by Ana Lal Din
ASIN/ISBN: 9781838046507
Publication: March 15, 2021
Series: Descent of the Drowned #1

**I was provided a copy of the book through NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own.**

Not only is Descent of the Drowned an intriguing title, the blurb, and the cover are equally so. Does the story match this trio of awesomeness? In many ways it does, but it takes a while to get there because it was difficult to discern the major plotline.

I was a little confused in the beginning. There are a slew of characters introduced early on so it was difficult to keep track of everyone and to connect with those outside of Leviathan and Roma. There is a focus on the characterization of the two MCs, allowing for a better understanding of who they are. Additionally, Roma is often jetting from one place to another, making it difficult to understand the lay of the land and just how far places are from each other. It does, however, allow readers to understand the current state of the world and the people in it. After wondering when events described in the blurb would occur–it happens about two-thirds of the way–I eventually concluded the book was meant to be an introduction. There are promises about what is to come, and I’m pretty excited about them.

Descent of the Drowned does well as an introduction, putting forth a firm foundation for the books that may follow, but individuals might be disappointed if they are hoping for more to happen. Additionally, it’s important to note this is a heavy read. The oppression and mistreatment of women, especially those of a lower caste, are significant themes. I was taken aback by some of the events mentioned and/or alluded to, but they contribute greatly to molding Roma into who she is hinted to eventually become. I look forward to Roma’s eventual rise.