Hush Tide Bridegroom, The

In a sinking city fueled by ritual murder, a bone-mason unearths a monster bound in silver—and chooses to save him. Saint Mire is sinking. Plagued by the corrosive black waters of the Hush Tide, the cliffside principality survives only through strict adherence to the covenant economy—a ruthless system of magical bindings, noble bloodlines, and dark sacrifices made to appease the eldritch horror sleeping beneath the harbor. Lenore Locke is just a municipal bone-mason, spending her days in the sprawling catacombs patching the failing foundations with grave-salt mortar. Haunted by her sister's drowning, she keeps her head down and obeys the magistrates. Until she breaches a hidden wedding crypt and uncovers Draven Darkmoor. Draven is a reliquary bridegroom, a terrifyingly beautiful nobleman grafted with monstrous traits and sealed in a silver cradle decades ago to pacify the city's beast. Waking him is high treason. Handing him over to the fanatical clerics means certain death for them both. As the foundations of the city threaten to collapse and the magistrates hunt for a new sacrifice, Lenore makes a desperate choice: she will not let another soul be swallowed by the dark. Why you will love this: This audiobook delivers a masterful blend of Dark Fantasy elements, weaving high-stakes political intrigue, atmospheric gothic world-building, and a spellbinding slow-burn monstrous romance. Fans of eldritch horror and grimdark survival will be absolutely captivated by the claustrophobic tension of the sluice-tombs and the intricate bone-magic of Saltgrave. Author and narrator John Newbill possesses a uniquely immersive storytelling style, drawing listeners into a cinematic, chillingly beautiful world with a rich, resonant performance you won't easily forget.