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Moontide #1
Tears of the Tide
Not yet published
Expected 1 May 27In a realm of mythical creatures forbidden to coexistence with humans, a deadly curse threatens the fragile balance between land and sea. Hanging in the delicate threads between—the secret past of woman that could ignite a war between worlds.
Thalassa Cross wants nothing more than to understand her fear of the ocean and the forgotten memories tied to it, however at thirty years old, it’s time to move forward in life. Even if it’s not the one she imagined. But the ocean is growing restless, and the tides are rising. When a sailing trip with her fiancé and his powerful family ends in a violent storm, it sets into motion the unfolding of fates evitable plans.
Dragged into the unforgiving depths of the ocean, Thalassa wakes in Abyssus, a hidden undersea realm where humans are not only unwelcome, they are forbidden. Aros Halloran, an anarchist sea king shackled by crown and duty, could have—should have—let her drown. But the resurgence of a delphic artifact and the disquieting allure to Thalassa ultimately forces Aros to defy a council already vying for his demise. With his power waning the odds are already stacked against him, Thalassa might just prove to be the courage he needs to fight the already turning tide.
In a dramatic turn of forbidden love and a prophesy older than the tides themselves, long-buried evils begin to stir. Thalassa must confront her greatest fear—the ocean, and her ties to it. Because she is no longer just caught between two sides of a conflict, she is the dagger that will decide it.
Thalassa Cross wants nothing more than to understand her fear of the ocean and the forgotten memories tied to it, however at thirty years old, it’s time to move forward in life. Even if it’s not the one she imagined. But the ocean is growing restless, and the tides are rising. When a sailing trip with her fiancé and his powerful family ends in a violent storm, it sets into motion the unfolding of fates evitable plans.
Dragged into the unforgiving depths of the ocean, Thalassa wakes in Abyssus, a hidden undersea realm where humans are not only unwelcome, they are forbidden. Aros Halloran, an anarchist sea king shackled by crown and duty, could have—should have—let her drown. But the resurgence of a delphic artifact and the disquieting allure to Thalassa ultimately forces Aros to defy a council already vying for his demise. With his power waning the odds are already stacked against him, Thalassa might just prove to be the courage he needs to fight the already turning tide.
In a dramatic turn of forbidden love and a prophesy older than the tides themselves, long-buried evils begin to stir. Thalassa must confront her greatest fear—the ocean, and her ties to it. Because she is no longer just caught between two sides of a conflict, she is the dagger that will decide it.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 1, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 24, 2026
“She had always banked on her brains, versus fleeting human youth or her curves to get her places in life… it was ironic her beauty was the only card she has left to play.”
✨ Forbidden/fated romance (bordering insta-love)
✨ Hidden identity
✨ Political intrigue
✨ Found family
✨ Mermaids
This one was a proper underwater ride in the best way. Thalassa gets pulled into the ocean and wakes up in this hidden realm she had no idea even existed, and from there everything just takes off.
“Do as you wish, Thalassa. You are neither my captive nor my burden.”
The romance with Aros is very much that instant, unexplainable pull. It’s giving fated, it’s giving “this doesn’t make sense but also I don’t question it,” and it moves quickly in a way that feels more instinctive than built.
“On land, especially your lands, beauty is a virtue…whereas here, the most beautiful creatures beneath the tide cannot be trusted… Your beauty and fragility might have been a trap, and it wasn’t a risk I was willing to underestimate.”
What I really loved was the found family dynamic with the side characters around Thalassa, and how naturally she fits into it. It doesn’t feel forced or like she has to earn her place in some big dramatic way, more like she just… slips in, and suddenly she belongs.
“It shows strength to share your feelings with those you trust and true courage to let in those who can help shoulder the load.”
There’s also solid political intrigue running under everything, especially within the hidden underwater world. Layers of history, power, tension, and old grievances start surfacing the deeper you get into the story, and it adds weight without slowing things down.
“The harder someone tries to hold onto water, the more was forced out of their grasp…water would always find a way out of being trapped. Thalassa was water.”
Thalassa’s hidden identity unfolds piece by piece. Hints, clues, little nudges that make you rethink what you think you know about her, all leading to that final reveal.
And the ending? Fully a “what the hell just happened” moment in the best way. Absolutely tees up book two with drama and chaos and a whole lot of promise.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
✨ Forbidden/fated romance (bordering insta-love)
✨ Hidden identity
✨ Political intrigue
✨ Found family
✨ Mermaids
This one was a proper underwater ride in the best way. Thalassa gets pulled into the ocean and wakes up in this hidden realm she had no idea even existed, and from there everything just takes off.
“Do as you wish, Thalassa. You are neither my captive nor my burden.”
The romance with Aros is very much that instant, unexplainable pull. It’s giving fated, it’s giving “this doesn’t make sense but also I don’t question it,” and it moves quickly in a way that feels more instinctive than built.
“On land, especially your lands, beauty is a virtue…whereas here, the most beautiful creatures beneath the tide cannot be trusted… Your beauty and fragility might have been a trap, and it wasn’t a risk I was willing to underestimate.”
What I really loved was the found family dynamic with the side characters around Thalassa, and how naturally she fits into it. It doesn’t feel forced or like she has to earn her place in some big dramatic way, more like she just… slips in, and suddenly she belongs.
“It shows strength to share your feelings with those you trust and true courage to let in those who can help shoulder the load.”
There’s also solid political intrigue running under everything, especially within the hidden underwater world. Layers of history, power, tension, and old grievances start surfacing the deeper you get into the story, and it adds weight without slowing things down.
“The harder someone tries to hold onto water, the more was forced out of their grasp…water would always find a way out of being trapped. Thalassa was water.”
Thalassa’s hidden identity unfolds piece by piece. Hints, clues, little nudges that make you rethink what you think you know about her, all leading to that final reveal.
And the ending? Fully a “what the hell just happened” moment in the best way. Absolutely tees up book two with drama and chaos and a whole lot of promise.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
April 4, 2022
First of all, I just want to say that I really enjoyed this book. The characters have captured my heart and I truly cannot wait for the story to continue. I’m incredibly impressed that this is a debut book and new indie author, and even more blown away by the fact that this will be a trilogy! Absolutely amazing job, Shawna!
The story follows Thalassa Cross, a young woman who seems destined for something more than the life she has. When she’s suddenly thrown to the sea, her world begins to unravel in the most mysterious yet beautiful way. A mythical underwater fantasy about a girl finding where she belongs, both physically and spiritually, while discovering parts of herself and her world that she didn’t know existed. Mer, shapeshifters, other realms, lore and history, memorable and loveable characters and an intriguing, broody love interest.
I really enjoyed seeing Thalassa’s growth throughout the story. At first, I almost pitied her and her introduction to us, because she seemed to live a life she didn’t like or want. Towards the middle of the story, it became clear that past trauma and events had her questioning her own identity. To watch it all come together towards the end was beautifully done. Her determination, stubbornness and strong will—once she found herself—made her very easy to like.
I absolutely ADORE Sedna. She is a fierce but loyal warrior, outcast by her own family and home because of her beliefs and morals. She knows what’s right and she sticks by it at all costs. She is also hilarious, gorgeous and witty which makes her a fantastic book bestie and ally for our FMC.
AROS.
Daddy Aros.
What a beautiful, broken man. Mer? Mer-man?! Yes.
I absolutely love him. He gives off such strong Rhysand energy in the way he has created a found family of misfits and protects his city and its people at all costs. I absolutely adored his calm demeanour yet broody personality. The spice was also unexpected but MAJORLY welcome. (And slightly interrupted—RUDE, SEDNA.) I definitely felt drawn to Aros and his whole character, personality and past. I found myself rereading parts about his traumatic past because I felt so deeply for him. He has an air of arrogance about him, but it’s pretty clear that once he lets you in, you’ve found a family and home for life.
The tropes in this were perfectly done, and they made the story. Not only the fantastic enemies-to-lovers between Thalassa and Aros, but the found family?! Awesome. Ronan, hands down, favourite character. His happy and cheeky demeanour really set the tone of the plot and for the found family. The relationship formed between Thalassa and Ronan was so refreshing and funny and joyous; it was definitely such a brother-sister vibe from the start and I loved watching their friendship blossom. Sedna seemed to lead the pack and we find out she is second in command, which makes so much sense. She’s perfect. Rune was a delicious mystery that I need to know more about. The inner circle vibes were just spot on.
If I’m critiquing any relationships, it would just be that of Aros and Thalassa. It would have a nice effect if the love between them was a bit more drawn out, so the impact of the HUGE love they develop is more powerful. It seemed *slightly* rushed. But it was still fantastic!
I actually really loved Remora, as a villain. I found her part of the story non-stop action and extremely well done. I wanted to know more of her background, and see more descriptions of her evilness because I think it was so great. I definitely should’ve hated her more but I really liked the character! Even if she was evil.
In summary, this book was brilliant and was everything I wanted in an underwater fantasy. I cannot wait to see the story continue and find out what happened after that HUGE cliffhanger!
*******QUOTES THAT STOOD OUT**********
**** POTENTIAL SPOILERS****************
***** S P O I L E R S ********************
“Rune showed up a few years later, after word got out about Abyssus being the city of orphans, misfits and abdictators. Naturally, the scoundrel fit right in.”
“No Thalassa…Remora IS your severed soul.”
“And I have been searching for a very long time to find you, Thalassa, blood of my blood.”
Finding out about everyone in the inner circle’s tragic past, and how they all came to be at Abyssus. The horrific incidents of Aros’ parents and the war under the sea. Finding out VAREN is Thalassa’s biological father was a huge twist—and the ending that was left in a major cliffhanger! I still don’t quite know what’s happened but I am so eager to find out! Of course I have my theories…
The story follows Thalassa Cross, a young woman who seems destined for something more than the life she has. When she’s suddenly thrown to the sea, her world begins to unravel in the most mysterious yet beautiful way. A mythical underwater fantasy about a girl finding where she belongs, both physically and spiritually, while discovering parts of herself and her world that she didn’t know existed. Mer, shapeshifters, other realms, lore and history, memorable and loveable characters and an intriguing, broody love interest.
I really enjoyed seeing Thalassa’s growth throughout the story. At first, I almost pitied her and her introduction to us, because she seemed to live a life she didn’t like or want. Towards the middle of the story, it became clear that past trauma and events had her questioning her own identity. To watch it all come together towards the end was beautifully done. Her determination, stubbornness and strong will—once she found herself—made her very easy to like.
I absolutely ADORE Sedna. She is a fierce but loyal warrior, outcast by her own family and home because of her beliefs and morals. She knows what’s right and she sticks by it at all costs. She is also hilarious, gorgeous and witty which makes her a fantastic book bestie and ally for our FMC.
AROS.
Daddy Aros.
What a beautiful, broken man. Mer? Mer-man?! Yes.
I absolutely love him. He gives off such strong Rhysand energy in the way he has created a found family of misfits and protects his city and its people at all costs. I absolutely adored his calm demeanour yet broody personality. The spice was also unexpected but MAJORLY welcome. (And slightly interrupted—RUDE, SEDNA.) I definitely felt drawn to Aros and his whole character, personality and past. I found myself rereading parts about his traumatic past because I felt so deeply for him. He has an air of arrogance about him, but it’s pretty clear that once he lets you in, you’ve found a family and home for life.
The tropes in this were perfectly done, and they made the story. Not only the fantastic enemies-to-lovers between Thalassa and Aros, but the found family?! Awesome. Ronan, hands down, favourite character. His happy and cheeky demeanour really set the tone of the plot and for the found family. The relationship formed between Thalassa and Ronan was so refreshing and funny and joyous; it was definitely such a brother-sister vibe from the start and I loved watching their friendship blossom. Sedna seemed to lead the pack and we find out she is second in command, which makes so much sense. She’s perfect. Rune was a delicious mystery that I need to know more about. The inner circle vibes were just spot on.
If I’m critiquing any relationships, it would just be that of Aros and Thalassa. It would have a nice effect if the love between them was a bit more drawn out, so the impact of the HUGE love they develop is more powerful. It seemed *slightly* rushed. But it was still fantastic!
I actually really loved Remora, as a villain. I found her part of the story non-stop action and extremely well done. I wanted to know more of her background, and see more descriptions of her evilness because I think it was so great. I definitely should’ve hated her more but I really liked the character! Even if she was evil.
In summary, this book was brilliant and was everything I wanted in an underwater fantasy. I cannot wait to see the story continue and find out what happened after that HUGE cliffhanger!
*******QUOTES THAT STOOD OUT**********
**** POTENTIAL SPOILERS****************
***** S P O I L E R S ********************
“Rune showed up a few years later, after word got out about Abyssus being the city of orphans, misfits and abdictators. Naturally, the scoundrel fit right in.”
“No Thalassa…Remora IS your severed soul.”
“And I have been searching for a very long time to find you, Thalassa, blood of my blood.”
Finding out about everyone in the inner circle’s tragic past, and how they all came to be at Abyssus. The horrific incidents of Aros’ parents and the war under the sea. Finding out VAREN is Thalassa’s biological father was a huge twist—and the ending that was left in a major cliffhanger! I still don’t quite know what’s happened but I am so eager to find out! Of course I have my theories…
June 7, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book. It took me about a week to read it.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 14, 2026
Tears of the Tide was such a unique and immersive reading experience. From the start, I felt completely pulled into its ocean setting, and I loved getting to see the world through Thalassa’s perspective.
I don’t typically read a lot of fantasy, but this story made it easy to get lost in the world and stay invested in the journey. It blends a fresh take on mermaid fantasy with strong character dynamics and emotional depth. There were moments where I was completely hooked, needing to keep reading to see what would happen next.
I especially enjoyed the characters, with Ronan being a standout for me, and I appreciated that Thalassa felt grounded and didn’t fall into some of the more frustrating tropes I’ve seen in other female leads. The characters felt so real that they started to feel like friends, and I found myself thinking about them even after I finished reading.
There were a few points where I felt slightly disconnected, particularly when the world-building became more complex or a bit wordy, but overall the story remained engaging and memorable.
This is a magical, atmospheric read that stays with you, especially if you enjoy immersive fantasy and stories about mermaids. It definitely left me wanting more and already looking forward to book two.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. I truly appreciate it!
I don’t typically read a lot of fantasy, but this story made it easy to get lost in the world and stay invested in the journey. It blends a fresh take on mermaid fantasy with strong character dynamics and emotional depth. There were moments where I was completely hooked, needing to keep reading to see what would happen next.
I especially enjoyed the characters, with Ronan being a standout for me, and I appreciated that Thalassa felt grounded and didn’t fall into some of the more frustrating tropes I’ve seen in other female leads. The characters felt so real that they started to feel like friends, and I found myself thinking about them even after I finished reading.
There were a few points where I felt slightly disconnected, particularly when the world-building became more complex or a bit wordy, but overall the story remained engaging and memorable.
This is a magical, atmospheric read that stays with you, especially if you enjoy immersive fantasy and stories about mermaids. It definitely left me wanting more and already looking forward to book two.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. I truly appreciate it!
January 31, 2026
From the Author:
Thank you so much for taking a chance on my book and spending time in the world of Abyssus! Your support means more than words can express for a small Indy author. I hope you find relatability and magic between the pages! Happy Reading :)
Thank you so much for taking a chance on my book and spending time in the world of Abyssus! Your support means more than words can express for a small Indy author. I hope you find relatability and magic between the pages! Happy Reading :)
June 3, 2026
Immersive worldbuilding, forbidden romance, and enchanting underwater fantasy. Tears of the Tide swept me beneath the waves and didn’t let go.
When Thalassa Cross survives a storm that should have killed her, she awakens in Abyssus—an ancient underwater realm filled with mermaids, sirens, selkies, political intrigue, and dangerous secrets. What begins as a fight for survival quickly transforms into a journey of self-discovery, destiny, and forbidden love.
One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the worldbuilding. Abyssus feels vivid and alive, filled with rich lore, magical creatures, and complex alliances that make the underwater kingdom feel both beautiful and dangerous. I especially loved the mystery surrounding Thalassa’s connection to the ocean and the gradual unraveling of her past.
The romance between Thalassa and Aros is filled with tension, longing, and impossible choices. Their relationship develops against a backdrop of ancient curses, political unrest, and the looming threat of war, making every interaction feel meaningful.
✨ What stood out:
* Underwater fantasy world
* Mermaids, sirens, and selkies
* Forbidden romance
* Cursed lovers
* Political intrigue
* Ancient magic and secrets
* Strong female protagonist
* Rich mythology and lore
* Emotional character growth
A captivating fantasy romance that blends magic, mystery, and romance into an unforgettable oceanic adventure.
⚠️ Content Warnings
* Fantasy violence
* War and conflict
* Political manipulation
* Kidnapping/captivity themes
* Emotional trauma
* Death and loss
* Dangerous creatures
* Forced separation
* Anxiety and fear-related themes
* Dark magical elements
When Thalassa Cross survives a storm that should have killed her, she awakens in Abyssus—an ancient underwater realm filled with mermaids, sirens, selkies, political intrigue, and dangerous secrets. What begins as a fight for survival quickly transforms into a journey of self-discovery, destiny, and forbidden love.
One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the worldbuilding. Abyssus feels vivid and alive, filled with rich lore, magical creatures, and complex alliances that make the underwater kingdom feel both beautiful and dangerous. I especially loved the mystery surrounding Thalassa’s connection to the ocean and the gradual unraveling of her past.
The romance between Thalassa and Aros is filled with tension, longing, and impossible choices. Their relationship develops against a backdrop of ancient curses, political unrest, and the looming threat of war, making every interaction feel meaningful.
✨ What stood out:
* Underwater fantasy world
* Mermaids, sirens, and selkies
* Forbidden romance
* Cursed lovers
* Political intrigue
* Ancient magic and secrets
* Strong female protagonist
* Rich mythology and lore
* Emotional character growth
A captivating fantasy romance that blends magic, mystery, and romance into an unforgettable oceanic adventure.
⚠️ Content Warnings
* Fantasy violence
* War and conflict
* Political manipulation
* Kidnapping/captivity themes
* Emotional trauma
* Death and loss
* Dangerous creatures
* Forced separation
* Anxiety and fear-related themes
* Dark magical elements
March 15, 2022
Thalassa Cross is a loveable character and goes through tremendous growth and finally becomes who she is supposed to be. The realm under the sea that is explored is done thoughtfully and paints a beautiful picture of an underwater fantasy. From start to finish you are kept on your toes, wanting more. I couldn't sleep because I was too excited to see what Thalassa was up to, and I couldn't stop reading. It is a book capable of making you feel so many different emotions, and really loving and hating some of the characters. You really feel like you are part of this underwater world and the pictures painted are vivid. You can feel yourself there with Thalassa, seeing this beautiful world through her eyes. It's a great read that leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to see where the friends are now and how they coped with everything that happened in the first novel. A fantasy novel worth reading and will make you fall in love.
April 15, 2026
I loved this book. Shaw provided me with an Arc through a conversation about mermaids on Threads and I'm surprised it isn't getting more buzz. I really loved Thal, the FMC, and Sedna is my girl! Not often do I get to have a female crush in a romantasy book! The world and story is unique and set in modern time which is different from most mermaid books I've previously read. It's not another little mermaid adaption. The pacing of the romance felt realistic to adult modern dating (not a slow-burn, but also not insta-love), and the plot unfolded nicely without significant slowdowns. I will rec this book to others when it become available. Thank you for the Arc Shaw!
April 5, 2022
Thank you so much to Shawna for including me in her beta reading group. I was so honored to be given the chance to read her debut book. This was a wonderful fantasy story with relatable and cohesive characters. The MC's and supporting characters drew me in immediately! I so desperately wanted to be a part of their inner circle!I truly cannot wait for the rest of the series as well as the finished copy!
The setting captured my interest and kept me hooked throughout the books entirety. I was overall impressed with the structure of the story, as well as the fantasy components. The plot twists were perfect and held my attention.
Honestly, this is the best debut fantasy book I've read to date. Shawna did such an incredible job creating the world, characters, and story line. Congratulations girl, you earned it!
The setting captured my interest and kept me hooked throughout the books entirety. I was overall impressed with the structure of the story, as well as the fantasy components. The plot twists were perfect and held my attention.
Honestly, this is the best debut fantasy book I've read to date. Shawna did such an incredible job creating the world, characters, and story line. Congratulations girl, you earned it!
February 19, 2026
This book consumed me! I fell so in love with the story and its characters. I was completely blown away by this debut novel! I cant wait for more!
February 16, 2026
I'm obsessed and I'm going to need book 2 as soon as possible!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ALRIGHT!
First of all, I want to thank the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.⋆｡𖦹 ˚ 🩵𓇼 ˚｡⋆
This is the first book in the Moontide series, to be published in May 2027.
Ok, so!
Tears of the Tide was such a fun surprise! I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, and I was completely invested in the story. I kept wanting to know what would happen next, especially in the underwater world "Below" ๋࣭⭑. ❛ ᴗ ❛.๋࣭⭑
The underwater world "Abyssus" was my favorite part; I don't read many books centered around underwater mythology, but it felt imaginative without becoming overwhelming. Between the mermaids, sirens, silkies, political tension, ancient curse, its history and lore...there was always something new to discover. And I loved the blend of a contemporary setting with a fantasy theme.
One thing I really appreciated was how cleverly the plot was put together. There are so many subtle hints scattered throughout the book that seem insignificant at first, but everything comes together in such a satisfying way. The main twist genuinely caught me off guard, and I rarely say that.
As for the characters, they have so much ACOTAR vibes, which I absolutely loved. Their banter was absolutely hilarious, and I highlighted so many of their funny conversations because they genuinely had me laughing out loud. Their relationship, their dynamic, was so entertaining, heartfelt, and full of personality, which made it so easy to become invested in both of them individually and as a pair. My favorite character is definitely "Seal boy" 🦭ིྀ
The romance wasn't perfect for me, though. The relationship develops quite quickly, and since I'm generally not a fan of instant-love romances, I wish it had been given a little more time to grow naturally. That's the only reason this wasn't a five-star read. Even so, it didn't stop me from enjoying the overall story.
Overall, I really enjoyed Tears of the Tide. It's an engaging dark romantasy with an immersive underwater setting, memorable characters, clever foreshadowing, and plenty of twists. If you enjoy books with underwater fantasy, dual POVs, forbidden love, political intrigue, and found family, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up when it releases.
I'm already curious to see where the Moontide series goes next.
˚｡⋆𓇼🌊🫧⋆｡𖦹⋆🐚 ˚ . 🐬𓇼🧜🏻♀️♆🪸𓇼 ˚｡⋆
My favorite line:
"You are one and the same.
As above, so below.
As within, so without.
As the universe, so the soul."
First of all, I want to thank the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.⋆｡𖦹 ˚ 🩵𓇼 ˚｡⋆
This is the first book in the Moontide series, to be published in May 2027.
Ok, so!
Tears of the Tide was such a fun surprise! I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, and I was completely invested in the story. I kept wanting to know what would happen next, especially in the underwater world "Below" ๋࣭⭑. ❛ ᴗ ❛.๋࣭⭑
The underwater world "Abyssus" was my favorite part; I don't read many books centered around underwater mythology, but it felt imaginative without becoming overwhelming. Between the mermaids, sirens, silkies, political tension, ancient curse, its history and lore...there was always something new to discover. And I loved the blend of a contemporary setting with a fantasy theme.
One thing I really appreciated was how cleverly the plot was put together. There are so many subtle hints scattered throughout the book that seem insignificant at first, but everything comes together in such a satisfying way. The main twist genuinely caught me off guard, and I rarely say that.
As for the characters, they have so much ACOTAR vibes, which I absolutely loved. Their banter was absolutely hilarious, and I highlighted so many of their funny conversations because they genuinely had me laughing out loud. Their relationship, their dynamic, was so entertaining, heartfelt, and full of personality, which made it so easy to become invested in both of them individually and as a pair. My favorite character is definitely "Seal boy" 🦭ིྀ
The romance wasn't perfect for me, though. The relationship develops quite quickly, and since I'm generally not a fan of instant-love romances, I wish it had been given a little more time to grow naturally. That's the only reason this wasn't a five-star read. Even so, it didn't stop me from enjoying the overall story.
Overall, I really enjoyed Tears of the Tide. It's an engaging dark romantasy with an immersive underwater setting, memorable characters, clever foreshadowing, and plenty of twists. If you enjoy books with underwater fantasy, dual POVs, forbidden love, political intrigue, and found family, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up when it releases.
I'm already curious to see where the Moontide series goes next.
˚｡⋆𓇼🌊🫧⋆｡𖦹⋆🐚 ˚ . 🐬𓇼🧜🏻♀️♆🪸𓇼 ˚｡⋆
My favorite line:
"You are one and the same.
As above, so below.
As within, so without.
As the universe, so the soul."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to the author for letting me read this!!
If you like ocean romantasy you will love this. Actually even if you are unsure about ocean romantasy I’m gonna need you to give this one a try!!
Now sometime I don’t really like books with larger friend groups cause I can’t keep them straight/get uninterested with them but that’s not the case here! There were characters I love, I hated, I cried over and I wanted to throw my phone over. This was a rollercoaster of emotions and I was here for the ride!
The story follows Thalassa, who is this sarcastic, strong willed woman that I absolutely fell in love with. Once day she is thrown into the ocean and instead of drowning she is saved and taken to this hidden underwater world, Abyssus, that’s one of a kind because it’s king believes in coexistence. She meets mer people, fae, kelpie, and most importantly our MMC Aros…
The world of Abyssus that the author has created is truly unique with enough world building that I could visually see it but not so much world building that I was getting lost. It was a gorgeous blend of story telling, character development and world building.
The friendship dynamic between the group was one of my favorites though. Everyone needs a best friend like Sedna, at one point during the story they go out for a girls night and are taking shots out of shells 🤣 I just thought that was so creative! And then we have Ronan, who is this funny steal the show side character that had me highlight phrase left and right.
Overall I loved this! I read it in a day and a half. I’m absolutely blown away that this is Shaws debut book. I really couldn’t have asked for anything else in this story, it’s incredible, definitely one I will be rereading! I absolutely can not wait for book 2!
If you like ocean romantasy you will love this. Actually even if you are unsure about ocean romantasy I’m gonna need you to give this one a try!!
Now sometime I don’t really like books with larger friend groups cause I can’t keep them straight/get uninterested with them but that’s not the case here! There were characters I love, I hated, I cried over and I wanted to throw my phone over. This was a rollercoaster of emotions and I was here for the ride!
The story follows Thalassa, who is this sarcastic, strong willed woman that I absolutely fell in love with. Once day she is thrown into the ocean and instead of drowning she is saved and taken to this hidden underwater world, Abyssus, that’s one of a kind because it’s king believes in coexistence. She meets mer people, fae, kelpie, and most importantly our MMC Aros…
The world of Abyssus that the author has created is truly unique with enough world building that I could visually see it but not so much world building that I was getting lost. It was a gorgeous blend of story telling, character development and world building.
The friendship dynamic between the group was one of my favorites though. Everyone needs a best friend like Sedna, at one point during the story they go out for a girls night and are taking shots out of shells 🤣 I just thought that was so creative! And then we have Ronan, who is this funny steal the show side character that had me highlight phrase left and right.
Overall I loved this! I read it in a day and a half. I’m absolutely blown away that this is Shaws debut book. I really couldn’t have asked for anything else in this story, it’s incredible, definitely one I will be rereading! I absolutely can not wait for book 2!
March 13, 2026
Thank you for the ARC! I really enjoyed this book!
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