To be published 29.02.2024….
Nami has a rebellious spirit, something that is difficult to control when you live in a dying underwater city. When her rebellion goes too far, her mother banishes her to live on land. In Tiankawi humans and fathomfolk live alongside one another, but their shared existence is anything but peaceful. Her brother is the fathomfolk ambassador there, but Kai’s politics don’t move quickly enough for Nami. Nor does she see the value in what his girlfriend, Mira, is achieving by trying to keep the peace and instigate equality in her border guard. Only the underground group, the Drawbacks, seem to understand Nami’s frustration. They sweep her away with strong words and promises, but their true plans remain murkier than the polluted waters around the island.
This is probably one of the best fantasy settings that I have read in a while. Humans and fathomfolk both seem to be teetering on the edge of collapse, yet keep their focus solely on fighting one another for dominance. The result of this is a turbulent society filled with secrets and dangers and duplicity. Racial struggles are a focal point of this society, with even subgroups within the main two races being granted vastly different statuses.
I like how Mira, half human and half siren, attempts to stand as a bridge between the two sides. Yet, despite her human half she is treated fully as one of the fathomfolk. The only thing that differentiates her from many of them is her love of the city as the only home she has ever known. Unfortunately many of the humans seem unable to see the benefit in this. As ambassador, Kai works as a similar bridge. Yet he is treated as a decorative figurehead by the humans and judged by his fellow fathomfolk for his status and integration into the human society. I think what they are missing on their team is a compassionate human and I hope that my guess is correct about who may fulfil this role in book two.
Another thing I hope for book two is some more character growth from Nami. I can see the potential that she has, but there always seems to be something holding her back from achieving it. She has mainly played the role of a naïve child in book one, but I can see how she might develop into a more responsible adult role in book two.
Escape to the Bookshelf 