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A sunken ship.

The cruise was supposed to help Coral forget about the past. Instead, it thrusts her into a nightmare of carnage, death, and waves dragging her under. Coral was supposed to die, but a merman’s kiss brings her back to life…

An evil queen.

She wished he would have left her for dead. But the mysterious merman drags her to the Dark Waters where she must stand trial for accusations of crimes she did not commit. Innocence means nothing when the Black Kingdom’s queen is vicious and unforgiving. And not even the merman she thought to be an ally can protect her from her fate…

And a mermaid, fighting for freedom.

Enslaved and forced to do the queen’s bidding, Coral must survive dark magic and strange creatures. Frightened and alone, she can trust no one. Not the maid, who is as much a slave as she. Not the merman, whose heartbroken kiss gave her a second chance. Not the tattooed royal guard, whose blade promises death and body promises ruin.

All Coral can rely on is herself. To discover the secrets the queen harbors. Of old magic and broken kingdoms and wars long lost. Of the hold the witch has on the mer. Because Coral knows the Dark Waters is not what it appears to be. And once she discovers the truth of the Black Kingdom…

She will bring it crumbling to the ground.

Author's note: This series is a dark fantasy/paranormal romance with scenes unsuitable for readers below the age of 18.

TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains dark materials (the mention of rape, abuse, and dub con) that may be triggering for some readers.

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2021

10 people are currently reading
241 people want to read

About the author

Aleera Anaya Ceres

46 books439 followers
Aleera Anaya Ceres is the International Bestselling author of several series including the Origins of the Six series and the Daughter of Triton series. Like most introverts, Aleera prefers to curl up with a good book, listen to music, paint, read tarot cards, and snack on the tears and heartbreak of her readers.

A proud Mexican-American from the state of Kansas, Aleera currently resides in Tlaxcala, Mexico with her husband and children.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Nite0wl29.
352 reviews63 followers
September 1, 2021
I want to start my review off with heed the trigger warnings before you read this book. If dub-con and mentions of rape makes you squeamish then this isn’t the story for you. However it is absolutely fantastic and (in my opinion) one of the author’s strongest storylines.

The closest I can compare the situation these characters are in, is the last half of ACOTAR when Rhysand and Feyre under the mountain. Except in this book you aren’t just hearing about the tragic backstory of Coral’s love interest(s), you’re experiencing it. And yes, that S at the end of “love interests” isn’t a typo. The love triangle angst is real. Like all of Aleera’s books, this one hits you right where it hurts. I think I experienced every emotion under the sun!!

I can’t say much without going deep into spoilers. But if you’re looking for a book that is angst heavy, a heart-wrenching enemies-to-lovers slow burn, and a strong plot with twist and turns then I highly recommend adding this book to your reading shelf.



Profile Image for dovesnook.
668 reviews217 followers
September 28, 2023
I’ve never been so genuinely upset that the second book isn’t out yet bc OMG that ending was such a hook for the next one. But like honestly, out of ALL of Aleera’s completed series, I had to start with the one that’s still in the works and I OWN AN ENTIRE COMPLETED SERIES BY HER 😭😭.

Read the synopsis if you want to know more about it, I can’t do it justice here.

The MEN. So far, we have Caspian and Matthias and ngl I felt hella conflicted about how much I loved both of these toxic men lmao. Coral is a badass, her character development was incredible. The plot twists gave me whiplash, the romance gave me butterflies, the world building left me in awe and wanting to find myself a mer of my own 🧜‍♀️. Idk idk idk, I can’t say enough good things about this book, just know it was super entertaining and had the right about of darkness to it (imo tho, so look up the TWs!!)

And can I just say, the sheer will power Coral has throughout all of the trials she faces is genuinely amazing. Her internal struggle about what to do with pretty much everything thrown her way felt very human to me, it made her character incredibly frustrating but also raw and relatable in a way I hadn’t been expecting. I can’t wait to read more!
Profile Image for Gracienne Standen.
378 reviews8 followers
August 30, 2021
*Please note the trigger warnings for mentions of dub con and rape*

This was the mermaid story I don’t know I needed. I was hooked on the story from the beginning. The main character, Coral goes through some major character development and the story has a lot of twists and turns. Also let’s just say I’m a fan of both her love interests but I think I leaning towards one a little more!

This story really had me feeling all the feels and that cliffhanger has left me wanting so much more. Looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Brittany Smith.
919 reviews15 followers
May 31, 2021
I felt like I need to switch up my reading a little as I was reading ALOT about vampires and shifters. I was thrilled to find this book and jumped at the chance to live my mermaid fantasies! This is the first book I have read by the author, so I did not know what to expect and man was I thrilled with the outcome!

This book follows Coral a woman who is no stranger to pain. Her best friend Olivia manages to convince her to go on a cruise with her- to reconnect as friends but also so Coral can heal from her ex. There is the promise of fun, food, and friendship and everything seems to be according to plan. Unfortunately, the cruise ship hits a rough patch and it quickly sinks- about a week into the cruise. Coral finds herself being rescued and turned into a mermaid in one fell swoop. To make matters worse she is taken to the Queen where she must answer for all humans and suffer punishment for what they have done to the seas. Coral is forced to survive and atone for the humans' mistreatment of the ocean as a slave under the evil queen's eye. She struggles with just about everything and she finds that she can't control her feelings for her mermaid guard Caspian. Not only that but she is also drawn to another guard, Matthias, who is nothing but trouble but there is an undeniable draw to him nonetheless. They both quickly take an interest in Coral but they are harboring their own secrets and have their own struggles.

One very interesting thing here was that there really was no hero or good guy in this book. Coral is definitely the honest, good, determined-to-fix-things protagonist but both guys have their good and bad attributes. The Queen is definitely evil, there is no question there, but other than that you don't really know where anyone else stands- it's like they all have their own agenda whilst serving the Queen. All of the merpeople are pretty awful, so it is really easy to feel for Coral and root for her to escape. There is a fantastic love triangle going on here and it reads so naturally and well that it is very easy to struggle with a choice. I feel like I have a firm idea of who my favorite is but I do want to punch him at the same time quite a lot- a bit like Coral!

There is a wicked cliffhanger at the end and it will have you needing the next book ASAP! I can't wait for book 2 as I have no idea what is going to happen! The twists and turns of this book kept me on my toes- I can honestly say that I only guessed maybe two things in this book and that is all- which is impressive! The writing flows so well and never feels stilted or rushed. There is a great pace to this book and it is very easy to get lost in it.

I would definitely recommend this book, especially for all you mermaid fans out there!
Profile Image for bookittothelibrary.
126 reviews6 followers
May 25, 2021
There are some triggers in this book so please be mindful when picking it up and read the trigger warning before starting.

You guys this book is absolutely amazing, I know I say that about all of Aleera’s books but this one? Has got to be her best book to date. It’s got everything anyone could want, angst, betrayals, a good love triangle. Morally grey characters. Secrets. It’s utter perfection.

I am absolutely in awe with Coral she’s is such a relatable character, I love her journey and how she’s already growing. I can’t wait to see her story continue.

Caspian and Matthias oh boy, these boys will destroy all my feelings before they put it back together. The first half I was completely team Caspian nothing in the world could change my mind and the Matthias happened and he has such a way with words and his actions at the end? Now I don’t know which team I’m on i just want them happy .

All the reveals at the end? Please I need a book 2, I’m honestly still broken from this book. It has hurt me and so many ways. Please do yourself a favor and pick this up.
Profile Image for Tati Alvarez.
Author 9 books204 followers
February 22, 2024
Raise your hand if you d ever been personally victimized by Aleera 🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️
Profile Image for Katie.
71 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2021
This book follows snarky Coral as she is turned into a mermaid after her cruise ships sinks. The oceans have been suffering because of human mistreatment, and as one of the only human-turned-mer around, Coral is found guilty of all human crimes by the dark mer of the Black Waters. As Coral tries to survive as a slave under the evil Queen Ulla, she struggles with her feelings for her mermaid mentor Caspian and psycho guard Matthias, who both quickly take an interest in Coral but clearly have secrets of their own.

I loved this one so much! I liked that there was really no hero or good guy in this book. All of the mer are kind of awful, so as a reader you really feel like you are with Coral in not knowing who to trust. I love love triangles because of the emotional and sexual tension, if it is done correctly, and it is done correctly here. Aleera writes tension so well and she really made it hard for me to choose my boy. Honestly, I still haven't gotten fully behind either one yet, though I am definitely eyeing Matthias.

This book ended on an insane cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2 because I have no idea where this is going next - so many possibilities!!
Profile Image for Raja.
Author 25 books359 followers
June 14, 2021
I had the pleasure of reading this book before it came out! It was my very FIRST mermaid RH book and I must say, it definitely wasn’t/won’t be my last!

Aleera is hands down the Queen of Mermaid Reverse Harem books. She takes you on a journey you never knew you needed. This particular one is different for you as the reader and the characters of the book!

That sounds weird right? I know! That’s the beauty of it! Because just like you, the heroine of the story is human! I won’t say anymore. I will say this, in the end, I didn’t know who to choose BUT I know who I was leaning towards.

I thought Coral was gonna have three potential men in her life. Boy was I wrong! One deserved exactly what she gave him, the other didn’t deserve her at all and the last which also happens to be my fave (Matthias) is the one that made her see she was more than just a frail human. He brought out a side in her she didn’t know existed. He was definitely my fave and her obvious choice, but who am I to say. Things could change if there is a part 2!

I loved every single THING about this book! From the awesome characters, the love hate/enemies to something else relationship and more. The queen was an evil B though and I can’t STAND her behind!

This book is definitely a 10 out of 10 star read!

Profile Image for Karla.
551 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2024
4.5/5 stars
2/5 spice

Tropes:
Human turned Mermaid
Captor/Captive
Secret relationship
Forbidden romance
Political intrigue
Queendom
Magical elements
Multiple POV
Reverse harem
Cliffhanger

So I knew this was going to end on a cliffhanger, but I was still surprised because I wasn't expecting THAT ending. Now I'm worried 😅

I loved the FMC Coral and grew to love the MMCs. I like Matthias more than Caspian, though... so we'll see how that develops. You go back and forth in believing one thing, then the other, whether or not to trust them or not. There are so many secrets and lies! I loved it. Some parts of the plot can be a little predictable, but it doesn't take away from the overall enjoyment, and I still didn't expect the ending.

Overall, I really loved the start of this series. I don't know when the second book will come out, but I still recommend this if you're a fan of fantasy romance, forbidden romance, and political intrigue.

Please check trigger warnings before starting this book.
Profile Image for underseabookish.
167 reviews28 followers
May 29, 2021
Where do I even begin?? Aleera has done it again for me! I've always been a big fan of mermaids, so it was interesting to see the dark world Aleera built for these characters. Everything isn't as it seems at first, and that's an element in storytelling that I'm fond of.

The main character goes through some traumatic events in her past, and in the current events of the story, but you can see that it's helping the MC grow. She has two love interests, but I'm crossing my fingers it ends up as a polyamorous ship, because I can't choose a guy! As of now Matthias is the one I'm mostly eyeing, but I do love both of them. Both are not what they seem at first either.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that is into dark stories, sexy mermen, and a protagonist that grows a lot from the events at the beginning. I look forward to the next book! I wasn't expecting to get immediately hooked.
Profile Image for thetbrhoarder.
173 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2021
Riptide - Aleera Anaya Ceres
4✨

I am honestly in awe of this woman and her book producing skills. It’s just astounding

Once again Aleera has written a gripping story and made us all want to be mermaids and have two strapping merman fighting over us

This was not only a love triangle story but also a story about a woman who realises just how worthy and powerful she can be. Coral has always thought of herself as meek and fading into the background, quite happy to let her friend Olivia take the limelight and be the spokesperson for them both

Until now....as much as Caspian says he loves her his actions were the complete opposite. My money is on Matthias coming to the rescue and damn I hope I’m right!!!

If you’ve loved Aleeras past work then you’ll love and devour this new series. Make this one of your reads for 2021!!
Profile Image for Lys.
21 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2024
All I knew about this book was what I saw on one of those "aesthetic" tiktoks where they show photos of the vibe of the book. I only saw it once, and decided to pretty much go in blind.

I'm not going to lie, I had a difficult time getting through this one. It felt a bit repetitive, and I found it predictable. In my opinion, it's more focused on romantic conflict than plot, which is a negative for me personally.

HOWEVER I was entertained, I found the atmosphere/world to be creative and enjoyable, and I did get a couple laughs in. I've never laughed so hard at the words "fish stick" in my life. It wasn't exactly as I expected, but it wasn't terrible.

I will PROBABLY read the second one, just because of the way the book ended. Many times I like the second better than the first, so we will see!
Profile Image for Daenerys Targaryen.
938 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2021
I read the whole book and have no clue what is going on in the main characters head. Coral, the female lead seems to fluctuate from a strong character to weak one and back & forth. Caspian who lied about his name as Mathias and the original Mathias are all a blur in my head. I get it that the female lead has to go through an abusive relationship but not to make up ones mind and keep tripping on the same stone over and over gain made me give up on this book. Somehow it seems like none of the male characters have the courage to stand up to their cruel queen. They endured decades of abuse but has no concrete plan to get out of their situation. As no characters in this book has an intelligent thought in their head, I won't be reading the sequels.
65 reviews5 followers
May 26, 2021
**Please make sure you read the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book!**

Oh man, this book was AMAZING! I know I say that about all of Aleera's books, but this just hits it out of the park. Coral is thrust into the undersea mer-world when the cruise ship she is on sinks unexpectedly. She is captured and held hostage by the evil Queen, and has to find her way out of this world and back to what she knows.

Morally-grey characters? Check. Multiple love interests? Check. Mermaids? Double check.

You won't want to miss this series, and the ending will have you begging for more!
Profile Image for Sue .
244 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2021
Such an amazing start to a series!

Aleera is obviously the Queen of mermaids! I LOVED this book. The story takes you for a wild ride of our heroine Coral becoming a mermaid and discovering a whole world in the sea. It’s not all pretty tails and beautiful sea life, this story is gritty and shows some really complex and some dark characters. The character building and world building is amazing. I can’t wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Chantelle.
152 reviews11 followers
July 10, 2021
Why oh why did this book have to have one of the heroes servicing the queen! Not sure if it goes into explicit detail, as I only got as far as 20% into it.

I love dark novels, just as long as the MMC doesn’t sleep with any other women (willingly or not). I just feel like throwing my Kindle at the wall!!! Total waste of 2 hours reading 😡
Profile Image for Bianca M.
918 reviews10 followers
May 27, 2021
⛴🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️🧜

OMG 😱 My heart hurts for everything that Coral gets put through. I lowkey dislike Caspian -which means that he is written as a great character. The Queen is definitely evil. Very very evil. I loved the cliffhanger ending though.
Profile Image for Ruman.
591 reviews
July 27, 2021
If Coral had to choose…Matthias over Caspian any day. However, she is quick to deem Matthias a traitor when Caspian has betrayed her more often. I hope she will realizes how Matthias is better in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emily Jones.
82 reviews
July 5, 2023
Excellent story! Great twists, and spice! Give me the sequel ASAP!
Profile Image for Kelsey Lou.
115 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2021
I mean there’s never disappointment when Aleera writes another book. So many twists and turns in this one though. I’m really shocked by what the prisoner said to her friend Olivia and I can’t wait for book 2 to hopefully find out what that was about. Another great read!
Profile Image for Wana .
20 reviews
August 11, 2021
Review 13: not unlucky at all. Wow what a ride, this was something else, I read a lot of mermaid and siren themed books, but this one was a whole other world. The universe was crazy, it took me some time to get used to their tails and stuff, but the action was really good and kept you guessing. And that ending...omg, major cliffhanger.
I loved the universe and can't wait to se what Coral will do next.
The villain is evil and wicked, you loved her and hated her at the same time. Strong character and mysterious. Keeps everything to herself.
There is nothing you'd hate about this book.
If you are a mermaid fan, this is one book for you, try it, you won't be disappointed. The opening starts a little slow until the yacht incident and after that you are in the unknown.

5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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