Drowning in Fate

by K.T. Carpenter

When Princess Calista is forced to cross the sea for an arranged marriage, she resigns herself to a life she never chose. But when a violent storm shatters her ship and drags her beneath the waves, the nightmare only begins. As the vessel splinters apart, creatures rise from the dark waters. One by one, the crew and those she loves are pulled screaming into the sea, dragged beneath the surface until the water falls silent once more. Surrounded by chaos and death, Calista makes a final, desperate decision to let herself sink, believing everyone, including her father, has already drowned.

Instead, she is found by something far more dangerous.

Tyrian, heir to the throne of Velmara, hunts shipwreck survivors without mercy. A dark creature of the sea, powerful and bound to a ruthless kingdom.

Until he finds her.

The moment their eyes meet, something shifts. The instinct to drown her falters, unraveling beneath a pull he doesn’t understand. Instead of dragging her under like all the others, he saves her.

Taken captive, Calista expects cruelty. Instead, she begins to see the truth behind the monsters she was taught to fear and the creature who spared her life. As weeks pass, tension grows into something deeper, darker, and dangerously forbidden.

But when the impossible happens, her father, whom she believed dead, arrives alongside her fiancé to bring her home, everything changes. Torn from the sea and returned to the life she once tried to escape, Calista is forced to confront the choice she never expected to make.

Now, caught between duty and desire, Calista must the life she has been forced into or the sea that claimed her heart.

552 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2026

About the author

K.T. Carpenter is a Texas-based author, wife, and mother whose passion for storytelling is as boundless as the worlds she creates. Between balancing her corporate career and raising a family, she weaves tales of magic, romance, fate, and powerful bonds that linger long after the final page is turned.

Her completed *Kingdom of Aetherlyn* series is a romantasy that follows a princess destined to share her soul with a dragon—her fiercest protector, closest friend, and greatest strength. It is a story that lived in K.T.’s heart for years, one she finally brought to life through a world filled with magic, unforgettable characters, and the enduring power of love and destiny.

She is also the author of *Drowning in Fate*, a dark romantasy stand-alone featuring shifter kelpies, sirens, magic, and a love story forged beneath the waves.

Currently, K.T. is collaborating with author Danny Burns on the upcoming dark why-choose romance *Coven of the Crimson Veil*, set to be released in October. Following that project, she will wrap up her next dark romantasy, *The Golden Reaper*, which is slated for release in December. Inspired by Valkyries, gods, death, war, and an unforgettable romance that defies both fate and the gods themselves.

When she’s not lost in her fictional worlds, K.T. finds joy in the simple things, such as reading, baking, traveling, and making memories with those she loves. She treasures late nights spent dreaming up her next twist, her next unforgettable character, and the next story that will leave readers thinking about it long after they’ve reached the end.

With each new book, she invites readers to step inside, lose themselves in the extraordinary, and forget the world... if only for a little while.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me from the start. The action and agony was felt right away through the FMC Calista, a princess who is betrothed to a cruel prince named Eamon. Fate, however, has special plans for her. The MMC, Tyrian, is an angry, vengeful, has no problem drowning humans who cross into his territory. He ended up being one of my favorite characters. Tyrian’s character development was well spaced and did not feel rushed. Calista is another great character with tons of growth and you are taken through the motions of it. Great book and highly recommend it.

[Cari Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written and like nothing I have ever read!! It felt like I was reading an adult fairytale. You have Princess Calista who is being forced into an arranged marriage to an awful Prince. She unexpectedly meets Tyrian who is a kelpie and who also hates humans. This story will have you not wanting to put it down! The amount of angst it has is perfection! I had all the emotions reading it. I def did not want it to end!! If you love magic, shifters, magical under the sea kingdoms, found family, banter, slow burn…. You will love love this one!!

[Ayrika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yall K.T. Knows how to drag a reader in and put them through all the emotions in a wild span. I got an ARC copy of Drowning In Fate and to say I’m obsessed is an understatement. Such an original fantasy introducing Kelpies as the lead alongside sirens, nymphs and humans. I’ve never read a kelpie fantasy before so this was a super fun new world to dive into. So magical and fantastical with elements of mystery to their world. Brooding MMC, fated mates, divine love story, grounding friendships, epic villains, plot twists and so much more. I enjoyed this so much! Many chest clutching, giggling, feet kicking and WTF moments through out. Highly recommend!!!!!!!

[Lydia Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinite stars!!! Not enough stars!!

K.T. CARPENTER!!! Come to the front of the class!!
Like I told you, what do you put in your books?!
The story was so incredibly good!! THE TENSION is delicious!! Y’all, this is fated mates done to perfection!! 🤌🏻 Chef’s kiss!
The love I have for Calista and Tyrian is unmatched! One of my favorite couples!!

Let’s talk about the world K.T. has built is incredible!! The way she builds it is so beautiful. She literally transports you there. You are living there! You are one of the kelpies! Yes, I said kelpies! You have kelpies, sirens, humans, so much more!

Top-notch fantasy!! Top-notch fated mates. Top-notch tension! Top-notch everything!!

Thank you so much K.T. for the incredible opportunity to read this ARC!! I’m truly honored!

[Stephanie Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drowning in Fate is like no other book I have read before. Everything about it is very unique! The writing is magical in itself and pulls you into the world as if you are there. Very fast paced and un-put-down-able!

The FMC, Princess Calista has set sail to marry her betrothed Prince Eamon when the ship goes through a devastating storm and it is torn apart sending everyone on it into the sea. The sea is not a safe place to be in. It is full of creatures, including kelpies. The kelpies feed off the humans and gain power from them but, Tyrian, the heir to the Kingdom of Velmara, is instantly pulled to Calista and saves her as a gift to his King.

From beginning to end this book is filled with action. There is never a moment of stalling. I could not turn the page fast enough. So many different magical creatures like, fae, nymphs, kelpies, sirens, mermaids, pixies, shifters and witches. So much tension and angst with yearning, slow burn and love.

Highly recommend to anyone who loves magic, touch-her-and-die, forbidden love, betrayal, torture and HEA.

[Romantacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this ARC from the author.

Little mermaid meets metalslinger vibes.

The princess, Calista, is being forced into an arranged marriage. They are on a ship heading to the Kingdom where her betrothed lives but the ship never makes it.
There is a treaty in place between the humans and the magical creatures. So when the humans end up in Kelpie territory, they are fair game.

I couldn't put this book down. I tried and picked it right back up like an addict. There is always new information and unexpected changes taking place. The story is enthralling with dark elements, heartfelt writing accompanied by horrors.

Chapter 49... if you need a break, take it before this chapter because this is when you gotta buckle up for the ride.

The ending was good but unresolved. What happened between water folk and the evil b**ch who should be in a dungeon somewhere? I have so many questions 🧐

Edit:
The author sent me the alternate ending which answered my questions, making this an overall 5⭐️ read.

Rating: 5 out of 5⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

[Savannah Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review! Wow another 5 star banger from k.t carpenter!!!⭐️💗🙌🏻 i fell in love with this world immediately, this book is so ethereal, magical and beautiful. I’ve never read about kelpie shifters before and girl let me tell you i have found something new that i love. This story felt so unique and different, i loved the magic system, the world building is fantastic, the found family and characters are amazing too. The tension and yearning between the MMC and FMC is so good i could not stop reading this book. This is the perfect romantasy read for summer!! I am forever grateful i got to arc read this amazing story🥰

[Lori Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally destroyed me in all the best ways possible. I love the way KT tells a story and this one was like reading an adult fairy tale, but with all the angst, being pulled in so many directions.

The world building above and below is perfection. There’s shifters, mermaids, humans, and all the crazy that comes with.

Calista is such a great FMC and the telling of her story will keep you turning the pages. Then there’s HIM….awww lawrd. He is my favorite MMC ever!!!

This is an absolute must read to and will take you on the adventure of a lifetime.

[Nicole Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean where do you want me to start? This book was absolutely amazing! INCREDIBLE! CAPTIVATING!! Kelpie SHIFTERS! Secrets! Magic! The chemistry between Calista and Tyrian is to die for! And the banter between all his friends!! Each having their own part, own personality and it makes the story that much better. And don’t get me started on the red headed ex that cant take a hint.

[Loni Solomon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid 4.5 ⭐️ read for me!

If you love fated mates, immersive fantasy worlds, found family, magical bonds, kelpie shifters, and sirens, this is a must-read.

Calista is trapped from the very beginning — forced into a life she never wanted, stripped of her choices, and seemingly powerless. But beneath the surface is a woman who is kind, intelligent, resilient, and yearning for more.

Tyrian is a warrior, a prince, and the heir to the throne. A Kelpie shifter whose life has been defined by duty, protection, and sacrifice. He’s guarded, intense, and carries the weight of expectation on his shoulders.

The world-building in this book was absolutely stunning. From the breathtaking city beneath the sea to the treehouses of Velmara, every setting felt vivid and alive. Even the earliest descriptions of the kelpies created beautiful visuals in my mind. K.T. Carpenter has a gift for crafting scenes that pull you completely into the story.

And the found family? Perfection. Mikael, Koryn, Torin, Kaelor, and Greer are the ultimate ride-or-die friends. Each character feels distinct and memorable, bringing their own blend of chaos, loyalty, intelligence, and heart to the story. Their bond with one another, and with Tyrian, felt authentic and deeply rooted.

The connection between Calista and Tyrian is immediate, even if neither fully understands what they’re feeling. I loved the way the magical bond was woven into the story and explained with such vivid detail. It added another layer of depth and immersion that kept me fully invested in their journey.

The plot felt fresh, unique, and incredibly well written. Between the rich world-building, compelling characters, and captivating magic system, I found myself completely swept away.

This was my first K.T. Carpenter book, but it definitely won’t be my last.

[Destin Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of ARC reading Drowning in Fate by KT Carpenter, and wow, what an unforgettable experience. This was my first book by KT, and she completely exceeded every expectation I had. I devoured this book in just hours and was utterly captivated from beginning to end. As someone who hasn't read a ton of fantasy or romantasy, I can confidently say that KT Carpenter has officially pulled me into the genre. The world-building was immersive and beautifully crafted, making it easy to get lost in every page. The characters felt incredibly real, I wasn't just reading their story; I felt like I was living it alongside them. I laughed, cried, cheered, and experienced every triumph and heartbreak right along with them. And the spice? Perfectly done. It enhanced the story rather than overshadowing it, adding depth to the relationships while allowing the plot to remain front and center. Drowning in Fate is the kind of book that leaves a lasting mark. It's emotional, immersive, beautifully written, and impossible to put down. If I could give it more than five stars, I absolutely would because this was easily a six-star read for me. I cannot recommend adding this one to your TBR enough, and I already can't wait to dive into more of KT Carpenter's books.

[Tisha Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hands down the ultimate example of how a true fated mate bond should be written.

I've read a lot of fated mates stories, but this one is on a completely different level. The connection between these characters felt real, raw, and powerful. It wasn't just something we were told was there… you could actually feel it in every interaction, every sacrifice, and every emotion.

This book quickly became one of my favorites. It hooked me from the very first chapter and threw me right into the action. There wasn't a slow start or a bunch of buildup. It grabbed my attention immediately and never let go.

What I loved most was how unique the story felt. So many books start blending together after a while, but this one stands out. The author created something that felt fresh while still giving me everything I love in a romantasy.

The emotions were intense too. I felt every bit of what these characters were going through, and there were several moments where my heart hurt right along with them.

And the MMC? Absolute perfection. He is easily one of my favorite male main characters I've read in a long time.

If you're looking for action, emotion, an unforgettable romance, and what I now consider the gold standard for fated mates, this is the book.

[Kali Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to the author for trusting me with an ARC and allowing me to read & review!

Thoughts Below:

Let’s be honest, this book has almost all of my favorite tropes put into one rollercoaster of a love story. The beginning wraps you in a tight hold, wanting to know exactly what happens next, especially to Calista once she is saved from the man that should have killed her. K.T. Carpenter has an amazing ability to produce such vivid visuals with her words, genuinely such a talent and as a reader, I could picture the characters, scenery and magic so thoroughly! The love story between our MC’s, Tyrian and Calista is all consuming and made my heart flutter with intensity. Absolutely loved the complex relationships between the characters, races and the power dynamics that are visited again and again. I was consumed by this story, so much so that I didn’t want to finish because I didn’t want to leave the world she created.

I cannot recommend this enough! RUN TO ADD TO YOUR TBR!

Check trigger warnings

[Danielle Torrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was enthralled by this story. The author's use of descriptions for each character and the world in which she has created is tremendous. She makes sure that the world she creates will be easily visualized in your mind and have you in a state of awe at the beauty of it. Each character becomes someone that you can easily understand, visualize and even relate to in some ways.

Most fantasy novels, at least in my opinion, all revolve around kings, queens, war, dragons, witches, fairies, fae, magic, but KT Carpenter adds another element of creatures not as often used - kelpies, sirens, nymphs. The use of light and water magic. Of course, you have the romance, drama and suspense as well. All of which create a world that you won't want to let go of.

I can promise you, you will want to immerse yourself in the world of Velmara and the lives of Calista and Tyrian.

[Becci Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW !!!!!!!! Once again K.T.Carpenter has done it again.

This book is so different and unique - I mean a kelpie shifter !!! I was literally pulled into this book right from the start and it kept me hooked the whole way through. Fast paced, action packed, what more can I say.

Princess Calista is set to marry a a vile prince but on her way there he ship gets sunk in kelpie waters. Kpues hate humans and fed off them gaining power. However as soon as the kings nephew sees Calista he refuses to hurt / kill her.

Tyrian the mmc is amazing. He’s full of anger and happily kills any human coming into his territory but can’t kill Calista.

Both characters grow through out this book and I loved watching their story unfold.

This book is definitely an adult fairytale. With so many different magical creatures, twists and turns. A betrothed male who you’ll love to hate a mmc who you will totally fall for and a fmc who you end up rooting for.

[MandiYaYa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forced proximity? Fated mates? The choice between desire and destruction? Spice? Strong FMC? Magic? Sirens? Pirates? Kelpie shifter?

All the checks!

I've been with Kat since the beginning of her publishing journey. The first four books were so beautifully done. It was hard to leave the Kingdom of Aetherlyn. BUT with Drowning in Fate you get her beauty in writing and a whole new realm. You get the connections she's so good at and the painting of the world's she does so well, but in a new and different way.

The journey in this book is such a suspensful ride. Captivation from the first page. This is one of those books where you want more! You wanna keep swimming in the world. As a standalone, I feel like it was a full meal. Everything came together in such a satisfying way and then you get the epilogue that just puts the cherry on top of the decadence that is Calista and Tyrian's story.

Get this one! You won't be disappointed if you are looking for a mythical romantasy!

[kimiwheelielovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5-⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Words I never thought I'd say, I fell for a Kelpie lol And I don't mean the dog breed. I still cannot wrap my head around how K. T. Carpenter's mind works to come up with all these different worlds. All the work and little details that she puts in her stories and characters depth, it makes me forget all my worries in real life. Tyrian is just well, 🫠🫠 and If you're anything like me, Calista will grab a piece of your heart too BUT she'll have you questioning so many things I cannot say because they're spoilers. 😬 So I'll leave you with this, if you love Scottish mythology, kelpie shifters, secret royalty, fated mates, sirens, he falls first, one bed and a HEA?! This book is for you!!

Tropes:
- Kelpies
- Forbidden Love
- Sirens
- Captor x Captive
- Magic
- Tórtúrè
- Fated Mates
- Bétràyàl
- Touch her & ☠️
- Secret Royalty
- Instant Óbséssíóñ
- Shared Magic
- He Falls First
- HEA
- One Bed
- Arranged Marriage

TW's:
- Gràphíc Víóléñce & Déàth
- Drowning and near-drowning scenes
- Bl00d & Góré
- Adúultnapping & Càptívíty
- Physícàl Àssáúlt & àbúsé
- Émótíóñál Máñípülätíöñ & Cóércíóñ
- Threats of Séxüâl Víóléñce
- Implied/off-page Séxüâl Àssáúlt
- Forced Marriage/coercive betrothal
- Tràümà & PTSD-related responses
- Émótíóñál distress
- Tórtúrè & ímprísóñméñt
- Pósséssívè themes & Morally Gray characters
- Éxplícít Séxüâl Content
- Mature Làñgúàgé

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW… just incredible

If I could give this book more than five stars I would. It was absolutely incredible. It’s definitely hitting top 5 books of this year (which is honestly saying a lot considering I read over 300 books in year). This book had me hooked from the first page and I finished it within 24 hours (including sleep haha).

The characters, the world building, the plot, the chemistry it was done so incredibly well. I love a good fantasy romance. It wasn’t like anything else I’ve read before and I just want more. I could have easily read another 200 pages of their story together. That’s not me saying that it’s missing something or was rushed, nope, I just enjoyed the storyline that much.

I found this book on tiktok one day and it’s honestly not discussed enough. I recommend this for anyone who see’s this. I can’t see anyone regretting it.

[Heather Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a huge 4.5 stars for me!
It is a dark romantasy that has grief, danger, and emotion that blends with a twist of supernatural and a slow-burn that creates a story that feels both haunting and addictive.
The characters story adds struggles and turmoil with romance. It will pull you in and submerge you in all kinds of emotions.
This story has a lot of fantasy world building with sirens, shifter kelpies and lots of magic. It has morally gray undertone and a touch of darkness that will have you wanting more.

If you love:
• Touch her & die
• Instant Obsession
• Arranged Marriage
• Forbidden Love
• Captor x Captive
• Secret Royalty
• Fated Mates
• He Falls First
• One Bed
• Betrayal
• Torture
Then this is the story for you !!!!

[Angel aka BooksnCats007 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this as an ARC from the author, this is my honest review.

4.25 stars
Beautiful dark romantasy where you will experience danger, a beautiful, unrequited love that will make your heart soar, and a secret that could ruin it all.

If you're a fan of mythical creatures such as kelpie and sirens, with war on the seas, you will very likely enjoy this book.

The pacing was decent, I did have a few areas where I was wanting a bit more fast-pace, but thats a personal preference and has no reflection in this authors writing.

Overall, the story was beautiful. Who doesnt love a good Happily Ever After?

Favorite quote:
"My heart knew the moment your eyes met mine... that you were the one I could never walk away from."

[Cassidy Untiedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course if Kat writes it imma read it. I could not say enough about this other than you all absolutely need to pick this up and devour it just like I did.

I don’t know what she puts in between the lines of her books but I just can’t get enough.

It’s so easy to fall in love with the characters Kat comes up with which makes reading the books that much easier. No one likes an insufferable main character.

I have never read about the world of Kelpies and this was a perfect rendition to the kelpie and romantasy world. A forbidden romance that is just chefs kiss.

I absolutely ate up the spicy scenes, and who doesn’t love a protective MMC? Like that man is 10/10 😍


5 stars ⭐️
2 🌶️

Definitely recommend.

[Jules unmuted · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Fated mates ✔️
One-bed ✔️
Touch her and ⚰️ ✔️
A life worth fighting for ✔️
Found family ✔️

Calista is the type of heroine I love; not the strongest but definitely not weak. She strong when she has to be, but also willing to ask for help. She’s finding herself while surviving in a world she knew nothing about.

Tyrian is loyal and has a hardness about him. She teaches him softness and kindness. She helps bring back a part of his soul long since he thought lost.

There are definitely triggery things so check those warnings. There are grayish/dark themes at times.

My only complaint would be that I have unanswered questions… I need there to be just a little bit more. Cause how dare they get away with that.

[Jojo_Bookish Nurse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a different take on romantasy. The magic system has kelpies, nymphs, fae, sirens, and so much more. KT's writing is so beautifully detailed, that you feel like you are there as you are reading. Her mate bonds are strong and the words they express themselves with touch your very soul.

I loved the found family, how the mmc was willing to drown the entire world for her, and that our fmc was a survivor/fighter, but still showed patience and kindness.

The ending was epic, as her book finales always are. Do not pass this book up. It is so unique and you will be sucked into this world quickly. I cannot wait to dive into whatever she writes next!

[Dian M. Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing can say in this review will do this exceptional book justice.
A book like no other I have read. The eloquent use of words pulls this spellbinding story to a whole new height. I didn’t feel like I was sitting with a book reading the words. The words were flowing off the pages creating a scene that was captivating and wonderful. It was like watching a movie that held my attention from start to finish.
This author writes so well and does an amazing job at painting the images of the characters within her books. I will forever read anything that she writes. This book was a five plus star read.

[Shay loves books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a journey! This is a dark romantacy featuring Kelpie shifters and it was so good.

This is my first KT Carpenter book and it won’t be my last. I absolutely loved her character development and world building. She wrote the most beautiful picturesque scenes imaginable.

There were a few times I was holding my breath waiting to see what happened and times I was like what in the world and my jaw wld be on the floor. I absolutely love the fated mates aspect of it. You will be immersed in the beautiful love story between Calista and Tyrian.

Sometimes greed will sneak in and eventually take you down and take everything you think you’re entitled to away from you.

[Kar Wils · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.T. Carpenter did it again. She brought a story you can picture in your head as if your in the world. In this book you get a princess who is Calista and she isnt in a kingdom or palace she's on a ship with her father the kind and her maid Isolde who I adored in this book. Then you come to meet the Kelpies who are creatures who i haven't read in books before. If there was an ♾️ rating. I love sirens, serpents, and seawater creatures. I love how Tyrian's kingdom is not like your typical kingdom. It has TREEHOUSES. I love that concept as well. I also love the side characters like Kaelor who shows compassion to Calista.

Tropes:
He falls first
Fated mates
Captor vs captive
Enemies vs lovers
Kelpies
Sirens
Serpent
Humans

[Kelsey Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is WOWWWWW!!!! This book was phenomenal!! It sucked me in from the very beginning and I couldn’t put it down!!!! If you love a good Romantasy look no further!! This book is so unique with creatures you never hear about which I absolutely loved!!! The authors story telling is like no other!! Her writing is so beautifully written!!! This is by far my favorite book from KT Carpenter!!! Tyrian is my new man 👏🏻👏🏻 also the plot twists!!! And that ending!???? Ohhhh and the spice 🥵🌶️🔥 run and add it to your tbr now!!!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, KT Carpenter writes a 5 star book that I found hard to put down and complete my adult responsibilities! How she comes up with the worlds she creates, the characters we fall in love with, and the stories that live rent free in our heads for years to come is truly inspiring.
I have never read another book quite like Drowning in Fate. Yes, we have shifters, but have you ever read about shifter kelpies? I didn’t think so! Plus magic, fated mates, found family, spice… you know, ALL the things us fantasy readers love!

[Sarahschaoticreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo good!!!

A fantastic fairy tale! K.T. Carpenter knew what she was doing when she wrote this book. This is my first read with kelpies and I loved it. Kelpies, sirens, humans, and other magical creatures made it like a fairy tale. I also don't normally do standalone books, but this one was just perfect. An MMC who will burn the world down. An FMC who embraces a new life and learns secrets about herself. Thank you, K.T. Carpenter, for allowing me to do an early read of this wonderful book!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.T Carpenter has done it again!!! Drowning in Fate has so many fun amazing creatures from Kelpies, mermaids, sirens, fae, pixies, shifters and witches. This follows our FMC who is human and Kelpies feed off of humans. Until our MMC( a kelpie) comes along and is drawn to the human. The way KT writes is so poetic and action packed. She knows how to keep the reader engaged into the story. I absolutely loved this story.