Fathomfolk is a spellbinding and creative tale. Mira is a half-siren and the first fathomfolk to be promoted in the city guard. In the city of Tiankawi, fathomfolk (selkies, kappas, sea witches, sirens etc) have a fraught relationship with the humans of the city. Mira is determined to do good with her position and use her power to help fight the inequity that the fathomfolk face. When a water dragon named Nami comes to the city, Mira must help keep track of her and battle against the sea witch Cordelia’s manipulations. Can Mira truly make a change in the city or are they all doomed to drown? 

I really loved the rich world-building and many creatures that make up the fathomfolk. Obviously, I love selkies! Mira is an engaging character who is determined to use her power for good. As a half-siren, she is regarded with suspicion at times because she possesses the power to influence people. Mira has had to make many difficult choices and sacrifices for her family along the way. While crafting rich fantasy worldbuilding, Chan draws parallels to real-life inequality and racism in our world.

The story shifts between Mira, Nami, and Cordelia. Nami has really never been out in the world before and makes some naive mistakes as she attempts to get revenge for the fathomfolk. Her relationship with Firth was filled with tension and not necessarily the good kind! There’s a slowly dawning sense of dread as we learn more about him. Cordelia is an intriguing character who is very multifaceted and the keeper of many secrets. Power always comes with a price and Cordelia scrabbles to hang onto it to protect herself and her family- regardless of who is in her way. 

The conclusion was action-packed and set up some very interesting possibilities for a sequel. Readers who enjoyed The Bone Shard Daughter, Jade City, and The Mask of Mirrors will love this book. I’m looking forward to the next installment! 

Thank you to Eliza Chan, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.