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Tangled Crowns #4
Depths
I’m dying, and I need a human sacrifice in order to survive.
To maintain my place as Queen of Okeanos, I need someone to quite literally take my broken heart into their body.
So... I’m hosting a tournament to find a willing puppet—someone who will let me pull their strings.
But who should I choose?
The sweet, funny courtier?
The seductive stranger?
The rebel who hates me as much as his next breath?
Or someone more loyal, closer, more true?
The options weigh me down as all around me, threats emerge. Attacks. Someone doesn't want me to rule the depths.
I need to change the tides to keep from being dragged under, but can I survive long enough to choose my own fate?
Note: This is a slow burn, slow build reverse harem romance intended for adult readers. There is a bit of a chasm (sea kingdom talk for cliff) at the end of book one. You've been warned.
To maintain my place as Queen of Okeanos, I need someone to quite literally take my broken heart into their body.
So... I’m hosting a tournament to find a willing puppet—someone who will let me pull their strings.
But who should I choose?
The sweet, funny courtier?
The seductive stranger?
The rebel who hates me as much as his next breath?
Or someone more loyal, closer, more true?
The options weigh me down as all around me, threats emerge. Attacks. Someone doesn't want me to rule the depths.
I need to change the tides to keep from being dragged under, but can I survive long enough to choose my own fate?
Note: This is a slow burn, slow build reverse harem romance intended for adult readers. There is a bit of a chasm (sea kingdom talk for cliff) at the end of book one. You've been warned.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2021
163 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 19, 2022
After finishing the trilogy in this series (It sounds more complicated than it truly is, actually) I was very excited to start the duology in this series. Especially because we were going to explore an entirely new kingdom and also because this kingdom is completely underwater. I love sirens and the underwater life, so this sounded like the book for me. I had hoped to start yesterday already, but eventually I could only get started this morning.
I was positively and happily surprised that we were seeing so many familiar faces in this book. I was told that you could read this without having read the previous trilogy. I agree, but you are missing out on loads of awesomeness and you are spoiled on how the trilogy ends. I was especially happy to have one familiar face back. For quite a long time I was afraid he wasn't gonna be in this book at all, but then Denton brightened my day and brought him in to stay.
In a way this book is a little messy. There's a lot happening and going on and Denton wrote it in such a way that you're not entirely sure who's responsible for what. The book therefore not only turns into a guessing game, who's the evil sultan?, but it also feels a little directionless at times. However, I'm quite certain that's on purpose. The situation is messy, there is a lot going on and our heroine has trouble staying and being in control. And we experience her feelings with her.
She is however an amazing main character. In a lot of ways she's a little softer than her sister. She has not been trained for years to become Queen, she has not been hardened by life. She had quite a happy and calm childhood and it's only recently that everything has changed and life has become weird. Therefore she's kind and understanding and really willing to do things differently. I hope she won't lose herself completely, because her world needs a little kindness!
I was positively and happily surprised that we were seeing so many familiar faces in this book. I was told that you could read this without having read the previous trilogy. I agree, but you are missing out on loads of awesomeness and you are spoiled on how the trilogy ends. I was especially happy to have one familiar face back. For quite a long time I was afraid he wasn't gonna be in this book at all, but then Denton brightened my day and brought him in to stay.
In a way this book is a little messy. There's a lot happening and going on and Denton wrote it in such a way that you're not entirely sure who's responsible for what. The book therefore not only turns into a guessing game, who's the evil sultan?, but it also feels a little directionless at times. However, I'm quite certain that's on purpose. The situation is messy, there is a lot going on and our heroine has trouble staying and being in control. And we experience her feelings with her.
She is however an amazing main character. In a lot of ways she's a little softer than her sister. She has not been trained for years to become Queen, she has not been hardened by life. She had quite a happy and calm childhood and it's only recently that everything has changed and life has become weird. Therefore she's kind and understanding and really willing to do things differently. I hope she won't lose herself completely, because her world needs a little kindness!
March 6, 2023
Actual rating 3.5
I definitely preferred Bloss’s story but I thought this one had great potential. The world is so interesting and definitely sucks you in!
I definitely preferred Bloss’s story but I thought this one had great potential. The world is so interesting and definitely sucks you in!
January 29, 2021
The ending!
Wow! So I want to start and say it’s best to read the first four books of the Tangled crowns series (about Bloom, Avia’s older sister) but it’s not absolutely a must because things are explained from past events throughout storyline. But the experience might be better if you read them all.
This story is focused on Avia, a young woman who grew up the younger sister of a soon to be queen. She lives in a world where women are few compared to men, before major technology. But they have magic. She finds herself taking the throne of her birth mother in the sea and her struggles to find her place as queen among people who don’t see her as one of them. She decides a tournament is the best option to find husbands for herself.
While trying to find a husband and gain the respect of the people, a secret enemy is wishing for her downfall. Making her already hard life way more complicated.
This book tics off all my requests for a good story: interesting characters? ✔️ wonderful world building? ✔️ attention grabbing? ✔️ hits the feels? ✔️ sexual tension? ✔️(but no dirty done yet, for those who look for that in the first book), suspenseful? ✔️ leaves you pondering after it’s over? ✔️ leaves you wanting more?✔️✔️✔️✔️
Read this book/series! You won’t regret it.
Wow! So I want to start and say it’s best to read the first four books of the Tangled crowns series (about Bloom, Avia’s older sister) but it’s not absolutely a must because things are explained from past events throughout storyline. But the experience might be better if you read them all.
This story is focused on Avia, a young woman who grew up the younger sister of a soon to be queen. She lives in a world where women are few compared to men, before major technology. But they have magic. She finds herself taking the throne of her birth mother in the sea and her struggles to find her place as queen among people who don’t see her as one of them. She decides a tournament is the best option to find husbands for herself.
While trying to find a husband and gain the respect of the people, a secret enemy is wishing for her downfall. Making her already hard life way more complicated.
This book tics off all my requests for a good story: interesting characters? ✔️ wonderful world building? ✔️ attention grabbing? ✔️ hits the feels? ✔️ sexual tension? ✔️(but no dirty done yet, for those who look for that in the first book), suspenseful? ✔️ leaves you pondering after it’s over? ✔️ leaves you wanting more?✔️✔️✔️✔️
Read this book/series! You won’t regret it.
September 18, 2021
DNF
I really liked the first 3 books but this spin-off with the sister is just not working at all. I am about to finish (by paraphrasing btw. Not worth reading it through) the 2nd book and I still feel NO comnection to ANY of her "love- interests". Everything is all over the place with Selection vibes going on and not well executed mind you. Also, I really hoped the "damsel in distress" fuzzy feelings of rescue would reaaally kick in this ones because hello HER HEART malfunctions!! But nop. TRUE disappointment.
I really liked the first 3 books but this spin-off with the sister is just not working at all. I am about to finish (by paraphrasing btw. Not worth reading it through) the 2nd book and I still feel NO comnection to ANY of her "love- interests". Everything is all over the place with Selection vibes going on and not well executed mind you. Also, I really hoped the "damsel in distress" fuzzy feelings of rescue would reaaally kick in this ones because hello HER HEART malfunctions!! But nop. TRUE disappointment.
September 24, 2024
I'm giving it two stars because I liked the characters.
The lack of world building ruined it and by that I mean the author basically wrote a story and then made it under water - with people still drinking tea out of cups. Under. Water.
The story takes place in an underwater world. They are all merpeople or related fantasy species that can live under water (or for the humans, have received temporary gills via spells). That's all fine.
But there seems to be no thought in actually what living under water would look like. How do you drink tea out of cups? Why do the cups stay on the table and not float away? How do you hear each other without water distorting the words? There's an orchestra playing under the water. There is a banquet dinner. She lays on her bed (somehow doesn't just float up to the ceiling, and somehow her bed sheets stay in place). How do you RUN to the scene when the arena collapses? How do you put on makeup? Seriously. There is a literal scene of her maid applying her makeup. How? Also. sex under the water? And we're talking they are living at the floor of an ocean. So, salt water sex? Come on. Even shower sex is pushing it, because it's one of those things that sounds sexier than reality. Hint - water negates lubricant.
There's a limit to suspending my logic to enjoying a story. Mermaids? I can do. Just placing a story at the bottom of the ocean and calling it done? That was really disappointing.
The lack of world building ruined it and by that I mean the author basically wrote a story and then made it under water - with people still drinking tea out of cups. Under. Water.
The story takes place in an underwater world. They are all merpeople or related fantasy species that can live under water (or for the humans, have received temporary gills via spells). That's all fine.
But there seems to be no thought in actually what living under water would look like. How do you drink tea out of cups? Why do the cups stay on the table and not float away? How do you hear each other without water distorting the words? There's an orchestra playing under the water. There is a banquet dinner. She lays on her bed (somehow doesn't just float up to the ceiling, and somehow her bed sheets stay in place). How do you RUN to the scene when the arena collapses? How do you put on makeup? Seriously. There is a literal scene of her maid applying her makeup. How? Also. sex under the water? And we're talking they are living at the floor of an ocean. So, salt water sex? Come on. Even shower sex is pushing it, because it's one of those things that sounds sexier than reality. Hint - water negates lubricant.
There's a limit to suspending my logic to enjoying a story. Mermaids? I can do. Just placing a story at the bottom of the ocean and calling it done? That was really disappointing.
February 9, 2021
Depths (Tangled Crowns Book 4)- Ann Denton
The first three books in this series, Tangled downs,were awesome from characters, storylines, worldbuilding, etc.
Book 4 revolves around Bloss’s younger sister Avia, it turns out Avis’s real mother, who was a nightmare of a ruler. Avia desperately wants to avoid having to become like her but she may have to if she wants to remain alive.
This is a while new world as Avia is to rule an undersea world like we have never experienced. The world building is detailed , relative and mesmerizing as well as the creatures that exist in this fantastical kingdom.
As queen Avia must pick a harem so she decides to hold a tournament. The participants and this journey are as challenging as the trials and not all are thrilled to see a princess from earth rule under the sea.
Lots of male characters to entice readers as well as Avia.
There is a lot of humor, intrigue, sexual tension (slow burn),danger and suspense, excitement and adventures in a new world to explore.
Depths is very entertaining and will stretch your imagination, keep your attention and having readers anxiously waiting for the next book (there is a cliffhanger but worth the wait till book 5).
The first three books in this series, Tangled downs,were awesome from characters, storylines, worldbuilding, etc.
Book 4 revolves around Bloss’s younger sister Avia, it turns out Avis’s real mother, who was a nightmare of a ruler. Avia desperately wants to avoid having to become like her but she may have to if she wants to remain alive.
This is a while new world as Avia is to rule an undersea world like we have never experienced. The world building is detailed , relative and mesmerizing as well as the creatures that exist in this fantastical kingdom.
As queen Avia must pick a harem so she decides to hold a tournament. The participants and this journey are as challenging as the trials and not all are thrilled to see a princess from earth rule under the sea.
Lots of male characters to entice readers as well as Avia.
There is a lot of humor, intrigue, sexual tension (slow burn),danger and suspense, excitement and adventures in a new world to explore.
Depths is very entertaining and will stretch your imagination, keep your attention and having readers anxiously waiting for the next book (there is a cliffhanger but worth the wait till book 5).
January 31, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. So we have Avia who is on borrowed time. Why you ask? You need to read and find out. So Avia is now a queen and set up a tournament to find her mate/s. However, she has feelings for one of her guards. Still in love with the one who is no longer a part of her life or is he? Then you have Raj who is wanting to destroy her. While the tournament is about to commence she has to meet some contestants to see if she may have a connection to any of them. She meets a few and is willing to get to know them more. However will she get the chance to get to know them. There is a lot of mystery going on with this story and it had me hooked til the end. I needed to know more and to find out what is going on. It is a slow build and a lot of sexual electricity going on. It is definitely a slow burn but you get more of a story and getting to know the characters. Great start to a new series of characters.
February 10, 2021
I read and loved each of the first three books in the Tangled Crowns series and I loved Bloss, but I have to say that I think my love for Avia surpasses that with this first book starting her own journey. Avia is a young woman, a new queen in a new kingdom, with her life completely flipped around. She's cautious and uncertain at times, but also intelligent and strong. Avia is relatable and I loved the nuances of her personality and the challenges we see as she adjusts from being the second born princess in a kingdom on land to being the queen of an underwater kingdom. She has experience in being royalty and what that entails, but not royalty in this environment and supporting people with these needs. Along with the fact that her mother as the prior queen of this kingdom was a monster that left a decidedly non-inspiring legacy.
Then, life adjustments aside, Avia also has the start of a tournament that will end with her having a group of men of her own and oh are there some contenders. We get to see a little bit of several of the men with some sparks definitely flying with some. One man, I really hope something comes of the initial feelings, although I'm not sure how. There's also, somewhere in the mix of the tournament, threats to Avia and her kingdom that I'm sure will have twists and turns to come, including a familiar villain from Bloss's books. So we end up with romantic tension AND danger/suspenseful tension, along with some action in book one.
I love the supporting characters around Avia like her advisor, her maid, and her guards. There's also fantastic detail in the descriptions of the underwater setting and its inhabitants. I am not a big fan of mermaid books usually and Depths doesn't read like one for me, especially with the abundance of different characters from sirens to merfolk to sea shifters. I'm so beyond thrilled with this return to the Tangled Crowns world!
Then, life adjustments aside, Avia also has the start of a tournament that will end with her having a group of men of her own and oh are there some contenders. We get to see a little bit of several of the men with some sparks definitely flying with some. One man, I really hope something comes of the initial feelings, although I'm not sure how. There's also, somewhere in the mix of the tournament, threats to Avia and her kingdom that I'm sure will have twists and turns to come, including a familiar villain from Bloss's books. So we end up with romantic tension AND danger/suspenseful tension, along with some action in book one.
I love the supporting characters around Avia like her advisor, her maid, and her guards. There's also fantastic detail in the descriptions of the underwater setting and its inhabitants. I am not a big fan of mermaid books usually and Depths doesn't read like one for me, especially with the abundance of different characters from sirens to merfolk to sea shifters. I'm so beyond thrilled with this return to the Tangled Crowns world!
January 28, 2021
Holy fish sticks this was good!
I have to be honest, while I was excited for Avia's story, I wasn't sure what to expect since mermaids and underwater creatures are not my deal. Well thank you Ann Denton for proving me wrong! I found this entertaining read full of humor and emotion. Avia is not like any queen you've ever met - she has a sense of humor and is sadly stuck between a rock and a hard place. Enemies surround her and learning to trust is no easy feat but I have to say I like her character very much.
As for her harem - my votes are for Matteo, Felipe, Keelan, Stavros and the rebel. But then again that may change if we ever find out who Raj is disguised as....just saying. It does end on a cliffhanger but I couldn't help but feel savage satisfaction over it.
I have to be honest, while I was excited for Avia's story, I wasn't sure what to expect since mermaids and underwater creatures are not my deal. Well thank you Ann Denton for proving me wrong! I found this entertaining read full of humor and emotion. Avia is not like any queen you've ever met - she has a sense of humor and is sadly stuck between a rock and a hard place. Enemies surround her and learning to trust is no easy feat but I have to say I like her character very much.
As for her harem - my votes are for Matteo, Felipe, Keelan, Stavros and the rebel. But then again that may change if we ever find out who Raj is disguised as....just saying. It does end on a cliffhanger but I couldn't help but feel savage satisfaction over it.
February 6, 2021
Great book!
Honestly it’s been forever since I read about Bloss biatch and the tangled crowns series. It was great to get back into their world! Lots of mystery, magic and mer in this book. The deception and heartache - literally - that Avia has to endure is awful. Looking forward to more, but watch out for that chasm!
Honestly it’s been forever since I read about Bloss biatch and the tangled crowns series. It was great to get back into their world! Lots of mystery, magic and mer in this book. The deception and heartache - literally - that Avia has to endure is awful. Looking forward to more, but watch out for that chasm!
February 2, 2021
Well, what? So much more I need to know!
Who is Raj? Please don’t let him be Felipe, please don’t let him be Felipe.
Well this ended on a cliffy and I am now desperate for the next book. Let’s go,Ann!
Who is Raj? Please don’t let him be Felipe, please don’t let him be Felipe.
Well this ended on a cliffy and I am now desperate for the next book. Let’s go,Ann!
February 2, 2021
omg, what a fabulous continuation of "Tangled Crowns"! ... switching to Avia's new position as Queen and her need to find a place for her heart, the tension grows with repeated attempts to break her spirit ... and be forewarned on the inevitable cliffhanger 😱
April 29, 2021
Holyyyyy great
This book was AMAZING!! I was worried about this series continuing with another character, but I LOVE the entirely new world Ann created to fit Avia perfectly! Excited to read book 2!
This book was AMAZING!! I was worried about this series continuing with another character, but I LOVE the entirely new world Ann created to fit Avia perfectly! Excited to read book 2!
December 17, 2023
Just okay
After the intensity of the first 3 installment s in this series, depths was a bit if a bore to read. I devoured the first 3 in 4 days but this much shorter book took me over a week.
After the intensity of the first 3 installment s in this series, depths was a bit if a bore to read. I devoured the first 3 in 4 days but this much shorter book took me over a week.
April 14, 2022
To be honest i really prefered the earlier books. Avia is very childish. I hope to see her grow more in the next book.
February 9, 2024
excellent storyline
Love this storyline! Very unique which is hard to find anymore! Easy to read and kept me entertained the whole story through!
Love this storyline! Very unique which is hard to find anymore! Easy to read and kept me entertained the whole story through!
October 24, 2024
This is, imo, a spinoff of the first three books, because we are now following Avia.
And boy are things different! A whole new world, under the ocean.
And boy are things different! A whole new world, under the ocean.
January 21, 2022
My favorite so far. Arguably the best in the series (again, so far). Can't wait for the next ones (Random thought: I really hope Corinna gets her own books). I love Avia and her knights so much (Felipe, I SEE YOU)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews