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Deep Waters #5
Secrets of the Void
Not yet published
Expected 5 Dec 25She was never meant to wake up.
Ellie was created in secret. A perfect clone of a powerful woman long dead. For years, she knew only sterile walls, the touch of cold instruments, and the voice of the scientist who molded her into something useful. Something obedient.
Until the day she opened her eyes and met a god.
Proteus. The sea’s first son. The god who once ruled the depths, and who has spent centuries imprisoned by those who feared him. Now freed, his vengeance is as vast as the ocean itself. He will reclaim his dominion. Drown the world that betrayed him. And he will use Ellie, the clone who carries the face of his enemy, to do it.
But the more time he spends with her, the more his carefully built hatred begins to unravel. Because Ellie isn’t just a tool. She’s clever, defiant, heartbreakingly alive. And Proteus—ancient, merciless Proteus—finds himself wanting her more than he wants his revenge.
She was made to serve.
He was born to destroy.
Together, they could end humanity. Or save it.
Ellie was created in secret. A perfect clone of a powerful woman long dead. For years, she knew only sterile walls, the touch of cold instruments, and the voice of the scientist who molded her into something useful. Something obedient.
Until the day she opened her eyes and met a god.
Proteus. The sea’s first son. The god who once ruled the depths, and who has spent centuries imprisoned by those who feared him. Now freed, his vengeance is as vast as the ocean itself. He will reclaim his dominion. Drown the world that betrayed him. And he will use Ellie, the clone who carries the face of his enemy, to do it.
But the more time he spends with her, the more his carefully built hatred begins to unravel. Because Ellie isn’t just a tool. She’s clever, defiant, heartbreakingly alive. And Proteus—ancient, merciless Proteus—finds himself wanting her more than he wants his revenge.
She was made to serve.
He was born to destroy.
Together, they could end humanity. Or save it.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 5, 2025
About the author
Emma Hamm
74 books4,372 followers
We all know you don't really care about reading my background. Enjoy Cap instead.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Want to read
October 31, 2025BYE I THOUGHT THIS SERIES WAS OVER
WE BACK BABY
WE BACK BABY
November 14, 2025
i just wanna first thank Emma Hamm for letting me be a beta reader for this wonderful book!
i was invested in every single aspect of this book. the plot, the romance, the tension.... emma hamm does it once again. Proteus was an interesting character design. i did really love watching both his & Ellie's development throughout the story (and oh my goodness was there alot of development!)
i also really like the closer look to the Above and how the world has been laid out. good worldbuilding is super important for a good story, and i think the worldbuilding in this book was exceptional.
i ate this book up 🤭 5/5 stars, and i have to say i think this was my favorite of the series, and it's bittersweet to think it was the end. i love this world so much.
i was invested in every single aspect of this book. the plot, the romance, the tension.... emma hamm does it once again. Proteus was an interesting character design. i did really love watching both his & Ellie's development throughout the story (and oh my goodness was there alot of development!)
i also really like the closer look to the Above and how the world has been laid out. good worldbuilding is super important for a good story, and i think the worldbuilding in this book was exceptional.
i ate this book up 🤭 5/5 stars, and i have to say i think this was my favorite of the series, and it's bittersweet to think it was the end. i love this world so much.
November 24, 2025
Wow, what a wild and completely fulfilling way to end such a beautiful series. I didn’t think anything could take my heart as much as the first book did, but Proteus and Ellie’s story was so unique and full of wonder that I wish I could read this again for the first time.
They are drawn to each other in such a way that they truly become a part of the other. Perhaps it’s because of the similarity of being used for the betterment of others, and their twin journey in discovering themselves only makes their connection deeper.
It is always a thrill to see the other characters from previous installments in the series, and I had to remind myself at times reading that I loved each of those characters individually, because I was so rooting for Proteus and Ellie that I was mad at the others for seemingly getting in the way.
I would also be a fool to not be screaming and crying that our very first mates have a baby now. Might just go reread the first book to remember Arges and Mira’s love story from the very beginning since they have this new chapter.
Reaching the end of this was so incredibly bittersweet. I can’t believe it’s over, but oof what a way to wrap it all up. The future looks bright for all species, including new ones. Emma, you have done such an amazing job of crafting this fantastical, apocalyptic world that is somehow filled with so much hope and perseverance. Gonna go cry now. 💙🌊
They are drawn to each other in such a way that they truly become a part of the other. Perhaps it’s because of the similarity of being used for the betterment of others, and their twin journey in discovering themselves only makes their connection deeper.
It is always a thrill to see the other characters from previous installments in the series, and I had to remind myself at times reading that I loved each of those characters individually, because I was so rooting for Proteus and Ellie that I was mad at the others for seemingly getting in the way.
I would also be a fool to not be screaming and crying that our very first mates have a baby now. Might just go reread the first book to remember Arges and Mira’s love story from the very beginning since they have this new chapter.
Reaching the end of this was so incredibly bittersweet. I can’t believe it’s over, but oof what a way to wrap it all up. The future looks bright for all species, including new ones. Emma, you have done such an amazing job of crafting this fantastical, apocalyptic world that is somehow filled with so much hope and perseverance. Gonna go cry now. 💙🌊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
November 26, 2025Gimme this emo boi merman NOW! 😍
November 23, 2025
5.0 / 5.0
Secrets of the Void by Emma Hamm is an apocalyptical future, near-dystopian, steampunk science fiction, monster siren x human fantasy romance. It is the final book in the Deep Waters series,
First off, thank you to the author for her hard work on this and for allowing so many of her readers to participate in the shaping of this story-line. From the very first time we met this world and characters, it has been a non-stop adventure under the sea. I am enthralled with this series and all the possibilities it holds for future books.
I was provided a 1st edition of the ARC for this book, which will most likely be updated in future ARCs to catch the typos. This only applies to the ARC I read and I know from previous pre-publication copies I have from Hamm that mistakes are caught in this phase of the process. The quality of the writing, even knowing it will only be more polished in final production, did not detract from the story in any way. A slight verb tense mishap or occasion run-on sentence will be easily caught, and Hamm's standard writing is leagues better than some traditionally published works available presently.
These characters are heart-rendering and so well crafted. Proteus and Ellie are both deeply traumatized by their backgrounds but work well together towards the a common goal. I could feel their pain and the angst of their situation on page time and again in the story. They are fantastic and really complete the entire ensemble of cast we have met so far.
The world, as always, is masterfully done and so vibrant. The locations and lore of the world are well thought-out and easily imagined. The introduction of the Above is also intriguing,
I felt the plot of this really encapsulated any questions left from the previous 4 books, and that it also held its own. I liked seeing characters from the other books, which is a common theme in this series, so the story never feels left out to dry. It is a continuation though contains its own voice, so to speak.
Throughout its entirety this is paced well. I was intrigued for the whole time and greatly entertained. If this truly is the end of this world then I am highly satisfied with the outcome and end. If we see more (I truly believe this will be the case), then I am on board for the next adventure and all the people and places we will encounter.
Overall, this is excellent and for fans of the series I think this will be a hit. If you are new to the genre of monster romance, this is a good series to start with, especially now that it is complete.
Until Next Time,
MC
Secrets of the Void by Emma Hamm is an apocalyptical future, near-dystopian, steampunk science fiction, monster siren x human fantasy romance. It is the final book in the Deep Waters series,
First off, thank you to the author for her hard work on this and for allowing so many of her readers to participate in the shaping of this story-line. From the very first time we met this world and characters, it has been a non-stop adventure under the sea. I am enthralled with this series and all the possibilities it holds for future books.
I was provided a 1st edition of the ARC for this book, which will most likely be updated in future ARCs to catch the typos. This only applies to the ARC I read and I know from previous pre-publication copies I have from Hamm that mistakes are caught in this phase of the process. The quality of the writing, even knowing it will only be more polished in final production, did not detract from the story in any way. A slight verb tense mishap or occasion run-on sentence will be easily caught, and Hamm's standard writing is leagues better than some traditionally published works available presently.
These characters are heart-rendering and so well crafted. Proteus and Ellie are both deeply traumatized by their backgrounds but work well together towards the a common goal. I could feel their pain and the angst of their situation on page time and again in the story. They are fantastic and really complete the entire ensemble of cast we have met so far.
The world, as always, is masterfully done and so vibrant. The locations and lore of the world are well thought-out and easily imagined. The introduction of the Above is also intriguing,
I felt the plot of this really encapsulated any questions left from the previous 4 books, and that it also held its own. I liked seeing characters from the other books, which is a common theme in this series, so the story never feels left out to dry. It is a continuation though contains its own voice, so to speak.
Throughout its entirety this is paced well. I was intrigued for the whole time and greatly entertained. If this truly is the end of this world then I am highly satisfied with the outcome and end. If we see more (I truly believe this will be the case), then I am on board for the next adventure and all the people and places we will encounter.
Overall, this is excellent and for fans of the series I think this will be a hit. If you are new to the genre of monster romance, this is a good series to start with, especially now that it is complete.
Until Next Time,
MC
November 28, 2025
I've loved this series, and Secrets of the Void was a beautiful finale. The world- building and visuals have always stuck with me vividly, as with all of Emma Hamm's books (that I have spent a totally normal amount of time and money reading and/or acquiring). Heavy on the "this female creature will be the death of me and I'm so angry about it" turning into "😍" , and I will never tire of reading such tales. 1000/10
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews