A breathtaking voyage across a world of gods, monsters, and restless seas, The Deep and The Drowned by Ian Green plunges readers into a shattered archipelago where danger and opportunity drift side by side. Following the flawed yet compelling sailor Killian, the story weaves trade, debt, war, and myth into a richly imagined maritime adventure where every island holds its own secrets—and its own threats.

I know they say not to judge a book by its cover, but I am so glad I did here. The cover alone—featuring a sea monster rising from the depths—is absolutely stunning, and thankfully the story inside more than lives up to it. From the very beginning, I was completely pulled in.

The prologue immediately sets the tone: tense, vivid, and full of peril. I especially loved the inclusion of maps—they gave such a strong sense of the vastness and complexity of the isles, helping me visualise the world before even stepping into the main narrative. It’s clear from the first pages that this is a writer with real talent; the scene felt cinematic, like I was watching it unfold right in front of me.

As the story moves into the early chapters, the worldbuilding truly shines. The descriptions of the flora and landscapes are incredibly immersive—so detailed and atmospheric that you can almost feel the climate and terrain of each island. What stood out most was how distinct each location felt. The geography isn’t just background; it actively shapes the identity of the isles, making the world feel alive and believable. The multiple maps were such a thoughtful addition and really enhanced my understanding and enjoyment.

I also loved the magical elements—gods, monsters, and mages all woven seamlessly into the story. The mythology feels expansive yet grounded, adding depth without overwhelming the narrative. In a genre where it can be difficult to create something truly unique, this world feels fresh and distinctive.
The plot itself is gripping, driven by strong pacing and meaningful stakes, while the dialogue feels natural and engaging throughout. The characters are memorable and well-defined, each bringing their own voice and presence to the story.

Overall, The Deep and The Drowned is an incredibly immersive fantasy with rich worldbuilding, compelling characters, and a sense of scale that makes it hard to put down. A must-read for anyone who loves epic adventures on dangerous seas.

This has been my favourite novel of Green's yet and I am all in for the rest of this trilogy. I hope that the rest of the series is as great as this.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Head of Zeus for the advanced reader copy.

I enjoyed this a lot! I always like a seafaring fantasy and the world of Morost with its fragmented islands, skein-mages and animist mad gods is unique and vividly realised. I've not read any of the author's previous novels but this is set in the same world as his Rotstorm trilogy, which has been added to my TBR list on the back of this read.

Killian Heroneye is a really interesting protagonist, not your stereotypical action hero of epic fantasy. He's very much a real person, a deeply flawed, ambiguous character who often does the wrong thing for the wrong reasons, is riddled with regrets and isn't always in control of situations, and keeps you wondering just how much of his real story we're being told. The secondary characters are just as complex in their motivations and interactions - with one exception there are no hundred percent good or evil people here.

The pacing is spot on. It rattles along briskly but confidently, and while we don't get endless historical and geographical details, there's enough threaded through the story that one never feels lost. The ending is not exactly a cliff-hanger, but leaves the fates of many of the characters in the balance so I will definitely be back for book two because I need to see what happens next.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I found The Deep and the Drowned to be a strong and immersive opening to a new fantasy series, with a setting that immediately sets it apart. The drowned world of Morost with its fractured isles, volatile seas, and ever present sense of danger felt expansive, richly imagined and full of potential.
The world building is a clear highlight. Ian Green crafts a landscape shaped by conflict where gods, mages and human ambition collide in ways that feel both chaotic and deliberate. There’s a weight to the setting that gives the story real presence and the maritime focus adds a refreshing edge within the genre.
Killian is a compelling and grounded protagonist. His moral ambiguity, past mistakes and constant struggle to stay ahead of mounting consequences make him feel layered and authentic. Rather than a traditional hero he reads as someone shaped by survival which adds depth to his journey and anchors the wider narrative.
The pacing is fast and driven by action, with strong momentum throughout. Encounters at sea, moments of political tension, and brushes with larger powers keep the narrative moving. At times, this pace does limit deeper exploration of some of the supporting cast but it also reinforces the unpredictability of the world and the urgency of Killian’s situation.
What stood out most was the atmosphere. The sea itself feels like a living force unforgiving, unstable, and central to the story’s identity. Combined with the looming presence of war and divine influence, it creates a tone that is both dark and immersive.
Overall this is a confident and engaging start to a series with a distinctive setting, a morally complex lead, and strong narrative momentum. I’m very interested to see how the world and its conflicts develop in the next instalment.📚✨

Book Review – The Deep and the Drowned by Ian Green
Pub Date: 6 August 2026
This is a bold and immersive start to a new fantasy trilogy, one that immediately stands out for its unique setting and relentless pace. Set across a fractured world of scattered isles and treacherous waters, The Deep and the Drowned delivers a gripping, high-stakes adventure that feels as vast and unpredictable as the seas it’s built upon.
Ian Green creates a world that is both rich and dangerous, where every island feels like its own story waiting to unfold. The constant presence of gods, monsters, and rising conflict gives the narrative a sense of scale that never lets up. There is a raw, almost chaotic energy to the world-building, and it works brilliantly in reinforcing the instability of a land shaped by water, war, and power.
At the centre of it all is Killian, a flawed and compelling protagonist. He is not a traditional hero, and that’s exactly what makes him so engaging. Burdened by debts, mistakes, and a past that refuses to stay buried, his journey feels grounded despite the fantastical setting. His character arc is driven as much by survival as it is by accountability, and that adds a layer of depth that elevates the story beyond a typical adventure.
The pacing is one of the novel’s strongest elements. It moves quickly, but never at the expense of tension or clarity. Each encounter feels purposeful, whether it’s a confrontation at sea, a political exchange, or a brush with something far more dangerous. There is always a sense that something is about to shift, and often it does.
What truly sets this book apart is the atmosphere. The seas of Morost are not just a backdrop; they are a living, unpredictable force. The danger feels constant, and the stakes are reinforced by the looming presence of war and divine influence. Magic and mythology are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a world that feels both ancient and volatile.
Overall, The Deep and the Drowned is a strong opening to what promises to be an expansive and gripping series. With a morally complex lead, a richly imagined world, and a story driven by consequence and survival, it is a compelling read for fans of darker, high-stakes fantasy.
A fast-paced, atmospheric, and engaging start that leaves you wanting more.

An exciting fantasy book set in a world made of thousands of islands. The best part of this book is the setting. The author does a great job describing the "drowned" world of Morost, where gods and powerful mages are constantly fighting for control. Killian is a great main character because he feels like a real person; he's a bit tired and cynical, but he knows how to survive when things get tough.

The action starts right away and hardly ever slows down. There are lots of big battles and magical moments that keep the story moving fast. My only small complaint is that because the plot moves so quickly, we don’t always get to know the side characters as well as I would have liked.

If you enjoy adventure stories at sea with plenty of magic and danger, you will really like this one. It’s a strong start to a new series, and cannot wait for the next one! Many thanks for the ARC!