Deepwater King

The Monstrous Heart Trilogy #2

by Claire McKenna

The sensational follow up to MONSTROUS HEART; a magical tale of intrigue on dark waters and a love story for the ages. The perfect gothic, gaslamp fantasy - ideal for fans of V.E. Schwab and China Mieville

Since losing her great love to the Queen of the Sainted Isles, Arden must fulfil an impossible promise before she can return home – she must complete the dangerous Rite that will return Jonah’s spirit to the abyssal Court of the Deepwater King.

This sets her off on a journey far out at sea to find believers of the old religion on the oil-slick and mysterious islands beyond the horizon. But such a responsibility will not come without sacrifice, for the Deepwater folk who worship the King require the most desperate payments the soul, and with one man Arden may have to pay the greatest price of all…

Astonishingly original, with world-building to rival the depths of the ocean, McKenna has drawn a rich tale of longing and courage – penning the perfect oceanic steampunk fantasy.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Audiobook, Magic, Adult

400 pages, Hardcover

First published June 24, 2021

About the author

Claire McKenna is a SFF writer from Melbourne, Australia.

Reviews

[Lexi (updating reviews) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book so quickly because I desperately wanted Arden to reach what she set out to do. Her happiness in book one was so brief, and I ached for her — I wanted her to finally find peace and closure.
And then… the ending completely crushed that hope. 💔🌊🕯️

📖 Book: Deepwater King
🖋️ Author: Claire McKenna
🌟 Rating: 2.25 ✧
🖤 Genre: gothic romance / dark fantasy
📚 Series: The Deepwater Trilogy
🌊 Summary: Continuing from Monstrous Heart, this sequel follows Arden as she sets out to fulfill the promise she made to Jonah. Her journey is marked by rejection, betrayal, and impossible choices, forcing her into sacrifices that threaten to consume her entirely. As grief and duty collide, Arden must decide whether keeping her word is worth losing herself along the way. 🌊🖤⚓

♡ What I loved most:
• Arden’s sacrifices: I loved how much she was willing to give up for him. Her grief felt raw and devastating, and it made their bond feel deeper and more tragic 💔🌫️
• The plot twist: while not as shocking as the one in book one (I kind of saw this one coming), it still gave me exactly what I was hoping for… right before the ending ripped it away 😤
• The outcast society: the twisted societal norms and isolated communities were genuinely intriguing and lingered in my mind
• Chalice finally getting an upgrade: she felt like a real side character this time instead of a vague shadow, and I appreciated that growth ✨

✘ What I didn’t love:
• The ending: it was truly catastrophic. It felt like everything Arden suffered through, everything she sacrificed, was for nothing. I was genuinely MAD — close-the-book-and-stare-into-the-void mad 💔
• The story structure: the entire book centered around Arden fulfilling a single promise, which made it feel like a filler installment — a bridge rather than a fully realized story 📚
• The second MMC: I was hoping for a true love triangle — but he ended up being a crude, ego-driven man with caveman energy. Not for me 🚫
• Did I mention the ending? 😤

───♡─────────────

୨ৎ Overall:
I read this book so quickly because I desperately wanted Arden to reach what she set out to do. Her happiness in book one was so brief, and I ached for her — I wanted her to finally find peace and closure.
And then… the ending completely crushed that hope.
So, the inevitable question: will I read the conclusion?
Yes. Because hope is a stubborn little thing, and I’m clinging to it like a fool. I just need to know if all of this meant something. 🌊🕯️

xoxo, until the next book 💔🌊✨

「The Deepwater Trilogy」
#1 Monstrous Heart — 3.75 ✧
#2 Deepwater King — 2.25 ✧
#3 Firetide Coast — 2.75 ✧

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Deepwater Trilogy. As not to give spoilers that might ruin the 1st book, Monstrous Heart, this review is mostly based on the series as a whole.

The world of this trilogy is perfect for fans of steampunk fantasy. It’s full of industry and magic, of Old Gods and ancient rites. The vaguely Victorian feel to the characters and the society they inhabit, is reflected in the ornate writing style; it reads like a 19th Century novel with some anachronistic sex scenes thrown in.

There are some dark themes at play too. Not only is industry powered by blood letting but even body parts and sex are used as sacrifices to the Old Gods. There’s also the Eugenics Society, concerned with protecting useful blood talents and keeping out dangerous shadow abilities.

Deepwater King follows directly from the end of Monstrous Heart, as our unlikely lovers, Arden and Jonah, fight against mysterious enemies as well as powerful, and all too well known, adversaries. Is it possible for their love to survive in this world of jealous rivals, secretive societies and demanding Gods?

For me, Deepwater King didn’t quite hit the same mark as the first instalment. The romance element that was key to my enjoyment of MH, felt more tormented and less believable. Arden, who began as a strong character, fell into more of a damsel in distress role, constantly walking into danger and having to rely on random strangers to help her out. Despite her strength of character and magical abilities, the only power she wields in this book is sexual. I also missed some of the supporting characters, especially Chalice, Arden’s assistant with a secret, and even the vile Mr Justinian, who I loved to hate.

Although, absorbing enough to keep me reading ‘just one more chapter’, DK just felt overall more bleak and harrowing than MH. I’m hoping that this was intentional, to give us a more satisfying resolution to the trilogy. The ending perfectly sets up a story for the third book and I’m looking forward to finding out what’s in store for our lovers next.

Thank you to Harper Collins for a gifted copy in return for an honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I flip-flopped a lot with Deepwater King. I came in hot off the heels of finishing Monstrous Heart and was hoping to find my feet right away. I didn't. Like Monstrous Heart, there's not enough world building/background for me to feel fully invested. There's a small excerpt at the beginning of the book with some history, admittedly, but it fails to fill in the blanks. We're then reliant on snippets of conversation between characters for information and explanation of terminology only used in this universe. Unfortunately as a result I still didn't feel fully immersed like I was hoping I would.

The concept behind the Monstrous Heart trilogy is unique to me and does hold a lot of potential. I would love to know more about Lyonne and it's history. McKenna's writing style is eloquent and consistent throughout. There's no denying she has a love of language.

I think the strongest part of the 2 instalments I've read so far are the characters. Chalice is arguably my favourite character; I would love to see her star in a novella of her own at some point - snippets of her life as a Lion perhaps. Her dialogue is brilliant and her friendship with Arden is complex and believable. Arden herself doesn't quite meet the mark for me this time around however; she is constantly finding herself in danger and being rescued at just the right moment by characters who just so happen to be around. I tended to favour the chapters where she was not the focus.

The mythology and lore surrounding the Deepwater Folk and their religion also intrigues me - we get to see more of this this time around and it did scratch an itch I had since reading Monstrous Heart, so that's a definite plus!

For me this is a 3 star read overall. I'm still curious to see how the series concludes but I'm wary all the same.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly obsessed, Deepwater king is an addictive page turner from the very first page. There’s a great romance, action, tension and a lot of suspense, whilst I loved this it didn’t quite make the same impression the first book did on me, that’s not a criticism I just adored the first so much I think it was hard to live up to in my head. Definitely still a favourite for me as it’s addictive enough to keep me reading ‘even though it’s darker thanMonstrous Heart. I think this book perfectly sets the reader and story ready for the last book and I’m looking forward to finding out what’s in store.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Jordan Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as strong but definitely hooked to see how it all ends

[Anna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this one like a kraken to a ship.

[Danielle Greaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deepwater King is an interesting adult fantasy with a lot of twists and turns. The characters are strong, brave and well developed. It's easy to feel attracted to them, especially Arden as she has great aspects of a strong female lead.

The fantasy plots are very creative. The blood magic and everything surrounding the laws, stories and myths were my favourite part. I found it to be based upon a lot of mythical aspects which I really enjoyed.

I did struggle with these books though. The language and the way it is written, is in the style of an old book and I found it hard to understand in some places. Because of this i couldn't fully emerge myself in the story and connect with it. Even though I couldn't fully appreciate these books, I did enjoy the setting and locations within, they definitely brought a magical aspect to the book.

I adore the covers, and thing the designs are beautiful! I recommend these books for someone who enjoys an old worldy fantasy, like game of thrones.

[Nicole Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deepwater King is the second instalment in the beautiful Monstrous Heart trilogy by Claire McKenna. Monstrous Heart is a book that’s been on my radar for quite a while and I ended up reading both books back to back. Deepwater King picks up immediately after the events of Monstrous Heart and I found it so easy to get sucked back into the story. We are once again following Arden as she heads out on her journey to complete the rite and return Jonah’s spirit to the court of the deepwater king.

While I really enjoyed Monstrous Heart I enjoyed Deepwater King even more. The world is so unique and – it’s a Victorian-style world full of mysterious sea creatures and fascinating abilities. The blood magic was something that I was particularly intrigued by and the way McKenna incorporated that into the world. I liked that we got the opportunity to learn more about it as the series progressed. It took me a little while to get to grips with the world in book one so I found it much easier to understand what was going on in book two. McKenna has an absolutely beautiful writing style and the vivid writing really made the story come alive.

Arden is an interesting protagonist – she’s the light mistress and in this second instalment there is danger wherever she turns. She’s quite a strong-willed main character and she will do whatever she can to fulfil her promise. She has been on such a journey since the first book and I really enjoyed seeing the character development. I also liked Jonah who is much more than we first suspect in Monstrous Heart. Deepwater King is definitely a book I found myself thinking about when I wasn’t reading it and I was always desperate to get back to the story. I ended up reading the last hundred pages of the book in one sitting, and I am desperate to see how it all ends in the final instalment. If you’re looking for a captivating fantasy story with plenty of twists and turns, this is definitely one to check out.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deepwater King

Oh wowzers! Where to begin?! We pick up with Arden and co at sea and not long from where Monstrous Heart ended with her mission to return a soul to the Deepwater King.

This books is full of surprises. A few scenes that some may find triggering (attempted sexual assault/domestic abuse/forced marriage) there was no lack of action in this book.

Arden as a character remains strong willed but the lines of her strict personal conduct become blurred as she finds herself having to do things she has previously refused. She is a woman desperate to complete her task and there is absolutely nothing that she will not do to achieve it, while navigating the world and reeling from betrayals and those yet to come.

I wish the Sanguinity/abilities were explained better (this applies to both books) as the writing seems to assume the reader has a prior knowledge. The world building is strong and provides the reader a vivid image of the world we’re experiencing.

There are reunions, betrayals, friendships and unlikely allies book 2 was just as immersive as book one and thoroughly enjoyable. McKenna has a knack for building tension and drama all whilst maintaining a beautiful writing style.

[⋒ Natalie (she-her) ⋒ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just don’t know about this book. Is it beautifully written? Yes. Magical world building? Also yes. But it’s also a typical in-between book with an awful lot of nothings happening, from beginning to end. Add to that the transactional/borderline non-consensual sex where the MC can’t help but climax with a brute she is held captive by, it just sat really uncomfortably with me. I wish I’d skipped this book and gone straight to the third (yet to be released!).

[Becci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow this author is amazing at building gothic atmosphere. From the type of language used and the general sense of confusion, the author has built an atmospheric steampunk fantasy world. with eerie magic enhanced Machina, sea monsters and a controlling organisation that you’re not sure if they’re more friend or more foe. I found the language easier this time around, either it is slightly easier to read in this book or I’ve got used to the classical style.

We’ve learnt more about the world and magic system although there are still lots of questions and unknowns. This really adds to the overall bleak feeling .

I would have loved some illustrations of the various sea creatures.
 
This book is truly original, from the setting to the plot, I can’t say I’ve read anything like it.
 
Its split into three parts. My absolute favourite was the second part where we focused on our main villain and the people who surrounded her. I loved this part, seeing what people had to do to survive her insanity. But I did find the other two parts a bit slower and less interesting.

I really missed the romance of the first book, my favourite part of that. There was sex scenes in this book but you can’t describe it as romantic. Without this romance it was just very very bleak unfortunately. I needed a bit more light hearted parts.

The ending of this book was very good. Bringing together the two very different very intersting villains and it will be very interesting to see where this goes.

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copies to review

You may wish to look up triggers warnings for this book as it covers some uncomfortable topics.

[Alli Herdering · Rating 4 out of 5]

A definite improvement from the first book in the trilogy, Monstrous Heart. This book starts with some background information that would have been so nice to have in book one. The world and its magic system also became more fleshed out in this book, which was needed.
Generally, I dislike a "separated lovers" trope, but I appreciate the way it was handled in this book. It did feel necessary for the plot and as a catalyst for all that got set up to happen in the third and final book.
Deepwater King may have a plotline that is driven by romantic motivations, but it is not a book I would consider to be a romance. All of the sexual relations and intimate scenes in this book are non-consensual, coercive, or as a form of outright abuse. Though these are key motivators for the characters, as well as sources of shame and guilt that play into their actions and sacrifices that further the plot, I don't see the necessity of sexual violence in a book. I do appreciate that it was independent of character gender, not just senseless violence against women.
Overall, I did like this book, but I'm not certain if I will recommend this series. TBD

[Haley The Caffeinated Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do have to admit, I was not a fan of Monstrous Heart so I was surprised to get widget for this, but, I found myself unable to resist. Monstrous Heart was an intriguing book and so different from any other I'd read that even though I found a lot at fault for me, I admired what McKenna was writing. This sequel is a vast improvement on the world-building from book one but there's still a lot we need to know to make it a smoother read. Since the focus was more on the characters, it was easier to ignore the gaps or confusion about the world.

I am definitely interested in reading the finale to this trilogy with that last chapter in Deepwater King, and I'd love see more of Jonah and Arden, especially given their current situation and location by the end of the book.

2.5/5 rounded up to 3. 3 stars for creativity and premise, and for the character development from book one! 2.5 due to the still lack of clarification in the world of Fiction.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Teri B · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this book as an eARC from netgalley in return of an honest review.

When I saw this book advertised I was first intrigued by its cover and then the indication it had for covering the sea, sea myths and legends and was advertised as fantasy.

After reading the first book in this series, Monstrous Heart, I wanted to see how the story would continue in this second instalment.

This second book, too, was a stimulating read. But not so much for me as an avid fantasy reader, but for me as a writer. As this book offers ample opportunity to make up your mind what works in a story and what does not work and how to mix genres or maybe not.

From what I can see, this book works for some readers and they like it a lot, for others, like me, unfortunately, in the end this book did not really come together.

Possibly the main reason is that this book is not really fantasy. There are so many genres coming together in this story and each one holds some strands within the book but makes the book in the end more of a compilation of various strands than a whole.

It is as much fantasy, as romance, as contemporary, as gothic steampunk, exploring female longing, fixation and sexuality in a way I have not ever seen written about before in fantasy.

When I later checked on the author's website, I found that she summarises her books as writing 'Strange romance, dark SF and epic fantasy'. And this possibly makes the point quite nicely.

At the beginning of this second book we finally get some background information on how this current world came into being. there are many bits and pieces that feel like our current world, but then there are these added magic elements that turn it into something completely steampunk fantastic.

After this beginning that felt like solid fantasy writing, we then dive into the deep end and go to the darkest of dark places, where it seems the dregs of humanity are merely or not even scraping out a living in an entirely polluted environment, physically as well as emotionally and mentally and where we are wading through morally deep dark waters.

And then we follow the main character Arden onto a mad dash through these islands, that she does not seem to know at all, and yet, the moment she is there she seems to know everything about them, and that is where this book started to fall apart for me.

Also, Arden's motivation for her journey to this abysmal place is still somewhat a puzzle for me, the love that came in the first book was too instantaneous for me and her character too inconsistent than what she does in this second book does make sense.

The only explanation I have come up with is that she gives into an urge within herself that cannot rationally be explained but has to be followed all the same.

I was looking so much forward to meet this deepwater king and the mythology created for it, but oh boy, was I disappointed. Nothing is as it seems in this book and that may well be true.

As with book one, I nearly DNFed this book at around 20% but somehow made it through. And then the book trailed for quite a while.

When Chalice resurfaced into the story I was disappointed, the pacing and timing was not right and Chalice's story got summarised in a few paragraphs and was done with. This felt like the story was being cut short. In addition, the relationship these two women have is something beyond my understanding.

I had hoped to get some deeper insights into Arden's and the other magic that is at work and play in this world, but the magic system did not get further explained or further elaborated, and so this part of the world building remains in a rather misty place where one constantly wonders what this all is actually about and how this magic now really works.

What I also struggled with was the language. Using old words, that is words, that were in use a few centuries ago in parts of the world at that time in order to give the story a specific flavour is not sufficient. As in book one, it felt to me that most of these old words just had been put in due to their obscurity but not really due to a precise and clear understanding and sense for the language and world building.

I was thankful throughout that I got to read this book on kindle, so my dictionary was always only one finger tap away and I could check out the obscure words easily. Otherwise, I most likely would have DNFed this book.

Specially at the beginning I found instances of negative stereotyping where the authors own prejudice showed quite clearly and got reinforced by being represented as negative. And that is not something I want to find or read about in a novel.

And then there are the references to what seems to me an absolute random compilation of aspects of our current actual world where civilisations, myths and geographical areas are brought in. They are so all over the place, they just do not make sense.

What I missed in this book were the prehistoric animals of the sea that were so unique in book one. In book two they mostly disappeared or you can say, got reduced to a representation as the cloak Arden wears is made out of their hides.

What I loved were the scenes towards the end when we get into the more mythological places of the story. There, the author conjured a paragraph or too, painting a picture that was just genial.

So, in short, should you consider to read this book because it is fantasy, then you might be rather disappointed. But if you are interested into reading a book that is different and rather unique, then this book might well be for you.

There, too, should be trigger warnings for this book, it would behove it well.

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good solid sequel

[Kate A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to this book for a while after really enjoying Monstrous Heart last year and I was excited to see where the story would go. I definitely found Deepwater King a lot quicker and easier to immerse myself in, I think that is because I got used to the author's style from the first book and because I was armed with a lot more knowledge of the world this time around.

I have to admit I was quite excited that this story started with a look at the history of some of the characters, I remember having a few questions in my head after reading Monstrous Heart that I was hoping would be answered and I was pleased that this was addressed so quickly. The change of scenery was also refreshing because there was a lot of talk of the Sainted Isles in the first book so it was great to get to experience them and to see the differences between the mainland and the islands and also to get a more in-depth knowledge of the Deepwater people.

I feel that Deepwater King is a lot darker than the first book and the characters are put through a lot of suffering, this did make for compelling reading and really upped the stakes in terms of the tension but I did feel that some of what had really caught my attention in the first story; e.g the budding relationship between Arden and Jonah, and the strong friendship between Arden and Chalice; wasn’t carried over so much in this book so there wasn’t quite the same attachment to the characters that I had previously had. However, as I got further into the story I found I was as intrigued by what was happening with the plot and was curious to know how it would all pull together.

Strangely I feel that in this book Arden lost a lot of her strength, she came across a lot weaker in this book, now she does have a lot thrown at her and I admire the fact that she makes it through all her challenges but sometimes I felt especially more in the first half of the book like she just becomes a woman that has to be rescued rather than a woman trying to find her way out of a bad situation which was what I was expecting. Having said that she does start to come back to that in the second half of the book and starts to really understand herself and her power which was fascinating to read about. I already can’t wait to see how this develops in the third book and what the next change of setting will throw in Arden’s path.

I have to say that I am already looking forward to the next book, the ending of Deepwater King sets up the third book in such a way that I feel like it is going to be a magnificent and possibly quite an explosive conclusion and I just can’t wait to read it.

Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not it. I quite enjoyed the first book, interesting introduction to the world and magic system. Tantalising sea monsters and a fairly strong maon female character. And everything felt like it was leading up to something and had a pay off. This book... It feels like nothing of worth happened, and it brought in some tropes usually seen in romance novels. All the characters were treading water essentially, they barely moved in geography or in story line.
The strong female character is essentially forced to have sex with someone she doesn't like, and of course she ends up enjoying it. Then she gets forced to marry the guy, not because they had sex and are forced to for reasons of 'purity', just because he's decided she will, cos she doesn't have any say, only those around her so.
Of course Jonah was going to be alive, there was no suspense there. Even tho it is expressed/told that he's suffered greatly, seems like he's totally fine and healed, and his to go??
I'm hoping the third book picks up the pace and gets rid of these romance tropes and actually gives a sense of urgency to proceedings.

[Hayley (Shelflyfe) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Today is my spot on the blogtour for 𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆, which is Book Two of the Deepwater Trilogy by Claire McKenna. Thank you to Jennifer Harlow at Harper Collins for having me along on the tour, and for sending me the first two books of the series (Monstrous Heart and Deepwater King).
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𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐚. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐬; 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭.
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I hadn't read Monstrous Heart previously, and did read it over the past week ahead of starting Deepwater King, as I wanted to make sure I knew the story within the trilogy so far, and I'm really glad I did.
Unfortunately I haven't quite finished Deepwater King, so I'm going to talk a bit about both books and my thoughts on the trilogy so far.
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦.
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In both books I really like the premise and the fantasy elements of the story, and it is quite adult in lots of ways; the main characters have special abilities contained within their blood, and in order to utilise these talents they have to make a 'blood sacrifice' - essentially giving some of their blood in exchange to utilise their talent.
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𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 ... 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥, 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬. 𝐒𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭. 𝐀 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞. 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐨. 𝐈𝐧 𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝.
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In Monstrous Heart, our main character Arden Beacon is called up as Lightmistress, a lighthouse keeper of sorts in the town of Vigil. In her blood is the ability to make fire, but it is no ordinary fire, even though she tells us her abilities are quite weak in comparison with others in her family line.
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𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫'𝐬, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐥-𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬.
𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐜𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐤.
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The main love interest element of the story occurs between Arden and Jonah Riven. Jonah is a brooding man, somewhat rough around the edges, who lives out near the lighthouse, and is inextricably linked with the sea and it's monsters through his own sanguineous abilities.
Jonah has a dark history, and at first it is hard for Arden, and the reader, to determine what is true amongst the gossip and horror stories that surround him - killing all his family at a young age and going to prison; kidnapping a woman named Bellis and forcing her to marry him against her will; generally abusing his wife, and ultimately murdering her as a blood sacrifice to the monsters of the deep.
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'𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲, 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐞.' 𝐀𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝, '𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲.'
𝐌𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬' 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝. '𝐀𝐡, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 ... 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝. 𝐇𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞.'
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As the story plays out, it is clear that Bellis herself has some powerful and incredibly dangerous abilities. I don't want to give any spoilers here, as the main plot in Monstrous Heart does reveal some key truths and untruths regarding Jonah and Bellis, and I would encourage anyone who is interested in Deepwater King to read Monstrous Heart first.
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𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐀𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲-𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭-𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫. 𝐀𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐞'𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬.
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Across both novels I do really like the language and the setting. The language at times is written in a very classical way, and there is some beautiful imagery and scene-setting. However, I could see some readers potentially struggling with the style and the language, which may spoil some of their immersion.
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𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐩, 𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝.
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I like that Deepwater King opens with the backstory of Bellis and Jonah, and provides more detail and depth on some of the old beliefs and religions that are only alluded to throughout Monstrous Heart.
There is an element of truth and realism in these old religions, as in real life some older beliefs and religions did require blood sacrifices to gods.
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𝐍𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐀 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐧'𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐰 ... 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐤 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥, 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝.
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(Cont'd in comments)

[Sarah ('s Book Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to listen to the audiobook to read this book – I struggled to read it by myself. I do think that these books are better to listen than physically read. But that might because I have always struggled because of my dyslexia when reading older books and these books are written in an older style of writing.

For example; the dialogue feels a bit stilted. It took me a while to get used to the way that the dialogue is written. This world is pretty old fashioned, probably set in an alternative or parallel history of our Industrial Revolution or the Victorian Era. It’s just not how we talk nowadays and it makes it difficult to read. Which is a big part of why I preferred listening to the audiobook because I found it easier to listen to the dialogue.

I do think that these books are beautifully written but I also think that Claire McKenna takes pages to explain something that could be explained in one page or less. She waffles. A lot. Which can make this book kind of boring at times. It also makes the story very slow.

I was hoping that this book would be a bit quicker paced than first as most of the world building happened in that book, but sadly that was not the case. As there is more world building taking up a lot of Part 1. Probably because this book was in a different place with a different religion and way of life than in the first book. Which was fine. But I wish that she had expanded on the “magic” system a bit more. Because I felt like the surface was barely scratched in the first book and this book didn’t go further into the “magic” of this world. And it felt like the magic took a backseat in this book. Which was a shame and a missed opportunity.

I listened to this book on 2.5x and 3x speed so that I felt like the book was going somewhere a bit quicker. Usually I listen on 2x speed when listening to audiobooks but I felt that I needed to speed this one up a little bit more just so that I would stay focused on it. Although I did have to slow it down again for the more action filled chapters where there was a lot going on.

The book broken down…
Part 1
The book starts not long after the events at the end of the first book, Monstrous Heart. It’s maybe been a couple of days; Arden, David and Sean are on their way to the Isles for different reasons.

The people on the islands are introduced in this part. Them and their beliefs are introduced in the first book but the only person that practises the Deepwater ways is Jonah Riven. As this book is set on the islands it goes more in depth about their practices, beliefs and differences with the mainland folks. They are a complete contrast to the people that Arden meets and is surrounded by in the first book. I really liked that they were very different. Although they aren’t what I expected them to be like from what I can remember from the first book. Because in the first book people talk about them as if they are backwards, barbaric people with no humanity. They’re mainly just very stand-offish, dislike outsiders, and live a more rough life.

Arden, one of the main character, is doing a lot of reacting to the situations and events around her in this book for a good chunk of this book. This does makes sense as her life kind of got turned upside down at the end of the first book and her chance at freedom or escape was taken away from her. Plus she’s in mourning in this book so I didn’t expect her to be in the same headspace or to act the same. She lost someone very important to her and she’s still shaken from it in this book. The one thing that’s keeping her grounded and focused is the promise she made to that person to find someone that can do a specific rite for them. It’s Arden’s driving force in this book. It is her main goal as this person meant a lot to her and she wants to be able to complete their final request to her. As she’s trying to find someone to do this rite, that has the power to do it correctly, she meets new people and discovers more dangers and secrets.

"Behind Arden lay darkness. She had imagined grief a pain. It was only an absence. As if her chest had hollowed out. The aequor profundum in her blood bound her to no-one and nothing." (Chapter 11)

Chalice is my favourite character in this trilogy and I’m so glad that she was in this book. It did seem like she wasn’t going to be in this book but she’s very good at popping up in places that she’s least expected to be. Her and Arden’s friendship is so good too. Although I did kind of forget that you can’t trust her not to go back on her word. Chalice is very sneaky but it makes her very good at her job for the Lions.

A lot of this first part is Arden trying to find someone to do the Deepwater rite that she was asked to. She’s mainly just reacting to people and the situations she finds herself in, but she is just as headstrong and determined as ever. It isn’t until the end of this part that I felt like she was done reacting and she was ready to start acting and decided for herself what she is going to do next.

Part 2
This part is starts three days earlier, and is what’s happening with Bellis Harrow-Riven (the self proclaimed Queen of the Isles), Jonah Riven, and Ozymandis Absalom (a Lion spy). It shows what the other characters are up while Arden, Chalice, David and Sean are on their way to the Isles or when they get there. I’m not sure what the timeline is exactly just that the ends of both Part 1 and Part 2 line up.

I really liked seeing what was happening with Bellis and what had happened to Jonah. Because he’s fate was a bit ambiguous at the end of Monstrous Heart and I didn’t believe that Bellis would kill him, she seemed a bit too bitter for that and like she wanted to make him suffer for not staying with her and having a relationship with Arden.

I can’t really say too much about this or Part 3 because then I would be telling you some major spoilers. But I really liked seeing what had happened with these characters and what was happening separate to Arden.

This part was only five chapters long so it felt more fast paced and more to the point. Which I liked a lot. Because this book can waffle a long a bit at times.

Part 3
In this part the pace picked up even more. Things became more dangerous, higher staked and more intense.

I really enjoyed this part. Some of the things that happened in this part I did not expect. And the cliff-hanger at the end of this book makes me scared and excited for what’s going to happen in the next book.

Some of the characters that were introduced in Part 1 came back and some characters that I didn’t think we’d see again in this book also made appearances.

Like Chalice; who always manages to pop up when you least expect her too, Jonah; who was finally reunited with Arden but there was a cost (one that I think will be more detail in the next book because this happened towards the end), Stephen; Arden’s cousin who I honestly thought was dead, and Miah; Jonah’s cousin and who plays a very large role in Part 3.

“He took his own freedom. The Librans made off with Bellis and me. Your fellow called a hundred monsters to shore as a diverson. Just like he did the day he killed his family. Where he went from there, I don’t know. He did not come with us.” (Chapter 21)


Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The first part was a bit slow and a little dry but the pace increased bit by bit and just kept escalating. I thought that this book was a lot better than the first book, Monstrous Heart, and I saw a lot of improvement in the writing and pacing. You can tell that the author really loves language and she’s very good at utilising it. Although I did think at that it can waffle on a bit, especially when a lot of information is being given.

The characters are all really interesting. I liked that some characters that were in the first book were more fleshed out. And the new characters that were introduced were also fleshed out. This was something that was a bit of a problem in the first book, I felt like Arden was one of the few fleshed out characters in Monstrous Heart.

Also I felt like the romance between Arden and Jonah was way more believable in this book than in the first book.

The world building was expanded on in this book but sadly not the “magic” system. Which I think was a missed opportunity. Because the “magic” was never fully explained and words were thrown around as if you should know what they meant. This still happens in this book and there isn’t a full explanation about different types of powers that people have. There is a little more but not much to be honest and I think it would have been better if the author had explained them better.

I rated this book 4 stars because I felt like this book was really good and I enjoyed it a lot. But it wasn’t a 4 star read for me. Mainly because of how slow it was to begin with and how long it took for the story to really, I felt, to get going. I think it was 35%, 140 pages, into the book when I felt it began to pick up the pace and to really get going. Which isn’t bad for a fantasy book but I expected it to be a bit sooner as this book is a sequel. But it did have to introduce a new setting and new characters so I can let it slide a little.

I liked this book. I thought that it was a good Gothic fantasy. It was dark, horrifying, with plenty of sea monsters and a sprinkle of romance. I am looking forward to seeing what will happen to in the next book and to see what characters will do. Especially after that cliff-hanger!

I would recommend reading this book if you enjoy Classic Gothic literature like; Wuthering Heights, Northanger Abbey, Jane Eyre, Rebecca, The Woman in White and The Bloody Chamber. Or if you enjoy more modern fiction like The Winternight trilogy/The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black, and The Invisibile Life of Addie LaRue or The Near Witch by VE Schwab.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Deepwater King is the second book in The Monstrous Heart Trilogy. Within its pages is a story of magic, sea monsters and intrigue. Arden is a sanguis, descended from a family who can ignite flame with their blood. After the events of the first book, she embarks on a difficult quest to fulfil a promise and escape the fate that has been planned out for her.

I found the first book confused in what it wanted to be and the story it wanted to tell. Going into this book, the plot felt stronger and more focused, with a clear set of characters. Unfortunately, while Arden is a fairly strong character at the start, she kind of loses the plot about half-way through; her obsession with the love interest, Riven, taking over any personality she might have had. Luckily for the book, the secondary characters, led by the delightful Chalice, make up for it.

We get to see more of the world in this book and learn a bit more of the magic. I’m still not quite sure how the magic system works, but I do feel like the lore is starting to fall into place and fog is lifting. I really enjoy the sea setting complete with sea monsters & isolated islands blended with industrial tones. I did find the way that the author chose to present an example of Arden’s other blood-gift a bit frustrating: more awful men obsessed with and lusting after her, unnecessary sex and yet it served to only confused me more as to how the gift worked.

At about the half-way point, we get to see some other character’s perspectives and these were my favourite parts of the book. I really enjoyed these pages and when the perspectives ended, it felt too soon. I do feel like the author was missing a trick by not focusing on these characters instead and having Arden as a secondary character/sub-plot. It was great seeing more of Bellis and those around her, and the world they’d created for themselves, and how each tried to survive.

There were some good parts of this book, and it does make for entertaining reading. It has an intriguing world and some good characters, but is lacking in places. I feel like the series would probably be enjoyed more by those who like romance-focused fantasy, such as Sarah J Maas’ books rather than V.E. Schwab which is what it’s being compared to. I don’t think it was quite the series for me, but, if the first book was something you enjoyed but weren’t fully sure about, it’s worth giving Deepwater King a go. And, if you loved Monstrous Heart, you are bound to love this book too.

[Jackiesreadingcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Deepwater Trilogy, the first book is called Monstrous Heart. I didn’t feel that it was absolutely necessary to have read book one to follow this although there is backstory to some of the characters and as to part of what is happening in this book. As well as some of the world building. But I personally have a thing about reading books in order.

This book started with a bit of backstory on Bellis Harrow’s story and how Jonah Riven had ended up marrying her.. the rest of the book is divided into three books the first is Equus, where Arden first appears in book two along with some of the other main characters from the first book. Arden believes that Jonah is dead after his fatal marriage to Bellis. She is determined to fulfil a promise she made which was to complete the Rite that will return Jonah’s spirit to the abyssal Court of the Deepwater King. This task is not without its peril’s.

Throughout the whole book it seems Arden is in danger whichever way she turns. She cannot yet return home, she has no idea who she can trust. There are rumours that Jonah is not dead, but could this be true? Arden doesn’t see how he could have escaped. Then she meets Miah Anguis who is actually Jeremiah Riven, Jonah’s Cousin. When he takes hold of the ship that had once been Jonah’s and now belongs to David Modhi. The only option he gives to Arden if she wants help is that she will have to give her body to him for 3 days, Arden refuses but does she really have a choice, especially when she finds herself in an awkward spot.

As I first started reading this I wasn’t sure if it was for me, some of the words and language made no sense it was almost like reading a foreign language, for instance some of the skills some of the characters have at times I wasn’t entirely sure what they were. It would have been good to have had a sort of reference point saying what each skill consisted of either at the beginning or end of the book. Making it easier to look back or forward to see what the skill entailed, but that is just my thought on it, others may have followed it better than me. This being a new genre for me to Once I got into the story it really started to grow on me, I pushed on wanting and needing to know if Jonah was alive or not, and if Arden was going to survive, after all she got into some quite tricky situations. If you enjoy fantasy reads then this Is a book for you, this is my first venture into a fantasy read so everything was new, but didn’t disappoint. You never knew what was coming next. There are some great characters in the book as well. I do like Arden though she is a very feisty character, strong and determined, no matter what, she tries to stick to her guns, and at times that is definitely not easy. With sea monsters, and some of the flesh sacrifices some of the characters give to the sea were quite disturbing. But it seems that was their way of survival.

I actually went from being not sure about this to being sad I had finished it and ended up thinking about the characters for a few days after.

An interesting, gripping read i wonder what will happen in book 3 of the series. will it all be happy ever after? With some great world building, complex and intriguing characters that were three dimensional and believable.

I would like to thank #Harper Collins for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own and in my own words.

[Lisa Sellin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kind of enjoyed it, but it annoyed me. I like the main character and I find this world really intriguing, even if some things in it doesn't make sense to me.

First book in the series ended, as I recall it, with Arden going to find her lover, dead or alive.

At the beginning of the second, she seems to have completely dropped the "or alive"-part, and is sure he is dead. The focus of the plot is now how she is going to organize some obscure funeral rite. Though we all know he is not really dead, come on Arden!

Throughout the whole book I am just waiting for their reunion, while Arden floats around in this dreary place of Very Bad Air Quality. She also feels a little sick, because of a minor infection not taken care of. After 250 pages of her feeling shitty, acrid fumes, and some really bad desicion making, she is still no closer to her lover and his excitingly tattooed backside.

When they finally find each other in the end, it is not very rewarding but quite awkward, since she just was forced into marriage with his cousin. Also right after their reunion he jumps into the ocean to honor a dead guy and comes ashore not quite right.


Ok, so I am still waiting for some kind of reward for sharing Ardens suffering, and some answers. For one, I still want an explanation as to why Jonah tried to run her over with his boat when they first met in book one. Will definately read the last part too!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deepwater King was easier to read, having already got my head around the blood magic and the various religious groups Arden encounters. This book was both satisfying and frustrating. I loved all the Deepwater King scenes and the blood work and magic and the pipes and devilfish of Burden Town or the calling in of the sea monsters. Everything about the Deepwater King is fascinating. But I really wanted to know, the entire novel, why Arden couldn't just remove the discs from her hands! Or why a mandatum couldn't.
A problem is that Arden's obsession with Jonah becomes harder to believe in - that she owes him a debt is one thing, but loving him is another. She doesn't really know him. At the end of the novel, you are left wondering what exactly she is binding herself to and why it is worth it - even though Jonah is beautiful and craggy and marked up like scrimshaw. What, exactly, is he? Is he the Deepwater King? Everything Arden touches is destroyed. She has no grip on herself or her own power anymore.
Miah steals the show a bit in this book, while powerful Bellis with her whims and upsets seems more peevish than frightening.
Despite my frustration, I am eager to read the next instalment. The main characters remain compelling, the situation worsens and I really want to know what happens with Jonah.

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thank you HarperCollins for providing me with a copy for review*

Deepwater King is the second book in the Deepwater Trilogy. This book picks up directly after the events at the end of book 1, Monstrous Heart.

I had much the same difficulty with this book as I did the first, in that the world building needed attention. I did struggle to grasp the concept of the magic system and the very involved politics and customs of this universe. I did however love the setting - Deepwater King has a great atmosphere and I loved the salty seaside world!

It was a joy to return to some of my favourite characters, which I think is this series strongest point. Chalice is a great character, and possibly my favourite. We were introduced to some new faces who added plenty of tension and turmoil to the plot. And of course, we have the romantic relationship between Arden and Jonah Riven - they have great chemistry and their romance is one of my most enjoyed parts of this series!

I think the author, Claire McKenna has a wonderful and sophisticated writing style, I just wish there had been more clarity and finessing in regards to the overall world she has created so that I could better situate myself in the storyline.

I’m looking forward to seeing how this unique fantasy series concludes!

[Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deepwater King is the second in a series that I am absolutely loving.
I adored Monstrous Heart, including Arden, and couldn't wait to find out what happens next.

I've seen this described as a gothic, gaslamp fantasy and I love that. We have gorgeous gothic writing, dark themes, blood magic, differing religions and a whole host of sea-creatures (including kraken, plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs) - what more could you want?

To start: what a fantastic opening page, chapter, and prologue before we head back to where book one finished. I loved hearing about Jonah's past and thought that it was a great place to start. And that opening page? Wow!

To be honest, I couldn't completely remember the ending to the last book (it's been a while and many books since I read it), but I managed to pick it up and get into the book really quickly. I had also forgotten about our disabled and queer side-characers, so it made me very happy to see them again.

I didn't feel like the writing in this book was as gorgeous as book one, but I could still picture everything as I read, which I always love.

Kraken, plesiosuars, ichthyosaurs and blood magic in a gothic, gaslamp fantasy with dark and gritty themes.
I can't wait to read the third and final book.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

After loving the first book in this series, Monstrous Heart, I was eager to spend more time in the interesting world Claire McKenna has created, where magic runs in the blood and sea monsters swirl in the waters.

This sequel cleverly expands the magic-meets-machinery concept, the different belief systems and the characters’ backstories. It’s written really well; the author has a way with words. The pages still brim with the slightly gothic ‘I’d do anything for this kind of passionate love’ vibes of the first book, but then it takes a much darker turn. I was unsettled by the forced relationship the main character has to endure and saddened by the fact that her main romantic quest to honour her true love is thwarted for so long that it takes up a huge chunk of the book. The pacing is slow, which works well for a romance you fall into, but feels strange for a plot that should feel like a journey.

That being said, I still have a deep fondness for the characters, from the funny and dauntless Chalice to the double-crossing ‘Lions’ to the sweet ship-hands. Even the villainous characters stick in your mind and feel real. The ending points to a collaboration I did not see coming, so I have high hopes that the third book in the series will draw me back in.

[Amanda Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this fantasy series and I absolutely loved it. I think I enjoyed this book more than the first and I loved seeing Arden's character develop. This book is filled with danger at every turn and Arden never knows who to trust as she searching for a way to return Jonah's spirit and have the deepwater rite carried out for him.

I absolutely love this author's way with words and the world she has built for this fantasy. All the characters are unique and Arden is strong and willing to sacrifice anything for the man who has her heart. I loved the backstory we get at the start of the book that brings this world more to life and Bellis Harrow's story too.

This is definitely a page-turner and I never knew what to expect. Arden managed to find herself in so much strife and danger throughout the story and yet she never faltered. I really can't wait to read book three in this trilogy and then read them all back to back to really take in all the details of this fantastic story. A definite five star read and perfect for anyone that appreciates the true beauty of words and how to use them to create a magnificent, compelling, read.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I continue to really like the dark, oceanic world of this trilogy but I found this book very hard going. Where the first book had some convincing romance and steamy sex, the sex in this book is incredibly troubling. Strong content warning for sexual assault and coercion.
In the first book I kind of enjoyed being completely dropped into the world with no exposition. In this book, however, the plot completely hinges on understanding the deepwater religion and the differences between different island and mainland communities. Without any explanation I just could not understand why things happened the way they did, and characters suddenly pop in and out with no explanation.
I also just didn't understand Bellis and her powers at all. So she can mind control thousands of people at a time, but somehow misses Wren and Absalom? Also, why didn't they all kill her when they had the chance if she's so terribly dangerous? Why doesn't she use her mind control on Jonah? And what the f happens to Jonah at the end?
This book put me off the rest of the series, and it seems like it hasn't been that popular as my library doesn't have book 3 in any format.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Deepwater King Arden is coming to terms with the loss of Jonah and finds herself with a boat two young lads one of which is hiding from the authorities and the other one might be a traitorous wretch. She has no idea what to do other than a special rite that will send Jonah’s soul to his god. The problem is no one knows how to do the rite and everyone who did is dead. Problem.
I love these books, they are totes emo 🖤 lots of gnashing of teeth and melodrama, everyone is totally over the top and I’m here for it. Arden hasn’t got a clue in this book she floats about with absolutely no direction, the only time I felt she took charge of herself was on her death march across the island and that was ruined by that dude that was Jonah but not Jonah. I missed Jonah in this book. With Arden being flotsam we needed someone to give it direction but seeing as this is a middle book I shall make allowances and put Arden’s pack of decision making skills down to grief and temporary insanity due to her foostie hand grommets.

[Great Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I hot footed it to the next one of the series because it was just sooo out-of-the-blue good!

Deepwater King went off to a slow start, almost as if the story was not related to the first book...which had me a little puzzled but I endeavoured to persevere. Once the main characters seemed to be on their way to re-uniting I relaxed a little and started to enjoy the story again. But then, after much more mention of SA I started feeling it was becoming more brutal than I'd like, with not enough of a story/romance/sexual tension following from the original Riven & Arden to really keep me reading. After a whole day of reading, I finished the book - but in all honesty I wasn't as great as i was expecting... it definitely just felt like filling in the gap between a great first book and then the finale. It left me with a feeling of not really wanting to bother with reading the third and final book... But of course I will, as I already purchased it when I was so very impressed with the first book.