A review by in_love_with_bookish
Beneath Cruel Fathoms by Anela Deen

4.0

Trigger warning : Talk of infertility , Drowning, Torture and violence

Funny enough this book was never on my radar if it wasn’t for a co-worker and now it’s one of the best fantasy books I read this year. Lately, I’ve been struggling with YA fantasy with each book more and more so I feel like I’m getting more enjoyment from the adult ones and this one were no different.

The story revolves around Isaura Johansdottir whose ship gets destroyed by a vicious sudden storm and loses all hope of rescue when she gets saved by Leonel, one of the merfolk. And that will change both their lives together.

A woman running back home after the disastrous end of her marriage and a creature long thought extinct will embark on dangerous journey to unravel the secrets behind the unnatural storms that reeks of old black magic. But when the path to the truth gets more and more dark, They both have to decide where they stand and how willing they are to sacrifice everything for the safety of both land and see

“We aren’t defined only by our failures and sorrows. I’m starting to believe we’re an assortment. A few big events, but countless smaller details. Little joys that carry us through the days, even when those days are hard.”

It was so refreshing and just a pure fantastical delight. The story didn’t feel familiar or used. To be honest, I was never that much into fantasy books that heavily involves sea creatures but this book may change that for good. I was fascinated by the world building and the fantastical elements with all the history and myths and how it drove the story and the plot.

I also loved how the plot kept surprising me with every turn and step. I couldn’t predict any of the things it happened and I was surprised by some of the turns and how the characters evolved and grew. The plot itself is executed really well with a very well maintained pace. There are thrills, action, romance, angst, tender moments and twists and it was all done in a way the served the story and the characters with perfection.

I really loved the two main characters; they were complex and layered characters. They have depths and struggles of their own and they change and grow as they learn to understand themselves and each other. The chemistry between them is so good and the romance added so much meaning to their stories. I loved the way they challenge each other yet support each other too. The banter is fun and their intimate moments are beautiful

The ending was just crazy; I loved every moment of it. I think it wrapped up the plot of the first one nicely while opening the doors to the second book and what may happen next. I can’t wait

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So I’m participating in N.E.W.T.s, a monthly-long magical readathon who is Harry-potter Themed. Basically, You have to pick a Wizarding Career to follow and then You have to get all the grades that will allow you to have that career.

So for me, I’ve chosen to become an Auror which means that I have to get :

O in defense against the dark Arts [Done]

A : A book that’s black under the dust jacket :Nocturna by [a:Maya Motayne|16994094|Maya Motayne|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1531946445p2/16994094.jpg] : 4 Stars
E : First book that you just now remembered from your TBR : Lock Every Door by [a:Riley Sager|15263414|Riley Sager|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1555890121p2/15263414.jpg] : 3 Stars
O : Read a book written by an English author or set in England : Tin Man by [a:Sarah Winman|4197193|Sarah Winman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1357479615p2/4197193.jpg] : 4 Stars

E in charms [Done]

A : Read a book that you think has a gorgeous cover : Wilder Girls by [a:Rory Power|17203508|Rory Power|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1544153828p2/17203508.jpg] : 2 Stars
E : Read a comic/ graphic novel /manga ( or a book under 150 pages ) : And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by [a:Fredrik Backman|6485178|Fredrik Backman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1493098924p2/6485178.jpg] : 4 Stars

E in potions

A : Read your friend's favorite book : We Are Okay by [a:Nina LaCour|2889003|Nina LaCour|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1282077633p2/2889003.jpg] : 4 stars
E : read a book with a cover in your Hogwarts house color : [b:Beneath Cruel Fathoms|41829826|Beneath Cruel Fathoms (The Bitter Sea Trilogy, #1)|Anela Deen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1541174758l/41829826._SX50_.jpg|65289650] by [a:Anela Deen|15162848|Anela Deen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1470863288p2/15162848.jpg]

A in herbology

A : Listen to an audiobook : [b:A Love Letter to Whiskey|31549837|A Love Letter to Whiskey|Kandi Steiner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1474899327l/31549837._SY75_.jpg|52229102] by [a:Kandi Steiner|7319216|Kandi Steiner|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1490188150p2/7319216.jpg]

A in Transfiguration

A : Read a book with LGBTQ+ representation : [b:Top Secret|45280797|Top Secret|Sarina Bowen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556600518l/45280797._SY75_.jpg|69992888] by [a:Sarina Bowen|7737308|Sarina Bowen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1402702789p2/7737308.jpg]