This book is so very good. The story, like the actual art within it, is a work of art. It is a beautiful story set in 1911 where a man has come to the "land of opertunity" at the behest of his late aunt. Like so many new comers to America he found the enviroment less than welcoming, but manages to muscle through it. He gets an oppertunity that he thinks will finally lead him to a path of true betterment, but the path to better is sometimes a wee bit of a rollercoaster. A rollercoaster that involves capturing something that isn't supposed to exist, at all.

This is a wonderful story of two individuals finding love in a place, and a person, they never expected to. The supporting characters are all wonderful and as loveable to the MCs. To add to it all the whole story is a wealth of emotions and I personally was left with all the dang feels.

If you're looking for spice, it's not there in the traditonal sense. The spice is all emotional, and pure and magic.

Loved it. Cried at the end. Will highly recommend this book. It was beautiful. The characters, the setting, the struggles. All of it was so good.

There is no way this was a debut. It was so heartfelt and gut punching. I think upon reread this could be bumped up to a 5 star all time favorite. Also I cannot wait to get a physical in my hands to just stare at the artwork all day long. It's absolutely beautiful.

A poignant queer historical fiction with tides of magic and surrealism, while also feeling grounded and gritty. A really enthralling read with beautiful illustrations to elevate the story.

In When the Tides Held the Moon, Benny is a Puerto Rican immigrant living and working as a blacksmith in 1910s NYC. He builds a beautiful tank for a Coney Island sideshow and when his own employment circumstances change, he finds himself working for the man and show that commissioned his artwork. On his first night of his new job, Benny helps capture a merman from the East River to be the show’s newest attraction. A deep friendship between Benny and the merman, whom he names Rio, forms. As the stakes rise, Benny must choose between the well-being of his new friend and the success of the sideshow itself.

I just loved this story! Benny and Rio pulled at my heartstrings the whole way through. My favorite parts of the book were the nights Benny spent sitting next to Rio’s tank while they got to know each other. The story kind of gave me The House in the Cerulean Sea vibes (which I mean as the biggest compliment, as it’s one of my favorite books ever) - cozy fantasy with a sprinkling of romance and a cast of lovable characters who tend to be misunderstood by most of the world and in their time. They were the definition of “found family”, which I adore. I loved how the author blended 1910s historical fiction with fantasy in such a whimsical way. And the illustrations throughout were just the cherry on top of a wonderful story. Loved it so much!

Give When the Tides Held the Moon a read if you enjoy :
▫️Cozy fantasy / romantasy
▫️Merpeople stories
▫️Historical fantasy
▫️Found family

from the very start of the book, when the tides held the moon demands your attention, settling you in 1911 brooklyn, new york at a tumultuous time in the life of our puerto rican protagonist, benny caldera, as he encounters (or at least the closest ‘encountering’ is to ‘helping in the capture of’) the merman rio. in over 400 pages, we watch their two lives intertwine and bleed through each other, as well as forever change and be forever changed by the eclectic crew of performers of coney island’s famed luna park (who, by the way, also helped in this very capture).

of course i was immediately arrested by this premise, and at the end of the first few chapters i swore that i had my first 5-star of the year. in some ways, its promise did live up—i found that the story came to life in the characters, in the way their dialogues were so distinctly colored with their cultural and social realities, and to this day i’m still taken by how ALIVE they all felt. the book is also littered with the most gorgeous illustrations that helps immerse you fully in the story (the dream illustration, everyone?), which were all drawn by the author themself! oh and the prose is just as enchanting as the art, by the way.

my biggest gripe doesn’t even come until the 70% when i felt like the pacing began to frustrate me just when the conflict took a turn for the worse. hence, i felt like the momentum of the narrative slipped away at a point where all i wanted was to be excited and overwhelmed with the need to read and read. i also did not like reading rio’s pov chapters much, but that just might be me not liking his narrative voice lol and because i felt these issues by the last thirds of the book, the image it left in my memory isn’t the brightest.

nevertheless, i would still definitely highly recommend this to everyone, not just to those who are looking for a queer romance between the sweetest human and the loveliest merman in all of fiction, but also to those in need of a heartwarming story between people who have been demeaned to think the lowest of themselves all their lives and yet, in having found each other, would always, always choose to save and protect their newfound family. i swear the glazing on the characters isn’t for show, i know you’ll love them too!

huge thanks to erewhon books via netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review of the book.

When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley's it’s a fantastic debut balancing heartbreak, longing and wonder.

Set in 1911 New York, the novel follows Benny, a Puerto Rican blacksmith who builds a tank, only to discover it’s meant to imprison a merman named Río. From there, we a see not only a beautiful love story unfold, but a deeply exploration of captivity and freedom—of the body, of desire, and of identity. I adored their connection and how it was slow-building and tender, full of quiet moments and impossible choices.

Id like to leave a special praise for the illustrations included throughout the novel that deepen the story in subtle and emotional ways.

This is a book about otherness and love and longing, and it doesn’t offer easy answers. It’s quietly devastating at times, but also full of beauty and softness.

I think Mermen were everything the romantasy world was needing. This is a book that I recommend for romantasy readers, as well for those drawn to historical fiction with a touch of myth and a lot of heart.

I will follow attentively Venessa’s career.

<i>I would like to thank Kensington Publishing | Erewhon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review</i>

When The Tides Held the Moon is a 1910s historical romance that melds beautifully with the mythology of merfolk. Benny is a Puerto Rican blacksmith in New York City tasked with creating a tank that can hold a mystical creature from the seas. To his shock, a merman is actually stolen from the sea and slated to perform in a sideshow. As Benny connects with the merman, he must face the truth about both the merman and himself.

I absolutely loved When the Tides Held the Moon!! Benny is such a strong character who it is impossible to not want the best for. I loved his friendship and relationship with Río, as well as the other show members like Matthias. The portrayal of what it was like to be LGBTQ+ during this time was excellent and I loved how they found family and safety in the sideshow. The worldbuilding behind what it might be like to be a merfolk was beautiful. Venessa Vida Kelley creates characters that are so lovable and vivid. I was also impressed with the historical research and accuracy that clearly took place.

When the Tides Held the Moon is perfect for readers who seek historical LGBTQ+ romance, merfolk, and found family. I would highly recommend it to anyone!

Thank you to Venessa Vida Kelley, Erewhon Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have been waiting on this book for what feels like forever and was so excited when I got approved for an arc of it. I started following Vanessa Vida Kelley years ago due to their artwork then saw a post where they were talking about these characters, Benny and Rio. I knew this was a book I was going to love. It was everything I hoped it would be and more.

After building an iron tank and impressing them with his skills, Benny is offered a role in the Luna Park side show. The tank is for a real-life merman that was captured and is one of the attractions. Benny and Rio start to connect, building a friendship that slowly turns into more. Benny knows the tank is no place for Rio to live and must decide to do the right thing and set Rio free and lose his love.

The story takes place in 1911 at Coney Island. The world here was superbly written and really transports you back in time. I felt like really immersed in this world. The characters are extremely well developed and I really felt like they were real people. Then there is Benny and Rio ❤️ anyone who reads this is going to fall in love with them. I didn’t want their story to end.

I loved this book. It is whimsical and beautiful. the illustrations are a realy amazing addition. Thank you Vanessa for writing and drawing this amazing story.

I knew from the start that id love this book mermaids and the circus? Who could possibly resist that combo? The setting, 1911 New York, felt rich and immersive, with layers of historical detail that unfolded gradually. It struck this perfect balance between feeling true to the era while still feeling surprisingly current.

Rio and Benny are both so compelling that I was hooked on every quiet moment between them. I was rooting for their happiness the whole way through.

One thing worth highlighting: the art in this book is absolutely gorgeous. Not just the cover thing but illustrations woven throughout the story, and they add to the whole reading experience.

This book had all the things I adore and ill defiantly be picking up a hard copy of it. Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in return for an honest review.

This was a gorgeous novel (literally and figuratively - the illustrations are jaw dropping). The characters were lovely and a little flawed and relatable. The detailed descriptions of Puerto Rico and turn of the century New York were vivid and beautiful and heartbreaking. It made you nostalgic and wistful and sad in equal measure. An excellent a debut and I look forward to more from this author.

I was given an eARC copy in return for an honest review.
This was one of the easiest 5 star ratings I’ve ever been able to give. The prose in this debut is lyrical and simply stunning, and when coupled with a beautiful story and breathtaking illustrations, this is something truly special.

Benigno ’Benny’ Caldera knows the odds are stacked against him; an orphaned Boricua blacksmith cannot call himself an artist, but when he receives a commission for famed Coney Island playground Luna Park, he cannot pass up the opportunity. An elaborately decorated and heavily engineered glass tank.

What he doesn’t expect is to be involved in the procurement of the tank’s inhabitant: a real life merman, hauled straight from the river.

Benny’s work earns him an invite to join the park’s eclectic group of performers, and he slowly begins to build a found family, including the surly merman who once threatened his life. But a cage is no place for a merman, and as they grow closer, Benny has to choose between the tentative relationship he is building with Rio, and the only family he has.

This book is truly something special. The representation is top notch, both queer and POC, and Venessa has done such a fabulous job of bringing these characters to life. From the kind hearted giant to the pair of conjoined twins, the charismatic contortionist to the worldly wise strongman, the side show performers bring humour and light to what could be a very dark and depressing setting. Being an outsider is difficult, but in 1910s New York it really does become a case of life or death for Benny and the performers.

The romance is tender and beautifully written. Benny and Rio come from very different worlds, but they are both prisoners of Coney Island. They come to understand, help, and love each other without exception, and that love is inspirational, for both the supporting cast of characters and for the reader.

Venessa’s historical research to bring Coney Island at the turn of the century to life is stellar, you really feel immersed in the world; it’s like you can hear and smell and touch everything, the descriptions bring everything wonderfully to life and are supported by the stunning visuals. The pen and ink style illustrations throughout just take the story to another level and make this a truly standout novel.

I have been a fan of Venessa’s artwork and writing for years, and this is no exception. I cannot wait to see what she does next.

Firstly thank you Netgalley, Venessa and Erewhon Books for an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have loved Venessas art for few years now. She has been the reason for some of the special editions sitting on my shelf including a French RWRB I can't even read so when I saw she was publishing her debut novel it was a no brainer for me to try read asap.

I'm glad to say they are as wonderful a writer as they are an artist. The story took me a little time to get into at first but once I did I sped through it. Best way I can describe it is think greatest showman and shape of water with a queer twist.

It ticked many boxes for me and the illustrations that I could see (some wouldn't load with the ARC) were gorgeous. This also means I need to purchase my shelf trophy asap.

I won't reveal too much just needed to sing praises of this debut novel and say I look forward to more from Venessa.

“Río,” I whispered, out of breath, and not from wheezing. “You make me feel like I’m kissing the tides.”

“Benigno,” he whispered back. “You make me feel like I am holding the moon.”

A love story, about identity, immigration, class struggle, and coming out in 1910s New York, written with a poetic and deeply intimate voice. A touching and enraging story at the same time.
It was a bit long for me but I had times where I just couldn't stop reading. Even when I dreaded what could be on the next page.

𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙤𝙣 by Venessa Vida Kelley is an historical fantasy romance set in New York around the early 1900s.

Puerto Rican immigrant Benny is a blacksmith tasked with building a tank to house the latest exhibit in Coney Island’s Luna Park, a merman. After the merman is safely housed in the tank Benny is offered a job working on the exhibits at Luna Park where he is befriended by the company of 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯’𝘴 𝘔𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘖𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴.

Over the course of several weeks Benny and Rio build a friendship which develops into a romance as their emotional bond deepens. Eventually Benny must decide what to do; if Rio stays in his tank he’ll die, but if Benny returns him to the sea then he’ll lose him, neither option is an easy choice to make.

I loved the slow burn between Benny and Rio as it allowed their romance to develop naturally and tenderly without feeling rushed. I also appreciate the amount of backstory that we got as it showed the homophobia and racism that Benny had to deal with on a regular basis interspersed with moments of kindness as well as the richness of Rio’s mer-culture.

I enjoyed the diverse characters in this book and the found family aspect of the story. They may have had their differences but they definitely had each other’s backs and these beautifully fleshed-out characters really had a sense of community.

The writing in When the Tides Held the Moon was charming and atmospheric. It’s a beautiful queer romance about love, family and being true to yourself. I was completely immersed in the story from beginning to end and recommend this to anyone who celebrates diversity and believes in the power of love.

A Puerto Rican blacksmith falls in love with a merman in 1911's New York and so begins a romance reminiscent of The Shape of Water. Benigno "Benny" Caldera is a blacksmith in New Yrok and when he creates an irontank for the Coney Island playground, Luna park, he doesn't expect to find out that he's built a cage for a real life merman. the merman is known as Río and the more time they spend together the more a friendship and possible something more begins to grow... and the more Benny is realizing that he has to find a way to free them both. This book felt extremely YA and I just couldn't connect to it in the way I wanted. I was so so excited for this because I adore queer paranormal, especially mermaid/merman stories, and this sounded amazing... but it just fell flat for me. The story is nice, and that's it. It's just nice, it's not captivating, it's not knocking me out of my seat, it's just okay. I do think that younger readers and YA readers will have a fun time with this but for me personally it just felt lackluster. I know this is a miss for me, but I do still think that other YA readers should absolutely pick this up!

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Kensington Publishing | Erewhon Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

E-ARC generously provided by Erewhon Books in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much!

4.5 stars. Gorgeously drawn in both illustration and writing style, When the Tides Held the Moon is a luminous beacon of a queer historical fantasy debut that combines ardent, lyrical prose with a romance so filled to the brim with yearning that it'll undoubtedly make any reader's heart ache.
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"Revealing your truth is like swimming, Benigno. It may not come naturally or easily. But in still waters, it can be learned."

When the Tides Held the Moon is unlike any book I've read before. This book is part historical fiction, part fantasy, part romance and so many other things. But if I could pick one thing to describe it, I would say that it's all heart.

"How would it feel to wake up to the ocean of his eyes? To measure his perfect dimensions against my imperfect ones, breathe in the turquoise sea off his skin, and feel like home had come to find me instead of the other way around?"

It's the story of a man trying to find his place in the world. A man who's travelled the seas and survived the streets of New York, all in the hopes of finding freedom and a place to be himself, even if he's not sure who that person is. He's just drifting and doing what he needs to do to survive when life takes him down a path he never saw coming.

"Río was the exception. In a counterfeit world, he alone was the real deal."

Being witness to Río's struggles shows Benny just how much of a captive he is in his own life. Getting to know Río and falling in love with him gives him the courage to fight for not just Río's freedom, but his own. The way Benny slowly opens himself up to not just Río but also the family he's found for himself is so freaking beautiful. This band of misfits had me bawling my eyes out so many times. Every single one of them played a part in making this story as magical as it was. But of course, the true magic came from Río and Benny's love.

“Río,” I whispered, out of breath, and not from wheezing. “You make me feel like I’m kissing the tides.” “Benigno,” he whispered back. “You make me feel like I am holding the moon.”

These two are an unlikely couple but thre's no denying that they belong together. I loved every glimpse we got of Río's thoughts and the illustrations brought this story to life in unexpected ways. I'll admit, I wasn't sure how their story was going to end. I had my hopes and my theories, and all I'll say is that I was not disappointed. Venessa has created something really beautiful with Benigno, Río and the performers they call family. Historical fiction is not my usual genre but I truly loved this book. If you're a fan of circus troupes (think The Greatest Showman), mermaids and underdogs falling in love, you do not want to miss this one!

Stunning! When the Tides Held the Moon captivated me with its rich detail, immersive setting, and compelling story.

This was such a unique and beautiful book. I loved the found family, the emotional intimacy between characters, and the gorgeous illustrations and beautiful visual storytelling.

Read if you enjoy:
🌕 slow burn romance and pining
🌊 queer love and diverse characters
🌕 historical settings
🌊 atmospheric and romantic prose
🌕 found family
🌊 merfolk x the circus

My rating: 4.5⭐️