Now if you were like me and you were OBSESSED with pirates of the Caribbean when you were younger then you will vividly remember this scene when the sirens try to lure them into the ocean. 10 year old me was mesmerised. So imagine my absolute delight when I saw that Gollanz posted about ARCS for this siren Romantasy on NetGalley. This follows Imogen, who is a siren quite literally hiding in plain sight in her kingdom. She’s been arranged to marry the captain of the kings guard who hunts sirens, and at one of the weddings celebration she comes across king Theo who is visiting from another kingdom where sirens are embraced.

Theo himself is also betrothed for a political gain but something happens and Imogen and Theo end up in a siren blood bond which means they can’t be far away from each other without being in pain and forces them to protect one another.

Imogen needs to escape her kingdom, Theo ‘kidnaps’ her, they go on a runaway mission across the ocean, things happen, Imogen finds out things about her life now that she’s not sheltered in the castle and is in the big wide world and everything goes to shit really.

We have forced proximity, he falls first, blood bonds, delicious spice and of course, a cliff hanger.

This was incredible. I cannot recommend this enough to any Romantasy readers!! I cannot wait for my physical copy AND for book 2!

“𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥. 𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭, 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥.”

What a powerful debut! Kalie delivers a spellbinding story that completely captivated me. Her take on siren lore is fresh, immersive, and absolutely stunning. With heart-pounding adventure and a swoon-worthy romantic lead who’s EVERYTHING (trust me), I devoured every page. I cannot wait for book two, which is especially cruel considering book one hasn’t officially released yet 😭

the vibes ™:
- perfect for fans of rachel gillig
- siren lore
- gods & their games
- beautiful writing
- TENSION 👀

In the Veins of the Drowning by Kallie Cassidy offers an intriguing premise that blends gods with elemental powers, hunted sirens, ancient prophecies, and the magnetic pull of bonded lovers. The romantasy genre has become crowded lately, but Cassidy manages to carve out a fresh angle with her mythology and magic system.

The romance is the true highlight here—slow-burning and emotionally resonant, built on classic tropes like forced proximity and fated mates. Cassidy takes the time to develop the bond between the main couple, making their connection feel earned rather than rushed.

Where the novel stumbles is in its world-building. While the bones of the setting are compelling, there just isn’t enough depth or clarity to fully immerse the reader. Key aspects of the world—especially the roles of gods, the political dynamics, and the nature of sirens—are touched on but not explored in enough detail. Additionally, the main character is weighed down by guilt to the point of being frustrating; while flawed characters can be compelling, her internal conflict often felt repetitive and dragged the pace.

Overall, In the Veins of the Drowning is a solid read for romantasy fans looking for a fresh spin on divine magic and siren lore. It shines most in its emotional arcs and chemistry, even if the broader world and character development could use more polish.

I was hooked. This book is a little dark and alluring, and has threads of self-discovery running throughout. Imogen doesn’t know who she is without the chains of her home, and Theo is making himself miserable by always doing what he should do instead of what he wants. Theo wants to burn the world for her, and honestly, totally here for it. Of course, Immy wants to protect him, which gets in the way of his plan. They’re perfect chaos. The way the story gradually unfolded had me wanting more and more. The worldbuilding was interesting and whilst the ending answered some questions, it raised a lot more. There are so many different ways that this plot could go, and I can’t wait to find out which is chosen for book 2.

I honestly never wanted this book to end. It really pleasantly surprised me with Kallie Cassidy's immersive storytelling making me feel like I was right there with Imogen.

There have been quite a few siren fantasy books that have published within the past couple of years but none of them got it quite right until In The Veins Of Drowning. This book has the perfect blend of a gothic atmosphere, even darker magic, a romance full of yearning and a woman trying to claim her life back.

The romance was written so well, Theo and Imogen had electric chemistry and it was so worth the wait for them to give into their desires.

I devoured this one in a couple of sittings and at the end I was only sad about the fact I had to wait even longer for the sequel. Definitely give this book a chance if you want something that will ensnare you from the first couple of pages!

Tropes include:
- he falls first
- blood bonds & dark magic
- slow burn romance
- sirens

A siren and a king with One Dark Window vibes? I’m thoroughly enjoying this. The gothic atmosphere is absolutely GORGEOUS and I am loving every minute.

As soon as I saw ‘SIREN’ I knew this was the book for me! As a girl who’s grown up loving anything to do with mermaids or the sea I knew I would love this.
Within reading the first three chapters I just couldn’t put it down, I was HOOKED! (almost as if I’d been lured by a siren herself hehe)
This book had me smiling at words on pages and also frowning with the frustration of knowing how much our two main characters loved each other but circumstances kept getting in the way. My only big grievance with it is that book two hasn’t been released yet and I need it IMMEDIATELY!

Thank you to NetGalley & Gollancz for an eArc of this book! 🧜🏻‍♀️

~ THE MONSTER IS ALWAYS SLAIN ~

Ahh I absolutely devoured this. It was my first siren book and it did not disappoint. I knew within the first couple of pages I would love this and it was simply a gift that kept on giving. We follow Imogen, our FMC, a siren in hiding in a kingdom that is hunting her kind. The atmosphere was so captivating, alluring and fully immersive. Certain aspects reminded me of the dark, gothic setting that you might find in Rachel Gillig's novels.

I thought the world-building and magic system were carved out really well, without information overload or confusing backstory. I do wish this book was longer, the last 10-20% felt sightly rushed and it came to an abrupt stop. Don't get me wrong I am ALLLLL for a cliff hanger and being a fantasy reader it's expected but THIS?! This was CRUEL. I need book 2 immediately... what day you mean that's how it ends?!

To no one's surprise my favourite part was the balance between the romance and the plot, one didn't overpower the over. Imogen's and Theodore's chemistry was perfect. He definitely FELL FIRST AND HARD. Certain scenes between Imogen and Theodore made me unwell and SOBBING at how much I loved them together. We have angst, tension, YEARNING, touch her and ☠️. You can't beat a softer MMC who is incredibly gentle when it comes to the FMC and seeing the internal struggle of doing what's best for the kingdom but also trying to follow his heart.

I am so excited for book 2 already! I can't wait to continue with this series and come back to this world.

An absolutely solid 5 stars, In The Veins of the Drowning was everything I wanted from a romantasy! It had a swooning romance, filled with tension. It had a loathsome villain in King Nemea, which turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg of trouble heading for Imogen. It had gorgeous side characters, some horrid, some friendly, and hopefully some making the switch.
The settings were beautifully depicted (I just know there's going to be some gorgeous fanart). I loved the slightly unusual depiction of Sirens, and the wider gods and goddesses, and the various types of magic available in the world.
I cannot wait for the next book and the epic conclusion I know is coming!

My biggest (and only!) complaint is that I have scoured the internet and am yet to find a signed, special edition copy for my shelf which is a TRAVERSTY! I've had to settle for a paperback pre-order from Waterstones.

Huge thanks to Gollancz, NetGalley and Cassidy for letting me read this one ahead of release. I'll definitely be shouting from the rooftops about it.

In the Veins of the Drowning is a mythological, Siren-inspired book based in a world with gods, magic and an interesting political system. I would say that this is definitely more romance than fantasy, however, I found the MMC Theodore, a great, Anthony from Bridgerton inspired main character. I liked the premise of the story, however I really really struggled with the pacing, it seemed to skip vital pieces of information which I felt were needed to understand and build up the story. I think I probably needed more world building and explanation into the histories and lore of the world. The story was interesting and I enjoyed where the book finished I think I was just expecting a little more from the characters, world building and storytelling. A great debut into a new series and I will definitely be trying the second book!

Thank you, NetGalley & the Little, Brown and Company!!

Super excited to read this one. Pub Date: July 15, 2025.

Will edit my review in due course!

3.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

A romantically intense and engaging read.

“In the Veins of the Drowning” tells the story of a siren hidden away by a king who hunts her kind, and a godly king who strikes a bargain with her that frees her. Their escape, and the blood bond they form, propel their kingdoms into war. Their bond forces them to remain close, which puts their feelings for each other, and the fates of their people, at risk as they uncover dangerous secrets about each other and themselves.

I don’t read a lot of Romantasy as I prefer when the romance is a subplot in Fantasy (albeit an integral one) rather than being the main focus. Another reason is that Romantasy books are basically recycled versions of each other - same types of characters and tropes with new names and settings.
This book didn’t deviate too far, but it was original enough in terms of the characters and their development that I appreciated it for that.

I really liked Imogen and Theo as characters, and I enjoyed their romantic development a lot.
The only thing that brought down that part for me is that I don’t usually enjoy when the feelings between the characters are influenced by magic or any outside source like that. Even in an ambiguous way, like it was here. Because it did feel like the “bond” between them, to some extent, contributed their growing closeness. It just takes away from the excitement and whole point of the romance for me.

Another thing I didn’t love is that the plot and world were somewhat thin and just weren’t enough to make up for the issue I had with the romantic side of the story. So, the lack of compelling plot meant I began to lose interest a little over halfway into the book.

However, if these points won’t bother you, I do recommend this book - you may even have a different interpretation from mine on the romantic development! And if so, I do think you might love it because Imogen and Theo really do stand out, in a good way, from among other Romantasy book characters!

Thank you to Gollancz and Netgalley for the e-ARC

4.75⭐️ what the heck?! give me the second book right this moment!!!!😭😭🤲🏼

the romance is very slow burn but it burns soo good!😍 I love the fact that we have actual sirens - not scary mermaids but actual Greek mythology bird-women✨ so freaking cool! I didn’t know that, when I started the book so that was a very pleasant surprise👏🏼

I have highlighted bascially every single time Theodore opens his mouth becuase holy moly this man is FIIIINE inside and out!! like damn 🤌🏼🤌🏼 their chemistry is just what I wanted in a romantasy 😍

I really like the world of In the Veins of the Drowning! Kalie Cassidy did a phenomenal job of describing and explaining the world, the god-system and the magic without it feeling like information dumping or leaving me confused🤩 the writing style is beautiful! I sometimes have a hard time reading books with very poetic flowering writing, but this was just the perfect mixture😌🙌🏼 I can’t believe this is a debut novel 😱

Imogen had me a little annoyed a couple times because girly did not think highly of herself, but with her background and trauma it makes sense so I quickly got over it😌

I’m so excited to see where this world takes us and I cannot wait for more Theo and Immy moments 🤭🤭🤭

🌶️.5/5 - tension/longing is 👌🏼!

This is magical seductive and passionate. Powerful and courageous VIOLENT!! beautifully done fantasy. There is just not enough siren books out there and i am glad this one was written.

4.5⭐

In the Veins of the Drowning is an atmospheric and immersive read straight from the start, the world building is exquisite and feels so very well developed and I loved learning about the gods and the Sirens with the magic system also being so different and unique.

I loved the interactions between the two main characters and enjoyed the push/pull of their relationship as they find themselves with this bond that physically leaves them unable to be apart and while it could feel a rather too insta lust/love I didn't feel this at all and just enjoyed seeing them slowly learn to care for the other.

I will say it did kind of slow down on pacing around the 40% for me and I found some moments a little too repetitive at times but the second half completely picked up and the ending has me excited to see where the story will take us in book two!

Thank you so much to Publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book before publication, these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

This is such a good story! I was a bit confused at first by how the magic worked and it almost feels like you're thrown into the middle of the story in the beginning, but from about quarter of the way through I really got into it!

3.75 ⭐I loved the beginning right up they went to get the bond broken. I'm not sure why but I just wasn't hooked into the story. I liked the characters and the chemistry. It just felt the same conversations were on repeat between the characters, with tiny bits of new information randomly scattered in throughout the book.

The action started at 80% then the sudden ending. It felt like it's been stretched over two books when it could have been one book.

I did like the characters but I couldn't bond with them and their relationship. It might because the bond made their relationship go from 0 to 100 in a chapter.

Theodore is a sensible straight talking MMC. I liked him has he stopped all misunderstandings in their place and he was direct.

There was a great magic system and I loved the history about sirens and gods.

This book was an unexpected gem. I went in thinking it would be a typical romantasy, but it completely surprised me. The story follows Imogen, a siren hiding her true nature in a kingdom that hunts her kind. When she's forced into a bond with King Theo, things get complicated—and intense.

What I loved most was how the book delves into themes of identity and belonging. Imogen's struggle with her siren heritage felt raw and real, especially as she grapples with the idea of being seen as a monster. The romance between her and Theo is slow-burning and filled with tension, making their dynamic all the more compelling.

The world-building is rich, with a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after you've finished reading. It's not just about magic and politics; it's about the personal battles we fight within ourselves.

If you're into stories that blend dark fantasy with emotional depth and a touch of romance, this one's for you.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.*

4.5/5 ⭐ – Gripping, Darkly Lush, and Utterly Addictive

In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy is a spellbinding romantasy that sinks its claws in from the first page and doesn’t let go.

Imogen Nel is a fierce, complex siren heroine torn between her monstrous nature and her buried humanity, and the tension—both romantic and narrative—builds beautifully in this slow-burn, high-stakes journey. The morally grey love interest, blood bond, and marriage of necessity only add to the delicious angst and intensity.

The worldbuilding is amazing because it's rich with danger and allure, and the emotional stakes feel both intimate and epic.

With undead seas, hidden wings, and a simmering romance that burns, this book is a dark fantasy treat. My only reason for holding back that final half-star? I need the sequel now.

TROPES:
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn Romance
🖤 Morally Grey Characters
✨ Suppressed Powers
🩸 Marriage Bond
🌶️🌶️ Forced Proximity
💀 Touch Her & You Die

In the Veins of the Drowning by @kaliecassidybooks is out the 17/07/2025

Thank you to @kaliecassidybooks @netgalley @gollancz for this opportunity!!!!

Oh My God.

I requested this on the recommendation of a friend who read this and went absolutely feral, thinking ‘it cant be that good, can it?’

IT IS. I PROMISE IT IS.

Imogen and Theodore and just UNHINGED and they had be screaming at my kindle, giggling and kicking my feet and generally just losing my mind - i am already gnawing at the bars of my enclosure for book 2 as Imogen has been UNLEASHED and i am here for her.

5 stars. 10 stars. ALL the stars.