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Aria and the Seven Seas #1
Sink or Swim: Part One
Caught between the land and sea, I’ve always been the spare. The misfit. The siren. Salt, magic, and royal blood run through my veins, for better or for worse.
When I’m summoned below the waves, I’m tasked with taking my cousin’s place in a fishy treaty. With it will come nautical peace, but there’s a catch—I’m the lucky tuna served up on a platter. My whirlwind tour across the globe to collect seven reluctant sea-heirs to form a royal pod may be the least of my worries.
Am I meant to be a royal bride?
Or am I bait on a hook?
I’m quickly in over my head facing an unknown future and a past that won’t be forgotten. For what lurks at the edges of the map but ill-warnings: here be sea monsters. Am I ready to sink or swim?
We’re just getting our sea legs in this first act of Aria & the Seven Seas. Sink or Swim is a 46K romance novella set in a fantasy-historical “why choose” world, where magic goes hand in hand with technology and people don’t have to settle for just one lover. Recommended for mature readers.
When I’m summoned below the waves, I’m tasked with taking my cousin’s place in a fishy treaty. With it will come nautical peace, but there’s a catch—I’m the lucky tuna served up on a platter. My whirlwind tour across the globe to collect seven reluctant sea-heirs to form a royal pod may be the least of my worries.
Am I meant to be a royal bride?
Or am I bait on a hook?
I’m quickly in over my head facing an unknown future and a past that won’t be forgotten. For what lurks at the edges of the map but ill-warnings: here be sea monsters. Am I ready to sink or swim?
We’re just getting our sea legs in this first act of Aria & the Seven Seas. Sink or Swim is a 46K romance novella set in a fantasy-historical “why choose” world, where magic goes hand in hand with technology and people don’t have to settle for just one lover. Recommended for mature readers.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2022
34 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Gwyneira Blythe
13 books55 followersGwyneira Blythe is a romance novel junkie with a love of all things witchy, paranormal, and historical, plus the occasional dashes of sci-fi when the mood hits.
She loves stroopwafels with her hot beverages, believes there will never be a thing as too much garlic, lives for ASMR music while writing, and deep down holds tight to the belief that magic is real and in all of us.
When she's not writing, it's a mad world of toddler tantrums, dogs barking, and a cat dashing underfoot all while sneaking kisses from the bemused husband.
Click the Follow button or Sign up for her newsletter for the latest updates!
She loves stroopwafels with her hot beverages, believes there will never be a thing as too much garlic, lives for ASMR music while writing, and deep down holds tight to the belief that magic is real and in all of us.
When she's not writing, it's a mad world of toddler tantrums, dogs barking, and a cat dashing underfoot all while sneaking kisses from the bemused husband.
Click the Follow button or Sign up for her newsletter for the latest updates!
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 16, 2022
5 stars! A great beginning
I went into this novel knowing it started as a longer single novel that had been broken into separate parts for the sake of the story. I have had good and bad experiences with novels of this sort, but have had read this author in the past, so went in full of confidence that it would be done well. I was not disappointed by far
With a series, it is so often for so much action to happen in the first novel, especially in a shorter novel. It leads to Insta love, fated mates, and all kinds of convenient plot devices. Although those can be handy, they can become tedious and can turn a reader off due to sheer burn out. I loved that this book does not bow to those traditions. Sure there is a good smattering of lust, but it is acknowledged that it takes more than good chemistry to bind people together. I liked that there was a bit more of a build to the relationships in this novel, that they are given the proper respect to grow and not everyone falls at Aria's feet.
In regards to characters and plot, I will admit that I didn't warm up to Aria right away. With her carefree lifestyle in the beginning, we didn't get to see much of her character, on KU shallow surface level, but as the book went on, I found myself liking her more and more. Without giving too much away, I will also say that the heroes we are introduced to were not quite what I expected, but I loved them all the same. With the set up of the ongoing story, there are so many options and directions the story can go, I can't wait to see where it takes us.
Now at the end, I am anxiously waiting for the second installment to this story.
I went into this novel knowing it started as a longer single novel that had been broken into separate parts for the sake of the story. I have had good and bad experiences with novels of this sort, but have had read this author in the past, so went in full of confidence that it would be done well. I was not disappointed by far
With a series, it is so often for so much action to happen in the first novel, especially in a shorter novel. It leads to Insta love, fated mates, and all kinds of convenient plot devices. Although those can be handy, they can become tedious and can turn a reader off due to sheer burn out. I loved that this book does not bow to those traditions. Sure there is a good smattering of lust, but it is acknowledged that it takes more than good chemistry to bind people together. I liked that there was a bit more of a build to the relationships in this novel, that they are given the proper respect to grow and not everyone falls at Aria's feet.
In regards to characters and plot, I will admit that I didn't warm up to Aria right away. With her carefree lifestyle in the beginning, we didn't get to see much of her character, on KU shallow surface level, but as the book went on, I found myself liking her more and more. Without giving too much away, I will also say that the heroes we are introduced to were not quite what I expected, but I loved them all the same. With the set up of the ongoing story, there are so many options and directions the story can go, I can't wait to see where it takes us.
Now at the end, I am anxiously waiting for the second installment to this story.
November 21, 2022
This was a cute, super quick RH underwater read. Thought for a second it would be a Little Mermaid retelling but seems that’s her cousins story. After decades on land, heroine Aria is in a band and likes her crazy and wild life. She’s also a siren and feeds off of lust and even death. Tasked by Triton to prevent, war, she’s to find the seven heirs to reunite the kingdoms. So far so good as she’s found two of her men. Though someone or someones’ keeps trying to assassinate her, it’s funny that it’ll only get harder for them as she adds to her harms.
October 16, 2022
Undersea adventure
This story blends genres for a fun and steamy read. There's magic and science and hints of the little mermaid, and somehow it works! Aria is a compelling main character; she's a siren and is often mistaken as helpless, but she can hold her own. Part 1 introduces a couple of intriguing men and I'm looking forward to seeing who she meets next.
This story blends genres for a fun and steamy read. There's magic and science and hints of the little mermaid, and somehow it works! Aria is a compelling main character; she's a siren and is often mistaken as helpless, but she can hold her own. Part 1 introduces a couple of intriguing men and I'm looking forward to seeing who she meets next.
May 16, 2024
3.5 stars
Aria was an interesting character — morally gray, selfish, and every inch the siren. I’m not big on “chosen one” vibes in general, so this wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, especially with Aria. Jasper was a cutie and I wanted to eat him up with a spoon. Torbjorn was interesting and enigmatic. I just think I’m not the target audience.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: incestuous harassment, incestuous SA, drinking, violence, gore, attempted murder, death of child (off page), mentions of war
Aria was an interesting character — morally gray, selfish, and every inch the siren. I’m not big on “chosen one” vibes in general, so this wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, especially with Aria. Jasper was a cutie and I wanted to eat him up with a spoon. Torbjorn was interesting and enigmatic. I just think I’m not the target audience.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: incestuous harassment, incestuous SA, drinking, violence, gore, attempted murder, death of child (off page), mentions of war
November 17, 2023
SINK OR SWIM is Aria's story. Well, the first part of it at least. We first met her in the Wildeward Academy series but you don't need to have read those - although I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you do!
Aria is happy with her life Topside, performing with her band and getting sustenance that way. When she is summoned back to the Deep, she has no idea what's going to happen.
Oh, man. What a start! Aria is a blast, always has been, always will be. I couldn't figure out just how she would settle down, but Ms Blythe hasn't let me down! Instead of one mate, Aria is going to have multiple. They'll need each other too, to keep her appetite fed.
It's not all fun and games though, oh no. We have assassination attempts, political intrigue, slimy want-to-punch-them-in-the-face characters, as well as our wannabe Royal Pod. We've met two for sure, probably three of the heirs, and I'm hoping we meet the others soon.
A brilliant start to the trilogy with a favourite character of mine from Wildeward. I really need to read them again! I think I'll finish Aria's story first though. Do I recommend this book? You betcha! Absolutely loved it and can't wait for more.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 11, 2022
Aria is happy with her life Topside, performing with her band and getting sustenance that way. When she is summoned back to the Deep, she has no idea what's going to happen.
Oh, man. What a start! Aria is a blast, always has been, always will be. I couldn't figure out just how she would settle down, but Ms Blythe hasn't let me down! Instead of one mate, Aria is going to have multiple. They'll need each other too, to keep her appetite fed.
It's not all fun and games though, oh no. We have assassination attempts, political intrigue, slimy want-to-punch-them-in-the-face characters, as well as our wannabe Royal Pod. We've met two for sure, probably three of the heirs, and I'm hoping we meet the others soon.
A brilliant start to the trilogy with a favourite character of mine from Wildeward. I really need to read them again! I think I'll finish Aria's story first though. Do I recommend this book? You betcha! Absolutely loved it and can't wait for more.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 11, 2022
January 20, 2023
I really enjoyed the first half before the whole royal pod thing and I couldn't even tell you why I just got annoyed afterwards but once I got used to the idea that the characters behave the way they do because siren and mermaid lore it was less of a chore to finish the book. I had a bit of trouble understanding the fish/nautical terms used and sometimes I didn't get what was going on and who was talking but that's a me problem.
October 22, 2022
I love the themes in this book. I seriously can’t wait to see who/what pops up in the next book. The FMC is strong and I love the way she holds her own. The book is spicy and an easy read.
November 2, 2022
Loved the story can't wait to read the 2nd part
Read
January 6, 2023DNF@51%. I don't remember why I stopped reading this.
September 2, 2024
These books are so good! I love the character building and the relationships and the world they're in.
June 7, 2025
So good!!!!
Oh my god this book was so good!!!! The wordbuilding, the writing, the research, the wording, all wraps up so well together for such an intriguing story!!!
Oh my god this book was so good!!!! The wordbuilding, the writing, the research, the wording, all wraps up so well together for such an intriguing story!!!
January 1, 2025
Very busy writing that's hard to focus on. But it's fine.
September 19, 2023
I wanted to write a longer review but for now I will say that the author has a unique extensive vocabulary that flows into her writing style seamlessly making everything a little extra whimsical and needless to say I Loved It!
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews