Kalie Cassidy’s In the Veins of the Drowning is a moody, atmospheric romantasy that leans heavily into mythic siren lore and lyrical prose, offering readers a dark and seductive world where magic is dangerous, love is complicated, and power is never without cost. It’s an ambitious debut with a strong thematic core—but one that occasionally falters in execution.

Imogen Nel is a siren in hiding, suppressing both her instincts and her terrifying magic in a kingdom that views her kind as monsters. Her world begins to unravel when a visiting king not only identifies her true nature, but insists that she may hold the key to defeating a threat even greater than the crown that hunts her. Bound to him by a magical blood pact, Imogen is pulled into a perilous flight across haunted waters, and into a tangled web of desire, identity, and survival.

The novel’s strongest asset is its atmosphere. Cassidy’s prose is often lush and evocative, well-suited to the gothic undertones and mythic quality of the story. Her depiction of sirens feels refreshingly close to ancient mythology, offering a darker, more dangerous take on a creature too often softened in fantasy.

Worldbuilding is often vague or front-loaded with unfamiliar terms and half-explained concepts. While mystery can be an effective narrative tool, here it sometimes veers into confusion. Key questions about the magic system, political structure, and the antagonist’s motivations remain murky, even as the stakes continue to rise.

The romance, while emotionally resonant in parts, leans heavily on familiar tropes—forced proximity, magical bonds, and a morally grey love interest. There’s chemistry between Imogen and the king, but the relationship lacks the depth or progression that would make its emotional and narrative payoff fully satisfying. Their bond often feels more dictated by the plot than developed through meaningful interaction, and moments of intimacy can veer into melodrama rather than genuine romantic tension.

Pacing, too, is uneven. The novel begins with a slow, simmering tension, but the second half rushes through major plot points with little breathing room. The climax arrives abruptly, with several loose ends and emotional arcs left unresolved—though, to be fair, this is the first book in a series.

Still, In the Veins of the Drowning has undeniable potential. Cassidy’s writing is rich and immersive, and Imogen’s internal struggle—between fear, power, and identity—anchors the story in a way that will resonate with many readers. Though uneven in its execution, the novel’s bold concept and vivid aesthetic may appeal to fans of darker romantasy, especially those looking for something atmospheric and emotionally charged.

It’s a promising debut, if not a flawless one—and with refinement in pacing and worldbuilding, Cassidy is a writer to watch.

I got invested. I swear to god my heart rate went wild. We love a good long lost queen stepping into her own. I will say that this is also hella complicated. Like especially towards the end as she’s setting up the next book I got a bit dizzy from all the plotting but I think I get it? I mean I suspect I know how book two will unfold? Maybe? Will definitely continue on with this series!