Did not finish. My fault as I didn't read the first book. I read up to the first chapter and couldn't get any further. I will return to give this book another chance once I've read the first.

3.5 rounded up for goodreads and netgalley.
It was a solid sequel. The characters’ dynamics are well-developed and their feelings are a bit deeper and more serious. Some moments in the plot are very satisfying to read. I also liked the addition of a sapphic relationship, I think it fits the story quite well.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Unable to read this due to the lack of accessibility to send to ereader devices and I do not own a laptop or pc to read on. Will be purchasing this on release.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

For some reason, I hadn't realised this was going to be a duology and expected Tideborn to be a middle book. Instead, it turned out to be a very satisfying finale to the series! I thoroughly enjoyed how the author wrapped up character arcs, political issues and various plot points throughout this second novel.

Tideborn picks up right after the end of Fathomfolk, with two of the FMCs reeling from an unexpected death very close to them (not mentioning who to avoid spoilers), and the third FMC cut off from her family after her identity was revealed. This second book is full of political intrigue, conflict between races, hidden plotting, necessary alliances, immortal beings to placate to save a city... and lots of raw, big emotions.

While I thought that characters weren't sufficiently developed in Fathomfolk, I thought that was much improved in Tideborn. Mira was always the one I enjoyed the most, and her storyline ripped my heart in little pieces so many times. Nami and Cordelia grew into nicely developed, three-dimensional characters who really had me rooting for them for very different reasons (even Cordelia, who I wasn't sure I could actually like??). I was on edge waiting to find out how Nami's very important mission would end, most of all! There was also more exploration of the the dragons race and some insights into their society, with Nami, her mother and one of her old tutors appearing as consistent characters, which I found really interesting.

The pace was generally good, although there was a bit of a lull in the middle, and the twists engaging. Moreover, the world-building continued to be fantastic, already building on the very solid foundation created in book 1!

Oh, and it made me so happy to see an unexpected sapphic romance blossom in this book!

Overall, I'd recommend the series!

Eliza Chan tells a beautiful story in this compelling duology, the ending has felt extremely well deserved. I can only hope to see more from her in this charming and complex universe.

Tideborn is a stunning sequel, there was so much depth and detail I got lost in the world of Fathomfolk all over again. Five stars. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.

once again, a riot of emotions reading this book. Eliza weaves a world that is an ocean mirror of ours; the elements are fantastical, but the characters, situations and feelings are very real, vividly recognisable.

This is a book about aftermath: the messiness of picking up the pieces. The magical wish which was meant to avert the crisis has saved lives, but at a strange cost; as humans learn to live with gills, more factions break out, some rejecting their own selves, whilst others embrace the change. Mira struggles to steer the city towards hope and collaboration, whilst Nami leads a delegation in hope of heading off the vengeful sea titan journeying towards the city that killed its mate. Meanwhile Cordelia to her grief has been cut off from her former family, but her underworld business is yielding some surprising results.

Many themes are explored in this book: familial alienation, but also the strength of maternal love; the grief of widowhood and the struggle to escape from toxic relationships, but the sweetness and hopefulness of blossoming love. Political machinations, murder mysteries and duels to the death add excitement to the mix. But it’s the hopefulness that stayed with me. A duology I won’t soon forget.

4/5🌟

Okay, let me just start by saying this: Tideborn was like diving into a stormy sea—thrilling, chaotic, and a little overwhelming, but ultimately worth it. If you loved Fathomfolk, this sequel is going to hit you right in the feels. It’s not perfect, but it’s a satisfying conclusion to the Drowned World Duology, and honestly, I’m kind of sad it’s over.

The story picks up a few months after the events of Fathomfolk, and Tiankawi is still reeling from the tsunami and the fallout of the dragon pearl’s magic. Humans now have gills, fathomfolk are still fighting for their place, and tensions are high. The city feels like a powder keg waiting to explode, and Chan does an incredible job of reflecting real-world issues—racism, prejudice, political unrest—through this fantastical lens. It’s not subtle, but it doesn’t need to be. The themes are raw, relevant, and handled with nuance.

Nami’s character arc is CHEF'S KISS. She’s no longer the reckless, fiery radical we met in the first book. Instead, she’s grown into someone desperate for unity and peace, even if it means facing down a titan who’s ready to destroy the city. Her journey is messy, emotional, and so relatable. And can we talk about her new romance with Eun? A water dragon and an archivist librarian? Yes, please. It’s sweet, slow-burn, and just the right amount of heartwarming.

Mira’s story is equally compelling. She’s grieving, lost, and trying to navigate her biracial identity in a world that constantly tries to box her in. Watching her come into her own and embrace her siren heritage was so satisfying. And Cordelia? Oh, Cordelia. She’s the ultimate survivor—clever, cunning, and unapologetically herself. Her arc is full of feminine rage, revenge, and a surprising amount of heart. I didn’t think I’d care about her, but by the end, she was one of my favorites.

The world-building is still a standout, though I wish there had been more vivid descriptions of the fathomfolk and their cultures. The political intrigue and moral grayness of the characters keep you hooked, but at times, the pacing felt a bit rushed, especially toward the end. Some loose ends could’ve been tied up better, and the big showdown with the titan felt a tad anticlimactic. Still, the emotional payoff was there, and I found myself tearing up more than once.

What I loved most about this book was how it balances hope and despair. It’s a story about grief, loss, and fear, but also about love, resilience, and new beginnings. The characters aren’t always likable, and their decisions aren’t always right, but they feel real. They’re flawed, messy, and human (or fathomfolk), and that’s what makes their journeys so compelling.

If you’re into morally gray characters, complex political landscapes, and a world that feels alive, this duology is for you. It’s not romantasy, but the romance subplots are tender and well-earned. And while Tideborn might have worked better as a longer standalone, it’s still a fantastic conclusion to a series that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Final thoughts? Dive in. The water’s fine. 🌊

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for digital ARC.
#Tideborn #NetGalley

Eliza Chan may be a new novelist, but she's a confident one, and she's right to be. Whereas most fantasy authors go for trilogies, she has stuck to a pair of novels even though she could have earned more with three. And it works - middle books in trilogies are usually the weakest even by the best of writers, so that pitfall is avoided. Then she killed one of her main characters - properly killed them, not 'dead for a few chapters than somehow resurrected'. Even if she weren't a great writer, I'd admire her for that alone. But she is a very good writer too, the sort that would even make a cliched tale readable.

As it's a sequel, you should read the excellent 'Fathomfolk' first. in order to appreciate 'Tideborn'. There is a short summary of 'Fathomfolk' at the beginning, something I wish authors did more often, that serves as a helpful reminder for those who have read the first novel. It means you can get straight into the story in 'Tideborn' without wracking your memory for who is who and what happened previously. Chan did a lot of 'worldbuilding' in the first book, meaning in this one she's free to get on with the story and doesn't try to introduce new concepts. Focussing on the storytelling means it's fast paced, immersive and hard to put down.

The main characters are divided into two groups for most of the book. Mira, now a minister in the half-destroyed city of Tiankawi, tries to reconcile the warring clans within the city whilst also dealing with her grief and a terrifying mother in law. Nami, wayward dragon princess, sets out on a boat with as motley a crew as imaginable in the hope of negotiating with the furious titan sea god who is bent on destroying the city. So plenty of scope for action and conflict, all of which is well exploited. I would classify this duology as 'political fantasy' - where a lot of the fantasy is around the workings of an invented society (parallels to the real world may be drawn or not as the reader wishes). But it's got a lot of action and it feels 'lighter' than the average book that dwells on weighty themes like prejudice, corruption and the difficulty of governing.

It helps that it's full of great characters, including a really well nuanced and fascinating villain (or maybe anti hero).. I liked the characters and wanted them to succeed, and on a broader level I wanted their dreams of a more just society to succeed. I don't know if Chan will write more stories in this world - I think the storylines for this group of characters have come to a satisfying end, but there would be scope for novels set elsewhere in the same mystical sea-bound world.

If you enjoy fantasy adventure, this is definitely a pair of novels to add to your reading list.

Eliza Chan’s Tideborn is a stunning sequel to the internationally bestselling Fathomfolk, diving readers back into the richly imagined underwater city of Tiankawi. This second instalment expands the world, deepens the characters, and delivers a story that is as politically charged as it is fantastical.

In the aftermath of a devastating tsunami, the people of Tiankawi are grappling with their newfound ability to breathe underwater—a change that unites humans and fathomfolk but does little to heal the deep scars of past oppression. Mira, a siren and activist, finds herself at the forefront of the city’s recovery, tasked with uncovering a deadly conspiracy while trying to unite her fractured people. Meanwhile, dragon princess Nami embarks on a perilous sea voyage to confront a mythical Titan, whose wrath could spell doom for Tiankawi.

Chan’s world-building is nothing short of spectacular, blending the beauty and mystery of an underwater realm with the tension of a society on the brink of collapse. The novel’s exploration of themes like unity, justice, and the cost of power is both timely and thought-provoking. Mira’s journey is compelling, her determination and resilience making her a heroine to root for. Nami’s quest, fraught with danger and discovery, adds an epic scale to the narrative, her growth as a leader and individual adding depth to the story.

The political intrigue and moral dilemmas faced by the characters keep the plot engaging, while the richly drawn relationships—both personal and political—add emotional weight. Chan’s prose is lush and evocative, capturing the grandeur and peril of Tiankawi with equal skill.

Tideborn is a story of resilience, unity, and the fight for a better future. It’s a tale that will captivate fans of epic fantasy and leave them eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this mesmerizing series.

What a brilliant conclusion to this unique and rich fantasy duology. We return to the city of Tiankawi with Mira, Nami and Cordelia living in the aftermath of the tsunami, and a looming danger from across the ocean. However, the classicism, racism and political manoeuvring aren’t solved by Kai’s sacrifice. Our three protagonists find themselves fighting for this new world against unexpected challenges, new factions and old foes. Eliza Chan brings each of their stories to a satisfying conclusion with complexity and an unflinching acceptance of their imperfections.

Tideborn picks up pretty much where Fathomfolk left off and for me, provided a great end to this duology. The city of Tiankawi and its inhabitants are dealing with the new reality in the wake of Kai’s death and the killing of the titan and everyone is scrambling for power.
There are really two separate storylines, the first is where Nami, the young water dragon leads an expedition to find the sand dragon, the lifelong mate of the murdered titan, and try to prevent if from harming the city, the second is focused on the city itself where Mira is left to deal with the politics of running the city and trying to prevent power from falling into the hands of the wrong people.
Mira’s story line is still the one that gripped the most. She is dealing with her grief at Kai’s death throughout the book but is forced to be a leader and to try and take the place of her husband. This seems like an impossible task and every time she makes progress, something happens to send things crashing down again. I loved Mira’s relationship with her mother who supports her throughout and enjoyed reading their scenes together which provided some lightness and warmth.
I did like Nami a lot more in this book though. She has grown up a lot after her brother’s death and is a lot less self=centred and impetuous. The relationship between her and her obnoxious boyfriend is still there but she gradually comes to see him for what he is. I also loved the character of Gede who I guess, partly took on the role occupied by Kai in the previous book. Mira was really hard on him but he kept on being one of the good guys and I enjoyed his story arc.
The political side of the story was really well-done. We see all the sides of the conflict and the nastiness and anger of the racism was well shown. However, we also see people who are much more balanced and can see a future for the different races to live together. The two plot lines form a nice contrast as Nami faces in miniature on the ship, the same problems that Mira is trying to fix in the city.
The world building was brilliant too and I loved the descriptions of the abandoned city of Lyoness as well as the scenes in the Tiankawi especially in the palace. I did feel that the book was lacking in detail about the fathomfolk themselves and it was a lot less clear in this book what the different folk could do.
I felt that the book was well-paced and the final quarter was a real roller coaster of events that were packed with action and built up to a climax that felt quite calm after what had gone before. It wasn’t a happy after resolution but that wouldn’t have been realistic with the problems faced by the characters but I did find it a satisfying ending and I loved the epilogue.
This was a really enjoyable read and huge thanks as always to NetGalley and the publishers, Little Brown Book Group for providing this ARC in ex

The second installment of The Drowned World duology, Tideborn, picks up right where its predecessor left off, with a city in ruins and the central characters grappling with various forms of loss. As they navigate their new reality, the core themes of survival, rebuilding, and shaping the future take center stage for Mira, Nami, and Cordelia, seeking to rebuild their lives.
What truly sets Tideborn apart is its complex and thought-provoking themes. Building on the multicultural tensions introduced in Fathomfolk, the novel delves deeper into the question of how disparate cultures can coexist. It explores a wide range of perspectives, from extreme viewpoints to those somewhere in between, ultimately crafting a conclusion that feels just and balanced, acknowleding that harmony is always a work in progress.
Eliza Chan’s talent as a writer shines through in her nuanced portrayals of Nami and Mira. Through them, she explores themes of personal growth, with Nami's evolution from an angry, rebellious mermaid into a more mature figure, and Mira’s journey toward healing after profound loss. However, Cordelia’s character arc left something to be desired. Although she undergoes a redemption arc, it often feels as if the narrative struggles to forgive her past actions, leaving her development a bit flat and lacking the emotional depth seen in other characters.
Ultimately, Tideborn is a novel that will resonate deeply with readers who enjoyed Fathomfolk. It offers a satisfying conclusion to the duology while also enriching its exploration of culture, community, and the intricacies of relationships. Though at times uneven, Tideborn succeeds in providing a thought-provoking, entertaining, and emotionally resonant journey.

thank you very much to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!

ahhhh. i liked this so much better than Fathomfolk. yes the ending of the first book ripped out my heart but good god i don't think it could have replicated what Tideborn did to me. i am close to tears at the end of this!!

i'll start by saying i like how the tideborn (humans with gills), fathomfolk and freshwaters talk about racism. it's a lot about choice, and how they are treated and i liked that we see characters on all sides of it; Jiang-Li as fathomfolk, Samnang and the new radicals as tideborn and Gede, Qiuyue and Mira as the freshwater folk who sit uncomfortably inbetween. i love how in your face yet nuanced this whole theme is throughout the series, and coupled with politics and titans, this was super interesting to read.

i loved Nami's arc, and how she went from lowkey insane radical who fights first and asks questions later to someone who tries to reason with a titan who has lost their love and wants to destroy Tiankawi. her juxtaposition with both Sobekki and Firth was really well done, considering the latter was her supposed love interest in Fathomfolk. in fact the way his manipulation played out seemed inevitable, and honestly, i loved her new romance with Eun. imagine,, a water dragon who fights and an archivist librarian!!

Cordelia's story with her family is full of feminine and motherly rage and i loved it. her revenge against Samnang takes the cake, but the family dynamics was also interesting to explore, considering how Gede and Qiuyue turned out. actually Gede might be one of my favourite characters in the series. he was *barely there* from what i remember in Fathomfolk, but i liked his partnership with Mira a lot in Tideborn, and the way he stands up for his sister, and still loves his mother despite everything. he embraced being fathomfolk and that is so cool.

my heart still breaks for Mira after what happened with Kai in Fathomfolk, and i love how his presence echoes throughout this installment even after his sacrifice. it is seen in Mira's grief, and the actions of everyone else including Nami and Jiang-Li, and how it brings out peaceful change. god i could go on about this.

bottom line is,, i love this book and it was an epic conclusion to the story.

I really love the world that this series is set in, such a unique concept and a lot of fun to read. I was glad to be following my fave character from the first book again, and to spend more time with the others. The characters were well developed and interesting to read about.

I do wish the different mythical creatures were explored and explained more. Personally I was a little lost still on what powers each being had and it made me feel a little disconnected from the action sequences, same as with the first book.

Overall this was a fun read, just not a new fave.

AD/PR: Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The messier status-quo the main cast find themselves thrown into post-Fathomfolk makes for a stimulating but imbalanced story.

We continue to follow Mira, Nami, Corelia in this novel. Grieving Mira, now Minister of Tiankawi, is left to deal with Jiang-Li, Nami and Kai's mother, and the uneasy controversies stemming from the consequences of Kai's wish at the end of book 1, leading to clashes with extremists old and new. Nami is sent on a mission across the sea to plead and stop the titan mate of the titan whose body is the foundation of Tiankawi from destroying it in its grief. Meanwhile Corelia is swept up in her own world, taking advantage of the chaos to profit while working to take custody of her children from her crooked ex-husband.

I liked that we get a varied examination of grief, familyhood, leadership, and social harmony through these characters' lens and plotlines, electrifying the different character dynamics and uniting their stories into one. The balance between small family squabbles, political strife, and the threat of mythological-scale deity exacting its grievous wrath is enjoyable. I'm only mildly unimpressed with the resolution of the titan's threat with the last-minute timing of the solution being a well-worn trope. I also did get a bit bored with Nami's plotline at times, just 'cause I wasn't surprised at any twists involving Firth. At times, I'm visually lost because of the few descriptions grounding such scenes.

A decent read.

Thanks to Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and Orbit for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review.

A thoroughly enjoyable sequel to Fathomfolk. I found great pleasure in re-immersing myself in this world, and I will be looking out for any future works by this author.

The seaweed is always greener in somebody else's lake.

Tideborn is the second book in Eliza Chan’s Drowned World duology, that started with her bestselling Fathomfolk. Set in the half-submerged city of Tiankawi, home to both humans and the eponymous people of the sea, the books speak to a variety of real-world topics through a lens of British and Asian folklore inspired fantasy.

At the end of the first book, Tiankawi had been saved from disaster at great cost, and the human population had been left transformed in a very real sense. Rather than calling things a happily ever after and leaving the story there, Tideborn talks about what happens next and it is not exactly pretty.

This is a story about grieving in many ways. From the various losses our characters experienced, not to mention the distraught god that’s now heading their way. It also tackles a rise in extremism that feels, shall we say, uncomfortably familiar at the moment. Despite all that, things do ultimately end on a hopeful note, so please do not let the talk of the heavier themes put you off. It’s still a tale full of adventure, and a very rewarding journey to go on.

The story is told from the widely different perspectives of Mira the half-siren, Nami the dragon, and Cordelia the sea witch. All have grown a lot since the first book. Nami, in particular, has finally realised she’s in a toxic relationship, and steps up to lead a mission to try and save the city once again. Even Cordelia, who is dealing with personal losses of her own, is an increasingly nuanced character. And yes, we do get a lot more of Eun, everybody’s favourite librarian.

Eliza’s writing is very pleasingly textured, and I enjoyed the turns of phrase and worldbuilding throughout. This is a very satisfying end to the duology, and I would highly recommend you read both books.

Thanks to Little Brown Book group for the advance copy.

A very enjoyable sequel/finally to Fathomfolk.
Very much enjoyed being in this world, and I will be keeping an eye out for any books this author brings out in the future!

This was very much okay? I still loved the world, the descriptions and the social commentary but after reading this I wished this duology would have been one longer standalone.
The pacing felt a little off being very slow for the first ~80% and then rushing through the ending.
While story progression was slow I found myself being able to read this really quickly and the writing has a nice flow.

I still had some problems with the writing during busy scenes, not really being able to picture what exactly was happening but I think it was better than the first book in this aspect.

I love Cordelia and wished she'd gotten more room in the story. Mira really didn't interest me much in this book and I have to say I think the author botched Nami's Arc by throwing her instantly into a new relationship after getting rid of her abusive boyfriend. The romance felt a little forced to me and like it needed to be in there so that one can say that the book has a love story and not because it made sense.

I'd give this 3,5 stars and will keep an eye out on what the author does next.