Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this. I struggled to connect with the characters and didn't really care what happened to them. I won't be continuing this series.

Mark my word, this will be THE book of the summer. It will lure you in within the first few pages -- pun intended.

In a world full of dragons and faerie books, it's about time we got something new. From the setting to the characters (big and small) to the dark magical elements woven throughout, it's memorable. The writing is lyrical, but certainly not boring or "fluffy." It's incredibly immersive.

My only wish is that it was longer; some scenes felt short despite how important they were to the plot + character development.

I lucked into downloading this when it was Read Now and I am SO glad I did. I am obsessed with this book. I started it one evening and could not stop reading. I was so engaged in the story and the characters. This book hit all my favorite things- beautifully written characters and world, tension, fast paced. The characters are sooo good. I found it really interesting that the sirens in this book have feathered wings because I'm not sure I've read a book where they did. I think of sirens mostly as evil mermaids. I did look up sirens though and see the history of them with wings in Greek mythology. I loved how Cassidy had her sirens shift and look. I loved Imogen and Agatha's relationship and was glad that Agatha kept on the adventure. I completely fell for Imogen and Theo immediately. Their first interaction I shipped them. The tension was so good in this book. I do believe this book will be one of my favorites of the year (I don't' see how It couldn't be) I look forward to reading everything Kalie Cassidy writes.

One of my new favortites!! The writing I feel was very well done [ not young adult easy reading ] and kept me on my toes the whole time. I honestly just ate this book up. I read it in just 2 days! Thank you netgalley for providing me the chance to read this! I mean fantasty, romance, drama, and siren's with wings! This is everything you want in a book, read asap!

This is something quite special. I’ve never had the pleasure of reading a book with folklore sirens and I am ensorcelled. Cassidy has remarkable talent in weaving a story that is wondrously fantastical while maintaining a great deal of realism with her characters. This author holds her characters accountable and it is so refreshing! Can’t recommend enough. Elevated writing, so great for adults, but absolutely appropriate for younger readers. This dark and twisty fantasy debut is impossible to put down.

3.5 stars rounded up. I think this book wasn't for me, but I think it would be loved by a lot of romantasy readers.

Strengths:
-the winged sirens- very cool. I love a fantasy element that hasn't been done before
-the setting overall was intriguing and unique
-The mmc is cool, seems kind and sweet and the kneeling thing is cute.

Weaknesses:
-a romance carried by tropes
- the main character is a little dense and kinda annoying
-the twist about her father's identity was a little predictable and has definitely been done before

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

3.5 stars
thank you netgalley fo the opportunity to read this book as an arc in exchange for an honest opinion
if you liked one dark window, im sure you will devoure this as well!!!
this was so interesting and different, the darker vibes and atmosphere were so intriguing and i cant wait to read the next book in the series!!!!!

I enjoyed the unique take on sirens (the winged, talon-bearing kind rather than the menacing mermaid version) although I definitely wanted more world building and lore about the sirens. I have a lot of questions haha.

The pacing and character development felt rocky and rushed at the beginning but it settled in as it went along and I enjoyed it more than I initially expected to. It hooked me in and made me want to keep reading. A bit disappointed that the sequel (it’s set to be a duology) won’t be out for who knows how long!

The author has a thorough list of content warnings on her website that I appreciated. It was pretty dark and had more sexual content and language than I usually read but I was glad to know to expect it before going in.

This book was just NOT it. I will not be reading the sequel and I honestly had a very hard time finding the motivation or want to even finish this one. I was bored for probably 85% of it. I found myself having to reread paragraphs because I would just zone out mid page. Then towards the 3/4 mark I started skimming through certain parts. There were a few things I wanted to touch on that needed to be changed for me to even slightly enjoy this book. The over use of the word "fuck" drove me nuts! It felt like a kid who just turned 18 and no longer lives at home and is going buck wild now that they aren't on a tight leash to their parents. If they don't say it a million times then they aren't cool. Yuck! Not to mention trashy! I felt like Cassidy did more "telling" vs "showing" I want to be immersed in the world, not whatever this was. Seeing a blurb from Rachel Gillig on the cover and it being marketed as a mix between Gillig's One Dark Window and Hannah Whitten's For The Wolf AFTER reading it has made me so thankful I read the book before I saw it. I would have finished this book not only disappointed, but probably angry as well.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is honest, unbiased, and completely my own opinions.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Little, Brown, and Kalie Cassidy for this galley copy to review

In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy is an exquisite read. I was hooked from the beginning and the way this book had a hold on me was visceral.

Imogen lives in fear of her king and of her hidden siren heritage being found out. In the days before her wedding, she plots her escape and flees with the kings of a neighboring kingdom. But the consequences of her freedom lead to more questions about her past, her powers, and the fate of her people. But is the only way to keep herself safe found in becoming a monster herself?

5/5 stars!

The story is fast paced and stole my breath away. The imagery is lush and I am going to recommend this to everyone! There’s incredible lore, heartache and yearning, and the way the story was written draws you in immediately. I cannot wait for the next book.

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!

I like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing the book to be a 'read now'.

Look. I don't know why I keep trying to enjoy romantasy books. Probably because maybe one will actually had a solid plot and romance at the SAME TIME.

This had weak plot and a over-the-top horny romance that the author kept shoving down the throat of everyone. I got tired of how often the female lead would wax and wane over the incredible jaw line. Or how his hair would be. Or how he over-touched. Or how he couldn't keep his hands off her even though it was during moments when they had to get out of a bad situation.

I also didn't care for her? I found her too childish and whiny. The best part of the book was when he called her out on it. I felt like they had no chemistry and radiated this overabundant pressure to make me accept they liked one another even without the blood bond.

The plot itself (since it was put on the back-burner) is not something new or unique. Because so much time was spent on getting us off on the romance that the author didn't really through a lot of creativity in the way of a plot. Most of the readers are coming for romance and to read sex scenes.

So, all in all, if you enjoy repetitive remarks about the male looks and constant push and pull with no real plot of worth, this is the book for you.

I loved this! I’m in my fantasy era of reading and this one satisfied my craving after a book slump!
The writing was so beautiful and it sucked me in right from the start! I am so excited to read more from Katie Cassidy in the future and continue this series!

4.75⭐️

This was such a unique story. This book had gothic sea mermaid vibes and I ate it up.

In the book we follow Imogen who is arranged to marry a siren hunter by the evil king who took her in as an orphaned child. The main thing that makes this an unlikely match, Imogen is a Siren herself.

We follow Imogen as she tries to get out of this situation with the help of a neighboring king who just so happens to be attending her engagement party.

The magic system in this book is so unique and unlike anything I’ve read before.

The vibes of this book are unmatched. The pacing was perfect and kept my attention the whole way through. I found myself staying up until the middle of the night because I could not put this book down.

This book was marketed to me as being perfect for fans of One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig and I have to agree.

Tropes:
Marriage of convenience
Touch her and 💀
Found family
One… bed roll? 🔥

The writing of In the Veins of the Drowning was so lyrical and poetic it made the book such a joy to read. I really appreciated Imogen as a character and her survival-first mindset that is just so prevalent in women. The setting felt really unique and unlike anything I had read before, overall just a really incredible read. I think this would be perfect for fans of Ava Reid and Rachel Gillig.

IN THE VEINS OF THE DROWNING is everything I love in a romantasy read and more. Admittedly, I’d found myself a little burnt out on the subgenre, but then this force of a debut gripped my emotions and never let me go. Atmospheric, bold, and a romance that will wreck you as much as thrill you, I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in this series - and anything else Kalie Cassidy writes in the future. This will undoubtedly be one of my favorite fantasy books this year.

Imogen Nel is the ward of a cruel King who hunts Sirens and viciously hunt them. Imogen thinks that only her previous governess, Agatha, knows her true nature. When an arranged marriage is set between Imogen and Captain Ianto, neighboring dignitaries arrive for the party. When King Theodore Ariti, King of Varya, meets Imogen outside the party, he feels like he knows her already. When her future husband pushes himself on her later, her true nature is revealed and she convinces King Theodore Ariti to form a blood bond with her for protection and help her escape her home. While he knows this will start a war, he’s unable to leave her defenseless. The lines between duty and desire begin to get fuzzy. He’s in a predicament himself, considering he’s supposed to marry Princess Halla. Imogen worries that the only way to defeat a monster is to become one herself to save King Theodore’s people.

Very interesting. I’m invested in the characters.

This was one of those books that gave me everything I love about romantic fantasy--lush prose, an intriguing world, flawed yet resilient characters, and an absolutely heart-stopping romance. It's perfect for fans of Rachel Gillig's ONE DARK WINDOW and Hannah Whitten's FOR THE WOLF.

Where I think this story really shines is in Cassidy's ability to shape well-rounded and nuanced characters, especially when it comes to her main protagonists, Imogen and Theo. Both are flawed, but doing their best. Both change as the plot progresses. Add to that a chemistry between them that practically wafts off the page, and no wonder I was so invested in their journey.

Perhaps because such time was taken to craft such dynamic, memorable characters, I felt the world building was somewhat vague in comparison. We have sirens, gods, goddesses, mage seers, blood bonds, kings and empresses, none of whose roles and abilities I felt I completely understood. As a result, the ending (and its various twists and reveals) didn't land quite as strongly as I'd hoped.

That being said, the prose was beautiful and evocative, the world intriguing, and perhaps book 2 of the duology will answer some of my questions regarding the world and its lore. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting a cure for the hangover of their last romantic fantasy, and look forward to its sequel..

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This book hooked me from the beginning. Beautiful atmosphere and interesting characters drive the story forward in this fast read. The plot was enjoyable without being overly complicated and kept me interested throughout the read. I was sad when this one ended!

Oh this was very fun! If you are looking for something fast, captivating, and utterly delectable I highly recommend picking this book up. The world is dark and enchanting with just enough world building to answer questions but not so much that it weighs down the plot. It is a fast paced book that still knows when to take its time. This does lead to a bit of happy coincidences happening right when they need to but it never took me out of the book. The prose is immersive and gives that great feeling of being submerged in a storm with dark tales whispered between the waves.

Imogene is a fascinating character to follow, an interesting subversion of the chosen one trope. We discover the world through her as she does but it never felt naive to the point of annoyance. She has great character development that I look forward to seeing more of in the next book. Theodore is a good love interest even if his personality is a bit one note. Mostly this book sets him up for him to become a much more interesting character in the next book. Still a fun mix of broody and rule loving.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Little, Brown & Company, and Kalie Cassidy for an advanced copy of this book.