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Tears of the Tide
Thalassa Cross should have drowned.
Dragged into the depths by a force she couldn't fight, she expected the crushing blackness of the sea to be her end.
Instead, Thalassa wakes in an ancient underwater realm ruled by shifting alliances, dangerous magic, and creatures born of myth—mermaids, sirens, selkies, and darker beings that thrive in the abyss.
Bound by a curse older than the tides themselves, she's fighting against a fate she never agreed to, a truth that shatters everything she believed about herself, and the dangerous, forbidden love that may cost her what little she has left.
As political unrest threatens the fragile balance of the ocean kingdom and long-buried evils begin to stir, she must decide whether to embrace the truth of what she is or risk unleashing a catastrophe that could consume both land and sea.
The tides are rising. The ocean is calling her home. And this time, it won’t let her go.
Dragged into the depths by a force she couldn't fight, she expected the crushing blackness of the sea to be her end.
Instead, Thalassa wakes in an ancient underwater realm ruled by shifting alliances, dangerous magic, and creatures born of myth—mermaids, sirens, selkies, and darker beings that thrive in the abyss.
Bound by a curse older than the tides themselves, she's fighting against a fate she never agreed to, a truth that shatters everything she believed about herself, and the dangerous, forbidden love that may cost her what little she has left.
As political unrest threatens the fragile balance of the ocean kingdom and long-buried evils begin to stir, she must decide whether to embrace the truth of what she is or risk unleashing a catastrophe that could consume both land and sea.
The tides are rising. The ocean is calling her home. And this time, it won’t let her go.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 4, 2022
First of all, I just want to say that I really enjoyed this book. The characters have captured my heart and I truly cannot wait for the story to continue. I’m incredibly impressed that this is a debut book and new indie author, and even more blown away by the fact that this will be a trilogy! Absolutely amazing job, Shawna!
The story follows Thalassa Cross, a young woman who seems destined for something more than the life she has. When she’s suddenly thrown to the sea, her world begins to unravel in the most mysterious yet beautiful way. A mythical underwater fantasy about a girl finding where she belongs, both physically and spiritually, while discovering parts of herself and her world that she didn’t know existed. Mer, shapeshifters, other realms, lore and history, memorable and loveable characters and an intriguing, broody love interest.
I really enjoyed seeing Thalassa’s growth throughout the story. At first, I almost pitied her and her introduction to us, because she seemed to live a life she didn’t like or want. Towards the middle of the story, it became clear that past trauma and events had her questioning her own identity. To watch it all come together towards the end was beautifully done. Her determination, stubbornness and strong will—once she found herself—made her very easy to like.
I absolutely ADORE Sedna. She is a fierce but loyal warrior, outcast by her own family and home because of her beliefs and morals. She knows what’s right and she sticks by it at all costs. She is also hilarious, gorgeous and witty which makes her a fantastic book bestie and ally for our FMC.
AROS.
Daddy Aros.
What a beautiful, broken man. Mer? Mer-man?! Yes.
I absolutely love him. He gives off such strong Rhysand energy in the way he has created a found family of misfits and protects his city and its people at all costs. I absolutely adored his calm demeanour yet broody personality. The spice was also unexpected but MAJORLY welcome. (And slightly interrupted—RUDE, SEDNA.) I definitely felt drawn to Aros and his whole character, personality and past. I found myself rereading parts about his traumatic past because I felt so deeply for him. He has an air of arrogance about him, but it’s pretty clear that once he lets you in, you’ve found a family and home for life.
The tropes in this were perfectly done, and they made the story. Not only the fantastic enemies-to-lovers between Thalassa and Aros, but the found family?! Awesome. Ronan, hands down, favourite character. His happy and cheeky demeanour really set the tone of the plot and for the found family. The relationship formed between Thalassa and Ronan was so refreshing and funny and joyous; it was definitely such a brother-sister vibe from the start and I loved watching their friendship blossom. Sedna seemed to lead the pack and we find out she is second in command, which makes so much sense. She’s perfect. Rune was a delicious mystery that I need to know more about. The inner circle vibes were just spot on.
If I’m critiquing any relationships, it would just be that of Aros and Thalassa. It would have a nice effect if the love between them was a bit more drawn out, so the impact of the HUGE love they develop is more powerful. It seemed *slightly* rushed. But it was still fantastic!
I actually really loved Remora, as a villain. I found her part of the story non-stop action and extremely well done. I wanted to know more of her background, and see more descriptions of her evilness because I think it was so great. I definitely should’ve hated her more but I really liked the character! Even if she was evil.
In summary, this book was brilliant and was everything I wanted in an underwater fantasy. I cannot wait to see the story continue and find out what happened after that HUGE cliffhanger!
*******QUOTES THAT STOOD OUT**********
**** POTENTIAL SPOILERS****************
***** S P O I L E R S ********************
“Rune showed up a few years later, after word got out about Abyssus being the city of orphans, misfits and abdictators. Naturally, the scoundrel fit right in.”
“No Thalassa…Remora IS your severed soul.”
“And I have been searching for a very long time to find you, Thalassa, blood of my blood.”
Finding out about everyone in the inner circle’s tragic past, and how they all came to be at Abyssus. The horrific incidents of Aros’ parents and the war under the sea. Finding out VAREN is Thalassa’s biological father was a huge twist—and the ending that was left in a major cliffhanger! I still don’t quite know what’s happened but I am so eager to find out! Of course I have my theories…
The story follows Thalassa Cross, a young woman who seems destined for something more than the life she has. When she’s suddenly thrown to the sea, her world begins to unravel in the most mysterious yet beautiful way. A mythical underwater fantasy about a girl finding where she belongs, both physically and spiritually, while discovering parts of herself and her world that she didn’t know existed. Mer, shapeshifters, other realms, lore and history, memorable and loveable characters and an intriguing, broody love interest.
I really enjoyed seeing Thalassa’s growth throughout the story. At first, I almost pitied her and her introduction to us, because she seemed to live a life she didn’t like or want. Towards the middle of the story, it became clear that past trauma and events had her questioning her own identity. To watch it all come together towards the end was beautifully done. Her determination, stubbornness and strong will—once she found herself—made her very easy to like.
I absolutely ADORE Sedna. She is a fierce but loyal warrior, outcast by her own family and home because of her beliefs and morals. She knows what’s right and she sticks by it at all costs. She is also hilarious, gorgeous and witty which makes her a fantastic book bestie and ally for our FMC.
AROS.
Daddy Aros.
What a beautiful, broken man. Mer? Mer-man?! Yes.
I absolutely love him. He gives off such strong Rhysand energy in the way he has created a found family of misfits and protects his city and its people at all costs. I absolutely adored his calm demeanour yet broody personality. The spice was also unexpected but MAJORLY welcome. (And slightly interrupted—RUDE, SEDNA.) I definitely felt drawn to Aros and his whole character, personality and past. I found myself rereading parts about his traumatic past because I felt so deeply for him. He has an air of arrogance about him, but it’s pretty clear that once he lets you in, you’ve found a family and home for life.
The tropes in this were perfectly done, and they made the story. Not only the fantastic enemies-to-lovers between Thalassa and Aros, but the found family?! Awesome. Ronan, hands down, favourite character. His happy and cheeky demeanour really set the tone of the plot and for the found family. The relationship formed between Thalassa and Ronan was so refreshing and funny and joyous; it was definitely such a brother-sister vibe from the start and I loved watching their friendship blossom. Sedna seemed to lead the pack and we find out she is second in command, which makes so much sense. She’s perfect. Rune was a delicious mystery that I need to know more about. The inner circle vibes were just spot on.
If I’m critiquing any relationships, it would just be that of Aros and Thalassa. It would have a nice effect if the love between them was a bit more drawn out, so the impact of the HUGE love they develop is more powerful. It seemed *slightly* rushed. But it was still fantastic!
I actually really loved Remora, as a villain. I found her part of the story non-stop action and extremely well done. I wanted to know more of her background, and see more descriptions of her evilness because I think it was so great. I definitely should’ve hated her more but I really liked the character! Even if she was evil.
In summary, this book was brilliant and was everything I wanted in an underwater fantasy. I cannot wait to see the story continue and find out what happened after that HUGE cliffhanger!
*******QUOTES THAT STOOD OUT**********
**** POTENTIAL SPOILERS****************
***** S P O I L E R S ********************
“Rune showed up a few years later, after word got out about Abyssus being the city of orphans, misfits and abdictators. Naturally, the scoundrel fit right in.”
“No Thalassa…Remora IS your severed soul.”
“And I have been searching for a very long time to find you, Thalassa, blood of my blood.”
Finding out about everyone in the inner circle’s tragic past, and how they all came to be at Abyssus. The horrific incidents of Aros’ parents and the war under the sea. Finding out VAREN is Thalassa’s biological father was a huge twist—and the ending that was left in a major cliffhanger! I still don’t quite know what’s happened but I am so eager to find out! Of course I have my theories…
April 14, 2026
Tears of the Tide was such a unique and immersive reading experience. From the start, I felt completely pulled into its ocean setting, and I loved getting to see the world through Thalassa’s perspective.
I don’t typically read a lot of fantasy, but this story made it easy to get lost in the world and stay invested in the journey. It blends a fresh take on mermaid fantasy with strong character dynamics and emotional depth. There were moments where I was completely hooked, needing to keep reading to see what would happen next.
I especially enjoyed the characters, with Ronan being a standout for me, and I appreciated that Thalassa felt grounded and didn’t fall into some of the more frustrating tropes I’ve seen in other female leads. The characters felt so real that they started to feel like friends, and I found myself thinking about them even after I finished reading.
There were a few points where I felt slightly disconnected, particularly when the world-building became more complex or a bit wordy, but overall the story remained engaging and memorable.
This is a magical, atmospheric read that stays with you, especially if you enjoy immersive fantasy and stories about mermaids. It definitely left me wanting more and already looking forward to book two.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. I truly appreciate it!
I don’t typically read a lot of fantasy, but this story made it easy to get lost in the world and stay invested in the journey. It blends a fresh take on mermaid fantasy with strong character dynamics and emotional depth. There were moments where I was completely hooked, needing to keep reading to see what would happen next.
I especially enjoyed the characters, with Ronan being a standout for me, and I appreciated that Thalassa felt grounded and didn’t fall into some of the more frustrating tropes I’ve seen in other female leads. The characters felt so real that they started to feel like friends, and I found myself thinking about them even after I finished reading.
There were a few points where I felt slightly disconnected, particularly when the world-building became more complex or a bit wordy, but overall the story remained engaging and memorable.
This is a magical, atmospheric read that stays with you, especially if you enjoy immersive fantasy and stories about mermaids. It definitely left me wanting more and already looking forward to book two.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. I truly appreciate it!
March 15, 2022
Thalassa Cross is a loveable character and goes through tremendous growth and finally becomes who she is supposed to be. The realm under the sea that is explored is done thoughtfully and paints a beautiful picture of an underwater fantasy. From start to finish you are kept on your toes, wanting more. I couldn't sleep because I was too excited to see what Thalassa was up to, and I couldn't stop reading. It is a book capable of making you feel so many different emotions, and really loving and hating some of the characters. You really feel like you are part of this underwater world and the pictures painted are vivid. You can feel yourself there with Thalassa, seeing this beautiful world through her eyes. It's a great read that leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to see where the friends are now and how they coped with everything that happened in the first novel. A fantasy novel worth reading and will make you fall in love.
April 15, 2026
I loved this book. Shaw provided me with an Arc through a conversation about mermaids on Threads and I'm surprised it isn't getting more buzz. I really loved Thal, the FMC, and Sedna is my girl! Not often do I get to have a female crush in a romantasy book! The world and story is unique and set in modern time which is different from most mermaid books I've previously read. It's not another little mermaid adaption. The pacing of the romance felt realistic to adult modern dating (not a slow-burn, but also not insta-love), and the plot unfolded nicely without significant slowdowns. I will rec this book to others when it become available. Thank you for the Arc Shaw!
April 5, 2022
Thank you so much to Shawna for including me in her beta reading group. I was so honored to be given the chance to read her debut book. This was a wonderful fantasy story with relatable and cohesive characters. The MC's and supporting characters drew me in immediately! I so desperately wanted to be a part of their inner circle!I truly cannot wait for the rest of the series as well as the finished copy!
The setting captured my interest and kept me hooked throughout the books entirety. I was overall impressed with the structure of the story, as well as the fantasy components. The plot twists were perfect and held my attention.
Honestly, this is the best debut fantasy book I've read to date. Shawna did such an incredible job creating the world, characters, and story line. Congratulations girl, you earned it!
The setting captured my interest and kept me hooked throughout the books entirety. I was overall impressed with the structure of the story, as well as the fantasy components. The plot twists were perfect and held my attention.
Honestly, this is the best debut fantasy book I've read to date. Shawna did such an incredible job creating the world, characters, and story line. Congratulations girl, you earned it!
February 19, 2026
This book consumed me! I fell so in love with the story and its characters. I was completely blown away by this debut novel! I cant wait for more!
February 16, 2026
I'm obsessed and I'm going to need book 2 as soon as possible!!
March 13, 2026
Thank you for the ARC! I really enjoyed this book!
January 31, 2026
From the Author:
Thank you so much for taking a chance on my book and spending time in the world of Abyssus! Your support means more than words can express for a small Indy author. I hope you find relatability and magic between the pages! Happy Reading :)
Thank you so much for taking a chance on my book and spending time in the world of Abyssus! Your support means more than words can express for a small Indy author. I hope you find relatability and magic between the pages! Happy Reading :)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews