The Song Beneath Saltwater

by Sabrina Bennett

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 29, 2026

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌊 The Song Beneath Saltwater 🌊


Evelyne was raised a fisherman’s daughter playing with the other village children. She has known Rowan her whole life but now he is hunter and tasked with keeping the monsters that lurk in the sea at bay. King Kaelor rules the abyss a hidden kingdom deep beneath the sea protecting a world that seems to be fracturing more every day. Evelyne thought she knew who she was until one day the sea started calling her name.


This story takes you on an enchanting journey filled with ocean magic, political intrigue and ancient secrets. I loved the dialogue in this story and will be looking forward to reading its sequel. However, the story was a little slow to start. This is pretty common with romantasy/fantasy and easy to get past. In the end I found this story to be an overall enjoyable and engaging read. I liked the strong FMC, the unique setting and magic system. My biggest critique is the actual formatting of the story which could at times be a bit distracting, while the overall content was great. I do think one of the love interests is slightly problematic and that also detracted from the story in some ways. While I did really enjoy this story, it does ends on a cliffhanger and the sequel isn't out yet; so if cliffhangers and unfinished series aren’t your thing I would add this to your TBR and wait for it to be complete.

Spice Level: .5

- Love Triangle
- Slow-burn
- Lost Princess

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy of this book, thanks to its author Sabrina Bennett. My review is completely voluntary and all thoughts are my own.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC).

The magic system in this book, and the premise, is so different from most of the books out there. I feel like most of the Romantasy books have fallen into a standard mold, and this breaks those molds. Evelyn knows what her life will hold with Rowan, but when she is taken below the surface to Coralheart, a whole new world opens to her and some things in her life begin to make sense. And let’s not forget Kaelor, the King who knows what needs to happen but who will never take choice away from Evelyn. He knows that binding the two together will keep the seals secure on the prison under the Trench, but he wants her consent. Too often, the MMC domineers over the FMC, but the way he handles Evelyn sets a new standard for respect.

I highly recommend “The Song Beneath Saltwater” for the Romantasy reader who wants something new and refreshing to read. I do not give out 5 star reviews, honestly I can say that it feels like most books fall into the same pattern lately, but “The Song Beneath Saltwater” does not follow that pattern and is the fresh book many of us needed. I can’t wait for book two and to see how Evelyn navigates all of the new world opened up to her.

[Valerie McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not one to pass around five stars like its not a big deal, because to me it is. A book has to hit a lot of expectations to get my five stars... I'll take them to the grave if I have to, but Sabrina hit me out of the blue with The Song Beneath Saltwater! It is draws you in, like a soft melody, and every chapter keeps building to something more.

The main character, Evie, is so relatable. She's unbothered by the biggest events happening to her, but throwing herself across chaise lounges dramatically if her favorite pen is missing (mind you that's not literal, obvs). I see Evie in myself and I was so very excited to get to know her, see her growth, and eagerly await her sass. The male leads (Kaelor and Rowan) are just on my "to-do" list.... Well, Kaelor is. Rowan irks me. Naia could be my little sister and there are so many other characters that build this world and story so well!

The Song Beneath Saltwater is going to live on my bookshelf and my kindle as a read and re-read for as long as possible! Even with Rowan being.........ugh, a man.

[Brittany Zingg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great - FINALLY a unique setting, world, and magic system other than the typical fantasy tropes right now, and I'm greatly appreciative of that.

Evie was probably my favorite part of the book. She's relatable, likable, and very much in that stage of trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs. I'm really excited to see her growth throughout the rest of the series because I think there's a lot of potential there.

Team Kaelor, obviously. Rowan still has some personal growth to do, but I have faith he'll make us proud in future books.

My only qualm is that the beginning was a bit slow for me, which honestly isn't always a bad thing in fantasy to help establish the setting and characters. But if a book is going to take its time getting there, I usually expect a longer book. Though that's probably just the greedy reader in me wanting to spend as much time with these characters as possible. Already counting down until the next book comes out! 

*I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review*

[Erin James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about this book!! It is so different from other fantasy/romantasy book I have read. If you like a slow burn, enemies to lovers, love triangle, this book has it all. The world building is exquisite and the don't get me started on the characters. Some you will love, some you will hate, and some you will love to hate!!!

Evelyne thought she was just a fisherman's daughter fated to be married to a hunter and live her life on land!! The ocean had a different plan!!!

Reading as Evie tries to find who she really is and where she really truly belongs was amazing. She is a fiesty young lady just trying to make it!!

This book is a definite MUST READ!!!!
I cannot wait for the second book!!!

I received a free ARC copy of this book so that I could leave an honest review!!

[Julie Mcmurray-knope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyne is the daughter of a fisherman. She loves her life in their small fishing village and her future is bright. Until.

Strange things have started happening. She can hear music calling her from the sea. She can hear someone calling her name. The ocean itself is behaving strangely. She doesn’t understand what is happening and why she seems to be the center of all these strange happenings.

I was privileged to be chosen as an ARC reader and I absolutely LOVED getting to know Evelyne and everyone else in her world. The banter is bantering. The tension is intense. The potential love interests are so well written I’m more than halfway in love with one of them - I won’t tell you which one. The only thing wrong is that book two isn’t available yet! (The cliffhanger has me in a chokehold)! A must read for any and all fantasy romance lovers.

[Christina Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

review of Advanced Copy received from author

🌶️ - 0
⭐️ - 4.5 rounded up to 5

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fast paced. Very detailed with restraint to the world building. I can tell book 2 is going to open up even more secrets. I absolutely LOVED the banter between FMC and 2nd MMC. It was fun, quick witted and snarky. I found myself smiling throughout each interaction between fmc and each character.

If you enjoyed the back story to Aquaman but wished it was a strong female instead, this is the story for you.

I’m excited to see what lays ahead for Evelyn and what the future holds for her and the two mmc’s.

[shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow!!!! I randomly stumbled across Sabrina’s Tic Tok page and signed up for her Arc team, let me just say I was hooked from the first page. Only took me 3 days to read and cannot wait to read book 2. The characters were so well written, I felt like I was under water with Evelyne and Kaelor throughout the progression of the story. Since it hasn’t been released yet I don’t want to give spoilers but really hope you give this book a chance and fall in love with it like I did ❤️

[Sierra Quirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I read while feeding my son at his bedtime and I was always so sad when I stopped. I can't wait for the second one!!

So many details come so unexpectedly and it's a constant cliffhanger question of what does it all mean!!! Definitely draws you in and you won't be able to put it down!!

If you are a fan of love, mermaids, and a little mystery... This is an absolute must read!

[Christy Stout · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a story featuring a capable female lead who can definitely handle herself in any situation, a compelling love triangle involved, filled with witty banter that would make you giggle. Then place this ocean fantasy at the top of your TBR.

This book drew me in at page one. The dynamic between the characters are engaging and kept me invested in their relationships.

And we won't even talk about that ending. All I will say is we need book 2 to continue this journey.

​

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe Sabrina left us on a cliffhanger like that! I absolutely enjoyed this book. This new take on an underwater world was so refreshing. I have never read anything like this before. Evelyne is a strong no bs woman who seeks answers when nobody is forthcoming with them. Kaelor is 100% my choice for her. He’s got humor and is so respectful of her. I feel like Rowan sees her as a possession. I can’t wait for the second one to come out!!

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a 5-star read for me! I loved how the author really lets you feel everything Evelyn is going through. Her struggle between staying with what is comfortable and familiar versus stepping into the unknown felt so real and relatable.

[Erika Rutledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. The world building is new and interesting. The characters are excellent, our FMC has a humor that had me giggling as I read. Finally a book with no spice but lots of tension! You will love the slow burn. I cannot wait for book 2.

[Cece Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read was so captivating to me! I could not put it down because I had to know what happens next! The author describes the world so well that you are right there with Evelyne on her journey to find the truth.

[Debbie Kingsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC. This is a new author to me and this book was amazing . The first few pages just wrap you up in this story and eventually new world. The banter, the suspense, the two men who she’ll have to chose from- past or future. Best read so far of 2026

[Keri Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! Had me from the beginning!! It was hard to put down. The story moved right along, great characters, banter, love triangle, it has it all!!! I Strongly recommend.

[Sarah Schaefer]

Review of advanced copy by author

If you’re looking for an under the sea adventure, this is it!
It’s a quick read keeping you wanting more.