This whirlwind fantasy novel tears apart the usual siren/mermaid pairing to offer instead sirens with wings plus power over water (along with men’s minds and breath). Beginning with Gods and Goddesses (or their gifted descendants) that lead kingdoms, this isn’t a known mythology or world. Too, the characters can create or break blood bond with both the creation and dissolution of the bonds involving pain. The reader drowns in the first few pages as they begin to understand the characters, setting and mythos and some may DNF due to the unreliable narrators.

The main and characters were believable and sprung from the pages. However, I had problems with the political and security aspects; especially the rulers as they interacted with each other. Who visits another kingdom with a retinue of fourteen arms men and no other servants (stable hands, valets, etc.)?

Book does not end with satisfactory conclusion but instead leads into sequel.

Teaser chapter MIA.

Did anyone else feel like this started right in the middle? Because it felt to me like I spent the whole time reading trying to catch up with the story.

Honestly? I'm just glad I can finally cross this one off my NG shelf.

I can see the potential. But the worldbuilding needs more work. And I could never understand the characters' motives. I was so confused (am I just stupid?) for the most part.

I'm sorry if this review isn't making sense. But if that's how you feel reading this very short review, then you know exactly how I felt reading the entirety of this book.

Dark and decadent, full of twists and shocking revelations. I devoured this book and book 2 can't come soon enough.

I was instantly pulled in by the lush setting and the captivating, swoon-worthy characters. Imogen's journey through this book and her self-discovery was thrilling to read about and left me wanting more. She's just a girl looking to find herself and where she belongs in this dark and twisted world, longing for love and acceptance.

This is a heart-wrenching romance woven with Siren lore and treachery. A story of finding where one belongs and how to live within a world filled with schemes and lies around every corner.

Couldn't put it down! Really enjoyed this book—the relationship dynamic of the main duo is engaging, the stakes are exciting, and the pacing is consistent. That being said—it moves at a breakneck pace. I appreciate that in a world where I could see an author turning a book like this into a three part series, but then there's that part of me that yearns for more interactions between the two main characters. However, there were times where I felt issues were answered within pages of being introduced, which let a bit of the wind out of the sails—there was also a fairly large timeline disparity in some of the lore. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to seeing this author's other work.

The above was written as I rounded into the ending of the book, now that I've completed it:

Based on the pacing of the book I assumed that the whole story was being fit into the 300-ish ebook pages. But unfortunately this seems to be the start of a series (hopefully a duology, again based on the pacing)—and therefore I actually wish the pacing was a bit slower so we'd have more time with the characters if we're already going to be breaking it up into parts. Now that I've completed I can still say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more as it comes out.

This book immerses you in a hauntingly captivating story of resilience, self-discovery, and forbidden bonds. Imogen is the kind of heroine who grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. The prose masterfully paints a world on the brink of collapse, rich in detail and charged with raw emotion. The slow-burn relationship between the characters crackles with tension, duty, and an irresistible pull, making every exchange feel electric. It’s a story about strength, vulnerability, and finding trust when betrayal seems like the only certainty.

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown for an advanced reader copy. This book was pure magic — I haven’t read a siren fantasy novel before and was not disappointed! This book had me hooked and I didn’t want to put it down. The writing was beautiful, the plot was interesting, and there were twists and turns. Imogen and Theo were well written characters and I just found myself wanting more. Torn between duty and desire is one of my guilty pleasure tropes! The last 10% of the book didn’t hold my interest as much as the first 90%, but I’m intrigued to see where the story goes in the sequel!

If you only read one book this year, let it be IN THE VEINS OF THE DROWNING. Hands down one of my favorite books I've ever read.

This was absolutely delicious and incredible! One of my favorite books I read in the past few years and I can't wait for book two. I plan to shout about this book everywhere I can. So lush, violent, rage-filled, romantic and perfect. New fave author!

A truly powerful debut. Enchanting, sexy, and un-put-downable. I adored Imogen’s arc—coming into her strength and power while simultaneously fearing it. Full of satisfying twists and prose that makes you taste the salt in the air, this lovely and sometimes terrifying world Cassidy crafted begged me to stay and savor every word. A book for lovers of sultry romance and magic. I’m already yearning for book 2!

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