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A review by popthebutterfly
In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: In Deeper Waters
Author: F.T. Lukens
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: bisexual main character, m/m romance, depression character rep, POC characters
Recommended For...: pirate fans, ya readers, fantasy lovers, history readers, romance lovers, LGBT readers
Publication Date: April 20, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy Historical Romance
Recommended Age: 14+ (gore, violence, death, panic attacks TW)
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pages: 320
Synopsis: Prince Tal has long awaited his coming-of-age tour. After spending most of his life cloistered behind palace walls as he learns to keep his forbidden magic secret, he can finally see his family’s kingdom for the first time. His first taste of adventure comes just two days into the journey, when their crew discovers a mysterious prisoner on a burning derelict vessel.
Tasked with watching over the prisoner, Tal is surprised to feel an intense connection with the roguish Athlen. So when Athlen leaps overboard and disappears, Tal feels responsible and heartbroken, knowing Athlen could not have survived in the open ocean.
That is, until Tal runs into Athlen days later on dry land, very much alive, and as charming—and secretive—as ever. But before they can pursue anything further, Tal is kidnapped by pirates and held ransom in a plot to reveal his rumored powers and instigate a war. Tal must escape if he hopes to save his family and the kingdom. And Athlen might just be his only hope…
Tasked with watching over the prisoner, Tal is surprised to feel an intense connection with the roguish Athlen. So when Athlen leaps overboard and disappears, Tal feels responsible and heartbroken, knowing Athlen could not have survived in the open ocean.
That is, until Tal runs into Athlen days later on dry land, very much alive, and as charming—and secretive—as ever. But before they can pursue anything further, Tal is kidnapped by pirates and held ransom in a plot to reveal his rumored powers and instigate a war. Tal must escape if he hopes to save his family and the kingdom. And Athlen might just be his only hope…
Review: This is the type of book I’ll read over and over again. I absolutely loved the story (I’m really into tour/sea-faring stories) and the plot. The characters are what really make this book though and I loved how cute it was in regards to the romance. The world building was also amazingly well done and I am definitely rereading this in the future.
The only issue I had was that the romance kind of took the primary role in some parts of the book where I wanted it to the on the backburner, but it was amazing overall.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders