Tideborn is the concluding volume in Eliza Chan’s duology that started with Fatholmfolk. This book takes up a few months after the cataclysmic end of the first book. Being a sequel, this review will contain spoilers for Tideborn. Those who like Asian-inspired, maritime themed fantasy with strong, complex female leads should stop here and go and read the first book.
Tideborn opens in the wake of a near-tragedy but with another impending. Siren Mira and her dragon partner Kai managed to save the human population of their city Tiankawi from an impending tsunami at the cost of Kai’s life. Mira, as part of the city council, is facing a human uprising and general upheaval in the city. The tsunami was caused by the death of the giant sea creature on which Tiankawi was built so, at the same time, the partner of that creature is coming across the ocean to finish the job. Kai’s sister Nami, once a rebel, is dispatched by Mira to intercept the travelling monster and convince it not to attack the city. At the same time, also in the mix, is the seawitch Cordelia, who now runs the drug trade but really wants to reconnect with her estranged children.
Fatholmfolk and Tideborn are built on an interesting mix of mythologies and a kind Asian polyglot world. The Fatholmfolk themselves come in a range of guises – sirens, kumiho, dragons, bunyips, selkies etc – and can take human form. Humans are juts human (until they gain gills, and are prejudiced against all types of fatholmfolk. But there is also a pecking order in the fatholmfolk world, This milieu allows Chan to explore issues of racism and acceptance, a key theme of these two books.
Tideborn takes a bit of time to set up its action but about half way through kicks into gear and then keeps upping the pressure on its main characters through to a number of final confrontations. Chan delivers all of this within a well realised weird but recognisable world and drives the action with relatably flawed characters with complex motivations and backstories. And while the main action is wrapped up, there is plenty of room for more stories within the universe that Chan has developed.

I enjoyed Fathomfolk a lot and I feel like this book expanded on it beautifully. It was good to see more of the world and the politics between the different countries. It was also interesting to see how the human’s adapted to their new gills after the ending of the first book.

I know a lot of people didn’t like how naive Nami was in the first book, but I felt like her story was important to tell especially with the world as it is right now. Going further through her story in this book, it was good to see her growing and changing as she learns from the mistakes she made in the first book. Also this book really expanded on how much of a manipulative bastard Firth is.

I really really enjoyed the ending. I think it was a good ending and the right solutions to the problem. It felt like a lot of the problems were resolved but not in a way that felt like it was too easy.

I’d love to return to the world a few years down the line and see how things are going.

After enjoying the first installment of this dilogy, I was thrilled to be able to read the conclusion as well. A big Thank You to the publisher and to Netgalley!

The story picks up soon after the ending of Fathomfolk. The half-sunken city of Tiankawi has big changes to process, but the tension between the humans and the fathomfolk is still present. The half-siren Mira is trying desperately to find a peaceful solution for a co-existence, while the sea witch Cordelia is still scheming behind the scenes. During these difficult times, a wrathful titan god is confirmed to be on its way to destroy Tiankawi, which makes the rebellious water dragon Nami set out in an attempt to stop it.

Once again, I was blown away by the world building: especially the way the fantastic cultural variety between sea creatures and humans is intertwined with real-life problems of prejudice and oppression. There is so much color, sound and smell in this book, while it still seems incredibly realistic. Just like in book one, the story does not shy back from showing the darkest pits of radical groups and mob mentality.

The character development felt a bit slow at the beginning, but over the course of this book, it starts shining. Despite all their flaws, the characters keep trying their best and I couldn't not root for them. They feel authentic that way, and I enjoyed watching them grow. I even hoped for a good ending for Cordelia, who has a very questionable moral compass.

I did have some issues with this book, unfortunately. They mainly stem from the pacing problems. I remember that book one felt entirely appropriate in the speed of its plot points; here, however, I was never able to shake the feeling that there were not enough pages. The story is very complex and involves many time skips between chapters. That was enough to pull me out of the story, since the events didn't feel as connected as they should have. The time that has passed in the story didn't at all match the impression I had from reading only what was going on with no downtime in between. It also didn't help that many chapters start in media res, which constantly made me doubt myself if I had missed something or if it was on purpose.

All in all, I did enjoy reading this book. The ending is satisfying, especially the ending points of the characters' development. The general message of the series is also fantastic, along with the worldbuilding. It didn't charm me as much as Fathomfolk, but I am glad to have read the conclusion. I reccommend it to anyone who loved book one!

Tideborn, the sequel to Eliza Chan's debut Fathomfolk and the second book in the Drowned World duology, practically read itself - once I had started the book, I found it difficult to put the novel back down. There is a handy recap of the story so far at the beginning, and events pick up seamlessly from the devastating end of Tideborn.

We again follow the story from the perspective of the same three female main characters: Nami, the dragon princess, finds herself on a voyage across the ocean to convince a mythical titan not to destroy Tiankawi, Mira the half-siren is embroiled in politics in the city state of Tinakawi and fighting to see it rebuilt, and Cordelia, the sea witch, is rebuilding her life after her break-up with her husband, finding new niches of profit in the city post tsunami.
I loved the fast pacing as events progress quickly in all three timelines, and felt that there was good character growth from all three main characters. Being back in this richly layered society was a treat - I loved seeing how the people in Tiankawi adapted to the new order of things after the tsunami and the events at the end of book one,

If you're looking for a completed duology to read that will keep you hooked, if you love world-building with a cinematographic feel to it, and if you enjoy a cast of powerhouse female characters, look no further! I can't wait to find out what Eliza Chan writes next! 4.5 stars from me, rounded up to 5 here.

Tideborn picks up a few weeks after the absolutely devastating end of Fathomfolk. Seriously, the ending broke me and Tideborn managed to both pick up the pieces of my heart, and smash it even more. Again, we follow the story from different POVs, namely Mira, Nami and Cordelia.

Mira stays in Tiankawi and tries to keep it all together: the council, society itself, her family and herself. When I say, she’s strong, I mean she absolutely is and I couldn’t cope with the stress. She has allies and even makes friends with powerful people, but she is still reeling from Kai’s death and the grief while having to deal with a mother-in-law who thinks she isn’t worthy, her own mother’s illness and the chaos spreading through the city. Mira’s storyline once again focuses on politics a lot which I highly enjoyed. It brillianly nuances the societal and political aspects of the story, and the inner workings and emotions of Mira. I could follow very well how she feels, how she is overwhelmed and exhausted but still so full of help for a good future for every person in the city, not just a faction. Mira has so much on her plate yet manages to maneuver through it with her allies and sheer force of will.

Cordelia’s storyline is closer intertwined with Mira’s in this book. I still don’t necessarily like her as a person but she is such a well written character. After leaving her husband and children behind, she makes a name for herself under a pseudonym and through a deal with Mira. She grows her own empire, growing rich and also developing a long needed cure for a spreading illness. She strives for more power and more money but also has a soft spot for her children which she can’t deny. She is torn between the feelings for her children, her hatred towards her husband and her need and want for more. Cordelia always acts in her best interest and you know what? I admire her for it. She’s ruthless but also brings such an interesting view to the story that felt refreshing. I liked seeing her interacting with people of different backgrounds.

I liked Nami much more in Tideborn than I did in Fathomfolk. She is still her impulsive, often naive young self, but she also grows into her powers and her abilities. Nami loves her family and her friends and has, as Mira, the interests of everyone in her mind. She helps those who were previously human without gills. Her goal is to save Tiankawi, not its population, but the actual place itself. She goes on a journey to stop the Titan who is on a collision course with the city. On this trip, she learns so much about herself, people and the world around her. I loved her chapters and how she grows and grows, finding things that are good for her, getting away from things hindering her.

I loved reading about all of these women and how they are shaped by the city and its inhabitants but also how they give so much of themselves back to it to shape it as well. I also really enjoyed the side characters, especially Gede, which came as a big surprise to me. Eliza Chan crafts amazing relationships, wether they are business, romantic or friendships. They are as complex as every individual character.

I was already a big fan of the world building in Fathomfolk, and I loved to see even more of it in Tideborn. We get to see more of Tiankawi as well as the rest of the world through Nami’s eyes. I loved the descriptions of the ocean and its creatures as well as foreign folk and humans and different possibilities of living in a drowned world. I could imagine everything so well, it almost felt like watching a film in my head.

Tideborn is a book that has it all: complex emotions including crippling grief and deep-rooted love, a torn society teeming with discontent but with so much potential for something more, something better. There are wonderfully written characters and great world building and interesting lore. The Drowned World is definitely one of my favourite series and I could simply get lost in its world and characters. I love how everything comes together and how much hope there is in this story. Tideborn made me cry and feel and hope and filled my heart to the brim. Fathomfolk was a favourite last year and I already know Tideborn will be among my absolute favourites this year!

Beautiful cover and story. Well written and keeps you entertained. I love we get a recap from the previous book as sometimes I forget what's happen in the previous book whilst waiting for the next release. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

THANK YOU FOR MY COPY (copies) OF THIS.

I really enjoy Eliza Chan’s writing and I loved this world. The beginning (are you pregnant?) to the end (REDACTED) 😭. perfect foreshadowing. I liked Nami in this too. She was annoying at times, making the WORST choices, but like, it’s so real

What an amazing read!

I was unsure how the story was going to play out, especially in the aftermath of Fathomfolk, but I was not disappointed.

Not only was I happy to see some characters gone, like 💀👀 (thank you Eliza for making that happen BTW 😂) I also enjoyed the character arcs for each of our main characters, especially Nami! She was definitely one to test my patience in Fathomfolk, but I loved the growth she went through and the trust she built along the way.

Obviously, Eliza had to blur the lines between white and black with Cordelia. One moment I was rooting for her, the next I was screaming at her to think straight. One of the best characters written in my opinion.

Mira's POV I enjoyed too. Despite the opposition she kept facing, she played her cards so well. Her sharp wit during Council meetings was something I started to enjoy and looked forward to.

With a strong story situated in heart, found family and love, this duology has ended up as one of my favourites in the last year.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC for my honest review.

Disclaimer: My Instagram post will be posted on release day, while the reading vlog for the book will be posted in a few weeks.

The people of Tiankawi are irrevocably changed with everyone having gills now, but that has not brought them together. Mira sends Nami on a voyage to find the partner of the Titan that was killed in an attempt to save them from its wrath. Meanwhile the grieving half-siren deals with the aftermath of the tsunami and the obstacles to true peace in a city on the brink of erupting into all-out conflict. Is someone orchestrating the whole thing? Will Kai's sacrifice be for naught?

It starts with a "The Story so Far" which is a recap and this is the second book I've encountered lately to do this. Are authors finally realizing this was needed for series?

Eliza Chan is talentedly descriptive. Her words play harmonies of beautiful imagery, delicate and/or raw sentiments, the overall lyricism fine-tuning a poignant narrative. There is an abundance of details. I really enjoy visiting this world, this city that is restoring itself and embracing this mythology.

Each of the main characters is preoccupied with their own mission. Nami and Mira feel they have something to prove as they try to save the city in different ways. Concurrently, the master manipulator is out for vengeance and as always doing her own thing. They remain wonderfully different from each other. Having Jiang-Li (Kai & Nami's mother) more involved in this installment is a welcome addition and she is a tricky, strict, brazen one. There is insight on the characters' inner selves in a more concise, better displayed manner in the sequel and it is all the better for it.

The narrative breathes, lets itself build, in a slow burn of a tale. You can feel the power rumbling beneath the words, the storyline on its way to explosive events. The promise of this creative premise is realized. You are in awe of all the imaginative things occurring but the author makes it feel simultaneously grounded and realistic. Even with its share of shocking and gut-wrenching scenes, in its heart, it proves optimistic and there are genuine smile-worthy and wanting-to-cheer moments. Jawdropping surprises heighten the intrigue.

Unfortunately, Cordelia's story thread seems to stutter and stumble over her criminal endeavors which should have been mentioned less than her true mission. There is a point but the long way round is taken. There were moments when I got impatient with the otherwise incredible descriptions of surroundings and tales of history wanting it go get to the awaited action. I also did not get the purpose of the chosen scene for the prologue.

Touching the subject of prejudice respectfully, the book shows the dangers of fanatical arrogance. It is about balance, societal and of the world — with nature. About change and accepting its inevitability. An amazing finale full of power games, political adversity, societal turmoil and fighting the unfair status quo, for what is right. Adventurous and exhibiting thunderous action this was a great end to this captivating duology.

Did not finish. My fault as I didn't read the first book. I read up to the first chapter and couldn't get any further. I will return to give this book another chance once I've read the first.

3.5 rounded up for goodreads and netgalley.
It was a solid sequel. The characters’ dynamics are well-developed and their feelings are a bit deeper and more serious. Some moments in the plot are very satisfying to read. I also liked the addition of a sapphic relationship, I think it fits the story quite well.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Unable to read this due to the lack of accessibility to send to ereader devices and I do not own a laptop or pc to read on. Will be purchasing this on release.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

For some reason, I hadn't realised this was going to be a duology and expected Tideborn to be a middle book. Instead, it turned out to be a very satisfying finale to the series! I thoroughly enjoyed how the author wrapped up character arcs, political issues and various plot points throughout this second novel.

Tideborn picks up right after the end of Fathomfolk, with two of the FMCs reeling from an unexpected death very close to them (not mentioning who to avoid spoilers), and the third FMC cut off from her family after her identity was revealed. This second book is full of political intrigue, conflict between races, hidden plotting, necessary alliances, immortal beings to placate to save a city... and lots of raw, big emotions.

While I thought that characters weren't sufficiently developed in Fathomfolk, I thought that was much improved in Tideborn. Mira was always the one I enjoyed the most, and her storyline ripped my heart in little pieces so many times. Nami and Cordelia grew into nicely developed, three-dimensional characters who really had me rooting for them for very different reasons (even Cordelia, who I wasn't sure I could actually like??). I was on edge waiting to find out how Nami's very important mission would end, most of all! There was also more exploration of the the dragons race and some insights into their society, with Nami, her mother and one of her old tutors appearing as consistent characters, which I found really interesting.

The pace was generally good, although there was a bit of a lull in the middle, and the twists engaging. Moreover, the world-building continued to be fantastic, already building on the very solid foundation created in book 1!

Oh, and it made me so happy to see an unexpected sapphic romance blossom in this book!

Overall, I'd recommend the series!

Eliza Chan tells a beautiful story in this compelling duology, the ending has felt extremely well deserved. I can only hope to see more from her in this charming and complex universe.

Tideborn is a stunning sequel, there was so much depth and detail I got lost in the world of Fathomfolk all over again. Five stars. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.

once again, a riot of emotions reading this book. Eliza weaves a world that is an ocean mirror of ours; the elements are fantastical, but the characters, situations and feelings are very real, vividly recognisable.

This is a book about aftermath: the messiness of picking up the pieces. The magical wish which was meant to avert the crisis has saved lives, but at a strange cost; as humans learn to live with gills, more factions break out, some rejecting their own selves, whilst others embrace the change. Mira struggles to steer the city towards hope and collaboration, whilst Nami leads a delegation in hope of heading off the vengeful sea titan journeying towards the city that killed its mate. Meanwhile Cordelia to her grief has been cut off from her former family, but her underworld business is yielding some surprising results.

Many themes are explored in this book: familial alienation, but also the strength of maternal love; the grief of widowhood and the struggle to escape from toxic relationships, but the sweetness and hopefulness of blossoming love. Political machinations, murder mysteries and duels to the death add excitement to the mix. But it’s the hopefulness that stayed with me. A duology I won’t soon forget.

4/5🌟

Okay, let me just start by saying this: Tideborn was like diving into a stormy sea—thrilling, chaotic, and a little overwhelming, but ultimately worth it. If you loved Fathomfolk, this sequel is going to hit you right in the feels. It’s not perfect, but it’s a satisfying conclusion to the Drowned World Duology, and honestly, I’m kind of sad it’s over.

The story picks up a few months after the events of Fathomfolk, and Tiankawi is still reeling from the tsunami and the fallout of the dragon pearl’s magic. Humans now have gills, fathomfolk are still fighting for their place, and tensions are high. The city feels like a powder keg waiting to explode, and Chan does an incredible job of reflecting real-world issues—racism, prejudice, political unrest—through this fantastical lens. It’s not subtle, but it doesn’t need to be. The themes are raw, relevant, and handled with nuance.

Nami’s character arc is CHEF'S KISS. She’s no longer the reckless, fiery radical we met in the first book. Instead, she’s grown into someone desperate for unity and peace, even if it means facing down a titan who’s ready to destroy the city. Her journey is messy, emotional, and so relatable. And can we talk about her new romance with Eun? A water dragon and an archivist librarian? Yes, please. It’s sweet, slow-burn, and just the right amount of heartwarming.

Mira’s story is equally compelling. She’s grieving, lost, and trying to navigate her biracial identity in a world that constantly tries to box her in. Watching her come into her own and embrace her siren heritage was so satisfying. And Cordelia? Oh, Cordelia. She’s the ultimate survivor—clever, cunning, and unapologetically herself. Her arc is full of feminine rage, revenge, and a surprising amount of heart. I didn’t think I’d care about her, but by the end, she was one of my favorites.

The world-building is still a standout, though I wish there had been more vivid descriptions of the fathomfolk and their cultures. The political intrigue and moral grayness of the characters keep you hooked, but at times, the pacing felt a bit rushed, especially toward the end. Some loose ends could’ve been tied up better, and the big showdown with the titan felt a tad anticlimactic. Still, the emotional payoff was there, and I found myself tearing up more than once.

What I loved most about this book was how it balances hope and despair. It’s a story about grief, loss, and fear, but also about love, resilience, and new beginnings. The characters aren’t always likable, and their decisions aren’t always right, but they feel real. They’re flawed, messy, and human (or fathomfolk), and that’s what makes their journeys so compelling.

If you’re into morally gray characters, complex political landscapes, and a world that feels alive, this duology is for you. It’s not romantasy, but the romance subplots are tender and well-earned. And while Tideborn might have worked better as a longer standalone, it’s still a fantastic conclusion to a series that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Final thoughts? Dive in. The water’s fine. 🌊

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for digital ARC.
#Tideborn #NetGalley

Eliza Chan may be a new novelist, but she's a confident one, and she's right to be. Whereas most fantasy authors go for trilogies, she has stuck to a pair of novels even though she could have earned more with three. And it works - middle books in trilogies are usually the weakest even by the best of writers, so that pitfall is avoided. Then she killed one of her main characters - properly killed them, not 'dead for a few chapters than somehow resurrected'. Even if she weren't a great writer, I'd admire her for that alone. But she is a very good writer too, the sort that would even make a cliched tale readable.

As it's a sequel, you should read the excellent 'Fathomfolk' first. in order to appreciate 'Tideborn'. There is a short summary of 'Fathomfolk' at the beginning, something I wish authors did more often, that serves as a helpful reminder for those who have read the first novel. It means you can get straight into the story in 'Tideborn' without wracking your memory for who is who and what happened previously. Chan did a lot of 'worldbuilding' in the first book, meaning in this one she's free to get on with the story and doesn't try to introduce new concepts. Focussing on the storytelling means it's fast paced, immersive and hard to put down.

The main characters are divided into two groups for most of the book. Mira, now a minister in the half-destroyed city of Tiankawi, tries to reconcile the warring clans within the city whilst also dealing with her grief and a terrifying mother in law. Nami, wayward dragon princess, sets out on a boat with as motley a crew as imaginable in the hope of negotiating with the furious titan sea god who is bent on destroying the city. So plenty of scope for action and conflict, all of which is well exploited. I would classify this duology as 'political fantasy' - where a lot of the fantasy is around the workings of an invented society (parallels to the real world may be drawn or not as the reader wishes). But it's got a lot of action and it feels 'lighter' than the average book that dwells on weighty themes like prejudice, corruption and the difficulty of governing.

It helps that it's full of great characters, including a really well nuanced and fascinating villain (or maybe anti hero).. I liked the characters and wanted them to succeed, and on a broader level I wanted their dreams of a more just society to succeed. I don't know if Chan will write more stories in this world - I think the storylines for this group of characters have come to a satisfying end, but there would be scope for novels set elsewhere in the same mystical sea-bound world.

If you enjoy fantasy adventure, this is definitely a pair of novels to add to your reading list.

Eliza Chan’s Tideborn is a stunning sequel to the internationally bestselling Fathomfolk, diving readers back into the richly imagined underwater city of Tiankawi. This second instalment expands the world, deepens the characters, and delivers a story that is as politically charged as it is fantastical.

In the aftermath of a devastating tsunami, the people of Tiankawi are grappling with their newfound ability to breathe underwater—a change that unites humans and fathomfolk but does little to heal the deep scars of past oppression. Mira, a siren and activist, finds herself at the forefront of the city’s recovery, tasked with uncovering a deadly conspiracy while trying to unite her fractured people. Meanwhile, dragon princess Nami embarks on a perilous sea voyage to confront a mythical Titan, whose wrath could spell doom for Tiankawi.

Chan’s world-building is nothing short of spectacular, blending the beauty and mystery of an underwater realm with the tension of a society on the brink of collapse. The novel’s exploration of themes like unity, justice, and the cost of power is both timely and thought-provoking. Mira’s journey is compelling, her determination and resilience making her a heroine to root for. Nami’s quest, fraught with danger and discovery, adds an epic scale to the narrative, her growth as a leader and individual adding depth to the story.

The political intrigue and moral dilemmas faced by the characters keep the plot engaging, while the richly drawn relationships—both personal and political—add emotional weight. Chan’s prose is lush and evocative, capturing the grandeur and peril of Tiankawi with equal skill.

Tideborn is a story of resilience, unity, and the fight for a better future. It’s a tale that will captivate fans of epic fantasy and leave them eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this mesmerizing series.

What a brilliant conclusion to this unique and rich fantasy duology. We return to the city of Tiankawi with Mira, Nami and Cordelia living in the aftermath of the tsunami, and a looming danger from across the ocean. However, the classicism, racism and political manoeuvring aren’t solved by Kai’s sacrifice. Our three protagonists find themselves fighting for this new world against unexpected challenges, new factions and old foes. Eliza Chan brings each of their stories to a satisfying conclusion with complexity and an unflinching acceptance of their imperfections.