#Song of the Abyss

[yourdeepestfathoms]

Death is the natural end to the cycle of life. It will happen to all things, big and small.

Sometimes, though, that end comes too abruptly. Too unfairly. And it isn't right.

But there is also a balance. A scale that must always be equal.

Nothing is free. Not even a life.

--

“You, who weaves the past, and you,” they point a sharp, trembling talon at the Bellringer, “who rings the bell of the future. Together, you can fix this. Undo this.”

“Oh, my dear,” the Bellringer murmurs. “I wish we could, truly, but the dead are meant to stay—”

“They are not meant to stay!” the Croon cuts them off, their voice like the rumble of the earth about to crack open. “Perrine belongs to me. They were a part of me—connected. I felt them die. Do you know what that’s like? To feel that cord snap?”

“No,” says the Storyteller. “And we’re so terribly sorry that you had to feel that and that this had to happen, but…there is a cost. If we undo death, chaos will spread far beyond your control.”

* * *

OR: Chimera AU

--

Day 7: "It's us or them." - Magic With A Cost

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

Like a songbird in a cage, Anya has spent her entire life as the General's perfect daughter. He snaps his fingers, she jumps. He tells her to smile, she beams like she is made of the sun itself. But underneath all those games and glitter, she's working to destroy her father and save the city she loves.

When an undine sneaks his way into her city, intent on kidnapping her, she lets him take her.

Daios is plagued by the decisions of his past. Souls haunt him, memories follow his every move, and all he knows is that perhaps stealing this woman will absolve him of his sins. If he can bring her back to his people, then they can destroy the city where his hatred was born. He’s certain this will be easy. But then he sees the General’s daughter, and he knows nothing will ever be the same again.

Broken and damaged, he's certain no woman will ever love him. He shouldn't even try to encourage the mating instincts that ride him hard the moment he sees her.

But when he realizes that she's the same as he is, different from her people and on the outskirts of what others deem "normal", he knows he's a goner. Even if it means he has to risk everything to keep her.

Review:

A girl who has spent her life trapped in a cage under the reputation as the General's perfect daughter yearns to break free... but she never imagined she'd find freedom and love with the very undine who takes her. Anya has spent her life as the General's perfect daughter, her every move monitored and being forced to do everything he asks. She yearns to be free, and she has a secret, she's been working to take down her father and save the city she loves. When an undine sneaks his way into her city, intent on kidnapping her, she willing goes and asks him to take her. Daois is plagued by his mistakes and his past, of the decisions he made that lead to the death of his people and the bodies that haunt him. He is plagued by guilt, thinking he is a monster, unlovable, and wants nothing more than to atone for his sins. Yet when he meets Anya his entire world shifts. He has always hated humans, yet he wants nothing more than to shelter her and protect her. He was just suppose to kidnap the general's daughter in order to strike against the general... yet he has found himself completely bewitched by the strong and kind woman that has fallen into his life. Can they make a relationship work despite their differences? Oh how I loved this book! The romance was so sweet and well done and I adored how caring and supportive Anya and Daois were to each other. Despite their differences, they perfectly fit together. I have to say I adored this even more than the first book and I had so much fun with the first one. I can't wait to see how the third one goes and would absolutely recommend this series for anyone who enjoys the Shape of Water and Merman/Mermaid/Sea monster romances!!

*Thank You Emma Hamm for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[leng-m]

One of my new auto-buy authors this past few years is Makiia Lucier. Her pacific-islands-inspired YA Fantasies have a heartwarming focus on family and setting that many books in the genre don't normally highlight. Her stories have a cozy atmosphere despite the sometimes grim turns the plots take. I don't see many people talking about her books, so I figure I do a bit of the talking.

[fiskmode]

I redrew one of my favorite book covers in my style!

[amapola-dreams]

Tallulah, if she was awake enough, would hear the slightly familiar sound of footsteps getting closer and the faint glowing light from the door unlocking.

She would most definitely FEEL herself being shaken awake, the foot of cucurucho pushing her back and fourth. It’s not particularly rough, but it also doesn’t feel that nice.. at least she doesn’t collect dirt on herself. - @bear-bimbo

Waking up with a start is never fun. Waking up from a week's worth of sleep is never fun. Tallulah does both things at once, and her body's immediate reaction is to cry. At least, until she pulls herself together, rubbing her eyes for a moment before they adjust to the dark again and she can barely make out Cucurucho's shape in the nothingness.

The second thing she does is scream.

[summaryi]

Song of the Abyss - Emma Hamm

I won't be reading the next two.

But THIS one right here is a 5/5. I love Daios.

Also, I LOVE Anya. She makes so much SENSE as a Character.

Anya x Daios gives me strong Levy x Gajeel energy (compliment)

Spoilers below

i love that we SEE the other characters' reactions to seeing Daios in love. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!! I LOVE that we see people being sus about him, and being SHOCKED and FLABBERGASTED, GOOPED and GAGGED that he's SO SOFT FOR ANYA i love it i adore it

it's just like

of COURSE people who were THERE in Book 1 would be constantly side-eyeing him.

[kenna-is-reading-stuff]

Can someone explain to me why I have a perfectly good, slow-paced danmei duology about what the world would be like if China didn’t reunify after the collapse of the Tang dynasty that I could be reading, but instead I wish to read merman monster smut

[thecatwars]

Books that I read in May 2024

Ahh, I'm a little late with my May recap. I've been posting book content on TikTok and have been busy trying to finish writing my Master's thesis. As always, my brief reviews contain no spoilers, except in my review of Spark of the Everflame I do mention a spoiler in the form of a trope.

2024 Reading Masterpost

Let's be friends on GoodReads

The Frost Queen's Blade: This book exceed my expectations. I tend to keep enemies to lovers expectations low and this one was fairly well done. Considering that this book was a romantasy book, the world building was fairly well-done. The one thing that I noticed and many others have said about the book is that the twists and turns are fairly predictable, but I felt like its predictability did not distract me from enjoying the story. This is part of a duology, but the second book has not yet been released. I plan on reading the sequel. Overall, I would recommend this book if you are looking for romantasy enemies to lovers. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and I'm not sure if I plan on owning it. I gave this book a 4/5.

Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole: This book also exceed my expectations, granted I wasn't quite sure what to expect of this book because I came into reading it totally blind. This book is set in a world where there are two types of species, the Descended and mortals. The Descended are a species of people born from the coupling of immortal beings that are no longer in this world and humans. From this kind of union, the Descended have powers and are stronger than mortals. As such, the Descended rule the realm and do not mingle with mortals as to not dilute their powers. The FMC is a mortal living in this realm and her story is that of coming to terms with who she is and trying to figure out where she belongs in this world. The thing that I really liked a lot about this book is that it's a real slow burn and the story is pretty good. The FMC can be a bit grating, but that didn't ruin my reading experience. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and I plan on owning it. I gave this book a 5/5.

Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole: This book picks up right where book one left off. As I mentioned previously, I found the FMC to be a little grating, and in the beginning of this book this is explained and from there I was able to enjoy this series more. The slow burn in this book continues and I love it. I also enjoy how the FMC grows and develops as her circumstances changes and she is forced to face the fact that things are not as black and white as she would like them to be. Like the first book, this one ends on a cliffhanger and I was eager to dive into the third book. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and I plan on owning it. I gave this book a 5/5.

Heat of the Everflame by Penn Cole: Out of the three books that are currently published in this series (there will be 4 total), this one was my least favorite. This book had a lot go on in it and it's not that I didn't like what happened in this book, it's just here is a lot that goes on in the story and there isn’t much room for pause. The FMC is constantly moving around from place to place and as the story continues, more problems arise. The FMC has now accepted that the world is not as divided as she once thought it was, but now she is having to face the price that must be paid to win the war. Don't get me wrong, I still like this book, it was just a lot. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and I plan on owning it. I gave this book a 4/5.

Song of the Abyss by Emma Hamm: The much anticipated sequel to Whispers of the Deep set in a world of merpeople and humans did not disappoint. The thing that I appreciate a lot about this book is that despite the fact that this book is a romantic fantasy, the author is able to create a story about two people (in this case a merman and a human woman) that are working to overcome challenges. In the case of the FMC, she is working to stand up against her father, literally and figuratively, and the MMC is coping with a loss that has left him disabled. Together, the FMC and MMC overcome their obstacles, and especially the MMC learns to see himself in a new light. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and I plan on owning it. I gave this book a 5/5.

Life and Death by Stephanie Meyer: One thing that I wished I did before reading this book, was to read Twilight so that I could compare this story-line with it. I had low expectations coming into this book, especially since I didn’t like Midnight Sun, and interestingly enough, this book was not as bad as I thought it would be. The author did pretty good with gender-swapping the characters. I do wish that the overall story played out differently, but I understand that wasn’t the intent of this book. I read this book on Libby and do not plan on owning it. I gave this book a 2/5.

Circe by Madeline Miller: I read this book on a whim, while waiting for code to finish running and I can say that this is a book that I will not soon forget. From the first few chapters, it was clear to see that Circe would be unlike any book that I have read this year. I knew that I would be finishing this book with the utmost rapt. When I read this book, I truly feel as though I am reading a story. Circe has so much to it, the yearning to be seen, to belong, to love, and the heartache that comes with these desires. This book now belongs among the short list of books that got me to cry. Circe is a beautiful story and I would highly recommend reading it. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and plan on owning it. I gave this book a 5/5.

Dream by the Shadows by Logan Karlie: I did not finish this book. I really wanted to finish it and I took a break for a while from reading it in hopes that maybe it was just a mood thing, but I gave up at 44% through the book. I don’t know that I can say this book is bad, but I can say that it didn’t do it for me. The best way to sum up this book for me is that some things, and yet nothing happens. None of the characters interested me, nor their stories. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and do not plan on owning. I gave this book a 1/5.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett: Like its predecessor, this book was a fun and cozy read with Emily Wilde. The world that Heather Fawcett has created continues to be enchanting and I can’t get enough of it. My favorite parts of this book was seeing side-characters from the first book and the cute romance between the two main characters. Overall, a great read and would highly recommend it if you like historical fiction and faeries. I own this book. I gave this book a 5/5.

[bookcoversonly]

Title: Song of the Abyss | Author: Makiia Lucier | Publisher: Clarion Books (2019)

[niraff14]

Not a perfect match up, but the Lyrics overall kind of make me think this song would be good for the Dark Knight WoL. Especially given the inner darkness they face combined with the love and desire to protect others.

[drakomachina]

album cover redraw with THE sword phighting

[ri-writes-if]

Intro

LINK | 5 chapters, ~252K words (last updated 17/11/24)

FOUND A TYPO/BUG? | PATREON | PUBLIC BONUS CONTENT | PLAYLIST | PINTEREST | PROGRESS UPDATES | SNEAK PEEKS | SNIPPETS

In the underworld kingdom, where demons fight for survival against the abyssal monsters, you are just an Oracle. In the distant past the Oracles were at the top of the demonic hierarchy, but those golden days are long gone. You did what you were most afraid to do and now sit under arrest in the royal palace.

When the Abyss sends you a vision of a terrible disaster that will happen in the future, you make an inevitable “deal” with the Sovereign to try to change the future and improve your abilities, not only to become stronger and learn more about the coming disaster, but also in an attempt to achieve mind stability. 

However, what has been happening to you since you received the vision makes you think that you are already slowly but surely losing your mind. 

Will you be able to maintain your sanity and help others protect the kingdom, or will you become just another name in the long list of Oracles gone mad?

This is a free to play interactive fantasy story with a heavy focus on friendship and romance (with strangers to lovers or enemies dynamic). The story is rated 18+. Content warnings: violence, death, loss of sanity, trauma, avoidable sexually suggestive/sexual content, and more (the full list is in the demo).

Customize your Oracle: pronouns, traits, and appearance. Choose your full ✨ demonic form. ✨

Build friendship or romance with five different characters. (Allo and ace routes available.)

Learn more about the Oracles’ past and what truly drove their royal clan into ruin. Uncover the secrets of your abilities. Chat with the Abyss?

Decide what you do for fun. Do you sing, dance, paint, play a musical instrument, or write? 

What you did cannot be undone. Your reputation forever ruined, how will you handle the public’s new attitude toward you? 

Maintain your sanity. Depending on your choices, you’ll either move closer to loss of control and madness or further away from it.

Decide what fate awaits you. You’ll have to make an important decision that will open two very different paths for you, influence the plot’s progression, and your relationships.

Will the victory be sweet?

✨ Vezriel, The Sovereign (m / f)

Vezriel seems a perfect ruler: they’re smart, calm, patient, know moderation, and always put demons’ well-being first. But you’re not so naive as to think this is their real face—many secrets lurk under the golden shell of the nobility. You never thought of meeting them in the past, but now spending some time with them is inevitable. Perhaps you will find out what lies beneath their mask?

They have dark brown skin, long curly black hair, and black eyes with pale white flecks. Tall and of strong build, Vezriel cuts a robust but elegant figure, usually dressed in beautiful robes.

✨ Osara / Osaron, The Heir (f / m)

Vezriel’s only child and heir, O is their Chief Counselor, and they have a consistently good reputation. Their character reminds of their parent, though O is much more cold and reticent. Nothing seems to touch or shake their emotions, despite the known long list of ex-lovers. You don’t need their attention, but the circumstances have put you right under it. What will you make of this opportunity?

They have warm brown skin, long wavy black hair, and silver, almost white eyes. O is tall and strong, their expression impassive most of the time, which makes them rather intimidating and unapproachable to some demons.

✨ Lazarus / Lazaris, the General (m / f)

L rose from the bottom of the ladder and made a name for themselves, though judging by old rumors, their clean background wasn’t always so clean. They’re charismatic and popular but keep others at a distance—everyone except their friends… and you. L treats you especially well, but you’re not foolish enough to blindly play their game. What do they want from you?

They have beige skin, short/medium-length wavy blond hair, and golden eyes. Many small and big scars can be seen on their hands. L is tall and has a strong build. Despite their high station, they seem friendly and laid-back.

✨ Ashmedai, the Royal Healer (f / m)

Ashmedai was sent to observe your condition after the incident and to help you with mind stability if needed. They performed their duties without showing any displeasure or impatience no matter how you behaved. Ash is secretive and reserved, and you guess their restrained temper is connected to the dark rumors surrounding them. Will they open up to you?

They have pale skin, long straight black hair, and bright red eyes. A large scar runs on the left side of their face, from their forehead along their eye and to their chin. Ash is tall and slender.

✨ Azarias / Azaria, the Royal Musician (m / f)

Ash’s younger sibling, Az somewhat resembles them in appearance, but their characters couldn’t be more different. Az is bold, humorous, and fickle. They know everyone—and everything about everyone—and enjoy a special favor from the Sovereign, which has allowed them to retain their place in the royal palace for many years. You’re concerned about their peculiar attention to you because there’s no reason for it—you two have never met before. Or… is there a reason after all?

They have pale skin, long white hair, and black eyes with narrow silver pupils. A tattoo of a snake with flowers curves around their neck. Az is tall and lean.

[solarrush]

Second glam!mer for my mermay fanfics: Chica!

[amapola-dreams]

Tallulah hears a lock at the door, followed by a click as it opens.

An all too familiar figure steps through the door yet again, heels clicking against the cold floors.

“It is time for you to go. Please, follow me.” - @bear-bimbo

For a minute, she doesn't move. She's scared, deathly so, staring at the silhouette in front of her.

"Where are you taking me...?"

[kenna-is-reading-stuff]

Book haul for the monster romance series by Emma Hamm. I preordered these MONTHS ago before I even read the books and THEY ARE SO BEAUTIFUL!
This is a post apocalyptic standalone series that takes place far in the future where humans can no longer live on the surface of the planet. They take refuge under the sea and build massive underwater cities that disrupt the ecosystems and sea life, including the massive creatures called undines. Each book follows a different pair of human female and male undine who fall in love against all odds.
Emma Hamm’s books are available to be read on KU and she has a shop on her website to buy books directly from her.
Happy reading 😊

[video-game-jams]

Tales of the Abyss - Happiness in my hand