This is my fifth Hester Fox book I have read, and she is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. This was an interesting retelling of the Little Mermaid. We gender swapped the mermaids and I liked that, we need more mermen! I found his story to be very immersion and I enjoyed the world building. I liked the Amsterdam setting, I've never read a book based there and I think it worked perfectly for a mermaid story with all the canals and surrounding water. I thought the story was a little instalovely, but so is the Little Mermaid, I’m just not a huge fan of that trope. I enjoyed how magic was weaved into the story. I enjoyed the parts of the story where Clara, our main protagonist, journeys through the forest and finds magical beings. I would have liked more of that, those parts really felt like a fairytale to me.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to see what Hester Fox’s next book will be!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this! It was captivating fairytale retelling. Great characters and easy to visualize the setting.

A Magic Deep and Drowning promises a captivating journey into a reimagined The Little Mermaid, set against the rich backdrop of the Dutch Golden Age. For readers who appreciate historical fantasy with a touch of the uncanny, this novel sounds like a delightful blend of intrigue and romance.

The summary immediately draws you in with its evocative opening: a beached whale, an "ill omen" dismissed by the pragmatic Clara van Wieren. This sets up a compelling dynamic, hinting at a world where magic exists just beneath the surface, even if our protagonist initially chooses to ignore it. Clara's desire for freedom from her mother's "overbearing rule" and her ambition to manage the family estate are relatable motivations that promise a strong, independent female lead.

The introduction of Maurits, with his "russet hair and sparkling eyes the color of the sea," is classic fairy tale romance, suggesting a magnetic pull that will challenge Clara's carefully planned life. The conflict between a "steady, gentle life" and the man who makes her "blood sing" is a well-worn but effective trope, sure to resonate with fans of romantic fantasy.

However, the true heart of the story seems to lie in Maurits's mysterious nature and the unraveling of an "ancient bargain, forged in blood between the mythical people of the sea and the rulers of the land." This promises a deeper, more perilous plot than a simple love story. The stakes are raised considerably, suggesting Clara will be thrust into a "deadly struggle for power" that transcends her personal desires. This element, combined with the historical setting, evokes comparisons to novels like Jesse Burton's The Miniaturist, where everyday life intertwines with a sense of the supernatural.

Overall, A Magic Deep and Drowning appears to offer a lush and enchanting experience, perfect for those who enjoy historical fantasy with a strong romantic core and a compelling magical mystery. The blend of a familiar fairy tale with a unique historical setting and a hint of dark secrets suggests a story that is both comforting and thrilling.

Set in the Dutch Golden Age this story has the fun storytelling, magic, and folklore woven into the reimagining of The Little Mermaid. Smart and beautifully done.

Clara, the main character, was likeable and I cheered for her. I could relate to her and understand the reasoning behind many of her decisions. Her people, her wonderful nursemaid, I liked them. Without giving any spoilers away, I think if Clara knew from the start how her beautiful home was procured she would have been a force to be reckoned with from the start. The great thing is that with the knowledge learned along the way, she was smart, brave, and resilient. She loved her people, but she could also see the wrong done to others for her to have the life she lived. Maurits is the other main character. I enjoyed his charm and care, until he just got sappy. Yes, be in love, but be smart about it. His flowery words were almost too much for me. I could see how his being so enamored by the human world made things easy for his brother, the antagonist. Maurits was irresponsible, and it was hard to reconcile my feelings for him with how things turned out. I would have liked him more if the book were longer. If more time were taken to develop his character, and give him more depth and maturity. The magical creatures and folklore were such great additions. This story is an entertaining, fun read. It is also a read that makes you think about climate change, slavery, and oppression. Hester Fox didn't write the topics of climate change, slavery, and oppression into the book in a glaring way; they are woven in and they are the foundation of how the town was built and how it thrived. They are what the wealthy stand on. There is no way to gloss over that.

Description: Set in the waning days of the Dutch Golden Age, this enchanting, lush reimagining of The Little Mermaid is perfect for fans of Jesse Burton’s The Miniaturist and Leigh Bardugo’s The Familiar.

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.

When her attempts at overseeing the household at the family’s estate lead to her chance encounter with a young man with russet hair and sparkling eyes the color of the sea, she finds herself strangely drawn to him. As Clara grows closer to Maurits, she must choose between the steady, gentle life she has been raised for and the man who makes her blood sing.

But Maurits isn’t who he seems to be, and his secrets, once hidden beneath the waves, threaten to rise up and drown them both. And when an ancient bargain, forged in blood between the mythical people of the sea and the rulers of the land, begins to unravel, Clara finds herself at the heart of a deadly struggle for power.

What can you expect in A MAGIC DEEP & DROWNING?
Lush & Enchanting
Gender-swap of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid
Historical Fantasy
Set in 17th Century Netherlands
Family Secrets
Atmospheric Vibes

I received this egalley from NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Graydon House I was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are my own.

It's true that I don't read a lot of fantasy anymore these days, but I was lured in by that 17th century Dutch Golden Age setting. I don't think I've ever read a story set in Friesland before, so I couldn't resist adding A Magic Deep And Drowning to my shelves. This story is actually a gender-swapped retelling of The Little Mermaid, and I was curious how well the Dutch setting and history was going to be incorporated into the plot. While I do admit that I had mixed thoughts about certain aspects of this book, as a whole A Magic Deep And Drowning still delivered for me.

First things first: the setting. A Magic Deep And Drowning is set in 1650 Friesland and Amsterdam, and this is probably one of my favorite aspects of the story. The author was able to make the setting come alive through the descriptions and give us an accurate picture of life back then (as far as I remember from my Dutch history lessons at least). This is not all, but the story also includes numerous references to Dutch folklore and legends, which really took the plot to the next level for me. This also means that A Magic Deep And Drowning isn't just another The Little Mermaid retelling, adding more dept as well as magical beings to the mix.

The idea of a gender-swapped The Little Mermaid retelling is definitely great and it made the story feel more original because of it. I can't deny that I don't really remember much about the original story, but the whole 'mermaid/merman falls in love with a human' was definitely right there front and center. That said, I wish that the romance between the two main characters would have been developed more slowly or at least in a more profound way, because as it is their connection is basically insta-love. Not my favorite trope at all, and the fact that you also deal with a love triangle vibe in the beginning doesn't really help either.

As for the characters... Especially Clara was extremely frustrating and felt rather childish and naive considering she is supposed to be twenty-one years old. Maurits was a little better, although again I wasn't a fan of the whole insta-love connection and some of his actions were quite stupid. He also came over like a teenager at times... Especially with him ignoring his responsabilities. The whole story felt too much catered for the YA audience to be honest, which is something I hadn't expected. It's not a bad thing if you enjoy the YA fantasy genre, but it is not something that always works for me and I have to be in the right mood for it.

I was also surprised by just how political the story became in the second half. It's not that I don't agree with a lot of the facts stated in the plot, but it distracted from the rest of the story and sent out a confusing message. Is A Magical Deep And Drowning supposed to be a historical romance or a political statement?! At times, the answer wasn't exactly clear, and there definitely wasn't as much focus on the romance as I thought there would be in general. I did love the incorporation of the many magical beings though, and I kind of wish there would have been more focus on the inner workings of the magical world instead.

There is no denying that the writing is very atmospheric, something I've come to expect of Hester Fox's books. And like I said, I did love the 17th century Dutch setting, and the incorporation of local folklore and legends really took this retelling to the next level. If you don't mind a heavy dose of insta-love and political statements, you might just fall in love with this gender-swapped The Little Mermaid retelling!

I just finished A Magic Deep and Drowning by Hester Fox, and it gave me all the gothic, witchy vibes I was craving. The mix of dark magic, family secrets, and a moody seaside setting had me totally hooked. It felt like stepping into a stormy spell, and I didn’t want to leave.

✨ Just finished A Magic Deep and Drowning by Hester Fox, and wow — what a beautifully haunting read. 🌊 This story blends magic, grief, and identity in such an atmospheric way that I was completely hooked. The characters felt raw and real, and the slow-burn romance added the perfect touch of emotion. If you love fantasy that’s both magical and deeply personal, you NEED this book. 💙📚

💬 Quote

“Diving beneath the surface—into the parts of ourselves we sometimes fear to face.”
A Magic Deep and Drowning by Hester Fox

#AMagicDeepAndDrowning #HesterFox #FantasyReads #YAfiction #BookReview #AtmosphericFantasy #MagicAndMystery #SlowBurnRomance #Bookstagram #BooksILove #ReadingCommunity

Hester Fox plunges readers into the atmospheric and subtly magical world of 17th-century Friesland with A Magic Deep and Drowning. This novel weaves together historical detail, a compelling romance, and a fascinating thread of folklore, creating a truly enchanting reading experience.


We meet Clara van Weiren, a pragmatic young woman in 1650 Holland, who dismisses the ominous sighting of a beached whale as mere superstition. Her focus is on escaping her mother's strictures through a strategic marriage. However, fate, or perhaps something older, has other plans. A chance encounter with the enigmatic Maurits—a young man with eyes like the sea and an undeniable allure—challenges Clara's carefully constructed world.

Fox masterfully crafts the slow burn between Clara and Maurits. Their connection deepens as Clara finds herself drawn away from the steady life she's been groomed for, towards a man who ignites a passion she never knew she possessed. But Maurits harbors secrets, ancient and dangerous, threatening not only their burgeoning love but also the delicate balance between the human world and the mythical people of the sea.

The narrative gains significant depth as an ancient, blood-forged bargain between land and sea begins to unravel, pulling Clara into a deadly struggle for power. This infusion of unique folklore, seamlessly integrated into the historical setting, elevates the story beyond a simple romance. Fox’s prose is evocative, painting vivid pictures of the Dutch landscape and the mysteries lurking beneath its waves.

A Magic Deep and Drowning is a captivating read for those who appreciate historical fiction with a touch of the fantastical, a forbidden romance, and a compelling exploration of ancient legends. It's a tale where magic is deep, secrets are dark, and the pull of destiny is undeniable.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Beautifully written story!
I had trouble connecting the dots of Maurits falling in love so quickly though.

Hester Fox delivers an innovative reimagining of The Little Mermaid—a narrative that submerges familiar fairy tale elements in the rich historical context of 1650s Holland before revealing its urgent, beating environmental heart. Those expecting Fox's signature gothic atmosphere will discover instead a tale that feels both historically authentic and startlingly relevant to our present ecological crisis.

The true ingenuity of this reverse mermaid tale lies in Fox's masterful integration of three seemingly disparate elements—rigorous historical detail, fantastical underwater mythology, and pressing environmental themes—creating a seamless tapestry where past and present concerns merge into something altogether transformative. The dual character arcs brilliantly connect threads between human and mer-world perspectives, allowing Fox to explore both the suffocating expectations placed on women in patriarchal Dutch society and the devastating impact of human exploitation on ocean ecosystems.

The world-building resonated with me profoundly—Fox's meticulously researched portrayal of 17th-century Holland creates a powerful backdrop against her reimagined underwater realm. You'll feel the cold North Sea spray on your skin even as you're drawn into the mysterious depths where Fox's sea creatures dwell with their own complex society and mythology.

Fox's portrayal of historical whaling practices and overfishing doesn't merely serve as period detail—it's a spiritual rebirth of the classic tale fueled by urgent contemporary concerns about ocean conservation. The transformation these characters undergo isn't just personal—it's a powerful metaphor about humanity's relationship with the natural world and our capacity for both destruction and stewardship.

If you crave fairy tale reimaginings that weave historical texture with environmental advocacy, Fox's novel will leave behind not just the taste of salt water but a renewed appreciation for the fragile, interconnected ecosystems we too often take for granted.

Special thanks to Graydon House and NetGalley for providing the free e-book for review, though all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

A gender-swapped little mermaid retelling with sinister tones, A Magic Deep and Drowning builds on the foundation of this fairytale in a beautifully dark way. I love how the main characters change places but still hold common motives to the original tale. Our FMC is trapped, seeking freedom in the unknown, and our MMC is mysterious in deeper ways than we know. One of my favorite parts of Fox's book encompasses the revelation of creatures and their lore, developing a sense of horror in this enigmatic world and making a simple fairytale complex.

Behind the story, we find a commentary regarding human consequences on the sea and the life therein, which we know little about.

For those seeking a cozy, albeit ominous escape, A Magic Deep and Drowning may be exactly the tale for you.

Title: A Magic Deep and Drowning
Author: Hester Fox          
Genre: Fantasy   
Rating: 3 out of 5

Holland, 1650. One fine spring day in Friesland, twenty-year-old Clara van Weiren is faced with an ill 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.

When her attempts at overseeing the household at the family’s estate lead to her chance encounter with a young man with russet hair and sparkling eyes the color of the sea, she finds herself strangely drawn to him. As Clara grows closer to Maurits, she must choose between the steady, gentle life she has been raised for and the man who makes her blood sing.

But Maurits isn’t who he seems to be, and his secrets, once hidden beneath the waves, threaten to rise up and drown them both. And when an ancient bargain, forged in blood between the mythical people of the sea and the rulers of the land, begins to unravel, Clara finds herself at the heart of a deadly struggle for power.

I have to be honest, this didn’t really work for me. I was drawn in by the beginning, liked Clara, and was eager to see what happened. But Maurits was clearly hiding things, and she just chose to ignore that and what she herself saw and heard and traipse merrily after him like it was no big deal. Her parents, particularly her mother, were awful. Maurits’s family was awful. And I felt like there was no chemistry between the two of them. She went from anti-this-mysterious-man-who’s-clearly-a-liar to being madly in love with him, with no transition? Not believable.

Hester Fox lives in Massachusetts. A Magic Deep and Drowning is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/Graydon House in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 6/28.)

Thanks to @htpbooks for this wonderful book by Hester Fox, A Magic Deep and Drowning, which will publish June 24th!

The book is a loose retelling of The Little Mermaid and has a creative premise, interesting characters, and great mythology. The pacing was a little strange to me, but I still read it all in one day and stayed engaged. If you’re a fan of her previous work like me or you want a charming-but-dark, under-the-sea fantasy, get yourself a copy of this book!!

A thoroughly fascinating gender-swap of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Little Mermaid.” Clara is the daughter of wealthy parents. She is supposed to marry a wealthy merchant, but falls for a mysterious stranger. The unique dyke system of Holland with reclamation of land from the water creates an interesting world. Plus the addition of a water kingdom and old magic. Insta-love and attraction blossom into sacrifice and true emotion. A lovely read perfect for fantasy fans of Joanna Ruth Meyer.

The description of this book says it is a retelling of The Little Mermaid, but as someone who was OBSESSED with the Disney movie growing up, it felt like an entirely new story to me. Some elements were borrowed, sure, but it was still a new and wild journey to take.

The story takes place in Denmark and follows Clara, a sheltered daughter of a well-to-do family, and Maurits, a young man with a secret. It’s love at first sight but an arranged marriage and a decades old bargain tears them apart before they can even begin.

The writing style of this book is beautiful and makes me think I could handle historical romances as a genre! But without the charm of Maurits on the page, I may not have the same tolerance. We’ll see if I can handle being part of that world.

This was a wonderful twist on a classic fairytale. It is filled with magic, ancient promises, self-discovery, and romance. The magic pulls from ancient beliefs and feels so real. The writing is impeccable and so incredibly detailed. The FMC was such a strong, easily lovable character and you just can’t help but root for her through the entire book. The plot was well developed and flowed well. I do wish that there had been more time spent on exploring the water kingdom and what that entailed. Fox has a phenomenal writing style and does a good job of weaving historical fiction with magic in such a believable way!

I love that A Magic Deep and Drowning gives readers the fun of a reverse-gender Little Mermaid retelling, but also a very serious and important message about the danger of unchecked power and capitalism.

This novel captures Clara’s growth from a spoiled wealthy daughter forced to marry a well-off whaler to a more selfless individual who is invested in saving both the sea folk and her Dutch community.

This is not a cozy fantasy—there is a lot of death, abuse and fighting, and the stakes are high. However, the interstitial chapters featuring background on various mythological creatures are really
Interesting, and I loved the magical elements.

Hester Fox is a wonderful author. This is the second book of hers I've read. This is a masterful and creative retelling of the Little Mermaid which I know little of. A very enjoyable read.

Let me begin with, this is the second book by Hester Fox. I am now a FanGirl!

I honestly didn't read any reviews before requesting to read/review this book. A few of her other books were witch centered, so I just assumed this would be too. I was wrong!

This is a book unlike most books I have read. The story is a historic fiction (love) about a young woman Clara. She is a wealthy daughter who seems bored with her life. Her parents are either overbearing of checked out. A silver lining is when her dad mentions he has found her a suitable husband. She is actually very excited at the prospect. When a young man appears, she is taken off guard. She knows nothing about him, but she seems smitten. Maurits. Maurits turns her heart and her world upside down. Suddenly her world is underwater--so to say and stories of old are suddenly reality.

This book was wonderful, because I had no idea what was about to happen. I couldn't even guess what was coming next. It was all sorts of my favorite genres, but with an unexpected story twist. Even though I thought I knew where it was going the story would go in a different direction.

I loved how Clara grew as a character throughout the book. Really allowing her to develop as her life circumstances changed, as her life seemed to test her. There were times I felt the retelling of Little Mermaid was giving me too much foreshadowing--but like I said earlier so many twists!

There were several times I really didn't want to put the book down. I couldn't wait to find out how all the pieces would be put together. I very much enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more from Hester Fox.

This was a really captivating gender swapped retelling of The Little Mermaid. Steeped in real history (the author had ancestors there) with a magical twist, I found myself invested right from the beginning. Despite being a retelling, there were a lot of surprises I didn't see coming.

This book has no spice and reminded me a bit of a nautical Emily Wilde, with the elaborate folk lore and magic system.

Highly recommend for anyone who likes story tale retellings and historical fiction!

Thank you to Net Galley and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!