A review by solaris_zip
Prince of Endless Tides by Ben Alderson

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

*thanks to the author for an ARC of this book*

By the words of the lovely author, Ben Anderson, “Prince of endless tides is a story about a human prince, Ernest, who possesses a magical power, granting wishes. His powers however, are stolen by an evil mermaid (also called a Mer- a monster birth by the union of two warring gods) who bites him and infect him with the mermaid deadly curse. To get back his powers back, he will have to work along side a sea witch, Killian, whom is cursed by an ancient god and he wants nothing but to be free. They are fated to help or kill each other. “

I don’t even know where to start. This book made me an emotional rollercoaster, and that’s hard to do. I cried, I laughed, I loved, I felt hatred. The story of Ernest and Killian reminds me of the concept of the red thread of fate found in east Asia culture. According to the myth, everyone's pinky finger is tied to an invisible red string that will lead them to another person with whom they will make history. 

The event of the book take place within a week from each other. And yet the book doesn’t feel rush at all. Ernest and Killian have such a strong bond, such a strong connection, that I truly forgot they got to know days prior. It kinda blows you away how much love these two hold for the other, and I wish to find the same within this lifetime. 

Onto the characters. I love them. That’s it. Seriously. I never enjoyed reading about two characters so much. From the witty comments and remarks by Ernest side, to discovering Killian soft edges. Killian, gods I love him. Ernest too. They need to be protected. I loved how their romance isn’t fast paced. It’s a slow burn, where they learn how to deal with their own issues, emotions and past situations. The character development is on point. 

This is my first book I read from the author and from the Darkmourn world. I found the book fast paced, for being 555 pages long, which is a good thing. Well written, the writing flows like water and it keeps you hooked from start to end.  The world-building was also fun to get lost into it. From the Mer people, to the gods and all… it was such a new experience and I enjoyed a lot! 

The smut scenes were great. I hate reading smut, it always feels oddly too much, like it’s there to fill a hole. Not in this book though. The two characters had so much tension between each other I felt it onto my own skin. The scenes were more than good, teasing, funny, sexy and lighthearted to read. 

Prince of endless tides is a tale of love, of heartbreak, of betrayal, of loss, but also of finding. Finding the joy of love again, joy of life, joy of living. Filled with humour, angst and gut-wrenching emotion (with a touch of spice) the book will leave you staring staring at the ceiling in hopes for a sequel or something to fill the void Ernest and Killian will leave within you. Favourite book of the year.