I was hooked on reading this book as soon as I saw the cover. I found the writing to be not quite as strong as I would have liked - characters making very silly decisions for no apparent reason, some bits of weird inner monologues - but overall, still a fairly solid story. Whoever the cover artist is though, kudos to them because it is gorgeous and snatched me right away. #NetGalley #InDeeperWaters

4.5 stars!!!

In Deeper Waters is the gay Little Mermaid retelling you've always wanted, but didn't know you could have. We follow Prince Tal as he goes on his coming-of-age tour and it doesn't go the way he planned.

I loved this book. Truly and unapologetically loved it. It's such a warm, fun adventure story with a sweet romance, and some spins on common fantasy tropes that make this book stand out amongst the crowd. There are so many things I loved about In Deeper Waters, but one thing that keeps standing out to me as I reflect on this book was Tal himself as a character.

In pirate adventure fantasy books like this one, the protagonist is usually a cold badass type of character. But Tal is soft-hearted, kind, considerate, thoughtful, and smart character who still manages to be one of the bravest characters I have read in a long time. His bravery throughout the book is in the little moments. The little things he does to show that he is stronger than he lets on.

The romance is sweet and well-paced, making it seem believable for the characters to have fallen for each other as they have. The climax of the book in terms of their relationship was fairly predictable, but in the way that all the pieces lined up perfectly and made sense when you hit the point where you should have it figured out.

I love that this book has a really strong familial love aspect in addition to the standard romance plot line that is advertised. I wasn't expecting to get as strong of a sibling bond as I did in this book, but I was so pleasantly surprised. The relationship between Tal and his brothers specifically is like nothing I've ever seen before in YA Fantasy, and I didn't realize how muchI wanted it until I was reading it.

The plot did feel a little rushed at times, and I felt it could've been expanded a little bit more; but I also felt that the speed of the plot helps the reader feel as if they are really there. On this adventure with Tal and Athlen.

I really enjoyed the magic system and world building of this novel as well. It was vague enough that I could sort of create the image in my head how I imagined it, but it was vivid and well developed so I didn't have to do too much work in creating my interpretation of it. I like how the magic works in this world, and I found the world to be really fun and exciting.

This book is overall a lighthearted one, but there were some moments that felt really tragic and dark laced throughout. It was a really healthy balance of peril and soft moments that made me fall in love with this story.

All in all, I loved In Deeper Waters. It was fast-paced, light hearted, and so much fun. Highly recommend!

I was provided an e-ARC through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

So this book is mostly meh...I am about 100 pages into the novel (a third of it) and honestly, I am still waiting for the plot to start. There is beautiful worldbuilding, but worldbuilding is not the only thing a book needs. Probably just not the book for me.
*1 Day Later*
Okay, IN DEEPER WATERS slaps and I will fight anyone (including yesterday me) who says otherwise. It is a beautiful story of love, magic, and fantasy.

A very good fantasy book to get lost in for a few hours, with plenty of adventure, action, magic, and of course, a beautiful queer love story at its center that is bound to make queer teens feel seen and hope for the characters' happily ever after

-`ˏ 4 stars ˎ´˗

Storyline: -`ˏ 8/10 ˎ´˗
For starters, just to be clear, this is not a story about gay pirates falling in love. We set sails on a coming-of-age journey of a young prince named Tal. As the fourth child of five, his worries do not involve inheriting the throne or being the commander of the navy, or even becoming a scholar. What he may become is more terrifying than imagine. He has awakened forbidden magic that was once used to inflict pain on many people, and which continues to frighten all those around him. Spending most of his life hidden within the walls of the palace, practicing to conceal his powers from others, this journey is the scariest yet stimulating thing he has ever experienced. . until he realized he gets seasick and rather be done with it. Few days in, we stumbled across an abandoned ship where a mysterious wanderer name Atlen was left shackled and imprisoned. Sparks are flying, hearts are thumping, an intense connection is being made. Yet Atlen decides he rather jump overboard, which started their cat and mouse chase as they flee from pirates, trying to cease a war, all in the hope of saving Tal's family and the kingdom.

Characters: -`ˏ 9/10 ˎ´˗
I just wanted to hug Tal throughout the whole book and just whisper to him that everything’s going to be okay, don’t let your fears be your weakness, we’re all here for you sweetie. He's afraid everyone will fear him, he doesn't want to be labeled a monster for something he can't control. He is in a constant battle with himself, he does not want to harm others and wants people to believe he would not do that as well. In the eyes of others, he’s nothing more than a weapon for war and power. Atlen, a man with many secrets. Can’t really say much about him without being spoilers, but I can tell you he is absolutely adorable! My only regret is that there was a missed opportunity to dig deeper into his background, although he’s a loving interest we don't really concentrate on him.

Atmosphere: -`ˏ 7/10 ˎ´˗
It’s such a sweet and fluffy story, just ignore how blood was being spilled every few pages. There is not much world-building as we spend most of the story on ships in the midst of vast seas. We focus on how Tal interacts with others while trying to understand his position in the world and how to manage his powers and emotions before it gets the better of him.
Trigger warnings: Anxiety, vomiting. kidnapping, physical assault, blood, and death (mention).

Language: -`ˏ 8/10 ˎ´˗
This is not insta-love and the pacing was done well. Meanwhile, I think some things were highly suggested so that when the great reveal came it wasn’t as shocking. However, I wasn't expecting the ending and I like the thought that you know what's going to happen but then get surprised when you’re absolutely wrong.

Enjoyment: -`ˏ 10/10 ˎ´˗
“It’ll be like a scene from my favorite novel. Expect you’re both soaking wet and cover in blood.” This quote may be completely misunderstood with no content but I 100% agree with you Isa (Tal’s sister). What I adored the most is how supportive Tal’s whole family is, his brothers teasing him, his sisters welcoming whoever he brings home, his mother wanting him to be with the person he loves as long as they love him back. It's unusual to see a royal family so beautiful that you love them all. It was a great read.

“The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue" meets "Pirates of the Caribbean” is a good comp, and I think there is a lot to like about this book overall; however, it did not particularly appeal to me. Which is surprising, since I loved "Gentleman's Guide" and the first Pirates movie is one of my favorites! I'm not the target audience, though, and I think others will get more out of this than I do.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book to review.

In Deeper Water is a sweet coming of age story between Tal and Athlen. The combination of magic, pirates, creatures, and love was well put together.

This may be a spoiler, but the thing I appreciated the most was the way this author wove a love story between two queer characters. I loved the fact that Tal’s family supported and encouraged his decisions and his sexuality without question. And that the character of Tal was written to be 100% sure of who he was (in regards this part of himself, at least) and was never subjected to intolerant people disparaging him for his choices in love. Honestly, I was just waiting for him to be cut down for his choices and was so happy to see him happy.

Definitely recommend!

This is fantastic upcoming queer, pirate, sea magic, shifter, swoon-worthy romance and adventure. For a book that includes topics such as kidnapping, forced servitude, violence, and treason, if managed to somehow maintain this atmosphere as, well, cute. It was adorable and lovely and I'm here for it.

I absolutely adored this book. I loved the concept and when I started reading I fell in love with the characters. I love Tal and Athlen's relationship and love the spin on the classic mermaid fairytale. This book was such a fun and cute read and it was exactly what I needed to get through a reading slump. I loved seeing the journey that Tal goes on within himself and how he evolves throughout the book. I also really enjoyed seeing how Athlen grew throughout the book and learning about what he has been through. I really liked the side characters, like Shay, Kest, Dara and Garratt, and the part they played to move the story along.

I liked the magic in the world and I thought it was interesting to learn about. I would've liked to see a little more explanation as to how the magic worked, but I still thought it was a really nice addition to the story. I really loved how well the fantastical aspects of the book worked with the other elements. Overall, I'm just really glad that I decided to read this book and will probably be re-reading it at some point because of how happy it made me the first time!

I have a love-hate relationship with YA fantasy these days, but this one was definitely the love kind!
The characters were amazing, there is so much action and it never got boring.
Both protagonists were absolute cinnamon rolls, I shipped them immediately and they were so cute together. Athlen was my favourite, that funny little weirdo who doesn’t have a single clue about human etiquette. I loved their interaction and how they connected over their “otherness” rather than being afraid of the other.
I also loved all side characters, especially Dara!

I was immediately pulled in by the story and the world.
At first I was a little sad that there is so little world building, but for a YA fantasy it’s just enough to understand what is going on in the kingdom and to keep the story going.
A super fast read, gripping, cute and funny fairytale kind of fantasy book that I would absolutely recommend reading!
Will there be a sequel? I would 100% read it.

(Actual rating: 4,5 stars)

I can now say I love every single book written by F.T. Lukens and I need more of them because I just can't have enough! I may reread this again closer to the release day, that's how much I loved it, how much I cared for the characters, for both Tal and Athlen, for Tal's brothers, Shay, Dara, everyone but the bad people who wanted to hurt them. That's just rude. Don't do that!

Tal is sixteen, a prince and he has magic. Cool, right? Wrong! He's the descendant of the mage who destroyed everything and gave magic a bad reputation, so Tal had to hide inside the castle and never be seen. But now he's old enough for his coming-of-age tour and oh boy will it be eventful! Attempted murder, kidnapping, a not-so-meet-cute with a fascinating redhead boy, and a conspiracy he didn't see coming! And neither did I!

Athlen, baby squishy bean cinnamon roll, baby! Yes, he's the most adorable barefooted boy ever, even more than hobbits, okay? More! He is funny, doesn't care about royal etiquette, he just is and lives his life the way he wants and doesn't know the difference of value between a pearl and glass. He gets saved by Tal from bad guys, and in some way their fates get entangled together. I loved their interactions, the little touches, the stares, the blushed, the smiles, everything. I loved everything. Was I given only fluff? Well, of course not! There's mystery surrounding this sweet boy and we know the mysteries aren't always fun to read! Queue to tears! My poor heart!

Tal and Athlen embarks on an adventure, a quest, to save the kingdom from certain war, and this journey will see them growing closer and fonder of each other. The sweetest thing ever, let me tell you! Grinning and crying, those were my constant states while reading this book. I finished it super fast without even noticing it. I just couldn't stop reading!

So yes, let me repeat myself, there hasn't been one book by F.T. Lukens that I haven't loved and I definitely need MORE! Thank you!

Hello,

Thank you so much for granting my approval for this title. At this time I have decided to not finish this book. I read 85 pages of this and I just could not get into the story or characters. I wish In Deeper Waters much success. I look forward to working with you again in the future.

Kind regards,

Brittney

I read this book all in one sitting and honestly I think I'd read it again.

So much fun.

Just a breath of fresh air.

A sweet, surprising, swashbuckling, fun romance between two young men who never should have met but once they do they can't let go of the feeling they have together.

Tal, our main character, is the sixteen year old fourth in line son of the Queen and has hidden magic that he's not allowed to show anyone. He ends up meeting Athlen when a burning ship is found in the sea on the way to his coming-of-age tour where he's mean to sow his wild oats like all his siblings before him. They find Athlen inside chained up and immediately Tal feels a connection to the ginger haired tatooed young man. Their bond at first sight is the backdrop for the rest of the book. You don't really know all of Athlen's secrets until the very end and it's just....honestly do yourself a favor and read this one when it comes out.

I just really, deeply, loved every word and just rooted for these two boys to come together.

The gorgeous cover will lure you in to want to know their story but I promise you it's much more than you think it is. It's not just a run of the mill prince meets pirate story. It's really not.

I don't want to spoil it all because it's much more fun to find our yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It's the most fun I've had reading a book so far this year.

I'm still smiling and can't wait to revisit Tal and Athlen again.

A super queer, and super amazing pirate and ship book! It was amazingly written, though there were a few times I felt like things could have been a bit more fleshed out.

If you’re looking for a quick, standalone fantasy read with a very sweet romantic subplot, then look no further than In Deeper Waters. At just over 300 pages, it’s the perfect book to get read in a single afternoon*.

*Timings may vary.

In Deeper Waters follows Tal, the youngest son of a queen (and fourth youngest child of five) who, on his coming of age tour, ends up kidnapped and ransomed, on account of his magic and to incite a war. He also meets a mysterious stranger, Athlen, who comes to be the only person he can trust in his quest to stop the war.

Like I said at the start, this book is quite gentle. And, while it may be sort of high stakes theoretically, it’s not very tense (this may or may not be a selling point, but I kind of liked it). I mean that in the sense that I never really worried whether someone wouldn’t survive the book, so I could just sit back and relax and enjoy the whole thing.

And it was a highly enjoyable book. I think, perhaps, if I’d read this when I was a fair bit younger, closer to the protagonist’s age maybe, I’d have enjoyed it even more. But it was a fun and fairly light read. And the plot was fast-moving. If you’ve followed my reviews at all this year, you’ve probably watched me get increasingly bored by the pacing of many YA fantasies, but that definitely wasn’t the case here.

I think the best part of the book was in the romance, which is, as I mentioned earlier, very sweet. Actually, I think the author hits completely the right tone with it as well, since both the main character and the love interest are only sixteen. It has very much an innocent first love feel to it, and that’s lovely.

Really, then, if you’re looking for the kind of fantasy you can get absorbed by, lose an hour or two in reading, and come out with a gooey smile plastered across your face? You won’t want to miss out on this one.