Eliza Chan’s sequel to Fathomfolk is an emotionally charged, politically relevant, and beautifully written conclusion to The Drowned World Duology. While the first book established the vibrant underwater city of Tiankawi, Tideborn shifts focus to the consequences of its fractured society—exploring prejudice, identity, and the struggle for unity in a world on the brink of destruction.

Nami’s character arc was a standout for me. Watching her grow from the arrogant dragon princess of book one into someone truly striving for peace was incredibly satisfying. Mira’s grief was raw and painful, and I found myself just as desperate as she was to hold onto hope. Gede and Cordelia, two characters I didn’t expect to love as much as I did, added depth to the story with their complicated, emotional journeys.

While the novel’s themes are far from subtle, they feel timely and necessary. The lack of extensive worldbuilding this time around may be a drawback for some, but for me, it allowed for a stronger focus on the characters and their struggles. I only wish we had more visual descriptions of the fathomfolk, as the concept of their world holds so much promise.

This duology could have worked as a longer standalone, but I’m grateful for the time spent in this rich, immersive world. Tideborn delivered a gripping, emotional conclusion that exceeded my expectations.

I already read the first book so naturally I wanted to see how the story progresses from where we left off. In the second book Chan gives us less imaginary than in the first one, but it's not bad for the story, since we already know where we are and what is going on.
For me the second book was better than the first, the characters seemed more complex and the emotions got conveyed better. Chan reflects on the world and how things are going and still manages to write a unique story.

Unfortunately I couldn’t get on with fathomfolk and felt the same about this one.

I did really enjoy the authors writing though and would love to read something different from the in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.

This might have worked better as a longer standalone, yet I really enjoyed being immersed (get it?🌊) in this Asian inspired city of human and fatholmfolk again.

Following the emotional end of book one, despite the sacrifice (or maybe because of it), riots breaks out across the city, heightening discrimination and prejudice between humans and the folk.

Chan does a great job at reflecting current political climates on this fantastical world. Everyone is angry, scared and adrift. People are reactive and defensive and offensive.

<b>As if identity was such a tangible and knowable thing, unchanging through time and the same for each one of them.
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Seeing Nami develop from the haughty, arrogant, fiery personality she was in book one to someone who is desperate for unity and peace was great!

Yes, this is very optimistic. Yes, this duology is very on the nose and not at all subtle, yet it’s come at a time where these topics are charged and necessary.

I would have adored illustrations or fanart because this world holds so much promise. I think this suffered from not having enough description. I couldn’t get a clear vision of the fatholmfolk and the cultural insertion I loved from book one was slightly lacking in this one.

Arc gifted by Orbit.

Wow, what a ride! Tideborn absolutely swept me under and didn’t let go until the final page. If you thought Fathomfolk was incredible, just wait until you see how Eliza Chan takes the stakes, the drama, and the world-building to the next level in this phenomenal sequel. This book is everything I hoped for in the conclusion to the Drowned World Duology.

Tiankawi is a city in chaos, but it’s also a city full of potential—and I loved how the story explores both sides of that coin. The fallout from the tsunami and the dragon pearl is raw and messy, with tensions between humans and fathomfolk simmering just below (and sometimes above!) the surface. And yet, there’s so much hope here too, with characters like Mira and Nami trying to push for unity, even when it feels impossible. Their arcs in this book are packed with growth, tough choices, and such deeply human emotions, even when they’re dealing with dragons, sirens, and titanic sea gods.

Mira’s journey hit me the hardest. Watching her grapple with her identity as half-siren, half-human, and her growing willingness to use her siren powers to fight for what she believes in? It’s both heartbreaking and empowering. And then there’s Nami, my favorite dragon princess, off on an epic voyage that feels like a fantasy pirate adventure mixed with the gravitas of someone trying to save an entire city. Her complicated feelings for Firth and her courage in facing the Titan sand god were just chef’s kiss perfect.

And let’s not forget Cordelia, the sea witch who steals every scene she’s in. She’s cunning, ruthless, and somehow still so relatable. You never know whether to cheer for her or side-eye her, and that’s exactly what makes her such an unforgettable character. Honestly, I’d read an entire spin-off just about her.

The world-building here is breathtaking—Chan balances the big mythological stakes with the deeply personal stories of her characters so seamlessly. The underwater city of Tiankawi, with its intricate politics and clashing cultures, feels alive, and the introduction of the Titan was nothing short of epic. But what I loved most was how the book draws parallels to our own world, especially in how prejudice and fear can divide us even when we should be working together. It’s thought-provoking in the best way.

If I had one tiny critique, it’s that I wished a couple of plot threads had been tied up a bit more neatly. But honestly? It’s hard to care when the rest of the book is so good. Tideborn is a stunning, deeply layered conclusion to a duology that I’m already itching to reread. Eliza Chan has crafted something truly magical, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next! If you love intricate fantasy worlds, morally complex characters, and stories that pack an emotional punch, don’t sleep on this one.

First off thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Damn. I mean, damn I liked this so much more than I thought I would, the writing was so beautiful and the characters so much more interesting that I genuinely teared up a few times. I was rooting for all of Book 1 for Nami to rid herself of a certain individual and for her to finally do it and bloom as person, as someone who has just lost a sibling and was given an impossible task was amazing. Same for Gede and Cordelia - I did not expect myself to like them both as much as I did, and root for them to have a happy ending. In some twisted way I understood every emotion and motion that Cordelia went through, she was spiteful but also caring towards those that mattered the most in her life and I’m choosing to believe her ending in this book was an open one and not what I think it was (no spoilers!!)
Finally, Mira, my darling Mira. I spent the whole book hoping Kai would come back somehow, using some form of magic we haven’t been introduced to and I was just as broken and delusional as she was. I was so pleasantly surprise by this book ❤️

a second book that is every bit as thrilling and lush like the fist.
we did not get as many imagery as we did in book one, but the stage was already set so well it was not a negative.
all the characters have grown and their progress is written so well and naturally that it is beautiful to follow.
although i am someone who is no fan of the sea or what is in it this made me love it just a little bit!

Tideborn starts a few months after the events of Fathomfolk. This book is a great follow on from the first one and shows real depth of the main characters.

Tideborn by Eliza Chan is a masterpiece! I rated it 5 stars because I couldn't put it down for a second. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.