Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea by Kerrelyn Sparks Series: The Embraced #5
Published by Kensington Books on August 25, 2020
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Pages: 416
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Raised on the magic-seeped Isle of Moon, Maeve is used to unusual powers--and the way they fuel the politics of her world. But when she discovers an ability to shape-shift at will, she knows who she wants to share it with first. Brody, the enigmatic, infuriating shifter-spy has always made time for Maeve. But it's been almost two months since she's seen him. And though no one else believes Brody is in danger, Maeve is more than ready to rescue him herself.
The rumors Brody's investigating are terrifying: a secret army of magic-users, in the service of the cruel Circle of Five. But when he uncovers the identity of one of the Five, the mission becomes personal. Cursed as a boy by the Sea Witch, Brody can spend only two hours a day in his human form, a restriction that limits his future and muzzles his heart. Plus Maeve teases him for being such a pretty doggy instead of appreciating his manly charms. To win his freedom, he must take on a terrible disguise. And when Maeve finds out, she'll unleash a tempest like no other . . .
I love the people, the sisters of the Embraced series. The series had a delay and a new series name, Embraced by Magic with a change in publisher. The sisters are always part of the story and it’s great to get updates on them. Mostly the male and the kingdom are new, each book focuses on one new couple, so it wasn’t hard to read.
But now it seems all the kingdoms have our Embraced couples leading them. Well, there are the islands but they aren’t really a kingdom and one has the convent, and the other the Seer alone. Brody, with his shifting abilities is determined to find the rest of Circle of Five and the Chameleon to end that threat. He also wants to find the Sea Witch who cursed him. Maeve has the same thoughts and is worried now because Brody is missing. She has done some research and thinks she can find the Isle of Secrets with its rumored Embraced army. She has the seals to help her.
Siren and the Deep Blue Sea is the fantastic conclusion to this series. I started reading, just a couple hours before bedtime, and the next thing I knew it was 3 am and I had finished the book!
Maeve and Brody both want to get to the bottom of the Circle of Five and both want to protect the other. With their skills, they find the Embraced army and Sea Witch and the Chameleon and in the process learn much more about their history. In the end, they must work together to foil the evil remnants of the Circle of Five.
I loved this so much! Maeve turns out not to be Embraced, but she has some intriguing heritage. Brody is Embraced and also has secrets he has been keeping from our friends. Being cursed, he doesn’t feel worthy of a kingdom or to have a wife. I enjoyed all the history and revelations. I highly recommend this series!
About Kerrelyn Sparks
Kerrelyn Sparks’ first paranormal romance, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, zoomed out of the bat cave so fast it became Borders bestselling debut romance of 2005. Each book in the Love at Stake series has become a USAToday bestseller. When the fourth book, The Undead Next Door, landed on the New York Times bestseller list, even the Undead sat up and took notice, which made Kerrelyn a bit nervous. She lives in the Greater Houston area with her husband, children, and a house full of garlic. So far, there are no vampires in her family. Werewolves are another matter entirely.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- COYER-20
There’s nothing quite like staying up until the wee hours to finish a book! Glad this turned out to be a satisfying end to the series. Excellent review, Anne?
Thank you! It was a fun read and satisfying end to the series.
I wish I could stay up reading til 3 a.m.! I wanted to finish the book I was reading last night but konked out at 10:30?
I didn’t intend to stay up. I’m normally just starting to get ready for bed at 10:30, trying to make it by midnight. Things have gone to wild schedules here during COVID. My daughter often goes to bed between 5-8 am. The poor dog is exhausted because one of us is up all the time pretty much. She ran into her crate last night after dinner hoping it was bedtime.
Oh that’s great for this one! I think I haven’t read a book by this author yet
I really enjoyed all the books in this series, a solid 4-5 hearts. I highly recommend them.
Oho, this was the book you mentioned on Sunday Post that kept you up. 🙂 Love it when a book is that good. I haven’t started the older series yet, but someday.
Yes I was reading and the next thing I knew I’d finished the book and it was late and I was excited not sleepy. Well it’s not a totally bad thing. I really enjoyed all of this series.
i love that it kept you reading until the wee hours of the morning. i think it would be the same for me
It was a great ending to the series and all the books in the series I really enjoyed.
I love when a book/series keeps me up past my bedtime. Glad you enjoyed it!
As we know, there is nothing like a great book.
This was a magical story and a wonderful end to the series. I loved seeing all the sisters again and Maeve’s heritage is interesting. Great review. This is a fun and interesting series. Great Fantasy!
Thank you! It was a pleasure to read.
YEA! So glad this one ended the series on such a good note for you. Maybe someday I’ll give this one a try, it does sound good.
It’s a fun series and is not too dark. It is also about strong, smart women and I always enjoy that.
It’s been years since I’ve read anything my Kerrelyn Sparks but I like the sound of this! Think I’ll check out the series. 🙂
It’s really lovely, not too dark. Just 5 books, and each has a new romantic couple. The women are amazing and I like to see strong women.
I haven’t read any of this series, but if I can find time I might try it. It sounds like a fun series. So glad you enjoyed it, Anne.
I really enjoyed this one. It’s more romantic than dark and gritty, although bad things do happen. But most of it is building and positive.