In the blue holes of Andros Island, something ancient lives. The Bahamian people know it- lthey feel it in the way insects go silent at dusk, in the boats that come back empty, in the children who don't come home. They call it the Lusca. They do not know what it wants. They only know to stay away from the water after dark.
Naomi Anderson has never had the luxury of caution. Sold by her aunt at sixteen into a marriage she didn't choose, she runs the night before the wedding-and falls straight into a blue hole.
What pulls her out is not a man.
A fragile, impossible bond forms between a runaway bride and a creature three hundred years older than mercy. But their love is a heresy the Lusca cannot allow-and Naomi is something neither the darkness nor the warriors hunting it have ever encountered before.
Liquid Sunlight is a Gothic Bahamian Historical Romantasy set in 1930s Andros Island.
Loosely inspired by the true story of Naomi Anderson-who really did run.
About the Author :
CMC Brown is a Bahamian author of Gothic Romantasy.Born and raised in the Bahamas, she draws on Bahamian folklore, Lucayan history, and the haunted landscapes of the islands to build worlds that feel both ancient and newly discovered. Her debut novel, Liquid Sunlight, is the first book in a four-part series set in 1930s Andros.A neurodivergent storyteller, she considers her autism and ADHD the engine behind her immersive worldbuilding and is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent representation in fiction.Before turning to original storytelling, CMC Brown spent years honing her craft in ghostwriting and fanfiction-a community she credits with teaching her everything she knows about tension, pacing, and emotional stakes.Find out more about her on Instagram @cmcbrown
Review :
So I LOVED this! Liquid Sunlight is such a great and strong debut by CMC Brown.
This book was so unapologetically Caribbean in a way that felt deeply authentic. So many books are inspired by real places, but do not always resonate. Liquid Sunlight definitely did. I felt like I was there in the Pineyards and was constantly bracing myself for what would come out of the Blue Holes while reading.
The lore, world-building, and cultural integration are elements that really stood out for me. The blending of Bahamian history and folklore with fantasy felt fresh and intentional. This is a rich, lush world that invites curiosity and rewards those who pay attention.
The Lusca. The Lusca! Honestly, the Lusca is genuinely unsettling. Once officially introduced, his presence lingers even when he's not on the page. His long history and influence over the Bahamas was so devastating. "The Lusca did not need to lift a tentacle- he had spent millennia poisoning the spiritual soil of the Bahamas, and now the harvest came in on its own."
Ezra and Naomi's relationship was also beautifully written. Their love wasn't flashy, but deep, enduring, and steady. I loved all the flashbacks that showed the development of their relationship over the years. From the sea turtles, to the swimming lessons, and all the small gifts... it made their bond feel real and heartfelt. I also loved Ezra's quiet devotion to Naomi, especially the way he listened and showed reverence.
I also thought that the pacing overall was great! It was a perfect balance of building tension while still allowing space for character development. The fight scenes were some of my favourites throughout the book and they were all very dynamic and easy to read, even with multiple characters and unique fighting styles. And the prose? Just lovely. The flow of the writing carried me effortlessly through each scene and chapter.
Can I also say how great the glossary was at the end of the book? It was such a thoughtful, immersive touch and covered so much within this world.
Overall, Liquid Sunlight is a Gothic Bahamian Romantasy that feels really unique and is something that should be read! I'm SO excited (and slightly unprepared) for the next book! I can't wait to delve more into the Fathoms' history (they are honestly my favourites to learn and read about) and see more of Marrow and Caiman. I will be impatiently waiting for book two!!
