Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in the Heirs of Elydor series, following Whisper of War and Storms. While a continuation of the story in the same world, the focus for this book is on Rowan and Nerys. Given the plot carries through from book one, it is recommended you read the series in order but the details provided in this book would likely allow you to follow along.

This story involves multiple realms, and an intriguing magic system with quests and trials. This is definitely a “vibe” read, as a lot is happening in a book which is on the short side and so it can seem rushed resulting in some plot and characters being underdeveloped and some jumping around. Likely recommended for readers looking to try fantasy without a complex magic system/ fantasy world.

The MMC and FMC are forced to be together while the MMC is on a quest to obtain the royal artifact of the Thalassarian clan, the Tidal Pearl, to assist with the opening of the portal between the immortal and human realms which has been closed. During this time, the FMC realizes her true path in a kingdom that is on the verge of war. Unfortunately the relationship between the MMC and FMC was a bit too “insta-love” for my preferences, but the overall story and magic system were interesting and made it relatively easy to read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️.5

This was such a gripping and interesting read from the very start. I was intrigued by the blurb of this book and as soon as I had started reading the book I was very invested. The writing style within this book was amazing and I definitely didn’t want to put the book down. The characters in this book was written amazingly. Especially the two main characters Rowan and Nerys, they had there challenges in which they needed to face including the many twists and turns that occurred within this book. They developed within this book and it was such an amazing read. The way in which the book was duo pov allowed you to see the story from both there povs. And with how the end of this book occurred I was completely shocked and very surprising. And I would definitely want to read more from this author.

I initially thought I needed more backstory to understand the intricacies of this world, but the author did a fantastic job weaving in the history of Elydor and took me on a discovery journey with the characters that made me feel part of the story. The magic system was unique and complex, and very enjoyable to learn more about. The main and supporting characters were likable, memorable and each saw growth through the story in their own ways. I absolutely loved the way Nerys and Rowan’s love story unfolded and how they each gained strength from one another to move forward. The end left me ready for the next book!

Will post this review on Amazon, Fable, StoryGraph and will share the rating on Instagram.

Unfortunately I didn’t finish this one. I just couldn’t get into it despite loving the author’s other novels.

ARC review
Publication date 11 May 2025

3,5 stars

“Tide of Waves and Secrets” by C.L. Mecca is the second book in the "Heirs of Elydor" series.

I received an ARC from Boldwood Books (via Netgalley).
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

Even if it is a continuation of the action from “Whisper of War and Storms”, this book follows different characters.
Sir Rowan is a mysterious human that arrives in the immortal realm of Thalassaria seeking the legendary Tidal Pearl that can open the portal between realms.
Nerys is a powerful guard, assigned as his escort while he is in the palace.

The attraction between them is there from the start (you could say it's insta-love).
I liked the magic and the story from this book. Nerys had to prepare to fight for her place in the kingdom and I liked her journey of accepting her power.
There was more romance ands spice than in the previous book and the pace was medium to fast.
Still, even if the book is quite short (under 300 pages), it did not keep me engaged as much as the 1st one and some actions felt repetitive.

What I also liked is that Mev and Kael make an appearance and there is more action towards the end.

Overall it was enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next book.

Tide of Waves and Secrets by C.L. Mecca

What a great sequel to Whisper of War and Storms! I loved how fast-paced the story was, and it was the right combination of adventure, magic, spice, trials, and romance.

✨ Elemental Magic
✨ Prophecies
✨ Humans and Immortals
✨ Love at first sight
✨ Challenge for the throne

Nerys was a great FMC. She was brave, unprejudiced, strong, and loyal. Her character development was interesting especially because she stayed true to her goal.

As the MMC, Rowan was amazing. He was loyal to Nery and his family. His bond with his grandfather was touching. I was looking forward to his story from when he was introduced in the first book. I can say that C.L. Mecca did Rowan’s story justice.

If anything, I wish the battle with the queen and the subsequent betrayal with the pearl were made a little longer. This part of the story felt a little rushed, and everything was resolved in the background.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I am eagerly awaiting for the next one with Marek!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review

I was instantly swept away into the mesmerizing world of Tide of Waves and Secrets. As the second instalment in the series, this book not only deepens the narrative established in the first volume but also introduces fresh layers of magic, intrigue, and emotional complexity that invigorate the entire saga. From the moment I turned the first page, I felt as though I had been transported to Thalassaria—a realm where elemental forces ebb and flow like the tides, and every secret hints at profound mysteries and dangers.

The story follows the enigmatic Sir Rowan, a human adventurer whose quest for the legendary Tidal Pearl leads him straight into the heart of this immortal domain. Along the way, he encounters Nerys, a devoted Thalassarian guard assigned to escort and protect him. As they journey through opulent yet treacherous palace corridors and navigate a labyrinth of shifting allegiances and ancient rituals, the tension between duty and forbidden desire simmers beneath every interaction. Their story is not just a quest for a mystical artifact—it’s a personal journey that challenges the boundaries between loyalty and the longing for something beyond the prescribed roles set by their worlds.

What truly sets Tide of Waves and Secrets apart is C.L. Mecca’s impeccable blending of high-stakes mystery with an intimate character study. The rich, immersive world-building is complemented by vividly drawn characters who evolve with each twist and turn in the plot. As political intrigue and ancient magic coalesce, I found myself reflecting on how our own desires often pull us between the demands of duty and the yearning for love and freedom.

This book is a brilliant addition to the series; it not only builds on the foundations laid in the first installment but also sets up tantalizing possibilities for the future. Every page is infused with both wonder and the promise of more secrets to uncover, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next instalment.

For me, Tide of Waves and Secrets is a masterful exploration of epic romance and adventure, richly layered with intrigue and the beautiful clash of personal passion against the backdrop of larger-than-life mythical quests.

Thank you so much to Boldwood Books & Netgalley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for honest feedback.

I did a typical Maggie and didn't realise that The Tide of Waves and Secrets was the second book in the series...oops! However, I believe this story follows different characters so you can read the second without reading the first.

The world sounds beautiful & it was definitely intriguing. It was different to anything else I have read recently which was great!

I was really excited to read this but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. I like a wee bit of insta love but this was too much. A human & an immortal, instantly telling secrets and trusting each other after they literally just met? It felt a bit too soon for me.. Maybe I'm just too much of a sucker for enemies to lovers lol

It felt like there wasn't much happening to pique my interest & keep me reading, so I ended up skimming a lot, which is a shame.

I hate leaving a negative review as I completely appreciate how much time and effort goes into writing, editing, etc, but this just wasn't for me.

Loved following Rowen's journey in this. Found it very gripping, exciting and intriguing and really can't wait for more.

Oh this book. This was a book I loved reading. Tide of Waves and Secrets by C.L. Mecca is a once in a lifetime book. I LOVED IT SO MUCH! I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.

This was GOOD. I actually liked this more than the first book! At first, I was disappointed that it focused on other characters, but I loved the new storyline so much. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

Part two of the series. Rowan has been sent Maristhera to try & convince the queen to loan the humans a secret relic. It is needed to open the gate so that everyone that has been separated can return home.
Nerys has been tasked with showing Rowan around the palace but the queen really wants him watched. She didn’t expect to be attracted to him as it could never lead anywhere.
Rowan knows that he has to be careful about his true mission and about who he really is but he is finding it harder to not be honest with Nerys. He knows that he will return once he has what he needs. But will he sacrifice their happiness for a secret that spans generations?
Can he walk away from Nerys? Or will he fight for them?
A good read took me longer to find a rhythm with this one. Great to see Mev & Kael back in this one. Good storyline new characters that we need to know more about.
Solid main characters that only want what is best for their people and each other.
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.

Another phenomenal read from C.L. Mecca. When Sir Rowan arrives in the immortal realm of Thalassaria seeking the legendary Tidal Pearl, Thalassarian guard Nerys is assigned as his escort but the more time they spend together the harder it is to fight the attraction they feel. With more internal conflict and they loyalty is being tested while their feelings grows. This was a fantastic read.

This book was amazing. From the characters, to the storyline everything was perfect. C.L. Mecca is a name that all fantasy/romantasy readers need to add to their fave authors

Unfortunately I couldn’t get on with the writing but the book overall was a great premise. And great for fantasy readers

This novel is the second instalment of the Heirs of Elydor series. I was able to follow the plot easily without having read the first book but I would recommend following the order of the series.

The MMC, Rowan, travels to Thalassia for an audience with the Queen. As a human, he may not move around the palace without an escort. The beautiful and powerful Nerys is allocated this task. Attracted to each other from the start, their relationship grows despite the secrets they are keeping.

The couple are faced with the challenges of their responsibilities to their own people as well as Rowan’s human life span. There is also plenty of political intrigue.

The book is a quick and easy read so I didn’t get as emotionally attached to the characters as I tend to do in longer works. However, I really enjoyed the elemental magic system in this world, as well as the magical creatures.

Thank you to C.L. Mecca, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, I really enjoyed this book! I didn't even realize this was technically the second in a series until I looked it up after the fact and let me tell you, the author did a tremendous job of filling the reader in with all relevant information from the first book (most importantly, without information dumping!). I felt like I didn't miss anything at all by not having read the first book. Most importantly, I was still able to become completely immersed in the world and invested in the characters and plot. Even though I tend to not gravitate towards insta-love in stories, the way our FMC and MMC interact and develop their relationship felt so natural and the initial attraction did not overshadow the development. The book was fast-paced, the magical elements in the world were quite intriguing, and the overall plot was interesting that I kept going back for more. I'm curious enough to pick up the first book of this series at some point as well.

Thank you to NetGalley, CL Mecca, and Boldwood Books for providing me a e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Amazing second instalment in the series - although they're not directly related so it's fine to read this as a standalone.

It has the perfect blend of forbidden love and there's so much to keep the momentum going throughout this book - absolutely loved it!

a great second installment in this series! i love the way it was written - so many fantasy books are so difficult to understand or get into. i didn’t realize this book was going to be interconnected but different characters from book one and i loved that! and the descriptions of the kingdom…. i NEED to go!

This was fantastic! Forbidden love, secrets and schemes, and so much unfolding right before us. I loved this, and I cannot wait for more!