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Twilight Lake #1
The Dark, Dead, Deep
In the Night Court, in the Unseelie Kingdom, there sits a lake made of twilight.
Where the air is full with songs of mourning for a lost queen.
Five factions of water Fae caught in a decades-long feud,
War under the waves has taken too many lives.
Once a year, during the summer season, where frost peppers the sand on the edge of the lake,
Our families join on land to complete a bargain.
When fated mates find each other, across the divide of war, the fighting shall end.
Each of us in succession for the throne. Five princes, and one princess.
Our families can not know that we are not true mates.
We just want the war to end.
If they find out the truth, we risk losing everything.
The Dead, Dark, Deep is a Fae romance set in Aos Si (Land of the Fae). It is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. This is a reverse harem romance and a slow burn.
Where the air is full with songs of mourning for a lost queen.
Five factions of water Fae caught in a decades-long feud,
War under the waves has taken too many lives.
Once a year, during the summer season, where frost peppers the sand on the edge of the lake,
Our families join on land to complete a bargain.
When fated mates find each other, across the divide of war, the fighting shall end.
Each of us in succession for the throne. Five princes, and one princess.
Our families can not know that we are not true mates.
We just want the war to end.
If they find out the truth, we risk losing everything.
The Dead, Dark, Deep is a Fae romance set in Aos Si (Land of the Fae). It is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. This is a reverse harem romance and a slow burn.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2022
367 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Michaela Haze
36 books185 followersMichaela Haze is a dog lover, mum of two, and a writer of paranormal, urban fantasy romance. In her spare time, she eats copious amounts of Japanese food.
Instagram: @michaelahaze
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theofficialmichaelahaze
Twitter: @michaelahaze
Website: www.michaelahaze.com
Instagram: @michaelahaze
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theofficialmichaelahaze
Twitter: @michaelahaze
Website: www.michaelahaze.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 27, 2022
Ok, seriously, where has Michaela Haze been all of my life? I found this author last year and was sucked into her stories like crazy. They are dark, a wee bit twisted, and just so freaking delicious. The author states that The Dark, Dead, Deep is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet and yup... I totally got those vibes while reading it. It is super slow burn, but it makes the anticipation so heady that you cannot help but be engulfed in this world and story.
I am a huge fan of reverse harem and also paranormal books, so while this is already my catnip, I really enjoyed learning about this strange new world that is Twilight Lake. The author gives you just enough details that you can imagine what is going on, but not enough to restrict your view of it. I am utterly fascinated and cannot wait for me.
Then, the characters!!! Oh my gosh, Maeve is a mixture of utterly naïve and surprisingly strong. After being locked up for the world, when she is thrust into a savage situation, she really gets her footing and I am ALL FOR IT! The 4 "princes" all have their endearing and less than endearing qualities and I cannot wait to see how they all learn and grow.
All in all, I freaking loved this book and am so sad that the next book won't be out until next year, but I guess I just need to learn to have some patience. If you like slow burn reverse harem with a super cool spin to it, you should definitely check out this book! I can't wait to see what comes next in Maeve's journey!
I am a huge fan of reverse harem and also paranormal books, so while this is already my catnip, I really enjoyed learning about this strange new world that is Twilight Lake. The author gives you just enough details that you can imagine what is going on, but not enough to restrict your view of it. I am utterly fascinated and cannot wait for me.
Then, the characters!!! Oh my gosh, Maeve is a mixture of utterly naïve and surprisingly strong. After being locked up for the world, when she is thrust into a savage situation, she really gets her footing and I am ALL FOR IT! The 4 "princes" all have their endearing and less than endearing qualities and I cannot wait to see how they all learn and grow.
All in all, I freaking loved this book and am so sad that the next book won't be out until next year, but I guess I just need to learn to have some patience. If you like slow burn reverse harem with a super cool spin to it, you should definitely check out this book! I can't wait to see what comes next in Maeve's journey!
June 24, 2023
Magical Majority
I hate it when the author says the same thing 50 times. In the case, the term magical majority.
Spoiler
Second, these people killed your best friends and the MC lusts after them. There are lines you never cross. I don’t care how hot the men are, you kill my family and it’s game over. Not open legs and blow jobs.
I hate it when the author says the same thing 50 times. In the case, the term magical majority.
Spoiler
Second, these people killed your best friends and the MC lusts after them. There are lines you never cross. I don’t care how hot the men are, you kill my family and it’s game over. Not open legs and blow jobs.
July 15, 2022
I tried
A bit concerning this one, the fact that she's a "child" and hasn't reached her majority is pressed upon a lot. Then we are hit with smut and M/M that she's part of.... It was cringe and skip.
The plot is wishy washy not much happens. But I reckon having to bear witness to all ones peers killed would have a stronger reaction. The characters are one dimensional, the world build is spotty at best. Suffice to say I'm not invested in what happens next.
A bit concerning this one, the fact that she's a "child" and hasn't reached her majority is pressed upon a lot. Then we are hit with smut and M/M that she's part of.... It was cringe and skip.
The plot is wishy washy not much happens. But I reckon having to bear witness to all ones peers killed would have a stronger reaction. The characters are one dimensional, the world build is spotty at best. Suffice to say I'm not invested in what happens next.
October 15, 2023
It’s certainly strange….weird. I don’t know what to think. 1-15% in so far.
No change povs. The main characters and friends are suppose to be adults but again act like 8-12 year olds. Why are authors doing this. Write real and just add paranormal twist into.
Holy cow, what’s this?! At 78% in finally one of the MMC pov!! Boooooo only lasted for 1 measly chapter. I also kept thinking this was going to get dark but never happened.
1.5 stars….
No change povs. The main characters and friends are suppose to be adults but again act like 8-12 year olds. Why are authors doing this. Write real and just add paranormal twist into.
Holy cow, what’s this?! At 78% in finally one of the MMC pov!! Boooooo only lasted for 1 measly chapter. I also kept thinking this was going to get dark but never happened.
1.5 stars….
April 30, 2024
War, huh, what is it good for?
Ok, so this just bounces back and forth like the wave feature on a public pool. Everything is from Maeve's POV and her mind is constantly changing. The family history is heavy. You know who the bad guy is very quickly, but that doesn't mean the other characters aren't equally horrible. Pretty much ever says or does something horrible to another. Maeve sort of floats through the story with things happening to and around her. Not much of it is good. She is poisoned, held captive, released without her memory, hunted on sacred grounds and sees her best friend and cousin by marriage killed, taken captive again, dragged about on land, nearly r*ped, dragged to a couple different kingdoms, told she's going to be married off by her captors, nearly killed by a captor's family member, and then the story ends. She fights back but never at the right times. She doesn't plan an escape. She just sort of...exists while all these things are happening. And there's zero world building. An entire world under the water, 5 distinct species, life adapted to under the water, and none of it is delved into. One very brief mention of hot springs used to boil food but some of the foods mentioned...how would they cook that? How would the basis for them even exist, what grain substitute would they use? What would be the sweetener? How would the salt of the lake effect everything? Clothes, jewelry, hair styles, serving dishes, silverware, housing, how do these things exist, and why? Why would the underwater world be like the on land world if they don't even know what humans are? Why not create a whole new way of doing things? It lacks imagination. The characters don't develop, either. Three things build a story: world building, character development, and a gripping plot. A good story has 1 or 2, a great story had all 3. This had barely one of those- the shaky and mostly ignored plot of the war.
Ok, so this just bounces back and forth like the wave feature on a public pool. Everything is from Maeve's POV and her mind is constantly changing. The family history is heavy. You know who the bad guy is very quickly, but that doesn't mean the other characters aren't equally horrible. Pretty much ever says or does something horrible to another. Maeve sort of floats through the story with things happening to and around her. Not much of it is good. She is poisoned, held captive, released without her memory, hunted on sacred grounds and sees her best friend and cousin by marriage killed, taken captive again, dragged about on land, nearly r*ped, dragged to a couple different kingdoms, told she's going to be married off by her captors, nearly killed by a captor's family member, and then the story ends. She fights back but never at the right times. She doesn't plan an escape. She just sort of...exists while all these things are happening. And there's zero world building. An entire world under the water, 5 distinct species, life adapted to under the water, and none of it is delved into. One very brief mention of hot springs used to boil food but some of the foods mentioned...how would they cook that? How would the basis for them even exist, what grain substitute would they use? What would be the sweetener? How would the salt of the lake effect everything? Clothes, jewelry, hair styles, serving dishes, silverware, housing, how do these things exist, and why? Why would the underwater world be like the on land world if they don't even know what humans are? Why not create a whole new way of doing things? It lacks imagination. The characters don't develop, either. Three things build a story: world building, character development, and a gripping plot. A good story has 1 or 2, a great story had all 3. This had barely one of those- the shaky and mostly ignored plot of the war.
April 29, 2024
I'm not sure why I haven't read this sooner? Reverse harem, warring kingdoms, fated mates, and they all have powers? How has this not been recommended. Spoilers ahead.
Characters:
Alright, I will start with how I wish we had a main female character that either was strong and well skilled in this instance. Naive behavior coupled with ego and a smart mouth can grate my nerves.
She is either powerful and strong or the victim do I need to skip to book 3 for her to have a spine?
Guys:
I want to know more. I think we scratch the surface with each of their characters right now and I'm hoping for a more in depth look going forward. Also can we take a step back and ask what the hell was that sex scene? She is a virgin who wants to wait for her fated mate so bad she makes a big romantic speech about it. And in all of 5 seconds she gives it up to two different men.? Not slut shaming just asking about this flaring plot hole.
Plot:
It's a war and an angry ocean I am down for it. We shall see where we go!
Characters:
Alright, I will start with how I wish we had a main female character that either was strong and well skilled in this instance. Naive behavior coupled with ego and a smart mouth can grate my nerves.
She is either powerful and strong or the victim do I need to skip to book 3 for her to have a spine?
Guys:
I want to know more. I think we scratch the surface with each of their characters right now and I'm hoping for a more in depth look going forward. Also can we take a step back and ask what the hell was that sex scene? She is a virgin who wants to wait for her fated mate so bad she makes a big romantic speech about it. And in all of 5 seconds she gives it up to two different men.? Not slut shaming just asking about this flaring plot hole.
Plot:
It's a war and an angry ocean I am down for it. We shall see where we go!
January 30, 2023
I really enjoyed the plot but felt it could have been paced out better.
The main character was somewhat dislikeable , and I found myself constantly asking why would you do or say that or often what about your friends there was a huge chunk of the book after her best friends were killed where she didn't mention them and just went along with the killers.
Then the one spicy scene happened so randomly after the whole book the fmc stated she would only sleep with her "shíorghrá" (fated mate ) the foreshadowing is obvious all four males are her mated but she doesn't know it so how quickly she jumped into bed with two of them was somewhat off putting.
Then the ending happened extremely quickly and seemingly randomly just to create a cliffhangerr into the second book.
Ultimately the plot was unique enough, and the writing was good enough for me to want to read the second book.
The main character was somewhat dislikeable , and I found myself constantly asking why would you do or say that or often what about your friends there was a huge chunk of the book after her best friends were killed where she didn't mention them and just went along with the killers.
Then the one spicy scene happened so randomly after the whole book the fmc stated she would only sleep with her "shíorghrá" (fated mate ) the foreshadowing is obvious all four males are her mated but she doesn't know it so how quickly she jumped into bed with two of them was somewhat off putting.
Then the ending happened extremely quickly and seemingly randomly just to create a cliffhangerr into the second book.
Ultimately the plot was unique enough, and the writing was good enough for me to want to read the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
February 20, 2023Haze pulls me into her universes every time! I love the world she created and I have so many questions to be answered. The daughter of the Mad queen, Maeve has been treated like a ticking time bomb hee entire life. Expected to show madness like her mother's she's manipulated and misused for her inherent powers. I loved her sass and strength immediately.
On her journey to the magical place where she'll reach majority and find her true mate things take an unexpected turn..I love the way Haze makes each member of the RH so unique and yet equally powerful.
The secrets revealed and Maeves journey to self realization will keep you turning the pages.
On her journey to the magical place where she'll reach majority and find her true mate things take an unexpected turn..I love the way Haze makes each member of the RH so unique and yet equally powerful.
The secrets revealed and Maeves journey to self realization will keep you turning the pages.
June 26, 2023
The world building is kind of chaotic. I still feel really confused about the world Michaela Haze has written. I can't decide if I like Maeve, or if she annoys me. I should have more sympathy for her, but she kind of grates my nerves. I didn't connect with her mates, but I don't want to give up. This is the first underwater fantasy book I have read and am intrigued.
August 17, 2023
Love This!!
I’m inhaled this book so fast, I couldn’t put it down!! It’s so good!! Maeve is water fae who is left ignorant by those around her. Still wishing to come into her magical majority and find her true mate, she finds herself thrust in the middle of a war between all of the different creeds. Four royal princes capture her as they try to figure things out. So good!
I’m inhaled this book so fast, I couldn’t put it down!! It’s so good!! Maeve is water fae who is left ignorant by those around her. Still wishing to come into her magical majority and find her true mate, she finds herself thrust in the middle of a war between all of the different creeds. Four royal princes capture her as they try to figure things out. So good!
March 2, 2024
compelling read
Excellent start to this mer series with a strong FMC battling at every turn, those who want to constantly control her. Mix of MMCs - a trickster, a coward, a player and the expected arrogant alpha. Throw in the families vying for power and it makes for a great storyline. Highly recommend. 5 star read.
Excellent start to this mer series with a strong FMC battling at every turn, those who want to constantly control her. Mix of MMCs - a trickster, a coward, a player and the expected arrogant alpha. Throw in the families vying for power and it makes for a great storyline. Highly recommend. 5 star read.
May 16, 2024
A tale with fascinating world-building and four princes who are as gorgeous as they are infuriating.
📖 Mostly Single POV, first person, past tense
✨ Synopsis:
Maeve is the rightful queen of the Undine Court, but her uncle has taken the throne. The five fae courts of Twilight Lake have been at war for far too long. During her migration, the Undine rite of passage, Maeve is left for dead and rescued/kidnapped by four princes from enemy courts. To end the war, they declare Maeve their fated mate. But the deception can only last so long.
✨ Review:
This is one of those stories that you can tell will be a long, epic tale (there are three books out now and book four comes next year), and every moment is captivating. It’s rich with Irish mythology, and I am obsessed with the intricate details.
Maeve is an interesting character. While inherently selfish, you can’t help but feel for her given her mistreatment courtesy of her uncle, her willingness to stick her neck out for causes she believes in, and her special gifts with water. She’s attuned to the lake yet blind to matters of the heart. She’s spent her whole life being used, so understandably she doesn’t trust the four princes (a Selkie, a Kelpie, a Merman, and a Nymph), particularly when the line between captive and co-conspirator is razor thin.
There’s chemistry with each of the princes, some more than others, and it’s fun to witness while Maeve remains oblivious. The spice occurs late in the book but is lovely.
Book one ends in one hell of a cliffy that has me itching to dive into book two.
Overall Rating: 🥭🥭🥭🥭.5
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
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📖 Mostly Single POV, first person, past tense
✨ Synopsis:
Maeve is the rightful queen of the Undine Court, but her uncle has taken the throne. The five fae courts of Twilight Lake have been at war for far too long. During her migration, the Undine rite of passage, Maeve is left for dead and rescued/kidnapped by four princes from enemy courts. To end the war, they declare Maeve their fated mate. But the deception can only last so long.
✨ Review:
This is one of those stories that you can tell will be a long, epic tale (there are three books out now and book four comes next year), and every moment is captivating. It’s rich with Irish mythology, and I am obsessed with the intricate details.
Maeve is an interesting character. While inherently selfish, you can’t help but feel for her given her mistreatment courtesy of her uncle, her willingness to stick her neck out for causes she believes in, and her special gifts with water. She’s attuned to the lake yet blind to matters of the heart. She’s spent her whole life being used, so understandably she doesn’t trust the four princes (a Selkie, a Kelpie, a Merman, and a Nymph), particularly when the line between captive and co-conspirator is razor thin.
There’s chemistry with each of the princes, some more than others, and it’s fun to witness while Maeve remains oblivious. The spice occurs late in the book but is lovely.
Book one ends in one hell of a cliffy that has me itching to dive into book two.
Overall Rating: 🥭🥭🥭🥭.5
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
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August 14, 2024
Just finished 1-3, and in my opinion the series is great! The only issue is that there are several grammar and spelling mistakes throughout and I think the second book could have used a bit more editing.
However, I really love the plot, the characters and the development. I am very excited for the last book.
However, I really love the plot, the characters and the development. I am very excited for the last book.
August 25, 2024
This was better than the other Mer/ sea/ lake people books that I have read, but it's still not great. The world building is not strong, and the characters are not memorable. The plot is also barely there. There is potential, but it hasn't quite been reached here. Nice to see a fantasy society book with no humans, though.
August 13, 2022
I liked it!
This was a pretty enjoyable read for me. I liked the build up. I’m excited for the next book. I can’t wait to see how Maeve and the guys grow and set the lake to rights.
This was a pretty enjoyable read for me. I liked the build up. I’m excited for the next book. I can’t wait to see how Maeve and the guys grow and set the lake to rights.
July 23, 2022
Good book
This is a good book with an original plot with cute quips and interesting characters can't wait for the next one
This is a good book with an original plot with cute quips and interesting characters can't wait for the next one
November 2, 2022
Loved it
A captivating and emotional story. That ending was cruel, yes it's a cliffhanger. I need more, I need to know what happened.
A captivating and emotional story. That ending was cruel, yes it's a cliffhanger. I need more, I need to know what happened.
May 18, 2023
Very interesting
I was a huge fan of the story. The characters are easy to like and the story is one that isn’t very common. I will definitely be reading the the next book.
I was a huge fan of the story. The characters are easy to like and the story is one that isn’t very common. I will definitely be reading the the next book.
September 19, 2023
Infuriating. The FMC is about as intelligent as a glass of milk.
September 26, 2023
Loved the world building. I understand that romance was not the main goal of this book, but it was lacking in chemistry
April 25, 2024
Really good but still don't know if Ondine had leggs or tail
August 6, 2024
idk why but I just DNF and didnt like it.
January 30, 2025
Very different world. Struggled at first to grasp that world but loved the story and the characters.
June 4, 2025
my godddd so underrated, becoming one of my fav RH series. Just finished book 2 and can say TEARS were shed. also loved the writing in this muah 🤌🏽
June 13, 2025
DNF…. I’m pretty good at keeping up with world building but none of this made sense. It was just a whole bunch of words thrown together. It had so much potential.
August 3, 2025
Love. Love. Love. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, even though it took me a little longer to finish it. Love Maeve and how sassy she is. With that ending I need to start book 2 asap!!!
September 25, 2025
I have several issues with this but first of all why is it changing to third pov when it's the male leads pov?? that's so stupid
July 9, 2022
MM
They treated her like garbage. Killed her only friends. Starved her and locked her in iron dungeons. Then 2 of them screwed in front of her. I won't be continuing the story. The MM was as unexpected as it was disgusting. A warning would've been nice.
Also, why is the woman on the cover a mermaid when the MFC doesn't have a mermaid tail? She has legs with webbed feet. The cover is misleading.
They treated her like garbage. Killed her only friends. Starved her and locked her in iron dungeons. Then 2 of them screwed in front of her. I won't be continuing the story. The MM was as unexpected as it was disgusting. A warning would've been nice.
Also, why is the woman on the cover a mermaid when the MFC doesn't have a mermaid tail? She has legs with webbed feet. The cover is misleading.
September 5, 2022
Oh man did I enjoy this. This was a great time and since reading it, I keep recommending it so bumping up to a five star. I’m so excited for the sequel to come out.
Spicy but a very slow burn. Worth the wait.
Spicy but a very slow burn. Worth the wait.
Want to read
November 17, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/9/2022)! 🎁
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews