"Only a fool would think you weak, Aris. And I am no fool."
Wrennley Newbury is the adopted daughter of Duke Lionel Newbury of Sulesia. She’s always been given everything she wants, but on her twenty-fourth birthday, the duke tells her he’s arranged a marriage for her. On the day of the wedding, she runs from the church and ends up aboard The Altean, the ship captained by the immortal Eleanor Crowley. Wren is given the opportunity to join the crew and she readily accepts. Her new friends are everything she never knew she needed.
Then she meets Aris, a banished prince with the magics to visit her dreams. He tempts her with something her new friends could never give her--power. He weaves a story of them retaking his throne and her becoming queen.
Now Wren has a choice to make. Aris, who reminds her of her late best friend Jakob, or her new friends, who have become the family she’s always wanted.
Can she fight her way out of these dark waters, or will she find herself drowning?
photos in carousel by staticbluue
map by cartographybird
"Kelsey built a vivid piratey world that I fell right into. Her characters find their adventures on the sea with selkies, sirens, and dream walkers. This story is about a journey of losing oneself. The found family themes were very strong and I loved the sapphic and ACE rep. There’s a cute kitty companion and all the food descriptions made me hungry. I enjoyed the selkie and siren side quest the best. I can’t wait to read book 2!"
Faith, Goodreads
Death
Grief
Alcohol
Gaslighting (emotional manipulation)
Death of parent (flashback)
Murder
Toxic relationship
Animal death (processing after butchering)
Cursing
Child death
Trafficking
Violence
Vomit
Tropes
Soulmates/soulties
Found family
Queer cast of characters
Ship cat
"Have you eaten?"
Two beds at the inn (but they share one)
There's a heist!
Elemental magics
Dream walking