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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 retelling—but 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 magic—magic 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 retelling—but 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 magic—magic 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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