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Beyond the God Sea #1
Beyond the God Sea: Betrothed
No man may touch Zaria. Not even her own father.
Envy of the other girls, Zaria was born for the sea. Nobody questions her fate as the chosen braenese to marry Keroe, God of the Sea -- least of all her.
And even if she did, she has no choice.
When Zaria’s wedding day finally arrives, she'll become the only islander of her generation permitted to cross into the God Sea. There’s nothing more she could possibly want.
Until a curious boy washes up on her palm-fringed paradise and Zaria defies sacred law to hide the unconscious stranger.
There are only two possibilities with his strange (and strangely handsome) face: he’s either a village anomaly or the Sea God himself, in disguise. The alluring boy-creature couldn’t have come from anywhere else, because there is no other land in all the ocean.
But when the scoundrel awakens, he has the gall to ambush Zaria.
As three pageants leading up to her wedding turn unexpectedly deadly, and the enigma of its true purpose looms, Zaria is torn between her long-desired fate as Sea Queen and the infuriating boy who tells her that everything her people know is a lie.
********
Please be advised: In this dystopian series the protagonist grows in a manner similar to characters such as Sansa Stark. She begins as sheltered/naive and does not become a strategist until Book II when the story darkens and matures. There is no spice/adult content until Book III.
Book I is Mid-Range YA.
Book II is Dark/Mature YA better suited to older teen readers.
Book III is New Adult and contains mature content.
**Winner of Independent Book Review's "The Best Books We Read This Year (2021)"**
Envy of the other girls, Zaria was born for the sea. Nobody questions her fate as the chosen braenese to marry Keroe, God of the Sea -- least of all her.
And even if she did, she has no choice.
When Zaria’s wedding day finally arrives, she'll become the only islander of her generation permitted to cross into the God Sea. There’s nothing more she could possibly want.
Until a curious boy washes up on her palm-fringed paradise and Zaria defies sacred law to hide the unconscious stranger.
There are only two possibilities with his strange (and strangely handsome) face: he’s either a village anomaly or the Sea God himself, in disguise. The alluring boy-creature couldn’t have come from anywhere else, because there is no other land in all the ocean.
But when the scoundrel awakens, he has the gall to ambush Zaria.
As three pageants leading up to her wedding turn unexpectedly deadly, and the enigma of its true purpose looms, Zaria is torn between her long-desired fate as Sea Queen and the infuriating boy who tells her that everything her people know is a lie.
********
Please be advised: In this dystopian series the protagonist grows in a manner similar to characters such as Sansa Stark. She begins as sheltered/naive and does not become a strategist until Book II when the story darkens and matures. There is no spice/adult content until Book III.
Book I is Mid-Range YA.
Book II is Dark/Mature YA better suited to older teen readers.
Book III is New Adult and contains mature content.
**Winner of Independent Book Review's "The Best Books We Read This Year (2021)"**
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2022
356 people are currently reading
5264 people want to read
About the author
Elora Morgan
5 books134 followersElora spends her free time pursuing fantasy. Nothing engages her mind like a fantastical new world -- except when that world contains lovers who initially despise one another. She reads and writes these angst-filled pairings from the East Coast of the U.S.
YA/NA ROMANCE | SCI-FI/FANTASY | ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@eloramorgan
Instagram: www.instagram.com/boundandcrowned
YA/NA ROMANCE | SCI-FI/FANTASY | ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@eloramorgan
Instagram: www.instagram.com/boundandcrowned
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October 4, 2022In case you're wondering what to expect from this series, I hope I can answer that question here.
Broadly, the Beyond the God Sea trilogy matures along with the protagonist. Book I is Young YA. Book II is Dark/Mature YA better suited to older teen readers. Book III is New Adult.
I hope it's a satisfying, action-packed story with lots of twists and turns, but it's a bit untraditional. The romance (and spice) increases in each book. Sometimes, it's a little dark, but the focus is more on the angst, tension, and banter. (I don't want to disappoint anyone *looking* for spice in the first two books.) There are enemies-to-lovers, bully romance, and arranged marriage tropes.
The dystopian society in the first book deals with issues such as purity culture, homophobia, and control through religious beliefs. However, there isn't any content beyond the Young Adult genre. Book II is darker and more mature. Book III includes spicy, new adult content. If you have any specific trigger questions not covered here or in the blurbs, please do not hesitate to message me!
Thank you for considering reading Beyond the God Sea and I hope you enjoy it. (And maybe find a new book boyfriend... or two.)
Broadly, the Beyond the God Sea trilogy matures along with the protagonist. Book I is Young YA. Book II is Dark/Mature YA better suited to older teen readers. Book III is New Adult.
I hope it's a satisfying, action-packed story with lots of twists and turns, but it's a bit untraditional. The romance (and spice) increases in each book. Sometimes, it's a little dark, but the focus is more on the angst, tension, and banter. (I don't want to disappoint anyone *looking* for spice in the first two books.) There are enemies-to-lovers, bully romance, and arranged marriage tropes.
The dystopian society in the first book deals with issues such as purity culture, homophobia, and control through religious beliefs. However, there isn't any content beyond the Young Adult genre. Book II is darker and more mature. Book III includes spicy, new adult content. If you have any specific trigger questions not covered here or in the blurbs, please do not hesitate to message me!
Thank you for considering reading Beyond the God Sea and I hope you enjoy it. (And maybe find a new book boyfriend... or two.)
January 2, 2023
One reason to read Beyond the God Sea:
1) If I'd read this book at 13 or 14, I'd have said it's nothing special but it's fine. Being older than that, I struggled getting through it. A couple of small, intriguing mystery elements appear early on, though, and were enough to keep me reading.
Nine drawbacks to Beyond the God Sea:
1) The answers to the mystery are terrible. The goat/Zaria killing plot was never going to get the desired results. The boat of offerings cannot possibly contain enough to cover the cost of round the clock protection for a whole island. And too many people are in on the conspiracy for everyone else to be so clueless. I cannot see what purpose the deceit serves that the truth couldn't manage. It's convoluted and illogical.
2) The withholding of information is an annoying recurrence in this book. The conspiracy, Danaire, Tomé, the mother, etc. they all share information then refuse to say more. For it to happen once is fine, but it's constant.
3) There is an over-abundance of sea-related similes and the frequent repetition of "a fish flopped in my gut."
4) The worldbuilding is simplistic, and instead of using that to its advantage, it adds nothing to the story. We're told about clans and slavery and war, but it's background information with no emotion attached to it.
5) Nothing happens for the majority of the book, and a lot of what does happen or information that is shared is repetitive, like Kirwyn's backstory.
6) Everything from the synopsis to the book cover, and even the first 1/2 to 3/4 of the book, gives the impression this is fantasy. It isn't. It's dystopian. And the transition is neither smooth enough nor clever enough to make up for that broken promise.
7) The characters lack depth, which is especially disappointing because the perspective of someone breaking free of a religious cult would have been fascinating if done well. Zaria is painfully naive and stubborn about her beliefs, but she isn't smart about it or convincing to us readers. She is not written in a way that makes me like her.
8) I was lured to this book by the author's promise that the love interest is like Rick O'Connell from The Mummy. He doesn't even come close. He's violent and disrespectful unless he gets his way, and he has no chemistry with Zaria. He tries to be interesting but isn't.
9) The dialogue feels like something out of an early 2000s high school movie.
1) If I'd read this book at 13 or 14, I'd have said it's nothing special but it's fine. Being older than that, I struggled getting through it. A couple of small, intriguing mystery elements appear early on, though, and were enough to keep me reading.
Nine drawbacks to Beyond the God Sea:
1) The answers to the mystery are terrible. The goat/Zaria killing plot was never going to get the desired results. The boat of offerings cannot possibly contain enough to cover the cost of round the clock protection for a whole island. And too many people are in on the conspiracy for everyone else to be so clueless. I cannot see what purpose the deceit serves that the truth couldn't manage. It's convoluted and illogical.
2) The withholding of information is an annoying recurrence in this book. The conspiracy, Danaire, Tomé, the mother, etc. they all share information then refuse to say more. For it to happen once is fine, but it's constant.
3) There is an over-abundance of sea-related similes and the frequent repetition of "a fish flopped in my gut."
4) The worldbuilding is simplistic, and instead of using that to its advantage, it adds nothing to the story. We're told about clans and slavery and war, but it's background information with no emotion attached to it.
5) Nothing happens for the majority of the book, and a lot of what does happen or information that is shared is repetitive, like Kirwyn's backstory.
6) Everything from the synopsis to the book cover, and even the first 1/2 to 3/4 of the book, gives the impression this is fantasy. It isn't. It's dystopian. And the transition is neither smooth enough nor clever enough to make up for that broken promise.
7) The characters lack depth, which is especially disappointing because the perspective of someone breaking free of a religious cult would have been fascinating if done well. Zaria is painfully naive and stubborn about her beliefs, but she isn't smart about it or convincing to us readers. She is not written in a way that makes me like her.
8) I was lured to this book by the author's promise that the love interest is like Rick O'Connell from The Mummy. He doesn't even come close. He's violent and disrespectful unless he gets his way, and he has no chemistry with Zaria. He tries to be interesting but isn't.
9) The dialogue feels like something out of an early 2000s high school movie.
May 22, 2023
Don't be discouraged by the 2012-esque cover- this book is pretty great for true YA lovers.
Everyone who's giving a bad review seems to be attributing their poor opinion of the book to the fact that the main character, Zaria, is naive throughout this novel.
I don't think this story would make sense if Zaria wasn't at least a bit naive. I mean, she's been told, along with her entire island, lies all her life. It's literally in the blurb. She acts juvenile because she is quite literally a teenager. It's part of her growth as a character for her to realize how much she's taken for granted. I'm halfway through the second book in this series as I write this, and I can say that she doesn't stay naive. Her growth takes a natural pace, and she has a lot of learning to do, but it's realistic. How many of us would just know everything and be good at everything without first making mistakes? Especially as teenagers?
Idk. I feel this way because there's this other book I'm reading (not by this author) in which the main character is basically perfect, can't do anything wrong, everyone is constantly in awe of her, and it's just...weird. I can't get into it. So this series is so refreshing. I want to read about characters who have serious faults but grow from them, and this series delivers.
Now, I can see how this book might not appeal to those who don't genuinely enjoy YA stories, or who only tolerate reading upper-YA books. This book is so YA that even the kissing scenes are fade-to-black...so yeah, I get it, but I also don't think this book ever pretends to be anything other than YA. As Zaria matures, so do her experiences, which -as far as I can tell- will be reflected gradually over the series as each book handles more mature topics. Book 2, for instance, is already much darker than Book 1, but also handles in more detail adult topics. So I think this series is most suitable for readers who enjoy everything from YA to upper NA-Adult, and who enjoy the slow-burn in every sense. Personally, so far, I'm loving it.
This book in particular gave me heavy Little Mermaid vibes. Just like Ariel, Zaria has to learn to become less trusting and more of an independent thinker- luckily she has the courage and the heart to take a chance and break the mold in order to get there.
I'm also intrigued by the dystopia/fantasy setting. Though it takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, the story gives off more of a fantasy vibe in the sense that it doesn't feel like the world these characters live in is anything much like our own. There's some modern technology (so far) but it's pretty low-key.
It's worth noting that the plot moves pretty slowly in book 1 and is heavily romance-focused.
Overall, this first installment sets up a good foundation for the rest of the series, which gradually gets more plot-heavy and mature. I'd recommend not to be dissuaded by low-star reviews and read it for yourself, if you enjoy YA and watching character growth over the course of multiple books.
Everyone who's giving a bad review seems to be attributing their poor opinion of the book to the fact that the main character, Zaria, is naive throughout this novel.
I don't think this story would make sense if Zaria wasn't at least a bit naive. I mean, she's been told, along with her entire island, lies all her life. It's literally in the blurb. She acts juvenile because she is quite literally a teenager. It's part of her growth as a character for her to realize how much she's taken for granted. I'm halfway through the second book in this series as I write this, and I can say that she doesn't stay naive. Her growth takes a natural pace, and she has a lot of learning to do, but it's realistic. How many of us would just know everything and be good at everything without first making mistakes? Especially as teenagers?
Idk. I feel this way because there's this other book I'm reading (not by this author) in which the main character is basically perfect, can't do anything wrong, everyone is constantly in awe of her, and it's just...weird. I can't get into it. So this series is so refreshing. I want to read about characters who have serious faults but grow from them, and this series delivers.
Now, I can see how this book might not appeal to those who don't genuinely enjoy YA stories, or who only tolerate reading upper-YA books. This book is so YA that even the kissing scenes are fade-to-black...so yeah, I get it, but I also don't think this book ever pretends to be anything other than YA. As Zaria matures, so do her experiences, which -as far as I can tell- will be reflected gradually over the series as each book handles more mature topics. Book 2, for instance, is already much darker than Book 1, but also handles in more detail adult topics. So I think this series is most suitable for readers who enjoy everything from YA to upper NA-Adult, and who enjoy the slow-burn in every sense. Personally, so far, I'm loving it.
This book in particular gave me heavy Little Mermaid vibes. Just like Ariel, Zaria has to learn to become less trusting and more of an independent thinker- luckily she has the courage and the heart to take a chance and break the mold in order to get there.
I'm also intrigued by the dystopia/fantasy setting. Though it takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, the story gives off more of a fantasy vibe in the sense that it doesn't feel like the world these characters live in is anything much like our own. There's some modern technology (so far) but it's pretty low-key.
It's worth noting that the plot moves pretty slowly in book 1 and is heavily romance-focused.
Overall, this first installment sets up a good foundation for the rest of the series, which gradually gets more plot-heavy and mature. I'd recommend not to be dissuaded by low-star reviews and read it for yourself, if you enjoy YA and watching character growth over the course of multiple books.
January 3, 2023
2 hours of my life I’ll never get back.
December 29, 2022
I wanted to like it, but the main character was so painfully naive, it was hard to like her. And the love interest was so one dimensional and boring. This is the first book I've read in which I didn't want the first love interest to work out. There was just no chemistry there. I was kind of hoping he would die and then we would see the real relationship with someone else in book 2. The logic behind some of the people's decisions didn't really seem to make sense either. Some people seem to really this book so maybe it's just me, but I'm out, don't really care to move on to book 2. On a positive note, I did actually finish it. 2.5 stars.
August 2, 2022
I usually like YA books because I can then recommend them to my students, but this book was rather boring. It took everything to continue reading.
August 28, 2022
I’m a smut lover, we know this, but I don’t mind YA every so often, and this was such a good example of a good YA book!
I’ve read that the next two books mature further, along with our heroine and that makes me SO excited to keep reading.
It’s a quick and easy read along with it being an open door to what I imagine will be a great trilogy. 👏🏼👏🏼
I’ve read that the next two books mature further, along with our heroine and that makes me SO excited to keep reading.
It’s a quick and easy read along with it being an open door to what I imagine will be a great trilogy. 👏🏼👏🏼
August 31, 2023
5 stars!
“ No man may touch Zaria. Not even her own father.
Envy of the other girls, Zaria was born for the sea. Nobody questions her fate as the chosen braenese to marry Keroe, God of the Sea -- least of all her.
And even if she did, she has no choice.
When Zaria’s wedding day finally arrives, she'll become the only islander of her generation permitted to cross into the God Sea. There’s nothing more she could possibly want.
Until a curious boy washes up on her palm-fringed paradise and Zaria defies sacred law to hide the unconscious stranger.
There are only two possibilities with his strange (and strangely handsome) he’s either a village anomaly or the Sea God himself, in disguise. The alluring boy-creature couldn’t have come from anywhere else, because there is no other land in all the ocean.
But when the scoundrel awakens, he has the gall to ambush Zaria.
As three pageants leading up to her wedding turn unexpectedly deadly, and the enigma of its true purpose looms, Zaria is torn between her long-desired fate as Sea Queen and the infuriating boy who tells her that everything her people know is a lie.”
This book was crazy, And wasn’t what I expected, because it was much better than I had expected. 😁
Zaria was really… ignorant? but I am reading book 2 as I am writing this review. I am really loving Zaria/Kirwyn relationship and am hoping they get their happy ending 😭
“God help me, he saw it, I parted my sinner’s lips, willing. Kirwyn’s mouth claimed mine.”
“The sea goddess?” Kirwyn asked, mock-astounded. “Your my goddess.”
Thank you elora!
“ No man may touch Zaria. Not even her own father.
Envy of the other girls, Zaria was born for the sea. Nobody questions her fate as the chosen braenese to marry Keroe, God of the Sea -- least of all her.
And even if she did, she has no choice.
When Zaria’s wedding day finally arrives, she'll become the only islander of her generation permitted to cross into the God Sea. There’s nothing more she could possibly want.
Until a curious boy washes up on her palm-fringed paradise and Zaria defies sacred law to hide the unconscious stranger.
There are only two possibilities with his strange (and strangely handsome) he’s either a village anomaly or the Sea God himself, in disguise. The alluring boy-creature couldn’t have come from anywhere else, because there is no other land in all the ocean.
But when the scoundrel awakens, he has the gall to ambush Zaria.
As three pageants leading up to her wedding turn unexpectedly deadly, and the enigma of its true purpose looms, Zaria is torn between her long-desired fate as Sea Queen and the infuriating boy who tells her that everything her people know is a lie.”
This book was crazy, And wasn’t what I expected, because it was much better than I had expected. 😁
Zaria was really… ignorant? but I am reading book 2 as I am writing this review. I am really loving Zaria/Kirwyn relationship and am hoping they get their happy ending 😭
“God help me, he saw it, I parted my sinner’s lips, willing. Kirwyn’s mouth claimed mine.”
“The sea goddess?” Kirwyn asked, mock-astounded. “Your my goddess.”
Thank you elora!
November 22, 2022
Recieved Audible ARC
I have received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. Well I hate the virgin tropes I actually don’t think this one would revolve around that but more of like a purity trope. Which I actually really love purity tropes in a way because I love when the religion aspect of it gets absolutely demolished. While it hasn’t happened yet there’s already the lies that have been exposed and what thoughts would happen to become undone.
I enjoyed the book, loving the blooming romance and can’t wait to start the second book. I loved how the world she thought she knew has become unraveled.
I have received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. Well I hate the virgin tropes I actually don’t think this one would revolve around that but more of like a purity trope. Which I actually really love purity tropes in a way because I love when the religion aspect of it gets absolutely demolished. While it hasn’t happened yet there’s already the lies that have been exposed and what thoughts would happen to become undone.
I enjoyed the book, loving the blooming romance and can’t wait to start the second book. I loved how the world she thought she knew has become unraveled.
May 7, 2023
Dnf 12%
Nothing has happened and it’s like a really bad little mermaid idk
Girl is not allowed to be touched by any man until the sea god claims her - including her dad which is kinda icky bc it assumes all touch is sexual and not just affection.
Nothing has happened and it’s like a really bad little mermaid idk
Girl is not allowed to be touched by any man until the sea god claims her - including her dad which is kinda icky bc it assumes all touch is sexual and not just affection.
August 24, 2020
Amazing
Amazing, I loved this book so much. I couldn’t put it down and I hope you write a second one
Amazing, I loved this book so much. I couldn’t put it down and I hope you write a second one
December 4, 2021
So the beginning of this book did start a little slow and questionable for me as I don't usually read books without spice. But, I saw it so much on Tiktok I was horribly curious to read this one just to get to the second.
That being said I am so glad I waited it out and continued. This book was truly amazing. It took me by surprise and I actually didn't predict the "truth" and twist of the story before it happened. I was literally reading the last couple chapters of this book on the edge of my seat. There are characters I want to hug and ones I want to STAB WITH A RUSTY SPOON, but I won't leave spoilers behind.
Man, I love the characters in this book. All of them. The two leads and the cousin, even the annoying girl Lida. I just... I did not expect to love a YA novel so much. I am a smut girl all the way but I felt I needed a break and so I went for this book and I have to say, it is in my top three of my favorite books I have read this year, and that includes my most beloved romance books.
I do wish their time on the Lover's beach had been a little more... I don't know. More? But not in some weird detailed way, given it is YA. I just wasn't sure what had happened or if anything had happened at all and my brain was stuck on that for a while.
I am now going to go slowly die as I force myself to stay awake and read the second book because I need to know what the hell happens next.... but I have to say, after all the teasers on Tiktok and knowing she is trying to steal a key, I have a feeling I know why now. I hope I am right.
That being said I am so glad I waited it out and continued. This book was truly amazing. It took me by surprise and I actually didn't predict the "truth" and twist of the story before it happened. I was literally reading the last couple chapters of this book on the edge of my seat. There are characters I want to hug and ones I want to STAB WITH A RUSTY SPOON, but I won't leave spoilers behind.
Man, I love the characters in this book. All of them. The two leads and the cousin, even the annoying girl Lida. I just... I did not expect to love a YA novel so much. I am a smut girl all the way but I felt I needed a break and so I went for this book and I have to say, it is in my top three of my favorite books I have read this year, and that includes my most beloved romance books.
I do wish their time on the Lover's beach had been a little more... I don't know. More? But not in some weird detailed way, given it is YA. I just wasn't sure what had happened or if anything had happened at all and my brain was stuck on that for a while.
I am now going to go slowly die as I force myself to stay awake and read the second book because I need to know what the hell happens next.... but I have to say, after all the teasers on Tiktok and knowing she is trying to steal a key, I have a feeling I know why now. I hope I am right.
March 18, 2022
Beyond The God Sea
“Demon!”
He gave a mirthless chuckle. “I’ve been called worse.”
Rating: FIVE FREAKING SEASTARS
Romance: 10/10 Zaria and Kirwyn were so freaking cute
Emotional Breakdown: YES BECAUSE THAT FREAKING CLIFFHANGER AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO EXPECT IN BOOK TWO!! I AM DYING.
*SMACKS COUNTER* This right here ladies and gents is a masterpiece! I started reading it last night and I devoured it by 3 AM!!! I have been looking for a good book to get me out of my slump and this was it. It was like The Little Mermaid meets Moana meets ya romance. A perfect twist.
We have a freaking awesome island Princess aka braenese Zaria who is so freaking strong as a fmc. She’s speaks her mind, she takes no shit, and she does what she must no matter the consequences. Which we see most of these characteristics come out in her interactions with Kirwyn.
Kirwyn is literally a cocky mysterious version of Prince Eric minus the title LOL homeboy literally washes up on shore passed out and our island Princess saves his life. That had to be the funniest cutest scene I have ever read and you absolutely need to read it as well!
There dynamic was absolutely adorable and I love how their love story grew in this book. From being smacked in the face with a shoe to only being able to trust one another.
The world building is absolutely chefs kiss. I can’t wait to learn more of what’s outside of this island in the next book.
“Demon!”
He gave a mirthless chuckle. “I’ve been called worse.”
Rating: FIVE FREAKING SEASTARS
Romance: 10/10 Zaria and Kirwyn were so freaking cute
Emotional Breakdown: YES BECAUSE THAT FREAKING CLIFFHANGER AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO EXPECT IN BOOK TWO!! I AM DYING.
*SMACKS COUNTER* This right here ladies and gents is a masterpiece! I started reading it last night and I devoured it by 3 AM!!! I have been looking for a good book to get me out of my slump and this was it. It was like The Little Mermaid meets Moana meets ya romance. A perfect twist.
We have a freaking awesome island Princess aka braenese Zaria who is so freaking strong as a fmc. She’s speaks her mind, she takes no shit, and she does what she must no matter the consequences. Which we see most of these characteristics come out in her interactions with Kirwyn.
Kirwyn is literally a cocky mysterious version of Prince Eric minus the title LOL homeboy literally washes up on shore passed out and our island Princess saves his life. That had to be the funniest cutest scene I have ever read and you absolutely need to read it as well!
There dynamic was absolutely adorable and I love how their love story grew in this book. From being smacked in the face with a shoe to only being able to trust one another.
The world building is absolutely chefs kiss. I can’t wait to learn more of what’s outside of this island in the next book.
May 21, 2022
Wow! I'm not sure what I expected from this book, but I have to say I was certainly not disappointed!
On a secluded island, Zaria is prepared to become the bride of the sea god Keroe. But when she meets an unusually strange boy, everything Zaria thought she knew and believed is called into question.
The world is not what she thought. Nor is her future...
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! Zaria is a fantastic character, the setting is so unique, and the world-building is amazing. If you love romance, fantasy, and a hint of dystopia, you NEED to read this book!
I listened to the audiobook version, and the narration was great at capturing the voices of the characters. I am looking forward to the release of the next audiobook in the series!
On a secluded island, Zaria is prepared to become the bride of the sea god Keroe. But when she meets an unusually strange boy, everything Zaria thought she knew and believed is called into question.
The world is not what she thought. Nor is her future...
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! Zaria is a fantastic character, the setting is so unique, and the world-building is amazing. If you love romance, fantasy, and a hint of dystopia, you NEED to read this book!
I listened to the audiobook version, and the narration was great at capturing the voices of the characters. I am looking forward to the release of the next audiobook in the series!
April 29, 2021
Found Elora Morgan from tiktok! This book is wild, in a good way. It is very different than what I expected from the synopsis, it's like if the Little Mermaid and The Giver had a baby, it would be this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to book two!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 11, 2021Unfortunately, I had to DNF this one 😭 I really just couldn’t get into it, something about it felt incredibly juvenile and predictable - I’m sorry! I got 22% through and honestly felt like nothing had happened and I didn’t really care about any of the characters 🤷🏾♀️
October 20, 2021
2.5…finished bc I knew I wanted to read book 2 based on a trailer I saw online. So I forced myself to finish
January 21, 2023
DNF 30% in- it felt a little bit like little mermaid in the beginning but the FMC was super naïveté- to be fair, everyone was lying to her…but I wasn’t digging the book so I’m going to read another
November 1, 2025
2025 update: even better the second time around!!
March 20, 2024
I got ads for this that were interesting and ended up getting the trilogy on sale.
From the cover and description, and the book itself for the most part, this feels like a fantasy, but it is a dystopian, as stated, in that it's modeled after the real world sometime in a future where society has collapsed. The "fantasy" vibes hails from, what I suppose would be the strong religious beliefs of an isolated people who deliberately keep the populace from knowing the full extent of the world.
In that way, it has some similar vibes to the world in The Jewel (though without any sci-fi or fantasy elements), which also features a people who think their island is the only root of civilization and believe a history told to them by the ruling class intended to control them.
I was kept interested in the read and was actually a little caught off guard by the reveal in the climax; I was expecting it to be the case that the islanders really did believe in a sea god and human sacrifice, but I think the direction the author chose works out better because it changes the dynamic of Zaria's upbringing (which is a good catalyst for her development later) and opens up the plot possibilities for book #2 a little more.
I know the author wanted to soften the blow of the series by saying Zaria is intentionally naive and that this first installment is very YA, but it did still come across at times that things were a little too underdeveloped. Like, Kirwyn and Zaria are declaring love super quickly. I realize there was a bit of a deadline, what with this taking place in the like 30 days leading up to Zaria's wedding to the "sea god", but I think a slow burn of them developing a friendship and connection over a mutual need to escape the island could have worked out better in the long term and made for a stronger romance than Zaria falling for the first boy she can touch and speak with about serious, complicated things without worry or reservation.
There's an air of mystery and vagueness in this first installment that leaves a lot unanswered, so I'm curious enough about where things will go from here that I'll be trying the next book. So far, I'm interested and had a fun time, got through it easily. Here's to hoping book #2 lands.
From the cover and description, and the book itself for the most part, this feels like a fantasy, but it is a dystopian, as stated, in that it's modeled after the real world sometime in a future where society has collapsed. The "fantasy" vibes hails from, what I suppose would be the strong religious beliefs of an isolated people who deliberately keep the populace from knowing the full extent of the world.
In that way, it has some similar vibes to the world in The Jewel (though without any sci-fi or fantasy elements), which also features a people who think their island is the only root of civilization and believe a history told to them by the ruling class intended to control them.
I was kept interested in the read and was actually a little caught off guard by the reveal in the climax; I was expecting it to be the case that the islanders really did believe in a sea god and human sacrifice, but I think the direction the author chose works out better because it changes the dynamic of Zaria's upbringing (which is a good catalyst for her development later) and opens up the plot possibilities for book #2 a little more.
I know the author wanted to soften the blow of the series by saying Zaria is intentionally naive and that this first installment is very YA, but it did still come across at times that things were a little too underdeveloped. Like, Kirwyn and Zaria are declaring love super quickly. I realize there was a bit of a deadline, what with this taking place in the like 30 days leading up to Zaria's wedding to the "sea god", but I think a slow burn of them developing a friendship and connection over a mutual need to escape the island could have worked out better in the long term and made for a stronger romance than Zaria falling for the first boy she can touch and speak with about serious, complicated things without worry or reservation.
There's an air of mystery and vagueness in this first installment that leaves a lot unanswered, so I'm curious enough about where things will go from here that I'll be trying the next book. So far, I'm interested and had a fun time, got through it easily. Here's to hoping book #2 lands.
November 24, 2021
4.5 Stars
Where to begin... I picked up this book as a quick, easy read while studying. It's a story about a girl who has grown up on an isolated island as the promised bride-queen to their sea god. She has lived a sheltered life, denied physical contact from anyone of the opposite sex. While she struggles with it at times, there is no question in her mind surrounding the validity of the laws or her impending marriage. In fact, she embraces her destiny. Until a mysterious boy floats to her shores. Challenging her from the beginning, this mysterious outsider may be the key to her salvation or doom her entirely. Either way, her life and destiny has been forever altered.
Ok now that the summary is out of the way, let's dive in. This story is told from the point of view of a sheltered, young girl and is written as such. It is very YA, but it works! Let me tell you... when you get to Book 2, the light bulb comes on and everything starts to click into place. It is written in a manner that matches the growth and development of the heroine. As the main heroine matures, so does the writing style and the payoff is tenfold by the next book.
If you are a fan of dystopian, fantasy novels with mystery elements, answers that lead to more questions, beautiful world-building, escapism... Please, please PLEASE give Elora Morgan's Beyond the God Sea series a try. I promise, it is all worth it by book 2!
Where to begin... I picked up this book as a quick, easy read while studying. It's a story about a girl who has grown up on an isolated island as the promised bride-queen to their sea god. She has lived a sheltered life, denied physical contact from anyone of the opposite sex. While she struggles with it at times, there is no question in her mind surrounding the validity of the laws or her impending marriage. In fact, she embraces her destiny. Until a mysterious boy floats to her shores. Challenging her from the beginning, this mysterious outsider may be the key to her salvation or doom her entirely. Either way, her life and destiny has been forever altered.
Ok now that the summary is out of the way, let's dive in. This story is told from the point of view of a sheltered, young girl and is written as such. It is very YA, but it works! Let me tell you... when you get to Book 2, the light bulb comes on and everything starts to click into place. It is written in a manner that matches the growth and development of the heroine. As the main heroine matures, so does the writing style and the payoff is tenfold by the next book.
If you are a fan of dystopian, fantasy novels with mystery elements, answers that lead to more questions, beautiful world-building, escapism... Please, please PLEASE give Elora Morgan's Beyond the God Sea series a try. I promise, it is all worth it by book 2!
April 3, 2022
…a great story that falls among many genres
I had a good time reading this book and I am already moving onto book two of this trilogy. Morgan has done a wonderful job of creating a fantastical-dystopian world, with intriguing characters, and a fast-paced plot that keeps you engaged. I was turning the pages with eager curiosity.
IMO, this story is a perfectly placed YA book. Nothing explicit. Which for me, PERSONALLY, is a bit too PG seeing as I lean more towards dark, taboo romances… But the author still manages to get the tensions thick with romance, mystery, and action.
I am curious to see where this story leads… as book one is less about the enemy-to-lovers trope and more of a—gentle love story...
I recommend this book. But I will preface that it’s YA Fantasy at its core. The dystopian and Sci-Fi elements are a peripheral component to the overall story.
I had a good time reading this book and I am already moving onto book two of this trilogy. Morgan has done a wonderful job of creating a fantastical-dystopian world, with intriguing characters, and a fast-paced plot that keeps you engaged. I was turning the pages with eager curiosity.
IMO, this story is a perfectly placed YA book. Nothing explicit. Which for me, PERSONALLY, is a bit too PG seeing as I lean more towards dark, taboo romances… But the author still manages to get the tensions thick with romance, mystery, and action.
I am curious to see where this story leads… as book one is less about the enemy-to-lovers trope and more of a—gentle love story...
I recommend this book. But I will preface that it’s YA Fantasy at its core. The dystopian and Sci-Fi elements are a peripheral component to the overall story.
January 22, 2024
I’ve been following the author on instagram for a while but finally read her first book. It was a surprise considering the content but well written. The story of a beautiful girl raised to be a bride to a god, who, like the little mermaid, finds a boy from the outside world to challenge her understanding of the world was a quick and easy read, and I’m keen to see what happens now that Zaria knows more of the world.
November 8, 2020
I loved this book. I was looking for something a little bit different to read and I wasn't disappointed. I really enjoyed the characters and culture. Looking forward to book two!
January 2, 2023
This is the first book in a trilogy. If you like action, love, adventure and secrets, you need to read all three. But a warning: you will be wanting more!
June 15, 2024
Quick read. Definitely a teen read. The MC is interesting in her devotion to her life and the plot twist isn't bad. It is interesting talking about a dystopian world from a perfect view point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2022
Fantastic!
September 12, 2021
Great read
Great storyline I enjoyed it all the way to the end. I can't wait to see how the story continues.
Great storyline I enjoyed it all the way to the end. I can't wait to see how the story continues.
March 6, 2022
ABSOLUTELY LOVED BOTH OF THE NOVELS IN THIS SERIES. Was sensationally written and had all these little details throughout the series which I loved. If you’re looking for a progressively more dark/smutty, girl takes on world type series in a dystopian realm, you’ll love this!
April 29, 2022
“Just because someone wants what you want, doesn’t make them your ally. Just because they don’t, doesn’t make them your enemy.”
In the first book of Beyond the God Sea: Betrothed, we see Zaria preparing for her month-long ceremony to marry Keroe, the God of the sea. Her world is turned upside down when a boy washes up on shore claiming to know more about what the land that lays past the sea, if there is such a thing. As the story progresses, Zaria becomes more and more interested in what happens after she is sent into the sea for Keroe and in Kirwyn the boy trying to convince her not to marry him.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The history and world-building that Elora Morgan wrote for The Island and beyond created such an interesting society that I wanted to dive right into and know all the secrets of! I love reading about strong willed female main characters and Zaria was exactly what I needed her to be. She was loyal, stubborn and inquisitive which, put together, gave us someone very interesting to experience this book through. As her wedding came ever closer I could really feel her trepidation and emotions through the writing. This was a book I could not put down.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick fantasy/dystopian style book. I immediately started book 2 after finishing this one and am devastated that I can't yet read book 3!
In the first book of Beyond the God Sea: Betrothed, we see Zaria preparing for her month-long ceremony to marry Keroe, the God of the sea. Her world is turned upside down when a boy washes up on shore claiming to know more about what the land that lays past the sea, if there is such a thing. As the story progresses, Zaria becomes more and more interested in what happens after she is sent into the sea for Keroe and in Kirwyn the boy trying to convince her not to marry him.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The history and world-building that Elora Morgan wrote for The Island and beyond created such an interesting society that I wanted to dive right into and know all the secrets of! I love reading about strong willed female main characters and Zaria was exactly what I needed her to be. She was loyal, stubborn and inquisitive which, put together, gave us someone very interesting to experience this book through. As her wedding came ever closer I could really feel her trepidation and emotions through the writing. This was a book I could not put down.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick fantasy/dystopian style book. I immediately started book 2 after finishing this one and am devastated that I can't yet read book 3!
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