Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - In Deeper Waters

I don't always love high fantasy as the rules of the worlds can be too much, but Lukens makes them fun to read and introduces the rules of the universe and society as part of the plot without too much exposition!

Tal and Athlen were fun characters, as were the side characters, and if she were ever willing, I would love more from this universe. As a note, the fact that classism and misogyny existed but homophobia didn't was an interesting choice.

I would love to know more about the mermaids, was Athlen the last? Where are they if not??? I need to know!

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rileyswan's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Athlen laughed and kissed him again. Tal sank into it—happy, loved, and unafraid.

There is something so special to be found in fantasy worlds that wholly embrace differences that our own world does not accept.

In Deeper Waters is a chaotic, life-threatening adventure of trials, tribulations, and thrills galore. We see magic, pirate, mermaids, shapeshifters, death and murder and burning ships. And the two main characters just so happen to be two boys falling in love, with complete and utter acceptance from everyone around them, because there are no standards to attraction.

It was so refreshing to read such a riveting tale from Lukens, and find solace in the strongly highlighted romantic relationship between Tal and Athlen in the same manner cishet people are afforded by most books. I adored every moment.

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nevermoregothic's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

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bookhoarderbea's review

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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sssssoup's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. Everything about it is executed so well and I have no complaints with it all. The characters, the worldbuilding, the plot!!! It’s all so wonderful, I was smiling while I read!

The writing style itself was so fun to read. It had a lot of description, but it felt balanced with the dialogue and it didn’t feel overly flowery. The plot was also very well done. It has a lot of moving parts and I was impressed with how everything got resolved. You could argue that the ending was too convenient, but it made sense and felt natural to me, so I’m not complaining.

I also really liked the characters a lot. The progression of Tal’s arc was very well executed and I really liked seeing how he changed over the course of the story. I also felt like

the romance between him and Athlen was very well written as well. It felt more natural and realistic than most romance subplots I’ve read in other YA books. It didn’t feel forced or rushed like romance often does (in my opinion) and it was really nice to see something where they didn’t jump straight from meeting right into being in love.

I also liked the worldbuilding and how the author took time to really explore the world’s history. I think it would’ve been nice to have a map, but I was still able to understand without one.

Overall I just really really loved this book!! It’s definitely a new favorite of mine, and it exceeded my expectations by miles. The messages and themes in it as well as the ending really made me smile and I think it’s an important book that a lot of people would benefit from reading. I will definitely be thinking about it for a long time and will be recommending it to everyone I know!

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hannahrogers's review

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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

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jenarae's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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snoutsiru's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring lighthearted fast-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? It's complicated

3.75

Very very very cute! I just wished it wasn’t so short. I would love to know more about the villains, world and secondary characters. Maybe this book could’ve been better as a trilogy. Everything felt a bit rushed, but it’s a good queer YA book nevertheless.

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