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Into the Burning Deep
Not yet published
Expected 19 Jan 27Hadestown 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...
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...
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 19, 2027
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for an ARC of Into the Burning Deep by J.M. Voris
🌟4.5🌟
Tension and drama hit the high seas!? Ooh! Yes, please!
Everyone and their ancestral line knows how much I love a good retelling! They're a great teaching tool, personally, it makes it a little easier to connect with the book, the Easter egg hunts are always a blast...I assure you the reasons are endless if you give me enough time.. In my useless opinion retellings are definitely also one of the harder genres to get just right..you don't want it to sound too "copy and paste" but you also don't want to go too far "out there" because you don't want your readers getting so lost they don't even know it's a retelling. It's definitely a craft and this was dam near perfectly crafted.
Right off the bat I really appreciated how the author clearly understands Greek Mythology is made up of more than 5 characters. While I have always appreciated everyone acting as if my family were the Kardashians of our era, there are a vast plethora of notable others.. Orpheus and Eurydice serve as an excellent example! A beautiful and tragic story, which is arguably the embodiment of Mythology itself..
The modern aspects add a super strong layer of tangibility making the characters feel extra real and relatable.. Family issues, politics, and feelings don't stop existing just because you're in the middle of the ocean..
Then there is the general story our author has created and I love it here! It's dark, gothic, and eerie while simultaneously being hopeful, inspiring, and full of color.. I genuinely can't think of a bad thing to say.. If I HAD to pick something, it would probably be expanding a little more on some parts.. But those of you who have been around for a while know that's my glutinous lil selfs go to "compliant" when I really enjoy a book.
Definitely a respectable add to one's TBR.
Until next time
Hades
🩵
🌟4.5🌟
Tension and drama hit the high seas!? Ooh! Yes, please!
Everyone and their ancestral line knows how much I love a good retelling! They're a great teaching tool, personally, it makes it a little easier to connect with the book, the Easter egg hunts are always a blast...I assure you the reasons are endless if you give me enough time.. In my useless opinion retellings are definitely also one of the harder genres to get just right..you don't want it to sound too "copy and paste" but you also don't want to go too far "out there" because you don't want your readers getting so lost they don't even know it's a retelling. It's definitely a craft and this was dam near perfectly crafted.
Right off the bat I really appreciated how the author clearly understands Greek Mythology is made up of more than 5 characters. While I have always appreciated everyone acting as if my family were the Kardashians of our era, there are a vast plethora of notable others.. Orpheus and Eurydice serve as an excellent example! A beautiful and tragic story, which is arguably the embodiment of Mythology itself..
The modern aspects add a super strong layer of tangibility making the characters feel extra real and relatable.. Family issues, politics, and feelings don't stop existing just because you're in the middle of the ocean..
Then there is the general story our author has created and I love it here! It's dark, gothic, and eerie while simultaneously being hopeful, inspiring, and full of color.. I genuinely can't think of a bad thing to say.. If I HAD to pick something, it would probably be expanding a little more on some parts.. But those of you who have been around for a while know that's my glutinous lil selfs go to "compliant" when I really enjoy a book.
Definitely a respectable add to one's TBR.
Until next time
Hades
🩵
Want to Read
November 12, 2026sapphic hadestown x titanic is a hell of a pitch!!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Into the Burning Deep is an imaginative and atmospheric retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice that takes the story somewhere completely unexpected. The combination of mythology, dark magic, a ship trapped at sea, and a sapphic romance made this a very intriguing read.
I really enjoyed the setting aboard The Lyre. There is something inherently unsettling about being trapped on a ship surrounded by an endless, dangerous sea, and the quarantine and magical infection added another layer of tension. The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Adrian and Ophelia make an interesting pair. They come from very different worlds, but their connection develops in a way that feels both forbidden and inevitable. Once Ophelia is taken by the curse, the story shifts into a much darker adventure as Adrian is determined to bring her back, no matter what she has to face.
The mythology is woven into the story in a creative way, and I liked seeing familiar elements of Orpheus and Eurydice reimagined in this strange, magical world. There are some beautifully eerie moments, along with plenty of danger and mystery as Adrian gets closer to discovering what is really happening.
A lush, unusual fantasy with a haunting setting, a compelling romance, and a creative take on a classic myth.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC for review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the setting aboard The Lyre. There is something inherently unsettling about being trapped on a ship surrounded by an endless, dangerous sea, and the quarantine and magical infection added another layer of tension. The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Adrian and Ophelia make an interesting pair. They come from very different worlds, but their connection develops in a way that feels both forbidden and inevitable. Once Ophelia is taken by the curse, the story shifts into a much darker adventure as Adrian is determined to bring her back, no matter what she has to face.
The mythology is woven into the story in a creative way, and I liked seeing familiar elements of Orpheus and Eurydice reimagined in this strange, magical world. There are some beautifully eerie moments, along with plenty of danger and mystery as Adrian gets closer to discovering what is really happening.
A lush, unusual fantasy with a haunting setting, a compelling romance, and a creative take on a classic myth.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC for review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
the best way i can describe this book is that it has all the makings to be a literary masterpiece. doomed yuri, doomed siblings on both ends, a retelling that actually feels like the original, titanic-esque setting and situations, and dangerous magic??? all of them combined sounds like something i would LOVE. except it didn't quite reach that potential 😞 there's just something quite missing from all of them, and this book has a bit of a problem with the lack of backstory and exploration to make the story more cohesive. but otherwise, this is quite a splendid story that delivers just enough of what it promised, and frankly isn't quite scary, but it does have a kick of creep in there
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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:
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.
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:
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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
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
October 24, 2026
Dark magic, a mysterious ship lost at sea, a haunting curse, and a tragic love story. Into the Burning Deep had an interesting premise, and I really wanted to love where this story was going.
I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere aboard the ship and the mystery surrounding the curse. The setting was intriguing, and there were some unique ideas woven throughout the story.
Unfortunately, I wanted more depth from both the characters and the overall plot. There was so much potential within this world, but I felt like we only scratched the surface of what could have been explored.
The romance between Adrian and Ophelia also felt rushed. I wanted more buildup and a deeper emotional connection between them. With so much of the story revolving around love, loss, and sacrifice, I wanted their relationship to feel more developed for those moments to have a stronger impact.
Overall, Into the Burning Deep had an interesting concept and a beautifully eerie setting, but the execution left me feeling underwhelmed. It wasn’t a bad read, just one that never quite reached that wow factor for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere aboard the ship and the mystery surrounding the curse. The setting was intriguing, and there were some unique ideas woven throughout the story.
Unfortunately, I wanted more depth from both the characters and the overall plot. There was so much potential within this world, but I felt like we only scratched the surface of what could have been explored.
The romance between Adrian and Ophelia also felt rushed. I wanted more buildup and a deeper emotional connection between them. With so much of the story revolving around love, loss, and sacrifice, I wanted their relationship to feel more developed for those moments to have a stronger impact.
Overall, Into the Burning Deep had an interesting concept and a beautifully eerie setting, but the execution left me feeling underwhelmed. It wasn’t a bad read, just one that never quite reached that wow factor for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 14, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Complex, so complex, lovely and romantic, harsh and real.
10 years spent on a ship, looping around with a desperate hope someone will grant you access to their land; give you a home after yours has burned; a community after yours has died.
And two lost souls find each other again - one woman desperate to just get to land, another to exist as her self.
With a story of two people so in love, obsessed with each other, every day built around the other.
Such a gut wrenching story of hope, love and just keep going.
10 years spent on a ship, looping around with a desperate hope someone will grant you access to their land; give you a home after yours has burned; a community after yours has died.
And two lost souls find each other again - one woman desperate to just get to land, another to exist as her self.
With a story of two people so in love, obsessed with each other, every day built around the other.
Such a gut wrenching story of hope, love and just keep going.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I'm honestly a bit surprised by how much I loved this book! That's not to say that I didn't have high expectations going in, but I definitely came into it expecting something a lot different than what I got. I thought it would be much more romance-forward and would stick closely to the original Orpheus and Eurydice myth, especially after finding out it was inspired by Hadestown, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much depth the plot and worldbuilding had and how unique it was. The story grabbed my attention immediately and kept me so invested throughout that I kept telling myself that I'll read one last page but kept reading anyway, just so I could find out what was really going on.
I was SO invested. i didn't expect the book to have such a creepy atmosphere, but I loved how unsettling everything was. The whispering that follows the characters throughout the story creates this constant sense of unease, almost as if you're going mad alongside them. There was always this uncertainty of whether what was happening was real and I kind of loved that uncertainty and how it kept me on edge. The atmosphere is definitely one of the book's biggest strengths and the sense of impending doom that hangs over everything makes it feel like something terrible is always just around the corner. Even when things seem relatively calm, there's this feeling that it was just the calm before the storm and that they were moving towards something they couldn't escape. I also really liked the way the story approached alchemy and its connection to their religion and beliefs. It was such an interesting aspect in the worldbuilding and I loved that it went beyond the romance to explore something a little more complex. I loved how the mystery, supernatural elements, and worldbuilding all contributed to that same eerie and unsettling feelings.
The fourth act was probably my favorite part of the entire book. I absolutely adore stories that play around with memories, whether that's through amnesia, false memories, or just characters questioning what they can trust about their own memories. There's something really fascinating about the idea on not being able to rely on your own memories of your own experiences, and this part really scratched that itch for me. I was so invested in the way the story played with the characters' perception of reality and I loved how it made me question what was real and what wasn't.
The romance was probably my biggest point of contention, though. It felt a bit insta-love-y, and while I usually struggle with romances where the characters fall for each other so quickly and so deeply, I appreciated that the story at least acknowledged how strange and inexplicable their attraction was. Both Adrian and Ophelia seemed just as confused by how drawn they were to each other, which made it a little easier for me to accept. Still, I wish we'd gotten a bit more insight into why they felt so strongly for each other, especially since they'd only had a handful (two or three) proper conversations when their feelings already became so intense. Maybe sometimes attraction really is just inexplicable, but I still wanted a little more to hold onto when it came to their relationship. It would've been nice to see them develop a friendship first, or some sort of kinship, especially with their pretty similar backgrounds, instead of jumping straight into romance. But with that said, the tension between them was SO GOOD. Even though their relationship developed faster than I had preferred, I still found myself invested and rooting for them. The yearning was intense. You could really feel how desperately they wanted each other. One thing that did bother me though was how easily they brushed off their pasts with their respective ex-partners, though I understand that they weren't very good partners, it still didn't feel natural that they could completely detach themselves from them, with Ophelia and Salma's relationship in particular. I wish we spent more time exploring these past relationships because it felt like pretty significant parts of their journey and character development, but it was pretty much just glossed over.
The prose was absolutely beautiful. It's haunting and atmospheric, creating this sense of dread when it needs to, but it also knows how to make the yearning between Adrian and Ophelia hurt. I found myself highlighting so many passages because there were just so many lines that made ms top and appreciate how beautifully they were written. I loved how moments of tenderness and longing didn't take me out of the story despite the unsettling atmosphere it usually took.
I also really loved Penelope and Silas' story. I think having Penelope's journal entries woven throughout the book was such a good way to introduce them to the reader and make me care about them, because by the time their story came together with Adrian and Ophelia's, I felt like I already knew them. Their relationship didn't feel like some separate subplot that was only there to serve the main plot but instead felt like another piece of the bigger picture. I also loved seeing the parallels between the two couples come together, especially when so many hints of it were strewn around the story.
I was also surprised with how much I cared about their siblings, Alexander and Eleanor. I have a soft spot for older sibligns and these two were definitely no exception. I loved the few scenes we got with them. I wish we'd gotten more of Ophelia and Eleanor's relationship though. I found it really interesting how their dynamic changed after Eleanor became captain, especially since they used to be so close. There's so much potential in exploring how their relationship deteriorated and what it meant for both of them and I would have loved to see more of that. Of course, I understand that they aren't the main characters but considering Eleanor is the captain of the very ship the story takes place on, it sometimes felt like she had less of an impact on the story than I expected. Still, I enjoyed all the scenes she was in and felt that twinge in my heart whenever she broke her infallible facade whenever it came to Ophelia.
Into the Burning Deep really was a pleasant surprise. I went into it expecting one kind of story and ended up getting so much more. While I do wish we had developed and explored the characters' other relationships and background more, I still think this has got to be one of my favorite reads of the year. This was such a compelling read and I'm really glad I picked it up. If you enjoyed Our Wives Under the Sea, or eerie stories that involve the sea with adoomed sapphic couple, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try!
I'm honestly a bit surprised by how much I loved this book! That's not to say that I didn't have high expectations going in, but I definitely came into it expecting something a lot different than what I got. I thought it would be much more romance-forward and would stick closely to the original Orpheus and Eurydice myth, especially after finding out it was inspired by Hadestown, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much depth the plot and worldbuilding had and how unique it was. The story grabbed my attention immediately and kept me so invested throughout that I kept telling myself that I'll read one last page but kept reading anyway, just so I could find out what was really going on.
I was SO invested. i didn't expect the book to have such a creepy atmosphere, but I loved how unsettling everything was. The whispering that follows the characters throughout the story creates this constant sense of unease, almost as if you're going mad alongside them. There was always this uncertainty of whether what was happening was real and I kind of loved that uncertainty and how it kept me on edge. The atmosphere is definitely one of the book's biggest strengths and the sense of impending doom that hangs over everything makes it feel like something terrible is always just around the corner. Even when things seem relatively calm, there's this feeling that it was just the calm before the storm and that they were moving towards something they couldn't escape. I also really liked the way the story approached alchemy and its connection to their religion and beliefs. It was such an interesting aspect in the worldbuilding and I loved that it went beyond the romance to explore something a little more complex. I loved how the mystery, supernatural elements, and worldbuilding all contributed to that same eerie and unsettling feelings.
The fourth act was probably my favorite part of the entire book. I absolutely adore stories that play around with memories, whether that's through amnesia, false memories, or just characters questioning what they can trust about their own memories. There's something really fascinating about the idea on not being able to rely on your own memories of your own experiences, and this part really scratched that itch for me. I was so invested in the way the story played with the characters' perception of reality and I loved how it made me question what was real and what wasn't.
The romance was probably my biggest point of contention, though. It felt a bit insta-love-y, and while I usually struggle with romances where the characters fall for each other so quickly and so deeply, I appreciated that the story at least acknowledged how strange and inexplicable their attraction was. Both Adrian and Ophelia seemed just as confused by how drawn they were to each other, which made it a little easier for me to accept. Still, I wish we'd gotten a bit more insight into why they felt so strongly for each other, especially since they'd only had a handful (two or three) proper conversations when their feelings already became so intense. Maybe sometimes attraction really is just inexplicable, but I still wanted a little more to hold onto when it came to their relationship. It would've been nice to see them develop a friendship first, or some sort of kinship, especially with their pretty similar backgrounds, instead of jumping straight into romance. But with that said, the tension between them was SO GOOD. Even though their relationship developed faster than I had preferred, I still found myself invested and rooting for them. The yearning was intense. You could really feel how desperately they wanted each other. One thing that did bother me though was how easily they brushed off their pasts with their respective ex-partners, though I understand that they weren't very good partners, it still didn't feel natural that they could completely detach themselves from them, with Ophelia and Salma's relationship in particular. I wish we spent more time exploring these past relationships because it felt like pretty significant parts of their journey and character development, but it was pretty much just glossed over.
The prose was absolutely beautiful. It's haunting and atmospheric, creating this sense of dread when it needs to, but it also knows how to make the yearning between Adrian and Ophelia hurt. I found myself highlighting so many passages because there were just so many lines that made ms top and appreciate how beautifully they were written. I loved how moments of tenderness and longing didn't take me out of the story despite the unsettling atmosphere it usually took.
I also really loved Penelope and Silas' story. I think having Penelope's journal entries woven throughout the book was such a good way to introduce them to the reader and make me care about them, because by the time their story came together with Adrian and Ophelia's, I felt like I already knew them. Their relationship didn't feel like some separate subplot that was only there to serve the main plot but instead felt like another piece of the bigger picture. I also loved seeing the parallels between the two couples come together, especially when so many hints of it were strewn around the story.
I was also surprised with how much I cared about their siblings, Alexander and Eleanor. I have a soft spot for older sibligns and these two were definitely no exception. I loved the few scenes we got with them. I wish we'd gotten more of Ophelia and Eleanor's relationship though. I found it really interesting how their dynamic changed after Eleanor became captain, especially since they used to be so close. There's so much potential in exploring how their relationship deteriorated and what it meant for both of them and I would have loved to see more of that. Of course, I understand that they aren't the main characters but considering Eleanor is the captain of the very ship the story takes place on, it sometimes felt like she had less of an impact on the story than I expected. Still, I enjoyed all the scenes she was in and felt that twinge in my heart whenever she broke her infallible facade whenever it came to Ophelia.
Into the Burning Deep really was a pleasant surprise. I went into it expecting one kind of story and ended up getting so much more. While I do wish we had developed and explored the characters' other relationships and background more, I still think this has got to be one of my favorite reads of the year. This was such a compelling read and I'm really glad I picked it up. If you enjoyed Our Wives Under the Sea, or eerie stories that involve the sea with a
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
The premise and marketing for this book were right up my alley and I was so excited to dive in! I think that the atmosphere was very well done. The descriptions were quite lush and painted a detailed picture of the sounds, smells, and feelings of the scenes happening around our protagonists, which really added depth to the story throughout the pages. I could very easily see it all developing around me in my mind’s eye and walk the halls alongside our main character(s). I think that the setting was well chosen to subvert your typical expectation of an Orpheus and Eurydice retelling, while still staying true to the overall feelings of desperation, confinement, and hope. I certainly found myself feeling drawn in to the close quarters and tight demands of The Lyre.
I thought that the references to the original Orpheus and Eurydice story were quite well done and incorporated in a way that felt organic to this story. While I could certainly feel the Hadestown-esque influence behind the story, I felt that Ophelia and Adrian’s story also stood on its on two feet. Overall, it was a beautiful love story and certainly delivered on all the emotional points that one would expect and hope for in a retelling of this nature.
I do wish that the pacing had been a little faster in some places and slightly slower in others. I found that the first 50% of the story was really working on setting up the ‘song’ on The Lyre and exploring the ship’s dynamics, which, while interesting, became a slightly repetitive reading experience. After the 50%, the story does speed up quite quickly and delivers a very well-done ending, but I do wish it had been paced a little more evenly throughout. On the other hand, I wished we could have spent more time developing Ophelia and Adrian’s relationship. My take away from the story was that their love was a sort of ‘infinite universes’ story, and as such, they had a deep connection that neither of them could quite explain. While that makes sense due to this story being a loose retelling of the same type of love, I did find myself wishing we could have delved a little deeper into what in particular had them realize they were falling for one another. It just felt a little rushed in comparison to the rest of the plot, but overall, I still quite enjoyed their dynamic and narratives.
I loved the atmosphere, the character development was done well overall, and the story left me feeling hauntingly satisfied - I'd definitely reccomend it!
Rating: 3.5 Stars
The premise and marketing for this book were right up my alley and I was so excited to dive in! I think that the atmosphere was very well done. The descriptions were quite lush and painted a detailed picture of the sounds, smells, and feelings of the scenes happening around our protagonists, which really added depth to the story throughout the pages. I could very easily see it all developing around me in my mind’s eye and walk the halls alongside our main character(s). I think that the setting was well chosen to subvert your typical expectation of an Orpheus and Eurydice retelling, while still staying true to the overall feelings of desperation, confinement, and hope. I certainly found myself feeling drawn in to the close quarters and tight demands of The Lyre.
I thought that the references to the original Orpheus and Eurydice story were quite well done and incorporated in a way that felt organic to this story. While I could certainly feel the Hadestown-esque influence behind the story, I felt that Ophelia and Adrian’s story also stood on its on two feet. Overall, it was a beautiful love story and certainly delivered on all the emotional points that one would expect and hope for in a retelling of this nature.
I do wish that the pacing had been a little faster in some places and slightly slower in others. I found that the first 50% of the story was really working on setting up the ‘song’ on The Lyre and exploring the ship’s dynamics, which, while interesting, became a slightly repetitive reading experience. After the 50%, the story does speed up quite quickly and delivers a very well-done ending, but I do wish it had been paced a little more evenly throughout. On the other hand, I wished we could have spent more time developing Ophelia and Adrian’s relationship. My take away from the story was that their love was a sort of ‘infinite universes’ story, and as such, they had a deep connection that neither of them could quite explain. While that makes sense due to this story being a loose retelling of the same type of love, I did find myself wishing we could have delved a little deeper into what in particular had them realize they were falling for one another. It just felt a little rushed in comparison to the rest of the plot, but overall, I still quite enjoyed their dynamic and narratives.
I loved the atmosphere, the character development was done well overall, and the story left me feeling hauntingly satisfied - I'd definitely reccomend it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Little, Brown, and Company and NetGalley for the chance to read this book early in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Trapped on an aging ship bound for a new life our two main characters Adrian and Ophelia find each other in this pivotal moment. What occurs in this story is both tragic and hopeful, worthy of the Odysseus and Euridice retelling this book attempts to portray.
The atmosphere of the Lyre is dark and dreary throughout which really helped me lose myself in the story and feel like I was part of it all. There was a potent ominous feeling throughout and some moments that were genuinely on the creepy side. I absolutely loved the high-seas setting with danger lurking on the decks and how the magic played into this world. It provided a fantastic backdrop to the hopeless feeling that permeated the crew and passengers.
The characters were very well crafted and even the side characters added meaningful nuance to the story as a whole. Adrian as a super cool, kind of reclusive mechanic, gave me the strong FMC I always crave. Ophelia, the damsel in distress determined to get out of her mess, also had her own type of strength that played really well into her own character arc.
My one complaint was with Adrian and Ophelia’s love story. It felt both too drawn out and too rushed. They don’t really interact with each other much before they form an extremely tight, greek tragedy-level bond and it left me wondering if their story together was a little over-edited. The result was more of a “these two are supposed to be in love for the story to make sense, so just go with it” vibe. I would have loved to see more of the two actually bonding to make it more believable.
Overall I really enjoyed this book with the drowning atmosphere and high-seas gothic adventure! I’ll also be looking out for whatever J. M. Voris comes up with next!
Trapped on an aging ship bound for a new life our two main characters Adrian and Ophelia find each other in this pivotal moment. What occurs in this story is both tragic and hopeful, worthy of the Odysseus and Euridice retelling this book attempts to portray.
The atmosphere of the Lyre is dark and dreary throughout which really helped me lose myself in the story and feel like I was part of it all. There was a potent ominous feeling throughout and some moments that were genuinely on the creepy side. I absolutely loved the high-seas setting with danger lurking on the decks and how the magic played into this world. It provided a fantastic backdrop to the hopeless feeling that permeated the crew and passengers.
The characters were very well crafted and even the side characters added meaningful nuance to the story as a whole. Adrian as a super cool, kind of reclusive mechanic, gave me the strong FMC I always crave. Ophelia, the damsel in distress determined to get out of her mess, also had her own type of strength that played really well into her own character arc.
My one complaint was with Adrian and Ophelia’s love story. It felt both too drawn out and too rushed. They don’t really interact with each other much before they form an extremely tight, greek tragedy-level bond and it left me wondering if their story together was a little over-edited. The result was more of a “these two are supposed to be in love for the story to make sense, so just go with it” vibe. I would have loved to see more of the two actually bonding to make it more believable.
Overall I really enjoyed this book with the drowning atmosphere and high-seas gothic adventure! I’ll also be looking out for whatever J. M. Voris comes up with next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was actually on my list of most anticipated releases for 2027. I couldn’t stop barking at the premise when I first found it (Sapphic HadestownxTitanic? Sign me up!) - so imagine how stoked I was when my request for an arc was approved. Thank you for the chance to read this early!
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started following Adrian and Ophelia, but I quickly found myself immersed in the universe and the stakes at hand. I was ready for sapphic yearning and tragedy, but I wasn’t ready for tantalizing madness seeping between the pages, the ornate but haunting and gothic claustrophobia of the Lyre, and the very real ways that grief and trauma bared their fangs and haunted and propelled the narrative and the characters. I was intrigued by the worldbuilding through the journal/letter entries, and really felt for the past and present members of the Lyre. Characters were given room to be messy and imperfect like real people, and when they twisted the knife into emotional wounds during arguments, it HURT. The frustration and paranoia was so palpably written and portrayed, that I couldn’t help but feel as if *I* was also stuck on the ship. I also developed a soft spot for Eleanor and Alexander along the way, and anytime they made an appearance you can bet I was absolutely riveted to see them.
Personally, it felt a little difficult to be moved by the “instant” romance. I rooted for Adrian and Ophelia moreso because I liked them individually, and not necessarily because of their relationship, which I felt didn’t have much chemistry beyond a magnetic pull. I also personally had a hard time with some sections and lines that felt repetitive even if I understood their significance - they felt more “tell than show” and harder to get through. But overall, I really enjoyed my time with this book and am so glad it exists. I’m looking forward to whatever J. M. Voris releases next!
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started following Adrian and Ophelia, but I quickly found myself immersed in the universe and the stakes at hand. I was ready for sapphic yearning and tragedy, but I wasn’t ready for tantalizing madness seeping between the pages, the ornate but haunting and gothic claustrophobia of the Lyre, and the very real ways that grief and trauma bared their fangs and haunted and propelled the narrative and the characters. I was intrigued by the worldbuilding through the journal/letter entries, and really felt for the past and present members of the Lyre. Characters were given room to be messy and imperfect like real people, and when they twisted the knife into emotional wounds during arguments, it HURT. The frustration and paranoia was so palpably written and portrayed, that I couldn’t help but feel as if *I* was also stuck on the ship. I also developed a soft spot for Eleanor and Alexander along the way, and anytime they made an appearance you can bet I was absolutely riveted to see them.
Personally, it felt a little difficult to be moved by the “instant” romance. I rooted for Adrian and Ophelia moreso because I liked them individually, and not necessarily because of their relationship, which I felt didn’t have much chemistry beyond a magnetic pull. I also personally had a hard time with some sections and lines that felt repetitive even if I understood their significance - they felt more “tell than show” and harder to get through. But overall, I really enjoyed my time with this book and am so glad it exists. I’m looking forward to whatever J. M. Voris releases next!
September 18, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 3.5
A rich mythological backdrop, an atmospheric setting, and a romance rooted in loss and difficult choices.
The isolated setting of a quarantined ship carrying refugees across a dangerous, magical sea was probably my favorite part of the book. There’s something inherently unsettling about being trapped at sea with a group of strangers, knowing everyone seems to have secrets and feeling like something could be lurking just beneath the surface. The magical elements and mystery surrounding the plague added to that sense of unease and kept me curious about where the story was heading.
Ophelia and the mystery surrounding her were another highlight for me. She initially comes across as privileged and somewhat insulated, but it soon becomes clear that there is much more to her than meets the eye. Her disturbing dreams, the strange voices she hears, the ghostly ship, and the unanswered questions surrounding the plague all create intriguing threads that kept me invested as her character slowly unfolded.
Where I struggled a little was with how much the book tries to juggle. There’s mythology, romance, the plague, supernatural elements, secrets, world-building, and mystery all competing for attention. At times, it felt like the story was moving on to the next revelation before I had fully settled into the one before it. I sometimes wished it would slow down and spend more time developing the characters rather than continuing to add new layers to the plot.
Overall, though, I found Into the Burning Deep atmospheric and imaginative, and I really enjoyed its darker, mysterious tone. It wasn’t a perfect read for me, but there was enough here to keep me engaged, especially the setting, Ophelia’s character, and the mythology-inspired romance. Those elements made it a worthwhile read for me.
A rich mythological backdrop, an atmospheric setting, and a romance rooted in loss and difficult choices.
The isolated setting of a quarantined ship carrying refugees across a dangerous, magical sea was probably my favorite part of the book. There’s something inherently unsettling about being trapped at sea with a group of strangers, knowing everyone seems to have secrets and feeling like something could be lurking just beneath the surface. The magical elements and mystery surrounding the plague added to that sense of unease and kept me curious about where the story was heading.
Ophelia and the mystery surrounding her were another highlight for me. She initially comes across as privileged and somewhat insulated, but it soon becomes clear that there is much more to her than meets the eye. Her disturbing dreams, the strange voices she hears, the ghostly ship, and the unanswered questions surrounding the plague all create intriguing threads that kept me invested as her character slowly unfolded.
Where I struggled a little was with how much the book tries to juggle. There’s mythology, romance, the plague, supernatural elements, secrets, world-building, and mystery all competing for attention. At times, it felt like the story was moving on to the next revelation before I had fully settled into the one before it. I sometimes wished it would slow down and spend more time developing the characters rather than continuing to add new layers to the plot.
Overall, though, I found Into the Burning Deep atmospheric and imaginative, and I really enjoyed its darker, mysterious tone. It wasn’t a perfect read for me, but there was enough here to keep me engaged, especially the setting, Ophelia’s character, and the mythology-inspired romance. Those elements made it a worthwhile read for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**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.
‘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.
September 17, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Into the Burning Deep is the first novel I’ve read by J.M. Voris, but I’m certain it won’t be my last. This sapphic romantasy follows the upper-class sister of a ship’s captain and a lowborn ship mechanic, and it had me hooked from the very first chapter.
The setting reminded me of a haunted Titanic, which is honestly how I pictured it throughout the entire book. It gave me similar feelings to books like Nocticadia and Fairydale, with its eerie atmosphere and blend of romance, mystery, and the paranormal.
This story did a wonderful job weaving together alchemy, paranormal ghostly scenes, loss, betrayal, and an ever-deepening sense of confusion. At its core, it shows how love can truly be at the center of everything. I did have some idea of where the story was heading by around the 60% mark, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all.
The only aspect that kept this from being a five-star read for me was the romance. I found myself wishing there had been more time devoted to Ophelia and Adrian’s relationship. What they go through together is admirable, and I enjoyed their connection, but they only share a handful of scenes before professing their love and eternal devotion. I think a little more buildup or perhaps an established friendship before the events of the story, would have made their relationship feel more developed and authentic to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would love to read more if Voris decides to continue exploring Adrian and Penelope’s journey. Highly recommended!
October 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. It was a clear, fresh sapphic retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice, but set in a lush, well-considered world.
Adrian and Ophelia were excellent characters to focus around, so different in many ways, but still drawn together. The paranoia and mystery of the ship, magic, and the voice calling to them kept me hooked. I liked learning more about the ship, The Lyre, and the place they'd all escaped from. Magic (alchemy) became such an esoteric, terrifying force, and it isn't until the end you understand why it consumed so many people: its meant to be shared.
I loved how Adrian's backstory with Nico gave her the knowledge to ignore the call of the ghost ship, and how her friends supported her with love and understanding. Ophelia's fraught relationship with her sister Eleanor felt so real and compelling, and they're clearly both flawed people who love each other but don't know how to get past their responsibilities and desires.
I love a tragic-hopeful ending, especially sapphic ones, and this fit the bill entirely. Eurydice is gone, but maybe if Orpheus goes back...
All that said, I wanted more. Especially between Adrian and Ophelia; it felt like they were apart and seeing each other here and there for half the book, and then Ophelia was gone and Adrian was risking it all to find her. I wanted more development between them to match the depth of their connection. This may be simply my perception, as the passage of time was hard to track.
Regardless, I really liked this book and will happily read more from this author in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the advanced copy.
I really enjoyed Into the Burning Deep! This was such an interesting mix of fantasy, mythology, forbidden romance, and dark magic. I loved the concept of an Orpheus and Eurydice retelling set aboard a ship that has been quarantined at sea for years.
The atmosphere was easily one of my favorite parts. The isolation, mysterious voices, dark magic, and eerie feeling that something was lurking beyond the ship made the setting incredibly immersive. I especially loved the darker, almost gothic elements woven throughout the story.
Adrian and Ophelia were interesting characters, and I enjoyed their relationship. Their different backgrounds made their connection even more compelling, and I liked the emotional depth behind their romance. The mythology was another highlight, especially the way it was incorporated into this unique fantasy world.
The pacing was a little uneven for me, particularly in some of the slower sections, which kept this from being a five-star read. However, once the mystery started coming together, I was invested in seeing how everything would unfold.
Overall, this was a beautifully atmospheric fantasy with an intriguing premise, emotional romance, and plenty of mystery. If you enjoy sapphic romantasy, mythology retellings, forbidden love, and darker fantasy settings, I definitely recommend giving this one a try!
I really enjoyed Into the Burning Deep! This was such an interesting mix of fantasy, mythology, forbidden romance, and dark magic. I loved the concept of an Orpheus and Eurydice retelling set aboard a ship that has been quarantined at sea for years.
The atmosphere was easily one of my favorite parts. The isolation, mysterious voices, dark magic, and eerie feeling that something was lurking beyond the ship made the setting incredibly immersive. I especially loved the darker, almost gothic elements woven throughout the story.
Adrian and Ophelia were interesting characters, and I enjoyed their relationship. Their different backgrounds made their connection even more compelling, and I liked the emotional depth behind their romance. The mythology was another highlight, especially the way it was incorporated into this unique fantasy world.
The pacing was a little uneven for me, particularly in some of the slower sections, which kept this from being a five-star read. However, once the mystery started coming together, I was invested in seeing how everything would unfold.
Overall, this was a beautifully atmospheric fantasy with an intriguing premise, emotional romance, and plenty of mystery. If you enjoy sapphic romantasy, mythology retellings, forbidden love, and darker fantasy settings, I definitely recommend giving this one a try!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(Thank you to NetGalley for sending me this arc to review!)
INTO THE BURNING DEEP follows Adrian and Ophelia, two women who live aboard a ship that has been at sea for a decade, ever since their home country was torn apart by a plague of alchemical magic that drives people mad. They're sailing for a new home in a new land, one that is hopefully untouched by the plague, but when strange things begin to happen on board, Adrian and Ophelia come together to get to the bottom of what is truly happening.
Pros:
This book does an excellent job at establishing its tone and setting. It is dark, gloomy, mysterious, and overall feels like a fever dream. The overall world is very interesting, especially once more details are delivered through the journal entries and letters at the beginning of the chapters.
I also really liked the climax of the novel and how the story of Orpheus and Eurydice came into play, and the setup for a potential sequel has me intrigued.
Cons:
Unfortunately, I didn't connect much to the two FMCs. Their voices, to me, felt similar enough that I often found myself forgetting whose point of view we were in. I also felt like their romance progressed a bit quickly and didn't have as firm of a foundation/chemistry as I would've liked.
Overall, I did really enjoy this book and would recommend it!
INTO THE BURNING DEEP follows Adrian and Ophelia, two women who live aboard a ship that has been at sea for a decade, ever since their home country was torn apart by a plague of alchemical magic that drives people mad. They're sailing for a new home in a new land, one that is hopefully untouched by the plague, but when strange things begin to happen on board, Adrian and Ophelia come together to get to the bottom of what is truly happening.
Pros:
This book does an excellent job at establishing its tone and setting. It is dark, gloomy, mysterious, and overall feels like a fever dream. The overall world is very interesting, especially once more details are delivered through the journal entries and letters at the beginning of the chapters.
I also really liked the climax of the novel and how the story of Orpheus and Eurydice came into play, and the setup for a potential sequel has me intrigued.
Cons:
Unfortunately, I didn't connect much to the two FMCs. Their voices, to me, felt similar enough that I often found myself forgetting whose point of view we were in. I also felt like their romance progressed a bit quickly and didn't have as firm of a foundation/chemistry as I would've liked.
Overall, I did really enjoy this book and would recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the story of a girl who lived in another world on the other side of an infinite sea.
What a magical tale of grief, hope, and love. From the beginning, the story pulls you in and holds on, much the way that Adrian and Ophelia try to hold on to each other. I'm not familiar with the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice but I did read the synopsis of it, and I definitely think this Voris's retelling is so much more captivating.
Voris's writing was beautiful and I even expanded my vocabulary. The words flowed so well and propelled the story at a medium pace, enough to flesh out details as needed, while still moving things along. The plot had some inconsistencies, but it was easy enough to handwave them and suspend belief in order to enjoy the story. I would have liked to know more about the alchemy/magic within the book, but maybe if we get a sequel, we'll delve into that.
Will there be a sequel? That's the real question now. The ending certainly set it up for there to be one, but it could also be left open-ended for your imagination. Either way, I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend to all who enjoy a good sapphic romantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an eARC.
What a magical tale of grief, hope, and love. From the beginning, the story pulls you in and holds on, much the way that Adrian and Ophelia try to hold on to each other. I'm not familiar with the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice but I did read the synopsis of it, and I definitely think this Voris's retelling is so much more captivating.
Voris's writing was beautiful and I even expanded my vocabulary. The words flowed so well and propelled the story at a medium pace, enough to flesh out details as needed, while still moving things along. The plot had some inconsistencies, but it was easy enough to handwave them and suspend belief in order to enjoy the story. I would have liked to know more about the alchemy/magic within the book, but maybe if we get a sequel, we'll delve into that.
Will there be a sequel? That's the real question now. The ending certainly set it up for there to be one, but it could also be left open-ended for your imagination. Either way, I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend to all who enjoy a good sapphic romantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Little, Brown and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early.
Into the Burning Deep follows Adrian and Ophelia, two young women on a big ship years after magic destroyed their homeland who begin to hear voices calling them to a ghost ship.
I loved this world! Magic and alchemy were a really compelling magic system, even if it wasn’t always clear how it worked since it was forbidden. I really enjoyed the idea of what happens to people after years of being stuck on a ship and how susceptible they can become to the call of magic. Ophelia and Adrian were also compelling characters, with Adrian’s mysterious past and Ophelia’s dreams being what drew me the most to each character.
However, I didn’t fully believe their relationship nor that the attraction between them had begun several years earlier. Ophelia and Adrian did feel a bit star-crossed and fated but I really didn’t see the bond between them as clearly as I hoped I would.
But I really loved this world and the characters were very compelling so I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you again to Little, Brown and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
Into the Burning Deep follows Adrian and Ophelia, two young women on a big ship years after magic destroyed their homeland who begin to hear voices calling them to a ghost ship.
I loved this world! Magic and alchemy were a really compelling magic system, even if it wasn’t always clear how it worked since it was forbidden. I really enjoyed the idea of what happens to people after years of being stuck on a ship and how susceptible they can become to the call of magic. Ophelia and Adrian were also compelling characters, with Adrian’s mysterious past and Ophelia’s dreams being what drew me the most to each character.
However, I didn’t fully believe their relationship nor that the attraction between them had begun several years earlier. Ophelia and Adrian did feel a bit star-crossed and fated but I really didn’t see the bond between them as clearly as I hoped I would.
But I really loved this world and the characters were very compelling so I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you again to Little, Brown and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
September 16, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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).
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).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Into the Burning Deep is a sapphic Orpheus and Eurydice retelling set aboard a ship quarantined because its passengers carry dangerous magic. That sentence alone was enough to get me interested, but the combination of romance, mythology, isolation, and life at sea gives the story a wonderfully strange atmosphere.
I tend to like retellings best when they use the original myth as a foundation rather than simply replaying it, and this feels much more ambitious than a costume change. Adrian’s life as a mechanic aboard the Lyre and Ophelia’s position as the captain’s glamorous, politically useful sister put them on very different paths before they ever become tangled together. The ship setting adds a claustrophobic edge that suits the story beautifully.
My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
I tend to like retellings best when they use the original myth as a foundation rather than simply replaying it, and this feels much more ambitious than a costume change. Adrian’s life as a mechanic aboard the Lyre and Ophelia’s position as the captain’s glamorous, politically useful sister put them on very different paths before they ever become tangled together. The ship setting adds a claustrophobic edge that suits the story beautifully.
My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
October 29, 2026
Victorian era vibes and being trapped on a ship with spooky happenings? Sign me up.
I was absolutely singing Hadestown in my head while reading parts of this book. If you love the musical, I’d definitely give this a try. It’s a spin on the original tale, and it’s unique enough that it feels like its own story. I struggled with the pacing of the first half, but the second half truly picked up.
Now, I typically don’t enjoy somewhat open-endings. This ending, however, made me feel good about the story and simultaneously made me think about how some stories may be doomed to repeat themselves.
Setting - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing Style - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Impact - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC for review consideration. These are my own thoughts and I am willingly leaving this review.
I was absolutely singing Hadestown in my head while reading parts of this book. If you love the musical, I’d definitely give this a try. It’s a spin on the original tale, and it’s unique enough that it feels like its own story. I struggled with the pacing of the first half, but the second half truly picked up.
Now, I typically don’t enjoy somewhat open-endings. This ending, however, made me feel good about the story and simultaneously made me think about how some stories may be doomed to repeat themselves.
Setting - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing Style - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Impact - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC for review consideration. These are my own thoughts and I am willingly leaving this review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*** I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. I submit my honest review. ***
I started this book in early September 2026, but then a library book I had on hold came in, so I set this one aside to read the library book before the loan expired. Then I picked up another book, and then another. I had made it to 38% when I set it aside. But sadly, I had no compulsion to return to this story. The premise sounded promising, and the story was OK. So why didn’t I feel an urge to find out what happened next? I’m not sure, but as I write this, it is October 31st, and it’s been over 7 weeks since I picked up this book. Not every book is for every reader. I have nothing bad to say about this book. It just isn’t for me.
I started this book in early September 2026, but then a library book I had on hold came in, so I set this one aside to read the library book before the loan expired. Then I picked up another book, and then another. I had made it to 38% when I set it aside. But sadly, I had no compulsion to return to this story. The premise sounded promising, and the story was OK. So why didn’t I feel an urge to find out what happened next? I’m not sure, but as I write this, it is October 31st, and it’s been over 7 weeks since I picked up this book. Not every book is for every reader. I have nothing bad to say about this book. It just isn’t for me.
September 11, 2026
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.
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.
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