Amazing! Wonderful! I cannot get enough of Phoenix and Logan! Cannot wait for the sequal! I want so much more of this!

Drowning on Land by Brit Griffin takes readers deep into a harrowing world where danger is a constant companion, and survival demands impossible choices. The story centers on a protagonist trapped in a life surrounded by abusers, addicts, and criminals—a toxic environment that she’s desperate to escape but where leaving isn’t an option.

The tension in the novel is palpable, especially with the looming threat of the Aryan Brotherhood, who are out for blood, believing she and her family are responsible for something they didn’t do. The protagonist’s internal struggle is intense; she’s in love with Logan, a retired Army Ranger, who fought in Afghanistan only to return to a war of a different kind. Her love for him and her little sister drives her to protect them at all costs, even if it means compromising her own morality.

As the story unfolds, we see the protagonist's gradual transformation. She’s forced to make choices that push her closer to becoming the very monster she feared. Griffin’s portrayal of this descent is both tragic and gripping, illustrating the thin line between heroism and villainy when survival is on the line.

The novel’s pacing keeps you on edge, with a plot that twists and turns, revealing secrets and betrayals that heighten the sense of impending doom. The emotional weight of the protagonist’s decisions adds depth to the narrative, making it a powerful exploration of what it means to protect those you love, even when it means losing yourself in the process.

Drowning on Land is a dark, intense read that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life on the fringes. Griffin's storytelling is raw and immersive, drawing you into a world where every choice feels like a double-edged sword. If you’re looking for a novel that’s both thought-provoking and suspenseful, this one won’t disappoint.

This book throws you straight into the action from the beginning, there is no build up or backstory really. I think it would've highly benefited from that and I could've connected more with the characters if I would've had more of that. The ending also was abrupt and I felt some things were unresolved.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
Overall: ☆☆☆
Plot:☆☆☆
𝔸𝕔𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤:
I would like to thank Netgalley for letting me read the ARC for this book.
𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖒𝖆𝖉𝖊 𝖒𝖊 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉 𝖎𝖙:
To be honest, the cover made me read the description and the description made me read the book.
𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀:
I am giving it 3 stars because of many reasons.
1. There is no build-up to this story. You are plunged right into the action from the first page when first introduced to the FMC. This sometimes works for books but in this one I felt it made the story feel rushed.
2. I would have liked a bit more build-up and some more backstory into the Aryan brotherhood as I feel it would have answered my questions and made the story easier to read. HOWEVER, maybe if there is to be another book, it will cover this?
3. This is a good reason: the author's writing is raw with a strong emotive but yet confessional tone that makes you feel like you're reading the FMC's mind or her diary.
4. The ending also feels a bit rushed, with some of the plot left unresolved
5. One last good thing:
The author does not shy away from the brutal realities of life. And because of this I feel it provokes the reader to really think about some of the life challenges that the book presents.
The blurb:
I’m surrounded by abusers and abused. Addicts numbing away their pain, creating chaos. Criminals stealing, lying, hurting.
I want out, but no one leaves my family.
I can’t give in. I’m in love with Logan, a retired Army Ranger, who survived the war in Afghanistan, but might die here, trying to protect me.
The Aryan Brotherhood wants revenge for what they think my family did. For what they think I did. They’ll kill me once they find out the truth.
I did what I had to do. No one leaves and gets away clean. I’m becoming the monster I swore I’d never become. I’m doing it for Logan, for my little sister. They have to survive, even if I won’t.
So dear reader, do you think you can handle the truth? Keep reading, if you dare. I’ll tell you all my secrets. I’m risking everything, betraying everyone. But I’ll tell you. I have to tell you.

🇩​​🇮​​🇸​​🇨​​🇱​​🇦​​🇮​​🇲​​🇪​​🇷​
Some scenes may be triggering for readers who have experienced abuse or violence, so if you decide to read this book please keep that in mind.

A story about a young women brought up by an neglecting mother who is an addict, and has had to bring up her younger sister. She is part of an addict criminal family who are a part of a gang who kill and threaten people.

It's the first book of a series, so the ending is not very satisfactory as not all question are answered, and all problems are not solved.

As I got an ARC copy there were a few errors. The writing style was good, however some of the descriptive parts were distracting and I could not imagine the situation properly. It took away from the story slightly. The characters I felt were not developed as well as possible so I was not as invested in their survival. There were times when the suspense was built up really well.

Overall, I would probably not recommended reading this book, especially if you are sensitive to certain triggers, such as child neglect, rape, white supremacy and domestic abuse.

I would probably try a future book written by this author, but I'm unlikely to read the next book as the writing did not make me invested in the story.

I would like to thank the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.

Dark is a great word for this one and I’m sure trigger warnings. This has drugs, SA, gangs, and so much more. It’s the story of someone born into that life who desperately wants out and to be with the man she loves. Though it’s not that easy to just leave that life behind and Phoenix is learning all about that.

Drowning On Land is an action packed tale of drugs, violence and abuse.

There is no build up to this story, you are plunged right into the action from the first page when first introduced to the female protagonist; Phoenix 'Nix' Mason.

This was a quick read and I was intrigued to find out how the tale would unravel, though at times some of the events in the story seemed to be quite rushed and could have been explored much more.

I would have liked a bit more build up and some more backstory into the aryan brotherhood and the goings on around town but maybe this will be explored more in the next installment.

I do look forward to the next book to see where this series will go.

Thank you to the publisher and author for allowing me access to this book via Netgalley.

This book gave me binding 13 vibes add to it a sweet mom-daughter relationship and it’s the perfect read!! But harsh for me on the abuse but overall 4.75 stars !

Drowning on Land plunges readers into a world of danger and deception. Phoenix, caught in a web of family secrets and criminal vendettas, faces impossible choices to protect her loved ones, including Logan, a resilient Army Ranger. The story is intense and emotionally charged, drawing me in with its raw portrayal of sacrifice and survival. I found myself deeply engrossed in the characters' struggles and rooting for their resilience amidst chaos. This book is a great read that explores the lengths one will go to for love and loyalty, making it a memorable story.

Hey, thrill-seekers! Drowning on Land is one wild ride you won't want to miss! Picture this: a tough-as-nails heroine, tangled up in a family mess that's straight out of a crime thriller. There's danger, there's drama, and there's Logan, the swoon-worthy ex-Army Ranger who's got our girl's back through it all. Why should you read this book? Because it's a rollercoaster of secrets, betrayal, and heart-pounding action! You'll be on the edge of your seat, itching to uncover every twist and turn. So grab your copy, buckle up, and get ready for a thrilling read that'll keep you guessing till the very end! 🚀