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Crown of Sea and Storm: A Darkwood Fantasy Romance
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Expected 3 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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1 copies available
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A princess cursed by silence. A prince bound by honor. Together, they must defy fate to save a kingdom.
A stand-alone sequel to the Audible-bestselling Darkwood Trilogy from USA Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp.
Princess Catrin Albrecht is a pawn in a dangerous game of court politics, cursed with the loss of her voice and hunted by those who seek to control her magic. When fate throws her in the path of the stoic and honorable Prince Jenson of Fiorland, the two must navigate treacherous waters—both literal and political—on a journey of survival, betrayal, and impossible love.
Once Cat returns to court, whispers of murder, poisoned queens, and dark sorcery fill the air. Shadowed by her conniving cousin Alicia and haunted by a sorceress of immense power, Cat finds herself at the center of a deadly plot that could topple the throne. But with Jenson by her side, they stand a chance to thwart the darkness, if only they can trust each other long enough to fight it. Too bad fate has an epic betrayal in store...
Crown of Sea and Storm is a spellbinding romantasy filled with elemental magic, twisty court intrigue, and a slow-burn romance destined to change the fate of kingdoms. Fans of The Little Mermaid, Norse mythology, and sweeping tales of star-crossed lovers will fall head over heels for this captivating story of love, sacrifice, and power.
* Unlike the other Darkwood books, this novel has some heat, including a *spicy open door scene*
A stand-alone sequel to the Audible-bestselling Darkwood Trilogy from USA Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp.
Princess Catrin Albrecht is a pawn in a dangerous game of court politics, cursed with the loss of her voice and hunted by those who seek to control her magic. When fate throws her in the path of the stoic and honorable Prince Jenson of Fiorland, the two must navigate treacherous waters—both literal and political—on a journey of survival, betrayal, and impossible love.
Once Cat returns to court, whispers of murder, poisoned queens, and dark sorcery fill the air. Shadowed by her conniving cousin Alicia and haunted by a sorceress of immense power, Cat finds herself at the center of a deadly plot that could topple the throne. But with Jenson by her side, they stand a chance to thwart the darkness, if only they can trust each other long enough to fight it. Too bad fate has an epic betrayal in store...
Crown of Sea and Storm is a spellbinding romantasy filled with elemental magic, twisty court intrigue, and a slow-burn romance destined to change the fate of kingdoms. Fans of The Little Mermaid, Norse mythology, and sweeping tales of star-crossed lovers will fall head over heels for this captivating story of love, sacrifice, and power.
* Unlike the other Darkwood books, this novel has some heat, including a *spicy open door scene*
485 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 3, 2026
About the author
Anthea Sharp
124 books1,329 followersGrowing up, Anthea Sharp spent her summers raiding the library shelves and reading, especially fantasy. She now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes, plays the fiddle, hangs out in virtual worlds, and spends time with her small-but-good family. Contact her at antheasharp@hotmail.com, follow her on twitter, find her on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AntheaSharp), and visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Princess Catrin is used in a dangerous game of court politics when fate throws her in the path of the honorable Prince Jenson of Fiorland. The two must navigate treacherous circumstances on a journey of survival, betrayal, and love.
Sometimes you read a book thats a bit hard to review. There isn't really anything wrong with the story, it was a fine read that I enjoyed, but it didn't stood out in any way for me.
It helped that Cat and Jay were traveling most of the time and got from one situation to the next. This made the story fast paced, and helped me a lot to keep on reading. I wanted to know how it all played out and eventhough I didn't found the book very suspenseful that did kept my focus on the story.
I also found it refreshing that Cat lost her voice. That can't have been easy for Anthea Sharp as normally there is banter or fighting that brings main characters together and makes us readers connect to a character. In this case there wasn't any. Still I found myself connected to both Jay and Cat.
The book is classified as New Adult. I would say it leans more towards the Young Adult than the Adult side. For me it was a bit too tame.
Overall a nice read so 3,5⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author Anthea Sharp for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Sometimes you read a book thats a bit hard to review. There isn't really anything wrong with the story, it was a fine read that I enjoyed, but it didn't stood out in any way for me.
It helped that Cat and Jay were traveling most of the time and got from one situation to the next. This made the story fast paced, and helped me a lot to keep on reading. I wanted to know how it all played out and eventhough I didn't found the book very suspenseful that did kept my focus on the story.
I also found it refreshing that Cat lost her voice. That can't have been easy for Anthea Sharp as normally there is banter or fighting that brings main characters together and makes us readers connect to a character. In this case there wasn't any. Still I found myself connected to both Jay and Cat.
The book is classified as New Adult. I would say it leans more towards the Young Adult than the Adult side. For me it was a bit too tame.
Overall a nice read so 3,5⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author Anthea Sharp for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
June 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an advanced reading copy of this book.
I liked the premise of the story with the different magic elements and the politic intrigue but unfortunately, the book never gripped me right from the start. I felt like I struggled through it and was just preserving.
I really struggled with the romance, I understood she lost her voice and that made communication difficult but it meant the story lacked any of the banter I would normally want in a relationship I’m reading about. It left me feeling like I didn’t really bond with the characters or the romance.
Also everything felt a bit rushed, like the stakes built and there was going to be an issue e.g. getting Cat’s voice back and then suddenly we were right where we needed to be. It felt like we relied a little bit too much on fate to help us on our way.
I liked the premise of the story with the different magic elements and the politic intrigue but unfortunately, the book never gripped me right from the start. I felt like I struggled through it and was just preserving.
I really struggled with the romance, I understood she lost her voice and that made communication difficult but it meant the story lacked any of the banter I would normally want in a relationship I’m reading about. It left me feeling like I didn’t really bond with the characters or the romance.
Also everything felt a bit rushed, like the stakes built and there was going to be an issue e.g. getting Cat’s voice back and then suddenly we were right where we needed to be. It felt like we relied a little bit too much on fate to help us on our way.
May 31, 2026
I requested this ARC as I love mermaids books and I thought being ideal for fans of the little mermaid would mean it had mermaids. It doesn’t, which is okay, I just thought it would have some underwater elements.
I really enjoyed the story and the slow burn romance between Jay and Cat. Considering Cat doesn’t have a voice for most of the book, it’s written really well. The magic was cool and I enjoyed the writing. It was a really fun fantasy read.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the story and the slow burn romance between Jay and Cat. Considering Cat doesn’t have a voice for most of the book, it’s written really well. The magic was cool and I enjoyed the writing. It was a really fun fantasy read.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Thank you to the author/publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy. Thoughts are my own.*
This gave me some really fun Little Mermaid-inspired vibes, which I absolutely enjoyed.
I really liked the characters and the emotional obstacles they had to work through to be together it added a nice layer of tension and made their journey feel meaningful.
I’m usually not an instalove girlie, but this one handled it in a way that didn’t completely pull me out of the story, which I appreciated.
That said, I didn’t fully fall in love with the book as a whole, but I did enjoy my time with it. And can we talk about the character art at the end?! I LOVED that touch.
This gave me some really fun Little Mermaid-inspired vibes, which I absolutely enjoyed.
I really liked the characters and the emotional obstacles they had to work through to be together it added a nice layer of tension and made their journey feel meaningful.
I’m usually not an instalove girlie, but this one handled it in a way that didn’t completely pull me out of the story, which I appreciated.
That said, I didn’t fully fall in love with the book as a whole, but I did enjoy my time with it. And can we talk about the character art at the end?! I LOVED that touch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2026
This was definitely an interesting read. It was quite different from what I expected, but I really enjoyed the fast-paced storytelling. There were a few moments that left me a little unsure, but the ending was ultimately satisfying. Cat and Jenson are absolutely perfect for each other!
March 30, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for sending me an ARC of this book!!
I have a few thoughts on this book:
First of all, Cat’s thoughts and actions don’t match up like I feel like they should and because of that I felt disconnected from her character. Because she’s lost her voice, it is hard for the author to show us her personality but they have still tried to do it in the chapters where we are inside of her mind. She feels not necessarily fierce but definitely courageous and a strong female character. However, this does not come across even a little bit in her actions. She seems so innocent and scared through her actions, which I totally get and would not have a problem with (not every fmc has to be strong and independent!) but it just wasn’t matching up with what we read in her own chapters. I know this is technically how the mmc sees her but it made me wonder all throughout the book that if this is how he’s seeing her because she doesn’t have a voice, when she gets her voice back she will become a completely different person and their relationship could’ve been affected.
I love the idea that Cat has lost her voice! It’s very refreshing as I’ve never read a book where this has happened before! It was really interesting reading about the mmc falling in love with her when he didn’t really know much about her and couldn’t have conversations with her. Especially because at the start she is described as very mundane, like she is specifically stated to be pretty normal looking not anything special so in this case personality would’ve made her even more attractive but she doesn’t even have that because she can’t speak! It was so good seeing a man fall in love with a woman not because they have great or witty banter (don’t get me wrong, I love that though) but just because he can see her for who she truly is without her voice.
In the way of plot, I felt like this book was giving more cosy fantasy vibes than fantasy. I think the focus was not just on the romance but then all of the plot points felt like side quests which I did not mind at all! Just goes to show that not all books have to have such intricate plots— this was fun to read even though it was kind of here there and everywhere.
I liked lots of this book but there were some parts that I felt dragged a bit. I think if it was compacted into a smaller amount of pages that would’ve changed my rating. But overall I did enjoy this book!
I have a few thoughts on this book:
First of all, Cat’s thoughts and actions don’t match up like I feel like they should and because of that I felt disconnected from her character. Because she’s lost her voice, it is hard for the author to show us her personality but they have still tried to do it in the chapters where we are inside of her mind. She feels not necessarily fierce but definitely courageous and a strong female character. However, this does not come across even a little bit in her actions. She seems so innocent and scared through her actions, which I totally get and would not have a problem with (not every fmc has to be strong and independent!) but it just wasn’t matching up with what we read in her own chapters. I know this is technically how the mmc sees her but it made me wonder all throughout the book that if this is how he’s seeing her because she doesn’t have a voice, when she gets her voice back she will become a completely different person and their relationship could’ve been affected.
I love the idea that Cat has lost her voice! It’s very refreshing as I’ve never read a book where this has happened before! It was really interesting reading about the mmc falling in love with her when he didn’t really know much about her and couldn’t have conversations with her. Especially because at the start she is described as very mundane, like she is specifically stated to be pretty normal looking not anything special so in this case personality would’ve made her even more attractive but she doesn’t even have that because she can’t speak! It was so good seeing a man fall in love with a woman not because they have great or witty banter (don’t get me wrong, I love that though) but just because he can see her for who she truly is without her voice.
In the way of plot, I felt like this book was giving more cosy fantasy vibes than fantasy. I think the focus was not just on the romance but then all of the plot points felt like side quests which I did not mind at all! Just goes to show that not all books have to have such intricate plots— this was fun to read even though it was kind of here there and everywhere.
I liked lots of this book but there were some parts that I felt dragged a bit. I think if it was compacted into a smaller amount of pages that would’ve changed my rating. But overall I did enjoy this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went into this book pretty blind, but it seems to be inspired by Scandinavia, which as a Swede made me feel right at home. The names, the references to kings and queens, the aquavit, and little details like swedish names were a nice touch and added a lot to the atmosphere for me.
The world itself has a very old fashioned feel with noble families, royalty, and slightly archaic language. At first it took me a while to adjust to the dialogue and expressions, especially when characters swore or reacted dramatically, but eventually I understood the tone the author was going for. In the end, I actually think it added to the setting.
The writing was genuinely beautiful at times. Certain emotions and descriptions were handled really well, and there were moments that felt very atmospheric and emotional.
That said, I struggled to fully connect with the romance. When the MC's shared their first kiss, and it just felt too sudden for me. The MMC goes from wanting to protect her to suddenly kissing her while still talking about being heartbroken earlier in the same chapter. I understand the romantic setting in that scene, but emotionally I was not fully convinced yet, so it pulled me out of the story a little.
At one point I genuinely wondered if this was YA because of the writing style and the way the romance was handled. Later I saw that the book was described as having “swoony spice” and an open door scene toward the end, so clearly it is not YA. But the fact that I questioned it at all probably says something about the tone and style of the book.
I did enjoy the love story at times. The idea of two characters falling in love despite the FMC losing her voice was interesting, and I liked parts of their dynamic. But for me, the story eventually became a bit overcrowded with plotlines. Personally, it became a little too much all at once.
Still, I can see why others would enjoy this book. It is very slow burn, very clean romance for most of the story, and the writing itself is solid. I really wanted to love it because the concept had so much potential. Unfortunately, it just did not fully land for me emotionally, especially when it came to the romance.
Overall, not quite the book for me, but still a nicely written fantasy with a beautiful atmosphere.
The world itself has a very old fashioned feel with noble families, royalty, and slightly archaic language. At first it took me a while to adjust to the dialogue and expressions, especially when characters swore or reacted dramatically, but eventually I understood the tone the author was going for. In the end, I actually think it added to the setting.
The writing was genuinely beautiful at times. Certain emotions and descriptions were handled really well, and there were moments that felt very atmospheric and emotional.
That said, I struggled to fully connect with the romance. When the MC's shared their first kiss, and it just felt too sudden for me. The MMC goes from wanting to protect her to suddenly kissing her while still talking about being heartbroken earlier in the same chapter. I understand the romantic setting in that scene, but emotionally I was not fully convinced yet, so it pulled me out of the story a little.
At one point I genuinely wondered if this was YA because of the writing style and the way the romance was handled. Later I saw that the book was described as having “swoony spice” and an open door scene toward the end, so clearly it is not YA. But the fact that I questioned it at all probably says something about the tone and style of the book.
I did enjoy the love story at times. The idea of two characters falling in love despite the FMC losing her voice was interesting, and I liked parts of their dynamic. But for me, the story eventually became a bit overcrowded with plotlines. Personally, it became a little too much all at once.
Still, I can see why others would enjoy this book. It is very slow burn, very clean romance for most of the story, and the writing itself is solid. I really wanted to love it because the concept had so much potential. Unfortunately, it just did not fully land for me emotionally, especially when it came to the romance.
Overall, not quite the book for me, but still a nicely written fantasy with a beautiful atmosphere.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Arc Review
The Kingdom of Athraig is expecting a visitor and the Queen has decided he shall marry one of the Princesses, Catrin, without the help of her voice but still with her magic has to win over the barbaric prince Jenson. Thrust into a deadly journey together they have to navigate politics, betrayal and sorcery whilst trying to survive. Can they trust each other long enough to fight what’s coming.
This story was absolutely magically. Almost instantly you feel as though you’ve fallen into an enchanted world, the writing is so elegant and everything is very intentional. Instantly thrown into the chaos of the story I was routing for Cat as she struggled with her dilemma as a soft but fierce female lead. Meeting Prince Jenson was like returning to a character I’ve known forever, he’s strong and capable but humble and instantly protective. The instant connection between the two of them ensnared me completely. I instantly wanted to know how it was going to play out.
A little further into the story and more magic becomes ingrained, delving deeper and taking the characters along too, so that they evolved and grow on you even more. We are subtly introduced to several other characters most of whom have their own depth and part to play in the storyline rather than just being there to fill the pages.
Every part of the story is more magical than the next, the romance is slow and teasing but deep and meaningful. Fleeting moments, often interrupted are page turners on their own and you crave for the relationship to blossom. Even when danger and betrayal come into play. The court politics are intense and do not take a back seat to the romance, everything is intertwined perfectly.
The intimate scenes in the book are very tastefully described and definitely lean towards romantic rather than spicy.
I cannot say I found fault in this story, I loved every moment of it, characters, pacing, world building, writing and the romance and cannot wait for the second instalment.
I gave 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ simply because I would have like the book to have ended on a cliffhanger and give us a reason to come back. I feel like there’s a lot more that could happen.
The Kingdom of Athraig is expecting a visitor and the Queen has decided he shall marry one of the Princesses, Catrin, without the help of her voice but still with her magic has to win over the barbaric prince Jenson. Thrust into a deadly journey together they have to navigate politics, betrayal and sorcery whilst trying to survive. Can they trust each other long enough to fight what’s coming.
This story was absolutely magically. Almost instantly you feel as though you’ve fallen into an enchanted world, the writing is so elegant and everything is very intentional. Instantly thrown into the chaos of the story I was routing for Cat as she struggled with her dilemma as a soft but fierce female lead. Meeting Prince Jenson was like returning to a character I’ve known forever, he’s strong and capable but humble and instantly protective. The instant connection between the two of them ensnared me completely. I instantly wanted to know how it was going to play out.
A little further into the story and more magic becomes ingrained, delving deeper and taking the characters along too, so that they evolved and grow on you even more. We are subtly introduced to several other characters most of whom have their own depth and part to play in the storyline rather than just being there to fill the pages.
Every part of the story is more magical than the next, the romance is slow and teasing but deep and meaningful. Fleeting moments, often interrupted are page turners on their own and you crave for the relationship to blossom. Even when danger and betrayal come into play. The court politics are intense and do not take a back seat to the romance, everything is intertwined perfectly.
The intimate scenes in the book are very tastefully described and definitely lean towards romantic rather than spicy.
I cannot say I found fault in this story, I loved every moment of it, characters, pacing, world building, writing and the romance and cannot wait for the second instalment.
I gave 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ simply because I would have like the book to have ended on a cliffhanger and give us a reason to come back. I feel like there’s a lot more that could happen.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I met Anthea Sharp at a book con recently and was really intrigued by her books. When I saw Crown of Sea and Storm on Netgalley I jumped at the chance for an ARC. This review is my honest opinion and my own. Crown of Sea and Storm is a standalone fantasy romance that has themes of the Little Mermaid and pirates, mixed with a SLOW burn romantasy/cozy vibe fantasy filled with all the yearning.
Cat is a princess in the Kingdom of Athraig and the Queen has challenged her with winning over a prince (Jay) with only the use of her magic and without her voice. I found this premise to be really interesting since I have never read a book with a FMC who cannot speak. I recently read one with the MMC who signs instead of speaking and LOVED it. Having it be the FMC really did add a fun spin on the typical star-crossed lovers trope who are forced to navigate politics and treachery. There was a connection between them from the start but their relationship didn't feel like insta-love, it truly was a SLOW burn in the absolute BEST way. It was more mature than YA relationships but was not overwhelmed by spice like so many romantasy books these days.
The magic system in this book is also unique and expertly woven into the plot as we watched our characters evolve and got to know them in depth. The plot added real depth to the story and took it far beyond just the romance. Court intrigue and politics add to both the story and the romance rather than weighing it down and forcing it to slowly plod along. I will definitely be reading more of the authors books since I really enjoyed this one. This is related to some of her other books but can be read without reading them.
Cat is a princess in the Kingdom of Athraig and the Queen has challenged her with winning over a prince (Jay) with only the use of her magic and without her voice. I found this premise to be really interesting since I have never read a book with a FMC who cannot speak. I recently read one with the MMC who signs instead of speaking and LOVED it. Having it be the FMC really did add a fun spin on the typical star-crossed lovers trope who are forced to navigate politics and treachery. There was a connection between them from the start but their relationship didn't feel like insta-love, it truly was a SLOW burn in the absolute BEST way. It was more mature than YA relationships but was not overwhelmed by spice like so many romantasy books these days.
The magic system in this book is also unique and expertly woven into the plot as we watched our characters evolve and got to know them in depth. The plot added real depth to the story and took it far beyond just the romance. Court intrigue and politics add to both the story and the romance rather than weighing it down and forcing it to slowly plod along. I will definitely be reading more of the authors books since I really enjoyed this one. This is related to some of her other books but can be read without reading them.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Thank you to NetGalley, Anthea Sharp, and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you're looking for a romantasy with an atmospheric underwater setting, ancient sea magic, and plenty of court intrigue, Crown of Sea and Storm is definitely worth picking up.
The world-building was my favourite part of this book. I loved the underwater kingdom and the way the sea, storms, and magic were woven together. It created such a rich and immersive setting that felt different from the fantasy worlds I usually read.
The romance is very much a slow burn, which worked well alongside the political intrigue and shifting alliances. There were plenty of secrets, betrayals, and moments where I wasn't sure who could be trusted, which kept me turning the pages.
The first part of the book is a little slower as it takes time to establish the world and its magic system, but once everything is in place, the pace really picks up. The stakes become much higher, and I found myself much more invested in both the characters and the unfolding conflict.
I also enjoyed watching the heroine grow throughout the story as she discovered more about herself and her place in the kingdom. Her journey felt earned, and I appreciated seeing her become stronger with each challenge she faced.
Overall, this was an enjoyable romantasy with beautiful world-building, elemental sea magic, political intrigue, and a satisfying slow-burn romance. If you enjoy fantasy with underwater kingdoms, royal politics, hidden secrets, and character growth, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try. I look forward to seeing where the series goes next!
Thank you to NetGalley, Anthea Sharp, and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you're looking for a romantasy with an atmospheric underwater setting, ancient sea magic, and plenty of court intrigue, Crown of Sea and Storm is definitely worth picking up.
The world-building was my favourite part of this book. I loved the underwater kingdom and the way the sea, storms, and magic were woven together. It created such a rich and immersive setting that felt different from the fantasy worlds I usually read.
The romance is very much a slow burn, which worked well alongside the political intrigue and shifting alliances. There were plenty of secrets, betrayals, and moments where I wasn't sure who could be trusted, which kept me turning the pages.
The first part of the book is a little slower as it takes time to establish the world and its magic system, but once everything is in place, the pace really picks up. The stakes become much higher, and I found myself much more invested in both the characters and the unfolding conflict.
I also enjoyed watching the heroine grow throughout the story as she discovered more about herself and her place in the kingdom. Her journey felt earned, and I appreciated seeing her become stronger with each challenge she faced.
Overall, this was an enjoyable romantasy with beautiful world-building, elemental sea magic, political intrigue, and a satisfying slow-burn romance. If you enjoy fantasy with underwater kingdoms, royal politics, hidden secrets, and character growth, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try. I look forward to seeing where the series goes next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I can already tell Crown of Sea and Storm is going to be a hit for the right readers. If you want low spice, proper yearning, likeable characters, and a fantasy romance with an actual plot attached, this is a very easy one to recommend.
What I liked most is that it feels sincere. In a genre where so much seems determined to outdo itself on chaos or spice, this goes in a different direction. The romance is much more about trust and emotional closeness than heat, and I can absolutely see that working for readers who want something softer and more accessible. In particular, I think this would be a lovely step for readers moving on from YA fantasy and wanting to try adult fantasy romance without being immediately thrown into the deep end.
Catrin and Jenson are both easy characters to root for, and I appreciated that the book gives them a proper story to move through as well. There is court intrigue, betrayal, dark magic, danger, and enough going on that the romance is not left to do all the heavy lifting alone.
For me, the main thing is that it does feel very familiar. It uses a lot of fantasy-romance elements readers will already know well, and while it does them nicely, it never quite pushes into anything especially fresh or standout. So while this was not a new favourite for me, I can very easily see why others will love it.
If “fantasy romance with real plot, low spice, and lots of yearning” is your catnip, this could be exactly your cup of tea.
What I liked most is that it feels sincere. In a genre where so much seems determined to outdo itself on chaos or spice, this goes in a different direction. The romance is much more about trust and emotional closeness than heat, and I can absolutely see that working for readers who want something softer and more accessible. In particular, I think this would be a lovely step for readers moving on from YA fantasy and wanting to try adult fantasy romance without being immediately thrown into the deep end.
Catrin and Jenson are both easy characters to root for, and I appreciated that the book gives them a proper story to move through as well. There is court intrigue, betrayal, dark magic, danger, and enough going on that the romance is not left to do all the heavy lifting alone.
For me, the main thing is that it does feel very familiar. It uses a lot of fantasy-romance elements readers will already know well, and while it does them nicely, it never quite pushes into anything especially fresh or standout. So while this was not a new favourite for me, I can very easily see why others will love it.
If “fantasy romance with real plot, low spice, and lots of yearning” is your catnip, this could be exactly your cup of tea.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC.
I have read quite a few little mermaid inspired books recently and this one started off really well. I enjoyed that the FMC has lost her voice and you have to learn about her and know her with only an inner monologue and outward actions.
The MMC, Jay, is a golden retriever, sunshine type who dotes on Cat from the get go.
It does start of slow and the concept is very good. There are just a few areas that really confused me. At one point we meet the Snow Elves and there is some sort of speel put on the 2 when they leave that they can't mention is and yeah, it works for so much of the book. Even Cat can't write about even when it's just Her and Jay. But pass a few pages and her and Jay are having a fill blown conversation where they are mentioned twice with no issues, it's never explained. I did think to just keep reading maybe its explained later. Then in the epilogue when she opens a gift from them it's mentioned that they'll never be able to say who it's from.
I am no expert in writing the English language but another bugbear of mine was that Cat always went on tiptoe. All I can imagine is she goes on en pointe a lot. I may be wrong but should this not say on her tiptoes?
This is a very cozy fantasy and defo recommend if someone wants a slower read and a break from full action packed fantasy. it's a nice balance of calmness, danger and action.
I have read quite a few little mermaid inspired books recently and this one started off really well. I enjoyed that the FMC has lost her voice and you have to learn about her and know her with only an inner monologue and outward actions.
The MMC, Jay, is a golden retriever, sunshine type who dotes on Cat from the get go.
It does start of slow and the concept is very good. There are just a few areas that really confused me. At one point we meet the Snow Elves and there is some sort of speel put on the 2 when they leave that they can't mention is and yeah, it works for so much of the book. Even Cat can't write about even when it's just Her and Jay. But pass a few pages and her and Jay are having a fill blown conversation where they are mentioned twice with no issues, it's never explained. I did think to just keep reading maybe its explained later. Then in the epilogue when she opens a gift from them it's mentioned that they'll never be able to say who it's from.
I am no expert in writing the English language but another bugbear of mine was that Cat always went on tiptoe. All I can imagine is she goes on en pointe a lot. I may be wrong but should this not say on her tiptoes?
This is a very cozy fantasy and defo recommend if someone wants a slower read and a break from full action packed fantasy. it's a nice balance of calmness, danger and action.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Crown of Sea and Storm by Anthea Sharp pulled me in like a tide I didn’t quite see coming—and then refused to let me back out the same way.
This is a story wrapped in salt air, danger, and that constant sense of something powerful just beneath the surface. From the beginning, I felt like I was standing on unstable ground, where every choice carried weight and every alliance came with a cost. There’s a quiet intensity to the writing that builds steadily, until it becomes impossible to ignore.
The romance has that slow, storm-building energy—less about instant sparks and more about pressure, tension, and inevitability. It feels earned in a way that kept me invested, even when everything around it was shifting and uncertain. I found myself holding my breath through certain scenes, not because of loud action, but because of what was left unsaid.
What stood out most for me was the atmosphere. Darkwood feels like a place that remembers everything, and the sea is almost a character in itself—beautiful, dangerous, and unforgiving. It gives the whole story this haunting edge that lingers even in quieter moments.
It’s not a light read, and it doesn’t try to be. There’s emotional weight here, moments of darkness, and choices that don’t always lead to clean endings. But that’s what made it compelling.
A moody, immersive fantasy romance that leans into its darkness and lets it shape everything.
This is a story wrapped in salt air, danger, and that constant sense of something powerful just beneath the surface. From the beginning, I felt like I was standing on unstable ground, where every choice carried weight and every alliance came with a cost. There’s a quiet intensity to the writing that builds steadily, until it becomes impossible to ignore.
The romance has that slow, storm-building energy—less about instant sparks and more about pressure, tension, and inevitability. It feels earned in a way that kept me invested, even when everything around it was shifting and uncertain. I found myself holding my breath through certain scenes, not because of loud action, but because of what was left unsaid.
What stood out most for me was the atmosphere. Darkwood feels like a place that remembers everything, and the sea is almost a character in itself—beautiful, dangerous, and unforgiving. It gives the whole story this haunting edge that lingers even in quieter moments.
It’s not a light read, and it doesn’t try to be. There’s emotional weight here, moments of darkness, and choices that don’t always lead to clean endings. But that’s what made it compelling.
A moody, immersive fantasy romance that leans into its darkness and lets it shape everything.
May 25, 2026
Crown of Sea and Storm by Anthea Sharp delivers a Little Mermaid-meets-Viking atmosphere that I really enjoyed. It’s a fast-paced, engaging, and easy read that draws you in right from the beginning. The author does a great job of immersing the reader in the story without ever making it feel overdone or overwhelming.
What fascinated me most was that the female main character loses her voice. This immediately made me curious about how her relationship and interactions with the male main character would develop, adding an intriguing layer to their dynamic.
Throughout the story, there are subtle twists, hints, and details that are easy to pick up on but still keep you guessing about how they will come into play later on. Cat and Jenson had a natural compatibility and worked well together, although I would have preferred a bit more tension and buildup in their romance before they fully came together.
Beyond the romance, the book also includes court intrigue, betrayal, dark magic, and danger, giving the story enough depth so that the romantic element doesn’t carry everything on its own.
I also feel this book works well as a transition from YA to adult romantasy. If you enjoy fantasy romance with a solid plot, low spice, and plenty of yearning, this book will likely be a great fit for you.
Rating: 3.8 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read this book!
What fascinated me most was that the female main character loses her voice. This immediately made me curious about how her relationship and interactions with the male main character would develop, adding an intriguing layer to their dynamic.
Throughout the story, there are subtle twists, hints, and details that are easy to pick up on but still keep you guessing about how they will come into play later on. Cat and Jenson had a natural compatibility and worked well together, although I would have preferred a bit more tension and buildup in their romance before they fully came together.
Beyond the romance, the book also includes court intrigue, betrayal, dark magic, and danger, giving the story enough depth so that the romantic element doesn’t carry everything on its own.
I also feel this book works well as a transition from YA to adult romantasy. If you enjoy fantasy romance with a solid plot, low spice, and plenty of yearning, this book will likely be a great fit for you.
Rating: 3.8 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you netgalley and Anthea Sharp for the ARC of Crown and Sea and Storm
Crown of Sea and Storm gave me some really fun Little Mermaid inspired vibes, and I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of water magic, snow elves, romance, and fantasy.
I liked the characters and the emotional obstacles they had to overcome to be together. The yearning between the FMC and MMC was sweet, and I especially loved the storyline involving the heroine losing her voice while the hero continued to fall for her. While I'm not usually a fan of instalove, it worked well enough here without pulling me out of the story.
That said, I wanted a little more depth in the romance. Their feelings seemed to develop very quickly, and I found myself wishing for more moments that built their connection before they were suddenly in love.
The pacing was a bit uneven for me. The first half felt slow, but around the 50% mark I became much more invested and eager to see what happened next. The ending, however, moved a little too quickly, and some of the major conflicts and magical developments felt rushed. I was also occasionally confused by the multiple POV switches within chapters.
Overall, this was an enjoyable fantasy romance that kept me reading and left me wanting answers. It didn't completely hook me, but I had a good time with it.
Crown of Sea and Storm gave me some really fun Little Mermaid inspired vibes, and I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of water magic, snow elves, romance, and fantasy.
I liked the characters and the emotional obstacles they had to overcome to be together. The yearning between the FMC and MMC was sweet, and I especially loved the storyline involving the heroine losing her voice while the hero continued to fall for her. While I'm not usually a fan of instalove, it worked well enough here without pulling me out of the story.
That said, I wanted a little more depth in the romance. Their feelings seemed to develop very quickly, and I found myself wishing for more moments that built their connection before they were suddenly in love.
The pacing was a bit uneven for me. The first half felt slow, but around the 50% mark I became much more invested and eager to see what happened next. The ending, however, moved a little too quickly, and some of the major conflicts and magical developments felt rushed. I was also occasionally confused by the multiple POV switches within chapters.
Overall, this was an enjoyable fantasy romance that kept me reading and left me wanting answers. It didn't completely hook me, but I had a good time with it.
August 14, 2026
So I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC from netgalley so thank you for that. 3.5 ⭐
The story follows Cat who is the princess of a kingdom… she is found drowned at sea with no voice and saved by a handsome man who is our lovely prince. The story follows all the political sides on both sides of the kingdoms and the world they live in. While also letting the romance build and try to get her voice back.
The FMC is lovely and sweet and definitely not made for the court she lives in, gives kind of little mermaid vibes with the lost voice. The MMC is honourable and sweet and gives out proper golden retriever energy.
The story is nice and easy to follow, and honestly really enjoyed the book…. However it just wasn’t absolutely amazing for me… but a nice and easy palette cleanser. It was quite slow story wise… and there was a few points I just don’t think we’re completely finished in the book for me. While I like the no voice aspect I do love a bit of banter in my relationships and this didn’t have this so just missed a little for me. The ending kinda wrapped up really quickly and would have liked a little more of that…
So enjoyable book but not a groundbreaking one… but still worth the read for me.. and I liked the writing style so would be interested in reading more of her work
The story follows Cat who is the princess of a kingdom… she is found drowned at sea with no voice and saved by a handsome man who is our lovely prince. The story follows all the political sides on both sides of the kingdoms and the world they live in. While also letting the romance build and try to get her voice back.
The FMC is lovely and sweet and definitely not made for the court she lives in, gives kind of little mermaid vibes with the lost voice. The MMC is honourable and sweet and gives out proper golden retriever energy.
The story is nice and easy to follow, and honestly really enjoyed the book…. However it just wasn’t absolutely amazing for me… but a nice and easy palette cleanser. It was quite slow story wise… and there was a few points I just don’t think we’re completely finished in the book for me. While I like the no voice aspect I do love a bit of banter in my relationships and this didn’t have this so just missed a little for me. The ending kinda wrapped up really quickly and would have liked a little more of that…
So enjoyable book but not a groundbreaking one… but still worth the read for me.. and I liked the writing style so would be interested in reading more of her work
April 2, 2026
3.5 ⭐️!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Anthea Sharp for the opportunity to read this ARC of Crown of Sea and Storm. I really enjoyed this twist on The Little Mermaid with Vikings, court intrigue, magic, and finding love in unexpected places. I thought the FMC and MMC were both likable characters, with their own journeys on finding where they belong in the world. New to Anthea Sharp’s work, I appreciated that while this world is not new, it felt like a true standalone; I was rarely left guessing and if anything - I grew more interested in reading the original trilogy.
While this story has mostly positive feedback from me, it was not without some critique. I felt like the pacing in the book was lopsided. It was really drawn out during the first 2/3 and then way too fast in last 1/3. Without spoilers, I felt like the main conflict that was building throughout and the unexpected visitor made me wanting more. The FMC quickly became an expert in her magic without any training you typically see in fantasy genre. The battle was confusing and without a build up. In short, I was left wanting more.
Despite the critiques, this was a fun, quick romantasy. Looking forward to reading more of Anthea Sharp’s work!
Thank you NetGalley and Anthea Sharp for the opportunity to read this ARC of Crown of Sea and Storm. I really enjoyed this twist on The Little Mermaid with Vikings, court intrigue, magic, and finding love in unexpected places. I thought the FMC and MMC were both likable characters, with their own journeys on finding where they belong in the world. New to Anthea Sharp’s work, I appreciated that while this world is not new, it felt like a true standalone; I was rarely left guessing and if anything - I grew more interested in reading the original trilogy.
While this story has mostly positive feedback from me, it was not without some critique. I felt like the pacing in the book was lopsided. It was really drawn out during the first 2/3 and then way too fast in last 1/3. Without spoilers, I felt like the main conflict that was building throughout and the unexpected visitor made me wanting more. The FMC quickly became an expert in her magic without any training you typically see in fantasy genre. The battle was confusing and without a build up. In short, I was left wanting more.
Despite the critiques, this was a fun, quick romantasy. Looking forward to reading more of Anthea Sharp’s work!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow!! I’m a sucker for a good fantasy romance, thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for allowing me an arc copy, appreciate you ✨
Anywho.. now I won’t give spoilers, here’s the plot
Crown of Sea and Storm sweeps you into a world where the tides carry secrets, kingdoms rise and fall on ancient magic, and one unexpected encounter can change the fate of an entire realm.
When a violent storm throws our female lead into the path of our male lead our mysterious, rugged man or “fiorlander” she likes to call him, their uneasy alliance sparks faster than either of them intends. What begins as survival quickly becomes something deeper and more dangerous.
As they navigate treacherous waters, shifting loyalties, and a magic older than the crown itself, she’s forced to confront truths about her past that refuse to stay buried. Every step pulls them closer to a conflict simmering beneath the surface… and to each other. And just when the pieces seem to fall into place, the story turns sharply, revealing that nothing — not the crown, not the storm, not even their connection — is what it first appeared to be.
Absolutely ate this up within 48hrs, definitely recommend picking this up upon release 🤗
Anywho.. now I won’t give spoilers, here’s the plot
Crown of Sea and Storm sweeps you into a world where the tides carry secrets, kingdoms rise and fall on ancient magic, and one unexpected encounter can change the fate of an entire realm.
When a violent storm throws our female lead into the path of our male lead our mysterious, rugged man or “fiorlander” she likes to call him, their uneasy alliance sparks faster than either of them intends. What begins as survival quickly becomes something deeper and more dangerous.
As they navigate treacherous waters, shifting loyalties, and a magic older than the crown itself, she’s forced to confront truths about her past that refuse to stay buried. Every step pulls them closer to a conflict simmering beneath the surface… and to each other. And just when the pieces seem to fall into place, the story turns sharply, revealing that nothing — not the crown, not the storm, not even their connection — is what it first appeared to be.
Absolutely ate this up within 48hrs, definitely recommend picking this up upon release 🤗
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you for selecting me to read an ARC of this book.
I did enjoy this read, it just didn't hook me in completely it fell a bit flat. I did find myself wanting to keep reading to find out what was happening or going to happen. It did leave me wanting answers to questions.
The relationship between mmc and fmc was very fast pased I felt but also not? I just feel like it lacked depth and all of a sudden they were in love when it felt like they had just met! There was alot of yearning on both parts which was sweet, it was just missing a little something. I do however love the whole she lost her voice but he still fell for her.
I did get a little confused with the POV's. There were multiple pov's in the one chapter. Which is great! Love that! Liked it! We all love multiple POV's, but sometimes swapping and changing was a bit confusing without knowing whose POV it was. My mum brain lost a little momentum at times.
I got heaps more into it at the 50% mark. The pace was starting to pick up a bit more. Overall a really sweet, fun almost little mermaid retelling but with water magic, snow elves and make it for adults!
A fun cozy read! Would be interested to read some of her other work.
I did enjoy this read, it just didn't hook me in completely it fell a bit flat. I did find myself wanting to keep reading to find out what was happening or going to happen. It did leave me wanting answers to questions.
The relationship between mmc and fmc was very fast pased I felt but also not? I just feel like it lacked depth and all of a sudden they were in love when it felt like they had just met! There was alot of yearning on both parts which was sweet, it was just missing a little something. I do however love the whole she lost her voice but he still fell for her.
I did get a little confused with the POV's. There were multiple pov's in the one chapter. Which is great! Love that! Liked it! We all love multiple POV's, but sometimes swapping and changing was a bit confusing without knowing whose POV it was. My mum brain lost a little momentum at times.
I got heaps more into it at the 50% mark. The pace was starting to pick up a bit more. Overall a really sweet, fun almost little mermaid retelling but with water magic, snow elves and make it for adults!
A fun cozy read! Would be interested to read some of her other work.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
Unfortunately, I didn't connect with this story as much as I had hoped. I mostly struggled with the romance between Cat and Jay. Their entire relationship seems to be built upon rash decisions and miscommunication. Every time they touch, they're suddenly aroused, but push each other away last minute. The miscommunication got to the point it was almost unbearable by the end- Jay was basically throwing a tantrum over a lie she'd told at the very beginning. All their experiences seemed to be thrown out the window. Their thoughts and actions also don't always line up either.
Now to what I did like- the world building. I felt the magic system was interesting, especially with a focus on water magic. I think that's an element that doesn't get explored as much. I also liked the reveal that other species, namely elves, exist in the world. I find it strange a place existed that no one had ever heard of, but I do wonder if there's a lot of places royalty is somehow out of touch with. The side characters also felt developed. I understood their goals and personalities better than the main characters at times.
This is probably a good read for someone who likes the miscommunication trope and the "will they, won't they" trope.
Unfortunately, I didn't connect with this story as much as I had hoped. I mostly struggled with the romance between Cat and Jay. Their entire relationship seems to be built upon rash decisions and miscommunication. Every time they touch, they're suddenly aroused, but push each other away last minute. The miscommunication got to the point it was almost unbearable by the end- Jay was basically throwing a tantrum over a lie she'd told at the very beginning. All their experiences seemed to be thrown out the window. Their thoughts and actions also don't always line up either.
Now to what I did like- the world building. I felt the magic system was interesting, especially with a focus on water magic. I think that's an element that doesn't get explored as much. I also liked the reveal that other species, namely elves, exist in the world. I find it strange a place existed that no one had ever heard of, but I do wonder if there's a lot of places royalty is somehow out of touch with. The side characters also felt developed. I understood their goals and personalities better than the main characters at times.
This is probably a good read for someone who likes the miscommunication trope and the "will they, won't they" trope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First of all, I would like to thank the publisher, NetGalley and the author for providing me an ARC of Crown of Sea and Storm book.❤️
It was truly an easy read for me, with a fast-paced story that includes a little mermaid tale inspired elements. The storyline revolves around the main couple: our FMC Cat is rescued by the MMC Jay from the seashore, where Cat discovers her inability to speak after a traumatic accident. From there on their journey begins, involving elemental magic, elves, cultural differences, and the gradual development of their relationship alongside unfolding truths.
Pros: A fast-paced story with fairytale and romantasy elements that I really enjoy. There’s a sense of adventure, elemental magic, and a magical atmosphere supported by varied settings. I also liked the tension and mutual understanding between Cat and Jay.
Cons: Some plot holes. The romance felt a bit too instant. The ending seemed rushed and underdeveloped. Personally, I didn’t feel as emotionally moved as I had hoped.
This is a book you can easily read in one sitting, and it doesn’t leave you on a cliffhanger.☺️
-Third-person POV
-Forced proximity
-Elemental magic
3🌟read.
It was truly an easy read for me, with a fast-paced story that includes a little mermaid tale inspired elements. The storyline revolves around the main couple: our FMC Cat is rescued by the MMC Jay from the seashore, where Cat discovers her inability to speak after a traumatic accident. From there on their journey begins, involving elemental magic, elves, cultural differences, and the gradual development of their relationship alongside unfolding truths.
Pros: A fast-paced story with fairytale and romantasy elements that I really enjoy. There’s a sense of adventure, elemental magic, and a magical atmosphere supported by varied settings. I also liked the tension and mutual understanding between Cat and Jay.
Cons: Some plot holes. The romance felt a bit too instant. The ending seemed rushed and underdeveloped. Personally, I didn’t feel as emotionally moved as I had hoped.
This is a book you can easily read in one sitting, and it doesn’t leave you on a cliffhanger.☺️
-Third-person POV
-Forced proximity
-Elemental magic
3🌟read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First the good-
I enjoyed the MMC for the most part, he was loyal to a fault. He was faithful and had integrity. There were a few moments I questioned his thought process, but his heart was good. It was a nice change from all the "shadow daddies".
The MFC was very removed from a lot of court life (her own volition), which was evident at times.
The political aspect was there, a magical aspect that was prevalent but did not take over everything. There were moments that made zero sense, when magical abilities were strong or required intricate focusing.
The book read as a upper teen story, but then with some spice scenes (that to me did not fit the rest of the story). I realize I am not the author, but if the spice was removed (yearning can remain), this could be marketed to middle schoolers and highschoolers with the naivety of the chapters and progression of the story.
It was sweet. I have some questions about Alicia and Kayla (might have spelled the name incorrectly), so I wonder if there will be another book in the universe about other characters.
I enjoyed the MMC for the most part, he was loyal to a fault. He was faithful and had integrity. There were a few moments I questioned his thought process, but his heart was good. It was a nice change from all the "shadow daddies".
The MFC was very removed from a lot of court life (her own volition), which was evident at times.
The political aspect was there, a magical aspect that was prevalent but did not take over everything. There were moments that made zero sense, when magical abilities were strong or required intricate focusing.
The book read as a upper teen story, but then with some spice scenes (that to me did not fit the rest of the story). I realize I am not the author, but if the spice was removed (yearning can remain), this could be marketed to middle schoolers and highschoolers with the naivety of the chapters and progression of the story.
It was sweet. I have some questions about Alicia and Kayla (might have spelled the name incorrectly), so I wonder if there will be another book in the universe about other characters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Long story short, I loved it, I loved them.
Thus was such a good book, and I believe the story to be compelling, and a page turner. The magic system made sense to me, and I didn’t have to mental gymnastics to understand it. It’s pretty interesting and the main character (Cat) was someone who head I didn’t mind being in.
Cat and Jenson bring in love made sense, they fell in love on the page and you could see why they were together. They both also held each other accountable. When the other was in the wrong they didn’t mince their words or brush it under the rug. I actually see them together after the book ends.
A drawback for me was that I felt that at times we spent too long in scenes. And that we met so many characters that I felt faded into the background, as the story progressed, which is understandable it’s not their book. But I do wish they had made more of an impact within the story.
Thus was such a good book, and I believe the story to be compelling, and a page turner. The magic system made sense to me, and I didn’t have to mental gymnastics to understand it. It’s pretty interesting and the main character (Cat) was someone who head I didn’t mind being in.
Cat and Jenson bring in love made sense, they fell in love on the page and you could see why they were together. They both also held each other accountable. When the other was in the wrong they didn’t mince their words or brush it under the rug. I actually see them together after the book ends.
A drawback for me was that I felt that at times we spent too long in scenes. And that we met so many characters that I felt faded into the background, as the story progressed, which is understandable it’s not their book. But I do wish they had made more of an impact within the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC review from Netgalley.
I really enjoyed the premise of Crown of Sea and Storm, especially the clear nod to The Little Mermaid with the idea of losing a voice and having it captured in a pearl. That element added a familiar but intriguing twist that pulled me in right away.
That said, I do think the story could have benefited from stronger world-building. The magic system wasn’t always fully explained, and at times the plot felt a bit rushed, which made it harder to fully immerse myself in the world. I also would have liked more depth in the relationship between him and Rose—expanding on that dynamic could have added more tension and emotional weight.
I’m also not a big fan of insta-love, which made some of the romance feel less developed than I would have preferred.
Overall, it’s not a bad book at all; it’s an easy, fast read, especially if you enjoy quest-driven fantasy stories. It just left me wanting a little more depth in both the world and the relationships.
I really enjoyed the premise of Crown of Sea and Storm, especially the clear nod to The Little Mermaid with the idea of losing a voice and having it captured in a pearl. That element added a familiar but intriguing twist that pulled me in right away.
That said, I do think the story could have benefited from stronger world-building. The magic system wasn’t always fully explained, and at times the plot felt a bit rushed, which made it harder to fully immerse myself in the world. I also would have liked more depth in the relationship between him and Rose—expanding on that dynamic could have added more tension and emotional weight.
I’m also not a big fan of insta-love, which made some of the romance feel less developed than I would have preferred.
Overall, it’s not a bad book at all; it’s an easy, fast read, especially if you enjoy quest-driven fantasy stories. It just left me wanting a little more depth in both the world and the relationships.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review: 4.5 stars
This book was such a wonderful break from the darker fantasy romance novels that I have read lately. It had lighter, cozier vibes and some cool nods to The Little Mermaid. The writing seemed effortless. The plot unfolded in a way that felt organic and well-paced. Jenson is all green flags: protective, caring, trusting. Although he and Cat have an instant connection, their relationship takes time to develop; this is definitely a slow-burn. Even though I would categorize this as a lighter/cozier romantasy novel, there were still plenty of court politics and scheming happening to keep you on your toes. Cat’s characterization fell a little bit flat for me at times, but this may very well be because she is voiceless and learning how to navigate that, as well as what truths to reveal about herself and her court. Overall, this was such a fun and enjoyable read! Thank you Net Galley for this ARC.
This book was such a wonderful break from the darker fantasy romance novels that I have read lately. It had lighter, cozier vibes and some cool nods to The Little Mermaid. The writing seemed effortless. The plot unfolded in a way that felt organic and well-paced. Jenson is all green flags: protective, caring, trusting. Although he and Cat have an instant connection, their relationship takes time to develop; this is definitely a slow-burn. Even though I would categorize this as a lighter/cozier romantasy novel, there were still plenty of court politics and scheming happening to keep you on your toes. Cat’s characterization fell a little bit flat for me at times, but this may very well be because she is voiceless and learning how to navigate that, as well as what truths to reveal about herself and her court. Overall, this was such a fun and enjoyable read! Thank you Net Galley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📖 Third person pov
📖 Elemental magic
📖 Forced proximity
📖 He falls first
Bleurb
"A princess cursed by silence. A prince bound by honor. Together, they must defy fate to save a kingdom. "
My feelings of the book 💭
My very first arc so thank you to Anthea Sharp, Netgallery and the publisher for giving me a chance.
my ratings is 4 and half stars
spice- 🌶️🌶️ but it's right near the end if it's not your cup of tea.
I really enjoyed this story, I loved Jenson as the mmc, especially loved chapter 34 🔥🔥 he was hot in that scene.
I also enjoyed cat, and her strength, and finding her power.
the story moved quite fast, it definitely had little mermaid vibes, which I loved.
overall I had a lovely time reading this story, it was easy to read and so enjoyable
📖 Third person pov
📖 Elemental magic
📖 Forced proximity
📖 He falls first
Bleurb
"A princess cursed by silence. A prince bound by honor. Together, they must defy fate to save a kingdom. "
My feelings of the book 💭
My very first arc so thank you to Anthea Sharp, Netgallery and the publisher for giving me a chance.
my ratings is 4 and half stars
spice- 🌶️🌶️ but it's right near the end if it's not your cup of tea.
I really enjoyed this story, I loved Jenson as the mmc, especially loved chapter 34 🔥🔥 he was hot in that scene.
I also enjoyed cat, and her strength, and finding her power.
the story moved quite fast, it definitely had little mermaid vibes, which I loved.
overall I had a lovely time reading this story, it was easy to read and so enjoyable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Crown of Sea and Storm
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read this book.
This book was intriguing to me because Cat has an usual symptom that is blocking her ability to communicate. I hadn't read anything like that before, I wanted to see how it turned out.
I appreciated the characters and the mystical moments in the story very much. The only challenge I had was that the ending seemed to move too fast. Everything fell apart in a single scene and came back together very quickly. I wish there had been more time, slower pacing. I also felt like her special abilities were perfect immediately with no training and that seemed odd to me.
Overall I enjoyed it and the love story. The ending just was too clean.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
What a wonderful story! I’m not sure if this is necessarily a little mermaid retelling but it had some of my favorite aspects! Inside this book you’ll find, action, adventure, mystery and some swoon worthy romance!
I loved watching Cat and Jay’s romance bloom despite her not being able to speak. I loved how the author showcased Cats personality through her body language and actions when she couldn’t speak.
Overall I had very few problems enjoying this book, the only thing that really bothered me was the obscureness of the magic system, but that can be forgiven easily as the characters themselves are still discovering it.
By way spice I would give it a 🌶️🌶️🌶️. the spice is at the end and very skippable but there are innuendos and some explicit thoughts throughout.
What a wonderful story! I’m not sure if this is necessarily a little mermaid retelling but it had some of my favorite aspects! Inside this book you’ll find, action, adventure, mystery and some swoon worthy romance!
I loved watching Cat and Jay’s romance bloom despite her not being able to speak. I loved how the author showcased Cats personality through her body language and actions when she couldn’t speak.
Overall I had very few problems enjoying this book, the only thing that really bothered me was the obscureness of the magic system, but that can be forgiven easily as the characters themselves are still discovering it.
By way spice I would give it a 🌶️🌶️🌶️. the spice is at the end and very skippable but there are innuendos and some explicit thoughts throughout.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book so much I had to go and buy the others!! Although not a five star as it wasn’t that five star feeling it was just as amazing. I loved Jenson I want him to be my boyfriend, sorry to my irl bf loll 🤣 I was hooked on the adventures the characters went through and the romance, I would say it was a slow burn as in all the teasing!! The last 10 chapters I was so mad but the end is worth it so all is forgiven. I just love that they could understand each other without words and found it so bittersweet. I feel that is just what every girl wants. At least I do. And even though the family relationships where tense, I feel deep down it was from a place of love (not from Alicia let’s get that straight) and I like that in the end they could support each other.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Think the little mermaid meets fantasy romance 🧜♀️
Our FMC finds herself washed up on a shore where our MMC finds her and she finds she has lost her ability to speak.
This had that deliciously annoying tug of war between the FMC and MMC with a sprinkle of forced proximity for good measure.
If you love:
-Forced proximity
-Protective MMC
-Tension
-Elemental Magic
This will be a solid read that you could devour in one sitting
The magic system and world building is easy built into the plot nothing too overwhelming
Solid 3 .5⭐️ read.
Arc read kindly provided by Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-op
Release date 3rd September
Our FMC finds herself washed up on a shore where our MMC finds her and she finds she has lost her ability to speak.
This had that deliciously annoying tug of war between the FMC and MMC with a sprinkle of forced proximity for good measure.
If you love:
-Forced proximity
-Protective MMC
-Tension
-Elemental Magic
This will be a solid read that you could devour in one sitting
The magic system and world building is easy built into the plot nothing too overwhelming
Solid 3 .5⭐️ read.
Arc read kindly provided by Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-op
Release date 3rd September
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