Overall, I really liked this book and it was a fun and somewhat refreshing fantasy world to be in!

The beginning hooked me, especially with the introduction of Theo right away 🫠 I don’t think I’ve read a book about Sirens, so I enjoyed that it was something new, and I feel like the author did a great job with all the lore behind the sirens and their magic.

A lot happens in this book, and it feels like it was a lot longer than it actually was! Which isn’t a bad thing, it definitely kept things interesting, but at times it felt a bit hard to follow. That didn’t really take away from my overall enjoyment too much though.

But the whole middle section of this book? perfection. The banter, the tension, the pining. The “my wife” moments 😮‍💨 Theodore is the love of my life. He was such a great character, I just can’t say enough good things about him. Still feeling giddy over him and that mouth of his 🥵 a lot of times in these enemies to lovers type books, I feel like it’s the male character that wants to fight the attraction, that’s always hitting the fmc with the “we shouldn’t” or “we can’t”, and wanting to put duty first, but not Theo. That boy was down bad basically the whole time 🫠

I enjoyed seeing Imogen’s journey to finding herself, her voice and her confidence in the end. She went through a lot, discovered a lot, and handled it the best way she could. Even if she was stubborn throughout. She’s definitely an fmc who is fierce and fights for those she loves. Maybe a little bit of Aelin energy to her 😏

The ending of the book was where it got a bit messy for me. It was a “well that escalated quickly” type of situation 😅 but it definitely built up to a crazy cliffhanger and it left me feeling the same way I did at the end of Heartless Hunter…like wtf just happened?? 😩

If you were a fan of Heartless Hunter, The Ever King and A Dawn of Onyx, I think you’ll really enjoy this book!

A young woman who holds a secret about her very being is held prisoner by an evil king. Meeting the young King of a neighboring land at a ball to announce her betrothal to a man the king has picked for her, she decides to confess her secret to the handsome young king in the hope that he will help her escape the castle and the impending marriage. At first, he denies her request, but then he realizes that she is in fact the daughter of a goddess and so he blood bonds with her in order to make their escape. But is Theo really interested in Imogen or is he too only interested in the power which she will one day command?
The world building was successful. The beginning read too much like a paperback "bodice ripper" and felt out of place. If the relationship between the characters had slowed down and had time to develop, it would have been more believable. Secondary characters, especially that of Agatha , needed to have a much fuller back story. How Imogen uses/controls her power is a bit vague. The action picks up in the last couple of chapters but then of course, leaves readers hanging awaiting a sequel. Hopefully, the pacing in the sequel will slow down enough to allow the characters to develop more fully and not fluctuate constantly between, "I love you, I hate you!"

I've heard lots of positive things about this book, and while it absolutely has it merits (which I'll start with), there were a few parts I felt did not work for me. Haunting, the prose was lovely and captivated me, especially for a debut novel. The worldbuilding was very good, with an interesting take on sirens that felt well-rounded and thought-out. It did take me awhile to ease into the story's world as we're pulled in without a lot of explanation, but personally, I enjoy books like that. It feels more organic. The romance is where this book fell flat to me. Billed as a romantasy, I did not feel drawn into it as much as I would've liked, though others may feel differently. I would likely read the sequel!

Thank you for the ARC!

This book enthralled me. Truly could not put it down. I enjoyed the FMC quite a lot and her journey to righting the wrongs done to the other sirens. Very excited for the sequel.

In a world of very similar fantasy stories In the Veins of the Drowning shines for its unique concept.

I found it a little tricky to stick with pacing wise. I think because of that I found myself losing a bit of the grip I had on how I was rooting for Imogen, but I think it worked well for the slow burn-ness of the plot/romance. I loved the banter and quickness/cleverness of Imogen and Theo together, that really made their relationship work for me!

Overall a really interesting read and a lovely edition to the romantasy world.

An undercover siren, hiding in a kingdom that hunts her kind, while a king from a neighboring kingdom is the one who knows her true identity, he agrees to a blood bond and steals her away.

Kalie Cassidy's writing is so enjoyable to read, and she does a wonderful job of sucking you into the story right from the start. It's immersive, unique and full of dark, lush moments.

𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒔
𝒂 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔
𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒔
𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒙𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒚
𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔
𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓
𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒔
𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆!

Our FMC, Imogen, reminded me the slightest bit of Auren from the Plated Prisoner series. Tired of being controlled/"owned" and ready to finally pave her own way and step into her power. And our MMC, Theo, is right there by her side. His loyalty to his kingdom and inner conflict of wanting to do right by his people but also by his heart was so endearing to see play out.

The last 30% or so of the book really made the book for me, and I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2.

Romantasy readers, add this one to your TBR's!

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy!

This novel was absolutely incredible. What a wild ride! My only complaint? The cliffhanger. Like, seriously—what just happened?! I’m literally on the edge of my seat, dying for the next book to drop. I might just have to go into full-on hibernation mode until the story continues.

Let’s talk about the writing first. It’s exquisite—beautifully crafted, immersive, and incredibly well done. You get swept up into the world so effortlessly, and the author’s prose just pulls you in deeper with each page.

The characters are equally remarkable. Imogen and Theo are phenomenal together. Their dynamic is electrifying—there’s so much tension, sharp banter, and undeniable chemistry. It’s the kind of relationship that keeps you turning the pages, eager to see what will happen next. Honestly, it’s a chef’s kiss.

I cannot recommend this book enough; I have absolutely no doubt that once In The Veins of The Drowning releases in July, it will undoubtedly be the only book on everyone’s mind. I cannot wait for everyone to experience this story!

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

I feel very…conflicted about this. There were things I thought were interesting. The world the Kalie has built is super intriguing and gritty. Theo and Imogen’s chemistry was very enjoyable to read (tho sometimes their mood changes gave me whiplash). The story was pretty compelling, I wasn’t expecting all of the twists that appeared. Kalie’s take on Sirens was very refreshing. I liked that she used winged Sirens - you don’t see too many of those nowadays but I like those kind from mythology.

That being said, this still fell a bit flat for me. I felt like the pacing was almost too fast, we never stayed in one place for long and I felt like by the time I was getting my bearings we moved locations again. So it made it hard for me to fully connect to this world and the story.

I also just found myself really confused in the scenes. Especially when Imogen used her powers, I don’t know if I’m just a bit daft or if they just weren’t written well enough? I just kept getting lost and not understanding how Imogens power even works.

I feel like if we had just slowed down the pacing a bit. Took the time for Imogen and Theo to get to know each other, this could’ve been stronger. The foundation is there but it feels as though the meat of the story is still missing. I just couldn’t understand why Theo was instantly obsessed with her. Especially when they were arguing a large portion of the book.

I also didn’t understand how he was so devoted to her but he was also going through with this wedding to someone else?? Did I miss something?? Cause that’s so fucking weird to me. Basically was like “I don’t want to marry her, so don’t sever our bond but also I’m gonna go do this ceremony with her real quick. But I promise it’s fine.” Like huh? 🤔

Anyway, I am intrigued enough to read the second book. But I’ll probably either try for the ARC of that or just get it from the library as this isn’t one I think I’d like to keep permanently on my shelf.

3 stars

The concept and premise of this book sounded like something right up my alley. It seemed like a new fresh twist to a siren story since here they have wings and other powers. Although the story wasn't bad I could not get into the writing style and the way dialogue was executed, I don't know how to explain it. The main characters felt a bit flat to me, not a lot of personality and one dimensional. I didn't feel the connection between them, it could have been because of the blood bond they had that make made me question if their feeling were genuine. I am not rating it lower because this is more of my personal preference and I think a lot of people are going to enjoy this story but at this time it was not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for this ARC, all opinions are my own.

This book sounded like a book that was written specifically for me, on paper, I should’ve loved it. But I struggled so much in the beginning, I felt like I was just completely thrown into things and I was struggling to keep up.

Nothing lures me in faster than a FMC with a hidden identity and the broody King of the opposing Kingdom being forced to work together. Imogen Nel is a siren hiding in plain sight in a land that hates her kind. She is protected by her King but a prisoner in her own home, and never gets to explore the depths of her foreign powers. While King Theodore is visiting the castle a series of tumultuous events, leads to the necessity of them escaping together.

Cassidy writes a dark lush fantasy, filled with political intrigue, secrets and twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and longing for book 2. She builds a world that both you and the FMC are desperate to find out more about. Being sheltered with limited knowledge, you are on adventure with her and her own self-discovery. The romance she builds along the way leaves her questioning if she can go through with the plan they agreed to. A slow reveal of information about the two main characters and their found family keeps you intrigued and falling in love with the story along the way.

A beautifully written tale of love, war, prophecies and secrets!

DNF @45%

I was intrigued by this book because I don’t really see many books about sirens but unfortunately this one just didn’t do it for me. You’re basically thrown straight into the story with no explanation of the world, the magic, or what’s going on. The characters, especially Imogen, were so flat and boring and were not interesting to read about.
The plot was hard to follow because it was so drawn out but with no explanation or depth. I would’ve loved more world building or more insight into who the characters were but it just felt like boring, repetitive dialogue.
I was so excited for the dark, magical vibes but nothing about this book really stood out to me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC!

I was not sure of what to expect when I opened this book but I absolutely consumed In the Veins of Drowning in one day. It had me absolutely hooked from beginning to end—the politics, the gods, the romance, and the world building absolutely gripped me. This is the first of a duology and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next!!

Highly recommend to those that enjoyed To Kill a Kingdom, Gild, Metal Slinger, and Quicksilver.

Thank you again to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for a chance to read an advanced copy and give an honest review of this book!

Such an intriguing premise. I had to do a little reminding for myself about sirens and their mythical status. It was definitely something I had never thought about in a romantasy. Is that was this was? Hard to say. But there was some romance and it felt like a solid fantasy adventure.

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.

Kalie Cassidy's In the Veins of the Drowning is a mesmerizing romantasy debut that seamlessly weaves dark magic, forbidden power, and an intoxicating romance. Set in a richly imagined world where sirens are both feared and hunted, the narrative follows Imogen Nel, a siren in hiding, as she forms a precarious alliance with King Theodore to confront a looming darkness that threatens their realms.

Cassidy's world-building is both lush and haunting, immersing readers in eerie waters teeming with undead horrors and kingdoms on the brink of destruction. The atmospheric prose captivates from the very first page, drawing readers into a realm where mythology and reality seamlessly blend. The slow-burn romance between Imogen and Theodore is exquisitely crafted, brimming with tension and depth that will leave readers yearning for more.

The novel's pacing is impeccable, balancing high-stakes adventure with emotional introspection. Cassidy delves into themes of identity, power, and sacrifice, offering a protagonist who is both relatable and inspiring. Imogen's journey of self-discovery and empowerment resonates deeply, making her a standout heroine in the fantasy genre.

Fans of Rachel Gillig's One Dark Window will find In the Veins of the Drowning to be a compelling addition to their bookshelves. Cassidy's debut is a testament to her storytelling prowess, leaving me eagerly anticipating their next book!

Wow, I was blown away by this book. It was genuinely everything I had hoped for and more. The characters were well developed and the plot was interesting. I really liked Imogen and her backstory. Great pacing--I couldn't put it down from the first page! I'll be recommending In the Veins of the Drowning to our customers. Can't wait for book two!

In the veins of drowning is a dark and moody, lush romantasy. I felt the pacing was a bit slow and hard to keep me engaged. The character building was a bit rocky in my opinion as well. I do think the way that sirens were described were incredibly fun, with the wings and talons, it kept an age old fantasy fresh in that way.

The writing was really flowery and I had trouble tracking the magic, and wish there was a bit more world building before we jumped into the plot.

This book had me in an absolute chokehold from page one. Imogen is such a relatable, loveable person! Her development through the story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The antihero of the story, the person you want to root for and build up when she’s knocked down.

The imagery and diction the story weaves is top tier, I viscerally felt every emotion and situation Immy and Theo went through. I DESPERATELY need book 2!!

3.5 out of 5 stars; rounded up to 4 stars. Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the e-ARC! In exchange, I will be providing a honest review.

The plot of this book had an interesting, dark, and mysterious take on sirens that I found quite enjoyable! It is a Romantasy with the romance and fantasy elements balancing throughout the book. It also gives a fresh take on the Romantasy genre with the sea creature elements that I have not seen in other books of this genre.

Imogen Nel is a siren prisoner stuck in a castle. She is being forced to marry a siren hunter, and when everything takes a turn for the worst, the king of another kingdom, King Theo helps her escape. While Imogen is gone, she leans more about who she is, her family, and her siren powers.

This is a MMC falls first and HARD romance. The romance felt suddenly rushed, which was why I gave this the rating I did. There was some miscommunication between the MMC and FMC that was frustrating to read about.

The writing style was simple to understand, even with all the fantasy elements that were thrown at the reader at times. This simple language helped me understand and enjoy the book more.

The book also does end on a massive cliffhanger but is clearly setting up for another book or two, which will hopefully be better. This book is more of a self-discovery book for Imogen, which I appreciated.

Overall, I highly recommend this book!