This was good but not my favorite romantasy. There were some pacing issues and I felt like there should have been way more up front to really situate the world, what Imogen was feeling, etc., This lead to some trouble understanding Imogen's motivation and why she did what she did. I will say though, once the plot kicked off, things really picked up. I also need to compliment the author's commitment to gruesomeness. Yes, Imogen is monstrous and she is that. In spades.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I've been in a very sirens and pirates reading mood, and Kalie Cassidy did not disappoint with her debut novel. This romantasy had me turning through the pages so quickly to see what choices Imogen would make throughout her adventure.

Dark, twisty, moody, and full of betrayal, I think this book will be good for others, but unfortunately, it wasn't for me. Some scenes felt too rushed, or I just didn't understand. The only good thing was the writing; it was exceptional and probably what readers will appreciate about this story.

Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK! This is the fantasy debut for Kallie Cassidy and releases in July of this year from Little Brown. It is the first book in The Siren Mage series.

If you enjoy a fast paced fantasy with magical creatures, brooding MMCs, political intrigue and of course: MAGIC, then this needs to be added to your TBR immediately!

Definitely a 5 star read for 2025! Loved every minute of it!

I wanted to like this story as I enjoy the theme but really struggled to finish it. I was confused with the FL's choices, and she was not my favorite.

Let me introduce you to my newest fantasy obsession. THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD.

Imogen is an incredibly powerful Siren and Theodore forms a bond with her that surpasses anything they both could imagine.

This book has EVERYTHING I want in a Romantasy. Literally everything. I was sucked in from the very beginning and it never lost me. Not once.

Theo is my new favorite book boyfriend, hands down. That man…. 🥵🥰. I just loved him. I’m a SUCKER for a moment in fantasy when the man takes a knee before the woman…. And it didn’t disappoint. I was shook.

While I LIVED for the romance between these two, I also just loved the world building and the way the story came together. I gasped at multiple moments and I cannot wait for the next book. CANNOT wait.

I think the overall concept of this is great and very refreshing right now in romantasy. I however really struggled with the main characters and the decisions that were made. That unfortunately took me out of it.

But thank you so much to Little, Brown and Company for my ARC <3 I appreciate it!

3/5

"A Siren, away from the sea. Salt water only makes the longing worse."

These are not your Disney animated mermaids. Think closer to Pitates of the Caribbean. Even closer to Odysseus's Sirens.

A fish without her fins. A bird without her wings.

Dark and beautiful.

If your current monster romance isn't the thing, this will be.

"Together we would bring chaos.
We would bring ruin.
We would bring death."

In the Veins pulls you in immediately and is so hard to put down! Imogen is desperate to prove (maybe to herself) that she is not a monster but the inevitability of what she is ever-looms. The pressure on her is palpable and it kept me turning the page. If you need a reading-slump-breaker-book, this is it!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this eARC.

Kalie Cassidy’s In the Veins of the Drowning is a breathtaking romantasy that immerses readers in a world of dark magic, forbidden power, and an irresistible slow-burn romance. From the first page, Cassidy’s atmospheric prose weaves an enchanting tale that grips you like the tide, pulling you deeper into the story of Imogen Nel, a Siren hiding from those who see her as a monster.

Imogen is a compelling protagonist—strong yet vulnerable, battling both external threats and the danger within herself. When she forms a blood bond with a brooding, duty-bound king, the novel transforms into a gripping journey filled with tension, longing, and heart-stopping action. Their dynamic crackles with chemistry, making every interaction charged and meaningful.

Cassidy’s worldbuilding is both lush and haunting, with eerie waters teeming with undead horrors and kingdoms on the brink of destruction. The story perfectly balances high-stakes adventure with emotional depth, making it impossible to put down. Fans of One Dark Window and For the Wolf will adore this book’s blend of romance, mythology, and dark fantasy.

With lyrical writing, complex characters, and a plot that keeps you breathless until the final page, In the Veins of the Drowning is an unforgettable debut. A must-read for lovers of atmospheric fantasy and slow-burn romance!

I absolutely loved this one! It is so beautifully written and really immersive, and I felt like I was there the whole time. The romance is perfect, and I was pulled into this story. Loved it!

Amazing. Dark and moody and perfect for those who loved One Dark Window. Why isn't book 2 in my hands right now?

‘In the Veins of the Drowning’ by Kalie Cassidy was exactly what I was looking for in a fantasy- a captivating blend of dark romance and fantasy filled with toe curling suspense that will leave you aching for more. The atmosphere was jaw dropping and immersive. The world-building was chefs kiss. And the brooding king? Oh, he’s brooding alright (had me giggling the whole time honestly)🤭

Imogen Nel is hiding from everything—her bloodthirsty nature as a siren, a kingdom that wants her dead (literally), and the trauma of a king who raised her only to turn on her (yall she’s really going through it). Then, another king shows up, demanding her help and offering a blood bond in return. Which isn’t as simple since things get a bit…complicated. Ya know, the usual-fleeing a kingdom, fighting undead sea monsters, and developing feelings for a brooding royal who’s far too noble for his own good😫🤚 that kind of thing?

The slow burn between Imogen and the king is delicious. I absolutely adored the relationship between them which made the book unputdownable. Although i will say, I did wish for a little more depth for their relationship. I wanted more from the push and pull between them. Regardless of that, the plot was insanely good and was worth every second. .

This is a solid 4-star read. It’s eerie, suspenseful, romantic, and totally immersive. Might actually end up being a 5 stars once I get my hands on the copy and get a feel of the book! If your also a fan of Rachel Gilling this book is a MUST READ.

This book is a nice start to a series that I'm looking forward to. I really enjoyed this. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Amazing, amazing, AMAZING! Politics, romance, social hierarchy, rebellion, betrayal; rich history, religion, and plot twists - this book quite literally hits all of the boxes. The only thing wrong with it is that I'm not able to read the second one yet! Kudos to this author, I can't wait for the next Siren Mage novel!

4.5 stars
I absolutely LOVED this. Sirens & pirates are so underrated in the romantasy genre as a whole, and I’m so glad this delivered. Without giving anything away, this was so well done. From the fast-paced plot, magic, Gods, MC’s, and romance, this was everything I wanted and more. This kept me on my toes from page one and never let me down.

I cannot wait for the sequel!

I really really enjoyed this! The writing was fantastic and the atmosphere was dark and moody. I definitely think fans of One Dark Window will enjoy this one. While I enjoyed the romance, I wanted a bit more from the love interest. I think their tension and banter was good, but something was missing for me. Maybe since we don’t get his POV, it leaves something to be desired. Overall, I really enjoyed it and will read the second book to find out more.

I loved this book. The action is great, the romance is lovely, but I especially appreciated the emotional veracity. Torn between submitting to what her adoptive family has told her and embracing the truth that is revealed, Imogen's emotions are raw and visceral. I look forward to the next book in the series!

I'd hoped for more from this book. The actions and angst between the two main characters felt forced and heavy handed. The premise was interesting and I can see how later books in the series could overcome a rocky start.

Say hello to the siren song of the summer! I was swept away by this deliciously complicated and riveting romantasy.

When a siren forces a bond with a king to save her skin, their relationship blooms into something ferocious and deadly that neither could have ever predicted.

Kalie Cassidy knows tension! I devoured this book in one sitting. Fans of Rachel Gillig and Allison Saft will eat this one up!

Thank you to the publisher for an early free copy:)