This was a DNF for me. I just couldn't get through it. The info dumb at the start really slowed me down. I like learning about things bit by bit, so it feels a little more natural. It's a good concept though. Just wasn't my cup of tea.

2.25/5 stars! Based on the cover and this being an Asian author, I was stoked to read this book. Sadly, it was filled with unlikable characters. There was strong messaging about social justice and safety, but it was overshadowed by how much I didn't care about the characters. Sigh.

Despite a little floundering at the start, I was really drawn into this story and swept away by the mythologies and traditions. You can’t help but build strong connections to Chan’s characters, and share in their frustrations and anger, their complex relationships. It reminded me a great deal of Andrea Stewart’s The Bone Shard Daughter trilogy, so if you loved that, definitely pick this one up!
(Full review on The Fantasy Hive)

I was left feeling a little disappointed and let down by this book as I had such high hopes. The author however did tackle and write about difficult issues such as social injustice and xenophobia and environmental pollution extremely well and they did a great job putting this message out in a way that doesn’t come across immature and is easy to read and learn from if that makes sense!

Really engaging read. I was drawn in by the vibrant imagery and imaginative setting and then subsequently intrigued by the politics and the depth of the story. I have bought the sequel too so it was definitely a good read. Chan does a magnificent job at crafting a colourful and vibrant world that leaps right off the page.

Couldn't finish it because the characters name were too similar and I wasn't really sure what was going on after the 20% mark.

I didn't finish it, I stayed at 43%. The world seemed super interesting, but I felt it was all over the place. It felt very much like an attempt to copy the concept of Crecedent City, where many creatures live in the same city. I couldn't get into the writing, I felt like I was reading a lot but nothing was happening. The characters were completely forgettable.

Thanks to the publisher for giving me access. Unfortunately I wanted to like this a lot more than I did, despite the excellent cover and pitch. I felt character development was lacking, and the ending didn't ring true to me.

I sort of struggled to get into this book, which i'm sad about as it was so beautiful written with great attention to detail with the folklore and world building. The key themes surrounding racism, identity and class are so important and well delivered within this story, and the politics were so important and needed to be included, however I think this may have been what made it harder for me to get into. I enjoyed that there was such a large cast, however again, this made it a little difficult for me to member who everyone was, but I loved how they were so fleshed out and flawed in their own ways.

I think this would for sure be a five star read for the right person, unfortunately I'm not sure I was the best audience or in the right place to do this book the justice it deserves.

I enjoyed Fathomfolk, I thought the way the class and nationality divide was done so so well. I do worry when I enter a new fantasy world and it includes political themes within, but I was incredibly impressed with how Eliza Chan handled it. I also absolutely adored the variety of characters who were all so clearly flawed and yet still interesting to read about!
I'm intrigued to see where this series goes...

DNF

Unfortunately, it was just way too political for my taste. I don't mind a bit of politics, a bit of court intruige or what not but there was just too much of it. There are also just so many characters...

Fathomfolk really wasn't what I was expecting throughout - in such a good way! I thought it would be sort of formulaic, but absolutely not - this left me guessing and gasping throughout!

Thematically this story is so incredibly important with concepts of racism and the other throughout. I could actually see elements of this story happening in real life (obviously so sad).

I loved the twists and turns that kept me questioning the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed Fathomfolk. I loved the way the story was told.
The themes through out the book is don't be quick to judge.
The story kept me gripped and I couldn't put it down.
The twists throughout this novel made me want to find out what was going to happen.
The cover is stunning
I also listened to the audiobook the narrator is absolutely fantastic. Brought it to life and a very enjoyable read/listen.
Little mermaid with dragons,sirens and other creatures.
I do recommend!

I truly loved this book and its themes on living with immigration and.m the impact of multicultural cities. The prejudices that arise and how in reality you can't just assume things about a people. Bringing in important and key themes on prejudice as well as the impact we have on our planet through social pollution. But her it literally is making people sick with gill rot, I love the blend of romance, political intrigue and a unique magic system. Thank you so much.

A fantastic read! The author blended a lot of folklore from all around the world, which is a.very attractive and interesting concept. A good mix of drama, tragedy and hope; I felt a lot of emotions with this book. The fantasy and dystopian worldbuilding got me hooked, and enticed my imagination. Recommended!

I enjoyed this book, from the get go it was different to other books in similar genres but at the same time was an easy and pleasant read.

I thought, for a long time, about whether I enjoyed this book. Chan's world is extensive and complex, with excellent potential for exploration of both the characters and wider sociopolitical dynamics, from multiple perspectives. However, I didn't feel as though any of the world-building - or the character's relationship to said world-building - was ever really allowed to breathe. Expositionary moments occurred in the midst of the action, often with very little introduction and foreshadowing, and made a lot of the truly dramatic moments of the novel fall somewhat flat.

Real rating: 2.75

This book had a lot of potential but ruined it a tiny bit for itself for being really slow. The story is basically good and once you get into it, it is worth it though the pace doesn’t really seem to change. The characters are a hit and miss. Some are good and some are generally frustrating to read about. As I did like the story I’m hoping the 2nd book will give us more!

This book started strong with a great premise and intriguing characters but lost momentum and felt overwhelming at times. While the world-building and flawed characters added depth, it lacked the tension expected from a high-stakes fantasy. Despite this, Cordelia and Serena’s POVs kept me reading.

Overall I really enjoyed this book!

With regards to world building, it did feel at times a bit daunting, like more information about the world could have been given initially instead of bits and pieces as the story progressed.

There were moments where characters were a bit frustrating, but it made them out to be more real, struggling with their faults and morals.

I'm really excited to see where things go with the next book! Especially for Cordelia and Serena! There POVs really had me hooked towards the end!