4.25/5 ⭐ – Slow-burn, Eerie, Captivating

"𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙪𝙨. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙛 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙥, 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚. 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙥 𝙞 𝙘𝙖𝙣'𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙚"

Aaaah I LOVED this book! I’ve had my eye on it for ages, so I was beyond thrilled to receive an ARC — and let me tell you, it absolutely did not disappoint. I devoured Sea of Evil and Desire in a single sitting. J. Strelou, I blame you for the state of my neglected to-do list because this story had me hooked!

Yes, I’m biased when it comes to mermaid tales — but this book delivered so much more. Think mermaids, selkies, gods, and ghosts wrapped in Scottish-inspired folklore, all set in a hauntingly atmospheric seaside town (and of course, under the sea!). The world is lush, eerie, and magnetic, with layers of mystery, ancient curses, tragic love, and fate-driven prophecy that pulled me in very quickly.

And the tension between Morgana and Finn? Magnetic. Visually, I keep picturing a darker Ariel and Eric haha, but with twist and turns that you'll just have to read yourself! The pacing is a little bit slow, but it works beautifully for the story’s haunting atmosphere. The story has a cast of intriguing side characters both on land and under the sea, and I would’ve loved to see them explored a little more deeply. And yes... I 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 the sequel asap (pleaseee) 🙈

If you’re into dark mer-fantasy romance with lore-rich storytelling, slow-burn tension, and a mysterious "who-did-this-to-you" MMC, Sea of Evil and Desire belongs on your TBR. It releases May 6 — and I highly recommend you pre-order it now!

Huge thanks to Julia Strelou and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗:
After Morganna’s grandmother passes away, she moves to Scotland to be with her grandfather. Soon she starts to experience weird happenings & is drawn into an unknown world.

𝙼𝚢 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎:
I think this is a really good start to something. I could tell it was a debut, the writing felt a little YA for an adult book. I mean, why are we actually mentioning Netflix? Can’t we just say “watch tv?” Also, the conversations about the FMC's virginity felt very YA, so basically this book has adult topics & circumstances but I don't feel like the writing matches it. That being said, the world is unique, which helps pull you into the story. I think that as the writer grows, this series will only get better!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁:
🫧 slow burn

🌊 underwater world

🫧 myths & legends

🌊 Scotland setting

🫧 dark romantasy

🌊 unique lore & magic system

🫧 political intrigue

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review this book.

Sea of evil and desire was a unique book for me. I enjoyed the book being set in Scotland as we learned about the drowned, Mer, and other mystical sea creatures. Learning about the main FMC and her back story was fun to learn. I was constantly on the edge wondering what was going to happen next. I also never was sure who to trust and even at the end I’m still questioning motives.

I will be reading the next book once it comes out to see where this goes next.

This was unfortunately a DNF for me at around the 45% mark. I really did try to keep reading but when I found myself putting off reading it, I decided to give up.

I will say that I was fascinated by the world building and lore within the story. From silkies, to the mer and most especially, the Drowned. I found their story most interesting of all and I loved the concept of underwater communities for the people who have died at sea.

I think my main issue I had is that I could not get on board with the characters. Morgana seemed very immature for a young woman in her 20s and Finn just seemed to talk about how hot she was. The chemistry just wasn't there for me and seemed forced and unbelievable.

The concept, world building and detail was excellent but this failed with the characters for me.

I loved this book! Finn and Morgana had sizzling chemistry that was woah and I loved the world-building involved. The world-building was vivid and interesting while the characters kept me engaged every page I turned. I also adored how strong Morgana was despite everything she was facing and the world she was thrust in out of nowhere. This book made me appreciate the romance of the dark deep blue ocean where no one knows what’s lurking…100% would recommend reading this!

For it to be a debut novel, I’m blown away. The world building and character development is outstanding. I can’t decide if Finn is going to end up being my new favorite dark knight or the newest villain! Highly recommend snagging book one of this series when it releases May 6th!

I was very quickly hooked by both the main storyline and the backstory/curse. I absolutely loved learning so much about Celtic folklore, such a nice change of pace from the fae stories I typically read. Having the perspectives of both Morgana and Finn really helps tie everything together, and I loved the character development of Morgana as she slowly began to gain confidence and discover who she truly is. Not a 5 star for me because I found some of the interactions between Finn and Morgana to be a touch over the top for my tastes (not the spice, just the excessive declarations). I really hope we continue to get more perspectives in the next book, I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

🪸ARC Review 🪸

The ocean’s waves call to you, the wind begins to howl as you step into the water, an eerie tune drifting to your ears…luring you in. This is a story filled with magical kingdoms deep below the sea, immortal pirates, Mer, selkies, and so much more. If you’re a fan of forbidden love, ancient prophesies, and coming of age storylines this may be for you.

What I loved:
🪸 The concept of the drowned, the unfortunate souls who are taken by the sea, stuck in a purgatory of sorts was fascinating. Their storyline gave me vibes similar to the tv show School Spirits.
🪸 The kingdoms under the sea are what drew me to this story and they were indeed magical. Libraries, castles, sunken ships to explore deep in the depths? Yes, please!
🪸 Myths and Legends abound in this novel. We don’t just have one or two we have five separate legends all living right under our very noses. I wanted more!

What I didn’t love:
🪸 Our main character is supposed to be 20 but how she talks and thinks is closer to a 16 yr old. She comes off as immature and naive for her age and it grated on me. To be fair, I do tend to judge my heroines with a harsher scale.
🪸 The love story was just okay for me. We had moments of beautiful prose and one line declarations that were great. However, they spent most of the time thinking about how hot they found each other. Not in the manner I love in a romantasy but in a cringe horny teenager style with no true substance. 🥴
🪸 No spoilers just know a character goes through a “transformation” and the description of it was unappealing. I adore all things shifters and found myself completely surprised I was so put off by this one. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Overall, I give it major points for creativity but the storyline lacked complexity or depth. This should have been a YA book. If you’re a vibe reader this might not bother you. I just found myself wanting so much more from the story and ultimately it was not my cup of tea. 2 STARS. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sea of Evil and Desire by J. Strelou is an addictive plunge into a dark, atmospheric fantasy romance that masterfully blends small-town mystery, ancient prophecies, and irresistible slow-burn tension. Morgana is a relatable and compelling heroine, and the windswept Isle of Islay setting adds a haunting, immersive backdrop to her journey of self-discovery and danger. Strelou weaves in layers of folklore, fate, and emotional depth, while the chemistry between Morgana and Finn crackles with just the right mix of mystery and spice. With morally grey characters, unexpected twists, and a lush, eerie atmosphere, this is a 4-star read that will leave fans of dark fantasy romance desperate for the next tide to roll in.

*4.5* Thank you to J. Strelou and NetGallery for giving me an earc. This book comes out May 6th and I have to say I've really enjoyed this. I love the mythlogies and the world. Being in the ocean. Mermaids, etc. So much fun. I liked Morgana and how she is smart. Finn, I like him but I'm not too keen on the romance. I mean I like it but not obsessed with it as I feel like they like each other a little fast. But I really love the character development we have with Finn and Morgana so I am excited to continue on the series.

I really wished I liked this since I have been a junkie for seafolk / mermaid lore for almost the entirety of my life. But it fell flat for me.

I know this takes place in an urban setting, but it felt really hard for me to visualize the worldbuilding, as well as the locations of places.

I also thought Morgana and Finn’s dynamic felt quite forced, and it was almost a dnf for me.

The plot has potential, but I don’t think I could move onto the sequel.

Thank you Netgalley

WOW! I absolutely loved reading this book, I loved the unique magic system and the plot and romance was perfect.

Will definitely read the next book and cant wait to see how the story continues.

Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for letting me read this book before release. I was really drawn to the concept and thought the blend of romance and fantasy sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the writing style and the characters, and the story just didn’t end up hooking me the way I thought it would. I think I expected the fantasy element to be incorporated a little bit different. However, I can definitely see the appeal for readers who enjoy a slower build, but personally, it didn’t quite work for me. I think fans of the show H2O would probably enjoy this one.

This book is unique and interesting, it is so much more than just a story about mermaids. I loved how easy it was to get into the story. The book is original because of the settings and the folklore included in it; I have never heard of some of the creatures included in this book. The story was engaging and immersive. The characters had depth, and you could feel for them. I would say, if you dislike books with a lot of description, it might not be for you. So much happened in that book, it could have benefited from being a bit slower at times and more developed. The ending was a bit of a letdown for me, because it was left in the middle of the main quest. However, I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

✨ Ever had a moment where a book just calls your name? 📚 When I first saw this one filled with Scottish folklore and mythical tales, I knew I had to dive in! Julia has this amazing talent for painting the story with her words. From the very first paragraph, I felt like I was living in the pages 🌊

Even though the writing style wasn’t my favorite, the story truly swept me away. I loved exploring the world of mermaids, Selkies, and the legends of the drowned. Have you ever read a book that took you on a magical journey?

Sea of Evil and Desire had an intriguing premise and delivered a romance that kept me turning the pages. The chemistry between the leads was definitely the highlight — full of tension, longing, and just enough angst to keep things interesting. I found myself rooting for them even when the plot itself felt a bit uneven.

While the worldbuilding and pacing didn’t always fully pull me in, the emotional pull between the characters made up for a lot. I especially enjoyed the moments where their connection deepened through small, vulnerable exchanges. It’s the kind of romance that simmers under the surface, which I really appreciated.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, especially for romance lovers looking for a story that blends danger, desire, and a hint of darkness. I just wish the plot had been a little tighter to match the strength of the romance.

This. This is the summer vibe.
Magic. Mermaids. Selkie. Secrets. Romance. Those 'bubbly' best friends that come around at the right times. Adventure!

I ate this book up. Enjoyed every moment. Loved the character development and the slow romance that blossomed between the two main characters. A 'can't be romance' but totally there.

This is a tale 'for those who want to believe magic exists. This could happen to you.' The moment I read that in the beginning of the book - I just knew it was going to be a good one.

Morgana is the name of the FMC - a young women who ends up going across sea to essentially live with her grandfather after her grandmother was murdered. While she's there she discovers the secrets within her family. Not only that but what she can become.

A whole new world is beneath the surface of the great blue and it is magical.

As much as I want to word vomit details. I don't want to spoil.
Overall I was so excited to read this. I know it'll be a book I read again but no on the kindle.

This is a story filled for more than one book but where this first one sets the pause is at a perfect point.

3.75 stars rounded up. This was a really unique story with great world building. I liked the ties to various mythologies, but the characters felt a bit flat for me. We get introduced to probably a dozen side characters and only 1 or 2 of them are important. There isn't really any time in the story dedicated to building emotion connections with the characters or between them and there are a lot of questions left unanswered. I think book 2 has the potential to be really great now that the world building is out of the way and there will be more time for emotional connections during their traveling. Overall, I think this was a decent debut novel with great potential for the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the free ARC.

Thank you NetGalley & Julia Strelou for an ARC of A Sea of Evil and Desire; I am humbled & honored to have been chosen!!

I really enjoyed Julia’s descriptive writing throughout the book. Descriptions of being underwater and the surroundings were beautifully done.

I felt like the attraction between Morgana and Finn was random and not fully developed besides an “insta love”. This made it challenging to understand their desire for each other and their love scene felt forced to me.

There were a lot of paragraphs and monologues - Edward with tons of history of everything and the journals. Feels like information is being forced at the reader rather than learned in a more digestible way.

Too many “parts” (on part 5 at only 64% through) with no real reason to why they begin. They don’t seem like they need to be there.

Morganas powers are super cool but the fact she was able to harness them right away (although not quite control them properly) seemed a bit far fetched. She didn’t have any training and seemed to be able to find the glowing orb within her super quickly.

Okay hear me out. Keri lake vibes but with mermaids. The suspenseful mystery lured me in and I was shooookith at that plot twist!!! I mean…can I get the 2nd one now??? Please 🖤