This was a very interesting take on the classic tale of The Little Mermaid that we all know and love. The time in which is was set made for a unique story line and the writing was well done.

I think the little mermaid comparison is a little over done since I think it wasn’t super same same. But good book.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Graydon House and NetGalley for the ARC!

A Magic Deep and Drowning sets out to be a haunting, gender-swapped reimagining of The Little Mermaid, set against the backdrop of 17th-century Netherlands. The premise is enchanting, and I was immediately intrigued by the setting, the promise of ancient sea magic, and the eerie image of a beached whale as an omen.

Hester Fox’s take on the myth felt original, and fans of atmospheric historical fantasies like The Miniaturist or The Familiar may enjoy the vibes. Unfortunately, while the book started strong for me, it lost momentum halfway through.

My main struggle was with the romance. Clara and Maurits fall in love almost instantly, and from that point on, the story leans heavily into longing and pining rather than real emotional development. They have very few actual conversations, yet Clara is convinced of his goodness, even when he consistently lies to her. Her naivety may be tied to her upbringing, but it made her feel more like a YA heroine than someone in an adult historical fantasy novel.

The plot touches on some meaningful themes, including environmentalism and the relationship between land and sea, but I never felt fully immersed in the setting. For a story set in 1650 Friesland, it lacked the depth and texture I was hoping for. It could have taken place in any vaguely historical world.

Overall, I appreciated the concept and the unique take on a classic tale, but the execution didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I loved the setup and the first half, but the rest didn’t hold my interest in the same way.

Wow! This was such a brilliant take on the little mermaid and I had such a wonderful time reading this. The pacing was great and I loved the romance throughout the book. This was a historical fantasy as well making it a unique take as well to the tales we know. I didn't love the instalove but it was still overall enjoyable. The instalove was a bit expected at the same time since this is a reflection of the little mermaid as well.

This was my first Hester Fox book and I'll be recommending it and keeping my eye out for future releases!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hester Fox for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Magic Deep and Drowning coming out June 24, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoy this author. I think she has a lot of magical books. Her writing is really awesome. I love the plots. I really enjoyed the first half of the book. I think I got a little lost in the second half. I think I was expecting something different. I would definitely check out other books by this author though.

A lovely retelling of The Little Mermaid, with a twist. Hester Fox's prose is as lovely as ever, with enchanting characters, human and otherwise. It felt like submerging into a new and enchanted world.

Clara was definitely somewhat naïve and spoilt, but it wasn't particularly her fault. She had been given little opportunity and little love from her parents to understand the world around her. It was lovely to see her come into her own, and to start making decisions without interference, and to stand by them. Her journey to becoming a better person was really enjoyable to watch.

Maurits had a similar and parallel journey. As a young prince, neglectful of his kingdom and responsibilities, Maurits also neglected his own power for change. While his love and infatuation for Clara initially motivates him, also seeing him grow into his power and choosing his duty to his kingdom in the best way possible was heartening. They each became more themselves because of each other.

I also really loved all the creatures, people, animals, and nature woven throughout the story. It really does seem that somewhere in the ocean there have to be mermaids and enchanting creatures. This world felt real. I also like how landbound spirits and creatures also featured.

While it was definitely a story about two young people growing up, it was also about them learning that they are part of the larger whole. Humans (or mermaids) aren't separate from nature, and if we destroy nature, it will be at our peril. So it felt very fitting to read this book while all around us the death of humans and nature seems to be happening without those in power seeking change.

If you like fairytale retellings, coming-of-age stories, and some magic and beauty, definitely read this latest book. Hester Fox really does have such beautiful writing.

Thank you to Hester Fox and Harlequin Books via NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

This is a re-telling of the original The Little Mermaid had so much potential. The setting and time period were especially interesting to me, but I felt like not enough was done with it to the point that I forgot this was taking place during the Dutch Golden Age! I really liked the brief (too brief) explanations of the the various beings from folklore and how they wove into the story, but just felt like I wanted and needed more from this story. Just when I thought it was going to pick it, it meandered a little more. I enjoyed the writing, but needed more from the story and the characters.

Clara, the daughter of a rich merchant, didn’t get the message about not following fairy folk, and she’s lured into a passionate connection with a stranger. The Dutch merchants have prospered off their magical bargain with the fairy-like sea people, but now it’s time to pay the price. This is no Disney musical — Fox’s gender-swapped retelling of “The Little Mermaid” is set in the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age, and it’s steeped in fantasy and folklore.

A Magic Deep & Drowning is the fourth book I've read by Hester Fox. So far I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of those books. With this tale, we have a gender-swap historical fantasy romance based on Hans Christian Andersen's story "The Little Mermaid". Believe it or not, I've never read that fairy tale. Even more amazing, I've never seen the Disney movie versions. Does that make me pathetic? Perhaps, but I can honestly say I base my review solely on Ms. Fox's book, with no comparison to the other works.

On a spring day in Friesland, The Dutch Republic in 1650, Clara van Wieren sees a bad omen: a beached and rotting whale. She's not one to believe in superstition, and she dismisses the omen when a proposal from a wealthy merchant arrives. Clara is happy that she will have the chance to be free of her mother's abuse. To learn more about overseeing a household, she tries to do the same at her family's estate. This leads to an encounter with Maurits, a young man with russet hair and eyes the color of the sea. Though betrothed, Clara finds herself drawn to him, and she must choose between the life she was raised for and a man she cannot resist. However, Maurits is not what he appears to be and his secrets threaten to rise up and destroy them. An ancient bargain between the mythical people of the sea and the rulers of the land beings to unravel, and Clara is in the middle of a deadly struggle for power.

This story captivated me from the start, but it took me a while to really get into it because I was not overly fond of Clara at first. She was only 20 years old and was shallow and naive. She did have some serious issues, such as an abusive mother and uncaring father. Also, Clara had lost her best childhood friend Fenna to the sea years ago, and the only caring person in her life was her maid Helma. She was pleased that she would be leaving her unhappy home and marrying and then heading her own household. But then she met Maurits de Vis... The young man was not as he seemed. He did not work for the fish monger, nor was he a representative of Clara's betrothed. He was actually the son and heir of the Queen of the Sea. Maurits I liked from the start, though he was dishonest with Clara. He didn't want to rule the sea; he wanted to stay on land, but eventually would have to return to the sea lest he perish. Clara wanted to resist this handsome young man, but she just couldn't. Things got out of control, however, when the ancient bargain, which had been forged in blood between the sea people and rulers of the land, began to unravel. Things irrevocably change for both Clara and Maurits, and we see both of them transform. At this point, the book becomes unputdownable. The fantasy elements were incredibly interesting. Between some of the chapters the author described the creatures from the folklore of the Netherlands. I really loved those chapters. Besides Clara (who I grew to love) and Maurits, there were a number of other outstanding characters. Helma had been Clara's nursemaid, then became her maid. She told Clara about the folklore of the area. But how well did she really know it? Thade was the younger brother of Maurits. He, unlike his older brother, would do anything to lead his people, no matter how brutal he must be. The Queen, of course, was fascinating and showcased that good and evil were not absolutes. My favorite supporting characters, however, were the basilisks, creatures of European folklore described as a serpent or a lizard-like creatures that could kill with their gaze or breath. The mob (school? group? bunch?) here were sly creatures, and though terrifying I admit I found them quite amusing. This ended up being a fantastic fantasy romance. I really look forward to Hester Fox's next beguiling tale.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation or my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

this was absolutely great. it was amazing to see where the next book took me. I read book one and loved that book so much. i loved reading book 2. the writing was so good. i absolutely swooned over how this book was put together, i definitely recommend reading book one 1st and then tackling this one. but all and all very very very very very good!

A gender bent Little Mermaid tome offering a fresh take on the story with familiar character troupes a plenty.

A Magic Deep and Drowning takes a familiar tale and breathed fresh life into it. I went into this one blind and was impressed with the unique setting and the gender bent take. I found the characters to be nuanced and engaging yet somehow a bit cookie cutter. Clara in particular felt like a character that I have read time and time again and that felt like a misstep in an otherwise unique tale.

All in all I enjoyed my time in this world, with some minor tweaks to characterization, I think it could of been spectacular!

I love Hester Fox’s books. This one was not what I expected. I am more of a witch and ghost reader. So reading about merpeople was definitely a change from the norm. But…I enjoyed this tale.

The Dutch Republic, 1650. One fine spring day in Friesland, twenty-year-old Clara van Wieren is faced with an ill omen: a whale, beached and rotting in the noonday sun. But Clara doesn’t believe in magic and superstition, and this portent is quickly dismissed when a proposal from a wealthy merchant arrives, promising Clara the freedom she seeks from her mother’s overbearing rule.

I loved the setting….1650 Dutch republic! This added so much to this novel. It really helped make the merpeople and their world fit. Like I said, this is not my genre but this story is masterfully written with love, family drama, magic and history all rolled into one. And goodness, the mystical creatures add so much to the story with their creativity!

The narrator, Lauren Ezzo, nailed all these voices. And let me tell you, there are quite a few, especially with the mystical creatures. Did I say she nailed it…she nailed it!

Need a story that has a little bit of everything…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I appreciated the "fresh take" of The Little Mermaid with the gender swap—it was beautifully done and brought a new perspective to the classic story. The writing is atmospheric and evocative, which made parts of the book really captivating. That said, I struggled with the pacing; the story moved slower than I expected and it was hard to stay fully engaged throughout. While I admired the concept and some of the emotional depth, it didn’t quite hold my attention the way I hoped. Thank you, NetGalley!

#AMagicDeepandDrowning #NetGalley

"The Dutch Republic, 1650" presents a captivating tale set against the backdrop of Friesland, where young Clara van Wieren faces an unsettling omen—a beached whale—yet dismisses it as mere superstition. Her life takes a turn when a proposal from a wealthy merchant offers her the freedom she yearns for, away from her mother’s strict control.
The story deepens as Clara's responsibilities lead her to a chance encounter with the enigmatic Maurits, whose russet hair and sea-colored eyes captivate her. Their growing connection poses a dilemma: should she embrace the conventional life she’s known, or follow her heart?
However, Maurits harbors secrets that could threaten their bond, and as an ancient pact between mythical sea dwellers and land rulers begins to unravel, Clara finds herself entangled in a perilous struggle for power.
The narrative is richly woven, blending themes of love, freedom, and hidden truths. The characters are well-developed, and Clara's journey is both relatable and exhilarating. While the pacing occasionally slows, the intricate plot and compelling stakes keep readers invested. Overall, this book is an engaging read that masterfully combines historical fiction with elements of fantasy.

I was really excited for this historical Little Mermaid retelling, and I think it lived up to that hype. The novel really does immerse you in the setting depicted in very vivid imagery. I would say this story kept the big pillars of The Little Mermaid, and strived for originality in every other area. The love story was very pure, encompassing the ages and cultural expectations well. I think one of my favorite parts of the story is how deep they dive into the history of rivalry that twists the two main characters together. Following their love was sweet, but it wasn’t the main story, which I think sets this apart a little. I thoroughly enjoyed how old characters tied into new characters, it really made the book feel well-rounded. I think this was done well to deliver a haunting, historical mystery that ties in love and mermaids.
Special thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the arc copy!

This book caught my attention due to the setting being in Friesland and the protagonist's last name sharing a root word with my husband's family's name. See, my husband's ancestors basically settled Friesland many centuries ago, and only came to the United States after World War II after spending all that time living in the same area. And my husband has also written his own fantasy fiction based on Friesian folklore and mythology (such as he can discover in his research). So this title had my interest from the premise alone.

Now that I've finished it, this book is... fine. It's not terrible, but it's not going to be The Most Amazing Thing Ever Written. It's a lot more ethereal and navel-gazing than a lot of fantasy/romances I've read.

I do like the main characters, but there is A LOT of Poor Communication Kills at work here. I know, a story where both main characters have their voices taken away and I have a problem with their communication?? In the beginning, though, it felt like there were a lot of details that no one was sharing with each other, and for no good reason. And - surprise, surprise - it turns out THERE WAS a character withholding information! And she really didn't have a good reason NOT to share. It boiled down to "So The Plot Can Happen." That felt like a cheap cop-out.

Also, for a story that purports to be based on Friesian folklore - I don't know that basing it on a Danish fairytale was the right call. Perhaps Fox was writing this story and it just became a retelling of "The Little Mermaid," so might as well run with it? Because the Netherlands are so connected with the ocean and being beneath sea level, so, mermaids! Or something? It's an odd choice. Having Danish ancestry myself, I'm not sure I'm 100% on board with it.

I'm giving this one three stars because it's exactly down the middle. I'm glad I read it, though I'm not sure how much I'll be recommending it.

Magic Deep and Drowning offers a lush and atmospheric reimagining of The Little Mermaid, with a refreshing gender swap and a vividly rendered 17th-century Dutch setting. Clara is a compelling protagonist, torn between duty and desire, and the early romance with the enigmatic Maurits is charming, if predictable. The novel shines in its historical detail and moody, slow-burn tension, but the pacing sometimes lags, and the mythology, while intriguing, feels underdeveloped by the climax. Still, for fans of historical fantasy and retellings with a twist, this tale of love, legacy, and the sea has enough magic to make the journey worthwhile.

*I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Graydon House for this ARC!*

I have adored Hester Fox’s previous works of Gothic romance, and am absolutely thrilled to report that she also soars in her first foray into historical fantasy! This brilliant, gender-bent retelling of The Little Mermaid, set in the Golden Age of the Dutch Republic was beautifully written and chilling to behold.

I loved the fact that the mermaid in this story was a man, Maurits. I was a big fan of Maurits from the beginning, even when he was making poor decisions. The object of his desires, Clara, took me a bit longer to warm to, but in the end I was a big fan, huge. Their love story seemed to be a fast starter, but there was definitely a dance to it that made it very intriguing. A large part of this was due to Clara needing to grow up and broaden her horizons. I am always here for a good “finding yourself” kind of story, and this book certainly delivered in that regard.

The setting was beautifully written, which was of no surprise. I loved getting to learn more about the Dutch Republic of the 1600s. I could truly see myself walking those cobblestone streets, and strolling along the canals. But, the true beauty was the world under the ocean that Fox created. It was cold, frightening, and breath-taking. I have always been afraid of the deep ocean, and this book certainly captured that fear. It also helped me to see that not all that lies beneath the surface is terrifying.

The Dutch folklore that played a large role in this book was fascinating. I loved getting to step into a fantastical world that felt quite new to me. Combining it with a familiar tale like The Little Mermaid was brilliantly done.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I found the world to be vibrant and gorgeously realized, the folklore and retelling elements to be brilliantly done, and the characters to be realistic.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I gave A Magic Deep & Drowning 4.5 STARS.

In A Magic Deep and Drowning, Hester Fox has not only given her readers a touching love story and retelling of The Little Mermaid, she has given us food for thought. There is so much in this book that serves as a reminder to be kind to our world, and to each other. This story resonates on so many levels, and I appreciated each one. It's a fantastic bit of world building, and each aspect is more memorable than the last. I loved every word.

What stood out most to me in this book was the setting. Hester Fox did an INCREDIBLE job creating a moody, immersive atmosphere. I felt completely pulled into 1650s Friesland. The eerie, slightly ominous tone throughout was just right, and it really set the stage for the unfolding story. Honestly, the setting was my favourite part of the book.

The romance, though, didn’t quite land for me. Clara and Maurits fall for each other almost instantly, and while I understand that this is in line with The Little Mermaid inspiration, the intensity of their feelings felt so unrealistic and took me out of the book a bit. Clara also felt especially naive at times, as she repeatedly trusted Maurits even after he’d lied to her more than once. I think some of that can be chalked up to her upbringing, but it made it harder for me to connect with their relationship.

But if you enjoy dark fairytale retellings with a historical twist, there’s a lot to like here! The writing is really strong, the world is richly built, and the story has that classic blend of mystery, romance, and danger that fans of the genre will appreciate. I certainly did.