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The Monstrous Heart Trilogy #3
Firetide Coast
The epic conclusion to the Monstrous Heart Trilogy; a magical tale of intrigue on dark waters and a love story for the ages. The perfect gothic, gaslamp fantasy – ideal for fans of V.E. Schwab and China Mieville
Arden Beacon has nothing left to lose.
Having fought monsters, the deep waters and the establishment to fulfil a promise the man she loved – she is no closer to peace. But against the odds, she has found Jonah once more and they are together now. She means to keep it that way.
Jonah, Arden and Chalice are bound for Clay city. Warnings come that the scorned yet powerful Miah and Bellis have joined forces and turned their eyes to the capital, now following the direction of the slippery Mr Lindsay. Wanton destruction and death will surely follow if they cannot be distracted, tricked and stopped.
All the while, the coins sewn into Arden’s hands continue to poison her. Time is running out. With intrigue and beasts behind every wave, Jonah and Arden must face this final chapter together – or risk losing everything.
Astonishingly original, with world-building to rival the depths of the ocean, McKenna has drawn a world drenched in sea-salt and lit by the flickering light of gas lamps. Rich tale of longing and courage this is the perfect oceanic steampunk fantasy.
Arden Beacon has nothing left to lose.
Having fought monsters, the deep waters and the establishment to fulfil a promise the man she loved – she is no closer to peace. But against the odds, she has found Jonah once more and they are together now. She means to keep it that way.
Jonah, Arden and Chalice are bound for Clay city. Warnings come that the scorned yet powerful Miah and Bellis have joined forces and turned their eyes to the capital, now following the direction of the slippery Mr Lindsay. Wanton destruction and death will surely follow if they cannot be distracted, tricked and stopped.
All the while, the coins sewn into Arden’s hands continue to poison her. Time is running out. With intrigue and beasts behind every wave, Jonah and Arden must face this final chapter together – or risk losing everything.
Astonishingly original, with world-building to rival the depths of the ocean, McKenna has drawn a world drenched in sea-salt and lit by the flickering light of gas lamps. Rich tale of longing and courage this is the perfect oceanic steampunk fantasy.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
12 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Claire McKenna
18 books71 followersClaire McKenna is a SFF writer from Melbourne, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 14, 2025
I picked up this book hoping the author could somehow salvage the aftermath of book two’s disastrous ending. While it didn’t quite redeem the trilogy for me, I did notice some improvements in this conclusion. 🌊🖤✨
📖 Book: Firetide Coast
🖋️ Author: Claire McKenna
🌟 Rating: 2.75 ✧
🖤 Genre: gothic romance / dark fantasy
📚 Series: The Deepwater Trilogy
🌫️ Summary: The finale of the Deepwater Trilogy follows Arden as she faces the shadows threatening Clay City, confronting darkness that is closer to home than ever before. But this time, she isn’t alone — old bonds and new alliances are tested as the final chapter unfolds 🐚🌫️🖤
♡ What I loved most:
• The secret society twist: it was such a delightful little surprise! It added a fresh layer to the story and kept me intrigued 🕯️
• Arden and Jonah’s reunion: finally, after all the waiting! It was everything I hoped for and gave me all the heart-eyes 🥹
• The raised stakes and tension: the intensity in this final book really kept the story moving and my nerves on edge 🔥
• The political intrigue: I wasn’t expecting it, but it added a compelling new dimension to the world-building 🗡️
✘ What I didn’t love:
• The ending: honestly, it felt rushed and left me wishing for more closure. I wanted the final resolution to feel deeper, more satisfying 💭
• The climax: after such a drawn-out build-up across the trilogy, the climax felt almost too brief 📉
• Lingering disappointment: book two left such a mark, and while this one was better, it still didn’t capture my heart like book one did 💔
───♡─────────────
୨ৎ Overall:
I picked up Firetide Coast hoping it could somehow salvage the aftermath of book two’s disastrous ending. While I did notice some improvements, it wasn’t quite enough to redeem the trilogy for me. Book one held my heart, book two broke it, and this conclusion… well, it was fine, but didn’t fully satisfy. 🌊🕯️💭
xoxo, until the next book 🌫️🖤✨
「The Deepwater Trilogy」
#1 Monstrous Heart — 3.75 ✧
#2 Deepwater King — 2.25 ✧
#3 Firetide Coast — 2.75 ✧
📖 Book: Firetide Coast
🖋️ Author: Claire McKenna
🌟 Rating: 2.75 ✧
🖤 Genre: gothic romance / dark fantasy
📚 Series: The Deepwater Trilogy
🌫️ Summary: The finale of the Deepwater Trilogy follows Arden as she faces the shadows threatening Clay City, confronting darkness that is closer to home than ever before. But this time, she isn’t alone — old bonds and new alliances are tested as the final chapter unfolds 🐚🌫️🖤
♡ What I loved most:
• The secret society twist: it was such a delightful little surprise! It added a fresh layer to the story and kept me intrigued 🕯️
• Arden and Jonah’s reunion: finally, after all the waiting! It was everything I hoped for and gave me all the heart-eyes 🥹
• The raised stakes and tension: the intensity in this final book really kept the story moving and my nerves on edge 🔥
• The political intrigue: I wasn’t expecting it, but it added a compelling new dimension to the world-building 🗡️
✘ What I didn’t love:
• The ending: honestly, it felt rushed and left me wishing for more closure. I wanted the final resolution to feel deeper, more satisfying 💭
• The climax: after such a drawn-out build-up across the trilogy, the climax felt almost too brief 📉
• Lingering disappointment: book two left such a mark, and while this one was better, it still didn’t capture my heart like book one did 💔
───♡─────────────
୨ৎ Overall:
I picked up Firetide Coast hoping it could somehow salvage the aftermath of book two’s disastrous ending. While I did notice some improvements, it wasn’t quite enough to redeem the trilogy for me. Book one held my heart, book two broke it, and this conclusion… well, it was fine, but didn’t fully satisfy. 🌊🕯️💭
xoxo, until the next book 🌫️🖤✨
「The Deepwater Trilogy」
#1 Monstrous Heart — 3.75 ✧
#2 Deepwater King — 2.25 ✧
#3 Firetide Coast — 2.75 ✧
October 1, 2022
Okay... this might be a unpopular review...
I got invested in the first book, primarily for the romance and interesting world of the Deepwater culture. I was excited to read the 2nd book, but got really confused and it made me question a *lot* of things, like: plot, author's writing style, gaping holes, shortstops writing of scenes and unmentioned backgrounds that randomly became convenient to be used in the story.
I wanted to know the ending... hence I returned to finish the series - and I'm glad I did.
However, I was left underwhelmed in a lot of ways.
I thought this book was bizarrely short to wrap up an adventure/romance at 280 pages, which was evident from my thinking "is that it?" throughout the book within scenes... no confirmations or follow throughs from character/story gaps. The main characters "reunion" which hinged on sentimental writing for readers to feel the connection wasn't there. It was also the use of very little emotional content that had me disconnected in what would've been pivotal moments for the main character’s growth.
The climax of the story... oh, what a disappointment... :( just seemed the author didn’t know how or couldn't be bothered in writing a convincing conclusion to a build-up of conflict from 2 books.
At the ending of the series, I was left bereft. 2.5 stars
I got invested in the first book, primarily for the romance and interesting world of the Deepwater culture. I was excited to read the 2nd book, but got really confused and it made me question a *lot* of things, like: plot, author's writing style, gaping holes, shortstops writing of scenes and unmentioned backgrounds that randomly became convenient to be used in the story.
I wanted to know the ending... hence I returned to finish the series - and I'm glad I did.
However, I was left underwhelmed in a lot of ways.
I thought this book was bizarrely short to wrap up an adventure/romance at 280 pages, which was evident from my thinking "is that it?" throughout the book within scenes... no confirmations or follow throughs from character/story gaps. The main characters "reunion" which hinged on sentimental writing for readers to feel the connection wasn't there. It was also the use of very little emotional content that had me disconnected in what would've been pivotal moments for the main character’s growth.
The climax of the story... oh, what a disappointment... :( just seemed the author didn’t know how or couldn't be bothered in writing a convincing conclusion to a build-up of conflict from 2 books.
At the ending of the series, I was left bereft. 2.5 stars
August 8, 2022
Firetide Coast is the third book of the innovative, maritime, steampunk, gothic Monstrous Heart trilogy (see my reviews for books 1 and 2,
Monstrous Heart
and
Deepwater King
). Throughout this series, I've been endlessly impressed by Claire McKenna's imaginative worldbuilding, and in this final installment she still had more in store as blood-magic wielding lighthouse keeper Arden Beacon finally makes it back to her home region of Lyonne. Where previously we were entranced by leviathans of the deep, here we come on land for a time amidst a lush and humid forest that is home to monsters and horrors of its own.
But the true heart of it all, including Arden's own yearning desires, is the sea. With the help of beloved friends—plus those who only find their heroism at the last possible moment—as well as Arden's own strength, determination, and resilience after all she's already been through, after one more go-around of chases and escapes, lies, danger, political manoeuvring, and gifts both given and taken by the sea, Arden’s character arc and her long-tested relationship with Jonah Riven are brought to an exciting and satisfying resolution. Claire McKenna is definitely a writer to watch. I can't wait for whatever she's cooking up next!
But the true heart of it all, including Arden's own yearning desires, is the sea. With the help of beloved friends—plus those who only find their heroism at the last possible moment—as well as Arden's own strength, determination, and resilience after all she's already been through, after one more go-around of chases and escapes, lies, danger, political manoeuvring, and gifts both given and taken by the sea, Arden’s character arc and her long-tested relationship with Jonah Riven are brought to an exciting and satisfying resolution. Claire McKenna is definitely a writer to watch. I can't wait for whatever she's cooking up next!
October 5, 2022
The first half was a little rough and I lost interest for a bit but you brought it back and made a nice ending for the series.
December 28, 2024
An exciting end to the trilogy. And now that I’ve finished it, there’s about to be a Wyrm-sized hole in my heart where this story has been the last few months…
September 27, 2024
TRIGGER WARNING
I actually enjoyed this one the most in the series. Faster pace, more independence. Still some stupid parts, and it felt like there was a big build up to the final scene, that in the end was a bit nothing. It was nice to see Arden come into her own (but still would have liked more, show me her powers). The historic world building was fantastic as usual. I crave to know more about the Firetide and Forest people. (Same way I want to know more about the Deepwater or even Clay City History). I guess a couple of lose ends imo.
I can't say I will reread this series, but the third book definitely made up for the second. I'm just glad that this series is now over and I can move on.
I actually enjoyed this one the most in the series. Faster pace, more independence. Still some stupid parts, and it felt like there was a big build up to the final scene, that in the end was a bit nothing. It was nice to see Arden come into her own (but still would have liked more, show me her powers). The historic world building was fantastic as usual. I crave to know more about the Firetide and Forest people. (Same way I want to know more about the Deepwater or even Clay City History). I guess a couple of lose ends imo.
I can't say I will reread this series, but the third book definitely made up for the second. I'm just glad that this series is now over and I can move on.
July 27, 2022
What an ending to a truly epic gothic, seafaring magical adventure. I really enjoyed this book, and the rest in the series and highly recommend it to anyone after coasts and ships and sea monsters.
September 27, 2024
There's only so many times an author can reveal a "dead" character to be alive, and Claire McKenna surpassed that number quite a few times. Three times - for just one of the characters - in one book is absurd. I believe a few other characters were presumed dead a minimum of two times as well. Oof.
I did not like Firetide Coast as an ending to a series. It was simultaneously too long and too short, with too much info given to things that don't matter, and taking away space from the things that deserved more. The final "battle" was barely explained, and most of it didn't make any sense.
That being said, the writing is beautiful, and the world is very fascinating once you start to understand it. This series definitely had promise, but it did not deliver.
Overall I'm disappointed, and most likely won't be recommending this series to anyone.
I did not like Firetide Coast as an ending to a series. It was simultaneously too long and too short, with too much info given to things that don't matter, and taking away space from the things that deserved more. The final "battle" was barely explained, and most of it didn't make any sense.
That being said, the writing is beautiful, and the world is very fascinating once you start to understand it. This series definitely had promise, but it did not deliver.
Overall I'm disappointed, and most likely won't be recommending this series to anyone.
January 31, 2024
I didn't enjoy the flashback conceit, don't think it added anything. Also too much of "oh no this character has definitely died" "no I'm back I didn't die but not really explaining why oh wait another death no surprise it is me again". It feels like McKenna doesn't know how to move the plot on without that. It happened frankly ridiculous amount of times in the series but this book really turned it up to 11.
January 14, 2023
Well that was terrible. I will now never think of this series again
August 1, 2022
I was well and truly hooked into this trilogy! It was one of those experiences where you get really frustrated when the story ends because you feel like you're not going to be able to find a decent follow up story.
Book 3, however, came with a bit of a hiccup for me. This is not the author's fault, I'm sure, as this seems to be an admin issue, but the book should be tagged with a trigger warning for involving rape or coerced sexual interactions.
On the whole, though, it was a fascinating story. I was swept along with the characters' experiences from the start. At the ending, I even felt as though their accumulated experiences were too much to heal from, which I think means that McKenna must have done a great job at pulling me in! I think she's a talented author and I would happily read more of her work.
Book 3, however, came with a bit of a hiccup for me. This is not the author's fault, I'm sure, as this seems to be an admin issue, but the book should be tagged with a trigger warning for involving rape or coerced sexual interactions.
On the whole, though, it was a fascinating story. I was swept along with the characters' experiences from the start. At the ending, I even felt as though their accumulated experiences were too much to heal from, which I think means that McKenna must have done a great job at pulling me in! I think she's a talented author and I would happily read more of her work.
November 28, 2022
I absolutely love this trilogy!
Claire McKenna's world of sea monsters, magic and romance has been one that I have loved from the first book. Now for me I think the first book in the trilogy is the best but the other two books in the series have cemented this world as one I have loved reading about. I love the characters of Arden Beacon and Chalice Quarry and Jonah Riven, Monster caller made a really interesting love interest. The final part of the trilogy sees Arden battle to save Clay City from being destroyed by Bellis Harrow and the evil Mr Lindsey and th journey she goes on to cure Jonah. The first paragraph of this book was stunning and set the tone perfectly for the story.
I absolutely loved this world, I really hope that although this trilogy has ended there might be further books set in this amazing world. I great book to round off the trilogy.
Claire McKenna's world of sea monsters, magic and romance has been one that I have loved from the first book. Now for me I think the first book in the trilogy is the best but the other two books in the series have cemented this world as one I have loved reading about. I love the characters of Arden Beacon and Chalice Quarry and Jonah Riven, Monster caller made a really interesting love interest. The final part of the trilogy sees Arden battle to save Clay City from being destroyed by Bellis Harrow and the evil Mr Lindsey and th journey she goes on to cure Jonah. The first paragraph of this book was stunning and set the tone perfectly for the story.
I absolutely loved this world, I really hope that although this trilogy has ended there might be further books set in this amazing world. I great book to round off the trilogy.
November 29, 2022
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH. The characters, the cities, the oceanic monsters and the krakenskin coats! I want more!
I was dissapointed a bit as the ending could have been stronger for the series (the story is much weaker compared to the previous book series) and the emotional connection between jonah and arden was not existent in the last book. She had more chemistry with Micah since the second book and I was hoping those two would get together as Jonah did not play a large role in the plot. All the emotional connection there was in book 1, frayed between them in the later books. I do wish the book could have been longer and we could witness the lives of arden and Jonah after the ordeals they faced.
However , I still greatly enjoyed the book and series as a whole and would dearly miss the cities, their monster and sanguine mythology and their oceanic depths.
I was dissapointed a bit as the ending could have been stronger for the series (the story is much weaker compared to the previous book series) and the emotional connection between jonah and arden was not existent in the last book. She had more chemistry with Micah since the second book and I was hoping those two would get together as Jonah did not play a large role in the plot. All the emotional connection there was in book 1, frayed between them in the later books. I do wish the book could have been longer and we could witness the lives of arden and Jonah after the ordeals they faced.
However , I still greatly enjoyed the book and series as a whole and would dearly miss the cities, their monster and sanguine mythology and their oceanic depths.
January 22, 2023
For the most part, I really enjoyed this series. The world building was really cleverly done, and I don't think I've ever read a book that plays with the ideas of magic in quite the same way.
I definitely felt that this finale lacked some of the punch of the earlier books in the series, and it seemed like there were just too many loose ends to get tied up neatly. The characters were still engaging, but it felt slightly as though the plot was drifting in places.
But I've still loved reading this series, and the style of writing is really creative and entertaining.
I definitely felt that this finale lacked some of the punch of the earlier books in the series, and it seemed like there were just too many loose ends to get tied up neatly. The characters were still engaging, but it felt slightly as though the plot was drifting in places.
But I've still loved reading this series, and the style of writing is really creative and entertaining.
July 19, 2022
This one was unlike any fantasy I’d read before with all of its mythology around the sea!
Now I had hoped to read the first two books in the trilogy before this, but sadly ran out of time, so I definitely want to begin by saying that it would probably have made far more sense to me if I had had time to read the full trilogy - it’s quite complex as far as fantasy reads go, so I think the background would’ve been really helpful. Having said that, I still definitely got the epic sense of adventure and action from this read alone, so it’s not the end of the world!
Arden is a really interesting character, and I really loved the world the author built, but having seen this described as a big romance, I did feel the chemistry between Arden and Jonah could’ve been better - but again, maybe the majority of that was built up in the first books so could be totally my fault! Let’s face it, I’m just always desperate for more hot scenes 🤷♀️🔥
Overall this was a really imaginative and exciting read, and anyone obsessed with krakens and merfolk etc will no doubt love it!
Now I had hoped to read the first two books in the trilogy before this, but sadly ran out of time, so I definitely want to begin by saying that it would probably have made far more sense to me if I had had time to read the full trilogy - it’s quite complex as far as fantasy reads go, so I think the background would’ve been really helpful. Having said that, I still definitely got the epic sense of adventure and action from this read alone, so it’s not the end of the world!
Arden is a really interesting character, and I really loved the world the author built, but having seen this described as a big romance, I did feel the chemistry between Arden and Jonah could’ve been better - but again, maybe the majority of that was built up in the first books so could be totally my fault! Let’s face it, I’m just always desperate for more hot scenes 🤷♀️🔥
Overall this was a really imaginative and exciting read, and anyone obsessed with krakens and merfolk etc will no doubt love it!
February 16, 2025
I mean, it was the best one of the series but I'm still so confused? She went through all of this... for a man she knew for like 2 weeks?? I just didn't see the romance side of it like it was marketed to be. The idea of the story was fantastic but again I feel like it wasn't wonderfully executed, I feel with more world building and time this could have been an amazing fantasy romance series. All in all it was an okay read, just wish I could have understood the world better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2023
You know what, I enjoyed reading the finale Firetide Coast and the series. I don't usually read dark fantasy books, however this one kept me entertained all day. It felt quite fast paced, compared to the first two books, but gave me joy to have a good ending and loose ends tied up. I want more from Claire McKenna now!
August 16, 2022
incredible journey that takes a while to process
A story of survival. Oceanic epics. And the possibilities love creates.
This series is magnificent and requires a few re-reads to full digest each moment.
A story of survival. Oceanic epics. And the possibilities love creates.
This series is magnificent and requires a few re-reads to full digest each moment.
May 8, 2024
I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't the greatest ending. It was a bit of a lacklustre ending to this trilogy. Like Arden and Jonah's reunion fell a bit flat and felt a bit rushed. I think this book could've been better, but I did enjoy reading it.
July 18, 2024
Potential for spoilers: I loved this trilogy, but my gosh that ending! Is there a baby? Who's baby is it? I wanna know what happens back with the deepwater people. So many many many more questions. Can Jonah seem more pleased they're together now?😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2022
Was mostly happy but felt the end slightly anti climactic and rushed.
September 10, 2023
Satisfying end to a really good trilogy.
July 30, 2025
I really loved this series, I felt connected to the characters the whole way through and I really enjoyed the imagery and magic of the books.
October 12, 2025
Still an excellent story but I was slightly irritated by the throwing in of unicorns on top of everything else!! What no dragons?! I would have liked to have had a map to keep me properly aligned.
August 1, 2022
Firetide Coast is the epic conclusion to the Monstrous Heart series. This beautifully written, darkly atmospheric fantasy is set in a sea-faring, gothic, steampunk world that’s unique and unlike anything I’ve ever read.
I loved everything about the original world building. The blood magic system was fascinating and I was intrigued by the mythology, religion and lore.
One of the standout points for me was the author’s beautiful prose that brought everything to life in glorious detail. The gothic and often bleak atmosphere of the story seeped through the pages and sucked me in.
I loved the female MC Arden, and enjoyed seeing her character development throughout the series. Despite the trials and betrayals she faced, she maintained a steely focus and determination to complete her mission no matter what it cost her.
The action was non stop with twists and turns around every corner and a really satisfying conclusion. I adore a good love story and Arden and Jonah’s relationship grabbed me by the heart strings and was a perfect balm to some of the darker storylines.
Firetide Coast is laden with intrigue, suspense and a glorious love story that really captured my imagination. If you’re looking for a fantasy series that stands out from the rest, then check out the Monstrous Heart series!
Thanks to HarperVoyager for the review copy.
I loved everything about the original world building. The blood magic system was fascinating and I was intrigued by the mythology, religion and lore.
One of the standout points for me was the author’s beautiful prose that brought everything to life in glorious detail. The gothic and often bleak atmosphere of the story seeped through the pages and sucked me in.
I loved the female MC Arden, and enjoyed seeing her character development throughout the series. Despite the trials and betrayals she faced, she maintained a steely focus and determination to complete her mission no matter what it cost her.
The action was non stop with twists and turns around every corner and a really satisfying conclusion. I adore a good love story and Arden and Jonah’s relationship grabbed me by the heart strings and was a perfect balm to some of the darker storylines.
Firetide Coast is laden with intrigue, suspense and a glorious love story that really captured my imagination. If you’re looking for a fantasy series that stands out from the rest, then check out the Monstrous Heart series!
Thanks to HarperVoyager for the review copy.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews