Thanks for the advanced copy of the book! I quite enjoyed this first installment, looking forward to seeing what happens next and how the story is resolved. I really liked the setting and could totally relate to the FMC. This was a semi new to me story take on Mermaids that I quite enjoyed and would be interested in seeing more of.

After reading the description I was really excited to receive an advanced reader’s copy of this book! It was a 4.5 star read for me and I was pleasantly surprised because I had never read anything based on underwater myths and legends. The FMC, Morgana was so relatable, quirky, and awkward. The book had me hooked very quickly and kept a good rhythm which made it hard to put down. I flew through it in one day. The world building was really great. I could easily bring to life the scenes in my head both in Scotland and below the water. There were a few plot holes left open that I found confusing with some of the side characters that I’m not sure if they will be addressed more in the next book but I’m definitely looking forward to finding out. And honestly there were some times that I laughed and thought ok that was cheesy but those few times were greatly overshadowed by how much I loved all the lore and storytelling and growth of the relationships and character development.

This book had me hooked from the start. There’s suspense, world building, slow burn romance, plot twists that literally left me wanting more. I felt as if I was a part of this world with mer, selkies & the drowned. I absolutely loved the lore in this book mixed in present day. Finn & Morgana have such a passionate relationship and the ending has me wishing the next book was already available because I need to know all the things. There were a few characters I felt needed more and that I was left with a lot of questions that I really hope are brought to light in the next book. Such an intense cliff hanger. I’m so glad I was able to receive the ARC from J Strelou via NetGalley.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much this story resonated with me. Morgana, the main character, is wonderfully drawn – her quirks and vulnerabilities made her incredibly easy to connect with. The author's skill in building both the Scottish and underwater settings is remarkable; I could vividly picture every scene. The plot moves at a satisfying pace, ensuring that the book is hard to put down. Though a couple of side plots left me with questions, the strength of the central story, the character development, and the fascinating lore make this a highly recommended read. I'm definitely invested in continuing the series!

Sea of Evil and Desire is a dark, atmospheric read with a unique folklore twist. The writing kept me intrigued, and I enjoyed the eerie seaside setting and slow-burn romance. While it didn’t quite reach 5-star magic for me, it was still a solid and enjoyable story.

4/5 stars

3.75 stars

Kind, innocent and beautiful Morgana has always felt too much. Protecting herself from the feeling of others she becomes an outsider, when she find out of her grandmothers passing. It is to easy to leave everything behind to her place of birth, and things start to get messy. Having to figure out who she is and family she falls head first into trouble. The story had a steady pace of entertainment and mystery leaving me wanting more and more. But Morgana’s personality is not my preference, she was very innocent and naive to the point where it was alarming. Finn mysterious and set on knowing more about morgana was captivated unable to leave her side. Protecting her while also keeping to his responsibilities becomes difficult. Keeping her at a distance there were parts where his aloofness felt forced, it didn’t feel natural or flow well with the character. Morgana’s ability to see Finn for who he is without manipulation, feeling wanted and accepted limits Finn choosing her over his duties. While they had great chemistry the romance was weird there were sappy moments that felt stilted and unnatural. Everything else was great! The mythological retellings are one of my favorites with creative world building, the minor characters stood out and had personality. I’m sad that I have to wait so long for the next one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author I received a ARC for an honest review !

I would like to thank the author for providing me with an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!

This was definitely a fun read! One thing that I appreciated about this book was its fascinating setting and plot. The underwater world was unique and different than anything I’ve read recently! There were elements of mystery, betrayal, and suspense, which kept me engaged and excited to find out what happened next.

However, I did find the pacing to be somewhat slow, and I didn’t develop a very strong connection with the characters. I think Morgana, the FMC, is the character I did relate to the most.

Overall I had a good time reading, and definitely recommend giving it a shot.

This book had me enticed and pulled in from the start. Full of twists and dynamics I could have never imagined. The romance was great! The plot - unique. By far one of the most interesting reads thus far. I could not put it down.

Review shared on Goodreads. Thank you so much.

Very interesting read! I like the authors world that they created and how it is laid out for the reader. Interesting dynamic between the MMC and FMC, she is a inquisitive character while he is the dark and dangerous type. I’m interested to see how the plot lays out in the next book. The main characters back story and powers are what kept me intrigued to keep reading.

SEA OF EVIL & DESIRE 🫧🌊 4.5⭐️

Wow, this is such an emotional journey. I absolutely loved reading this book, watching Morganna (FMC) and Finn (MMC) develop as characters throughout the book, seeing their journey. Just incredible.

Firstly LOVE the map and the glossary!

We’re introduced to Morganna our FMC living with her mother. However her grandmother passed away and she’s forced to go to stay with her grandfather in England. Scotland to be specific, in a coastal town called Ruadán’s Port. Which i absolutely love. Her mother never wants to go back there, we’re left asking questions like why? And I became very intrigued into the story immediately.

There’s lots of weird paranormal instances occurring once she settles in the town. Hearing songs, seeing people with sunken faces and people who disappear.

We’re then introduced to Finn our MMC, he’s absolutely gorgeous. However alluring and suspicious. We get glimpses of what we think his personality is and then it changes. I felt myself desperately asking who is he? What is he about? It kept me on edge THE WHOLE TIME.

This was literally what I wrote whilst reading the book.

“Who is Finn? I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HES ABOUT, WHY DOESN’T HE HAVE NETFLIX? WHY DOES HE SEEM SO ARROGANT THEN CHARMING? He’s strange”

Morganna starts hearing the music of the sea and how this connects with her and her grandmother as she has dreams of the deep sea, what lies beneath is it real or true? She has the insignia mark of the kingdom of the deep, her dreams show her “the drowned” - everyone who’s ever drowned at sea.

Morganna had a dream but wasn’t a dream then disappeared for 2 days. This is where the journey begins, there’s so much plot to the story, and I never knew what direction it was going to go in. The world building is really well written and can visualise everything so clearly.

🫧 DUAL POV
🌊 DARK AND MYSTERIOUS MMC
🫧 SLOW BURN
🌊 UNDERWATER WORLD
🫧 MYTHS & LEGENDS
🌊 SCOTLAND SETTING
🫧 DARK ROMANTASY 🌶️
🌊 UNIQUE LORE & MAGIC SYSTEM
🫧 POLITICAL INTRIGUE

Thank you so much J Strelou for the ARC, I throughly enjoyed this and desperate to see Morganna & Finn’s story continue.

SEA OF EVIL AND DESIRE
J.Střelou
4⭐️
2.5🌶️


A LOVE BOUND BY FATE. A KINGDOM ON THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION.

Beneath the waves, an ancient feud between the Mer and Drowned has simmered for centuries, sparked by a forbidden love and a tragic curse . . .

Firstly I wanna say I really enjoyed this book! 📖 it has opened my eyes into a different style of writing and world building! I never thought I would love a mermaid romance as much as I did!

Morgana our FMC is part drowned and Selkie and throughout the book we find out more about her destiny. Finn is our MMC and he firstly comes across as this dark mysterious and dangerous man watching Morgana. I found both of these characters had great chemistry between them, their energies bounced off each other and you can see the relationship developing throughout the book. I personally loved Edward, he was such a great side character and I hope we get to see more of him in the next book.

“You asked me about destiny once, and I realised when you cried for peace that we were meant to meet.”

The world building was good! I did find myself getting a little bit confused however over the course of the book i figured it out more - in my defence this is my first mermaid/ sea creatures book 🤷🏻‍♀️ and this book has gave me a great introduction into this sub genre of Romantasy books. The pacing was great - I didn’t find it dragging on, the ending does have a cliffhanger which definitely opens up for a follow on book. I didn’t find the ending to be rushed like some books. Bit of a shocker in the Epilogue 👀💔

Overall, this book truly captivated me and I was so immersed in the world of mer, drowned and selkie. I hope we get to see some characters entering the second book ( such as Morgana’s father!) I really wanna hear his story and where he is now! 😄. Will definitely read the next book and recommend to my followers 🧡

“Amor perdot nos.”

I absolutely loved this book.. absolute page turner and couldn't put it down. Can't wait to see more from the author!

I just finished A Sea of Evil and Desire, the first book in J. Strelou’s The Deep Saga, and I’m still wrapped up in its wild, stormy magic. This mermaid and merman romantasy, set on the rugged Scottish Isle of Islay, hooked me with its dark folklore and heart-pounding romance. It’s the kind of book that feels like a cold wave washing over you—thrilling, a little eerie, and hard to shake. As an ARC reader, I loved so much about it, but it had a few bumps that kept it from being a total knockout. Here’s my real, from-the-heart take on what swept me away and what left me wanting a bit more.
What I Loved:
• A World That Feels Like It’s Breathing: Ruadán’s Port is so vivid I could practically smell the seaweed and hear the gulls. The stormy cliffs, foggy streets, and whispers of Mer and Selkies make the town feel alive. And the underwater scenes—crumbling mer cities and shadowy depths—are straight-up haunting. Strelou paints it all so beautifully, I was lost in it, like I could dive right in.
• Morgana’s Got My Heart: Morgana Scott is the kind of heroine I want to grab a coffee with. She’s dealing with her grandma’s death, feeling a little lost, and then there’s this weird gift—she can sense people’s emotions. It makes her feel so real, like she’s stumbling through this mystery just like I would. Her connection with Finn, this mysterious guy who’s all charm and secrets, is chef’s kiss. Their slow-burn romance had me smiling like an idiot, especially lines like, “She’s in my bones, my blood, every breath I take.” Swoon.
• Romance That Hits All the Feels: If you’re into dark, Gothic-y romance with a fantastical twist, this is your jam. Think The Scorpio Races meets something sultry and magical. Morgana and Finn’s chemistry crackles—every look, every touch feels huge. The spicy moments are hot but never over-the-top, and they tie into the story’s big emotions about love and sacrifice. I was rooting for them hard.
• Twists That Kept Me Up Late: The story’s about an ancient feud between the Mer and Drowned, tied to a cursed love story, and it’s packed with surprises. Morgana’s fur coat triggering weird visions, the creepy Samhain festival, the prophecy about her—it all builds to these “whoa” moments that had me flipping pages way past bedtime. I didn’t see half of it coming.
What Didn’t Quite Work:
• The Middle Drags a Bit: The book starts with a bang and ends even stronger, but the middle gets a little sluggish. Morgana’s poking around the town, digging into old stories, and it felt like some scenes went on too long. I wanted the story to pick up the pace and get back to the big, juicy stuff.
• Side Characters Stay in the Background: Morgana and Finn are amazing, but the other folks—like her grandpa or the grumpy locals—don’t pop as much. I wanted to know more about them, what drives them, but they felt more like props to push the story along. A little more depth would’ve made the town feel even richer.
• A Few Things Felt Obvious: The romance is dreamy, but I could tell early on where Morgana and Finn were headed, thanks to her pull toward him. It didn’t ruin anything, but I wished for a couple more curveballs to keep me guessing, especially since the plot twists were so good.
My Final Thoughts:
A Sea of Evil and Desire is a gorgeous, haunting read that pulled me into a world of merfolk, curses, and a love story that’s got me all in my feelings. Morgana’s journey and her electric connection with Finn are the heart of it, and Strelou’s writing is so lush it’s like poetry. Yeah, it slows down in the middle, and I wanted more from the side characters, but those are small gripes for a book this enchanting. If you love dark romantasy with a sea-soaked vibe, you’ll eat this up. I’m already itching for the next book in The Deep Saga to dive back in!
Note: I got an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley, and this is my honest-to-goodness take, no filter.

I had so much fun reading Sea of Evil and Desire! I absolutely love fantasy worlds set under the ocean, and this one delivered everything I wanted—beautifully eerie settings, mysterious sea creatures, and rich world-building that really pulled me in.

Normally, I’m not a huge fan of mythology, but the way J. Strelou wove mythological elements and characters into the story totally worked for me. It felt fresh and exciting rather than overwhelming or confusing.

And that plot twist at the end?! I was literally going “wow wow wow what’s going on now?!” I thought everything was wrapping up nicely, and then—boom. Total chaos (in the best way).

Also, confession time: I kept pronouncing “Pisceon” as pissin’ in my head the whole time. I don’t know why my brain does this—maybe because English isn’t my first language—but I eventually thought, “Surely the author wouldn’t name a character like that,” and realized it’s probably supposed to sound way more elegant.

Thank you for the arc, this is my honest opinion!

I’m gonna get it out right at the beginning - having your merman character use ‘Finn’ as his land name is fucking lazy writing.

Having said that, once my eyes had returned from the back of my head where they rolled to upon reading ‘Finn’, this was actually a pretty good book.

I really liked the concept of the Drowned - the idea that people who drowned ‘lived’ on on the ocean floor in little colonies until their time was here. I’ve not seen anything like that before, so it felt like quite a fresh idea, which can be hard to find in fantasy books nowadays.

Dual POV is always a win for me. The romance was good - maybe a smidge awkward at times, but easy enough to gloss over.

I did think that the relationship with her grandad felt a bit off at times - like she literally moved continents to be with him and look after him and they barely had any real connection? This could be developed further in the next book though so I’ll let it slide.

Pacing at times was maybe a bit rushed, but on the whole a fun read with interesting lore. 3.75/5, rounded up.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC

4.75 🌟 - Thank you NetGalley and J Strelou for a copy of this ARC. I will be giving my honest review. WOW! The premise and delivery of this book was phenomenal. This is the first fantasy book/series that I have read that is set underwater. I thought the world building of Ruadan Port, SS Jones' Lady & the Seven different kingdoms was so interesting and such an original idea. I enjoyed learning about the history of both the port and the underwater locations and the history behind the ongoing feud between the mer and the drowned. The imagery and descriptions of all of the places was written so well that you could just imagine everything so vividly.

I LOVED the slow burn romance between Finn and Morgana and I thought they were so cute together. I hope in the rest of the series we will see this develop.

However, I do wish that there was more of a conclusion to the first book because it ended so abruptly (or maybe I just wanted to continue reading about these characters). When this book publishes on the 6th May, I implore you all to go, buy and read this book because I had such a fun time reading it.

TW : This book featured a lot of SA and dark themes so read cautiously at your own will. Some of the scenes made me feel a bit uncomfortable, but the TW are stated at the beginning of the book and more information is available online.

An absolute dream of a book and a pleasure to read <3 The characters were fabulously written, and the world building was next-level. Morgana, innocent and naïve and Finn, mysterious, dangerous (and gorgeous), the tension between them was captivating and the interactions showed the chemistry was off-the-charts! I need to know what happens next because I have so many questions that need to be answered in the next book!

I enjoy the book as it beautifully written and the emotional journey was kinda make me hook to the story, I felt a bit sad when finishing the book consider this as my first underwater setting book, the magic lore easy to understand which make it easy to read the book.

Sea of Evil and Desire hooked me with its interesting premise, fantastic world building, and its generational based magic system. However, Morgana's character kind of ruined it for me. I loved broody Finny though, who doesn't love a mysterious and melancholic mmc?! Morgana was just a bit too naïve and I found myself wanting to smack her often.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Author for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review of my experience.

LORD HAVE MERCY ON MY SOUL. I am soooooooooooo mad at you author. How dareeeeeee... You left me on a cliffhanger. Now I have to wait for the next books.. because there will be next books *stare*.

Morganna, our FMC, starts the book out living in America. When her grandmother passes away and her grandfather is left on his own (because he doesn't do travel or even leaving the town), Morganna makes her way to the sleepy town of Ruadan's Port in Scotland. Little does she know, her family has a rich and mysterious history in this town.. and that rich and mysterious history comes out to play. Morganna finds out that nothing is as it seems.. not even our hunk of an MMC, "Finn". Morganna is about to embark on a journey that will literally have her questioning her sanity (and the confusing feelings in her pants).

This book is not a high spice book, but rather a very slow burn, tension filled story that will have you on the edge of your seat (I finished this in one sitting). The world building in this story is succinct and incredibly well thought out. I did not hate a single moment. The characters are all 3D and they grow together. Even the imagery is incredibly vivid.

I will, however admit that the ending was rushed and it could definitely have used some fleshing out. I would have liked to have seen a more cliffhangery cliffhanger, rather than just a story cutoff.

Genuinely.. if I have to wait years for the next book, I am going to be upset.

✨ARC Review✨

Sea of Evil and Desire by J. Strelou

If you love folklore, mythical creatures, war, and gods and goddesses, then this book is for you. I truly enjoyed this novel, and I read it in one day.

Morgana finds herself in Ruadan’s Port to take care of her grandfather after her grandmother died. There, she meets a mysterious man named Finn, who follows her around. What sets Finn apart is that Morgana cannot sense his feelings - unlike how she can read other people.

This book’s world building and use of mythical creatures are amazing. The FMC Morgana is strong, loyal, and smart. Sure, she is attracted to Finn, but she did not let her feelings distract her from her goal.

On the other hand, we have Finn who is also headstrong and loyal to his people and family. His methods of “wooing” Morgana may be out of the ordinary, but they are interesting. Even though there were times when Finn bordered on creepy his stalking, I think his development throughout the story was still well done.

The other characters in the book were also well written especially Edward. I thought he was just a minor character at first, but I appreciate how the author developed him into something more. Also, I can’t wait to read more about how Manannan will influence Morgana in the future.

Overall, I think that Sea of Evil and Desire was great. I love that it’s set in the modern times, so it’s relatable. I can’t wait for the sequel to the book! The cliffhanger is already driving me crazy. This book will be in my head for a while.

3.5 stars. This was a fun fantasy - I loved reading about selkies, I’ve not read a fantasy featuring those before! I did think the dialogue felt a bit awkward at times, the FMC needed fleshing out/ building up a bit more before the finale, and her relationship with her grandfather felt a bit stilted - but otherwise an enjoyable read!

This first book in what I’m sure will be a wonderful series is chock FULL of vibrant and magical world building. The whole ocean is well developed into different realms with different creatures and lore and characters.

I was entranced by the plot and each moment spent under the sea. I do wish Morgana was a bit older, the market is saturated with new adult romantasy stories, so having a more mature main character would be a bit different and more appealing to readers in outside of their 20s.

Would love to read the next book, it ends on a cliffhanger, so I hope there’s a second one in the works!

Thank you to NetGalley & the author for a copy to read and review!

Gripping from the first page, this thriller delivers a fast-paced ride packed with suspense, twists, and tension that never lets up. With sharp writing and a plot full of dark secrets and unexpected turns, it’s the kind of book you’ll race through in one sitting.

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 🖤

🌊 Welcome to Ruadán’s Port, where ancient curses sleep beneath the waves, and love might just be the most dangerous magic of all...

Sea of Evil and Desire is a moody, seductive plunge into dark Mer folklore, tangled prophecies, and forbidden romance. Set against the haunting backdrop of a windswept Scottish isle, this fantasy romance blends Celtic myth with slow-burn tension, otherworldly secrets, and a heroine with a heart as open as the sea.

Morgana Scott arrives in Islay grieving the death of her grandmother, only to find herself caught in a tide of eerie legends, whispers of Selkies, and a deepening connection with Finn—a magnetic stranger with secrets inked into his soul. The chemistry between them simmers, but fate has other plans, and a centuries-old feud between Mer and Drowned threatens to drag them both under.

The atmosphere is where this book truly shines: wild cliffs, crashing waves, and festivals steeped in superstition. As Samhain approaches and the veil between worlds thins, Morgana is forced to confront the truth of her family, her powers, and the ancient feud that threatens to pull her beneath the waves—heart first. Think eerie, salt-drenched settings, and Celtic folklore woven into a modern-day mystery.

✨ Perfect for fans of:
- Dark coastal folklore
- Tragic love stories wrapped in seafoam and prophecy

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Sea of Evil & Desire🧜🏻‍♀️
4 ⭐️
2.5🌶️
Release Date: May 6th📚
This new release brings a new spin on the usual romantasy with a world of Mer, Selkies, and the Drowned!
Our FMC Morgana has lived a sheltered life with her mother. We start out finding out that she has a very unique ability to sense emotions. When her grandmother passes away, she volunteers to go stay with her grandfather in a seaside town in Scotland. Morgana ends up having a connection to this small seaside town’s history.We meet our broody MMC, Finn. We have a slow burn with lots of tension!
The storyline is twisty without the predictability. I loved the world building and the characters were very likable! It’s ends with a cliffhanger and I cannot wait for book 2!
✨Dual POV
✨Mer, Selkie, the Drowned
✨Prophecy
✨Small Town
✨Slowburn
✨Dark Romantasy
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC! All opinions and reviews are my own!

4.5⭐️
2.5🌶️

‘Love is the reason for everything.
But it can also be our ruin.’

Wow. I could not put this down. I am so glad I was granted an eARC copy of this book. Thank you NetGalley.

I need book 2 now. I was not ready to leave this world behind AND I need to know what’s going to happen!

Dual POV
Small Scottish town
Mystery
Prophecy
Mer, Selkies, the Drowned
Slow burn
Dark Romantasy
Dark mysterious MMC

I wanted a mermaid/ocean fantasy and this book delivered!

Let me start by mentioning the beautiful map and glossary…..I was hooked before the story had begun. Then knowing it was set in a small Scottish town on an island and I was sold (I love anything Scottish). Also add the fact it is steeped in Scottish and Celtic mythology of the ocean….totally enraptured.

The writing was poetic and emotional. The plot and storyline was twisty without being far-fetched or predictable. The tension between our MMC and FMC was boiling, and had me yearning for them to be together. The FMC and MMC were likeable and the FMC relatable. The world building was magical and the reader discovered along with the FMC being shown through her eyes.

It ends on a plot twist that had me frustrated and wanting book 2 now!

*ARC review* Release date: May 6th
4/5 ⭐️

Sea of Evil and Desire by J. Střelou is an under the sea, mythological fantasy with a slow burn romance. The story takes you from Scotland to the deep sea discovering a world of Mer, Selkies, the Drowned, and many more. Overall, I enjoyed this book. The plot and world building was something new to me so it was a breath of fresh air. While I enjoyed the romance, I would love to see their relationship go deeper. The book leaves you on a cliffhanger- I can’t wait to see what happens next. Recommend: yes

Pros:
- Likable characters
- Dual POV
- Scene description

Cons:
- Slow start
- Inconsistent pacing
- Quick spice scenes

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review this book

I really love the idea and concept of this book. There are not many books that have undersea mythology. We have the Drowned, Mer’s, Selkies and whilst Sirens were mentioned a couple of times, we didn’t get any insight into what they really brought to the kingdom but hoping this will be explored in book 2.

It was a quick and easy read and I liked the world building very much. I think it really set the scene visually. I found the underwater descriptions captivating.

I did, however, struggle to connect with the characters. I feel like I only got to know Morgana & Finn on a superficial level. I really wanted to get to know them on a much deeper level.
But I did really like Edward. We got to glimpse into his past and how it affected him in the present day and the emotions from him made me feel something and I need that in a character.

As an emotional reader, I rate books based on how they make me feel. Whilst I enjoyed the lore & world building, it was the connection with the characters that fell a little short for me.

I would love to thank Julia again sending me a hardback version of the book. It’s something I’ll cherish for a long time.

Sea of Evil and Desire pulls you in with its atmospheric setting and tantalizing promise of a love story entangled in ancient lore. J. Strelou paints a vivid picture of Ruadán’s Port, a Scottish town steeped in superstition and secrets, immediately creating a sense of mystery that lingers throughout the book.

Morgana, with her unique ability to sense emotions, is an intriguing protagonist, and her connection to the town's hidden history feels organic. The introduction of Finn, the brooding and enigmatic love interest, adds to the allure. The "slow-burn romance layered with tension, secrets, and undeniable passion," as described by other readers, definitely holds true. I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold and the chemistry between them was palpable.

The narrative effectively weaves together elements of Scottish folklore, Mer mythology, and a prophecy that hints at a larger conflict brewing beneath the surface. The world-building is strong, particularly in establishing the history and animosity between the Mer and the Drowned.

However, at times the pacing felt a little uneven. There were moments where I wished the story delved deeper into certain aspects of the mythology or explored Morgana's powers more fully. The plot, while engaging, occasionally felt like it was hinting at more than it delivered, leaving me wanting a bit more substance.

Overall, Sea of Evil and Desire is a captivating read for fans of paranormal romance with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and lore. While it has a few minor pacing issues, the compelling characters, intriguing world-building, and undeniable chemistry between the protagonists make it a worthwhile escape. I'm definitely interested in seeing where the story goes next!

i love mermaids and selkies so i was having a ball what a fun fantasy world im excited to see where this world and its characters go in the rest of the series.. i see there is atleast another book and thank god cause the ending… finn and morgana were gonna have to start communicating please god

thank you netgalley & the author for the arc!!

Thank you for the ARC! A solid and enjoyable mix of ocean creatures and romance. I love the idea of a shape-shifter being able to go underwater, which is a refreshing change of pace from typical shifting stories. I think all of the little nods during descriptions that remind you that some of the book takes place underwater is great - having suckerfish cleaning algae off tables in a hospital is specific but also very unique. There were some points that the language didn't really line up with what characters would realistically be saying (or doing), but those didn't hinder the read. I will be looking forward to the story continuing in the next book, and thankfully there was only a little bit of a cliffhanger at the end to keep you wondering what will happen next.

I would say this is a 1.5 out of 5 in spice (not for young teenagers but also not a main focus of the book).

📖ARC Review📚
Releasing: May 6th

With a prophecy, a mad king, a power hungry villain, a broody male main character and an awkward female main character the stage has been set for a rollercoaster ride of a story.
Finn is broody, tormented by his past, and held in a chokehold by his duty. Morgana is awkward and desperate to belong after a life of loneliness and sensory overload. They are drawn together by circumstance and a small town.
While the town is an interesting grounding point much of what happens there felt like filler leaving the immersive underwater world the author has created as the true gem of this story.
The end nudges you in the direction that the next book should follow, but leaves the reader with so many questions and really just wanting more.

Thanks to @netgalley & @j.strelou for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

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!

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 book was checking so many boxes for me!
✨DUAL POV
✨ DARK AND MYSTERIOUS MMC
✨ SLOW BURN
✨ MYTHS & LEGENDS
✨ SCOTLAND SETTING
✨ DARK ROMANTASY
✨ UNIQUE LORE & MAGIC SYSTEM
✨ POLITICAL INTRIGUE

Once I finally figured out how to get this ARC onto my Kindle (yes, I had a mini meltdown over it), I devoured it. I could NOT put it down. This book pulled me under like a riptide and never let go! I’m so glad it’s going to be released on Kindle Unlimited because I need my book club to read this with me ASAP. This book is staying in my head rent free until book two drops.

Finn and Morganna’s chemistry is electric—a delicious slow-burn romance full of secrets, tension, and undeniable passion. From the very first page, the story hooks you with nonstop twists, eerie suspense, and an immersive underwater world that blends mermaids, magic, selkies, and myth. The plot feels fresh and totally unique, with a romantic thread that’s both swoony and emotionally charged. It gave me summer vibes, goosebumps, and a new obsession all at once. I have a strong feeling this is going to be the next big BookTok sensation— yes, it’s just that good.

Sea of Evil and Desire 🌊✨

This book was incredible—a gripping, atmospheric read that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, trying to untangle all the twists and figure out the true nature of our main characters.

We follow Morganna, our FMC, as she moves to the hauntingly beautiful coastal town of Ruadán’s Port in Scotland after her grandmother’s passing, to care for her grieving grandfather. But the town holds secrets—deep, ancient ones that begin to unravel as Morganna arrives.

Enter Finn, the mysteriously gorgeous man who radiates danger and allure. Morganna is drawn to him in ways she can't explain, despite every instinct telling her to stay away. And then there’s the song—an eerie, irresistible melody Morganna can hear, calling her toward the sea.

As the story unfolds, secrets rise from both land and water, and not everything—or everyone—is what they seem. The book ends on a cliffhanger that answers just enough to keep you hooked while leaving so many more questions to be explored.

I’m so ready to dive deeper into this world and uncover the rest of Morganna and Finn’s story in the next installment. If you love coastal folklore, mysterious romances, and underwater treasures that leave you breathless, this is one to add to your TBR immediately.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for a copy to read and review!

This book was stunningly gorgeous! Beautiful and prose and beautiful chapter art as well. It’s a dark mermaid fantasy romance and it hit the spot for me, as I’ve been craving a good sea romance. Morgana was such a fun and relatable character to follow and I really loved her. And FINN! Sigh. I’m in love. I loved all of the town history and lore surrounding it all.
Read if you like:
Small town
Slow burn romance
Dark romance fantasy
Twists and tension
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Relatable "this could happen to me" FMC
Dark and mysterious MMC
Who did this to you?
Morally grey characters
Fate and prophecy

Review: Sea of Evil and Desire by Julia Strelou
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Sea of Evil and Desire is a lyrical, emotionally charged tale of fated mates, set in a kingdom teetering on the edge of ruin. Without giving away spoilers, the male lead gives off strong Kai Azer energy—he’s a man bound by blood to a mad king, burdened by duty and tainted by violence. Emotions are a weakness he cannot afford… until he’s sent to investigate a curious human girl. A girl who might be the key to a prophecy that could reduce his burning kingdom to sand.
Only, his powers don’t work on her. But she works on him. Irrevocably. Her presence unsettles him, her allure anchors him. And when he realizes who she truly is, he would burn the world he’s sworn to protect just to keep her safe.
This fantasy novel weaves sensuality, ancient secrets, found family, rebirth, and prophecy into a rich, romantic narrative. The emotional stakes are intense, the conflict devastating, and the ache between the two leads—palpable. It’s a story of lovers fated by the gods not to save the sea, but to end it. The catch? Finn and Morgana love each other as deeply as they love the sea.
In a war of love versus duty, which will survive? When destiny calls for destruction, can love still be salvation—or is it simply the gods’ most poetic form of revenge?
Julia Strelou writes like a poet. The prose is beautiful and immersive, full of lyrical sentences that beg to be underlined. My only critique would be that the worldbuilding occasionally felt overwritten, especially in the setting descriptions. But for a fantasy realm as layered as this one, it may have been necessary to ease into the depth.
The book ends on a cliffhanger—sort of.
Will I read the next one?
Absolutely.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy.

Find full review, edits of the book and highlighted quotes on my bookstagram @booktaletalks
The post link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJRvTZdT9HM/?igsh=M29jdDVlZHR5dGN3

“Love destroys us,” "But I realize now it destroys us in the most devastatingly beautiful way, and I would destroy myself a thousand times for you."

Sea Of Evil And Desire is an easy to follow undersea, romantasy. This book is great for anyone looking to find something simple yet magical to add to their summer TBR. If you are someone who prefers your books heavier on the fantasy and world building then this book probably isn’t for you.

I adored everything about this book.

Usually when the weather starts to change to warmer temperatures I find myself swapping out my more complex fantasy reads for easier, shorter stories that don’t require a lot of brain power. However this one, this is a summer vibe. The world building and Celtic lore was easy to follow but still interesting and created such an enchanting atmosphere to be immersed into. The urban elements also helped to make me feel connect to the story as well. I liked how the story was split between the Irish (or was it Scottish? 🤔 not really sure) landscape and the magical, undersea world. K Strelou has a fun and creative imagination. The little details that she put into the undersea world, like the anglerfish used as lanterns around the sunken ship made the story all the more immersive. This would make such a fun beach vacation book. Between the shoreline, the marine life, the small coastal sleepy town it takes place in and the magical undersea world, this story left me with all the ocean feels.

Morgana, the FMC is quirky, a little awkward at times but so likable and her inner monologue was pretty entertaining. Finn, the broody MMC was a pretty fun character as well. I loved their interaction with one another. They were definitely giving Eric and Ariel vibes but the 8 year old, diehard Little Mermaid fanatic in me ate up every moment of it.

For this being Strelou’s debut novel I have a feeling we can expect great things to come from her in future books. I enjoyed her writing style. She gives a perfect ration between dialogue and inner monologue. Something about the way she writes her characters makes them so relatable and not what you would typically see in a fantasy romance. The pacing was consistent and kept me turning the pages. Highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and J. Strelou for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. J. Strelou, thank you also for the beautiful paperback and merch — it was genuinely appreciated!

I'm still gathering my thoughts on <b>Sea of Evil & Desire</b>. Initially, I found it a bit difficult to get into — I was confused about what was happening and why the FMC was dealing with such a somber event instead of her mother. But as the story slowly (but surely) unraveled, things began to make sense.

The pacing was slow, but I actually appreciated that. It didn’t immediately throw us into a "guess the lore" kind of chaos. And when the lore <i>did</i> start to come together, it was done so well — the epilogue left me absolutely gobsmacked. I did <b>not</b> see that coming!

The characters were intriguing and gave me definite ACOTAR vibes — in a good way. I want to know more about them: Pisceon, the Grandfather, and especially the underwater world characters — the mermaids, princes and princesses, kings and queens, the sirens, the kingdoms of Krumus and Oceanos. I’m really hoping for spin-offs that dive into all their stories.

Finn (our merman MMC) and Morgana (possibly a Selkie?) had great chemistry and tension. The spice fizzled a bit, but I have a strong feeling Book Two is going to deliver some seriously pent-up angst — and I am absolutely here for it.

<b>Overall, I enjoyed the story, the lore, and the pacing. I'm giving it 3.5 stars.</b>

Love destroys us in the most devastatingly beautiful way...and I would destroy myself a thousand times for you.

Wow! I love this book! I've never read a mermaid fantasy book before and this was perfect! The underwater world building was so well done that I felt like I was there! I love the Scottish folklore and Greek mythology! So fun! This did end on a cliffhanger :( I'm so excited and can't wait to read the second book!

Thank you to NetGalley and J. Strelou for the opportunity to read this ARC!

This mythic urban fantasy grips you a tide fierce, relentless, and achingly beautiful. With world-building steeped in saltwater, Celtic lore,and secrets that whisper beneath the waves. Ruadán's Port is more than a backdrop, it's a haunting, living force tied to gods, curses, and the kind of grief that lingers like mist.

Morgana, our heroine, forged from trauma and storm. Her journey a reckoning of unraveling grief, tearing down emotional walls, and charging headfirst into fate. And the MMC? That unreadable, sea bound stranger? Pure, magnetic torment.

Tension thrums through every page emotional, magical, romantic. Villains you love to hate. Prophecies that burn. Spicy scenes laced with water magic that boil rather than soothe. And at the core, a love story woven into destiny, one that dares you to feel everything.

As for the ending... let's just say you will be left with some questions that will have you counting the minutes down until you can have them answered in book 2 of The Deep Saga.

Please note my Amazon review has been posted, but is still pending.

An additional promo post will be added to my Instagram in about a month.

4.5 ⭐
This was a great dark romantasy read! With a compelling story and beautiful poetry weaved within it! I was captivated by the alluring and dangerous world and the revelation of an ominous prophecy. Not to mention the broody and mysterious Finn and the steamy tension between him and Morgana. Their story was so addicting I was ferociously reading to see what would happen. The intricate lore of the gods and origins of the curse were hauntingly enchanting. I felt like a sleuth trying to piece together Morgana's mysterious heritage as the story was unfolding.
I absolutely can not wait to see what unfolds next in their addicting story!!
Thanks so much, NetGalley and the author, for the eARC!

Thank you to net galley and Julia Strelou for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book had wonderful world building. I found the setting interesting and unique. I think the storyline had a lot of potential. I enjoyed the underwater world, the lore, and the mythological characters. I liked the Scottish sea side village setting. I also thought the descriptions of the setting were well done.

The pacing was a little off for me. The first few scenes seemed a little rushed but other parts felt slow. Some of the dialogue felt stilted to me and not always natural. I wished the there was some more character development of the main characters.

Sea of Evil and Desire was a wonderous fantasy read seeped in folklore and I absolutely loved it. The author does such a great job intertwining folklore such as selfish, mermaids and more into this story. The world building is phenomenal and the author describes imagery of both the underwater world and everything else in such detail I felt like I was part of the story. Morgana is such a well rounded and lovable main character and I enjoyed Finn and his broodiness as well. I loved that this took place in Scotland and that there was so much folklore that could be pulled from the setting. The idea of the Drowned and Davy Jones locker was awesome! Readers that enjoy books seeping with mystery, folklore and underwater settings will love this book!

This is an absolutely a must read; I was hooked from the very beginning!

If you like:

Dual POV
Slow-burn romance
Prophecy
Sea Folklore
Cliff-Hanger Ending
This book is for you!!

More on the book:
Morgana finds herself in Ruadán’s Port, Scotland after the passing of her grandmother. Strange things begin to happen, drawing her to the sea where she discovers there is something dark and mysterious at play. Morgana meets a mysterious man named Finn, who draws her in, Follow Morgana as she discovers the truth behind the family secrets and why she drawn to this mysterious man.

The lore is amazing, and the cliff hanger is chef’s kiss! I cannot wait to read the next book!

* I received a free e-copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. *

Thank you to NetGalley and J. Strelou for the ARC copy,
When I saw Selkies, and Scotland and the coast I knew I wanted to read this!

This novel will appeal to readers of Dark romantic fantasy, lovers of the sea and those who like a very slow burn romance.
The novel follows Morgana, a midwestern teen who moves to Scotland to be near her Grandfather after her Grandmother has passed. Almost immediately after she arrives she meets the mysterious stranger Finn who seems like he might be a bit of a "bad boy" SO of course the combo of bad boy and good girl is immediately familiar and hard to resist.
As Morgana explores her new home, she becomes more and more aware that she "isn't like the other girls" and her true nature is eventually revealed to her, as she tries to figure out her place in the world and her relationship with Finn, many other pieces fall into place.
I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the underwater world that the author built.
It did end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but there;s another book coming.

Firstly I just want to say a MASSIVE thank you to the NetGalley for giving me an ARC copy of this book. I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read and review this!

✨ About Sea of Evil and Desire ✨

Morgana Scott, a young woman who can sense emotions, is sent to the mysterious coastal town of Ruádán’s Port in Scotland after her grandmother’s death. There, she discovers a world haunted by ancient tales of Mer, Selkies, and ghosts. She becomes entangled with Finn, a dark and enigmatic stranger, while an ancient prophecy tied to a long-standing underwater feud between the Mer and the Drowned threatens to upend everything she knows. As the Samhain festival nears, Morgana must confront secrets, passion, and destiny beneath the waves.

✨ My Review ✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As a big fan of all things mythical creatures I absolutely devoured this book. Mer people, gods, ghosts, drowned? You had me at yes please.

The main storyline was fantastic and kept me glued to the pages. There was so much action and adventure right from the beginning, so much intense world building that really set the tone for the story, and kept me intrigued and needing more the entire way through.

I’m going to be honest, I didn’t enjoy the romance between Morgana and Finn, purely because i didn’t connect with Finn and his characteristics left me confused about the romance and his intentions. Is he trustworthy? Is he not? I was left with more questions than answers by the end which I honestly believe to be the intent of their story and im excited to see where this takes us!

Julia’s writing is absolutely stunning and you can tell she is a poet. The world building and descriptive language used made this a book of poetry in its own right and Julia you should be SO proud of this piece of work.

I am sat sitting waiting in anticipation for the next one (please hurry 😭😭).

A fabulous blend of mythology and contemporary. I'm definitely a big fan of this author and how she writes! Hope to see more soon

Thank you Netgalley and J Strelou for the opportunity to read this book

Mermaids, danger, and slow-burn tension? Yes, please. Morgana’s thrown into a world full of secrets and power plays, and I was hooked. Finn’s still a mystery, but the pull is real. The vibe is dark, magical, and just the right kind of eerie. Solid start with a lot of promise.

I really enjoyed this book. I love fantasy that crosses over with a contemporary setting and also have a love of Scotland so this was a perfect setting. It explores Celtic mythology and ocean creatures from folklore including Mer, Selkies and Sirens. This type of ocean fantasy was a new sub-genre to me but a refreshing change from Fae and dragons.
The main characters are interesting and complex both with history to unpack and the dual POV helps explore their lives. By the end I did question whether their relationship was going to span the books or how it will develop as Finn is hard to read.

The writing is beautiful and all of the different sea creatures we encounter are described well. The prose also beautifully depicts the ocean setting and you really can imagine being underwater with the characters. Sometimes I got a bit lost in the fight scenes and had to reread to understand them better but that could just be me adjusting to the unique magic and ways of fighting too.

The book ended with less of a cliffhanger than other typical fantasy series but instead wove in threads that will build into an epic ocean quest in the second book Sea of Pleasure and Pain with a possible release late 2025.

Thank you to J Petrilou and Netgalley for allowing me to read this epic ocean fantasy which is now available. I look forward to diving in to Morgana and Finns next adventure soon.

What can I say… this book completely and utterly devoured me. The setting was truly magical with all of the under-sea creatures one could ask for. I loved the romance but also that it didn’t overtake the story, it only added to it.

The 1st book hasn’t even been released and I’m already hanging out for the next

The underwater world in this book was so intriguing and beautiful! I felt like the underwater kingdom politics were so unique and I lived for the layers of betrayal throughout the underwater kingdom. I enjoyed the back and forth between the different territories as well as between land and sea in general because I constantly was wanting to see more of the world in the book. I am always a fiend for underwater books and this one did not disappoint!!

Goodness me, this was such a good book. Highly entertaining. Would definitely recommend to others, that's for sure!

ARC Review | Original, Enchanting, Compelling
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A stellar debut that feels like the work of a seasoned, consacrated author.

From the very first page, I was swept into a world with just the right amount of vivid and immersive detail, without falling into the “too descriptive” trap. The writing, the dialogue, the atmosphere — everything felt polished, confident, intentional. Something you rarely find, especially all at once, in the work of a new author. There wasn’t a single moment where it felt like she stumbled or was unsure of her story or words.

A haunting seaside town steeped in myth and legend

Set in an eerie old port, the book drips with marine, poetic vibes — foggy docks, forgotten folklore, and whispered town legends. The world-building is phenomenal: rich, foreboding, and full of Celtic myths and mythical creatures that added a whole new layer of depth to the story. I learned so many new things and had an absolute blast doing it.

Atmospheric, mysterious, and impossible to put down

This story is packed with intrigue from start to finish. Secrets, twists, and quiet mysteries kept me turning the pages, always needing to know more. The melancholic, almost nostalgic tone made the whole experience feel like stepping into a modern fairytale.

Compelling characters & flawless dialogue

The characters felt real and relatable, their dialogue effortlessly natural (a rare thing for a first novel). Their relationships, the subtle tension, and the emotional undercurrents had me completely hooked. And yes — it had me on the edge of my seat more than once.

Tropes & elements that stole my heart

– Marine folklore & Celtic myths
– Small-town secrets & whispered legends
– Slow-burn intrigue & unresolved tension
– Mythical creatures
– Beautifully crafted angst and atmosphere

Final thoughts

This was one of the most unique reading experiences I’ve had in a long time. I’m not usually drawn to books with heavy world-building, but surprisingly, in this one, it didn’t bother me at all. The combination of stellar writing, immersive plot intrigue, and compelling mystery makes this debut hard to top.

Five well-deserved stars from me. If the quality of her first book is any sign — this is an author to definitely keep an eye on.

Sea of Evil and Desire is a hauntingly atmospheric novel that delves into the depths of human emotion and the supernatural. Set against the backdrop of a tempestuous sea and a secluded coastal town, J. Strelou weaves a tale of passion, mystery, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

The story follows Morgana Scott, a young woman drawn to the enigmatic Finn, whose past is shrouded in secrets. As their relationship intensifies, Morgana uncovers a world of ancient curses and forbidden desires that threaten to consume them both.

Strelou's prose is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid imagery that immerses readers in the moody setting. The characters are complex and well-developed, with Morgana's journey of self-discovery serving as the emotional core of the narrative.

While the pacing is deliberate, it allows for a slow build-up of tension and a deeper exploration of themes such as fate, redemption, and the duality of human nature. Some readers may find the ending ambiguous, but it leaves a lasting impression and invites contemplation.

Overall, Sea of Evil and Desire is a compelling read for fans of gothic romance and dark fantasy, offering a rich tapestry of emotion and intrigue.

I received a copy from Netgalley.
I was blown away by this book in a way I did not expect. This isn't my usual genre (mermaid-ish) but I'm so glad I took the chance on it. I've never read a book quite like it.
From the first page, the writing drew me in. The world-building was so captivating.
I loved the mystery and the myths woven through the storyline. The slow-burn romance was done so well too.
I read this book in one day, I just couldn't put it down.
At times, I did find it a little long and drawn out, but then again I wouldn't have wanted it too much shorter.
Morgana was well written and I liked her relationships with the other characters too; especially Edward.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC!

5 stars — loved, loved this! The mythology and lore were seriously amazing. The story pulled me in right away and I couldn’t put it down. Flew through it in no time. Super unique and unlike anything I’ve read lately. Highly recommend if you’re into dark, myth-filled fantasy!

This was my first ever sea type fantasy book and what a book!! It moved at just the right pace and the story had gripped my curiosity from the get go. Very enjoyable read and the concept was very unique.

Sea of Evil & Desire swept me into a hauntingly beautiful underwater world where love, betrayal, and destiny collide. J. Strelou’s writing is immersive and lyrical, and the oceanic setting adds a rich, almost mythic quality to the narrative. The characters are layered and compelling, especially the protagonist, who grapples with forces both within and beyond her control. The story is paced well, with enough intrigue and emotional depth to keep me turning the pages. While a few moments felt slightly predictable, the overall execution and world-building more than made up for it. The romance is intense and complicated—just the way I like it—and the themes of love versus ruin are handled with care. Highly recommend for fans of fantasy with a darker, romantic edge. Looking forward to the next installment in The Deep Saga!

I enjoyed this book quite a lot! Very different from your typical popular fantasy books these days and the underwater fantasy world building was exceptional! The characters, specifically Morgana did read quite young… Just a sense of immaturity coming from a 20 year old but still a strong start for her as a character and hopefully we will continue to see growth in future books! The romance between Morgana and Finn is lacking some emotional depth and connection but there were many redeeming moments between the two characters! Overall a strong start and such an interesting world and premise!

This is the first mermaid book that I've loved! Oh my god, I loved the underwater world and the chemistry between the main characters.
The plot was so intriguing and the suspense of it all had me hooked on this book from the beginning.
Cannot wait for the second book in this series!

3.4 ⭐️

I was big into aquatic fantasy when i was younger (Of Poseidon, Tempest Rising) and Sea of Evil & Desire gave me such intense nostalgia and reminded me of my love of mythological mermaid and selkie romances.

I was really interested in the premise of this book with its small town trope, slow burn romance and the dark shadow of a bigger evil blanketing it all. Finn & Morgana are a lovely pairing and I’m curious to see where their relationship goes.

There are some darker themes in this storyline so be mindful of that when you read!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

Throw me overboard with the fishes, because I absolutely devoured Sea of Evil and Desire.

When I heard there was going to be a smorgasbord of Mer people, gods, ghosts, drowned I was ready to fully immerse myself into the "under the sea" experience that was this book. This story is so unique in the way that it is set primarily in the depths of the ocean, and the worldbuilding and descriptions surrounding that underwater world were nothing short of brilliant.

The beginning of the story really captured my attention and had me utterly fixated, I just had to know how the story was going to progress and what sort of twisted tales were going to unfold.

Finn. Is he trustworthy? Is he actually a good guy? I've never been more conflicted on a character, because I want to trust him, but there's just something that doesn't sit quite right...? I'm intrigued to see how the relationship between Finn and Morgana develops over the next installment of this series, because I feel like there is still so much that we do not know.

Julia's writing is so poetically beautiful, making Sea of Evil and Desire such an easy world to be immersed into. I cannot wait to be able to dive right back into the world of the deep in the next book xx

Sea of Evil and Desire was an absolute roller coaster, and I am beyond grateful to have received an ARC- thank you J. Streulou and NetGalley for this opportunity!
Let’s start with the most important thing: this book deserves so much more love than it’s getting. This is my opinion, others may not like the book as much as I did.
This dark romantasy dives deep into grief, loss, self-discovery in your twenties, while also weaving in a forbidden romance and a vibrant new world in the sea. Morgana Scott, a quiet empath, feels others’ emotions as if they were her own. Raised by her cold, logic-bound mother Anna- who insists her ability is a “condition” needing treatment- Morgana’s life has been one of suppression and survival. But when her grandmother Iona dies under eerie ocean-scented circumstances, Morgana seizes the chance to escape the Midwest city life and move to her late grandmother’s coastal hometown in Scotland.

“The sea has a way of growing on you. It’s in your blood, whether you know it or not.”

There, in the remote fishing village of Ruadan’s Port, Morgana supports her grandfather Robbie and seeks the freedom she’s never had. As she settles in, working at a local tourist shop and befriending locals, she feels deeply drawn to the ocean- and to something ancient calling from its depths. Haunted by dreams of blood, red eyes, and a beautiful man with obsidian eyes, Morgana begins to unravel secrets long buried.

“Come, ye drunken sailors, to the bottom of the sea.
Come, ye sunken traitors, to swim eternally.”

When she meets Finn- the very man from her nightmares, and the only person immune to her empathic gift- their magnetic, forbidden connection ignites something powerful. As sea folklore, mysterious music beneath the waves, and chilling drownings begin to close in, Morgana must uncover the truth behind her family’s past, her grandmother’s death, overcome a dangerous attraction, and a prophecy that could change everything.

“Amor perdot nos. Love will destroy us.”


This book had me in a headlock from start to finish. I was constantly questioning not only Morgana’s choices, but my own assumptions. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, I realized I’d missed key clues- making each twist hit even harder. The tension between Morgana and Finn was unreal; I caught myself holding my breath during their scenes, heart skipping with every piece of dialogue and banter.

“I’ve never been scared of death, but now I’d go happily just knowing that we’ve had this.”

This story is rich with diverse, colorful characters, including LGBTQ+ representation, and an immersive world steeped in folklore: selkies, mermaids, sea monsters, and ancient gods that will leave you both haunted and enchanted. Each chapter builds suspense, layering secrets and emotions until the jaw-dropping ending that left me desperate for book two.
I had to pause between reading sessions just to breathe. The emotional depth, the heavy truths, and the fragile, blooming hope all made this truly a visceral experience. Morgana’s character development, in particular, stood out to me- especially given her age. She’s in her twenties, stumbling through identity, desire, and trauma, and that’s what makes her feel real.
Do we truly grow up, or just convince ourselves we have? She’s relatable to anyone who’s ever had a complicated past, struggled with love, or made impulsive, messy choices- because that’s what growth looks like. The “kicking my feet in the air” feelings, the emotional highs and lows, the naivete- we’ve all been there. Being legally an adult doesn’t mean you’ve figured out how to feel things you were never allowed to before.
And to those leaving harsh reviews or DNFing the book because Morgana “acts like a teenager” or the story “isn’t adult enough”- I’d challenge that perspective. This book is adult. It explores trauma, emotional suppression, and personal transformation. Morgana was raised in a controlling, emotionally sterile environment. Her growth isn’t immediate or clean- it’s raw, flawed, and incredible human. If you expect perfect maturity from page one, you’ll miss the entire point of her journey. That’s what real character development looks like: messy, gradual, and honest. But you have to finish the book to see it.

“I know I don’t deserve you- deserve this. I have tried to fight it, to focus on my duty, but you haunt me all the time, like the most beautiful fucking ghost.”

Fair warning: at times, you may resent both Finn and Morgana. Theres an arranged marriage, secrets, and moments where you’re not sure who or what to trust. But that only deepens the emotional stakes. You’ll be torn between love and duty, fate and freedom, and wondering whether Finn is part of the darkness beneath the waves- or trying to break free from the destiny that’s chained him.
Sea of Evil and Desire is a haunting, romantic, and myth-soaked journey through the unknown. If you’re looking for a predictable romantasy with tidy answers, this isn’t it. But if you’re open to a wild, emotional ride full of longing, lore, flawed humanity, and fate-twisted love- DIVE IN!




Content Warnings:
Explicit sexual scenes
Torture
Violence
Death/killing
Physical assault
Reference to domestic violence (not between MCs)
Sexual assault (not between MCs)
Mild sexualizing violence (not between MCs)
Mentions of rape (not between MCs)
Failed rape attempt
Murder
Descriptions of child abuse
Descriptions of abuse for sexual orientation
Explicit language

Tropes:
Dual POV
Small Scottish town
Slow burn romance
Age gap
Who did this to you?
Fate and prophecy
Mysterious and dark MMC
Relatable FMC
Mythology and Folklore of the sea

Sea of Evil and Desire swept me off my feet and into a world of folklore fantasy and romantic chaos that I never wanted to leave. From the very first page, I was hooked — the plot is gripping, the world-building is lush and immersive, and the tension between characters crackles with every word. This book is flawlessly paced — not too fast, not too slow — just perfectly balanced to keep you turning pages without even realizing you're doing it.
The writing is beautiful, lyrical, and haunting in all the best ways. The main character was everything I hoped for — strong, complex, and emotionally grounded. And the romance? Utterly addictive.
"Love destroys us in the most devastatingly beautiful way… and I would destroy myself a thousand times for you.”
(That line lives in my head.)
I couldn’t stop reading it, and when I did, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I already need the next book.

3.5 ⭐️An underwater mermaid romantasy set in an old little Scottish fishing town filled with myths and legends - how could I resist?!

I think there is so much potential and loves all the mythology with mermaid, selkies, sirens, and the drowned but I think the FMC and MMC need more development as I just wasn’t connecting with them as much as I would like but I have hope for future books that they will grow.

This is the first book (not sure how many there will be) so I did find the first half a little slow as we set the scene and got through the world building. I think the reveals could have been a little faster as I felt myself just wanting to get to the plot.

Overall I liked it and it was an enjoyable read especially for someone who absolutely loves anything to do with the ocean.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Julia Strelou for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m looking forward to the next book and diving back into Finn and Morgana’s world (sorry I couldn’t resist 😂)

WOW!!!!!
I was absolutely entranced, page one, you’ve got me hook, line and sinker (if you’ll pardon the fishing pun)
I grew up with knowledge of this mythology from my mother and watched The Secret of Roan Inish many times.
I mean have you noticed my username?
As soon as I saw this, I messaged the author Julia!
I had to read this!
So much of my life has subtly had the myth in the background.

Later in life, while attending university in Scotland, I actually got to visit most of the places (the real ones 😂) in this book!
For me that brought an almost familiarity with what was going on in the book as it was happening, I could not just picture it, but I could smell it. The tide leaving on the isles. I could feel the shells collected on the beaches, the seaweeds under my feet, the wind whipping your face in the morning before the Sun has had a chance to rise and mostly the quiet.
This book starts off like the ocean itself calm and rhythmic with a storm beneath.
Once the ground work is laid down, the action starts, pummeling what you thought you knew, building into a hurricane.

Be prepared to be surprised where this goes and all the mythology and folklore that is woven into the plot.
It is so masterfully done and I’m excited for the next book!
I’ve already signed up for book two!!!
I can not wait!

Not gonna lie, the beginning had me like 🫠 (looking at you, awkward virgin talk and surprise furry). But once the plot actually kicked in, it was quite interesting. The FMC really grew on me — she’s action-first, values-driven, and doesn’t crumble when things get intense. We love a main girl with a backbone.

And the merman? Honestly refreshing. Not broody just for drama, but a genuinely charming guy with trauma and a few bad decisions under his belt. He’s trying, okay? He’s doing his best.

The vibe is: folklore fantasy meets romantic chaos with just the right amount of weird. It’s a little messy, mysterious, and definitely has me ready for more merfolk fuckery.

So much went into the crafting of this book! And the storytelling was excellent, but it was a DNF for me because I just couldn't get into it. This isn't my normal genre, and I tried--I really did. In order to rate it, I read a few pages from each section and sort of assessed everything. I think people who like the genre will love it.

This is the first time I've ever read a mermaid inspired novel so it took me a little to get my head around the system and lore and different characters. Because of this, I really appreciated that it was a bit slower paced and I kind of felt I was learning along with Morgana (MMC) which gave me time to make sense of it all.

I did enjoy the storyline and I still have so many unanswered questions! The setting was absolute perfection and the descriptions and imagery were spot on.

I did feel that Finn and Morgana's relationship developed a little too quickly and I would have liked to see a little more angst or drama. I can't wait to see how their relationship develops in the next book as I still have trust issues when it comes to Finn! I liked Morgana as a strong, action driven FMC who still has doubts about Finn.
Overall it was a fun read that kept me reading and has me invested in what will happen next!

What an incredible debut novel full of such mystery and intrigue. Set in a rocky coastal town, this story literally will sweep you away! The world and the characters are so utterly enchanting that I felt like I was sucked into the story. This was so beautifully written.

Morgana and Finn have such magnetic chemistry together, I honestly look forward to reading about them more in book 2!

This novel had so much promise with the super unique interesting story line (mermaid tale set in a little Scottish town), but the main characters still needed some work and development.

I was so lucky to receive a very special PR box from Julie that included the arc copy of this book, so before I get into this review, I just want to say a massive thank you to Julie. Hearing about this novel before I even received this PR box, I was very intrigued and excited to read. Who doesn’t want a dark fantasy that features Mermaids?

Right from the beginning, we immediately get swept away into an atmospheric, beautiful setting. Immediately, I was swept in and needed to know what was going to happen, so I flew through this book in no time.

You are thrown immediately into some action, and the plot continues to ramp up the more you read. It is so easy to get sucked in and never want to leave this world. Although the romance didn’t do a lot for me in this book due to not trusting a word out of Finn’s mouth, I am so intrigued to see where Julie takes us in book two. I want to love Finn, but I am giving him a serious side eye, and I believe this is what the author wants from us as we read this book.

I am so excited to read book two.

Sea of Evil and Desire gets a solid 3.5 stars from me! I was completely drawn in by the *incredible lore and world-building*, especially the fascinating underwater society of the Mer and the Drowned – their ancient feud, politics, and unique culture were the absolute highlight. The atmospheric setting on a superstitious Scottish isle was perfectly moody and immersive, too. Morgana's empathy power was an intriguing hook, and Finn was suitably mysterious.

Why not higher? While the world shone, the central romance between Morgana and Finn felt "rushed". Their fated connection lacked the deep development needed to feel truly earned, making it harder to invest. The pacing also dragged a bit in the middle before picking up for the climax. Ultimately, the rich mythology and unique premise make this worth a read for fans of dark, folklore-inspired fantasy, and it feels like a promising series start – I just wanted "more" depth in the romance and a smoother flow.

Was unsure when i first started the book then got sucked into a world of mer, selkie and drowned. The story keeps you wanting to know more, finding out the secrets that have been hidden for years.
I look forward to the next book as we are left of on a cliffhanger.

I love the world in this story! This book focuses on the relationships that matter to the story and I don’t find myself overly attached to any side characters. It’s really fun to read more about the history and the secrets of this new home for Morgana.

I was lucky enough to receive a PR box from the author, and everything was stunning from the packaging to the divine book cover and beautiful chapter headings. This was my first adult mermaid book, and it truly delivered!

The story was whimsical, immersive, and rich with world-building that felt natural and engaging. The underwater setting mixed with a small coastal town vibe gave it the perfect eerie-yet-cosy atmosphere

Tropes I loved: Dual POV, Dark & Mysterious MMC, Slow Burn, Political Intrigue, Unique Lore, Romantasy, and a magical Scotland setting. The mix of mer, selkies, sirens, and Drowned was fascinating, and I’m already eager to learn more in book two!

With layered twists, compelling characters, and a dark, mythical edge, this romantasy is a must-read for fans of sea lore and emotional depth. I’m already counting down to the sequel!

Set against the rugged, myth-soaked beauty of the Scottish coast, this underwater fantasy featuring mermaids had so much potential. I really liked the stunning setting, both on land and beneath the water.
However, the pacing felt a bit uneven at times, and the romance between Finn and Morgana lacked the depth/ emotion I was hoping for. Their relationship needed more development, and I’m hopeful that the second book will explore their characters and development further.

Despite these issues, I still enjoyed the book, particularly the interesting curse that adds an extra layer of mystery to the story. While the first book had its flaws, I’m optimistic that the next book will build on this world and address the aspects that I felt were underdeveloped, and be an even better book.


3.25 stars

Rating: 4 ⭐
Spice Level: 🌶️

Sea of Evil and Desire is a unique spin on mermaid tails. I was absolutely hooked on the storyline and the mythology included. While some of the mythology is rooted in Scottish culture but there are also some interesting spins on common nautical lore.

I was fully immersed in the underwater world and ate it up. The imagery provided was absolutely gorgeous and I enjoyed the differences between different mythical creatures being explored.

Character wise, I really enjoyed Morgana and her resilience but Finn was...okay. Some of the internal dialogue from his POV was cringe. I also really didn't like some of the side characters - Skye just rubbed me the wrong way at times. That being said, I can see the potential for some character growth so I'm in.

Highly recommend checking out this book and I can't wait for book two.

I’m so jealous of people who get to read this book $ experience it for the first time! This was another one sitting wonder I just could NOT put down

I loved this book! I could not put it down the characters were so cute! This was my first mermaid book ever and i will definitely be reading more. I can't wait for the next one to come out! Definitely Would recommend for anyone who likes sirens or mer-people.

Gripping from the first page, this thriller delivers a fast-paced ride packed with suspense, twists, and tension that never lets up

I would definitely recommend for readers who are fans of Mer-people, sirens, selkies, and under water type romances - I liked the premise of the book, and while I had a great time reading it - it didn't blow me away. I wanted to see more world building and definitely wish the FMC/MMC read older than they come across, but I will definitely read the next book in the series.

This book was entirely unexpected for me. I had read the synopsis but still felt I was on a whirlwind of a journey with Morgana as she exited her sheltered life and realized there is more to life beyond the states. If you’ve been around awhile y’all know we love some books about the sea, and this did not disappoint. In the realm of ocean-vibe books, it was still so unique and a new story to me. Can’t wait for book 2

I’m giving *Sea of Evil and Desire* a 3.5-star rating—it’s a lush, moody romantasy with an alluring atmosphere and strong emotional undercurrents, even if it didn’t fully stick the landing for me. The story follows a morally gray heroine navigating a dangerous coastal world filled with dark magic, ancient curses, and forbidden attraction. The setting is gorgeously eerie—salt-soaked, windswept, and filled with a sense of creeping dread—and it adds a lot to the tone of the book. The romance is dark and slow-burning, with plenty of tension and emotional complexity between the main characters. I really appreciated the internal struggles and morally murky choices the protagonist faces, and there were some moments that hit hard emotionally. That said, the pacing felt inconsistent—some parts moved too quickly while others dragged—and a few plot points didn’t feel fully developed, leaving me with lingering questions. Still, the writing was immersive, the themes were compelling, and the emotional payoff near the end was satisfying enough to make the journey worthwhile. If you’re into atmospheric fantasy with complex characters and dark romantic undertones, this one is worth checking out—even if it’s not perfect.

3,5 ⭐

it was my first fantasy book about mermaids, and i enjoyed it a lot!
keyword: mermaids. i used to love everything related to mermaids when i was a kid. even as an adult, i've rewatched H2O: just add water - and i'll definitely do it again. that's honestly the main reason i picked this up. i'm glad i did, because i found it really good!

not gonna lie, at first i had some troubles getting into the story because the pacing was pretty slow throughout the book. it didn't really start to get interesting until about the second half. for some readers, that might feel like a long wait before the story finally picks up, but personally, it didn't bother me that much because certain elements made up for it.
i loved the mythological details and the way they were blended into the story.
i was totally captivated by the world-building, especially the intriguing underwater world of the mer and the drowned. the elements that stood out for me the most were probably the distinctive culture and politics.
also, the setting on a scottish island was really atmospheric.

as for the characters - morgana's ability to feel others' emotions was quite intriguing, and finn was really mysterious and i was curious about him. nevertheless, both of them felt really immature despite being in their twenties. at times it felt kinda YA. still, i'd love to see how their relationship develops in the next book.

the story constantly made me eager to uncover the long-buried secrets. it also ends with a fun cliffhanger that has me excited and impatient for the sequel, which is expected to be released in december 👀

highly recommended for readers who like forbidden love trope, political intrigues and an underwater setting!


*thanks to NetGalley and J. Střelou for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. *

🪸 Sea of Evil and Desire was a beautifully captivating gothic romantic fantasy. As a Pisces girlie, you had me at all things underwater - there are Siren, Selkies & Mer to name a few! 🧜‍♀️ 👀 🏴‍☠️

I loved the way this plot kept you guessing and found right up until the end that I couldn’t pick what was going to happen. This book had incredible world building - absolutely LOVED the focus on the underwater realm and different kingdoms (again - living out my Pisces girlie dreams!!) 🫧 It has made me want to read up on the folklore of small seaside towns and old sailors tales (with a good glass of rum of course) 🥃 ✨⛵️

Themes include;
🧜‍♀️Forbidden love
🧜‍♀️Mer, Sirens, Selkies, Drowned & gods
🧜‍♀️Discovering powers
🧜‍♀️Political intrigue & underwater kingdoms
🧜‍♀️Seaside setting
🧜‍♀️Tragic curse
🧜‍♀️Quest-like themes
🧜‍♀️Aquatic mythology

Thank you so so much to J. Strelou for the beautiful bookmail & all the gorgeous treasures - an ocean lovers absolute dream!!! 🥹🫶🏻🐬 so looking forward to following along Morgana & Finn’s quest in book 2 eeeeee 👀

Lately, I’ve been on a mermaid kick, and this story fit that mood perfectly. Inspired by Norse and Celtic mythology, it blends the mystery of selkies and merfolk with a touch of small-town charm and sweeping underwater adventure.
We follow Morgana, who returns to a quiet coastal town to support her grandfather after her grandmother’s sudden passing. She doesn’t know much about her family’s past—only that her mother refuses to go back. Then she meets Finn, a mysterious, magnetic stranger that can’t stay away and can’t get out of her mind.
What begins as a small town, emotional story slowly unfurls into a richly imagined world beneath the waves. I loved the magic system, the lore, and the variety of sea-dwelling species. The connection between the FMC and MMC is full of yearning and beautifully forbidden.
If you’re drawn to stories with ancient curses, prophecies, forbidden love, and deep mythology, this one’s for you. The underwater world the author crafted is vivid and imaginative—it’s not a quick read, but it’s worth the dive. I’m already looking forward to book two!

I know l'm a little late with the review but l'd like to thank Netgalley and J. Strelou for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3 stars
what I liked:
- I liked the overall plot of the book and the concept of the drowned really intrigued me. It was unlike anything l've ever read before and what ultimately kept me reading the whole time.
- I really liked how the story involved different myths and legends and utilized them to drive the story along.
What wasn't my favorite:
- the two main characters relationship felt a little superficial at times and I wish there was more behind their relationship other than the fact that they "want" each other. However they did have a few moments/lines that I enjoyed especially towards the end
- the characters were all meant to be adults but read as 17 year olds. the mmc was supposed to be 20 years old and the mmmc was supposed to be 28 but most of the time they felt way younger with they way they spoke to each other and the side characters so it threw me off majorly.
Overall I did have fun with this despite having to overlook a few things and that was all due to the fun plot.

An adventurous Romantasy from land to sea where our FMC, Morgan’s, learns that her own being is more than it seems when she is called to the ocean. Eventually we meet Finn, the MMC and a slow burn romance ensues. The author does a great job at world building, allowing the reader to truly picture the landscapes and scenes throughout the book.
I did rate the book a 3.75 star rating (rounded to 4) because there were bits of the story that lagged and I lost attention to what was going on. Yes the story is well written but bits were a tad slow for me. Also the romance aspect of the story did feel like it needed a bit more to “flesh it out” for lack of a better phrase.
I did overall enjoy the story and would read the next one.

This was something different and adventurous. It's a dark Romantasy in a world of lore, myth and sea creatures.
Morgana thinks she's human until her dreams turn dark, she sees impossible things and the ocean lures her away.
Finn, the mysterious new stranger is also full of secrets, but is drawn to Morgana.
It's an intriguing story with magical worldbuilding and lots of mystery that ends on a cliffhanger.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Tropes: Slow burn, fated mates, small coastal town, dual POV, dark MMC, emotional FMC, prophecy, mythology-inspired fantasy

I picked this up partly because I found out the author lives in New Zealand now (like me!) and the whole idea of a dark romantasy set in a coastal Scottish town instantly caught my attention. Sea of Evil and Desire is moody, rich in folklore, and has that eerie, magical vibe that makes you feel like something ancient is watching from the water.

This was actually my first mermaid-inspired fantasy, and I liked that it didn’t throw you straight into a complicated magic system. It gave me time to ease into the world, and it felt like I was figuring things out alongside Morgana. She’s a bit lost, grieving, and trying to make sense of everything, which made it easier to connect with her.

The underwater mythology was one of my favourite parts. It felt layered and real, and I loved the mix of Mer, Drowned, selkies, sea gods, curses, and legends. Sometimes the setting almost felt more powerful than the characters, but I didn’t mind. The ocean wasn’t just there in the background, it felt alive.

Morgana and Finn’s relationship had me interested, but I wanted just a little more tension or build-up before things progressed. It wasn’t quite insta-love, but it did get emotional quite fast. Finn gives off serious "duty before feelings" energy and I still don’t fully trust him, but I think that’s the point. He’s mysterious, a bit broken, and clearly hiding a lot. I’m curious to see how that plays out.

Morgana does read a little young at times for someone in her twenties, but it kind of made sense with her strict upbringing. She’s learning how to feel and trust and figure herself out, so I didn’t mind the naivety. There’s definitely room for her to grow and I’m keen to see that in future books.

There is some heat between the two, but nothing super spicy in this one. The writing is quite poetic and dreamy, which suits the vibe, though I can see it not being everyone’s cup of tea. For me, it worked.

The book ends with a soft cliffhanger and a whole lot of questions still hanging, so I’ll definitely be picking up the next one. If you’re into moody sea mythology, slow burn romance, and small town secrets, it’s worth checking out

Thank you to NetGalley and to the author for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book is absolutely incredible and I can only hope that this is just the beginning of a full series!

The world-building is incredibly well written and it's so vibrant and full of magic. I absolutely loved the entire setting - the gray, the blustery weather and the beautiful different realms in the underwater world? It was absolutely incredible. I loved the lore and how detailed it was, and I also loved the cast of characters.

The romance was the only thing I found lacking - it started off good but I really would have liked it to be a bit more fleshed out, with more chemistry. The ages also really bothered me - I just wish she had been a little bit older!

The following review was posted to Goodreads on June 25, 2025:

“4.5 ⭐️

I devoured this book and absolutely cannot wait for the next one! The vibes felt very reminiscent of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest - dark & moody, mysterious and based primarily in the ocean. There are mythical creatures, secrets to be uncovered, surprising friendships forged, a curse to be broken, forbidden romance and a slow burn tension between Finn & Morgana that is absolute perfection. The world building was so intriguing to me as well, with some mythical creatures I’m familiar with but also some additions that were new to me. The magic system is also interesting, with different creatures and realms of the sea gifted with different magical abilities.

I would say that this particular book is leans romance & plot forward but was light-er on spice, in my opinion, with only one graphic intimate scene making it a 1.5 🌶️ on my spicy scale. This story also ends on such a crazy cliffhanger that leaves me so ready for book #2, which is projected to be published in December! Thank you so much to NetGalley and J. Střelou for the opportunity to read this ARC of A Sea of Evil and Desire.”

This review can also be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7515693791

I absolutely devoured this book and truly have very little negative feedback. I did find a couple typing errors/misspellings in the copy I was sent and I do feel that the main character (Morgana) felt a little immature for her age at times, but overall it was a great read that fully immersed me in a world I can’t wait to return to in book #2!

Had an arc digital copy to review. I was really excited about this book because I’m a little obsessed with mermaids so this intrigued me!
Morgana goes back to town where her nan has mysteriously died and discovers a world that exists under the ocean she never knew she was a part of.

The world building under the ocean is beautiful compared to the almost too bright one above it. The main male lead is the merman which is different to other books I’ve read and it feels like we will find out more about him and his history in further books. In fact there’s a lot more to learn about most of main players in the story.

There are a few things I think irked me a little. It felt at the start like a YA book but grew as the story progressed. Morgana was in her 20s but seemed much younger, I would have liked it if she felt a little bit more mature somehow. Also the friend she made at the shop, well she was never heard of after about half way through the book.

Anyway - borrow buy or bin. if you love mermaid novels then this is BUY

I’m really excited to continue on this adventure with the mer and selkies!

This dark and addictive Mer fantasy romance totally pulled me under! The setting, moody, windswept Ruadán’s Port, is rich with folklore and eerie atmosphere, making it the perfect backdrop for a story full of ancient feuds, cursed legacies, and a touch of spice.

Morgana is a relatable heroine with a unique gift, and I really enjoyed watching her journey unfold as secrets started to surface.

The romance is a slow burn (with the right amount of tension 👀), and Finn? Let’s just say the mysterious MMC trope is done very well here.

If you're into morally grey characters, fate-driven plots, and dark coastal vibes, this one’s for you.

A strong start to what feels like a haunting, emotional series. I’ll definitely be diving into the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher
for the ARC

This was an atmospheric and beautifully written book with serious coastal gothic vibes. The setting felt alive on the page. It had that cold, moody pull of an old seaside town full of legends and secrets. I loved the mythological details and how they were layered into the story.

Morgana and Finn’s romance was slow and tension-filled, with a connection that grew gradually. I appreciated that their bond wasn’t instant. It had weight behind it, especially as the stakes started to rise.

The beginning was a little slow for me. Some chapters felt dense and took effort to get through. I found myself drifting a bit early on, but the second half picked up and delivered some really satisfying moments.

If you like folklore, sea curses, emotional magic, and a slow-burn romance with depth, this is a solid pick. It wasn’t a perfect read for me, but it had moments that really stuck and a tone I won’t forget.

I loved the idea of this story, a magical underwater world was something I was really interested in reading. The whimsical, magical storytelling was nice and I have friends who have really enjoyed that element. That was probably my favourite aspect of the book. The execution for me fell a bit flat unfortunately.

The pacing felt quite slow for the majority of the book, I found it quite difficult to stay focused on this story. It didn't really start picking up until around 60-70% which is quite a lot to get through to get to the good stuff.

Our FMC felt much younger than she was, and her standards for romance were very low. The romance felt a bit insta-lovey, it felt like there wasn't enough development or depth to their relationship. It was very quick and intense without feeling earned. I think this book would have been better as YA. The writing style, the story, and the maturity of the characters would have suited it much better.

"What would Tom Cruise do?" took me out of the story really badly.

All in all I think if you don't mind the writing style and your reads being a little slow, you might love this! It just wasn't for me.

Thank you NetGalley and author J. Střelou for this e-ARC of Sea of Evil and Desire.

This was something different and adventurous. It's a dark Romantasy in a world of lore, myth and sea creatures.

This intriguing novel combines elements of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and Celtic folklore to create a rich and atmospheric reading experience. The story centers on Morgana Scott, a young woman burdened with the ability to sense other people's emotions – a "condition" that isolates her and fuels her overprotective mother's anxieties. The death of her grandmother provides an escape, leading her to the windswept and mysterious town of Ruadán's Port on the Isle of Islay. Strelou vividly paints a picture of this seaside locale, steeped in superstition and haunted by tales of mythical creatures.
Morgana's arrival coincides with the approach of Samhain, a time when the veil between worlds thins, and age-old secrets threaten to surface. This perfectly crafted timing enhances the sense of unease and anticipation. We are immediately invested in Morgana's journey of self-discovery as she grapples with her abilities and the secrets her family has kept hidden.
The introduction of Finn further deepens the intrigue. He is a compelling and enigmatic figure, a stark contrast to Morgana's sheltered life. His unreadable nature becomes a powerful draw, fueling the central romance while simultaneously hinting at a deeper, potentially dangerous connection to the town's history. The forbidden nature of their potential relationship, intertwined with the ancient conflict between the Mer and the Drowned, adds a layer of suspense and complexity to the narrative.
Sea of Evil and Desire is a captivating read for fans of paranormal romance and urban fantasy with a strong dose of Celtic mythology. J. Strelou skillfully crafts a world full of mystery, danger, and forbidden desire. It's a book I highly recommend.

"Sea of Evil and Desire" by J. Strelou is a captivating dive into a world brimming with dark mer fantasy and irresistible romance. While it started off a little slow for me, once the story picked up, it became absolutely unputdownable! This debut is a strong 4 out of 5 stars, and I'm already eager for more.

What truly set this book apart and kept me utterly hooked was the rich blend of folklore and mystery. The way J. Strelou weaves in Scottish and Celtic mythology around Mer, Selkies, and ancient feuds is simply masterful. It creates an incredibly atmospheric and unique setting in Ruadán's Port that felt both eerie and enchanting. The underlying mystery, revolving around an ancient prophecy and a hidden world beneath the waves, kept me constantly guessing and eager to uncover the truth.

The romance between Morgana and Finn is another major highlight. It's a slow-burn with palpable chemistry, building from intriguing tension to a truly compelling connection. Finn, the dark and enigmatic Mer, is utterly captivating, and Morgana's journey of self-discovery as she's drawn into his world is incredibly engaging. Their dynamic is the heart of the story, making every interaction count.

While the initial chapters felt a touch slow as the world was being established, this minor point quickly faded into the background as the plot gained momentum. The lyrical prose and immersive descriptions are beautiful, pulling you deep into this dangerous and alluring underwater realm.

Overall, if you're looking for a dark fantasy romance that blends unique folklore, a gripping mystery, and a tantalizing slow-burn romance into an addictive read, then "Sea of Evil and Desire" is definitely one to pick up. J. Strelou has crafted an impressive debut that promises an epic saga!