To the Depths

by Beth Rhydo

To the Depths is a Dark Fantasy.

Our FMC Brynn is a 26yo witch disguised as a Healer in a land that persecutes witches and trafficks them for breeding.

Brynn tends to the lower levels of a predominantly wolf shifter town; the women in her care, however, start dying in childbirth and the babies are born as monsters.

She reaches out to her deities of Life and Death for answers. Their inaction drives her to the Old Gods, the dragons.

To the Depths is the story of her struggles as she tries to save as many as she can, hopefully not sacrificing herself along the way

Tropes/themes:
Feminine Rage
Dual POV
Magic Systems
Wolf Shifters
Medieval Setting
Raven Shifters
Found Family
Deities of Life and Death
Fated Mates
Survivors of SA
Dragons
Yearning
Kingdoms at War

Genres: Fantasy

251 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2026

About the author

My novel To the Depths is newly released, on the Summer Solstice, no less.
It is currently the #1 Best Selling Dark Fantasy on Ingram!

I am trying to focus my retail sales to Indie shop partnerships as much as possible!

Genre: Dark Fantasy
Target Audience: 18+ Adults (Trigger Warnings included). For fans of One Dark Window, Game of Thrones, Phantasma, LOTR, ACOTAR.

Synopsis/Blurb:
Women around town are going missing.
Mothers are dying in childbirth.
Wolf shifter babies are born as monsters.
Brynn, one of healers in the Southern kingdom of Vik, searches for a solution.

Tropes/themes:
Feminine Rage
Dual POV
Magic Systems
Wolf Shifters
Medieval Setting
Raven Shifters
Found Family
Deities of Life and Death
Fated Mates
Survivors of SA
Dragons
Yearning
Kingdoms at War

Book 2 is in the works, more to come!!!

Reviews

[The Book Ssirren]

This was amazing. I’m not going to lie, I picked this simply for its cover. But it seriously did not disappoint. I fell in love with Brynn immediately. She was such a fierce woman in this. The way she helped the women. The magic system. And that villain, you couldn’t help but hate him. I was so immersed in this wondrous world. It was built so beautifully. And the description really was intriguing. This was one of the best stories I have ever read. I’m so glad I grabbed this, and I’m really looking forward to what comes next.

[Becci Hudson]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved this one!

It took me a couple of chapters to get into it but then wow I flew through it.

The mystery, the forbidden magic and the dark secrets hiding beneath the kingdom had me completely hooked. Brynn is such a strong and determined FMC, and I loved watching her fight to protect the women around her despite the danger it put her in. What these women are having to go through and what Brynn is avoiding !!!!

This one is not for the light hearted but wow it really packs a punch.

The tension and mystery kept me turning the pages, constantly trying to figure out who Brynn could actually trust and what secrets they were all hiding.

Commander Sondre I found myself wanting to reach into the book and kill him. Him and his soldiers are vile and I need to know what happens to them. They are the sort of men than even men hate. Entitled, think women are there for their pleasure and so much more.

The ending !!!!!!! This book ripped my heart out stomped on it then threw it back at me.

Please check your triggers warnings as this is full of them but at the same time it’s an absolutely amazing story.

✨ Dark secrets
✨ Forbidden magic
✨ Strong FMC
✨ Mystery & intrigue
✨ Wolf shifters
✨ Dangerous romance
✨ Ancient magic

[Niámh Robson]

I got recommended this book by the owner of a beautiful independent bookshop full of incredible books! She gently 'bullied' me into getting it and I am so glad she did!

Having just finished this book today I'm not ok! I'm not sure where my heart went as the ending has kind of destroyed me, yet in the best way possible! I seriously cannot wait for the next book and I need it YESTERDAY!

Brynn is a fantastic FMC and I just loved the way she was portrayed. She has so much kindness and caring, but you can feel the darkness in her too as she's been through so much. Imagining her world with Rune and Sif amongst others she was close to and cared for, was very easy. I could feel myself amongst the pages and just wanted to devour more.

To say this is the authors first book is just insane! I mean if this book is that incredible, things can only get better! I'm so excited for what's to come, but also nervous after that ending! Thank god I only have to wait until December for part 2!

[kenzie rose]

***Review of Advanced Copy Received From Author ***

AHHH this book was SO good!! The female rage I felt from Brynn within the dark patriarchal world was so well-written. The writing keeps you wanting more and more and more!! I truly enjoyed this journey and being able to see all of what To The Depths brings to the table. The magic system is unique along with the politics woven in.

I can’t wait to shout to the world about this book and do a reread because it was utter perfection!! If you love romantasy novels, this one is for you. Make sure to check TW too!! Happy reading 🫶📖🕯️

[Shosh Stokes]

Read for: feminine rage, oppression, wolves, hidden identities and absolutely zero clue of where the story is going!

This is such a strong book - there are a couple of muddled moments where things are perhaps not explained as well as they could be, but it's been a very long time since I have had no clue where the story was going. I still don't because... unfinished series! Hello?!

Roll on book 2 because I need answers.

[Miss Jordie Reads]

3.75 ✨

✨📖 To the Depths by @bethrhydo_author 📖✨

This book was FERAL. Fierce. Intensely feminine. 🖤🐺

The atmosphere? Creepy.
The stakes? Brutal.
The feminine rage? Absolutely unmatched.

Brynn is a healer trying to uncover why women are disappearing, mothers are dying in childbirth, and wolf shifter babies are being born as monsters... all while risking execution if she digs too deep. I was hooked from page one.

The magic system felt so fresh and completely unlike anything I’ve read before, and the world-building was incredibly immersive without drowning you in information. It all unfolded naturally, revealing layer after layer of dark history, forbidden magic, and secrets that had me side-eyeing everyone.

This is one of those fantasy books that feels genuinely original. It doesn’t rely on familiar tropes—it carves out its own path, and I loved it for that.

If you love dark fantasy with mystery, powerful women, unique magic, and a world that slowly unravels its horrors... add this one to your TBR immediately.

Tropes & Vibes
🐺 Wolf shifters
🖤 Dark fantasy
🔮 Unique magic system
⚔️ Feminine rage
🩸 Ancient secrets
👑 Political intrigue
🩺 Healer FMC but badass
🌑 Atmospheric world-building
❤️ Slow-burn romance

Have you read a fantasy lately that made you stop and think, “Yep... I’ve never read anything quite like this before?” Because To the Depths absolutely did that for me. 🖤

[Jo Collett]

I have been left with more questions than answers so thank the gods that there is a sequel coming soon!

Beth Rhydo is an little known author especially in the UK, so I am extremely grateful for my local independent book shop, who found this book, read it and immediately stocked it. In my opinion this is not a romantasy, it is a dark fantasy and boy do you need to check the trigger warnings.

Brynn is a witch/healer from a very oppressive land that is policed by the Kings guard who abuse and maim the women in the town, especially in the brothel where women of low means are sent as soon as they have their first bleed. Brynn is on a one woman crusade to protect and heal these women from the brutality of the Kings guard, especially from the sadistic, evil General who has his own agenda. Despite everything going against Brynn including unsympathetic gods, she refuses to give up.

The world building in this book is incredible, it's a book of shifters, witches and gods. Beth's writing style really draws you into the story that you truly feel that you are there with Brynn fighting alongside her, feeling her frustration and pain. What I really loved about this book is that despite all the oppression and brutality there is also loyalty and friendship and love and there is so much tactile love in this book that it really takes the edge off the barbarity.
Be warned because you will cry!

[Alli]

✨ Consider me fully invested in whatever Beth Rhydo writes ✨

To the Depths completely caught me by surprise. I went in expecting an entertaining fantasy and came out genuinely impressed by the depth of the story.

Our story is told from the view of Brynn, a healer, and Roderick, a blood raven. What started as strange births and women in danger quickly unraveled into something much, much bigger. I mean, we hit the ground running in the first 5 pages.

Brynn was exactly the kind of heroine I love—intelligent, passionate, and determined to uncover the truth no matter the cost. Feminine rage on a whole new level.
Rune and Roderick, the feelings for Brynn and her for them, just heart wrenching. Every single side character felt fully developed. Every relationships amplified the story itself.

The world felt alive, the story HAS ME HOOKED, and every detail made me want to keep turning pages. The characters felt real, the stakes felt meaningful. This is one of those rare books where I finished the last page and just sat there for a minute: “Wow…… what the f*ck?! When is book 2!”

*check trigger warnings, this one has quite a lot*
Thank you for reaching out and allowing me to ARC read ♥️

[Florencia]

The one bad thing about this book is that you get SO immersed in the world & the story, SO invested in the characters, that when you finally come up for air you are crushed by the sobering & sad realization that they are not, in fact, real. It is heartbreaking. The world needs more Bryns!

Reader beware: you are falling into a book trap! Gripping page-turner, unputdownable read that has you laughing with witty banter, crying at the injustices, catching your breath after the action, & clutching your grandmother's pearls - so many *fangirl swoon* moments, MMCs to drool over, & FMCs that are inspired, strong, witty & loveable. Girls that you would fight side by side with.

It will leave you wanting more!!! I am counting down the days till the next installment. I wish that I could read it for the first time again, so I can fall in love with the characters & story all over again.

An all-consuming read. Make room on your bookshelf & get your tissues & spare panties ready!!!!

[caitlin.b.reads]

AHHHH! THIS BOOK! I will yell (politely) at my book friends to read it!!!

(do check trigger warnings with this one).

BOY OH BOY. I SOBBED in the beginning and at the end. What a ride!!!! To The Depths is filled with such intense feminine rage, multi-layered relationships, breathtaking connections, complex political intrigue, unique magic systems, and animal shifters.

First of all, the villain in this book is truly despicable. You hate him with all of your heart throughout the book. I quickly fell in love with Brynn (the FMC). She has such kindness, intensity, and is an utter badass. Brynn fights for all women in a dark, patriarchal world with grit and courage.

I promise you will cry, you will feel for so many of the characters, and you will want to know more (the ending 😭😭😭😭).

I’M OBSESSED!

[JustReadsAsia]

This was a different kind of read for me. I don't read a lot of shifter type novels, but this one??
It was a unique take on shifters. It's certainly one of a kind.

Within the 250 pages, we meet Brynn, a healer witch who uses forbidden magic to ensure the women under her charge survive the horrors of the current Commander of the Kings guard. With her raven familiar and her loyal wolf shifter, she works to save the women using any means necessary.

This was an interesting story. I was hooked from page 1. I really can't say I've read anything like it. The feminine rage and magic system was well-done. I'm looking forward to book 2 because I'm left with soooooo many questions.

Prior to reading, I will encourage all to review the content warnings. The themes are very dark.

[Pat]

This was an ARC read.

I have read a lot of shifter stories, but this one was very original in approach and storyline!
I loved it, it gave me a scandinavian mythology vibe and yet was very different and a cool read!
No predictable stuff and it kept me wanting to read more ...
I really hope this will get a sequel, coz I do have some questions left

If you like shifters, witches and fantasy stuff but are tired of the run of the mill stories I suggest you check this out!
Not for the faint of heart, it is explicit at times, but worth it!

[Malory Grote]

This book had a WILD ending. I will be honest and say that I was really struggling with this book at the beginning. I could tell right away that the plot and story were super interesting but I was still having a hard time getting hooked. I do struggle with really long chapters and the first chapter is 27 pages. However I was able to push past that and I’m really glad I did.

This story was filled with so many heartbreaking twists and suspense. I’m really hoping there is a book 2 in the works because this just cannot be the ending for our dear Brynn!

[Tawnysha Greene]

I have read hundreds of romantasy books, but this one takes the prize for being one of the best I have ever read. Rhydo is a master at bringing fantasy to life and championing the plight of women in a dark, patriarchal world. Some of these chapters especially will give you chills and bring tears to your eyes, all while instilling such a love for Brynn and the girls she tries to save. A book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

[✨ Sammy ⋆˚✿˖°]

Really enjoyed this! Strong FMC, unique story and magic system, creepy vibes and a wild ending that left me with SO many unanswered questions 😭 It was hyped up massively for me and I wouldn’t quite call it life-changing yet, but I’m very much invested in this world and need to know where it goes. It’s giving me that ACOTAR book one feeling of “this is really good, but I can tell there’s SO much more to come.” Give me the next book immediately pls

[Caitlin Troup]

This book was incredible. An absolute triumph of world building, heart break and compassion. I’ve never encountered anyone dealing with such devastating topics, by using such benevolence and gentleness that it allows the reader to feel so completely subsumed into the experience of the FMC.

It is easily one of the best books I have ever read.

[Helen Lilly]

Wow! If ever there was a book that depicted women's plight against the patriarchy, it is this. The anger, the heartbreak, the desperation all underscored by Brynn's determination to end the suppression and plight of the women in her community. I loved that the plot of this book felt a bit different from other Romantasy books too. Eagerly awaiting Book 2!

*Check trigger warnings

[Alixe]

I needed a day to collect my thoughts. This book was an amazing read. The female rage is so on point that I felt it throughout the whole book. The love/care that is shown with certain characters hurt my heart more the closer I got to the ending. I can't wait to see what is in store with Brynn in the next book.

[Scarlett Haigh]

Wow. This was just impeccable.
The deep, rich fantasy was there and I really felt that I was immersed in this world.
I loved the shifter elements and the different gods and goddesses for the different regions.
This book was stunning and deserves so much love and attention.

[Sarah Borley]

This book was different from any iv read before
I found it hard going at the begining but the more I read i found I enjoyed it more i loved how its very women orientated and the fmc is a badass i look forward to reading book 2

[Charlotte]

3.5 rounded - the premise and storyline of this book is incredible, but I found it hard to keep track of all the characters

[Rebecca manning]

The start of an epic, and fucking brutal

[Jenna]

GAWDS, please tell me there's more to this story!!! To end this book in such a way is CRIMINAL!!! More, I need MORE!!

[Jen]

This was an amazing book!! Had me hooked from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next one!!! Love, love, love Raven Shifters!!!!!