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The Siren Mage #1
In the Veins of the Drowning
The monster is always slain…
Imogen Nel is in hiding. Hiding from a cruel kingdom that believes Sirens are monstrous, blood-hungry creatures. Hiding from a king and his captain who viciously hunt her kind. Hiding from her own alluring abilities. By keeping herself from the sea, Imogen’s bloodlust is dulled, and her black wings remain hidden beneath her skin.
When a neighboring king comes to visit, Imogen can no longer hide. He knows precisely what she is, and he believes she can save both their kingdoms from an even greater monster. But Imogen’s power threatens to violently reveal itself, and the two form a blood bond that protects them both. They flee the kingdom together, traversing waters teeming with the undead. As the lines between duty to their people and desire for each other begin to blur, Imogen worries her own ancestral powers may not be enough to kill what hunts her—the only way to defeat a monster may be to become one herself.
Imogen Nel is in hiding. Hiding from a cruel kingdom that believes Sirens are monstrous, blood-hungry creatures. Hiding from a king and his captain who viciously hunt her kind. Hiding from her own alluring abilities. By keeping herself from the sea, Imogen’s bloodlust is dulled, and her black wings remain hidden beneath her skin.
When a neighboring king comes to visit, Imogen can no longer hide. He knows precisely what she is, and he believes she can save both their kingdoms from an even greater monster. But Imogen’s power threatens to violently reveal itself, and the two form a blood bond that protects them both. They flee the kingdom together, traversing waters teeming with the undead. As the lines between duty to their people and desire for each other begin to blur, Imogen worries her own ancestral powers may not be enough to kill what hunts her—the only way to defeat a monster may be to become one herself.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,112 reviews
July 21, 2025
If you listen closely, you can hear the distant sound of Rachel Gillig cackling and whispering “told you so.”
If you’ve ever wanted your siren stories rewritten by someone with a soft spot for the “monsters,” you’ll adore this one. In the Veins of the Drowning is a gothic fairytale of siren lore, toxic family dynamics, salty secrets, angst and… zombie sirens? Plus yearning so agonising it’s almost psychological torture with a side of heart-eyes.
Look, I’m not saying it’s my favourite romantasy of the year, but I am saying it might just be a three-way tie between this, Terror at the Gates and Broken Souls & Bones. 2025 has been delivering.
Firstly, there are so many of my favourite tropes in here, for example, forced proximity, forbidden love, one horse (the execution had me squealing), and a surprise trope twist reveal that was perfection. It’s like Cassidy wrote this book just for me and for you too, if you love those tropes.
But what really blew me away was how the author put her own unique spin on them.
Stylistically, it’s lush, haunting and atmospheric with some mild horror elements. If you’re someone who gets high on vibes, this will feed you. It’s easy to see why Rachel Gillig endorsed it, the moody aesthetic is reminiscent of One Dark Window, along with its allegories about who the real monster is, with mythological siren lore from Greek mythology/The Odyssey woven in, the kind with talons and feathers. There’s even a touch of Mr. Darcy in the characterisation, brooding and all.
Furthermore, if you squint (or maybe it’s just my perception), there’s a ghost of The Little Mermaid lurking beneath the surface. Not the Disney sparkle version, but the much stranger, darker Hans Christian Andersen one. Still, even with those glimmers, this book isn't trying to be anything else. It's 100% its own thing and Cassidy understood the assignment.
I won't be surprised if people go feral for Imogen & Theo. The pining is off the Richter scale, complete with awkward, flustered moments between them and I think those were my favourite scenes of all.
Additionally, spice levels are perfect--Not gratuitous but high reward.
I can’t believe this is a debut. If this is how she starts, I’m cancelling all my plans and binge-reading everything Kalie writes.
Thank you so much to NetGalley & Orion Publishing Group | Gollancz for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
Never grew out of my mermaid phase, now it's just a lot darker. 🧜♀️🔪
If you’ve ever wanted your siren stories rewritten by someone with a soft spot for the “monsters,” you’ll adore this one. In the Veins of the Drowning is a gothic fairytale of siren lore, toxic family dynamics, salty secrets, angst and… zombie sirens? Plus yearning so agonising it’s almost psychological torture with a side of heart-eyes.
Look, I’m not saying it’s my favourite romantasy of the year, but I am saying it might just be a three-way tie between this, Terror at the Gates and Broken Souls & Bones. 2025 has been delivering.
Firstly, there are so many of my favourite tropes in here, for example, forced proximity, forbidden love, one horse (the execution had me squealing), and a surprise trope twist reveal that was perfection. It’s like Cassidy wrote this book just for me and for you too, if you love those tropes.
But what really blew me away was how the author put her own unique spin on them.
Stylistically, it’s lush, haunting and atmospheric with some mild horror elements. If you’re someone who gets high on vibes, this will feed you. It’s easy to see why Rachel Gillig endorsed it, the moody aesthetic is reminiscent of One Dark Window, along with its allegories about who the real monster is, with mythological siren lore from Greek mythology/The Odyssey woven in, the kind with talons and feathers. There’s even a touch of Mr. Darcy in the characterisation, brooding and all.
Furthermore, if you squint (or maybe it’s just my perception), there’s a ghost of The Little Mermaid lurking beneath the surface. Not the Disney sparkle version, but the much stranger, darker Hans Christian Andersen one. Still, even with those glimmers, this book isn't trying to be anything else. It's 100% its own thing and Cassidy understood the assignment.
I won't be surprised if people go feral for Imogen & Theo. The pining is off the Richter scale, complete with awkward, flustered moments between them and I think those were my favourite scenes of all.
Additionally, spice levels are perfect--Not gratuitous but high reward.
I can’t believe this is a debut. If this is how she starts, I’m cancelling all my plans and binge-reading everything Kalie writes.
Thank you so much to NetGalley & Orion Publishing Group | Gollancz for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
Never grew out of my mermaid phase, now it's just a lot darker. 🧜♀️🔪
August 2, 2025
the perfect amount of awe struck, begging, crawling, moaning, groveling, on his knees behavior for the main character who is a powerful siren on a mission
Read my full review
man bonds with siren and is overcome with sickening longing and emotions finds himself giving speeches reminiscent of anthony bridgerton in season two
but is he really down bad if he’s not begging for you / completely in awe of your power
theo likes imogen so much it makes him look stupid (affectionate)
“I don’t regret my decision, but I should.”
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Bookstagram | Blog
Read my full review
man bonds with siren and is overcome with sickening longing and emotions finds himself giving speeches reminiscent of anthony bridgerton in season two
but is he really down bad if he’s not begging for you / completely in awe of your power
theo likes imogen so much it makes him look stupid (affectionate)
“I don’t regret my decision, but I should.”
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Bookstagram | Blog
August 9, 2025
જ⁀➴ 3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, Kalie Cassidy, and Little, Brown and Company for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. In the Veins of the Drowning is out now!
🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲
I finally finished! I wish I had more time during the week to finish this earlier to get a review out, but life's been kind of hectic lately with work and me trying to get my Bookstagram account off the ground, so here we are. (If you're wondering why I've been a little quieter on Goodreads with the reviews lately, that's why!)
Imogen Nel is a Siren in hiding. She lives in a kingdom where Sirens are meant to be killed. Serving a king and betrothed to a captain who wants her dead, she dreads her wedding day and avoids the water at all costs to avoid revealing her secret. When a visiting king, Theodore, visits for the wedding, she quickly realizes that he knows her secret. Desperate times come with desperate measures, and they form a blood bond. As they travel to Theo's kingdom, they realize that their connection runs deeper than they thought, and with the threat of a monster threatening everything they love, Imogen must decide whether or not set the monster within her free.
This was the PERFECT book to read after finishing One Dark Window. For a debut, this was extremely strong! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It was the perfect, gothic atmosphere, so if you're coming off of a One Dark Window and/or Two Twisted Crowns high or are currently in a book hangover, I feel like this will be the book for you if you're feeling in a gothic romantasy mood. The atmosphere was probably my favorite aspect of the entire story!
Another plus to this story is that I felt like nothing about it was filler. I know that the middle of any story could get super muggy at times, with the characters going through the motions of the plot and the story overall, and there could be things that don't always contribute to the overall plot that happen on the side. I didn't think there was any of that here, and I felt like everything that happened contributed to the overarching storyline of Imogen and Theo's journey. The issue with this, though, is that this was also what I felt was the book's greatest weakness.
I felt like even though there were all the pieces there to create a perfect story—romance, a good plot, a perfect atmosphere—not all of it was executed well. Let's break this down:
°˖➴ The worldbuilding: It was nonexistent. I feel like worldbuilding is absolutely necessary for any fantasy book, especially one that's projected to be the first in a series. I felt like there was no worldbuilding in this story at all. I figured that at some point everything would be explained, whether it was through an info dump or bits of information given throughout the story, but I was left with nothing and wanting more. There were multiple times when I was reading and thought that everything would just click in my head at some point, but that never came. I was like, "Am I just too stupid to understand this?" Turns out I wasn't stupid, none of the information I was looking for was in the book.
°˖➴ The Sirens: For a FMC that is a Siren herself, we didn't get a lot of Siren lore or anything about the Sirens at all. It's constantly alluded to that she is a Siren and she had to spend her entire life hiding the fact that she is a Siren, but I couldn't tell you a single thing about the lore and what the Sirens do in the story, and that's not because I read this book like, 3 weeks ago and am only getting around to writing this review now.
°˖➴ The romance: in the iconic words of Abby Lee, "You were good, I'm waiting for you to be great." I wanted more tension and yearning because the romance between Theo and Imogen was super insta-lovey. Sure, you can contribute that to the blood bond they have, which is totally understandable considering what the blood bond does to them. However, not all of the romance felt believable to me when both of them spend a decent amount of time saying "oh, we're not REALLY in love because it's just the blood bond," but then they randomly decide at some point they don't feel that way anymore and it became super insta-lovey.
Overall, this was a solid debut, and I'd still recommend reading this if you're looking for an atmospheric, gothic read! I actually ended up getting a special edition of the book through my Allurial book subscription box and I'm looking forward to the second book! I'm hoping these issues will be smoothed out in the second book and we get more context, worldbuilding, and lore, otherwise it'll be a very difficult read to get through.
🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: Okay, so this isn't a 100% true pre-read considering I just read the first chapter, but I have a feeling this is going to be good. Like, "I'm going to get out of my reading slump" good. We'll see how I feel by the end of it, but it's off to such a strong start already that I feel excited to read after the slump I've been in this month!
This is ARC 5/16 for my July 2025 ARC reading schedule, and eARC 3/4 for my next deadline of July 15th, 2025!
P.S. (I actually found it at Barnes & Noble last weekend...take that information as you will.)
Thank you to NetGalley, Kalie Cassidy, and Little, Brown and Company for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. In the Veins of the Drowning is out now!
"And what am I?" The question was strung enough with more emotion than I cared to reveal. His brow smoothed at the question. "Your subject? Your mistress? Your queen? The heir of Seraf and queen of Sirens? I am none of those things and all of them at once. I belong nowhere and everywhere."
🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲
I finally finished! I wish I had more time during the week to finish this earlier to get a review out, but life's been kind of hectic lately with work and me trying to get my Bookstagram account off the ground, so here we are. (If you're wondering why I've been a little quieter on Goodreads with the reviews lately, that's why!)
Imogen Nel is a Siren in hiding. She lives in a kingdom where Sirens are meant to be killed. Serving a king and betrothed to a captain who wants her dead, she dreads her wedding day and avoids the water at all costs to avoid revealing her secret. When a visiting king, Theodore, visits for the wedding, she quickly realizes that he knows her secret. Desperate times come with desperate measures, and they form a blood bond. As they travel to Theo's kingdom, they realize that their connection runs deeper than they thought, and with the threat of a monster threatening everything they love, Imogen must decide whether or not set the monster within her free.
This was the PERFECT book to read after finishing One Dark Window. For a debut, this was extremely strong! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It was the perfect, gothic atmosphere, so if you're coming off of a One Dark Window and/or Two Twisted Crowns high or are currently in a book hangover, I feel like this will be the book for you if you're feeling in a gothic romantasy mood. The atmosphere was probably my favorite aspect of the entire story!
Another plus to this story is that I felt like nothing about it was filler. I know that the middle of any story could get super muggy at times, with the characters going through the motions of the plot and the story overall, and there could be things that don't always contribute to the overall plot that happen on the side. I didn't think there was any of that here, and I felt like everything that happened contributed to the overarching storyline of Imogen and Theo's journey. The issue with this, though, is that this was also what I felt was the book's greatest weakness.
I felt like even though there were all the pieces there to create a perfect story—romance, a good plot, a perfect atmosphere—not all of it was executed well. Let's break this down:
°˖➴ The worldbuilding: It was nonexistent. I feel like worldbuilding is absolutely necessary for any fantasy book, especially one that's projected to be the first in a series. I felt like there was no worldbuilding in this story at all. I figured that at some point everything would be explained, whether it was through an info dump or bits of information given throughout the story, but I was left with nothing and wanting more. There were multiple times when I was reading and thought that everything would just click in my head at some point, but that never came. I was like, "Am I just too stupid to understand this?" Turns out I wasn't stupid, none of the information I was looking for was in the book.
°˖➴ The Sirens: For a FMC that is a Siren herself, we didn't get a lot of Siren lore or anything about the Sirens at all. It's constantly alluded to that she is a Siren and she had to spend her entire life hiding the fact that she is a Siren, but I couldn't tell you a single thing about the lore and what the Sirens do in the story, and that's not because I read this book like, 3 weeks ago and am only getting around to writing this review now.
°˖➴ The romance: in the iconic words of Abby Lee, "You were good, I'm waiting for you to be great." I wanted more tension and yearning because the romance between Theo and Imogen was super insta-lovey. Sure, you can contribute that to the blood bond they have, which is totally understandable considering what the blood bond does to them. However, not all of the romance felt believable to me when both of them spend a decent amount of time saying "oh, we're not REALLY in love because it's just the blood bond," but then they randomly decide at some point they don't feel that way anymore and it became super insta-lovey.
Overall, this was a solid debut, and I'd still recommend reading this if you're looking for an atmospheric, gothic read! I actually ended up getting a special edition of the book through my Allurial book subscription box and I'm looking forward to the second book! I'm hoping these issues will be smoothed out in the second book and we get more context, worldbuilding, and lore, otherwise it'll be a very difficult read to get through.
🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚🎐 🫧𓇼𓏲
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: Okay, so this isn't a 100% true pre-read considering I just read the first chapter, but I have a feeling this is going to be good. Like, "I'm going to get out of my reading slump" good. We'll see how I feel by the end of it, but it's off to such a strong start already that I feel excited to read after the slump I've been in this month!
This is ARC 5/16 for my July 2025 ARC reading schedule, and eARC 3/4 for my next deadline of July 15th, 2025!
P.S. (I actually found it at Barnes & Noble last weekend...take that information as you will.)
July 27, 2025
“You should fear the water..it belongs to me” 🌊
This book will pull you under with its dark and lyrical prose. Like a siren’s song, it won’t just captivate you, it will wreck you. You’ll be left gasping for air, forever changed yet aching for more. 😩
“You have shone a light on me. You made me feel fury and terror and joy and longing. How do I curl myself back into the darkness after being so alive?”
This book is for you if you love Sirens, prophecies, magic and yearning so hot it can burn underwater 🔥
“You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams”
“You knelt for me” 😭
This book will pull you under with its dark and lyrical prose. Like a siren’s song, it won’t just captivate you, it will wreck you. You’ll be left gasping for air, forever changed yet aching for more. 😩
“You have shone a light on me. You made me feel fury and terror and joy and longing. How do I curl myself back into the darkness after being so alive?”
This book is for you if you love Sirens, prophecies, magic and yearning so hot it can burn underwater 🔥
“You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams”
“You knelt for me” 😭
April 9, 2025
4.75 stars because how dare this book not be longer??? you’re gonna give me a One Dark Window-esque, gothic masterpiece with Siren lore and an MMC birthed from the likes of Anthony Bridgerton himself… and make it under 400 pages??? JAIL.
I need book 2 yesterday and this doesn’t even come out until July 😭 help😭
I need book 2 yesterday and this doesn’t even come out until July 😭 help😭
August 4, 2025
Thank you, Little, Brown, and Company!! I absolutely loved every part of it—I couldn't put this book down. The story perfectly blends dark, eerie, whimsical, and lyrical elements. It will draw you in, captivate your attention, and make you fall in love with both the MMC and FMC. This is one hell of a slow burn; the tension is palpable. The storytelling, the character development, the prose - all perfect. Dying to get my hands on book two!!! I can't wait to jump back into this world ASAP.
Pub Date: July 15, 2025
As always, all thoughts are my own! 🖤✨
Pub Date: July 15, 2025
As always, all thoughts are my own! 🖤✨
August 14, 2025
Don’t hate me, I can see why people would like this but it didn’t work for me unfortunately
I loved the beginning it jumped straight in and read like the last 100 pages of a fantasy book, however i feel like the super fast pace through the whole book meant there wasn’t enough world building or character development for me.
The fmc was also lowkey annoying, she made selfish decisions and didn’t care about the repercussions for others. Which i do believe she knew about herself so good for her on being able to self reflect.
The romance felt like insta love, with how short the book is and how it spans a week or 2, the i love you moment just felt unearned.
The ending was abrupt and unsatisfying. I was actually shocked (kinda happy) that it was over
Im not invested in these characters or the storyline so i shall not be continuing
I loved the beginning it jumped straight in and read like the last 100 pages of a fantasy book, however i feel like the super fast pace through the whole book meant there wasn’t enough world building or character development for me.
The fmc was also lowkey annoying, she made selfish decisions and didn’t care about the repercussions for others. Which i do believe she knew about herself so good for her on being able to self reflect.
The romance felt like insta love, with how short the book is and how it spans a week or 2, the i love you moment just felt unearned.
The ending was abrupt and unsatisfying. I was actually shocked (kinda happy) that it was over
Im not invested in these characters or the storyline so i shall not be continuing
March 29, 2025
Many readers are going to love this book and I understand why. It has sirens with sharp teeth and wings! It has a handsome, mysterious King as a love interest. What's not to love? Unfortunately, this one didn't really work for me. I didn't like the FMC and I felt like she was just flailing about with no real direction. The world building was severely lacking for me and I needed more answers. I felt like I stepped into the story not really knowing what was happening and that can be fine if some of those questions are answered along the way and I didn't really feel like this book did that.
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2025
*2.5* Wish I’d liked this one more.
The FMC came across as selfish and self-absorbed. She’s in her late 20s, a ward of the King, and wants us to believe she’s at his mercy at all times. Yet she admits to having dalliances with men over the years. So she couldn’t escape all this time, but had plenty of freedom for that? It felt like she was just drifting through life, doing nothing to change her situation. What exactly was she waiting for?
And when she finally begs to be rescued, the man she asks points out that it would spark a war and cost innocent lives. She basically responds…ok, when can we leave?
The first half of the book worked better than the second, but overall I just wish the characters and the worldbuilding had been stronger.
*They’re churning out mediocre romantasy in a rush, desperate to cash in on the trend before the genre goes stale. The only one I’ve found recently that worth the read, is A Vow of Blood and Tears.
The FMC came across as selfish and self-absorbed. She’s in her late 20s, a ward of the King, and wants us to believe she’s at his mercy at all times. Yet she admits to having dalliances with men over the years. So she couldn’t escape all this time, but had plenty of freedom for that? It felt like she was just drifting through life, doing nothing to change her situation. What exactly was she waiting for?
And when she finally begs to be rescued, the man she asks points out that it would spark a war and cost innocent lives. She basically responds…ok, when can we leave?
The first half of the book worked better than the second, but overall I just wish the characters and the worldbuilding had been stronger.
*They’re churning out mediocre romantasy in a rush, desperate to cash in on the trend before the genre goes stale. The only one I’ve found recently that worth the read, is A Vow of Blood and Tears.
August 17, 2025
⭐️ 4.25 ⭐️ Are you looking for a HOT Gothic summer? Look no further because this is it. This will make you bite your cheek, squirm in your seat, compel and lure you in like a siren song! Ughh and the tension! Oh that tension!! So edgy, so sweet, so pulsating. I need book 2 like yesterday!
After “The Knight and the Moth” flop of the year, I was looking for something with a gothic backdrop. I picked up this book on a whim and the gothic vibes with siren lore were exactly what I was looking for. Cassidy delivered a compelling tale full of action, plot, alluring sirens and created a man who will go to the end of the world for his woman. With a tender romance and a golden-retriever male love interest, Cassidy’s outstanding writing shined through the grim-world building.
In this seaside lore, Imogen is a siren hiding in a kingdom that hurts her kind. She is engaged to be married off to the kings’ commander who is vile and cruel and wants power. A visiting king, Theodore, offers her protection through a dangerous blood bond. He literally sails her away and the angst rises! He shouldn’t love her but he does anyways; he’s willing to throw everything away for her safety and protection, including his kingdom.
QUOTE:
* “You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
With everything set against them, who is going to fall first? Imogen must first learn about her true identity and power before settling her feelings and choosing a path to freedom.
After “The Knight and the Moth” flop of the year, I was looking for something with a gothic backdrop. I picked up this book on a whim and the gothic vibes with siren lore were exactly what I was looking for. Cassidy delivered a compelling tale full of action, plot, alluring sirens and created a man who will go to the end of the world for his woman. With a tender romance and a golden-retriever male love interest, Cassidy’s outstanding writing shined through the grim-world building.
In this seaside lore, Imogen is a siren hiding in a kingdom that hurts her kind. She is engaged to be married off to the kings’ commander who is vile and cruel and wants power. A visiting king, Theodore, offers her protection through a dangerous blood bond. He literally sails her away and the angst rises! He shouldn’t love her but he does anyways; he’s willing to throw everything away for her safety and protection, including his kingdom.
QUOTE:
* “You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
With everything set against them, who is going to fall first? Imogen must first learn about her true identity and power before settling her feelings and choosing a path to freedom.
July 25, 2025
I haven’t felt this way about a book in a long time. The romance, their characters, the world…it’s all built with care and the writing is beautiful. I can die happy now (after book 2, of course)
Also…that sneak peek of book 2 made things so much worse 😆😆😭😭 (do it again)
Also…that sneak peek of book 2 made things so much worse 😆😆😭😭 (do it again)
August 21, 2025
I am so conflicted, I can’t even explain.
I liked the middle of this book, but beginning made me viscerally angry with how she was treated, and the ending was confusing as hell.
The middle was pretty good, the yearning was reallll in this book.
I liked the FMC, but she felt very inconsistent behavior-wise. The MMC is where this book shines, he was *chef’s kiss*.
I am gonna go with 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4 as my rating on this one.
I liked the middle of this book, but beginning made me viscerally angry with how she was treated, and the ending was confusing as hell.
The middle was pretty good, the yearning was reallll in this book.
I liked the FMC, but she felt very inconsistent behavior-wise. The MMC is where this book shines, he was *chef’s kiss*.
I am gonna go with 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4 as my rating on this one.
August 16, 2025
unpopular opinion i think but... this had so much potencial but didnt hit the mark
August 13, 2025
5 Captured the essence of true love ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
OMG, this was good. You will have to look a long time, to come across a more romantic build up. My heart was breaking in all the good ways.
I don’t want to tell you what happens, it would ruin the adventure. Don’t read any spoilers. But wow, my faith is being restored in authors being able to capture the essence of love on paper
Theo, The King of Varya,is very regal, prudent, proper, fair and serves his people to his own detriment.
Imogene is being abused by King Nemea, and needs to escape. In order to do that she must have help from Theo and that’s where we start and all you should now. She is loyal, you want to be her. She is mature and has a wicked inner dialogue.🙌
The love is comparable to that of Romeo and Juliet, they are not their own obstacles. The world and their situation is.
“The outside world were coming for us with a hammer and chisel”
It is so beautifully written it hard to understand it’s a debut novel, I devoured this. I didn’t pick up the phone or open my door. I was completely immersed ❤️
There is a blood bond between Imogene and Theo and the way it’s written, how their feelings explode, slowly, but so believable. This author has had a great love of her own.
“If you are to devastate me, let it be completely. Lay waste to me and everything that is mine. A life without you in it, is not one I wish lead. “😭
This is how you put feelings onto paper❤️
Should you read it? YES RIGHT NOW! I already bought a copy for my daughter!
P.s. THIS IS HOW YOU TITLE A BOOK🫶
OMG, this was good. You will have to look a long time, to come across a more romantic build up. My heart was breaking in all the good ways.
I don’t want to tell you what happens, it would ruin the adventure. Don’t read any spoilers. But wow, my faith is being restored in authors being able to capture the essence of love on paper
Theo, The King of Varya,is very regal, prudent, proper, fair and serves his people to his own detriment.
Imogene is being abused by King Nemea, and needs to escape. In order to do that she must have help from Theo and that’s where we start and all you should now. She is loyal, you want to be her. She is mature and has a wicked inner dialogue.🙌
The love is comparable to that of Romeo and Juliet, they are not their own obstacles. The world and their situation is.
“The outside world were coming for us with a hammer and chisel”
It is so beautifully written it hard to understand it’s a debut novel, I devoured this. I didn’t pick up the phone or open my door. I was completely immersed ❤️
There is a blood bond between Imogene and Theo and the way it’s written, how their feelings explode, slowly, but so believable. This author has had a great love of her own.
“If you are to devastate me, let it be completely. Lay waste to me and everything that is mine. A life without you in it, is not one I wish lead. “😭
This is how you put feelings onto paper❤️
Should you read it? YES RIGHT NOW! I already bought a copy for my daughter!
P.s. THIS IS HOW YOU TITLE A BOOK🫶
August 5, 2025
“But if you are to devastate me, then let it be completely. Lay waste to me and everything that’s mine. A life without you in it is not one I wish to lead.”
I NEED BOOK 2 LIKE I NEED AIR TO BREATHE 😭😭😭 I will be waiting with bated breath. Reading the first chapter of book 2 at the end of this one has me ON MY KNEEEEES. PLEASE 😭
This was absolutely enchanting. It was brimming with tension and yearning that had me silently screaming into my pillow in agony. I was drawn in from the very first chapter. I’ve yet to read a fantasy that explores the beauty of siren folklore, so this was a unique change of pace for me and so incredibly refreshing. The author’s prose was dark, elegant, and powerfully evocative.
The draw that the main characters had to one another….. exquisite. I was loving every second of every interaction between them. Imogen, a woman on a journey to discover the darkest parts of herself and Theo, a man who would literally crawl to the ends of the universe for her. A man who would give up anything and everything for her. UGHHHH😫🙏🏻
“I am the bug. A moth. And you are the moon. Drawing me, pulling me. But I’ll never be able to reach you without destroying myself.”
I— PLEASSEEEEEEEE😫😫😫😫😫
"I cannot even see her for the way you encompass me." Emotion etched his face. ”You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
LIKE???? I CAN’T TAKE THIS
“What I feel for you is beyond reason — beyond duty and desire. You have tipped my whole world on its side, and you are the one clear thing in the chaos. You. I want you.”
“If you are selfish, then I am a gluttonous, greed-riddled fiend for how badly I want you.”
THEOOOO 😩😩😩
FINALLY. I have been released from the shackles of my book slump of mediocre books!!!! Yall better get to reading this one 🤌🏻
I NEED BOOK 2 LIKE I NEED AIR TO BREATHE 😭😭😭 I will be waiting with bated breath. Reading the first chapter of book 2 at the end of this one has me ON MY KNEEEEES. PLEASE 😭
This was absolutely enchanting. It was brimming with tension and yearning that had me silently screaming into my pillow in agony. I was drawn in from the very first chapter. I’ve yet to read a fantasy that explores the beauty of siren folklore, so this was a unique change of pace for me and so incredibly refreshing. The author’s prose was dark, elegant, and powerfully evocative.
The draw that the main characters had to one another….. exquisite. I was loving every second of every interaction between them. Imogen, a woman on a journey to discover the darkest parts of herself and Theo, a man who would literally crawl to the ends of the universe for her. A man who would give up anything and everything for her. UGHHHH😫🙏🏻
“I am the bug. A moth. And you are the moon. Drawing me, pulling me. But I’ll never be able to reach you without destroying myself.”
I— PLEASSEEEEEEEE😫😫😫😫😫
"I cannot even see her for the way you encompass me." Emotion etched his face. ”You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
LIKE???? I CAN’T TAKE THIS
“What I feel for you is beyond reason — beyond duty and desire. You have tipped my whole world on its side, and you are the one clear thing in the chaos. You. I want you.”
“If you are selfish, then I am a gluttonous, greed-riddled fiend for how badly I want you.”
THEOOOO 😩😩😩
FINALLY. I have been released from the shackles of my book slump of mediocre books!!!! Yall better get to reading this one 🤌🏻
April 14, 2025
What a STUNNING dark fantasy romance!
If you love sirens/the ocean you need to pick this one up!
If you love sirens/the ocean you need to pick this one up!
July 15, 2025
I am yet again sitting before you absolutely crashing out over one of the best fantasy romance books I have ever read.
My heart feels caught in a siren’s song. I have been utterly bewitched by this magical romantasy.
This is unlike any story I have read before. It wrapped me up in it’s talons immediately and I did not know peace until it was over. Actually... now that’s it’s over I’m in even worse turmoil.
This story is about a Siren who forges a bond with a brooding King in order to flee the King who raised her…. That doesn’t even SCRATCH THE SURFACE but you need to read this book in order to know more about what’s going on…
Ladies and gentlemen, forget every semblance of yearning you’ve ever read… THIS IS yearning. This is the ache I’ve dreamed of. The kind of beautiful agony that claws at your heart and yet, somehow, leaves you desperate for more.
This book didn’t just feel romantic… it felt like the sea itself… powerful, rising, and utterly consuming. It pulled my breath away more times than I can count, and now… well, I’m still floating in longing… trying to catch my breath.
I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. I couldn’t stay still. Every scene pulled me deeper and deeper. It’s packed with sea shaping lore, crown weighing responsibilities, shimmering magic, and divine oceanic gods.
This story is a tempest of treachery and secrets, with revelations that crash over you like waves, leaving you gasping for the calm of resolution.
This book doesn't just tell a story. It drowns you in it. The emotional riptide I was caught in felt as real and relentless as the sea itself.
"The way you encompass. You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
I feel like I’ve gone to battle and back. I can’t even begin to describe the emotional toll this story had on me.
"You have shined a light on me. You made me feel fury and terror and joy and longing. How do I curl myself back into the darkness after being so alive?"
Did I mention this is one of the most romantic stories I’ve ever read? I was practically howling at every smirk and stormy glance between these two.
Imagine if Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride & Prejudice, and One Dark Window collided in a storm of passion and peril… this book would be their tempestuous love child.
“His absence would bring me more than heartache. For awful things filled empty spaces. And it was in the darkest, deepest part of the sea that monsters were made.”
There’s a profound satisfaction watching a woman who has been taught to be small and timid… caged and quieted… break free of her restrains and soar. Or in this case… swim.
These are the stories that keep me reading. That keeps me searching for the next magical story to sweep me away. I’m so grateful this tale exists in my lifetime. I won’t soon forget it.
My heart feels caught in a siren’s song. I have been utterly bewitched by this magical romantasy.
This is unlike any story I have read before. It wrapped me up in it’s talons immediately and I did not know peace until it was over. Actually... now that’s it’s over I’m in even worse turmoil.
This story is about a Siren who forges a bond with a brooding King in order to flee the King who raised her…. That doesn’t even SCRATCH THE SURFACE but you need to read this book in order to know more about what’s going on…
Ladies and gentlemen, forget every semblance of yearning you’ve ever read… THIS IS yearning. This is the ache I’ve dreamed of. The kind of beautiful agony that claws at your heart and yet, somehow, leaves you desperate for more.
This book didn’t just feel romantic… it felt like the sea itself… powerful, rising, and utterly consuming. It pulled my breath away more times than I can count, and now… well, I’m still floating in longing… trying to catch my breath.
I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. I couldn’t stay still. Every scene pulled me deeper and deeper. It’s packed with sea shaping lore, crown weighing responsibilities, shimmering magic, and divine oceanic gods.
This story is a tempest of treachery and secrets, with revelations that crash over you like waves, leaving you gasping for the calm of resolution.
This book doesn't just tell a story. It drowns you in it. The emotional riptide I was caught in felt as real and relentless as the sea itself.
"The way you encompass. You fill my every sense. You stalk my waking mind. You make up the entirety of my dreams.”
I feel like I’ve gone to battle and back. I can’t even begin to describe the emotional toll this story had on me.
"You have shined a light on me. You made me feel fury and terror and joy and longing. How do I curl myself back into the darkness after being so alive?"
Did I mention this is one of the most romantic stories I’ve ever read? I was practically howling at every smirk and stormy glance between these two.
Imagine if Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride & Prejudice, and One Dark Window collided in a storm of passion and peril… this book would be their tempestuous love child.
“His absence would bring me more than heartache. For awful things filled empty spaces. And it was in the darkest, deepest part of the sea that monsters were made.”
There’s a profound satisfaction watching a woman who has been taught to be small and timid… caged and quieted… break free of her restrains and soar. Or in this case… swim.
These are the stories that keep me reading. That keeps me searching for the next magical story to sweep me away. I’m so grateful this tale exists in my lifetime. I won’t soon forget it.
Want to read
February 8, 2025For fans of one dark window and loved by Ms Gillig herself 🤭 I need this!!
July 26, 2025
4.75⭐️ This was almost perfection. So atmospheric and the story while very slightly reminding me of Upon a Starlit Tide at the beginning, was so unique and pulls you in from the get go. Also I have found my new favorite book boyfriend at the moment THEO🙌💗.
August 17, 2025
THIS BOOK NEEDS TO BE A MOVIE!! sirens, but the greek mythology version with WINGS?? hell yes.
ITVOTD felt unique and fresh, while also feeling dark and atmospheric in the best romantasy way. this book follows Imogen, who is secretly a siren hiding within a dark and brutal kingdom who hunts her kind. when enemy kingdoms visit, she meets an intriguing stranger who (what do you know) happens to be the crown prince of a rival kingdom. JUICY PLOT ENSUES and they’re thrust together by means of BLOOD BOND (kicks feet) to help Imogen escape. on their journey their forced proximity stirs up some confusing emotions (as it does) and they’re forced to navigate their feelings towards each other while the threat of a dark goddess and imogen’s captor looms above them.
*SCREAMS* guys it was just so juicy. the only reason this book wasn’t a solid 5 stars for me is because imogen’s single pov had me internally screaming at her to stop self sabotaging. i’m crossing my fingers for dual pov in book 2 because I NEED THEO’S YEARNING STRAIGHT FROM HIS MIND!!!
ITVOTD felt unique and fresh, while also feeling dark and atmospheric in the best romantasy way. this book follows Imogen, who is secretly a siren hiding within a dark and brutal kingdom who hunts her kind. when enemy kingdoms visit, she meets an intriguing stranger who (what do you know) happens to be the crown prince of a rival kingdom. JUICY PLOT ENSUES and they’re thrust together by means of BLOOD BOND (kicks feet) to help Imogen escape. on their journey their forced proximity stirs up some confusing emotions (as it does) and they’re forced to navigate their feelings towards each other while the threat of a dark goddess and imogen’s captor looms above them.
*SCREAMS* guys it was just so juicy. the only reason this book wasn’t a solid 5 stars for me is because imogen’s single pov had me internally screaming at her to stop self sabotaging. i’m crossing my fingers for dual pov in book 2 because I NEED THEO’S YEARNING STRAIGHT FROM HIS MIND!!!
August 6, 2025
i’ve read books with mermaids before, but i had never read a book with sirens until i picked up in the veins of the drowning. this was so unique; an absolutely stunning debut novel! if you’re looking for a fantasy to binge-read before summer is over, let it be this one. 🫧🌊
the dark atmospheric vibes were PERFECT. i enjoyed the lore, the romance, the pacing, and even the side characters!
i saw in other reviews that theodore ariti gives off anthony bridgerton vibes and i can confirm that this is true. that man is so deeply in love, poor thing can hardly think properly. 😌✨ very excited for book two!!
the dark atmospheric vibes were PERFECT. i enjoyed the lore, the romance, the pacing, and even the side characters!
i saw in other reviews that theodore ariti gives off anthony bridgerton vibes and i can confirm that this is true. that man is so deeply in love, poor thing can hardly think properly. 😌✨ very excited for book two!!
July 23, 2025
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“What I feel for you is beyond reason — beyond duty and desire. You have tipped my whole world on its side, and you are the one clear thing in the chaos.” His nose brushed the end of mine. “You. I want you.”
In the Veins of Drowning ensnares you with it's dark ambience as it pulls you deeper into an eerie fairytale of Sirens and Gods.
The romance crackles with tension, rage, and heated passion which simmers off the page.
For fans of soul bonds, there is a unique twist to this but I'll keep it spoiler-free *wink*
Sirens are one of my favorite mythical creatures, they're ethereal creatures that can either be benevolent or malevolent—and the author adds a unique touch in this story.
I appreciate the gothic backdrop as it immersed me into this world and I felt as a phantom companion to the characters who embark on a journey that will unveil secrets, prophecies, and dangerous revelations.
As a self-proclaimed lore nerd, I devour any lore crumbs sprinkled within the pages and I will still admit that I am starved for more, especially for the magic system.
I am always appreciative of stories where a woman breaks the chains she is shackled to, and Imogen's journey has just begun. Her entire life and identity is wrapped in dark secrets so that made me feel so much for her. Meanwhile, Theo is yet to win me over entirely, I like him but I'll be selfish and hope for more groveling.
This duology will likely conclude with the next book, looking forward to see how the story wraps up!
Content warning: Blood, blood rituals, sacrifices, Body horror, Gore, violence, murder, Sexual content, Abuse (physical and psychological), Drowning, Emesis, Death of a child (off page), Deep water imagery, Profanity.
“What I feel for you is beyond reason — beyond duty and desire. You have tipped my whole world on its side, and you are the one clear thing in the chaos.” His nose brushed the end of mine. “You. I want you.”
In the Veins of Drowning ensnares you with it's dark ambience as it pulls you deeper into an eerie fairytale of Sirens and Gods.
The romance crackles with tension, rage, and heated passion which simmers off the page.
For fans of soul bonds, there is a unique twist to this but I'll keep it spoiler-free *wink*
Sirens are one of my favorite mythical creatures, they're ethereal creatures that can either be benevolent or malevolent—and the author adds a unique touch in this story.
I appreciate the gothic backdrop as it immersed me into this world and I felt as a phantom companion to the characters who embark on a journey that will unveil secrets, prophecies, and dangerous revelations.
As a self-proclaimed lore nerd, I devour any lore crumbs sprinkled within the pages and I will still admit that I am starved for more, especially for the magic system.
I am always appreciative of stories where a woman breaks the chains she is shackled to, and Imogen's journey has just begun. Her entire life and identity is wrapped in dark secrets so that made me feel so much for her. Meanwhile, Theo is yet to win me over entirely, I like him but I'll be selfish and hope for more groveling.
This duology will likely conclude with the next book, looking forward to see how the story wraps up!
Content warning: Blood, blood rituals, sacrifices, Body horror, Gore, violence, murder, Sexual content, Abuse (physical and psychological), Drowning, Emesis, Death of a child (off page), Deep water imagery, Profanity.
July 13, 2025
The way this book immediately captivated me from the moment I read the introductory poem cannot be understated. The gothic atmosphere was such a vibe, and I loved how refreshing I found this Romantasy story. I need more books about sirens. This one had so many wonderful moments of siren folklore and mythology references, and I loved how beautifully they were woven into so many components of the story.
The romance between Theo and Imogen was complex in the best ways possible. Both of them are deeply caring individuals who want to do what’s best for their people but are thrown into a situation (forced proximity trope, anyone? 😉) that makes them question their duty and responsibility in the name of love. There was so much angst and yearning in this book, and their dedication to one another was everything.
I’m still not over the ending. I’m not kidding when I say it sent me spiraling into a reading slump.
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
The romance between Theo and Imogen was complex in the best ways possible. Both of them are deeply caring individuals who want to do what’s best for their people but are thrown into a situation (forced proximity trope, anyone? 😉) that makes them question their duty and responsibility in the name of love. There was so much angst and yearning in this book, and their dedication to one another was everything.
I’m still not over the ending. I’m not kidding when I say it sent me spiraling into a reading slump.
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 3, 2025
This book was a solid 3.5 stars. I was annoyed at times by the FMC, I adored the MMC(who was basically a king version of Anthony -say less)
, but strangely enough, I wanted a small info dump? Like the plot was there, but I needed more information. I didn't mind being dumped into the story, I appreciated that it wasn't a slow build to get to the action, BUT, there wasn't enough info given or any lore to explain while things were going along.
I also found their relationship a little annoying, the whole "Oh I don't like you, it's the bond" and then an "I love you" after not even two weeks? What?! This book was tagged as a slow burn, and while no actual spice doesn't happen until 75%-which I guess is considered slow and I appreciate, it was the insta-love, I'll die for you at day one that I was side eyeing.
There was a handful of tension moments where they were close that were excellent, but when they actually got down and dirty my eyes rolled so hard out of the back of my head. The spice was written super cringe (so cringe I skipped it)
Again, the plot was intriguing, and I liked the storyline, I thought the ending was unique and I will probably read the second, I just wont be buying a copy for my serial killer trophy shelf.
, but strangely enough, I wanted a small info dump? Like the plot was there, but I needed more information. I didn't mind being dumped into the story, I appreciated that it wasn't a slow build to get to the action, BUT, there wasn't enough info given or any lore to explain while things were going along.
I also found their relationship a little annoying, the whole "Oh I don't like you, it's the bond" and then an "I love you" after not even two weeks? What?! This book was tagged as a slow burn, and while no actual spice doesn't happen until 75%-which I guess is considered slow and I appreciate, it was the insta-love, I'll die for you at day one that I was side eyeing.
There was a handful of tension moments where they were close that were excellent, but when they actually got down and dirty my eyes rolled so hard out of the back of my head. The spice was written super cringe (so cringe I skipped it)
Again, the plot was intriguing, and I liked the storyline, I thought the ending was unique and I will probably read the second, I just wont be buying a copy for my serial killer trophy shelf.
July 24, 2025
This book set its hooks on me, and lured me in. It didn’t let me go until the very last page. Even then I wanted more!!
This is not a fluffy book. It is dark and raw. Imogen is not dainty. She is not war hardened. She is a survivor and does what it takes to stay safe.
It is also so deeply romantic. I never highlight physical books—but I sure did make an exception for this!!
I thought this was a standalone before I started. By the time I found out it’s not, it was too late. ItVotD already had its claws in me. Speaking of claws, Theo thinks Imogen’s are cute 🤭
This is not a fluffy book. It is dark and raw. Imogen is not dainty. She is not war hardened. She is a survivor and does what it takes to stay safe.
It is also so deeply romantic. I never highlight physical books—but I sure did make an exception for this!!
I thought this was a standalone before I started. By the time I found out it’s not, it was too late. ItVotD already had its claws in me. Speaking of claws, Theo thinks Imogen’s are cute 🤭
July 27, 2025
⭐️: 6/5
🌶️: 2/5
I am in absolute awe. This was incredible - I will have to come back and write an actual review when I can process thoughts correctly again. But in the meantime, please go read this!!!
🌶️: 2/5
I am in absolute awe. This was incredible - I will have to come back and write an actual review when I can process thoughts correctly again. But in the meantime, please go read this!!!
July 17, 2025
Quite possibly one of my favorite romantasy reads of the year.
Engaging and romantic, I was pulled in from the very first page. If it weren't for work and other time commitments, I have little doubt I would have finished this book in a day.
Imogen is a compelling and relatable narrator. Her strength lies in her resilience and unwavering desire to survive. She and Theo initially butt heads over how she has chosen to live her life, but they both eventually come to better understand each other and their circumstances.
The pacing of the book is even and mostly to the point. The world-building is adequate and none too overwhelming, which I appreciate because I'm not one for information dumps or overly detailed world-building.
I'll admit I did not see a lot of the reveals coming. Yet once they were revealed, everything made so much sense. The ending isn't necessarily edge-of-your-seat or dangling-on-a-cliff urgent, but it's definitely enough to entice me to read the next book to find out what is next for Imogen.
It better be happiness with Theo =P
Thank you to Gollancz and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Engaging and romantic, I was pulled in from the very first page. If it weren't for work and other time commitments, I have little doubt I would have finished this book in a day.
Imogen is a compelling and relatable narrator. Her strength lies in her resilience and unwavering desire to survive. She and Theo initially butt heads over how she has chosen to live her life, but they both eventually come to better understand each other and their circumstances.
The pacing of the book is even and mostly to the point. The world-building is adequate and none too overwhelming, which I appreciate because I'm not one for information dumps or overly detailed world-building.
I'll admit I did not see a lot of the reveals coming. Yet once they were revealed, everything made so much sense. The ending isn't necessarily edge-of-your-seat or dangling-on-a-cliff urgent, but it's definitely enough to entice me to read the next book to find out what is next for Imogen.
It better be happiness with Theo =P
Thank you to Gollancz and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
July 31, 2025
OBSESSED! I love it so much I can't even write a coherent review yet. RTC!
August 19, 2025
“But if you are too devastate me, then let it be completely. Lay waste to me and everything that’s mine. A life without you in it is not one I wish to lead.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️.5
️ ️ ️ ️
Wow, Kalie gave us some beautiful writing with a super engaging plot line in this debut novel. I loved how easy this storyline flowed. Poetic quotes with a fast-paced, driven storyline.
Both of the main characters were super likable and fun! They definitely gave us some witty banter and heart-fluttering romance. I really liked the uniqueness of the magic system and bonding in this. When the love interests can't be more than 10 feet away from each other without having physical pain, you know you're going to get some juicy tension!🔥The characters really were the driving factor in this, which I loved!💞
The fluidity of the writing and storyline was the highlight for me in this. I thought the romance & characters needed a bit more time to develop. With how fast-paced the plot was pushed, I didn't really get enough time to connect with them. This also lacked world-building which took away from the depth of the story.
However, I do think that if Kalie had given us 150-200 more pages of details and character growth, this could have been a master piece, so with this being her first book, I am eager to see how the story continues!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️.5
️ ️ ️ ️
Wow, Kalie gave us some beautiful writing with a super engaging plot line in this debut novel. I loved how easy this storyline flowed. Poetic quotes with a fast-paced, driven storyline.
Both of the main characters were super likable and fun! They definitely gave us some witty banter and heart-fluttering romance. I really liked the uniqueness of the magic system and bonding in this. When the love interests can't be more than 10 feet away from each other without having physical pain, you know you're going to get some juicy tension!🔥The characters really were the driving factor in this, which I loved!💞
The fluidity of the writing and storyline was the highlight for me in this. I thought the romance & characters needed a bit more time to develop. With how fast-paced the plot was pushed, I didn't really get enough time to connect with them. This also lacked world-building which took away from the depth of the story.
However, I do think that if Kalie had given us 150-200 more pages of details and character growth, this could have been a master piece, so with this being her first book, I am eager to see how the story continues!
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