Sweet Black Waves

Sweet Black Waves reimagines the legend of Tristan and Iseult through the perspective of Branwen, cousin and lady-in-waiting to Princess Iseult of Iveriu. As a healer's apprentice with emerging magical abilities, Branwen tends to the wounded from her kingdom's long war with Kernyv. The arrival of a wounded enemy soldier sets events in motion that will test Branwen's loyalties between her beloved princess, her homeland, and her heart. Her growing powers and political awareness force her to navigate court intrigue while questioning everything she believes about her kingdom's conflict with Kernyv. The novel blends Celtic mythology, romance, and political drama in a pre-Arthurian British Isles setting. Through Branwen's eyes, readers experience the complex relationships between two warring kingdoms bound by history, magic, and fate. This retelling explores themes of duty versus desire, the cost of peace, and how perspective shapes our understanding of right and wrong in times of conflict.

Readers note the strong romantic elements and Celtic mythology woven throughout, with many highlighting the atmospheric writing and complex relationship between the main characters. The slow-burn romance and political intrigue kept readers engaged through the first half. Likes: - Detailed world-building and incorporation of Irish folklore - Complex female protagonist dealing with duty vs. desire - Vivid descriptions of healing magic and coastal settings Dislikes: - Pacing issues, especially in the middle sections - Some found the romance tropes predictable - Several readers struggled with the protagonist's decision-making - Multiple reviews mention frustration with the ending Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (180+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 3.9/5 (40+ ratings) "The Irish mythology elements were fascinating but the romance fell flat," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another writes, "Beautiful prose but the main character's choices became increasingly difficult to believe."

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🌊 The book draws inspiration from the medieval tale of Tristan and Iseult, a legendary romance that predates and likely influenced the story of Lancelot and Guinevere. ⚔️ Author Kristina Pérez holds a PhD in Medieval Literature from Cambridge University, bringing scholarly expertise to her reimagining of the ancient Celtic legend. 🏰 The novel's setting is inspired by ancient Ireland and Britain during the Dark Ages, when regional kingdoms frequently clashed over territory and resources. 💫 The magic system in the book is based on the Celtic concept of "glamour," a supernatural power traditionally associated with the ability to cast illusions and manipulate perceptions. 🌿 Many of the healing practices described in the book reflect actual medieval Irish medical traditions, which combined herbal remedies with spiritual beliefs.