I DNF'd as many others have said it wasn't a bad book I just put it down and didn't feel drawn to it again, which is a shame as the premise seemed very interesting.

3.5 stars

Fathomfolk is such a unique and magical story full of social commentary and political intrigue. We get to see the tension between the humans and the fathomfolk which whilst at times uncomfortable it's nice to see themes like this done in fantasy novels.

While I will admit this one took a little while for me to get into it but I found that it really picked up and I was really invested in these characters and what happened next. I also liked that we got multiple POVs as we got to see the overall picture from different angles.

I'm quite intrigued to see how the story progresses in the next book and I'm also interested in seeing one plot line in particular develop!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I don't know what to say about this one. I ended up DNF'ing this around the halfway mark. There was nothing particularly wrong with the book, and I don't know if it was the timing but I could not get through it. When I read it I was kind of enjoying myself, but when I put it down I had no desire to pick it up.

I might give this one a try at a later point, but for now, It's a DNF.

First off, I identified with each and every character in this story. I need this connection; it hooks me into the emotions so that I get to feel what the characters do (and a few more emotions besides). It was there for me right from the beginning. The story felt like a safe environment for me to access my own feelings through the characters about such things as prejudices and empty gestures.

Mira really cares about the fathomfolk community and climbs the ladder in the human world to hopefully make a difference but is still not respected.

Kai, noble and the only water dragon in the city state has a position of authority. Often on the edge of the action waiting to support Mira, he really comes into his own when it’s really needed (I fell a little in love with him myself out on the boat).

Nami (sister to Kai), is banished to Tiankawi and has to figure out the human technology and take it back home to Yonakuni haven. She has the heart of a rebel and away from familial influences, rules and regulations, she’s put through some testing situations. She believes wholeheartedly in what she’s told but then some experiences make her question her belief. I can’t make up my mind about one character. There was no trust there from me in the beginning and I’m still thinking the cause is more important to them with their black and white thinking.

Serena holds power but thinks she’s unbeatable and always has the upper hand … those two things together never go well do they …

The Fathomfolk world is a mirror of our own (class, power, immigration and prejudices) which makes it totally relatable. There’s a device that reminded me of our electronic tag system (but with harsher consequences, used for the wrong reasons and is much more than a preventative measure!). Layers of manipulation and plotting, secrets (that may not be as hidden as someone thinks) and of course factions provide intrigue and suspense. There is so much action. At times this story was hard to put down and I found myself reading into the early hours.

I loved the fantasy, the myths and the legends. The way this author weaves it all together is perfect. The shape changing was awesome.

This is a timely story in the Year of the Dragon! I’m so excited for what comes next. Bring it on!

Fathomfolk was one of my anticipated releases, and it definitely lived up to my expectations. I loved the rich world building - the semi-flooded city of Tiankawi was described in such vivid detail that I could picture it rising up from the pages of my book. Chan build a multi-layered society and in contrast with the privileges of humans, the rootlessness of citizens from a mixed background and the struggles of fathomfolk at the bottom of the societal pyramid felt authentic and raw.

The various characters all brought plenty to the story, even if at the start navigating the different POVs took a bit of getting used to. I loved Mira, Kai and Nami, and found Cordelia intriguing. The novel doesn't shy away from difficult topics - the discrimination against fathomfolk and the imbalance of power in what's meant to be a haven city for all species feel very real, and the lengths to which the revolutionaries are prepared to go are also realistic and how extreme they are. The finale of the novel is explosive and emotional (yes, I shed a few tears) and there are multiple interesting strands I look forward to reconnecting with in the second installment of this duology.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, Orbit for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review*

Okay, I will be brutally honest. So, I started this book and then life happened and I dropped it at 35% of the book. And after a week or so, I started reading again and I couldn't remember it. So I started it from the beginning. Then I started another book buddy reading it with my sister so Fathomfolk was yet again dropped. When I finish the buddy reading with my sister, I remembered I had Fathomfolk so I started it yet again. Then my friend Maria told me to buddy read another book with her and I did. See where I'm going with this?
It's not a bad book per se, it's just a not memorable one.
It made me forget it and not want to prioritize. So, you know what I did right? I dnf'd it at 35%. I thought that the premise was really good but the execution was poorly done. The world building was okay, but not great and I couldn't connect to any of the characters.

Part of the attraction of Fantasy is all the creative races that we meet. It is hard to imagine the genre without elves or dwarves and yet creating new races raises issues in worldbuilding that need consideration. It is all too easy to see some authors have simply taken one stereotype of human history and perhaps added pointy ears. It is also very easy to assume one monoculture across an entire race when if you consider humanity we are a vast and varied species. In Eliza Chan’s fascinatingly complex debut fantasy novel Fathomfolk we get a story exploring one city where two worlds are clashing and it has some sobering reflections on our own world to consider.

Humans and the inhabitants of the seas widely known as fathomfolk once went to war with each other. Rising sea levels, pollution and a growing lack of space, power and food led to peace and an uneasy group of settlements - one of the largest is Tiankawi. There Mira an up and coming officer in the border guard tried to gain influence even though her half-siren nature also makes viewed by suspicion by both sides. Mira’s partner is the power Dragon Ambassador Kai and they’re working their work through the legislature to improve rights for Fathomfolk. But Kai’s rebellious sister is sent to join them and that sets in motion events that could end the truce and bring danger for all.

I really enjoyed this story because it’s very much avoiding a standard fantasy plot. At the heart is how Chan works hard to make us understand Tiankawi and in particular Fathomfolk. We so often in fantasy just hear one group named and all are badged the same. Instead we have a population that itself has many races in it and there is a vast catalogue of different mythical beasts to find here. On top of that are its own cultures and most importantly for this story classes of social status. It’s one of the most interesting worlds to get to know that itself finds itself confined in a human city that thanks to rising waters is partially submerged. That means all Fathomfolk are confined and thanks to devices known as Pakalot find their magical abilities contained and cannot harm humans. We are here exploring immigration and integration of cultures which a lot of fantasy has tended to avoid. Channels very hard in the first quarter of the novel setting all this up and it’s so unusual a fantasy setting that it does take time for us to take our bearings but I loved getting to know a place from the very powerful to the temporary settlements squeezed into the more polluted and dangerous areas of the city. It all starts to come together as the story progresses.

In terms of characters in this journey the two core leads are Mari and Nami. Nami is perhaps the more familiar rebel we see in fantasy who rails against injustice but not yet sure how best to do so. We meet her making a political heist and when she gets informally banished she is soon taken up with a rebellious Fathomfolk faction known as Drawbacks who are unceasingly militant and wish to use force to improve rights. There is a an intriguing angle of Nami getting taken with a charismatic leader named Firth and that her role as a dragon (one of the most powerful of the Fathomfolk races) may be more attractive. A key plotline is how far Nami is prepared to go in this direction and if she understands the consequences these actions create.

At the other end is Mari and she’s a slightly older, more cynical and repressed character. But I think of the two she’s my favourite and Chan works hard to make us understand her. Bordet guards are not usually fantasy heroes and yet Mari’s passion for justice shines through despite the many sneers and rejections those in power put in her way sometimes from her own department. There is a fascinating exploration of class and dynamics of migrant cultures. While Nami is effectively wealthy and equivalent to a princess with Mari we have a woman who comes from a poor immigrant background and is also bi-racial being half human and we are that Fathomfolk can be equally unwelcoming. For Mari the storyline is how far can Mari succeed before inevitable powerful people say enough is enough. Mari has tried hard to be the best of her two worlds but will society ever play fair? I also liked that Mari has a refreshingly adult relationship with Kai - they complement each other he is the calm poised diplomat but needs Mari’s determination to not give up.

Alongside these two characters are the rather stunning bookends of Cordelia a Fathomfolk switch who does deals for power and has a vast array of favours to give and also pay. She explored the magical bargains of the folk and also plays all sides against each other. Mirroring her in the human world is the ultra ambitious Serena working hard to get her husband into powerful positions and now working for her children. They both contrast with Nami and Mira who are focused on Woolworths whereas the other two appear far too focused on themselves. It’s an interesting dynamic as these four shift around each other with plenty of surprises in store.

It takes some time for the core storyline to evolve here. That is a consequence that while the Drawback plotline is the key catalyst for what is to follow Chan is very focused on making us understand the history and wider pressures of the city. We get to see the pain of migration guards with too much power; those who die in smuggling and there is an even bigger costs in racism balanced with a strange love of the culture. One scene is how Fathomfolk food is highly praised by the rich but only humans can afford to eat there. We also see where cultures do blend in places where housing is mixed and even certain cultural events like Boat Races where the groups can live and laugh together. Ultimately for me the storyline is less what one group will do but the wider question where are Tiankawi and its people heading towards and what becomes clear is it can either way to more integration or destruction. As the story ends on a very decisive cliffhanger with sacrifice and pain for the main characters across the board Chan neatly sets up an intriguing question of the what happens next and I’m very interested to explore the new world on offer.

Fathomfolk is a refreshingly complex fantasy story with a multilayered approach to culture, migration and how these could translate to a fantasy world. I’m very impressed and keen to see what Chan has in store for us next.

DNF at 45%

I wanted to get to the end because the story incorporates all my favorite fantasy elements. However, I didn't find most of the characters likable, the narrative seemed messy and the political intrigue element was unpolished.

I'm not usually one to give bad rating but...

The worldbuilding was the only thing that worked for me. It was incredibly rich and gorgeous, I could actually imagine being in the book. But the rest... maybe it'd have worked better if it was a YA fantasy because it sure slipped into the genre more than not what confused me because it made the style to be all over the place.

And now why this didn't even get a 3 stars. The ending was such a no, invalidating all the moral questions built through the story. Just no. I'm sorry because this could have been a great story.

Fathfolk combines some wonderful mythology based fantasy with a setting that feels atmospheric and unique. The idea that underwater creatures from all different mythologies can converge in one setting, filled with teahouse and markets, was so fun. And the world building reflects this too, offering a vast landscape of oceans and Seas that feel dangerous and mysterious.

However I often found that the story itself reads quite young, YA not adult, and it's a issue I've found with a lot of these newer 'adult fantasy' books. They just read young, 2ith protagonists that feel as though they're on the cusp of adulthood. While this did offer more view points, and different ones at that from a sea witch to a sea captain and a wife, none or them really stood out as unique or particularly different.

Certainly an interesting read, brimming with potential, but it read very young for a adult book and I think there were too many POVs.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for this eARC

Fathomfolk was a anticipated read for me and I couldn't wait to dive into this novel.
I felt it was written really well and I really liked the characters and how they drove the storyline, the multiple povs created a deeper sense to the story but I felt they jumped too quickly to each other. I would have liked to stay on characters povs a little longer before moving on. Saying that though I did really enjoy reading this novel

Dnf'd at 50%

I'm so sad that this wasn't for me. On paper, it should have been a great book but I just could not get attached to the characters. I think the POVs swapped too much and in the end, I found it difficult to remember who was who.

The bones of the story were good and I was really excited about the world but sadly, I just couldn't get into it.

This was an enchanting YA fantasy which explores rebellion and oppression. The story is set in a sinking city (Tiankawi) with polluted waters where humans are kept separate and literally above mythical water creatures (fathomfolk). We follow the POVs of three fathom folk: Mira (half siren, half human, who is working in the city guard), Nami (water dragon), and Cordelia (sea witch). The world building was amazing and the story felt very emotionally charged. There is a small romance subplot which was alright, but I wasn't obsessed with. Overall, this was a great YA fantasy and I will be continuing this series!

This was a DNF for me, I'm giving it 2 stars purely for the plot idea and the cover

I found it too confusing to keep the threads of who and what was going on, and it was like I was thrown into a world with no real explanation of what was happening

I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.

The cover of Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan is stunning and the premise sounded really interesting too. I was looking forward to being submerged in a world with sea creatures and water beings. Mythology is a genre that I gravitate towards and I'm not familiar with East Asian so I was excited to learn more.

Unfortunately it all feel a bit flat for me and didn't hold my attention at all. Chan has thrown a lot of concepts into this book but it feels just too much and all a bit of a muddle. I found the plot difficult to follow and it didn't absorb me into the story. I wasn't able to connect with any of the characters and felt that they lacked depth and emotion.

I did have to leave the book and almost DNF but I came back to it and battled through to the end. Although it isn't a series I will be continuing.

I was so excited to get this arc - the premise sounded really great and exciting.
Reading it was sometimes a chore though.

The story is told in multiple povs, to show all the different facets of the story and also to show the difference of the way the humans live and the fathomfolk. The changing pov made it hard for me to care for any of the characters and I only liked one of the povs.

Regarding the story itself: I think this had so much potential and the author showed the oppression of the folk well. Her characters had ambitions for themselves that weren't only for the 'greater good' but also more selfish which made them realistic. Sadly, the connection to other characters fell flat for me and all the surprising points the story held weren't surprising at all.

I won't say anything about the end but let's just say this: the author really outdid herself with the ending, it is one of the only things that make me contemplate reading the second book.

Fathomfolk is a story that is incredibly filled with worldbuilding, with three main points of view throughout who seek to improve their lives.

In this world, there are humans and then there are fathomfolk; those who live underwater. With the waters polluted, most fathomfolk are seeking to make better lives for themselves and their families above water, in the city of Tiankawi. Many humans see gills as making the fathomfolk “too different”, with many expressing their thoughts in cruel ways. With fathomfolk including the likes of sirens and dragons with powers, most are made to wear devices that cause harm if they even consider hurting a human, further ensuring the imbalance between humans and fathomfolk.

The first main character we meet is Mira, a half-human, half-siren who has risen to become captain of the city guard. With guards being predominantly human, this is a huge deal and Mira is still trying to make things better in “the right ways” along with her absolutely adorable cinnamon roll boyfriend, Kai; a dragon who acts as the ambassador of fathomfolk.

Next up, we meet Nami, Kai’s sister and chalk to his cheese. She thinks that acting out and rebelling is the only way to make fathomfolk lives easier, which is dangerous when she’s banished to Tiankawi by her mother and very quickly runs into the third main character and the rebellious Drawbacks.

I won’t mention much about the third character we follow, but she has many secrets and is the only one of the three who seemingly solely cares about herself and her family.

The unfair distribution of power throughout made Fathomfolk an intensely emotional read, though there were many moments of happiness as well. One of the shining characters aiding with these moments, alongside Kai, was Mira’s mum, Trish, a siren. She’s suffering from a disease caused by the pollution, but Mira does all she can to make sure Trish is as well as she can be. I loved seeing the bond between them.

Obviously I won’t talk much about the ending! But it definitely shook me and I cannot wait for more from this world and to read more from Eliza Chan in general!

Fathomfolk is a captivating debut by Eliza Chan, filled with rich water mythology and chaotic characters, all set against the backdrop of a flooded, Asian-inspired city.

The three main POV characters are all strong women with convincing motivations who could not be more different: half-siren Mira is the captain of the border guard, Nami is an extremely opinionated and chaotic water dragon, and Cordelia is a sea-witch determined to protect her family at all costs. While they end up at odds many times as the story progresses, I found all three of them to be compelling in their actions and I grew to care about all of them over time.

What I really enjoyed about this book was how the story progressed and developed throughout. The author does not shy away from putting her characters through their paces, and that shows in the rollercoaster of emotions I felt.

I also want to take a moment to appreciate authors who give us an established relationship and let us see it constantly grow and evolve in a healthy way. I absolutely loved Mira and Kai and how they overcame all their obstacles and arguments. Sometimes the stability and love of a long-term relationship hits better than a hot new love interest!

The one bit that didn’t quite hit the mark for me was the beginning of the book. The first 100 pages were a bit slow, so it really took some time to get into it, but I’m so happy I did!

Overall, I really enjoyed Fathomfolk and a lot of the elements in it. I think the series is shaping up to be quite exciting, and I cannot wait to see what Eliza does with her next book!

This is kind of a soft dnf, the story seems intriguing and I might pick it up again sometime. The conflict seems interesting.
The characters are trying to change the political system and the human's view of the folk. To get to a sense of equality. And that seems like something I’d read. It’s just, I have some issues. The writing is very confusing and it’s not clear who is talking when, and there is little to no explanation for all the sea creatures, it’s just assumed you know everything about them already, there are a lot of diverse characters which is nice but also, there are just a lot of characters in general which is, again, confusing. It’s kinda hard to get through and doesn’t flow nicely like other books but I might try it again at a later date

3.5 🌟

I was so interested in the premise of this book and so excited when I got approved for an arc!

Tiankawi’s such an interesting place and I loved seeing how people have adapted to living in structures above the water. You can clearly see the divide between fathomfolk & humans and how fathomfolk are mistreated, so I liked getting the different POV’s from them trying to navigate this world.

A few things I did like
- Kai - even though I wish we had seen more of him and his character was developed a bit more. I get he was just a good guy through and through but yeah would’ve liked more.
- I also loved Mira and how she lived without her siren while still being treated so horribly for it.
- the sand gods/titans - I thought something else was going on for them to be built on something (I’ve heard the story about the world living on the back of a giant turtle and that was in my mind)

A few things I didn’t like
- Firth. When he was first introduced I thought he would be a good guy but I just got bad vibes from them on. He very much seemed like one of the leaders because he could flirt and work his way in with people and it’s mentionned specifically women so I think he’s just completely played Nami, especially after he treated her when she wouldn’t kill the titan. He’s sneaky and I think he’s really gonna fuck things up in the sequel.
- Kai’s goodbye. It just felt really flat and like oh okay so now he’s gone 😂
- some things just got dropped but never developed. Such as the power in the city is from their pakalot’s draining them and their water weaving and it’s just never mentioned again? Like surely that would be something the drawbacks would use for support or any fathomfolk?

I am still interested enough to read the sequel so I hope that it delivers as the epilogue got me excited!