Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. I really liked the overall plot and sci-fi elements of this story but I found myself being not completely swept away by the world. The characters were okay but not very rememberable. 3 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

This one was one of those stories where I was expecting to give it a 4 or 5 star rating for most of its duration but then its ending didn't resonate with me. The characters were all likeable and interesting (though Nami had her moments of being exasperating in the ways you'd expect of a YA protagonist lost in an adult fantasy title) and the writing quality was lovely. I really was torn on a rating, but I decided to go with 3, mostly because I finished reading feeling unhappy with the experience even though the build-up had been tantalizing to me.

I saw some other reviews saying it was slow or hard to get into, but I really did enjoy the careful pace of the story as the three POV's political activities overlapped. The pace wasn't a problem for me, and I felt compelled the whole time. Getting used to those three POVs was tricky at first, as you are introduced to them one after another and each one has its own side cast of characters that you have to try to remember. However, I felt each POV's presence to be well worth it in the overall story. I just wish I had better liked where they all ended up.

I spent the whole time wondering how the social/political situation would change by the end, excited to see what progress would be made and how, but... I won't spoil, but what change did happen felt like a sudden shift brought about by one character's choice, which could have been made without any other events in the story happening. The careful pace of the political machinations leading up to it felt somewhat undone by the inevitability of it. It was more of a sudden godhammer than it was a political change.

I don't know what the author intends for the series as it goes on, but I felt like the rebel faction in the story was dealt an unfair hand, played far more as antagonists than seemed reasonable given the severity of the mistreatment Fathomfolk suffer in the story. There's one moment where a character with the power to change things seems to be portrayed as being in the right for leaving the Fathomfolk to their suffering because "they're trying for equality on their own and that's enough." You know, except for the poverty, pestilence, and slavery with extra steps that is still killing them. It seems like they have to just keep being nice to humans until it works itself out. I can appreciate the grey morality of the species divide, but sometimes it can feel a bit too grey for the subject matter.

Overall, I felt like the narrative ended up in a place where the Fathomfolk were expected to be perfect victims in order to get their freedom. I doubt this is what the author intended, but it's how it felt. Whether or not I read the next one will probably depend on the cover text, and what direction it implies for the politics of the setting.

Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan lives up to the anticipation, delving into the tensions between humans and humanoid water creatures in Tiankawi. The exploration of oppression, particularly through Mira’s perspective as a half-siren, is beautifully written, shedding light on the struggles of those caught between worlds. Chan skillfully introduces diverse characters, each adding depth and unique perspectives, with moments that draw hard parallels to reality. The character building for the main characters is commendable, and the hope for more development of intriguing side characters, like Eun, lingers. While familiar themes are explored, the story remains irresistibly engaging, offering a fresh perspective on societal issues.

I was beyond excited to be approved for the e-arc of one of my most anticipated reads of 2024, and it did not disappoint.

Fathomfolk explores the rising tensions between the human race and the fathomfolk, a variety of water creatures who can appear humanoid in appearance and live alongside the humans in the city state of Tiankawi. We follow a variety of characters and the paths they take to help the fathomfolk break free of the injustices of society, some within the confines of the law and others well outside it.

The representation of oppression is beautifully written. In Mira, a half-siren, we see what it is like to belong to both worlds and accepted by neither. Chan drives home the point that no one is more of an outsider than someone with a stake in both sides. Other characters bring even more perspectives and added depth, but I want to keep this spoiler free. I will say there were some distinct moments with hard parallels to reality that had me highlighting like a madwoman.

I loved the character building for the mc’s, and I’m really hoping to see more of some of the side characters in the future (hello, Eun).

While the themes are not new, they are definitely still relatable, and the story itself is simply irresistible.

Thank you to NetGalley, the Orbit Books, and the author for the opportunity to read this advance copy. All opinions are my own.

This is a book I solely requested on the cover! It’s so gorgeous!!

I loved a lot of things about this book. The sunken city and the different sea creatures was a fun and unique perspective. I loved all the connections between the characters.

I felt like the pacing was off and I was being told rather than shown for a good chunk of the book. It stopped me from being fully immersed in the book.

Fathomfolk is a compelling debut that builds a fascinating world but lacks nuance in its metaphors. I loved the lore and the many different types of water spirits populating the world, and wish we'd had even more of a chance to explore the different aspects of their cultures and identities. However, as much as I loved the ideas behind the Fathomfolk as a metaphor for the discrimination and colorism mixed race folks face, and the heavy parallels between real-life global warming and the environmental catastrophe facing the society, the level of engagement with these promising themes felt more YA than adult. Someone described this as "Zootopia meets Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken" and I couldn't bring myself to disagree - the ideas are interesting but just don't reach the level of depth that I was looking for.

This cover is gorgeous. It sells itself.

This is labeled adult but the voice felt incredibly young. It felt like it should be a YA, especially with the awkward fade to black scene at the end of chapter 1. Stopped after chapter 2 (6%). From what I read, I wouldn’t hesitate to hand it to a middle/high schooler. Therefore, I’m questioning the target, and unsure of where it would fall in terms of reception. Just leaving five stars,

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC.

I don't think that I'm alone in saying that I was drawn to this book's pretty cover. I will add however, that I also found an enjoyable story in the pages beneath that cover. The world built in this fable is rich with detail and interesting to explore. A city where Fathomfolk, aquatic beings of the deep like dragons and sirens, coexist with humans is the backdrop of the story told from the viewpoints of several characters. At the center of the story are Mira, a captain in the border guard; her boyfriend Kai, an ambassador of the Fathomfolk; Kai's headstrong and immature sister Nami; and Cordelia, a sea witch with an agenda of her own. I won't say that I had strong feelings for any of the characters, but their actions drive the story which tackles descriminati0n, xenophobia, and finding paths to coexistence, a timely topic in our world today. Not a spoiler, but fair warning, this is not a romance. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fable with a bit of a moral lesson at its heart dress up in an interesting fantasy world with mythical beings. (3.5/5)
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Orbit Books) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This story has a lot to love. Fantasy elements, a cool underwater world, political intrigue, and more. What an interesting and new concept! I enjoyed seeing the cultural elements here as well.

"Fathomfolk" by Eliza Chan is a modern fantasy novel set in the glittering, semi-submerged city of Tiankawi. The city is presented as a safe haven for those escaping civil unrest, but beneath the surface, tensions are brewing between the humans who live above and the fathomfolk—sirens, seawitches, kelpies, and kappas—who reside in the polluted waters below.

The story unfolds as a water-dragon and a half-siren form an alliance to challenge the existing power dynamics. The narrative weaves together elements of revolution, magic, and political intrigue as these characters strive for equality in a city divided between the heights of skyscrapers and aerial walkways and the depths of the submerged world.

Eliza Chan, described as one of fantasy's exciting new voices, promises a tale filled with violence, secrets, and the exploration of whether the cost of change is worth the struggle for equality in Tiankawi. If you enjoy fantasy stories that blend mythology with modern themes, "Fathomfolk" might be an engaging read for you.