Quick Synopsis – Welcome to Tiankawi – shining pearl of human civilization and a safe haven for those fleeing civil unrest. Or at least, that’s how it first appears. But in the semi-flooded city, humans are, quite literally, on peering down from skyscrapers and aerial walkways on the fathomfolk — sirens, seawitches, kelpies and kappas—who live in the polluted waters below.

Song This Reminds Me Of – Deep Water – American Authors

Publication Date – Feb. 27, 2024

Rating – 3.5 out of 5 ⭐

Review – This is an excellent debut from Eliza Chan. If you’ve read Jade City trilogy by Fonda Lee you’ll definitely be a fan.

This is a multi-pov book that has themes of xenophobia, classism, romance, and revolution. Interestingly there is also a little bit of a A Little Mermaid influence with a sea witch and a siren.

I liked this book, but it was a little too dry for me. The first 50% of the book was heavy world building with strong references to the political structure of not just Tiankawi, but the whole world. Even with all that world building, I still felt like the book could have done with more background on the past and how the world got to be how it is. Basically there is no or very little dry land left in the world. Humans barely co-exist with fathomfolk on semi-submerged cities. It’s not going well either as humans continuously exploit fathomfolk and keep them at the bottom of society.

I did think the love story between Mira (siren) and Kai (a dragon shifter) was very sweet. Whereas the love story between Nami (Kai’s sister and dragon shifter) and Firth (Kappa…maybe) was toxic hot garbage. I appreciate the realistic depiction of an emotionally abusive relationship because I think it helps people identify the signs in their own lives. Just because it’s fantasy doesn’t mean there aren’t real world application.

This is a solid fantasy novel especially for fans of Fonda Lee.

Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC.