The biggest problem I had with this book was that it inspired almost nothing in me. It had five POV characters, all of whom had identical voices. Luckily, it was easy to tell from context who the POV character was, but if I stopped reading mid-chapter I might have to take a moment to remember.
The pace was slow, which isn’t always a problem, but it also went nowhere. The mob/gang storyline was just sort of… there… and never felt like a real and present risk even as they actively harmed and terrorized one of the characters. It’s just that we barely saw that, only the aftermath, and only for seconds at a time.
The book is set in post-WWII Italy and that just… literally doesn’t matter. It could be set anywhere coastal except for the Italian phrases thrown in… when the characters are supposedly speaking Italian anyway…. It could be set in any time, as well, as the elements of homophobia (internalized or otherwise) that appear in the TW at the start of the book are just not that present. Also, one of the elders in the book was a soldier. In Italy. In WWII. And the implications of that are never discussed or implied at all. Which, sure, most of the POV characters wouldn’t know all the implications of the human war, but some of them sure would. There’s also a lot of modern references and manners of speech – the Spongebob meme appears twice in the book and had me cringing both times.
A lot of the reviews I’ve seen praise the romance and my main question is: where? One of the ‘romances’ is odd and strained at the best of times and the other doesn’t get there yet by the end of the book.
I didn’t hate this book, though. It just never actually went anywhere. The plot is kind of dead in the water (pardon the pun) and there’s no push back to their solution.
If you want a summertime mermaid book with some family drama and found-family, this is a cute and easy read.

Actual Rating: 3.5 stars

This is a weird book to review. For the most part, I thought it was very well written and had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, I also think this book had too much going on in it. I understand that this will be a series, but I still would've preferred if it focused mainly on at most only 3 character POVs (being Atreus, Nyel and Marina) rather than trying to cram in Nelpi and Leo's POVs. It felt more complete when it was focusing on the story between Atreus and Nyel, rather than trying to add another potential romantic subplot to the mix. I also think it was extremely irresponsible NOT to give warnings about implied SA. There are two scenes in the book that hint at it, and for one characters POV, it somewhat overshadows the rest of their story. The book also gets somewhat more violent than the 'mild violence' warning would hint at.

That's not to say that this book is entirely without merit. I think the writing is really nice, especially for a debut. I think a lot about this book makes sense, and I really like a lot of the characters. Marina in particular is a favourite, and I enjoy Atreus as a main character. This would really make for a great graphic novel, especially with how descriptive the mer are made out to be.

However...I don't have a lot of other positives. I think Nyel as a character was pushy and immature, even knowing that he was inexperienced with the world. The narrative does eventually reward him for it though, and its unfair in my eyes. I also didn't like Nephi much as a character; maybe a potential book 2 would make me like him more, but he was too aggressive for me and his POV chapters felt at odds with the others. Leo's POV chapters were also somewhat at odds, but I felt that they were much better written. That said, I don't appreciate him much as a character when it comes to interactions. Some of them made no sense in regards to certain characters and it just felt incredibly off with others.

Overall, I think this book is still a solid book! I don't think its quite perfect, however, but I don't think it needs to be either.

Atreus has been a mer carefully and stable life among humans ever since he was exiled and abandoned due to the color of his scales. Nyel is a coddled mer trying to escape his suffocating life when he stumbles upon Atreus' home in an abandoned light house and totally disrupting Atreus peace and potentially his safety.

Atreus initially doesn't want Nyel to stick around, with the added worry of Nyel's seemingly dangerous half brother and both trying not to let the humans they care about know what they really are.

I enjoyed the split narrative, you get many different characters POVs in this story and it really helps to flesh the story out and give even the side characters a lot of personally. You grow to care about this whole village and the people in it.

I will stay this book has a lot darker themes than I was anticipating. The ending also felt open, not sure if there is a second book planned?

While the story is queer, it is very slow burn and don't expect much to happen between our main characters. If you go in expecting romance you'll likely be disappointed.

This story feels like it was heavily inspired by the movie Luca, but better! I like the way mer are described here. I always love a good found family story and this one is lovely. I'm not sure if more are planed, but sign me up for the next book!

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautifully written book that feels much like the summer season it describes--sunny and bright with hints of storm clouds. I read it in a single sitting (always the sign of a good story, if I can't put it down), and Atreus and Nyel's story flowed like the ocean they hail from, at times slow like rippling waves on the sand, at other points fast like surf churned by stormy weather. I found myself disappointed when I reached the end; so many questions left unanswered, but I'm pleased to hear it is only the first in its series, and other readers will no doubt be delighted with the prospect of more Mer adventures to come.

I also appreciated both the glossary of terms at the front of the book as well as the trigger warnings, though unfortunately the warning I would have been most concerned about was not included, specifically that of implied SA in one part of the book. Prospective readers should take note of this if they prefer to avoid such content. Although the lack of warning did mar my enjoyment a bit, the situation was at least handled in a fade-to-black manner without going into detail. I would have preferred to see the character responsible punished for their crimes, but it seems that justice must wait for the next book.

In spite of that one dark cloud on the horizon, I did very much enjoy this magical story, and I recommend it (with the above warning in mind) to fellow readers who love tales about merfolk.

Storm and Sea is a slow burn MM mermaid fantasy romance set in historic Italy. You can tell the author put a great deal of effort and care into crafting all of the details. The setting felt vividly real, and I got very emotionally attached to the characters quickly. It was heartbreaking at time, but overall a very hopefully and uplifting story about overcoming prejudices and being your authentic self. It was a great debut, and I'm anxious for news about the sequel.

If you love the movie Luca, this book is perfect for you. The characters were great, the setting was great and I also loved how the ending was not really any ending but a beginning for us two main characters.

"He'd once heard Marina call Atreus' freckles 'angel kisses.' Nyel preferred to think of them as tiny constellations, like a map of stars scattered across his skin. He wondered where they led."

Well, I think it's safe to say that Baia Vita has absolutely captivated me with it's charm and cast of vibrant characters!! 

In Storm and Sea, we follow the story of Atreus and Nyel - two Mer from completely opposite backgrounds who meet by chance but change the tide of eachother's lives forever. Atreus is cold and quiet - he's been living under the radar in the fishing village of Baia Vita for years. An outsider whilst under the sea, the exiled Mer has fought to create a peaceful life for himself amongst the humans above. Nyel is bright and kind - all he's ever known is kelp farming and the pressures of forming a Lifebond. But after fighting with his family one night, he comes crashing into Atreus' perfectly crafted life like a tidal wave. Together, this unlikely pair will navigate love and friendship whilst confronting age-old prejudices and a common enemy in order to save their home. 

"He didn't consider his upbringing homely. But this place... This is where memories are made. This is a place for family."

I absolutely fell in LOVE with the world Tereza has created, from the beautiful descriptions of the island of Baia Vita to the heartwarming community cultivated by it's residents - it really does sound like a dream destination!! I feel like the multi-POV really drove the story forward and whilst I was reading, I really felt like I was part of the friend group! The side characters Marina, Leofel and Nephi really captured my heart and I cannot WAIT to follow their stories into the rest of the trilogy!! I have such a soft spot for Giovanni too... I am a sucker for a found family trope, what can I say!! Also, the playlists and song descriptions from the start of the book were an AMAZING addition and really gave a deeper insight into the characters! 

If you love found family, LGBTQIA+ rep and a character driven story all set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Italy, then you are going to absolutely fall in LOVE with this debut!! 

5 stars!

This was a very satisfying Mer (merfolk) tale. It was a nice break from my usual reads, and I’m looking forward to the future books in the series because since I’ve finished this book, I have questions!

Atreus and Nyel are fascinating characters, one exiled from the Mer community and the other taking some time away from family expectations. Both end up living on land in a small fishing village that is facing its own troubles.

Together, the seasoned outcast, Atreus, and the unexpected and wide-eyed Nyel learn to live together, to embrace their feelings that grow for each other, and to work together to try to save the town and people they have come to love.

Told from the point of view of each of the characters, it was truly a fascinating experience to read this book. You get so much depth for each of the characters, even some of the more minor characters, with the way the author wrote this story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book.

This was fine. Not bad, not great—just okay. The concept had a lot of promise: an exiled Mer hiding among humans, a runaway Mer shaking up his carefully built life, and a criminal family threatening their village? That’s a setup I can get behind. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t fully land for me.

The biggest struggle was the pacing. It took me a while to really get into the story because there was a lot of over-explaining and info-dumping, especially in the beginning. Every detail about Mer society, human life in the village, and character backstories felt like it was being spoon-fed instead of naturally woven in. It slowed things down when I wanted to feel the tension rather than be told about it.

That said, I did enjoy Atreus and Nyel’s dynamic once it found its footing. Atreus is the grumpy, reluctant mentor type, while Nyel is the naive but determined disruptor, and their interactions had some solid moments. The found family theme was nice, and I appreciated the exploration of identity and belonging. The stakes with the criminal family added an extra layer of conflict, though I wish it had been a bit more gripping.

Overall, Storm and Sea had a strong premise and some good emotional beats, but the heavy exposition made it a bit of a slog at times. If you don’t mind a slower, lore-heavy fantasy with a focus on character relationships, you might enjoy this one more than I did!

One of the standout features of Storm and Sea is its lush and evocative world-building. Kane paints a vivid tapestry of life both above and below the waves, from the sun-drenched shores of Baia Vita to the shimmering depths of the Mer’s underwater realm. The interplay between these two worlds creates a sense of wonder and contrast, immersing readers in a setting that feels both magical and deeply grounded in its emotional truths.

Atreus and Nyel are unforgettable protagonists, each carrying their own scars and dreams. Atreus’s quiet strength and his journey toward embracing his identity make him a deeply relatable and inspiring figure, while Nyel’s fiery determination and vulnerability bring a refreshing energy to the story. Their evolving bond—from wary strangers to kindred spirits—is a joy to witness, filled with tender moments and heartfelt growth that will leave readers rooting for them every step of the way.

The plot strikes a perfect balance between intimate character-driven moments and larger-than-life stakes. The threat posed by the criminal family adds a layer of urgency and tension, while the villagers’ struggle for survival underscores the themes of community and resilience. The pacing is masterful, seamlessly weaving together moments of quiet reflection with pulse-pounding action, ensuring that the story never loses its emotional core.

Storm and Sea is a must-read for fans of LGBTQ+ fantasy and stories that explore the complexities of love, identity, and belonging. Tereza Kane has created a novel that is as heart-warming as it is thrilling, offering readers a chance to lose themselves in a world of myth, magic, and the enduring power of connection.

Thematically, Storm and Sea is a celebration of love, acceptance, and the courage to forge one’s own path. It’s a story that reminds us of the power of found family and the beauty of embracing who we are, even in the face of prejudice. Kane handles these themes with grace and sensitivity, crafting a narrative that is as uplifting as it is thought-provoking.

If there is a minor critique, it’s that the early chapters take their time to set the stage, but this deliberate pacing only serves to deepen the emotional payoff as the story unfolds.

With its richly imagined world, compelling characters, and a tender LGBTQ+ romance, this book is perfect for fans of found family stories, mythical creatures, and tales of resilience in the face of adversity.

This book really has so much going for it. The world and the characters really dragged me in and although the beginning was a bit slow one it got its claws into me I couldn't put it down.

I really appreciate that it started with a glossary. Although I didn't need to reference it a lot since the book did give a good job of world building I have the memory of a goldfish and always appreciate having the ability to go back to reference it.

Nyel and Atreus both absolutely stole my heart, and I loved watching them go from hesitance and fighting each other to more. Though I will add I saw this marketed as a romance and if you're going into it for that you'll likely be disappointed. It is extremely slow burn to the point where sometimes I forgot it wasn't just a plain old fantasy book and was meant to have a romance plot.

First I want to thank @Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me to read this as an ARC through NetGalley. I have posted to Goodreads this review as well.

This book was, overall, breathtaking. I really enjoyed reading it, as it had an amount of lore and fantasy that I enjoy, while also tying it to our real world. While reading there is something that most people will notice. This book is Luca, but grown up. There are many similarities, but I don't want to spoil the book. If you liked Luca, you will like this book. Artreus and Nyel were amazing characters. I cried, and laughed, and overall fell in love with the area that Tereza wrote.

However, I cannot give it a perfect 5 stars. At the beginning of the book there is a 10 page glossary including trigger warnings, pronunciation guides, lore explanations, and details of gods. I had a few problems with that. First, the trigger warnings. Despite having 9 trigger warnings there were two HUGE triggers left off the list. There is a fade-to-black r*pe scene, and a character becomes s**dical. There is also mentions of child/baby d*ath.

Second, there was no need for the lore explanations or gods details. Despite having them at the beginning in the glossary, the story adequately tells you the details of the lore and gods as you read. The glossary itself then feels unnecessary and maybe was included as a lore dump by the author.

Lastly; this book takes place post WWII in Italy. One of the main characters grandfathers regales the group with stories of his time in the Navy... During WWII.... In Italy... So grandpa was an Axis power soldier. At no point is that actually explained to the reader, but it made me uncomfortable to know myself that grandpa was probably killing Allied soldiers, who were trying to stop the Holocaust.

Again, overall, I enjoyed the book, but make sure you're aware of these things before diving into it.

I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC from Netgalley and chose to read this voluntarily. I really enjoyed the character building and growth. Following Nyel and Atreus on their journeys was really beautifully written. You could tell that the author really thought out the cultures and their impacts above and below sea. Baia Vita was described as a place you would want to go on vacation and never come back home. I really enjoyed the found family aspect, as well as the inner personal growths. I felt the characters were very relatable. And I especially enjoyed the glossary portion and the spotify place list – why don’t more authors do this?! It was very helpful to really understand and create depth to what was happening. The spotify really immersed you. What an adventure and truly a beautiful book! Hopefully theres a deluxe version with sprayed edges!

Thank you to NetGalley and Whispered Words Press for approving my request to read an arc of this book

I heard many great things about this book, and the plot really appealed to me so I was very eager to dive into the story. While I can say that I did enjoy this book, and it had many great things going for it, I must admit that it left me with mixed feelings. After reading the authors trigger warnings, I felt I was prepared for the content, however there were multiple instances of ableism that hadn’t been listed in the warnings and so the slurs and multiple negative descriptions of Nephi’s burns were very upsetting to me. There was also an instance of off page sexual assault that made me very uncomfortable. But there were still many parts of the story I did enjoy, such as the romance and also the found family aspects.
This story contained much more angst than I’d expected, but there were still plenty of sweet moments and the writing was very engaging

Firstly, the cover of this book is absolutely beautiful! It was the thing I immediately noticed and the reason I clicked on it to find out more. The narrative had a lot more depth than I was expecting, which is in no way a criticism, and created a very rich story, with loveable characters, and an intriguing premise. I was extremely impressed by the number of characters and their stories included in this book as each one was given a complete and comprehensive feeling storyline, which was effortlessly blended within the dynamic and narrative of the other characters. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel and I will definitely be looking into other books the author has written.