Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

3.5
I am a harsh fantasy reviewer, and while I did enjoy this I didn’t think it was perfect. I thought the concept of Imogen being the one thing that the king loved to hunt was super cool to read and made the stakes incredibly high. I enjoyed Imogen’s character a lot, but I thought it would be much more interesting for the reveal of her monstrosity to be gradual and not all of a sudden — theee chapters in and I already knew the stakes and who would help Imogen in her journey and it became a bit less interesting to read. Theodore’s character i ADORED; I didn’t know I was a fan of a groveling, softer MC until I picked this up.

All in all, I think readers will enjoy this despite some of the flaws that I caught.

This debut is lovely and there is SO much good to praise. From the lush setting, beautiful prose, haunting magic, and tension inducing romance. I found myself captivated from page one! There were moments where I SWEAR I could feel and taste the sea breeze.

The only reason I couldn’t give this book five stars was due to the pacing and muddied lines around Immy’s family ties. I found myself wanting more time to breathe with the characters, but we found ourselves in repeat high action—this is just a personal preference as the high action will be incredible for most readers. Around the 70-80% mark, I found myself confused with who Immy was related to and who she wasn’t, who she was blood bound to and who she wasn’t.

this book is certainly for somebody, and that somebody will never be me.

the portrayal of sirens in this one is interesting, but I don't think any of the plot or character decisions make sense and the fantasy writing is a bit juvenile for me.

platform: netgalley ebook arc

thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for the arc in exchange for an honest review

This was creepy and fun and twisty! The worldbuilding was interesting (if a bit convoluted at some points) and there was some delicious tension between Imogen and Theo. For the most part I really enjoyed their relationship, except for a few moments towards the end that sat a little weird with me (like the moment with Halla by the water, or how the whole Halla situation in general was handled). I did finish this in one sitting, though I felt it dragged a bit at the end and I’m not totally thrilled about the ending. Not sure if I’ll stay interested enough during the wait for the next book, but we’ll see!

5/5

Tempestuous as a rough and stormy sea, In the Veins of the Drowning is a resplendent romantic fantasy novel that dragged me down to its depths in answer to its luring siren’s call. In the years since I first began reading folklore-based fantasy, I have keenly felt the lack of stories surrounding the siren legend. Kalie Cassidy sets out to rectify that in her debut novel with the claws and wings befitting such a tale. It didn't take long for this to ensnare me – with its richly connected mythos and sharp prose connecting back to siren folklore I was already lost in its waters with no desire to resurface. Concerning monsters, inhuman and not, and the monstrous things we do to survive, Cassidy chronicles the lives of two individuals trapped by unerring duty and the illusive call to the deep. The ardent love story that develops is the still beating heart of this narrative, tested against powers far greater than two unlikely souls unexpectedly bound together. In the Veins of the Drowning is very much for those who support women's wrongs but also those who prefer their fantasy served with a side of romance. Kalie Cassidy’s fantasy adventure is a tempting combination of romance, kingdom politics, and daring escapades entangled in a perfect storm of a book.

This book was fast paced, romantic and the story was so gripping. It felt fresh but also had all my favorite things. Loved both the FMC and the MMC. I can't wait for the sequel.

I devoured this in the span of a day. In a current book space filled with fae and shadow daddies, it was refreshing to read a book about sirens. I found that the writing flows well and matches the story being told. At times whimsical but not afraid of being more bold. The MMC was also a breath of fresh air, one that is more tender than brooding. I enjoyed the author’s take on sirens, ones with wings and talons rather than creatures who live in the sea that you see more commonly in the romance fantasy space.

This book wraps you in a darkly enchanting tale of survival, identity, and forbidden connection. Imogen is a heroine you can’t help but root for. The writing draws you into a world teetering on the edge of ruin, its atmosphere as vivid as the emotions it evokes. The slow-burning connection between them is steeped in tension, duty, and undeniable chemistry, making every interaction charged with meaning. It’s a tale of power, vulnerability, and learning to trust, even when betrayal feels inevitable. Overall, it’s hauntingly beautiful and, I am highly anticipating the next book.

Sublime little story that filled the gaps in between readings for the winter season. Evocative prose and writing, interesting dynamics and relationship. Lovely, entertaining read. 5 stars