitely more interesting than if Townsend had simply made him another monster Lyra needed to escape.
Meanwhile, on land:
Wilder: pine pine pine yearn yearn yearn. I should probably overthrow my father.
Wilder: pine yearn pine
Wilder: You know who I should tell highly sensitive information about Lyra's bargain to? A WULVER.
ME: WILDER WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING.
😂
honestly, I think that's because this is Lyra's story .Separating them gave Lyra something she desperately needed: the opportunity to become the woman we saw emerging at the end of book one without Wilder there to save her. She's still Lyra. There are absolutely moments when she's basically lying on the floor going well, I guess I'll die.
But then she gets up. She challenges the council. She talks back to men who expect her obedience. She investigates forbidden history. She learns to pull at the thread of her magic. And when she uses her voice, she's learning to be extraordinarily deliberate about what she commands people to do. She's not just discovering how powerful she is; she's deciding what kind of powerful person she wants to be. That's growth.
Eventually Lyra has to confront something much more important: Wilder can't save her from this. Her sisters can help her. Wilder's people can help her. They can give her information and tools and love and support. But ultimately? Lyra has to save Lyra.
This is definitely a middle book. I don't think there's any getting around that. For how anxious I was basically the entire time, relatively little actually happens. A lot of In Rising Tides is exploring relationships, expanding the history and mythology, moving political pieces around the board, and setting everyone into position for whatever absolute chaos is coming in book three. But I also...didn't really care? Because the character work and escalation were doing enough to keep me glued to my Kindle.
In Violent Waves was about Lyra discovering that the world she had been taught to believe in was built on lies. In Rising Tides is about what happens when she brings that knowledge home—and the institutions that benefited from her silence realize she isn't willing to be silent anymore.
Book one gave Lyra a found family. Book two gave her back her sisters. Book three? Well.
Tiandra was erased.
Her temples were buried.
Her history was rewritten.
Her magic was suppressed.
And now a siren has come home.
Give me book three immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I did not want to put this book down! J.A. Townsend has a way of writing that is just so beautiful and flowy that just makes you want to finish it all in one sitting.
In Rising Tides takes place right where book 1 leaves off, so of course the terrible separation saga of Wilder and Lyra has begun. As hard as it was to have them separated for the majority of this book, it felt needed. They both have tasks to complete, both under the sea and on land in order to be together and boy did things just get interesting.
Lyra of course ends up where she doesn't want to be, trapped and with Drystan. Nothing under the sea is what it seems. Everything has changed since she was on land and not all of it good. A new enemy has emerged and old gods/goddesses are brought into the conversation. I absolutely loved getting into the lore and the initial betrayals that led to the current events. And Lyra is also struggling with the loss of Wilder but also the effects of her unfulfilled bargain. A lot of edge of your seat moments, a lot of wanting to punch Drystan in the face, but also a lot of rekindling relationships. Her inner strength is growing and I really loved that.
Now Wilder, with the loss of Lyra, is of course not doing well at all. If there was an elf who knows how to yearn, it would be him. Every choice he wants to make is for her, so she can come back to him. His devotion to her is just beautiful. So he decides to convince the king to wage war on Atlantis. This decision leads to a lot of unfortunate events that left me feeling so much dread for Wilder. But what I really loved about him in this whole book, is his resolve grows as well. He becomes more confident in what needs to be done because he has someone to fight for now.
Despite the sadness of Wilder and Lyra being separated, I absolutely loved the rest of the side characters being together. Otto, Maelys, and Ridge are just such a joy and I really loved having them have more page time. Wilder would be absolutely lost without them.
The cliffhanger was absolutely diabolical. One wrong thing and now everything could be in chaos. I am desperately needing the next book because what is going to happen???? Both Wilder and Lyra have so much that is at stake and so much could go wrong. I have a feeling that the next book is going to tear hearts out. I am just intrigued by the new information brought to light in this book that I just KNOW the next one is going to be just as good, if not even better!!!
In Rising Tides takes place right where book 1 leaves off, so of course the terrible separation saga of Wilder and Lyra has begun. As hard as it was to have them separated for the majority of this book, it felt needed. They both have tasks to complete, both under the sea and on land in order to be together and boy did things just get interesting.
Lyra of course ends up where she doesn't want to be, trapped and with Drystan. Nothing under the sea is what it seems. Everything has changed since she was on land and not all of it good. A new enemy has emerged and old gods/goddesses are brought into the conversation. I absolutely loved getting into the lore and the initial betrayals that led to the current events. And Lyra is also struggling with the loss of Wilder but also the effects of her unfulfilled bargain. A lot of edge of your seat moments, a lot of wanting to punch Drystan in the face, but also a lot of rekindling relationships. Her inner strength is growing and I really loved that.
Now Wilder, with the loss of Lyra, is of course not doing well at all. If there was an elf who knows how to yearn, it would be him. Every choice he wants to make is for her, so she can come back to him. His devotion to her is just beautiful. So he decides to convince the king to wage war on Atlantis. This decision leads to a lot of unfortunate events that left me feeling so much dread for Wilder. But what I really loved about him in this whole book, is his resolve grows as well. He becomes more confident in what needs to be done because he has someone to fight for now.
Despite the sadness of Wilder and Lyra being separated, I absolutely loved the rest of the side characters being together. Otto, Maelys, and Ridge are just such a joy and I really loved having them have more page time. Wilder would be absolutely lost without them.
The cliffhanger was absolutely diabolical. One wrong thing and now everything could be in chaos. I am desperately needing the next book because what is going to happen???? Both Wilder and Lyra have so much that is at stake and so much could go wrong. I have a feeling that the next book is going to tear hearts out. I am just intrigued by the new information brought to light in this book that I just KNOW the next one is going to be just as good, if not even better!!!
September 2, 2026
I loved this book. Lyra’s feisty attitude is on full display and I even loved Drystan and his sassy comments too. Aside from getting more of the characters we already love, Lyra rebuilds her relationship with her sisters which made for a lot of heartwarming moments.
While in Atlantis Lyra is able to learn more about her power and the consequences of the bargain she made in book 1. On land, Wilder struggles without Lyra’s presence but is determined to get her back. We see a lot of what I would say is a quiet growth from him as he starts to take his role as prince more seriously. The stakes are high as we learn more lore about Atlantis and how vastly things have changed in her absence.
The antagonist in this book gave me the creeps so bad. Like genuine chills. It’s not hard to make the connection from the Tidal Master and his acolytes to the purity culture here in America and the desire to keep women subservient under the guise of religion. But it’s so well written and I’m so excited to see what comes next and what Lyra has planned for those creeps!
The cliffhanger was also insane and I need the third book in my hands asap. The pacing in every book of Townsend’s is incredible, it’s genuinely like she’s inside the readers mind and knows exactly what we want next, making it impossible to put the book down. Her writing just gets better and better!
While in Atlantis Lyra is able to learn more about her power and the consequences of the bargain she made in book 1. On land, Wilder struggles without Lyra’s presence but is determined to get her back. We see a lot of what I would say is a quiet growth from him as he starts to take his role as prince more seriously. The stakes are high as we learn more lore about Atlantis and how vastly things have changed in her absence.
The antagonist in this book gave me the creeps so bad. Like genuine chills. It’s not hard to make the connection from the Tidal Master and his acolytes to the purity culture here in America and the desire to keep women subservient under the guise of religion. But it’s so well written and I’m so excited to see what comes next and what Lyra has planned for those creeps!
The cliffhanger was also insane and I need the third book in my hands asap. The pacing in every book of Townsend’s is incredible, it’s genuinely like she’s inside the readers mind and knows exactly what we want next, making it impossible to put the book down. Her writing just gets better and better!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to the author JA Townsend and bookfunnel for access to this advanced read. I read the book on Kindle.
Just a quick note that has nothing to do with the review or rating – the book covers in the series are fantastic and I absolutely love the titles. The map is fantastic as well. Kudos to the artists. I don’t know if the author would want me to name the artists here as this book is not yet published so I will not. But anyone coming across this after it is published, when you read the books, please note the wonderful artists work.
I rated this four stars as this was the second book in the trilogy and continues the story. While I didn’t love it as much as the first book, I understand the plotting and pacing in the trilogy that sets up continuation and resolution of the story that will occur in the third book.
While the first book was very much fantasy romance oriented, I found this book to be leaning more romantic fantasy.
I would recommend this book for anyone that enjoys fantasy/romantasy, mermaid fantasy, fae and elf fantasy, adventure, and court politics.
**The paragraph below does not contain true spoilers, but it does address the major themes I interpret in the trilogy, which drives the plot, so I am giving a warning note here in case anyone does not want to read further**
This second book dives further into the magic system, religion, and political machinations. Thematically, I think it looks at patriarchy, sexism and misogyny, women’s issues, and the weight of the crown. The FMC‘s struggle with controlling and embracing her magic and strength is definitely metaphorically, allegorically, women coming of age, navigating culturally assigned gender roles, and embracing their power and strength and ability to lead. This is intertwined with the weight of the crown for the major players – throughout both books runs a theme - that those born into royalty are often political tools, political pawns/assets, no matter how powerful or privileged they seem.
Just a quick note that has nothing to do with the review or rating – the book covers in the series are fantastic and I absolutely love the titles. The map is fantastic as well. Kudos to the artists. I don’t know if the author would want me to name the artists here as this book is not yet published so I will not. But anyone coming across this after it is published, when you read the books, please note the wonderful artists work.
I rated this four stars as this was the second book in the trilogy and continues the story. While I didn’t love it as much as the first book, I understand the plotting and pacing in the trilogy that sets up continuation and resolution of the story that will occur in the third book.
While the first book was very much fantasy romance oriented, I found this book to be leaning more romantic fantasy.
I would recommend this book for anyone that enjoys fantasy/romantasy, mermaid fantasy, fae and elf fantasy, adventure, and court politics.
**The paragraph below does not contain true spoilers, but it does address the major themes I interpret in the trilogy, which drives the plot, so I am giving a warning note here in case anyone does not want to read further**
This second book dives further into the magic system, religion, and political machinations. Thematically, I think it looks at patriarchy, sexism and misogyny, women’s issues, and the weight of the crown. The FMC‘s struggle with controlling and embracing her magic and strength is definitely metaphorically, allegorically, women coming of age, navigating culturally assigned gender roles, and embracing their power and strength and ability to lead. This is intertwined with the weight of the crown for the major players – throughout both books runs a theme - that those born into royalty are often political tools, political pawns/assets, no matter how powerful or privileged they seem.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wilder and Lyra have quite the ride in this book. They've been forcibly separated and both struggle with that guilt of hurting each other because of this, even though it is not from their actions. I am very happy that Wilder has now fully accepted his feelings for her as he struggled with them last book. He goes on a mission to get her back, which leads to quite the adventure (good and bad.) I loved his growth from last book. He makes mistakes along the way, but he does learn from it. Meanwhile, Lyra is back in the sea with Drystan, who is a very changeable character to say the least. The fact that he isn't even the worst under the water is mindboggling. I loved her reuniting with most of her sisters and them helping her as she struggles with the effects of her bargain with King Oberon. The stakes felt higher in this book than in book 1. There's more secrets, more politics and more betrayals. The way this book ended with that cliffhanger was just.. mean. I am kind of scared but also excited for the next book.
August 4, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
I don't even know how to put into words how much this book wrecked me.
Lyra and Wilder own a piece of my heart, and watching them fight an ocean, kingdoms, betrayal, and fate itself just to find their way back to each other was absolutely heartwrenching. Every time they were separated, I felt it, and every glimmer of hope had me desperately believing they could somehow beat the impossible.
The political intrigue and shifting alliances kept me completely invested, but it was the love story that made this unforgettable. Their relationship is built on sacrifice, unwavering devotion, and choosing each other even when the entire world is against them. I was anxious, emotional, and completely unable to stop turning the pages.
This sequel raised the stakes in every possible way, and I was left emotionally shattered in the best way. If loving Lyra and Wilder this much is wrong, I don't want to be right.
This book also ends on a cliffhanger, which left me emotionally devastated again!
I don't even know how to put into words how much this book wrecked me.
Lyra and Wilder own a piece of my heart, and watching them fight an ocean, kingdoms, betrayal, and fate itself just to find their way back to each other was absolutely heartwrenching. Every time they were separated, I felt it, and every glimmer of hope had me desperately believing they could somehow beat the impossible.
The political intrigue and shifting alliances kept me completely invested, but it was the love story that made this unforgettable. Their relationship is built on sacrifice, unwavering devotion, and choosing each other even when the entire world is against them. I was anxious, emotional, and completely unable to stop turning the pages.
This sequel raised the stakes in every possible way, and I was left emotionally shattered in the best way. If loving Lyra and Wilder this much is wrong, I don't want to be right.
This book also ends on a cliffhanger, which left me emotionally devastated again!
August 11, 2026
I’m sensing a theme with this series—because both books so far have had TONS of plot development, and have left off with major cliffhangers.
I love how invested I am in Lyra and Wilder’s story, and I really enjoyed how this book built on the overarching theme of duty and loyalty to both your own people, but that the main characters feel to each other.
I really didn’t know where this was going to go, and I appreciate how many different moments had me questioning side characters and whether or not they were truly good or characters I should hate. The morally gray backbone that is woven through this story absolutely hits the spot for me.
I’m very excited for book 3. I have no idea where this is going next, but I have a feeling book 3 is about to level everything up.
Format: ebook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️/5
I love how invested I am in Lyra and Wilder’s story, and I really enjoyed how this book built on the overarching theme of duty and loyalty to both your own people, but that the main characters feel to each other.
I really didn’t know where this was going to go, and I appreciate how many different moments had me questioning side characters and whether or not they were truly good or characters I should hate. The morally gray backbone that is woven through this story absolutely hits the spot for me.
I’m very excited for book 3. I have no idea where this is going next, but I have a feeling book 3 is about to level everything up.
Format: ebook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book felt more like a bridge between the first and the third book but didn't have a single dull moment!
It was fun getting to know more about Atlantis and life underwater, and I particularly enjoyed the character of Drystan (there was just something about him that made this book better).
The book ended on quite a suspenseful note and I'm really excited to read the conclusion to this series and finally see Lyra and Wilder get their happy ending (HOPEFULLY 🤞🏼😭).
It was fun getting to know more about Atlantis and life underwater, and I particularly enjoyed the character of Drystan (there was just something about him that made this book better).
The book ended on quite a suspenseful note and I'm really excited to read the conclusion to this series and finally see Lyra and Wilder get their happy ending (HOPEFULLY 🤞🏼😭).
November 1, 2026
[DISCLAIMER THIS BOOK WAS AN ARC]
5 ⭐️
So many people know how much I love this author and honestly the wait for this book was sooooo worth it. Months later and I still think about this book and how shocked I was, I simply can’t get over it. I can’t wait for book 3 and I need to hurry up and get a signed copy.
5 ⭐️
So many people know how much I love this author and honestly the wait for this book was sooooo worth it. Months later and I still think about this book and how shocked I was, I simply can’t get over it. I can’t wait for book 3 and I need to hurry up and get a signed copy.
August 5, 2026
Amazing book 2 for the series it ends in a cliff hanger! Cant wait to read what comes next!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️4.5 rounded up
🫑 only kissing
⚠️ gore, corrupted religious oppression, strong language
❤️🔥 yearning
I loved this book so much more than book one. We got excellent world building and descriptions of the Sea kingdoms, as well as Lyra diving deeper into her magic and the bargain.
The character growth was also totally top notch. Drystan really changes and you start to gain some understanding as to why he is the way he is, but you can see him trying to change. We also get to meet Lyra's sisters and their husbands.
Corrupt religious oppression and control of women is a major theme in this book. There is hope as we see the mentality of some of the princes changing.
This book is dual POV between Lyra and Wilder. I absolutely loved that. It really builds the yearning. This book was definitely more fantasy forward and less romance forward due to the circumstances. It was done so well! And of course, another nasty cliffhanger!
Thank you to the author for the ARC! These opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way.
🫑 only kissing
⚠️ gore, corrupted religious oppression, strong language
❤️🔥 yearning
I loved this book so much more than book one. We got excellent world building and descriptions of the Sea kingdoms, as well as Lyra diving deeper into her magic and the bargain.
The character growth was also totally top notch. Drystan really changes and you start to gain some understanding as to why he is the way he is, but you can see him trying to change. We also get to meet Lyra's sisters and their husbands.
Corrupt religious oppression and control of women is a major theme in this book. There is hope as we see the mentality of some of the princes changing.
This book is dual POV between Lyra and Wilder. I absolutely loved that. It really builds the yearning. This book was definitely more fantasy forward and less romance forward due to the circumstances. It was done so well! And of course, another nasty cliffhanger!
Thank you to the author for the ARC! These opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way.
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