Kit Rocha has been an insta-buy author for me for the last decade, and The Bound to Fire and Steel series was one of my favorite romance series of the last few years.

Daughter of Tides continues the author's tradition of excellent, thoughtful worldbuilding. The lore and history of the world is well-realized without being over-explained. Einar's connection to the plot, in particular, is a standout.

Unfortunately, I do think some of the romance falls flat. I understand why Naia and Einar are drawn to eachother, and their little slow-burn is great, but their connection with Aleksi feels a bit tacked on and rushed. I, as the reader, like Aleski. But I don't know why they like him.

And Naia herself reads a bit like dollar-tree Sachielle. She doesn't have a particularly distinct personality. The entire time I was just craving more from her. Hopefully we will see that in the next book.

Despite my complaints, I did really enjoy this book, I like the world, and Kit Rocha will remain on my insta-buy list.

At the beginning, I was confused, but the longer I read it became clearer and clearer. I loved the slow burn romance and the banter was great as well. I dont know if it was just about things in not really aware of or what, but I did get lost a few times and has to reread what I had just read. But al and all it was a nice read and it is something I would read again.

Kit Rocha’s Daughter of Tides is an evocative blend of post-apocalyptic intrigue and character-driven storytelling, set against a backdrop of a world ravaged by rising seas. The novel follows Mare, a fierce and resourceful smuggler navigating the perilous waters of a society struggling to survive both nature’s wrath and humanity’s darker impulses.

Rocha excels at crafting vivid, tactile worlds, and the oceanic setting is no exception. From storm-battered coastal settlements to the eerie quiet of submerged cities, the book’s atmosphere feels alive, adding depth and tension to every scene. Mare is a standout protagonist—her sharp wit and fierce determination make her both relatable and admirable as she struggles with her past and her role in the rebellion brewing in the fractured remnants of civilization.

The narrative also explores timely themes, including environmental collapse, survival ethics, and the fragile bonds of community. Rocha’s writing is dynamic and engaging, balancing moments of quiet introspection with explosive action sequences. However, while the pacing is strong, the book occasionally gets bogged down in heavy exposition, particularly around the political intricacies of Mare’s world, which might detract from the momentum for some readers.

Despite these minor quibbles, Daughter of Tides is a compelling read that masterfully blends action, romance, and thought-provoking themes. Fans of dystopian tales with rich characters and atmospheric settings will find much to enjoy here.

Rating: 4.5/5. Rocha delivers a captivating story, though some overly detailed passages slightly dilute the impact of its powerful narrative.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an e-arc.

This was a fun, fast paced fantasy romance. I did not realize when I requested it that it was part of a larger world, one that I had not read anything of. Still, I do not think that it impacted my enjoyment or understanding of the book or its world. All that meant was that I didn't get the full benefit of ny mentions of other characters or storylines present in previous books set in this world. I don't think it is necessary to understand this book, as anything that might be important is gone over nominally in the text, so I never felt lost.

What did lose me a little was the pacing. The action sequences were all very condensed and not very impacting. Action is introduced, and the implications for the main characters are almost immediately solved. Compared to the sex scenes we get, which are drawn out, the narrative feels a little lopsided. I can see the appeal to something like that, if you are looking for something more lighthearted and easy to read. Just a fee-good read designed to scratch a certain itch.

However, a lot of the themes brought to the narrative by consequence of the setting and the world building aren't feel good story props. One of the main character's entire life trajectory was changed by an act of colonial violence, yet the way the story handles it is so hand-wavy and dismissive, that any conversation that could be had about having to return to a country that was once yours and now is in the hands of a colonial puppet (regardless how lackadaisically inclined that puppet feels to the actual colonizing part) isn't something that should be brushed aside of treated like the hurt part of the hurt-comfort trope. Or at least, if it is, given the proper space to hurt. The readers should be lead to the conclusion that any act of colonization is one that is violent and harmful. The actual colonization part seems like just another piece to the romance puzzle though, and that is weird to me.

The romance itself was fine. I love a good throuple. I think throuples are grossly underused in fiction. I liked seeing how this one played out. It seemed natural for the characters to unfold like this, and the actual time spent contemplating their relationship and navigating their feelings regarding them was easily the most fun of the entire book.

Overall, it was a romantasy book. It's rare I read one that doesn't let me down, so I'll take the positive parts where I can get them.

I’m so glad we returned to this world as I knew there was so much potential for these characters! A poly romance between gods with an engaging plot. I can’t wait for the next one!

I kind of wish we got a wee bit more relationship development between Einar, Naia & Aleksi as it felt a bit insta lovey but I really enjoy these characters!

I have a lot of thoughts on Daughter of Tides: it was enjoyable enough, but the beginning was a little confusing as was the system of gods and magic. I was pretty lost for a while at all the different characters and names that are thrown in but I was able to grasp it. Also, the pacing was very slow when they're on the ship to Akeisa and once they get there, and it took me a while before I started to get into the book. But the plot definitely does start to pick up!

The story follows Naia, a nymph, Einar, a pirate and the "Kraken", and Aleksei, the god of love. The three of them are thrust together and travel on a crucial diplomatic trip. Naia and Einar have instant lust and it was difficult to be invested in their relationship. They had encountered each other previously but there's nothing really explained about why they are so drawn to each other, other than that they are just incredibly attracted to each other. The same goes for Aleksei and Einar-- There is also history between those two and the three of them eventually get caught in a whirlwind (very spicy) romance.

This book is well written and I think it will appeal to fantasy romance lovers, but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.

Thank you so much to Montlake and NetGalley for this ARC! 📚

This book grabs your attention right from the start and keeps you hooked with intense moments and plenty of suspense.

A super interesting read, it took me a while to get into this one but once I was about 30% in I was hooked. I loved the unique storyline!