Stolen Magic of the Deep

by H.R. Justice

Genres: Fantasy

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 24, 2026

Reviews

[Anna]

Review of advanced copy received from author

In this story we follow the journey of Sarah and Orion-it is written from both of their perspectives. Sarah is a marine biologist who is drawn to the depths of the water, where one day she has a strange experience and gets exposed to a strange occurrence that has the potential to change everything. Orion is the king of the underwater kingdom, Virilean, and Sarah’s path becomes uniquely intertwined with his. This fantasy was enjoyable, though some parts did leave me with some questions-especially the cliffhanger ending! Looking forward to book 2 and enjoyed the character development. The story took some time to build up, but it is very enjoyable-I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking for a fantasy read.

[Katy Fuselier]

Review of advanced copy received from the Author.

This was an amazing read. I loved the characters, and I was so pulled into this underwater world that I didn't want the story to end. I can't wait for the second book!

I am definitely adding the physical book to my library collection.


“A bond is not forged through feelings alone,”

[bookrat_reads]

H.R. Justice has created a magnificent underwater adventure. Stolen Magic Of The Deep was a beautifully written fantasy novel with a touch of romance. The magical kingdom, the unique sea life, the secondary characters, the threat, and the slow burn romance make this book totally captivating. Did I mention sea serpents? I loved this. We are so used to sirens as main characters in our underwater fantasies. This was a great change of pace.

While I was not a fan of the best friend from the beginning of the book, Sarah pulled me in from the very beginning. Her love of the ocean, her curiosity, and her perseverance. Orion was oozing main character energy. Arriving immediately to access Sarah and try to recover his father's magic. I loved his growth as he understood Sarah didn't steal the magic instead was determined worthy.

The action and plot really picked up back in the Virellan kingdom. Sarah began to train to prove she was worthy as a land dweller to be accepted. I loved her determination. She went above and beyond. Navigating a new world, unfriendly sea dwellers, and a king slowly falling for her. Orion pushed Sarah in all the right ways. He helped her become everything I believe she is meant to be. The pull between them grew and blossomed. I loved this slow burn as Orion begins to realize she is his sea mate.

I love that Sarah did develop friendships with some of the sea dwellers. It helped with her growth. It also allowed the kingdoms people to realize she was trying to do what was right for the kingdom. She wanted to belong and help.

The unrest in the kingdom over Orion's father's death, Orion leading his people, and his acceptance of a land dweller in their midst was a great plot. I feel there could have been a little more detail. There were parts of the threat that were vague. However, I feel this will be explained more in future books. After that cliffhanger I'm going to need more!

A huge thank you to H.R. Justice for the e-ARC. I'm so glad you allowed me to "dive" right into this amazing fantasy adventure. A wonderful debut novel.

[miko]

Stolen Magic of the Deep was a refreshing read!
When Sarah embarks on a routine dive and accidentally "steals" magic left behind by Virellan's late king, Orion rushes from his underwater kingdom to reclaim what belonged to his father. Instead of finding an enemy above the surface, he finds the answer to questions he didn't know he should be asking. After convincing Sarah to return to his kingdom in the depths of the ocean, they uncover a web of secrets left by his father and discover the magic has chosen Sarah as someone worthy of wielding it. Thus begins Sarah's journey into the destiny Mother Ocean has set for her.

One of the things I loved most about this book was the unique culture in this underwater setting. Coupling fantastical creatures with real-world marine biology created a beautiful place that was just as fun to imagine as it was to read about.

** Potential Spoilers Ahead **

I love Sarah's curiosity. Even in the beginning when she has a half-dressed stranger in her apartment telling her she stole his father's magical powers and she needs to come to the bottom of the ocean with him, she heard him out AND ACTUALLY WENT! There were many opportunities for her to go home, but she makes the choice to stay. She works hard and takes her role seriously even if she barely has any idea what the heck is going on. She recognizes how invaluable this experience is and commits to it.

From the moment he met her, Orion was completely taken by Sarah. Even though he showed up in a rage to retrieve his father's magic, he heard her side and is consistently empathetic towards her throughout her journey. He is patient and secure and his yearning is top tier!

Tropes I loved:
•found family
•fated mates
•he falls first (and so hard <3)
•slowburn

This is book 1 in a series I am now HIGHLY anticipating. It does end in a cliffhanger which has me chomping at the bit for book 2! I can't wait!!

[Nini]

Review of advanced copy received from author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"To them, I'm an outsider. I've chosen this life beneath the sea, but have they chosen me?"

What would you do if you kept seeing a mysterious turtle, yes a turtle, and then a hot guy shows up looking for you? 👀 If you don't know, Sarah certainly didn't either. From that moment forward, her life takes a deep dive. No pun intended.

I really enjoyed Stolen Magic of the Deep. From the world building, plot, and character development. I felt like I was in Virellan with the characters, I mean 100% fully immersed in this world and not just reading. The beginning was a little slower for me, but once I got to the middle, things really started picking up, and I found myself getting more and more invested. In a way, I can appreciate the slower start bc there was clearly so much being set up. I just wish it didn't take quite as long to get there. Nonetheless, it was so worth it in the end. And speaking of endings...what in the world!!!! Talk about a cliffhanger 😳😲🥺 I will be impatiently, but patiently, waiting for book 2 bc I need to know what happens next.

If I had to pick a favorite part of Stolen Magic of the Deep, it would be witnessing Sarah adapting to her new life, navigating magic, and the sparing matches 🥹 I liked watching her figure out where she belonged and what she truly wanted, esp when so much of her life was changing right in front of her. I also have to say, I am #TEAMSARION, her and Orion's connection is cute and steamy, and I am curious to see how their relationship develops.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Esp for a debut, I was impressed. It had its moments, the story kept me interested, and I’m definitely interested in book two 🌊

𝕴𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖑𝖎𝖐𝖊

❤️ Romantasy
🧜‍♀️ Mermaids
✨️ Magical Abilities
🔥 Slowburns
🌊 Underwater Kingdoms
👀 Secrets & Reveals
🗝 Hidden Powers

[Kiara Lewis]

Stolen Magic of the Deep by H.R. Justice

This was such a fun romantasy read! I really enjoyed the underwater setting and how different the world felt from the typical fantasy settings I usually come across. The magic system and the whole concept behind the sea world definitely kept me curious and wanting to know more.

I really liked Sarah as the main character. She’s thrown into a completely unfamiliar world, and I appreciated that she doesn’t just immediately have everything figured out. Watching her navigate everything that’s happening around her while trying to understand herself and where she fits into this new world made her easy to root for.

And the romance? 👀 The chemistry between Sarah and Orion definitely kept me turning the pages. Their dynamic had just the right amount of tension, and I loved watching their relationship develop while all the other pieces of the story were unfolding.

The pacing kept me interested, and there was a good mix of romance, fantasy, mystery, and adventure. I also appreciated that there was more going on beneath the romance, which gave the story a little more depth.

Overall, Stolen Magic of the Deep was an entertaining, immersive romantasy with an unusual setting, interesting magic, strong romantic tension, and plenty to keep you curious. If you enjoy fantasy romance with a unique world and a little bit of spice, this is definitely worth adding to your TBR. 💙

[Amy Kline]

I cannot say enough good things about this book!
I am a huge underwater fan, but most of what I have previously read has been about mermaids and the like.
Sea serpents were a genius way to bring a fresh new perspective!
This book is genuinely a wonderful boon to the underwater fantasy tropes.
The story grips from the beginning and doesn't let up!
Things I loved were the intricate details in the fantasy, the delicious slow burn between Orion and Sarah, determination and perseverance shown from both of the main characters.
And the mystery of who the villain actually is.
H.R Justice has created a captivating underwater world for us to enjoy! I am so glad I read this and
I cannot wait for book two!
If you love a : slow burn, enemies to lovers, suspense -thriller, Romantasy. This book is totally for you and should be on the top of your TBR list!
10/10 highly recommended.

Note to the author...
I need book 2!

[Elle]

I need book two NOW! 🤣

I really enjoyed this book. It gave me a storyline I haven't quite encountered in my other reads while still incorporating the themes and tropes I enjoy (fantasy/magic, fate, enemies-to-lovers). The author also builds an underwater world that was so fun to envision. I will also say, she seemed to do her homework. With the FMC being a marine biologist and the underwater world she built, there were plenty of opportunities for the story to feel like it lacked the correct descriptions, references, or logic but it felt knowledgable.

I grew really invested in the developing relationship between the FMC and MMC. I also enjoyed watching the other relationships change and grow between the FMC and other characters. I did have a couple of suspicions and one ended up being correct but the book ends on a cliffhanger and I am left wondering how deep it goes and what happens next! I can't wait for book two!

[Tashauna]

Review of advance copy received from Author.

Stolen Magic of the Deep was an incredibly enchanting underwater fantasy that pulls you into a beautifully vivid and immersive world.

This story is about the ever curious Sarah Fischer, a marine biologist who stumbles upon something she shouldn't and is confronted by the mysterious King Orion about what she's done. The world building is rich, the tension is palpable, and the chemistry had me HOOKED. High stakes adventure and swoon worthy romance? SIGN ME UP. Sarah is witty and unwavering, Orion is brooding and protective, and when they work together to fight the lurking evil, it makes me feel completely captivated.

Sarah's growth throughout the book is endearing, Orion's protectiveness of his people and eventually Sarah is deeply moving, and I am so excited to see what happens in the rest of the series. I finished and that cliffhanger had me messaging the author immediately asking for book 2! I can't wait.

[Cam]

⭐️ 4.5/5

I had such a fun time with this book!! The deeper I got into the story, the more invested I became in the world, the magic, and figuring out where everything was going.

And then we got to THAT ENDING.

The ending completely sold this book for me. Everything started coming together, the tension picked up, and I genuinely did not want to put it down. I love when I think I know where a story is going and then suddenly I’m questioning EVERYTHING.

There were a few slower moments that kept it from being a full 5 stars for me, but that final stretch absolutely made up for it. I finished it wanting to immediately talk to someone about what just happened.

If you love fantasy with magic, mystery, and an ending that leaves you needing more, definitely give this one a try.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

[Jason Humphrey]

Received arc from author.... Normally fantasy, and even scifi for the most part tend to bored very easily or it does take much. But last few months I have been trying to broaden my reading more. But in generally if i think a book sounds like it will have a great story I will pretty much will read anything. More I heard author mention about book was excited to sign up to read the arc for this book. Had not had the chance to read arc I still would have bought the book, which I still will be buying a copy of the book.

Book was a really great read... I can tend to struggle at the beginning of books I read but book kept me glued to the story and with how the first book ended already dying to read the next book!

[Jessica]

Beautiful and well written, with a romance plot that had me up til midnight because I couldn't put the book down. 4 stars because I did not like the best friend Leo at the beginning of the book, and I found I had to push through to when Sarah actually got into the sea before things really got good. The threat in the story is also really vague, so Sarah's training that takes up the rest of the book seems more about her striving to belong than about prepping to fight for the kingdom. Also, the end left me feeling like the story was cut short. Glad there's gonna be a book 2!

[Jay tolbert]

My first Thoughts: I am so excited to read this Book as it sounds good. "The vibes are amazing just from the tiktok videos." The sea turtle was my favorite. One of my favorite Quotes: " You mistake Necessity for Desire." OOOOH that was snarky but so well delivered! I loved the world building, the banter between characters had me laughing and crying. The story flowed so well there were times I thought I was in it! LOVED this book and can't wait for book two. The plot twist threw me for a loop so bad I was pissed then the cliffhanger ahhh! Reccomend 10/10

[Karoline Snyder]

OMG I'm obsessed!!!!!!
Absolutely captivating from beginning to end. The book completely pulled me in with its immersive world, compelling characters, and a storyline that kept me invested every step of the way. I loved how the story continued to build intensity, leaving me wanting to know what would happen next, it was compelling, emotionally charged, and incredibly hard to put down. If you love fantasy romance with captivating characters, undeniable tension, and plenty of emotion, this is one you're going to want to read!!!!

[Fantasy Nelson]

I actuaĺly beta read this book, and the author took every single suggestion and added on to the story. It was already good, but now? It's excellent. She expanded out places that were cut short and gave better explanations. Orion at first read was gruff and I didn't feel like he was all in. This version of him is way better! And I love the added in Nyx scenes!
If you want an underwater world that feels alive, check this book out!

[gabby]

So now I'm regretting changing my major in college from marine biology to psychology😂🤦🏿‍♀️ seriously though, I loved everything about this novel! There were some moments where I was confused, but what fantasy novel doesn't get confusing at times! I give this novel a B rating! It was great and entertaining but didn't leave me speechless afterwards! That ending was disrespectful though because why play with my emotions! Book 2, I need you here ASAP

[Kristann Jones]

Review of advanced reader copy received from the author.

I loved every second of this book. The underwater world building was phenomenal. The way the author describes the scenes (and built them) is absolutely beautiful. The sarcasm is great and Orions lack of knowledge of our world is so funny! You should definitely read this. You will be stunned by its beauty and kicking your feet reading Sarah and Orion's relationship. Im so excited for book 2!

[Taylor Brown]

This book was absolutely fantastic. I received it as an ARC and finished in a little over a week. The world building is phenomenal and deeply immersive, and the character development really stands out as the characters grow and respond to everything happening around them. (Specifically Sarah)

Without spoiling anything, I will say the title is a bit misleading, but it was truly a great read from start to finish 💕

[Reader]

From the moment I started this book, I could not put it down! It is incredibly well-written, with such vivid, immersive descriptions that it genuinely felt like watching a movie play out on the big screen. The chemistry between Sarah and Orion gives the story so much heart. I am already counting down the days until the next book drops—I need to know where their adventures take them next!

[Lenna Rae]

This book was AMAZING!

I’m a thriller girly trying to read more Fantasy and Romance so I’ve never read any book like this one before! It was amazing and the world the author created is so beautiful and so interesting!

If you like magic and enemies to lovers, this book is for you!

[Cheyanne Baker]

The sea is calling to Sarah, will she answer?
While the writing was great, I felt like the book lacked something to keep me interested. Also the ending felt rushed and a little awkward. Hoping what the author rewrote after sending out the arc adds to the greatness this book could be.

[Georgina Elson]

I was so lucky to receive this book as an arc copy and wow! The world building throughout the book is amazing! I loved the storyline and falling in love with each character but I didn’t see that plot twist coming nor the cliffhanger. However, it makes me want to read more!

[Brittany skinner]

The book was well written and the story pulls you
Through all the magic you could think would exist in an underworld realm. I just think the underwater trope isn’t for me. But it’s yours you will love it!

[Bailey]

This book was so good! The storylines development went farther than what I expected and I had this read within a day because I couldn't put it down.

[Kelly]

This Novel is Fantastically written. Every thing about this underwater adventure is beautifully described and written. We need Book 2 asap!!

[Trinity]

It is a very immersive world filled with amazing discovery and secrets. Will become your next favorite read

[BogBookEnergyyy]

This book pulled me in especially once I got to chapter 16. I loved storyline and how it kept building. If you love fantasy romance dont hesitate to jump into this book you wont regret it.

[Taylor Higgins]

It was an amazing book . It had me from the first page , the way it was written and how descriptive it all was