Dae

This book has a lot of things you need to pay attention to and remember in order not to get lost at some points, but the real and main heft of what is happening in this story seems to take place in the latter half. That's where the threads start to really weave together and connect. I cannot say I was surprised by any of the twists and turns it took, but it was a fun ride nevertheless.

First half of this book is an exercise in frustration, but at least in the second portion the mystery starts to get good.

First half of this book is an exercise in frustration, and at least in the second portion the mystery starts to get good.

The darkness in this one hides where you least expect it.

It's not what I would call a "dark romance", but rather "a darker story with romance in it". In fact, the merman 'monster' could've been even more monstrous and I would've still loved him.

Had very high expectations for this one - especially since it's a Canadian author - but I think the hype train got to me. Because it didn't live up. It definitely feels and reads like a debut book; a little rough at the edges. (Which lends to the grit of this world in a beneficial way!) But my main problem with it is actually the writing style. It comes across very C-drama meets overdramatic fighting anime.

A wonderfully written story of desperation, the depths love will drive someone to, magic, and female power.

This book was agonizing to get through, and not in the fun way.

While the main characters had very real and valid things to unpack and work through, they also had minimal spark on the page together after the halfway point in the book, imo. The latter half became a drag to get through, and I honestly thought it could've benefitted from some trimming. Because 400 pages.

A solid, interesting story! I wish there had been more of the spooky aspects and creepy moments, because those excelled as they unfolded! The main characters also could have used more time to develop. Especially within their budding attraction to one another; it would've been nice to see it all start to really tangle together and offer even more of a threat over their heads.

I expected so much more because I loved the author's other work (The Hazelwood). But this disappointed on so many levels, especially the horror aspects it claimed to have.

I expected more? The magic aspects were fabulous, but the characters were flat and felt rushed. Especially the enraged MMC and the constantly teary-eyed FMC - I'd expect those two to at least be well crafted.

The author also needs to learn the appropriate moments to use word "howled". Because it's used indiscriminately A LOT. Sometimes right out of the blue. Which is jarring.

And the whole "instant love" trope needs to go far, far away.