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I absolutely ATE THIS UP! I can’t believe this is a debut!!

I honestly was going to 5 star this for the first 50%. I could not look away or put it down. It did drag a bit in the second half and too much was revealed too quickly in my opinion. Everything that was resolved in the first 50% could have been dragged out for the full book.

However I did absolutely love this. I was shocked by how much I loved it. I can’t wait for the sequel!

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The one thing that stayed with me as I was reading this book was “When is the sequel coming out?” I loved this book. I’m still thinking about it now. This is a solid debut. Highly recommended.

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Already preordered a physical copy for my bookshelf and will be stalking Kalie Cassidy’s social media pages for the second book announcement.

I was approved for this ARC forever ago, but since it wasn’t published until July, I didn’t prioritize it. Now I wish I had started it sooner because I’m obsessed. It gave my the same feelings as A Court of Mist and Fury and I’m forever chasing books that feel like that.

What I loved:
•Sirens!! Like badass, powerful sirens
•strong female character- I’m obsessed with Imogen
•great male character- “my wife” - enough said 😮‍💨

What I didn’t love:
THE CLIFFHANGER


Completely captivated by this book and this series. Highly recommend

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Lady Imogen is an orphan and a ward to the cruel King Nemea and engaged to the Captain Ianto, both hunters of Sirens. And she carries a large secret.

One evening, when many come visit for the engagement of the two, a tragedy occurs that causes Imogen to flee.

She runs to the one person she can think of who can help, a visiting king from a peaceful kingdom where Sirens dwell. Despite that it may ignite a war, he agrees to help her by becoming blood bound to her and having conditions which she agrees to despite the dangers.

Now, in order to remove the bond, it needs to settle. However, it should only take two days and it’s not settling and now there are more issues at hand that may cause the two to have to work together.

This is one of those reads that really grabs your heart and twists it. The tension, the emotion, the everything just makes you feel so much. Though I wish there was more world building, the stakes and the plot and characters made up for it.

I had such mixed feelings about everyone. Everyone seemed so angry, and the tension was so high through this book. A lot of the anger I understood, sometimes it got to be a bit much, and seemed exhausting to feel that way, but it definitely added to the anticipation of what’s to come.

It’s funny, it seemed like a cute found family would grow, but with everything that happens, it seems like they’re more of a regular family that argues, but will do anything to help protect the other…sort of. I wonder how it will be in the next book.

The romance…goodness, I’m not sure how to explain how I feel about the romance. It’s tension-filled and explosive. It’s like I’m rooting for them and also not. I wouldn’t say they’re relationship was healthy, there’s a lot of anger and unresolved feelings between the two that got in the way a lot, and then the explosion happens and it’s wonderful, you’re happy for them….then something else happens. There’s so much yearning and heartache in this romance, it’s so devastating. While I didn’t enjoy every moment, it definitely put my emotions in a whirlwind.

I used the word tension a lot because it truly was a rather tense read through the whole book, whether it was from emotions running high, or the adventure they’re on, there was always something. Then the ending leaves you wondering what’s going to happen??? And I love that because even though I had mixed feelings, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and that ending has left me wanting more. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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In the Veins Drowning by Kalie Cassidy -- If I gave half ratings, this would be a 4.5. I loved it.

If this is what drowning feels like, then pull me under.

"I kissed him like he was air and I had spent my whole life gasping in the dark."

This was my first dive into a world with sirens, and I gotta say… I get the hype. Dangerous and divine? Check. Lethal lullabies? Double check. A kingdom is harvesting a siren for her magical blood. Yeah, this book had me hooked.

Imogen, our sheltered FMC, has spent her entire life as a prisoner in a gilded cage. But when another kingdom’s king offers her a lifeline, she has to decide who she wants to be: the weapon they forged or something entirely of her own making. What follows is part escape fantasy, part self-discovery journey, and part swoony romance with a healthy side of rebellion and power reclaiming.

There were moments of pure magic...beautiful, lyrical writing and tension-filled scenes that had me holding my breath. But there were also times when things felt a little too simple, a little too easy. Imogen’s character sometimes swung between brave siren and confused teen, but honestly… it made sense. Girl's been locked up her whole life. Of course, there’s gonna be some emotional whiplash. Overall, the dark, atmospheric feel was addictive and in line with the types of books I gravitate towards.

Themes:
Forbidden Magic
Siren Mythology
Grumpy/Protector Hero King
Magical blood with high-stakes consequences
Kingdom vs. Kingdom drama
Captivity to autonomy
Romance with high tension-this is the way I want my spice- it's sooooo good.

Would I recommend it?
Yes! If you’re looking for a dark fairytale vibe with siren lore, a protagonist finding her power, and a king willing to burn it all down for her freedom, you’ll want to dive in. There’s room for this world to grow, and I’ll be first in line to see what Kalie Cassidy does next. Seriously...I need it immediately. I also had the chance to enjoy the audiobook from Hachette Audio--Ell Potter did a spectacular job bringing this story to life.

Thank you so much to Little, Brown, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read , listen, and review.

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This was a fun read! As someone who has always loved the siren theme, I enjoyed this new fresh take on it! I also thought Theodore (the MMC) felt original and multidimensional which I can really appreciate!
The powers, although not necessarily original in its entirely, felt thought out and the way they were used made them FEEL original.
It was enjoyable to read; there’s definitely a part of two I feel as though could be developed more and explored deeper but I have high hopes that the sequel will do just that!

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Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy is a first person-POV fantasy romance with sirens and blood bonds. Imogen Nel is a siren who was raised by the cruel king Nemea and kept away from the sea so she can’t access her siren abilities. When Nemea arranges an engagement with a siren hunter, Imogen accepts her fate, but a single taste of sea water brings her siren qualities forward and entices her fiancee to force a blood bond on her and attracts the attention of King Theodore.

There are two kinds of sirens that can show up: the ones that are basically mermaids and the ones who are winged women also associated with the sea. As indicated by the cover, sirens here are winged women with ocean powers and there’s interesting and dark worldbuilding associated with that. Nemea has a pair of siren wings on display in his home and it is viewed as grotesque but also a show of power. Imogen’s own wings are hidden beneath her skin and because she has spent almost her entire life away from the sea, she’s never really used them. It’s a literal take on the idea of ‘clipped wings.’

The romance between Imogen and Theodore is somewhat instalove and it is on the high-tension side though there isn’t a ton of spice. Theodore is openly attracted to Imogen but has to keep his feelings to himself as he is engaged to the daughter of an empress and it’s not really possible for him to break that engagement. Because Imogen is single again towards the beginning of the book, she doesn’t have exactly the same conflict that Theodore does, though she is troubled by him being engaged. Because of their blood bond, it does make it more complicated and harder for Imogen to control her jealousy, especially when she can feel Theodore’s feelings for her through the bond.

I’m not familiar enough with the conventions of Gothic to say whether or not this is a Gothic, but I feel like it might be. It was giving me some similar vibes to Crimson Peak or A Study in Drowning, but it could also be a dark fantasy romance and not Gothic. The darker elements come with the worldbuilding as the blood sacrifices are fairly normal and a lot of blood has been spilt in their world, including Imogen’s. This is definitely not fluffy or romcom-ish but I’m not sure yet if the stakes are truly what I would call epic, either.

I would recommend this to fans of sirens and readers of Gothic Romantasy

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This was such a unique siren Romantasy!

Imogen is a Siren hiding from a kingdom that hunts her kind. When a visiting king uncovers her secret, he asks for her help to stop a greater threat. Bound by blood and forced to flee together, Imogen must face rising powers within her and the possibility that the only way to defeat a monster is to become one.

This book had alot going on from the beginning! My heart absolutely ached for the Imogen and everything she had to endure.

The magic system felt really unique. I haven’t come across many Siren stories, so I really enjoyed this!

The ending was crazy! There’s so much uncertainty about what’s to come.

Highly recommend if you’re looking for something dark and magical!

Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown for the arc.

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This book was tough for me. I really didn’t love how it started out I felt horrid for Imogen. She didn’t deserve the treatment that she was getting. This goes on for a decent chunk of the book until she is finally able to escape her capture and she teams up with a king from another kingdom. He is a huge step above her first capture but still has some flaws. I do appreciate that he tries to treat her with more respect. She deserves so much more. This book is truly about Imogen figuring out who she is and what she wants in life. The book does end abruptly leaving the reader wondering if there is a second book to come. I found parts to drag, I didn’t like the abuse and gaslighting happening, and some things just didn’t always line up for me or read smoothly.
Thank you to Little Brown and Company and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

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Imogen is a siren who hides who she is from those that hunt her kind. It is easier to hide what she is by staying away from the sea which hides her form and dulls the bloodlust that will otherwise consume her. However when a neighboring King comes to where she is she can no longer hide because he knows exactly what she is. He believes that she can help him defeat an even worse monster. Together they travel across vast distances but one thing leads to another and what had started out as a partnership to defeat a monster begins to turn into something else all together. Imogen realizes that maybe the only way to defeat this creature is to let herself give in to the darkness inside.

#InTheVeinsOfDrowning by #KalieCassidy is a great read and come on who doesn't love Sirens and morally grey characters?

Thank you to #Netgalley for the chance to read #InTheVeinsOfDrowning in return for a fair and honest review

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I could not stop reading this book!

As if embodied by the lure of a siren, this story lured me in after having only read the dedication. The beginning of my obsession started with: "For those who seek a home. May you find it, and when you do, may it be sturdy and warm."

Hauntingly beautiful + addictive - I read the first quarter of this story in one sitting because I could not put it down.

I'm in love with the world (including, but not limited to, its LGBTQ+ norm. vibes), the magic system, and especially the characters and their relationships. The yearning in this story hits hard - I was misty-eyed multiple times while reading!

The ending of this book had me sitting, staring at a wall, just processing all that I had read. Prepare to devour this book and to be devoured by it.

Thank you to Little, Brown Company and NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy.

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So grateful to have received an ARC of this book! I thoroughly enjoyed this one; from the writing to the imagery, this book had my complete attention. Sirens plus body horror plus Rachel Gillig style writing (& her endorsement)? My absolute dream of a book

I can’t wait to see what the next installment of this duology has in store!

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Imogen, an orphaned girl under the care of King Nemea meets Theo (Theodore Ariti, King of Varya) right before her engagement feast in honor of herself and Captain Evander Ianto. King Theo learns that it’s a forced engagement under the wrath of a sinister King Nemea. To aid young Imogen, Theo helps Imogen and her maid, Agatha escape Fort Linum upon one of his sea-faring vessels.

This book is the epitome of why I read Romantasy. It’s FAST-paced adventure with a budding romance and touching side characters. The fact that it was about sirens and not fae, vampires or dragons was refreshingly lovely. Though I don’t mind those either;-). A few of the things the FMC said/did hit me wrong but overall this book was a fantastic and fun ride!

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I devoured this book! I am in awe that this is the debut for Kalie Cassidy. I love a gothic story with the haunting atmosphere, mystery, foreboding visions, men who yearn. It is delicious. All that and add sirens! Rachel Gillig herself praises this book and while I can see comparisons in the vibe, I feel this book stands on its own.

This novel channels a simmering fury beneath its surface, transforming trauma into action. Our heroine isn’t just on a quest—she’s on a path of reclamation. Learning that self-preservation and self-discovery are intimately linked. The last hundred pages or so were savage, in the best way. Similar to the characters' experience, you are left unsure of the what lies ahead and questioning everything due to a series of brutal revelations. As Ron Weasley so wisely said "You're gonna suffer ...but you're gonna be happy about it." I eagerly anticipate the next book and hope it comes soon.

Thank you Kalie Cassidy and Little, Brown and Company for gifting me the e-ARC.

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Thank you to Kalie Cassidy and Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an ARC.

Overall, I enjoyed In the Veins of Drowning. The world building and magic system has me quite intrigued and I would love to more about both. I'm not always a huge fan of a marriage of convenience but I felt this one was well done and had weight. I really hope that book 2 brings a lot more information about the world and magic in it.

At times, I felt the pacing was a tiny bit funky but it would usually smooth out shortly. I also would have really loved a chapter or two from Theodore's POV. I feel like the inclusion would have really added to the story overall to include his mindset.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for this advanced copy. You can pick up In the Veins of the Drowning on July 15, 2025.

Kalie Cassidy understood the gothic assignment. She crafted a gorgeous, lush world ripe with sirens, magic, and delicious romance. I loved Imogen's undercover role in a world intent on hunting her (one of my favorite tropes), and her connection with Theodore had me kicking my feet and giggling. Don't get me wrong, this book has a gritty undertone, but I ate it up. This one's for the fantasy romance girlies,

Def pick this one up if you enjoy slow burn, angsty romance, siren/mermaid stories, and magical bonds!

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The cover piqued my interest, and the inclusion of sirens made me hit "request" on Netgalley. I'm not even sure I read the blurb beforehand, and I'm so happy I didn't. Going into this book blind was just what I needed.

My favorite aspects of this story:
🧜 The banter. Imogen quips at Theo constantly, and gives it back just as good.

"I always mean what I say, my lady. It's my implication that you cannot grasp."

🧜 The emotions. Imogen and Theo are both such fully-fleshed characters. She doesn't exist solely to advance his plotline. Rather, every interaction shows the various aspects of her life that have made her suffer or grow, and then it's mirrored in his life.

" 'I have no desire to be like you - ' I jabbed a finger against his chest. 'To scrape myself empty for others and call it noble.' "

🧜 The mythology. This is such a unique take on sirens. It felt like the original story of The Little Mermaid married The Last Unicorn and had this beautiful, tragic romance.

"Just as sure as I was made of flesh and blood and bone and sea, I was also made of want."

In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy is for lovers of dark fantasies featuring women who find their strength and the cinnamon roll men who lift them up along the way. It is easily one of my favorite reads this year!

Thank you, Little, Brown and Company and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this amazing novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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On the surface, there is a lot to like. The compelling story and characters coupled with the fast pace encouraged me to keep reading. However, they were not enough to prevent me from feeling there was something lacking. There needed to be more world building. Additionally, more context at the beginning would have been helpful rather than dangled throughout the story and finally mostly revealed at the end.

I was engaged enough to want to continue on for more answers and a better outcome to Imogen's story. (3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars)

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This is the first book in The Siren Mage series, and I really got sucked into Imogen's story. She is a siren who has been hiding in plain sight in a kingdom that hunts and kills them. She is a ward to the King who has proclaimed this decree and engaged to one of his captains who enforces it. In an effort to escape her dismal fate, she seeks protection from a neighboring King, Theodore, by blood binding herself to him. But he only agrees to help Imogen upon a few contingencies. One is that she seeks out Eusia, a monstrous siren killer who has been plaguing his kingdom, find and kill her.

The author's descriptiveness with the world building in this story made you feel like you were right there at the sea, and the characters came to life in each of their own ways. Imogen's character development from beginning to end blossoms, and you can see the steely transformation she takes along her journey. The ending leaves the story open to be continued into a second book, and I am looking forward to reading it as soon as it's available!

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Imogen is a Siren, though no one knows that except her. She has successfully hidden her identity from the King she is a ward to and the rest of the kingdom. However, her luck runs out, and the wrong person figures out her secret. With nowhere to go and feeling more trapped than she has been, Imogen decides to trust a king from a neighboring kingdom to help her escape. Theo agrees to her eccentric plan to get her a step closer to her freedom, but he has reasons to keep her close as well. The more Imogen learns about herself and the closer she gets to her "freedom," the harder the decisions she has to make get, and the realization hits that she may be the biggest monster of all.

This was one of my most anticipated reads for the year, and I was not disappointed. I was immediately immersed in the world Cassidy wrote and wanted to know what was going to happen to Imogen and Theo. The romance was more of a slow burn, since they both fight the feelings that are obviously there, but I was okay with the romance taking a bit of a backseat to the plot.

There is a cliffhanger at the end, and I needed the second book yesterday. I'm curious to know where the story goes now with the revelations we get at the end of the book, so I will definitely be picking up book 2.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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