Into the Burning Deep

by J.M. Voris

Hadestown meets Titanic in this lush sapphic retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set on a boat quarantined at sea until an infection of magic can run its course.

This is the story of a girl who lived in another world on the other side of an infinite sea...

Adrian Nix has lived her entire life at sea. A refugee of a war that claimed her homeland and infected her people with dark magic, Adrian now works as an oil-splattered mechanic aboard The Lyre. She dreams of the day she can finally set foot on dry land—a day that inches closer as the ship’s years-long anti-magic quarantine finally comes to an end.

But everything changes when Adrian meets Ophelia Jones. The captain’s sister and a notorious party girl betrothed to a wealthy governor, Ophelia is everything Adrian isn’t. As the unlikely duo grows closer, Adrian and Ophelia discover a deep, forbidden connection that feels bigger than the confines of The Lyre. Adrian feels like she can tell Ophelia anything, including the terrifying dreams she’s been having, and the sinister voices that seem to haunt every corner of the ship.

When Ophelia falls victim to a dark curse, lured across the waves by a ghostly ship in the night, Adrian will do anything to get her back—even if it means crossing a dark, enchanted sea. But Adrian may not be enough to save Ophelia from the secrets awaiting them across the burning deep...

Genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Retellings, LGBT, Adult, Queer, Mythology

400 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 19, 2027

About the author

Author also publishes as Jenna Voris

Reviews

[:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the arc!

Minor spoilers ahead.

I love anything Jenna Voris writes, so I knew I'd enjoy this too! Plus, when you pitch a book to me as a sapphic Hadestown-meets-Titanic inspired fantasy, I'm instantly hooked.

I'm happy to report that I did like this as much as I was hoping! It was atmospheric and romantic, with enough little calls back to its source material inspiration to help enhance rather than overwhelm. It's not a full retelling, which I honestly was a fan of.

I connected with the characters pretty quickly. I enjoyed that we got both Ophelia and Adrian's perspectives, especially in the beginning, to see the two different worlds on-board the Lyre. Some of the side characters get a little bit neglected, like Adrian's brother, who died before the start of the story. He's the emotional catalyst for a lot of Adrian's development, but I didn't feel that emotionally invested in that aspect of the storyline. On the other hand, Ophelia's relationship with her sister, Eleanor, is both compelling and well-fleshed out, so I really enjoyed that. I also really liked the character of Penelope, especially since she plays such a pivotal role in the story before appearing closer to the end.

The pacing is good-- we get enough backstory and build-up that the climax feels worth it. I'd say the romance is a bittt quick, the jump from acquintances to fully in love seems like it happens fast, but I loved them together so I'll excuse it for now haha. I really did enjoy their relationship and the way Voris is able to build chemistry between the characters.

I also really liked the little snippets at the start of each chapter and what they helped to subtly reveal about the world they live in. At times I was slightly underwhelmed with the backstory of Tyranos, and why magic was outlawed. I also thought the Saints were underutilized and wish they had tied in more.

My only other nitpick-y comment would be that while this is marketed as Voris' first foray into adult fantasy, it still reads more YA than anything. Not to say that I didn't like it, I did, of course! But I wish it had felt more adult.

As it got closer to the ending, I was getting nervous about the tying up of The Main Storyline, but I ended up being satisfied with it, even though it was very open-ended. In my dream world, it would've been more conclusive, but in my rational brain, I could appreciate the ending and I wasn't mad about it!

Overall, I really did enjoy this book and I could see myself going back, to re-enter this gorgeously written world!

4 stars

[Gretal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hm.

This one certainly was Sapphic Hadestown meets Titanic. I think it's a super exciting premise, and the worldbuilding was super neat, but something about the Hadestown comparison just left the book a little disappointing I think. I really liked all the small references, but at the same time, it made all those songs run through my head and this book couldn't help but come up short.

I did really appreciate that this committed to the tragedy! I've had some bad experienced with books that purport to retell a tragedy kind of missing the whole point, so I'm definitely glad this was not one of those, even if I didn't like it as much as I hoped to.

[Hayley Potthoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunting, tragic, beautifully written read that completely pulled me in. This was absolutely devastating in the best way and I cannot stop thinking about it. Five well deserved stars from me!

[Pree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

First I will say that this is a well developed and wonderfully captivating book with a premise of how we as humans seek connection, love, dedication, and the lengths one can go to for their loved one(s). I could feel the emotions each character was feeling and their experiences and what a way to have your readers immerse themselves in the story. I do appreciate the commitment to tragedy and not shying away from the yearning that causes.

One of the book's biggest strengths is also how accurately and appropriately descriptive the author was. The ship setting and ship life was so well detailed that I could picture myself there, in ophelia's bedroom or in Adrian's workshop or on the deck or in the Captain's office. The voices and dreams that follow each main character were as if I could hear them myself while I was reading. One of my favorite aspects of reading is when descriptions are done well but not overdone so I can experience the story without getting bogged down by too many details that may not be necessary and this book balances both beautifully.

Additionally, the other big strength is the development of the characters. Not just Adrian and Ophelia but the Captain, the other workers on the ship (such as Daphne and Adrian's friendship and the tension between Adrian and her boss), and a few other characters as well. They feel like real people with their own personalities and goals/dreams. This book is also a love story and the romance between Adrian and Ophelia was passionate, devoted, and tender. My only criticism of their relationship is that I was a bit unsure why they were so devoted to each other or what the pull between them was. They have been on the same ship for years and the logical part of my brain can understand that when you've been in close quarters for so long and meet someone you are attracted to, that can speed up the relationship timeline. It just felt like there was something more than just attraction developing into loving devotion and I couldn't identify that. I still very much enjoyed their romance and development of their love and could feel the yearning.

There were some minor details in the story that were not really explained: For example, one of the big issues between Ophelia and the Captain and Ophelia and her upper deck friends is why she isn't wearing the ring that the Governor sent her. But when she did open the box, there was no ring but instead, 2 coins. Why did the governor give 2 coins (that become relevant later on) instead of an engagement ring when ophelia was told multiple times he sent a ring? Or maybe this was another example of how ophelia is being tricked?

My overall rating is 4 , reduced from 5 because of some minor questions about the love development and romance between the 2 main leads and some details being focused on but not really explained or expanded upon further.

[Kianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alchemy and magic are dangerous, not just for the persecution those practicing them endure but from the madness that can ensue. Hallucinations and strange voices are regular fixtures in practitioners of these forbidden labors, yet outbreaks still occur. The Lyre houses those who had to leave their homes due to the massive spread of magic, and they have quarantined at sea for years now hoping for a chance at a new life in whatever country will take them. Now, on the cusp of venturing to their new home, a strange ship seeks to pull them off course. It is up to Adrian and Ophelia to figure out why.

This was a vastly interesting story and quite a unique way of positioning characters. The motivations of each character was well-explained and had significant background going beyond just simply living aboard a ship for as long as they have. The story felt well-rounded having multiple villains and conflicts, yet fell a bit short with full exploring the setting, world, and its magic. Despite being confined to one ship for most of the book, I never really felt I had a good grasp on the ship's layout. While that isn't technically necessary, I feel it really could've elevated the book some. Similarly, the world felt under explored both as it currently was and the history leading up to the events of the story. This goes hand in hand with focusing more on the magic which was never truly explained in my eyes nor were the consequences of using it. I can understand the latter being a bit vague but the former left to much unanswered and made the central conflict feel a bit superfluous. I think this had the start of a great story and with some more crafting of the world, could make for a really dynamic and compelling tale.

𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘮𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 • 𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘰𝘷

Thank you Little, Brown and Company NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[lily ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Thank you to Little, Brown and Company for providing me an advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**

‘This is the story of a girl who lived in another world on the other side of an infinite sea…’

Heartwrenching. Deeply moving. An ethereal romance and a gripping tragedy that will leave you desperate, hoping it’ll never end. As promised, this story is an epic sapphic adaptation of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, and boy does it deliver.

This was a sweeping journey in which I found myself fully immersed. A cautionary tale of the way grief can grab hold and bury us right along with it if we’re not careful. But grief and love are two sides of the same coin, and the love that Adrian and Ophelia have for each other build the foundation of this story. They are beautiful and naive and you cannot help but fall in love with them, despite knowing the fate they are destined to fulfill.

Voris’ prose is vivid and emotionally charged, so powerful that it brought me to my knees. I don’t think I’ve ever spent this long reading a book, solely because I would finish a chapter and immediately go back and re-read my favorite parts, to really savor the imagery and the love and permanence that was etched in every sentence.

In the words of Hermes, ‘It’s a sad tale, it’s a tragedy,’ and no matter how many times I yelled at my Kindle, I knew how it would end, but I kept reading anyway. For the hope of it all, for the slim chance that it might be different this time. Above all, to know that when I finished, I could start from the beginning again, and again, and again.

And in fact I will, as soon as this goes to print in January and I pick up my physical copy. I highly recommend you pick up your own copy and start the journey right along with me.

[Dany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for my ARC!

When I saw the book blurb for Into the Burning Deep, I was so excited. After seeing Hadestown this summer in theatres, like everyone else, I've been obsessively playing the soundtrack back and thinking about the ways we tell stories, and what makes a good story. Into the Burning Deep is a sapphic Orpheus and Eurydice retelling that's set in a fantasy world where magic is real, and deadly. After the country of Tyranos faces the catastrophe of a magical plague that destroys their entire country, five thousands Tyranians are isolated for ten years on a military ship and they're finally able to make a deal with another country that will let them settle within their borders, but after a quarantine, but something on the sea is threatening that safety and Adrian and Ophelia are determined to find out what. The mystery of this book is well crafted and will keep you guessing throughout the read, and the end result of the book's plot is devastating. Voris weaves together lyrical prose that is sultry and seductive, and I particularly love the relationship she writes between Ophelia and her older sister, Eleanor. Their relationship is strained, but the real-ness of their relationship that Voris captures on the page is so devastatingly beautiful. As an older sister that has a strained relationship with my younger sibling, and who has been the younger sibling with a strained relationship with one of my older siblings, I found myself relating to both Ophelia and Eleanor at different points in their journey.

This book truly had me hooked and I'm so grateful that I got to read the ARC of this. If you love sapphic tragedy, I would definitely consider giving this book a read.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review!

“Why has every officer of The Lyre worked so hard to convince them that their own neighbors could not be trusted when this was the only way to survive?”

3.5 stars

Pros: the gorgeously haunting atmosphere and deep sense of unease the book imparts, the beautiful blend of elements from the Titanic and Hadestown while definitively remaining its own thing, and the supporting cast (from Eleanor to Alexander).

The story draws really interesting parallels to our political moment: from immigration, government overreach, and people being in power only as much as you believe them to be.

Powerful themes of grief, coercion and control, and hope.

Cons: while alchemy is a huge tenant of the story not much time is spent delving into it and explaining it a little better, more information about the Maiden Saints, and most importantly the romance felt incredibly rushed and just didn’t click for me as it felt undeveloped.

Overall, it was an entertaining read but it never consumed me the way I thought it would.

[Jessica Lennox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this lost at sea, sapphic romance which was creepy, haunting and a little bit of a fever dream.

I don’t read many stories about ships or pirates etc so I really enjoyed the setting and the split point of view of both main characters. Seeing both the mechanical working class and the socialites on the top decks was a great start.

I feel like we could have done with a little more backstory on their past and what really happened before they left land and boarded the ship. A little more world building would have been appreciated. My main gripe and it’s only a small one is that we spend a lot of the book in dreams or visions and I just wanted to be in the present with our characters. I wanted to spend more time on their romance which could have built up a little more subtly in my opinion. I feel like I didn’t connect to them or their love story very well.

Overall, I enjoyed this book for its original lost at sea story, the locked in atmosphere and the descriptive setting but the romance didn’t feel real for me and I felt like I was on a dream for most of the book.

[kody :3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

arc from netgalley!!

wow. where to begin? this is one of my favorite books that i've read in a long time.

i love a sapphic book and that will always catch my attention. there's always something about a fantasy world with a made up religion in it. that always appeals to me. the *wrongness* adrian feels in relation to it was interesting characterization. ophelia proving herself to be deeper than initially described the second you're in her head was also a great part.

the paralleling storylines combined what was happening and a magic system i found *really* interesting kept me hooked the whole time.

it might be clear from the description the way everything will play out, but it still caught me off guard.

i will DEFINITELY recommend this to my friends (and a few have already heard how much i enjoyed it).

[Leah Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review!

I really, REALLY wanted to love this. On paper, I am the target audience for a Hadestown x Titanic inspired sapphic romance. However, this fell flat for me.

I can’t put my finger on exactly what it was- the writing was beautiful, the plot made sense, but it just did not grip me. I fell asleep 3 nights in a row reading it.

I thought the premise of the alchemy system was interesting, but there was too much time spent dancing around it and not actually explaining it.

Again, I really wanted and expected to like this, but ultimately it was just not for me and could not hold my attention.

[EmJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Into the Burning Deep is a well written retelling of the Greek myth. It was a heart-wrenching love story of not only Orphelia and Adrian but also of Penelope and Silas.
Cons: The romance between Orphelia and Adrian was a bit rushed, the alchemy aspect of the story could have been explained a little better
Pros: Beautiful writing, solid character development (including supporting characters), despite the rushed romance it was still written well and the family relationships added depth to the characters and story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. Jenna Voris not only has done it again, but continuously raises the bar each time. This story was so captivating and I fell in love with Adrian and Ophelia. The Hadestown + Titanic influences are strong but it’s still a unique story that stands on its own. The world building is fantastic and I would love to dive into this universe further. This book will stick with me for a long time.

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this review copy. This book’s premise of being at sea after a magical curse was a fun setting for this sapphic retelling of Eurydice and Orpheus. I enjoyed both main characters and thought the side characters were a good addition to the plot. I also really liked the ending. 4.25 stars.

[Katie]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for being pre-approved to read "Into the Burning Deep"

Genre: Romantasy, LGBT
Descriptors: Alchemy, Curses, Myth, Forbidden romance, a hauntingly dark slow burn that gets better the longer you read.
Spice: No.
Standalone: Yes