MY FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR 🤩

premise: set in 1910s Coney Island, the story follows Benigno “Benny” Caldera, a Puerto Rican blacksmith trying to carve out a place for himself in NYC. he builds an iron tank for a sideshow act at Luna Park, only to realize he’s created a prison—for a merman. get ready, the merman, Río, is more than just a mythical creature. he's sharp, curious, and full of wonder, and Benny is immediately drawn to him. what starts as fascination turns into something much deeper, and suddenly, Benny is faced with an impossible choice: keep Río locked up and protect the only community that has accepted him, or risk everything to set him free.

the story is gorgeous in every way. the writing is lyrical without being overly flowery, the romance is soft yet heartbreaking, and the setting absolutely comes to life. you can practically hear the buzz of Coney Island, feel the salt in the air, and see the glow of the carnival lights against the night sky, the aesthetic was so beautiful I really felt like I was there. the found family aspect is also really well done—Benny’s connection to the other performers is complicated, messy, and real. i wanted to get to know them all. I wanted to be apart of the group. also we can't forget about that illustrations, it was beautiful. they don’t just complement the story; they enhance it, making the whole book feel even more magical.

this is a book about love, love that challenges, love that frees, love that asks you to be brave. it's about knowing when to let go and when to fight for something bigger than yourself. it is the kind of book that lingers long after you turn the last page. this will break your heart and put it back together again, why? the whole story was an experience! it's really one of those rare gems that sweeps you away completely. beautifully written mix of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, wrapped in stunning illustrations that make every page feel even more immersive. if you love found family, star-crossed love, and stories that pull at your heartstrings, this book is for you. definitely a must read.

thank you so much Kensington Publishing

and to Venessa Vida Kelley, MAMI. WE GOTTA TALK.

WHY. WOULD. YOU. WRITE. THIS.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed the historical setting, the circus flavor, and the representation of so many cultures (and there's helpfully a glossary in the back for the Puerto Rican).

🌟3.75 Stars🌟
There’s some really great stuff going on here, specifically I love Vanessa’s art throughout. I already own multiple of her pieces and I’m really excited to see how the art looks in print when I get my physical copy of this. I loved Rio as a character, which makes a ton of sense because I love Baz who I think inspired him. His witty bitchiness was just such a fun time. I also really liked the setting of a side show and the quirky cast of characters that come with that.

What kept this book from being a total success for me were just some clunky things that I think came from writing yourself into a corner with the premise. This isn’t one of the stories where a mermaid can transform into a human so that means that Benny is often separated from the side show crew so he can bond with Rio. As a result the connection with them didn’t feel as strong as it could have. I think this could have been remedied with a non Rio related B plot or by changing the manner in which Benny is hired by the side show. I think making him a musician that is close friends to a member of the crew could be a good entry point. That could be a role that Sonia could fill and then we could cut the crush plotline that I hated. The crush plot isn’t necessarily bad it’s just something that gives me mad second hand embarrassment.

Overall though this was a solid debut and I’m excited to see what Vanessa does next. Hopefully more books that include her gorgeous art!

CW: implied off page sexual assault

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was as beautiful and lush as the cover promised. Some of the illustrations didn’t render properly on my Kindle, but the ones that did were absolutely stunning. The author did a phenomenal job of establishing the setting of 1910s New York City with Rich detail and a lot of attention to historical accuracy. This made it really easy to become completely submerged in the setting and the story. The observations on what it’s like to be an immigrant in America, the American dream, and community were vulnerable and timely. The queer romance was a beautiful slow burn that truly tugged at the heart strings.

**This review is based on an e-ARC generously provided to me through Netgalley**
When the Tides Held the Moon is an amazing read! I love how the author uses 1910s New York to create a rich world full of pain, longing, and community. The slow-burn romance between Rio and Benny was beautifully written, and the interspersed artwork truly brought the story to life.
Some of the side characters felt a bit stereotypical. Given that the author was juggling a lot of representation, I understand why they may have lacked depth. Still, I would have loved to see more character development to add dimension outside of Benny and Rio.
Overall, this book was super enjoyable and I highly recommend it!

When the Tides Held the Moon" is a mesmerizing blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and heart-wrenching romance, set against the vibrant and often harsh backdrop of 1910s New York City. The story of Benny Caldera, a talented but marginalized Boricua blacksmith, is one that immediately captivates, drawing you into his world of ironwork, yearning, and unexpected magic.

The author masterfully crafts a rich and evocative atmosphere, painting a vivid picture of Luna Park and its eccentric inhabitants. Benny's discovery of the captive merman, Río, is a pivotal moment, transforming the narrative from a tale of personal struggle to a poignant exploration of love, captivity, and the fight for freedom.

Río is not merely a fantastical creature; he is a fully realized character, intelligent, compassionate, and deeply philosophical. The burgeoning relationship between Benny and Río is beautifully rendered, a slow burn that blossoms into a profound and undeniable love. The book delicately handles the complexities of their connection, highlighting the challenges of their different worlds and the inherent injustice of Río's captivity.

The central theme of freedom resonates deeply throughout the narrative. Benny's internal conflict, torn between his newfound sense of belonging and the moral imperative to liberate Río, is palpable. The story forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about exploitation and the importance of empathy, even when faced with difficult choices.

Venessa Vida Kelley's stunning illustrations elevate the reading experience, adding a layer of visual richness to the already evocative prose. The artwork, infused with aqua blue and black inks, captures the ethereal beauty of Río and the magical atmosphere of the story. The fully designed chapter headers and endpapers further enhance the book's immersive quality, making it a truly beautiful object.

"When the Tides Held the Moon" is more than just a love story; it's a powerful exploration of identity, belonging, and the courage to fight for what is right. It's a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, leaving you pondering the true meaning of freedom and the enduring power of love. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted prose, compelling characters, and a touch of magic.

Firstly, the cover on this is absolutely beautiful and I am absolutely obsessed with it !

The story was a whole vibe from start to finish and I loved it ! .

I would recommend this book to everyone and anyone who loves to read !!

This was such an outstanding read. From the beginning to end I was engrossed. This book was well written and kept me hooked. I enjoyed Benigno’s “Benny” character from the beginning and the romance between Benigno and Rio was so endearing.

Thank you to Erewhon Books and NetGalley for this ARC. Due to be released April 29, 2025.

3+

A merman is kidnapped to be the new big exhibit that will make Luna Park the star of Cony Island. Benigno, the designer of the tank the merman is kept in, forms a friendship with the merman that blossoms into love. But how can he save his love from drowning on dry land?

I am torn about how to rate this one. On the one hand, I thought the story was interesting, and for me something new and fresh. I liked both Benigno and Río, and especially the parts and the language written from Río’s perspective. There was beauty and passion here. But… I just personally did not at all connect with the Menagerie. It took me ages to be able to separate the characters from each other and remember who they were. And even when I did I just couldn’t bring myself to care. They didn’t come alive for me.

This is not necessarily a minus, but the story was really tense and stressful for me, because yes I did care about Río, and it took a long time for the climactic part to unfold. In fact at 95% we were still in the thick of it, which I felt didn’t give the story enough time to wrap up. It all happened a bit too quickly in the end.

With an average rating of almost 4.5 though, I am a bit of an outlier for not loving this. And I can see its appeal, I just couldn’t properly get into much of the story. The cover is gorgeous and the art is beautiful, the story is sweet and passionate, I’m sure many readers will love this, so I will by no means discourage anyone from picking this up. And I am not sorry to have read it. I’m just sorry it didn’t “fit” me better.

When I saw the premise of the book, I got so excited! I felt that this was exactly what I needed! And it most definitely was.

The imagery was amazing, and I really enjoyed the writers prose. The romance in this book was beautifully written too.

Thank you NetGalley for granting me access to this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to read Venessa Kelley’s book because I’m a huge fan of her artwork. And the artwork in this book is amazing as ever. The illustrations are so gorgeous my heart almost stopped.
But this is a novel, so I have to judge that. And this book has exceeded my expectations. It’s a deep story of love and friendship and found family. It’s feel a bit like YA if I have to be honest and it’s a little bit ingenue, but it’s a great story. It’s an excellent debut.
I fell in love with Rio and I recognise myself in Benny. Their love story is just beautiful. I can re-read this book forever, I promise!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

This book is a bit of a rollercoaster when you first start. The story is thrown at you pretty quickly. BUT when the ride evens out, you are presented with an absolutely beautiful story with fantastic prose. This book contains illustrations that only help bring the story to life. This is one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read.

So excited to get an ARC for this! I saw the cover and it was love at first sight! So gorgeous, and then there are equally beautiful illustrations throughout.

I love the idea of a human x merman romance, and Venessa Vida Kelley definitely delivered a sweet relationship between two loveable characters.

The story was an unexpected mix of heavy themes, but with a YA feel.
Benigno went through a lot as a Porto Rican migrant with asthma, and my heart went out to him repeatedly. Rio was captured, held prisoner and exploited, but remained hopeful and kind.

At the same time, some things were too easy and quick, and I will be honest, the final plan was so far fetched that I'm really struggling to decide between rounding down to 3 or up to 4 stars.

It is a debut, and I really loved the illustrations, so I think I'll round it up, in the end.

All I need now is a gorgeous special edition of this book with sprayed edges!

An achingly beautiful story of love, self acceptance, and belonging enhanced by gorgeous illustrations done BY THE AUTHOR!

It's lowkey sad for a lot of the book and it took me longer to read it for that reason, but if you like to meander along with a yearning MC, this is the book for you! A hard fought ending for our main character, Benigno, who lost his memories during a flood when he was 10?? and immigrated to the US from Puerto Rico, learned English, got treated terribly by most people, but used his blacksmith skills to start building a life, until one day it took a turn he never could have imagined.

I think Benny and Rio could have used some more of their own buildup because it kind of felt like they fell in love quickly? Or like, the connection could have been deeper? Or maybe they needed more conflict, but Benny was dealing with so much other conflict in his life that I suppose he deserved that.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

Firstly, the cover on this is absolutely beautiful as are the illustrations throughout the book. They really added something whimsical and delightful to the story and vibe as a whole.

This was an poignant and emotional queer love story that is beautifully told throughout. I did find it a little slow in places but it always picked up again and the ending was lovely. I really enjoyed this and found the romance very sweet.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

You mean to tell me this book is greatest showman but make it queer? Sign me up! I couldn’t run fast enough o request it! It was such a great story filled with great characters! I couldn’t recommend this enough

I was waiting with glee to get started on this one, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.

Let me start off with the technical issues, at least in my version of the ebook: almost all of the gorgeous illustrations were broken, squished into straggly vertical lines and impossible to see. I ended up going back to the NetGalley website and quickly running through the entire book, to see what I'd missed. What a nightmare! I do hope that this was simply a "galley copy issue," although I'm puzzled about why that would matter. I can tell you that this dampened my will to continue reading. Always invest in a technical check!

On to the story ... this is a tale as old as time, one part coming-of-age, one part immigrant tale, one part "The Little Mermaid," but featuring a merman. The social justice angle is strong here. Our lead is a gay Mexican immigrant with asthma, who joins a sideshow as a hired hand. The characters are treated with deference, even while they're subjected to all sorts of judgments and abuse. Here, I was a bit puzzled. One character falls prey to the gay romance trope of being a heterosexual woman who's interested in the gay lead but doesn't grok he's gay. We have some strange subplot where she's being leased (?) to a group of thugs to pay off the head of the troupe's loans (?). I was confused by the lack of detail here, which gave me the sense of an oddly placed YA undercurrent ... the implication is first or second base, but if this was reality, it would obviously be all the way. This rather juvenile thread underscored a lot of what happened (and didn't happen) along the way. But this was a book meant for adults. I think.

The romance ... was what I was looking forward to, but ultimately played out in a way against my hopes. I did enjoy the pace ... there's no insta-love here. At the same time, the merman love interest was kidnapped and kept in captivity the entire time ... living in a cage of his beau's making. In short, the whole love story just bludgeoned me with Stockholm Syndrome vibes. Taking of my rose-tinted glasses, I couldn't help but imagine a scenario where merman Río was merely pulling a Siren move, disarming and influencing Benny simply to make his escape. Finally, there was some implication that Benny had history with the mer people ... or maybe something more ingrained than that ... but this was left unresolved.

Altogether, there were a few too many disappointments and a bit too much of an ick factor for me to dive too deeply into this one.

This novel is a beautiful, gritty exploration of the experiences of a Puerto Rican immigrant, Benigno Caldera, new to Nueva York, but not to feeling like a stranger inside his own skin. After building a crowning achievement of iron work, Benny finds himself drawn into the schemes of the mysterious Sam Morgan, owner of Morgan's Menagerie of Oddities. After finding out he inadvertently built a cage for the mysterious El Triton, Benny joins the menagerie in an attempt to right his wrongs. In his attempt to liberate the merman known as Rio, the lines start to become blurred as to who is actually freeing who.

Spice Level: One chili pepper - conservatively.

Tropes: Found Family (and this novel has the most swoon worthy found family!)
LGBTQIA+ Representation
Historical Fantasy
Enemies to Lovers (but more delicious and tender than typical of this trope)


This novel was amazing. For the first few chapters were a bit slow for me, but once we found out some backstory to our main character Benny, things start to move fast. This novel is a beautiful example of found family, and how before we can sometimes help others, we must first help ourselves. With the help of his newfound "Oddities" such as a strong man, a bearded lady, a 'giant', and more, we see Benny come to terms with what it means to actually be free. This story gave me such strong warm and fuzzy vibes from the comradery between our cast of characters. If you're looking for a non-traditional love story that will make you laugh, sigh with yearning, shed tears, and make your heart feel like it's going to burst from happiness from the romance and friendship, look no further than "When the Tides Held the Moon". Also, fun fact: this book has amazing drawings interspersed all through it that help perfectly convey scenes contained within the novel. While these were gorgeous on an e-reader screen, I can't wait to see how much more amazing these are going to look printed out into a hard copy of the novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing (Erewhon) for providing me with an ARC copy of this novel to read.

Excuse me while I try to compose myself…This book was so beautifully written. It was full of love, pain, joy, togetherness and so much more. Cultural richness poured from the seams of this book. I found myself teary-eyed multiple times throughout this book not just because I could fully connect with each character but also because I was so happy to read a story from an author whose writing showed so much pride from where they come from. If you’re looking for a comparison to other works, this story reminded me of Water For Elephants and The Shape of Water. The only complaint was purely a complaint for myself as a reader, damn me for not being bilingual! Vanessa did such a marvelous job of easily switching from English to Spanish throughout this story! As a reader (and a person that only speaks English) I found myself wondering, “Is this how a person who does not have English as their native language feels?” While the states aren’t as kind, Vanessa provides a glossary (so graciously I might add) in the back of the book of all the translations. This book was an absolutely beautiful story full of love that I will not soon forget. Thank you for this beautiful piece with such lovely characters that I know will steal many readers hearts. Also, thank you NetGalley for this wonderful ARC.

I enjoyed this, but I had expected to enjoy it more.

I was really glad to be reading it on kindle so I could easily translate the Spanish phrases! Although I did discover a glossary in the back of the book when I finished it.

I enjoyed the chosen family element and the time period it was set in. And of course, the mer/human romance was good!

Thanks to netgalley for the ARC!