The Court Under the Sea Book Review

REVIEW

Book 1 of The Shade Princess series, The Court Under the Sea by N.M. Lovely drops readers into a mesmerizing world from the very start, sparking instant intrigue reminiscent of the Zodiac Academy series. The author’s strength lies in her vivid and descriptive writing style, crafting an immersive experience that invites readers to explore the underwater realm of Voltulin alongside the protagonist, Karina Ayanna Starheart.

Karina, unaware of her magical past, lives a peaceful life with her family in the sunlit kingdom of Ashemari. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a royal decree from the elusive King Viktas obligates her to participate in a competition in his underwater kingdom to win the heart of the Dark Prince, Zarek Nightstorm. As the competition advances, chaos and dark forces emerge that threaten the safety of the participants; and unraveling the mysteries of her own past becomes crucial for Karina as she navigates the challenges of the Court Under the Sea.

As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that the abundance of descriptive elements, while showcasing the author’s expressive skill, may overshadow the storyline and feels disproportionate to the length of the book. To be clear, the issue is not the writing style itself, but rather that we need more of the storyline to fully appreciate the extensive elucidation and world-building. By the halfway mark, I was convinced that the story would benefit from a more measured approach, allowing room for deeper development and exploration of the promising premise.

Along the same vein, despite the rushed and tentative relationship between Karina and the Dark Prince, there is an undeniable charm to the dynamic between them. That the characters are fae, again, was intriguing, yet I was left questioning the significance of this element to the overall story. As I approached the three-quarters mark, it seemed underutilized, though I feel it could contribute substantially to the unfolding plot if further fleshed out.

While acknowledging the book’s areas for improvement, the allure of Lovely’s world-building and the promise of an engaging storyline are evident. The cliffhanger also adds an extra layer of anticipation, leaving me curious and itching to know what lies ahead for Karina and Zarek! With careful refinement, this novel has the potential to blossom into a delightful read, appealing to fans eager for a well-rounded romantasy experience.

Publication date was 12 August 2022.