Review of Dark Shores by Danielle L. Jensen

Read for: Recently Added

Synopsis: "In a world divided by meddlesome gods and treacherous oceans, only the Maarin possess the knowledge to cross the Endless Seas. But they have one mandate: East must never meet West.

A SAILOR WITH A WILL OF IRON

Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate. Her people are born of the seas and the keepers of its secrets, but when her closest friend is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Teriana breaks her people’s mandate so her friend might escape—a choice with devastating consequences. 

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET

Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his family, but even they don’t know the truth he’s been hiding since childhood. It’s a secret he’ll do anything to protect, no matter how much it costs him – and the world. 

A DANGEROUS QUEST

When an Empire senator discovers the existence of the Dark Shores, he captures Teriana’s crew and threatens to reveal Marcus’s secret unless they sail in pursuit of conquest, forcing the two into an unlikely—and unwilling—alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice."

My Review: This was on the edges of my anticipated releases because that cover is stunning, then I received it in a book box and had to pick it up. It took me a bit to get into this book, I was a little bored with the perspectives of both Teriana and Marcus at the beginning but it quickly picked up steam. I really enjoyed the moral dilemmas both main characters were put into, so many choice of a few or thousands. It was quite the adventure and the touch of romance was a great way to break up the world building and action (I do love a good enemy to lovers trope). This is a rather long book and does take a while to work through but it seems to be doing a lot of setting up for future books, there are a few plot lines left dangling that I would have like to seen a little more development on and it leaves me a bit worried that they might be dropped as the series continues. I will definitely be anticipating the next book!

My Rating: This was such a pleasant surprise! I am so intrigued by the world and the characters. I am also curious about the open plot lines.  I give it a rating of Four Paws!