Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Married to Magic #4

A Duet with the Siren Duke

Rate this book
She sold her soul to a siren and now he’s come to collect.

Victoria risks everything to leave a dangerous marriage and gain a second chance at life. But when her escape goes awry, she finds herself caught in the strong embrace of a mysterious siren, forced to choose: temporary salvation or immediate death.

And so, a cursed deal is struck.

Five years later, Victoria is alive—and the world’s finest ship captain. But her debt to the siren looms while her conniving ex has demanded a king’s ransom as the final price of her freedom. Victoria refuses to cause her family to suffer any more on her behalf, and is determined to make things right before her time is up. But that time is cut short.

The siren comes for her. Six months early.

Taken to the magical and deadly Eversea, home of the sirens, Victoria discovers she’s the sacrifice upon which all sirens pin their hopes. If they want to appease an angry god and save a world on the brink of destruction, then they need her. Which gives her the perfect leverage.

Victoria strikes a new bargain: the Siren Duke will help save her family, and she’ll fulfill his demands. It’s a good bargain until a flicker of passion ignites in the scarred remnants of Victoria's heart, threatening all she's worked for. As the sacrifice for the God of Death, she’s meant to give up everything that draws her to the world of the living. But that’s impossible when all she can think about is how this handsome siren’s song, and his hands, make her feel very much alive.

In a realm of ancient magic, submerged secrets, and forgotten gods, can love find a place among shattered hearts as they race against time and the blossoming of forbidden desires? Or will the delicate songs of their hearts be silenced once and for all?

A Duet with the Siren Duke is a complete, *stand alone novel*. It’s for readers looking for a fantasy romance with deep lore, second-chance love, sacrifice, forbidden and slow-burn romance that sizzles on the page, and a happily ever after where love triumphs over all.

While it is set in the Married to Magic universe, readers can start with this book as all Married to Magic novels are stand alones.

554 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2023

1683 people are currently reading
29763 people want to read

About the author

Elise Kova

51 books16.5k followers
Join Elise's mailing list to never miss a giveaway, release, sale, and more: https://elisekova.com/subscribe/

ELISE KOVA is a USA Today bestselling author. She enjoys telling stories of fantasy worlds filled with magic and deep emotions. She lives in Florida and, when not writing, can be found playing video games, drawing, chatting with readers on social media, or daydreaming about her next story.

Say Hello!
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,869 (22%)
4 stars
2,619 (31%)
3 stars
2,615 (31%)
2 stars
958 (11%)
1 star
238 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,405 reviews
Profile Image for SK (Back for good this time? We'll see).
519 reviews10.8k followers
August 14, 2023
This was one of my anticipated reads for the year and it was absolutely disappointing. Maybe I expected too much, but regardless it was simply not good.

✔️ The little mermaid reimagined
✔️ Orpheus and Eurydice retelling
✔️ Second chance at love
✔️ Forced proximity

Look, it starts off great. For about 50-70 pages I was really into it and then it went downhill (for me). It is the weakest book in the Married to Magic series. My main issue is the way this book is written- it is lifeless. It's just words on paper. The world building although elaborate is boring, the characters are just boring, the romance has no chemistry. The subplot with the whole save the siren magic issue was the least exciting. I could not careless about it.

After the third book in the series, I was so excited to check this out but seems like there is no topping that. I was so extremely bored I felt detached from the story, it did not make me feel any slightest bit of emotion up till the 79% mark and it went away quick enough. I skimmed through fair bit towards the end and I got no regrets.

The MCs- Ilryth and Victoria are forgettable. Ilryth does try win me over by being an understanding and patient guy with Victoria. His sacrifice was predictable and I bet anyone can see it coming. I liked how his treasure was simple things, his love for simplicity as a siren was endearing. Victoria's back story was interesting and it made her real. Her character had so much potential but it was wasted. As a sea captain she had fire power in the first half and it was completely gone in the second half, she lost all her personality. There was nothing to her, even when she opened up about herself- there was nothing.

The slow burn burned too slow. The spice was okayish. The chemistry lacked big time. Both of them opened up but got nowhere close. The emotional gap was never closed which made their love story weak. The ending was predicatable and underwhelming.

So basically, yeah am disappointed.

1. A Deal with the Elf King- 🌟🌟🌟
2. A Dance with the Fae Prince- 🌟🌟🌟
3. A Duel with the Vampire Lord- 🌟🌟🌟🌟
4. A Duet with the Siren Duke- 🌟🌟


~•~•~
One of my anticipated reads for the year. Fingers crossed🤞
~•~•~
OH MY.. LOOK AT THAT GORGEOUS COVER
Profile Image for toointofiction.
304 reviews422 followers
December 29, 2023
“First, we shall go pay our respects to Lady Lellia. Then, perhaps, I shall worship at the altar of your hips, should you be willing to have me."

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

⚠️Trigger Warning: Domestic Abuse⚠️


This is a vast improvement to the previous books in terms of plot, character arc, and conflict. Instead of the typical marriage of convenience, this one is a forbidden romance between a feisty human girl and a sexy fantasy hunk in the form of a merman. Hot, right? It's not exactly a novel idea, but it's original for this series. However, although it started at just the right pace, it slowed significantly out of the blue. It continued to switch back and forth until the end, which was, quite frankly, exhausting for me.

Secondly, the characters are clearly improving with each installment. Both Victoria and Ilryth have excellent backstories that made me instantly like them. They have significant character development, as well. Even the romance is more enjoyable, cringe, but not really as much as I expected. Forbidden, more passionate, the right amount of slow burn, and, much to my delight, a little spicer than I expected. Although, I find it unacceptable that we are not given a more creative method of love-making (cringe) for merpeople. Where is my scale-covered dong?! Why should they grow legs to get some action? Sure, it's not that kind of spicy series, but it could've been at least hinted at.

Lastly, the conflict is more of a challenge this time, and it is resolved nicely and more intricately than in any of the other books. I was impressed and surprised by its complexity. Regardless, I was promised a happy ending with this series, and I got a bittersweet one instead. It's not as bad as it could have been. It's more emotional as well, but not the reason I read these books.

Ilryth's Bonus Scene:


I will savor being once more in the proximity of my lady love. Once more we will sing, and we will dance.


This put me a little more at ease with Victoria and Ilryth's situation at the end of the novel. It might be more of a bittersweet ending, but it doesn't feel as bad as before. Also, these bonus scenes from the love interests' point of view with each standalone are a major reason why I continue to read this series. Nothing is better than pretty magic boys simping over their feral human ladies. Another reason I love these scenes is that there are almost always cameos of the other major characters in the series, and getting a glimpse of what they are doing after their part of the story is complete is always pleasant. (Beware of this one, it has spoilers from A Dance with the Fae Prince) Not to mention that there are always easter eggs and teasers for the next installment, and they just make me more excited to read it. If I had one complaint, and I kind of do, it would be that there isn't even a hint of smut in it, and every single one of the other bonus scenes had them. I just want to know why!
Profile Image for Luna.
277 reviews35 followers
Want to read
September 28, 2022
Elise Kova writing a book about MERMAIDS she did this for me 😭✊
Profile Image for Cee.
3,126 reviews161 followers
August 14, 2023
DNF @ 36%/ 15 chapters

I've read about 200 pages of this book and I'm so bored. I also don't think a lot of it makes sense.

1. How is the magic letting her breath underwater? Since she's not hungry either I'd assume she is dead, but she gets tired soooo???
2. She's underwater, isn't she floating around? How is she laying on a bed?
3. Why didn't he spell her clothing not to fade when it is off of her? He has "trinkets" from the human world that don't fade so why didn't he help a girl out?
3a. And if she's not eating or taking her clothing off ever does that mean she isn't going to the bathroom or fixing her hair? Apparently bathing or grooming isn't a thing either.
4. Honestly, I still don't understand the whole sacrifice thing. She has to give up her memories? Learn songs, language, about siren culture to be a "better" sacrifice? And let's not forget that a sacrifice will have to happen every 5 years and no one is thinking about how to idk not do this?
5. Why not tell him about her ex or her shitting experience with being married? Why is it such a big secret?

Yes, I understand I should probably never read a book with an underwater setting ever again because I question everything. Either way I'm having problems with the plot and again I'm so incredibly bored. Nothing ever happens. I feel like we are just waiting for her to get sacrificed and I don't see any chemistry between the two of them.
Profile Image for Soft Nectarine ~.
377 reviews706 followers
May 30, 2024
He is a 10 but HE IS A MERMAID 🧜‍♀️ Fantasy book about forbidden love, underwater adventures and song mates that last a life time.

While on the run from her husband Victoria falls into the violent ocean waters and basically drowns. She is saved by the Duke of Sirens aka Mr. Long-Tail 🧜‍♀️ and granted 5 more years of life before she has to return to the sea.

As with other books in the series I absolutely loooooooved the fmc. She is loyal, strong and yearning for adventure. And guess what…becoming a sacrifice to the ancient Gods is a pretty huge adventure.

You should read this book for the
✔️ mermaid vibes 🧜‍♀️
✔️ unique underwater lore
✔️ ancient love with Hades/Persephone dynamic
✔️ you will cry during the book but in a good way(?)

I rarely stumble upon forbidden love romances but this one hit all the boxes. ELISA 👏 WRITES 👏 FANTASTIC 👏 ROMANTASY 👏 the way she weaves the lore with romance is heart wrenchingly beautiful.

“The only siren songs that have any effect on me, are the ones sung in his voice, whispering in the back of mind almost every night. Tingling across my skin whenever i run my fingers over the marking he left on me like a calling card”

“Sirens wield magic through our songs. For songs is the language to our souls.”


Things that made me cry in this book:
✔️ voluntary dementia
✔️ mmc’s devotion to fmc
✔️ fmc being sacrificed
✔️ anytime the book mentioned ‘song mates’ or discussed fmc’s soul song
✔️ the ending

I think the audiobook is a MUST for this one!! Lots of siren sounds and underwater ambience that really helps set the tone. I listen to the Graphic Audio 🎶 dramatized audiobook for this one!

second chance
forced proximity
little mermaid retelling
HEA (kind of)
Profile Image for Krystle Rouse.
229 reviews124 followers
October 4, 2023
This book seemed so long and could have been shortened. It felt-like I was trudging through mud. Everything was just so stagnant and lackadaisical. This was my first book by this author. I liked the characters and the settings. It was just so sluggish and was hard for me to get into it.
Profile Image for ♥Milica♥.
1,734 reviews678 followers
August 28, 2025
This series kept getting better as it went on, but it seems that got capped at book three, because it went slightly downhill again with this book.

And it wasn't bad at all, it's just that I didn't really feel anything while reading/listening. I enjoyed the story though, the worldbuilding and the narration, the characters were fine, but missing a spark that would endear me to them. Also, the slow burn romance was a bit too slow, I felt as if I was waiting ages for them to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING.

Do keep in mind that The Little Mermaid was always one of my least favourite Disney movies (I like the original story though), maybe that had something to do with me not connecting to this story as much as I'd hoped to.

Still looking forward to book five, if it ends up another 3 star read, that's okay.
Profile Image for ✨⚡  Kelcey (felinebooktrovert) ✨.
605 reviews521 followers
August 12, 2023
I have mixed feelings for this one. I enjoyed the personal, emotional developments of the two main characters, moving on from past emotional traumas and learning to reconcile themselves with pasts they deemed their own fault. But I don't think their relationship developed as well.

And I didn't care for the overarching storyline, just seemed really far out there and put the MC's on unequal footing for most of the book.
Profile Image for raeinwonderland.
30 reviews628 followers
December 30, 2024
I have yet to read an Elise Kova book that I haven’t loved & the fourth installment of the Married to Magic series is no exception. I was captivated from the very beginning & loved the fast paced Slow Burn Romance. This is a second chance, enemies to lovers romance that gave a bit of a Orpheus & Eurydice/ little mermaid retelling vibe to it. The descriptions & imagery of the underwater world were breathtaking. I felt like I was experiencing this watery world right along with the characters. the character development was great & really loved the characters. There is so much unpredictability & twists & turns that this book kept me on my toes throughout! This is a MUST READ that readers in all walk of life can connect with & enjoy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me!
Profile Image for Liara Lestrange.
178 reviews524 followers
January 20, 2025
Hola??? ELISE, QUÉ HA SIDO ESTO.

Qué forma de patearse los libros anteriores, señor.

Una trama 100% adulta, seria y profunda que se come con patatas cualquier cosa que haya escrito esta mujer hasta ahora.
Profile Image for Brenda P.
487 reviews23 followers
January 27, 2024
Ugh this book started off so good but after 100 pages it turned really burning. And the. When I thought the book was finished it was only 50% in! And there were multiple times where I thought the story was finished but it wasn’t! That was a theme in all the books in the series. The books should have all been done sooner but dragged on. I have never really read a mermaid/siren book before and had high hopes but this fell flat.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
574 reviews38 followers
April 8, 2025
2.5✨

The first book I read for this interconnected series, Married to Magic was A Dance with the Fae Prince. And gosh, how I loved it. I gave it 5 stars!
I then read A Deal with the Elf King (the first in the series) and my feelings were very lukewarm. = I skipped A Duel with the Vampire Lord, as the synopsis didn't appeal to me. But when I heard about this one, A Duet with the Siren Duke, I was so excited!

It took me days to finish this one. I got into a bit of slump due to it.

Overall it felt: lifeless, passionless, and boring. For me! Hopefully others will feel the exact opposite.

But as I read through I thought, maybe Ariel from the Little Mermaid had it right-- life under the sea simply isn't enough.

Siren Duke takes primarily underwater, all words are spoken telepathically, and the entire setting drowns this book. I never found my footing (heh) in the world-building. Nor in the plot. The whole anointing aspect was simply beyond me. I was confused the whole time. It was hard to get behind the romance when one half of the couple is eager to sacrifice the other to death. Maybe if both had fought the sacrifice earlier in the book, I'd have committed more to their romance. But they didn't, so I didn't either.

And after alllll that, all that I (and I suppose the leads too) suffered through, the happily every after came with conditions. Conditions!!! I was mad, I have to be honest. The book bored me and made me mad.

I will say, right now my negative emotions are running rampant, but this book did have good moments too. There were moments where I sat up straighter, my eyes glued more attentively to the page, where I felt on the cusp of being captured by the narrative.

Those moments happened a good number of times, but ultimately, they were fleeting, the narrative losing me in its almost tightening grip.

While this series includes a book I will forever love, so far, the rest are better left as forgotten memories.
Profile Image for Anabel.
784 reviews134 followers
October 25, 2024
- Elise Kova es de mis autoras favoritas, este libro que tengo entre las manos es el cuarto de su serie Unidos por la magia, que son novelas que se pueden leer de forma independiente perfectamente, pero si no quieres perderte algún que otro detalle lo mejor es leerlos en orden.
- En esta ocasión nos tocan las sirenas, algo que ya desde que se anunció tenía unas ganas locas de conocer su mundo y para nada me ha defraudado. Este libro tengo que decir que se cuela entre mis mejores lecturas del año, por todo lo que me ha proporcionado.
- La ambientación ha sido una de las grandes bazas, pero si miro bien es que todo en este libro está cuidado al más mínimo detalle presentándose de forma bonita, colorida y muy visual, yo quería saber más y más contra más avanzaba.
- La protagonista se nos sumerge en el mundo de las sirenas y en el fondo del mar, como es lógico, y ya desde ahí ha sido maravilla tras maravilla. Ya de por sí la trama me ha fascinado, me he sentido tan atrapada que no podía soltar el libro por nada.
- Los personajes son maravillosos, la autora los ha perfilado de una manera muy buena, dando lugar a que me gustaran mucho los dos. Ella tiene un afán de ser libre maravillosa, es una mujer empoderada e independiente. Y él, qué puedo decir, que se ha metido en el top de mis personajes masculinos favoritos, me he derretido con él.
- Por la cubierta ya podéis suponer que este libro su principal trama es el romance, pero es uno que se cuece a fuego lento, como los que a mí me gusta, de los que te hacen sufrir y los que te tiene en vilo toda la novela. También tendremos una trama en la que se solapan para no hacer sombra ni a una ni a otra. La tensión se vive por todos los frentes de cada trama y es algo que ha hecho que estuviera muy enganchada.
- El final es perfecto, redondo, maravilloso, creo que en este libro es de esos que no puedo tener ninguna queja, he cerrado sus páginas con una gran sonrisa y después de haber soltado más de una lágrima, me ha hecho sentir mucho, he disfrutado de cada momento, de cada caricia de los protagonistas y de la tensión vivida por ellos y su situación, desde luego sin duda quedarán en mi recuerdo.
Profile Image for nikki | ཐི༏ཋྀ​​݁ ₊  ݁ ..
873 reviews313 followers
dnf
August 14, 2023
dnf @ 26%

i hate to dnf bc i LOVE this cover and adore ocean/mermaid stories, but i have a firm rule that i don't consume content where the major plot point is women being unalived. minor early into book spoiler: . i tried to keep reading hoping maybe this would be dropped quickly, but it wasn't.

i hope others enjoy this book, but i think i will have to pass.
Profile Image for Nymespren.
61 reviews451 followers
January 19, 2025
Me ha encantado 💜 muy diferente a los anteriores pero para mí el mejor libro que ha escrito Elise hasta la fecha
Profile Image for bookish.reader.elle.
502 reviews27 followers
August 11, 2023
This story was beautifully written and a little bittersweet. It had a slightly different feel than the previous married to magic books. Victoria was in a previous marriage but I appreciated how Elise wrote this as a second chance at love story. It’s inspired by the little mermaid and the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice which I could definitely see the connections between those stories.

This was a great slow burn romance that progressed naturally and was a little spicy. Victoria and Ilryth were such a great couple and great individuals characters as well. Victoria was strong willed but definitely had some previous negative relationship experiences that shaped how she interacted with others. It was heartwarming seeing Victoria start with a very guarded heart to eventually flourishing and opening herself to love again. She was also very selfless and never stopped fighting for what she believed was the right. Ilryth was a great match for Victoria. He was also a bit guarded and wanted what was best for his people. He is very dedicated and kindhearted. I usually don’t cry from reading books ever but wow this story had me tearing up. It wasn’t that it was bad it was just bittersweet to me. I appreciate that Elise doesn’t just do the same cookie cutter happily ever after ending and that each couple gets their own version of happily ever after.

I love that the Married to Magic books aren’t just about romance they have a great storyline too. The old gods and the siren magic was fascinating. I also enjoyed learning more about Midscape and the origins of the magic within it and The Fade. This story also had a fun crossover moment where characters from the other books were mentioned. This is a complete stand alone novel just like the rest of The Married to Magic books so you can read this one without having read the others but I still highly recommend reading them all. They all take place within the same world and there are characters that overlap/ are mentioned. I’m super excited to see what comes next and I’m hoping for maybe some Lycan and Dryad stories and possibly a full blown finale book that incorporates all the couples coming together.

Hugest Thank you to Elise and her team for gifting me an ARC
Profile Image for Fiebre Lectora.
2,263 reviews673 followers
December 23, 2024
Reseña completa: https://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/20...

Victoria arriesga todo lo que tiene para abandonar un matrimonio infeliz pero, a punto de morir ahogada, se ve forzada a hacer un pacto con un sireno: ser salvada de forma temporal, pues en seis años deberá volver con él a saldar su deuda. Cinco años después, Victoria se ha convertido en la mejor capitana del mundo, e intenta conseguir el dinero necesario para librarse (tanto ella como su familia) por fin de su ex, determinada a solucionar todo antes de que termine su cuenta atrás, pero esta termina antes de lo previsto, cuando seis meses antes su sireno la reclama y la lleva hasta el hogar de las sirenas como sacrificio en el que todas las sirenas han depositado sus esperanzas para apaciguar a un dios enfadado, y salvar al mundo de la destrucción.

Así, Victoria logra un nuevo pacto: ayudar al duque de las sirenas a cambio de salvar a su familia, un buen trato, pero todo se volverá más complicado cuando se dé cuenta de que, cuanto más tiempo pasa con él, más le cuesta despedirse de la vida.
Profile Image for Pris.
149 reviews1 follower
Want to read
December 1, 2022
I can't express how utterly excited I am for this book to come out. As an avid Elise Kova fan, I have to read absolutely everything and anything that she produces. I can't wait to see more of Midscape!
Profile Image for Naomi.
216 reviews
August 14, 2023
I really wanted to like this… but I sadly did not. The world was confusing and I found a lot of the dialogue made me cringe? The romance and spice felt almost sterile, and I found myself skimming the final pages.
Profile Image for Lex B.
88 reviews329 followers
March 7, 2024
I love love love the other books in this series but this one realllllly struggled to hold my attention
Profile Image for пустунка .
353 reviews7 followers
May 11, 2025
хоч і морська тематика, але початок – вайб «Адді Лярю». вона теж тікає від шлюбу, укладає угоду, і має якусь нібито свободу, яка теж має свої нюанси. продана душа за свободу.

Вікторія тікає від свого чоловіка, і її рягує герцог сирен. у неї є 5 років, після чого він повернеться по неї. і коли це стається – я отримала зовсім не те, що очікувала. і чесно, краще б це було банально, ніж так, як вийшло.

перша половина (а то й більше) була справді цікавою. йшло на тверду четвірку. але далі сюжет почав рухатися у глухий кут. тут уже напряглася. заруїнили Ілріт та кінцівка. хотілося різко закрити очі і забути прочитане. почався повний хаос. тобто головна героїня всю книжку була в ролі жертви і аж до кінця це ніяк не змінилося, а по вуха закоханому Ілріту це було норм, навіть коли вона пропонувала свої варіанти, то робив вигляд, що вона наївна і нічого не розуміє. деякі репліки наприкінці взагалі шокували і я така: «мінус бал». за сторінок 50 до фіналу все трохи виправилося, але враження бул�� зіпсовані. це не 1, лише тому, що частину справді було цікаво читати.

сподіваюся, наступна книжка із серії сподобається більше.

2/5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Lucía Cafeína.
1,967 reviews214 followers
November 29, 2024
Lo que he sufrido con esta historia... Un amor imposible, en el que es el destino quien los une, y un montón de obstáculos a los que deben hacer frente. Wow.
Me ha encantado.
Profile Image for Jena.
952 reviews224 followers
September 19, 2023
Let me start by saying that I adore Elise Kova's way of writing fantasy. Her style and world building is so unique and compelling. Whenever I want to get lost in a fantasy world, I turn to her. However, with her first two books in this series, I did find that she bit off a tad more than she could chew. Her books have exiting synopses, but then they are also described as a Greek myth retellings, as well as Disney fairy tale retellings, and are said to include an insane amount of popular tropes. This normally means that although immersive, her stories have pacing issues. With her last novel, I found a new issue arose. The book was much longer, but dragged at times. However, with A Duet with the Siren Duke, I feel as though Elise Kova has finally perfected her formula. The fantasy setting is alluring and homely, the plot and world building fascinating, and the romance well paced and touching. The only times I had any issue, was when Victoria first went to the sea. I found the the swimming and underwater talking descriptions were quite stilted, but that is a potential for problems with any story set underwater. I also stopped reading this book for about a month after reaching around chapter 7, because I thought it would be another slow story where Victoria was just a captor in jail the whole time. Luckily I was wrong, and wow, I wish I just kept reading when I first picked up this book, because it was so much fun. I highly recommend it to all fantasy romance lovers
Profile Image for NOT FOR EVERYONE .
1,412 reviews13 followers
March 20, 2024
Непогана книга, тільки мені здалося, що деякі розділи трохи переплутані між собою або вирвані з контексту.

3/5
Profile Image for Faiza Daudo.
308 reviews100 followers
August 11, 2023
I said this before after finishing A duel with the Vampire Lord, and I'm repeating my words: this has to be the best book in this series so far.

This book started with me not being sure what was I supposed to feel and ended with me crying my eyes out. This book also unlocked a fear for me.
“If all my misfortune has led me to this moment, if every pain and hardship I endured was to meet you, then it would’ve all been worth it.”


A duet with the Siren Duke connects with the previous books and provides us with a better understanding of what is happening in this fantastic world.
This book takes forbidden romance to new highs. Coupled with memory loss, I had zero hopes for them.
I love Elise's approach to a complex character such as Victoria that is dealing with the trauma of an abusive relationship and Ilryth that lives with the constant guilt after his mother's passing. Sometimes we forget how trauma can shape one's personality and dictate their actions, and this book depicted mental health exceptionally well. I was blown away by how Elise translated into words the longing, the fear, the pain and the love these characters felt. She made me feel everything and more.
“You don’t have to repay someone for their love. It’s given freely.”


Victoria is such a strong and honorable character. I love when characters have this sense of honor that they will come through with their word even tho it means their demise. And Victoria is that. She sold her soul to the sea, and when the time comes to pay her dues, she does not back away.

This book had all of the ingredients that makes a fantasy book exceptional: fantastic world building; the magic system was distinctively described; the romance was gut wrenching and the characters exceptionally complex.

And that ending was tragically beautiful. For a moment my heart stopped and I'm not entirely sure it recovered 100%.

Thank you to Elise Kova and Book of Matches and Media for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this beautiful book.
Profile Image for Bridget Womelduff.
46 reviews
July 6, 2023
4.5/5

I think this might be my favorite married to magic book so far. I never knew a three letter word like the one at the end of chapter 39 could break me like this did.

A magical read that takes place under the depths of the ocean. Thank you for the e-arc and the chance to explore the Eversea.
Profile Image for Restless Isabelle.
271 reviews29 followers
September 11, 2023
What killed this for me was my inability to not visualise Victoria frog swimming at the bottom of the ocean alongside graceful mermaids.

Sigh. I loved Kova’s Air Awakens series so much that I pick up every book she writes. But this series and me aren’t getting along and I think I’ll tap out here.
Profile Image for kuvira.
497 reviews
September 22, 2023
1.75 stars - shame their editor didn’t tell them to shave off 200 pages…maybe it would have been bearable then
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,405 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.