Devoured this!! what a great story! What a beautiful story. I do love a good mermaid/merman story and there is not enough of them out there. This was done so incredibly well and for it being set int he early 1900s it truley was great! I finished it in 24 hours.

I really liked this story - it’s this great mix of historical fiction and queer fantasy romance and found family that just works. It’s beautiful and funny and heartbreaking and I couldn’t put it down.

We meet these amazingly quirky and endearing characters. Benny has such a sweet soul and when he meets Río the merman, his life is changed in ways he never could have expected. Río is smart and compassionate and his story is heartbreaking.

Benny and Río come from completely different worlds…but they develop this beautiful friendship…and eventually something more….but where does that leave them?

I cant tell you anything else - I highly recommend avoiding spoilers with this book!

Also - This book is so pretty in person. From the cover to the full color endpapers to the beautiful illustrations, this is a book you are going to want a physical copy of for your shelves!

✨What To Expect:
⚔️Adult Romantasy
🐚Found Family
🏳️‍🌈Queer Romance
🧜‍♂️Merman + Monster
🔥Slow Burn
🌦️Grumpy/Sunshine
❤️‍🩹Hurt/Comfort
🗽Early 20th Century New York
🎠Coney Island Carnival

This book is magical! The author created a world full of fascinating characters, cruel villains, and an absolutely brilliant romance. I loved the re-creation of early 1900's New York. It was gritty, dark and hopeful all at the same time. The found family of the troupe was so deeply and compassionately drawn. Benny was a heartbreaking character whose redemption felt so deserved. I loved this book and will recommend it to all readers of fantasy, romantasy, and LGBTQIA romance.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

This book is everything that I hoped it to be.
It was such a fun read and it felt like a nice a comforting hug and the love story was really wel written.

This one started off a little slow and built up well. Might have to do a reread in the future as I wasn’t able to be fully engrossed as I would have liked. But still worth checking out.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this, but it ended up being such a tender, imaginative read. The Puerto Rican Spanish woven into the prose gives it so much texture and life and the glossary at the back is a great touch to contextualize the words for the reader.

The romance is powerful: slow-building, vulnerable, and full of longing. It’s set against a backdrop of historical injustice, queerness, found family, and otherness, all in this dreamlike 1910s fantasy setting.

The illustrations are stunning and add to the almost fairytale quality of the story. That said, the pacing did feel uneven at times and a few side characters leaned a little too hard into their tropes for me. There were moments I wanted more depth or clarity, especially at the end.

Still, this book has a lot of heart, and it stayed with me. If you like gentle love stories, lush language, and themes of belonging and identity, it’s definitely worth picking up.

When the Tides Held the Moon is a heartwarming queer historical romantasy set in the heyday of the bright lights and grit of Coney Island’s early 1900s decadence. Overflowing with beautiful sideshow/menagerie found family acceptance moments, the story sings of the power and resilience of believing in oneself and, of course, merlove.

The cast of characters is so endearing that you root for each of them (except the villians! Booo! Hiss! Scoundrels!) and through the writing you are exposed to new colorful phrases from each of their many native tongues. While the book does explore some weighty themes, it remains lighthearted throughout and ultimately leaves you feeling uplifted. Highly recommended!

Much appreciation goes out to author, Venessa Vida Kelley, and Erewhon Books (Kensington Publishing) for the opportunity to experience When the Tides Held the Moon in advance of its April, 29th 2025 release.

A super cute Merman and monster romance! It felt a little slow/ not plot heavy at times but overall an adorable read.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Erewhon Books for the ARC of this beautiful book!

3.5 rounded down to 3.

This was the most beautifully illustrated book and impressively, all of the illustrations were drawn by the author! I was so impressed! Sadly, I wasn't as impressed by the overall story. It felt a bit juvenile. We got a lot about Benny's story, but got next to nothing about Rio. While the cast of quirky characters was fun, they weren't quite enough to carry the overall story. I so wanted to love this book. If you do read it, do not skip those illustrations! They are everything!

Thank you NetGalley and Erewhon Books for this ARC Copy!

Honestly, I had no idea what to expect from this book, I read nothing about it, I just saw the cover and knew that it was for me. Turnes out that this book was written specifically for me. I loved everything about it. I loved the romance, I loved the cast of characters, I loved the representation, I loved the found family, I loved every single word. I want more books like this, and more books in this world.

When the Tides Held the Moon was an easy five star read. Today, my the physical copy I had pre-ordered last August arrived and I was blown away again. I can't get over how beautiful it is! The illustrations are enhanced by the aqua blue and black duotone finish, and the aesthetics of the borders on the chapter title pages, which gradually change throughout the novel, are absolutely divine.

When Benny, a Puerto Rican immigrant blacksmith, builds a beautiful custom tank for a Coney Island exhibit, he doesn't realise its intended use. But his masterful craftsmanship earns him a spot on a stealth job, helping to capture a real-life merman for Lunar Park's latest exhibit. Benny then joins the crew of performers to help renovate the park ahead of the show's opening.
Benny gets to know the merman Río and finds him clever and observant, as well as compassionate. The two develop a friendship, which deepens into love. But Río is suffering in captivity, and as his health begins to deteriorate, Benny realises that in order for the merman to survive, he will have to set him free.

What can I say, other than how utterly enchanting a read this was? Kelley writes lush, lyrical prose - I have highlighted lots of passages that struck a cord. The novel made me feel as though I had stepped into the New York of the 1910s. I loved the Spanish phrases throughout Benny's speech - if your Spanish isn't up to scratch, there's a glossary at the end. The development of the relationship between Benny and Río felt organic, and I grew fond of the whole cast of sideshow performers.

This novel is perfect if you love historical fantasy, found family, queer romance and diverse representation!
Thanks to NetGalley and Erewhon for the eARC.

I think the first time this book hit my radar was when I was scrolling through social media and saw a post by the author. Everyone knows I’m a sucker for a beautiful cover, and this one is gorgeous. So, when I realized the author was also the illustrator, I knew I had to add this book to my TBR.

When the Tides Held the Moon takes place in 1910 and introduces Benigno “Benny” Caldera, an immigrant from Puerto Rico living in New York City and working as a blacksmith. He works under harsh conditions and with some truly horrible people. Then one day he is offered a job working on a special commission, which might help him move to a better position within the company. Before he knows it, he’s embroiled in a scheme to trap a merman and caught up with a band of sideshow misfits.

This is one of those stories that kind of draws you in as the story unfolds. The book is told mainly from Benny’s POV, but there are sporadic outtakes of Rio’s thoughts and feelings during his captivity. It doesn’t take long to realize that Benny is down on his luck, having survived a hurricane in Puerto Rico as a child as well as the loss of his parents and the woman who acted as his caregiver, yet has still maintained his gentleness, kindness, and moral compass. The capture of Rio, the merman and newest attraction at Luna Park, haunts him. The death of Rio’s mother during the capture weighs heavily on his mind and ultimately leads him to making a trip to Luna Park and then a new job as Rio’s caretaker.

The gentle buildup of Benny and Rio’s relationship was lovely. Rio is understandably angry and mistrustful at first, but it doesn’t take long before the two begin a tentative friendship. Their relationship felt so soft and pure. I reveled in their chemistry and growing intimacy, even as I worried how a human man with asthma and a merman could ultimately make a HEA work. I was also at times frustrated with Benny and his indecision as to how to reconcile his relationships with his newly found family and their livelihood with Rio’s continued captivity. But in the end, I was utterly charmed and thrilled by how this story wrapped up.

Speaking of found families, this book has a wonderful cast of truly original secondary characters. Each play a special role in Benny’s growing into his own and accepting himself. Despite their differences these characters are truly a tight-knit group who love each other and stick together through thick and thin. I’m desperately hoping to see each of them in future stories in this world.

All in all, this is an achingly lovely romance. I love the setting, characters, and love story. The author’s prose is divine, and their illustrations scattered throughout are enchanting. I believe this is also a debut, which makes it that much more remarkable. Highly recommend.

Final grade- A

"I do not understand humans, but I think I am beginning to understand you."

what to expect:
✧₊⁺ MERMAIDS DONE RIGHT!!
✧₊⁺ the cutest found family that has your back😭
✧₊⁺ finally finding your person that sees you
✧₊⁺ ILLUSTRATIONS. I repeat BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS!!!

This story had everything I loved. Mermaids and a found family DONE RIGHT, emotional moments, and heartwarming character growth. The characters in this story were so well developed and thought out. AND THE ILLUSTRATIONS??? The author truly outdid herself, these were stunning and I will be purchasing a physical copy just so I can look back on the artwork in the future. I will admit the pacing in the beginning was a bit on the slower side, but once the story took off, I thought the pacing was done really well . I was STRESSED by the time I got towards the end, screaming and hoping that everything would work out 😭

"Way I see it, you can spend the rest of your drear days hammering metal or painting walls 'cause that's what the world's told you you're good for. or you can ask yourself what you really want."

The found family in here was done so well. The way they interacted and cared for one another, and how they came to accept Benny into their group of misfits was so beautiful. I loved how much they opened up to him, and told their own stories, and how Benny was able to trust and open up himself to them. In a life where he is constantly belittled and discriminated against, it was incredibly touching for him to find it in himself to have hope for others and to trust a family he never thought he had a chance of finding in America.

"Because as the company cheered and Rio smiled at them from the floor of the tank, I realized that, just when I thought I'd lost my faith in everything, I believed in my family."

Benny and Rio's relationship that started from hatred on Rio's end, but slowly blossomed into friendship and later into something more was so heart wrenching to watch (in the best way). It was beautiful the way Benny was able to become more and more himself with Rio. To feel safe and be seen by him, but their situation ("are you my captor of my savior") made everything so difficult for them 😭

"In my whole dumb life, I've never felt as safe anywhere as I feel sitting on a metal grate twenty feet above the ground with you."

If you want a refreshing story about a mermaid who falls in love with a boy and shows him all the things that are wonderful about him, with a found family that has the strongest bonds, and BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS THAT THE AUTHOR DREW HERSELF, you have to pick this one up. 🥹🫶

What an incredible story that warms the heart. There found family and a true love story here. The art throughout is incredible. Venessa Vida Kelley is a true talent in every single fingertip. Her way to tell words just captivates. The words will draw you in in ways you would never imagine and you can just imagine the story so visually in your mind. She was able to take so many scenes and illustrate them beautifully and the publisher packaged them beautifully as well too.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it completely blew me away!! I could have never even dreamed of such a perfect story with Benny and Rio and the whole gang. Truly perfection.

From page one, I was fully immersed in the story and loved it more and more with every chapter. I normally can write most coherent reviews but right now, I’m just in awe of the incredible writing, character building, and story telling by Venessa.

This one has the best found family, the most tender relationship, an incredibly unique plot line, and the prettiest illustrations I’ve ever seen in a book. I always know a book is good if it made me cry, and this one certainly did (from happiness don’t worry!) But as Rio notes, tears and salt water have healing powers and this book does too

-- found family -- merman romance -- queer rep --


Benigno -- a talented metal worker is struggling to achieve the 'American Dream' in the face of a prejudiced and often hostile early 20th century New York when he is commissioned to create a strange aquatic enclosure.

Drawn into the schemes of his client, the slick and quietly dangerous Sam Morgan, Benny's life will be forever changed.

Immediately upon starting this novel I was captivated. The prose flows as effortless and sweeping as the tides that wash against the finely drawn portrait of a 20s Coney Island.

While the romantic plot is written with a lyrical grace, I found that I was drawn most to the ensemble cast. Vanessa Vida Kelley pulls together one of the most eceletic and enjoyable found families I've ever had the pleasure to read.

Every scene with the extended cast of the novel is delightful and the setting amidst the waning glory era of the sideshow is handled with empathy and dignity.

This novel is a gorgeous tale of finding your place in the world and the love which makes it feel like home.

You should read this book.

This book swept me away from the very first page. When the Tides Held the Moon is the kind of story that seeps into your heart and lingers there. The writing is lush and immersive—full of sensory details that made me feel like I was standing on the boardwalk of 1911 Coney Island, tasting sea salt in the air and hearing the distant crash of waves. There’s something almost dreamlike about the way the world is built—equal parts historical and magical.

What stood out most to me were the characters. Benny and Río felt raw and human in the best way—tender, flawed, yearning. Their connection is a slow-burn, aching kind of love that unfolds with patience and depth, and I found myself rooting for them fiercely. The emotional arc felt so honest and deeply personal. I was surprised by how much it moved me.

The themes woven through the story—grief, identity, longing, and found family—are handled with such care. And the illustrations throughout? Absolutely stunning. They added an extra layer of atmosphere that made the entire experience feel that much more special.

If you're someone who loves character-driven fantasy with quiet, powerful magic and emotional depth, this book is not to be missed. It’s tender, lyrical, and unlike anything I’ve read recently.

✨ Emotional. Atmospheric. Unforgettable.
📖 Pub Date: May 7, 2024
⭐ 5/5 stars
🧜‍♂️ LGBTQ+ historical fantasy
🖋️ ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Knopf Books

When the Tides Held the Moon is such a beautiful debut! This was gorgeous love story but also such a wonderous combination of history and urban fantasy. I've been following Venessa Vida Kelley's art career for years but their writing is just as stunning. Cannot wait to continue following her career!

New York City, 1911

At the final behest of his Tití Luz, Benigno Caldera immigrates from Puerto Rico to America for a fresh start. She wanted him to find himself and his place in the world, but all Benigno’s found is a more virulent strain of ostracism. When the ironworks where he works accepts a commission to build a massive tank for Coney Island playground, Luna Park, Benigno is lured into building it by the bait of a promotion. Despite the beauty and integrity of the one-story structure, Benigno is again reminded of his place and left empty-handed—well almost. The invitation from Luna Park’s owner is a lifeline. He finds the promise of a family with the “exhibits” of Morgan’s Menagerie of Human Oddities — Matthias, Madam Navya, Lulu, Igor, Vera, Eli, Emmett, and Sonia. Benigno no longer has to labor in noxious air full of smoke and vitriol. Instead, he’s tasked with theater renovation and tank maintenance, granting him plenty of time with el tritón.

Unlike their fellow mer, Río’s mother didn’t see humans as hopeless savages, despite the horrors they perpetrated upon one another and the seas. She believed their souls are as pure and worthy as any child of Neptune, and to Río, rescuing a woman stranded in a row boat is simply right. Attacked and traumatized by loss, he comes face to face with human cruelty. Enraged by his imprisonment, Río is disinclined to engage with his captors, until he recognizes Benigno’s heart and sincerity. Their friendship and love make him feel close to his beloved sea. Yet, saltwater is not the sea, and mer cannot live by love alone. As much as Benigno loves Río, freeing him means sacrificing his family’s livelihood and losing the love of his life. . .and Benigno may not be strong enough.

When the Tides Held the Moon is a beautiful debut novel full of warmth, healing, and love, complemented by lovely illustrations. The writing is as fluid as the element at its heart—flowing from unassuming to turbulent to moving with ease. Its bilingual narrative centered me in Benigno’s perspective, and it simultaneously conveys a sense of place in time and timelessness. The characters’ lived experiences and resilience resonated strongly, as did the simple turns of phrase or kindnesses that demonstrate how easily consideration can be extended, but how often it is abandoned. The story is mostly from Benigno’s perspective and how the relationships he forms guide him from physical, spiritual, and emotional drought to a restored whole.

Benigno feels his otherness down to his marrow—a lost boy with lost memories and a friend lost to homophobia. It was mitigated by his adopted aunt’s love, but he lost himself again when she died. His brown skin, accent, and social class push him further into isolated waters, as even his fellow poor immigrants consider him immigrant filth. As a person whose mere existence causes disdain without saying a word, Benigno “accepts pain and injustice as [his] birthright” and lives in a state of resigned docility that precludes the strength of will to free himself, let alone Río. The fact that noble, intelligent, and awe-inspiring Río sees him and offers forgiveness and comfort despite his shortcomings is wondrous but painful. Río’s esteem threatens the dam Benigno built against his desires and expectation of common decency and respect.

Benigno’s search for a home and constant emotional displacement explores the tendency to dehumanize certain people. After all, it’s easier to exploit, disregard, and destroy those categorized as “other”. Among his countrymen, Benigno was shunned for being gay, and as accepting as his family is, they too fall into the trap of ignoring suffering and discounting the different. They’ve created a warm space welcoming of outsiders because their livelihood is rooted in derision; their motto “with it, for it, never against it” encompasses that. Yet, Río is no more than a thing to most, not a sentient being whose compassion is the only reason they caught him. They show that even the best can fall short, but innate goodness can prevail.

The narrative is character driven and has little plot movement; emotional action is the name of the game. The pace is sedate, but for the most part, the book doesn’t feel like 450+ pages. There are places it could be trimmed, but the time taken to create bonds and heal wounds feels right for how locked down and twisted up Benny is. When the Tides Held the Moon is a charming mix of fairy tale and historical romance. It’s a love letter to generosity of spirit and respect and the belief that hope, love, and community can carry you home.

A metal worker and a merman? A queer merman story? I was in love before I started reading.

I loved the romamce in this story and the world and esthetic were amazing 💚