
Titles in This Set:
Lies We Sing to the Sea
Gentlest of Wild Things
Format: Paperback
Overview:
This two-book collection from Sarah Underwood brings together Lies We Sing to the Sea and Gentlest of Wild Things, two standalone fantasies rooted in mythic history and lush, immersive storytelling. Lies We Sing to the Sea reimagines a mythic Ithaca through the eyes of a determined heroine who must navigate a cursed landscape and a dangerous bargain to free her people. Gentlest of Wild Things shifts to the island of Zakynthos, where desire and power blur moral lines and familial bonds are tested against ancient forces. Both novels showcase Underwood’s lyrical prose, a keen eye for myth and romance, and a contemporary sensibility that centers strong, resourceful heroines. This paperback collection is ideal for readers who crave atmospheric fantasy, dark intrigue, and emotionally charged relationships, all set within vividly drawn worlds that feel both timeless and freshly alive. A perfect gift for fans of myth-inspired fantasy with queer romance at its heart.
What This Collection Covers:
Together, Lies We Sing to the Sea and Gentlest of Wild Things explore power, memory, and the costs of desire. Lies We Sing to the Sea follows a protagonist who confronts a centuries-old curse in a city carved by maritime myth, weaving themes of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of women against malevolent fate. Gentlest of Wild Things centers on Eirene and her sister Phoebe as they challenge a system built on erotic intrigue and manipulation, uncovering truth, loyalty, and the courage to choose love on their own terms. The collection offers two distinct narrative arcs—one rooted in a legendary homeland and the other in a sun-drenched Mediterranean setting—while sharing a thread of bold heroines who question authority and redefine what it means to be free. Readers will be drawn by the atmospheric world-building, the interplay of myth and modern themes, and the tender, complicated relationships at the core of both stories.
Book-by-Book Guide:
Lies We Sing to the Sea, Lies We Sing to the Sea introduces a kingdom haunted by a brutal ritual and a poisoning of fate that only a young survivor dares to challenge. The narrative intertwines mythic echoes with a coming-of-age focus as Leto navigates treacherous loyalties, unearths long-buried secrets, and weighs vengeance against mercy. The book’s world-building is richly textured, with sea-worn landscapes, ceremonial rites, and a cast of characters whose choices ripple across generations. Its emotional pace deepens as alliances form and betrayals surface, culminating in a daring act that reframes the fate of Ithaca. Readers who enjoy lyrical, prophecy-laced fantasy and female-led quests will find Lies We Sing to the Sea a compelling, immersive experience.
Gentlest of Wild Things, a daring sapphic fantasy inspired by Greek myth, follows Eirene and her sister Phoebe as they confront the dangerous appetites of desire and the hidden agendas of powerful men on the island of Zakynthos. The narrative threads together four elaborate tasks, a lineage of lamia-inspired magic, and a romance that tests loyalty and courage. Lamia, Leandros’ enigmatic daughter, offers a counterpoint to the central quest, pushing the story toward themes of autonomy, healing, and self-discovery. The book combines mythic grandeur with intimate character work, delivering a suspenseful, sensual, and emotionally resonant tale that scrutinizes power, consent, and the price of freedom. For readers who crave mythic settings, lush atmosphere, and romance that defies convention, Gentlest of Wild Things delivers in generous measure.
Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This collection is ideal for young adult and adult readers who love myth-inspired fantasy, richly drawn world-building, and relationships that challenge norms. Fans of retellings rooted in ancient legends and those who appreciate LGBTQ+ romance woven into epic plots will feel at home here. It also suits readers seeking standalone novels within a shared authorial voice, making it a thoughtful gift for book clubs, fantasy fans looking to broaden their shelves, and readers building a personal library of contemporary mythic fiction. The accessible paperback format makes it a practical pick for convenient reading at home, on commutes, or during travel, while still delivering the depth and atmosphere typical of high-quality fantasy fiction.
Key Benefits:
About the Author:
Sarah Underwood makes a bold entrance into contemporary fantasy with Lies We Sing to the Sea, followed by Gentlest of Wild Things, both rooted in myth and mythic-tinged storytelling. Her work centers on vivid, character-driven narratives grounded in strong emotional arcs and feminist reinterpretations of classic legends. Underwood’s writing blends lyrical, sensory description with high-stakes plots, delivering atmospherically rich tales that invite readers to care deeply about the protagonists’ journeys. As a rising voice in YA and adult fantasy, she consistently crafts stories that balance mythic grandeur with intimate, relatable moments, creating a distinctive voice that resonates with fans of myth retellings, sapphic romance, and modern mythic adventures.
Why You’ll Love This Set:
If you crave epic fantasy that doubles as a character study, this pair of novels offers exactly that: two worlds where myth and desire collide, two heroines who choose courage over convention, and a storytelling rhythm that lingers long after the last page. Owning the full set lets readers experience the thematic throughlines across two distinct mythic landscapes, while appreciating a rising author’s evolving craft. It’s a thoughtful, immersive gift for fans of lyrical fantasy, romance-rich plots, and books that reward patient reading with meaningful emotional payoffs. This collection is a welcome addition to any fantasy shelf, offering both immediate satisfaction and lasting re-read value.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
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