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katyfayyyx's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Can we have a moment of silence for this motherfucking cover because it is just perfect like it is just so beautiful it may or may have been the reason why I bought this book in the first place because it is just so beautiful, like who doesn't love a book cover that screams queer romance between a Prince and Mermen? Like yes please? I just loved this book so much like there is nothing I love more than a fluffy gay romance set in this mediaeval period with a merman, pirates and royalty đłď¸âđ. Girl I was living and I mean living I fucking loved this book! Is the writing in this book worth five stars no but I lived from this book it was just so cute and wholesome and I love all the characters and my face hurt from smiling such much when I was reading this book and I just had so a fun time reading this book and it just has a special place in my heart for these characters and just the vibes of this book.
I really loved all of the elements of this book but the standout for me was 100% the romance like the chemistry between all the characters was amazing but the chemistry between the two main characters was exceptional like it is a bit insta-love and I am not normally a big fan of that but I loved it in this one. I also thought that the character building and character development was really well done in this book, like I felt like all the characters have they time to shine and you got to know all of the different characters and you care for all of them, like to me none of them felt like side characters or felt like they were just there to move the plot along it felt like they all fitted into the story really well. I would also say that this book was just really well planned and it was really flushed out, I thought that the pacing was really good and I thought both the main plot and side plots were really well done and really fitted into each other. I will say something that took me by surprise (which is going to sound really dumb) was how much fantasy there was in this book however, I actually liked this part of the story, it wasn't what drew me to pick up the book but I am happy that it was there because I actually think it was going to be a little bit boring without it.
I would like to talk about the romance a bit more, I would not really describe myself as a huge lover of romance as I find they're kinda boring and a little cringe, it is just not really the thing I would reach for like I don't get me wrong I love reading fantasy books with couples and romance in it but I am not a huge fan when it is the main genre of the book (I hope that make sense), but actually thinking about it, I just think I don't hate straight people romance because are the straights ever okay (I find the answer is mostly no) and I just hate romance in real life because I just think is it really embarrassing. But I just really loved the romance in this book like they were so fucking cute and wholesome and they really did steal my whole entire heart! It was everything and more than I wanted it to be. It was just a really cute, fluffy and very very queer. I loved it. This book it 100% going to be a stand out of this year for me. I just think this book because I love queer books and I love fake royal families (which is weird because I couldn't give less of a shit about the real-life royals and as someone who is living in the UK to the run-up to the King's coronation, its hell, its horror and I can't wait for it to be over) but give me a fake royal family, I am in heaven bitch like I just love fake royals I can't help it and it's doesn't make sense to me either. I just loved how both of them were just so whipped from first sight, like I have already said that I have never been a big fan of insta-love but it just worked so well. I love their banter and just their chemistry and I just thought it was so funny how over they were each other shit sometimes. This is just a special mention to when Tal was kidnapped his only comfort was the shark tooth that Athlen had given him (that just really melted my heart) or when any time he needed comfort he reached for it. Or the bit when he asked Athlen to stay and showed him and gave him that Cove and says if he wants they can make it his own place where he can put shelves up for all his things. I am sorry that was just so cute. I also love how they are both the last of their kind and they found each other.
Even though I absolutely loved the romance the real thing that sold me was the family dynamics and the banter was just so good, it felt like it a real-life family, I just love how protective they were of each other and how they really care, protect and love each other no matter what and the whole family just really melted my heart. I loved their banter and how they all just take the piss out of each other. I love them all like I am not really sure but I did cry when Kest found out that Tal was okay and alive and when he told him that he had been wearing his ring to remember him by. Shout out when Corrie made Tal had two necklaces one with the Shark tooth and one with his ring, as a sign of her telling him that she accepts him or how protective Garrett was and how guilty they all felt and how they felt like they have failed him and how much they want to show him that they love him and love each other. I just thought it was really funny how Tal had literally nearly died and they are all taking the piss because he just nearly died for Athlen
I really loved all of the elements of this book but the standout for me was 100% the romance like the chemistry between all the characters was amazing but the chemistry between the two main characters was exceptional like it is a bit insta-love and I am not normally a big fan of that but I loved it in this one. I also thought that the character building and character development was really well done in this book, like I felt like all the characters have they time to shine and you got to know all of the different characters and you care for all of them, like to me none of them felt like side characters or felt like they were just there to move the plot along it felt like they all fitted into the story really well. I would also say that this book was just really well planned and it was really flushed out, I thought that the pacing was really good and I thought both the main plot and side plots were really well done and really fitted into each other. I will say something that took me by surprise (which is going to sound really dumb) was how much fantasy there was in this book however, I actually liked this part of the story, it wasn't what drew me to pick up the book but I am happy that it was there because I actually think it was going to be a little bit boring without it.
I would like to talk about the romance a bit more, I would not really describe myself as a huge lover of romance as I find they're kinda boring and a little cringe, it is just not really the thing I would reach for like I don't get me wrong I love reading fantasy books with couples and romance in it but I am not a huge fan when it is the main genre of the book (I hope that make sense), but actually thinking about it, I just think I don't hate straight people romance because are the straights ever okay (I find the answer is mostly no) and I just hate romance in real life because I just think is it really embarrassing. But I just really loved the romance in this book like they were so fucking cute and wholesome and they really did steal my whole entire heart! It was everything and more than I wanted it to be. It was just a really cute, fluffy and very very queer. I loved it. This book it 100% going to be a stand out of this year for me. I just think this book because I love queer books and I love fake royal families (which is weird because I couldn't give less of a shit about the real-life royals and as someone who is living in the UK to the run-up to the King's coronation, its hell, its horror and I can't wait for it to be over) but give me a fake royal family, I am in heaven bitch like I just love fake royals I can't help it and it's doesn't make sense to me either. I just loved how both of them were just so whipped from first sight, like I have already said that I have never been a big fan of insta-love but it just worked so well. I love their banter and just their chemistry and I just thought it was so funny how over they were each other shit sometimes. This is just a special mention to when Tal was kidnapped his only comfort was the shark tooth that Athlen had given him (that just really melted my heart) or when any time he needed comfort he reached for it. Or the bit when he asked Athlen to stay and showed him and gave him that Cove and says if he wants they can make it his own place where he can put shelves up for all his things. I am sorry that was just so cute. I also love how they are both the last of their kind and they found each other.
Even though I absolutely loved the romance the real thing that sold me was the family dynamics and the banter was just so good, it felt like it a real-life family, I just love how protective they were of each other and how they really care, protect and love each other no matter what and the whole family just really melted my heart. I loved their banter and how they all just take the piss out of each other. I love them all like I am not really sure but I did cry when Kest found out that Tal was okay and alive and when he told him that he had been wearing his ring to remember him by. Shout out when Corrie made Tal had two necklaces one with the Shark tooth and one with his ring, as a sign of her telling him that she accepts him or how protective Garrett was and how guilty they all felt and how they felt like they have failed him and how much they want to show him that they love him and love each other. I just thought it was really funny how Tal had literally nearly died and they are all taking the piss because he just nearly died for Athlen
Also, all the women in this book were just such icons like I loved them all but Shay and Corrie were my favourite girl bosses. Corrie really just didn't give a shit but I was sometimes confused about how old Corrie was because sometimes the writing made it out like she was really young like six or seven and other times it sound like she was 14 or 15 which I just thought was really confusing. Shay she slayed okay and loved her reaction to Tal being alive. Also I loved how Shay was like yeah I will marry you but I am not going to give up my life or my job and he was like yeah I wouldn't want anything else.
Also, why was the ending just so stressful, like Jesus Christ I was just so stressed, also I am going to be a hater but I am sorry this royal family need to have some better security like these bitches tried to kill 3 out of the 5 siblings like girl what... Also then Tal did nearly get himself killed about 700 times and there was no one but his brothers looking after him but I did think it was just so cute that Tal would do anything for Athlen and how Athlen showed Corrie his tail and he happy she was and it was just really cute. But I loved the actual ending with Kest and Shay getting married but I thought that we spent more time being told that they loved each other than actually seeing it or them actually spending time with each other and I actually thought at times Shay had more chemistry with Garett had more chemistry but I am happy that they are happy and I loved that Tal does have to hide himself anymore and he can live and be happy and gay and have a happily ever after with Athlen.
My favourite moments were when Athlen tells Tal that he think his magic is beautiful, that the whole time Athlen cave, the bit when Tal was reunited with his family, just Kest reaction, Garett actually the whole time when Tal asked him to stay and he shows him the Cove and said it can be his whole place and where he could keep all his things and he can be alone here if he wanted to and he said that he wanted to be alone with him, just the whole sea witch bit and Poppy becoming a part of the sea, okay maybe just the whole fucking book.
The only thing that could make this better is if there was more of it please please, I am on my knees F.T.Lukens can we have a second book I don't give a shit if is just them all chilling around the place and being happy and gay, I would read it and probably give it 5 stars. Also I would like to see this turned into a tv show or film because you're telling me it wouldn't just serve. In summary, this book was very very happy and gay I lived for it okay!!! If you can't tell this book was amazing and I loved every single moment of this book. I literally loved it from the first page.
Also, why was the ending just so stressful, like Jesus Christ I was just so stressed, also I am going to be a hater but I am sorry this royal family need to have some better security like these bitches tried to kill 3 out of the 5 siblings like girl what... Also then Tal did nearly get himself killed about 700 times and there was no one but his brothers looking after him but I did think it was just so cute that Tal would do anything for Athlen and how Athlen showed Corrie his tail and he happy she was and it was just really cute. But I loved the actual ending with Kest and Shay getting married but I thought that we spent more time being told that they loved each other than actually seeing it or them actually spending time with each other and I actually thought at times Shay had more chemistry with Garett had more chemistry but I am happy that they are happy and I loved that Tal does have to hide himself anymore and he can live and be happy and gay and have a happily ever after with Athlen.
My favourite moments were when Athlen tells Tal that he think his magic is beautiful, that the whole time Athlen cave, the bit when Tal was reunited with his family, just Kest reaction, Garett actually the whole time when Tal asked him to stay and he shows him the Cove and said it can be his whole place and where he could keep all his things and he can be alone here if he wanted to and he said that he wanted to be alone with him, just the whole sea witch bit and Poppy becoming a part of the sea, okay maybe just the whole fucking book.
The only thing that could make this better is if there was more of it please please, I am on my knees F.T.Lukens can we have a second book I don't give a shit if is just them all chilling around the place and being happy and gay, I would read it and probably give it 5 stars. Also I would like to see this turned into a tv show or film because you're telling me it wouldn't just serve. In summary, this book was very very happy and gay I lived for it okay!!! If you can't tell this book was amazing and I loved every single moment of this book. I literally loved it from the first page.
âThey kissed, and kissed, and Tal wouldâve thought it a fairy tale if not for the sand in his collar, and the water in his boots, and the ache of his body. But he wouldnât trade it for anything else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Torture, Vomit, Self harm, Slavery, Blood, Kidnapping, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
Moderate: Death, Gore, Abandonment, Physical abuse, Grief, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Classism, War, Child death, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent
hannahrogers's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Mental illness, Grief, Torture, and Misogyny
Minor: Alcohol, Death of parent, and War
ofbooksandechos's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I didn't have much expectations going into this, but I knew I was going to get a lighthearted queer fairytale and that's exactly what I needed.
I wish the author had expanded the world building and clarified a few things aboutthe merefolk and their ending , it was still a nice easygoing read though.
I wish the author had expanded the world building and clarified a few things about
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Mental illness
bookishflower's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Can we talk about that incredible vintage romance- inspired cover?!
This was such a feel good read! When âThe Little Mermaidâ meets âLucaâ (if Disney had been brave enough to give us a gay love story).
This was wonderfully whimsical, with a great balance between an engaging plot and swoon-worthy romantic fluff.
Athlen and Tal are the cutest and fleshed out which is not only enhances their romance but also the plot. Lukens doesnât sacrifice their character development and the story in favour of the romance which is refreshing!
I am in love with all of the royal siblings, if this book got the Bridgeton treatment and each of them got their own book I would eat it up! The tease of a sleeping girl in Alemmeni and Garrett! Please! The sibling banter was hilarious, I caught myself laughing out loud serval times.
More people need to talk about this book?! Iâve already preordered âSo This is Ever Afterâ and canât wait!!
This was such a feel good read! When âThe Little Mermaidâ meets âLucaâ (if Disney had been brave enough to give us a gay love story).
This was wonderfully whimsical, with a great balance between an engaging plot and swoon-worthy romantic fluff.
Athlen and Tal are the cutest and fleshed out which is not only enhances their romance but also the plot. Lukens doesnât sacrifice their character development and the story in favour of the romance which is refreshing!
I am in love with all of the royal siblings, if this book got the Bridgeton treatment and each of them got their own book I would eat it up! The tease of a sleeping girl in Alemmeni and Garrett! Please! The sibling banter was hilarious, I caught myself laughing out loud serval times.
More people need to talk about this book?! Iâve already preordered âSo This is Ever Afterâ and canât wait!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Torture, and Blood
Minor: Cursing, Colonisation, Death of parent, Mental illness, Genocide, and Panic attacks/disorders
emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The characters really carried this book for me. There was such great characterisation of the side characters, especially Tal's siblings. I basically lived for their sibling interactions as they felt so realistic. I really liked Tal himself because he was so complex, in that he was navigating so many burdens: the kingdom's expectations, finding his own identity, and dealing with his great-grandfather's violent legacy.
In terms of romance, I definitely think that it improves as the book goes on. Initially I was actually enjoying the plot more than the romance, as I had no idea where the plot was going (in a good way) and it mostly had a sea setting. The romance at the start was a little too insta-lovey, although it was very sweet and had first-love vibes. It didn't take too long for me to be fully on board with the romance, however, as the angst in the middle felt satisfying and lent realism to the relationship. By the end I was feeling pretty emotional about Tal and Athlen's love!
There were a few things that I didn't like. The first is that the world-building could have been better and less generic, especially as the first part of the book definitely relies on the plot to be good. The second is that sometimes a problem was made out to be high stakes, but in actuality was solved pretty easily.Also, one thing that didn't make sense to me was Tal's rapid improvement in magical skill. In the beginning of the book he makes it clear that he is only good at fire magic, but by the end (with no practice) he can summon winds and move objects with ease.
However, like I said, I just got super attached to all of the characters and loved their interactions and the love between Tal and Athlen, which made this book worth its while to read!
In terms of romance, I definitely think that it improves as the book goes on. Initially I was actually enjoying the plot more than the romance, as I had no idea where the plot was going (in a good way) and it mostly had a sea setting. The romance at the start was a little too insta-lovey, although it was very sweet and had first-love vibes. It didn't take too long for me to be fully on board with the romance, however, as the angst in the middle felt satisfying and lent realism to the relationship. By the end I was feeling pretty emotional about Tal and Athlen's love!
There were a few things that I didn't like. The first is that the world-building could have been better and less generic, especially as the first part of the book definitely relies on the plot to be good. The second is that sometimes a problem was made out to be high stakes, but in actuality was solved pretty easily.
However, like I said, I just got super attached to all of the characters and loved their interactions and the love between Tal and Athlen, which made this book worth its while to read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Confinement, and Violence
Minor: Child death, Cursing, Death of parent, Excrement, Grief, Mental illness, Murder, Sexual content, Torture, and Vomit
perpetualpages's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
CWs: references to death and massacres; allusions to contagious illness; destruction by fire; descriptions of captivity; allusions to depression and depressive episodes; graphic descriptions of blood, injury, fatal wounds, and violence.
Somewhere along the line, the industry shorthand for In Deeper Waters has become "gay pirates," which I think is somewhat of a misnomer. To be clear: it is *extremely* gay, and it definitely has pirates in at least part of the story, but neither of the main characters are pirates. I would actually say this story is closer to a fairy tale retellingâbut I won't say which fairy tale, since the reveal is very much part of the book. Knowing that beforehand and being able to readjust my expectations accordingly actually allowed me to enjoy the story that much more.
I found this to be such a wonderful blend of adventure and romance! It's tropey, and magical, and full of side-quests, and my favorite part is that no two sections of the story are quite the same, and the adventure is constantly overturning the audience's expectations. Every time you *think* you know what the true story or the true conflict is, something else shows up to factor in, and that constant change of scenery keeps the reader constantly on their toes.
For instance, when you start the book, you might think that this grand coming-of-age tour *is* the story, but it's not. Then you think Tal being captured by pirates is going to be the entire story, but it's not. Then you think that uncovering the truth behind who is trying to hold Tal ransom is going to be the *real* story, but it's not. I love that there are so many moving parts in this story, and that each leg of this adventure is not only distinct and exciting, but something that adds layers to what's *really* happening with the characters.
Then not only do we get to read all about this fun, enthralling, magical quest, but we get to witness a really sweet and moving romance. I love that this historical fantasy is set in a world that normalizes queerness, and that allows the characters' struggles to stem from things that are not rooted in their identities. The flirting and the courting between Tal and Athlen is entirely unsubtle, and their connection to each other is borne of the vulnerability fostered between them and how they don't expect each other to be anyone but themselves. There's a strong parallel between how Tal is struggling to control his magic and Athlen is struggling to control his unspeakable curse. They both have parts of themselves that they've been taught to hide or be ashamed of, and through their relationship, they're learning to give less power to those things about themselves that they cannot change.
Tal has inherited incredibly rare and powerful magicâmagic that was used by his ancestors to hurt people and forcibly maintain power, and everyone things that Tal having magic is a guarantee of that same fate. But for both of the characters, "fate" is not merely a set of circumstances or conditions, but rather a participatory undertaking defined by one's choices. Possessing magic won't make Tal a tyrant, unless he lets his fear and self-hatred keep him from learning how to control it, and the deciding factor lies in how he will choose to use it.
Like I said, this is a really fun, fast-paced fantasy adventure with a hefty side of tropey romance between queer characters and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think there were even some easter eggs towards the end that F.T. Lukens could expand into their own books, and I would be so on board to read any of those companion stories. My one note is that the world-building can be a bit hazy at best. Sometimes the surrounding kingdoms, their dynamics, and their politics feel somewhat undefined or confusing to grasp, but thankfully that doesn't play too huge of a role in the story. I still loved this, I especially loved reading it with my friends, and I would definitely read more from this author!
Somewhere along the line, the industry shorthand for In Deeper Waters has become "gay pirates," which I think is somewhat of a misnomer. To be clear: it is *extremely* gay, and it definitely has pirates in at least part of the story, but neither of the main characters are pirates. I would actually say this story is closer to a fairy tale retellingâbut I won't say which fairy tale, since the reveal is very much part of the book. Knowing that beforehand and being able to readjust my expectations accordingly actually allowed me to enjoy the story that much more.
I found this to be such a wonderful blend of adventure and romance! It's tropey, and magical, and full of side-quests, and my favorite part is that no two sections of the story are quite the same, and the adventure is constantly overturning the audience's expectations. Every time you *think* you know what the true story or the true conflict is, something else shows up to factor in, and that constant change of scenery keeps the reader constantly on their toes.
For instance, when you start the book, you might think that this grand coming-of-age tour *is* the story, but it's not. Then you think Tal being captured by pirates is going to be the entire story, but it's not. Then you think that uncovering the truth behind who is trying to hold Tal ransom is going to be the *real* story, but it's not. I love that there are so many moving parts in this story, and that each leg of this adventure is not only distinct and exciting, but something that adds layers to what's *really* happening with the characters.
Then not only do we get to read all about this fun, enthralling, magical quest, but we get to witness a really sweet and moving romance. I love that this historical fantasy is set in a world that normalizes queerness, and that allows the characters' struggles to stem from things that are not rooted in their identities. The flirting and the courting between Tal and Athlen is entirely unsubtle, and their connection to each other is borne of the vulnerability fostered between them and how they don't expect each other to be anyone but themselves. There's a strong parallel between how Tal is struggling to control his magic and Athlen is struggling to control his unspeakable curse. They both have parts of themselves that they've been taught to hide or be ashamed of, and through their relationship, they're learning to give less power to those things about themselves that they cannot change.
Tal has inherited incredibly rare and powerful magicâmagic that was used by his ancestors to hurt people and forcibly maintain power, and everyone things that Tal having magic is a guarantee of that same fate. But for both of the characters, "fate" is not merely a set of circumstances or conditions, but rather a participatory undertaking defined by one's choices. Possessing magic won't make Tal a tyrant, unless he lets his fear and self-hatred keep him from learning how to control it, and the deciding factor lies in how he will choose to use it.
Like I said, this is a really fun, fast-paced fantasy adventure with a hefty side of tropey romance between queer characters and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think there were even some easter eggs towards the end that F.T. Lukens could expand into their own books, and I would be so on board to read any of those companion stories. My one note is that the world-building can be a bit hazy at best. Sometimes the surrounding kingdoms, their dynamics, and their politics feel somewhat undefined or confusing to grasp, but thankfully that doesn't play too huge of a role in the story. I still loved this, I especially loved reading it with my friends, and I would definitely read more from this author!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Violence
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Death, Mental illness, Murder, and Terminal illness
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