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A review by heabooknerd
In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens
5.0
IN DEEPER WATERS was an absolute delight to read and it’s definitely going to be one of my favorite books of the year. This was a perfect combination of fantasy, romance, magic, pirates, merfolk, and lovable characters. The world building wasn’t overly detailed but the romance and adventure really hit all the checkboxes for me. And bonus points for a wonderfully queer world!
What really made the story for me was Tal and Athlen as the main characters. They're both just big cinnamon rolls and they have the most generous hearts. I loved their characterization and I spent most of the book wanting to hug them both, especially anytime they were in danger or were hurting. The romance between them was perfectly paced and so sweet and gentle. They have an instant connection when they first meet and as they began running into each other again and spending time together that connection grew. There was a softness about their developing romance that was a great balance to the harsher circumstances of Tal’s kidnapping and the overall plot to overthrow the royal family.
It was also really nice to see both Tal and Athlen as the savior in different parts of the book. This isn’t about one person being the “hero” who saves the day. Instead they each saved each other, both from physical harm and from loneliness as they were each the “last of their kind”. I also appreciated that Tal’s family supported and cared for each other. The way they worried about Tal but also respected him when he put his foot down about something, the way they teased him about his growing feelings for Athlen, and the way they trusted his experience and knowledge when he returned to the palace.
Content Warning: references to depressive episodes of a side character; Tal is kidnapped and tortured in an attempt to get him to reveal his magical abilities
What really made the story for me was Tal and Athlen as the main characters. They're both just big cinnamon rolls and they have the most generous hearts. I loved their characterization and I spent most of the book wanting to hug them both, especially anytime they were in danger or were hurting. The romance between them was perfectly paced and so sweet and gentle. They have an instant connection when they first meet and as they began running into each other again and spending time together that connection grew. There was a softness about their developing romance that was a great balance to the harsher circumstances of Tal’s kidnapping and the overall plot to overthrow the royal family.
It was also really nice to see both Tal and Athlen as the savior in different parts of the book. This isn’t about one person being the “hero” who saves the day. Instead they each saved each other, both from physical harm and from loneliness as they were each the “last of their kind”. I also appreciated that Tal’s family supported and cared for each other. The way they worried about Tal but also respected him when he put his foot down about something, the way they teased him about his growing feelings for Athlen, and the way they trusted his experience and knowledge when he returned to the palace.
Content Warning: references to depressive episodes of a side character; Tal is kidnapped and tortured in an attempt to get him to reveal his magical abilities