Fathomfolk

De: Eliza Chan

Narrado por: Emily Woo Zeller

From one of fantasy’s most exciting new voices Eliza Chan comes a modern myth-inflected story of revolution and magic set against the glittering semi-submerged city of Tiankawi.

Welcome to Tiankawi—shining pearl of human civilization and a safe haven for those fleeing civil unrest. Or at least, that’s how it first appears.

But in the semi-flooded city, humans are, quite literally, on top: peering down from skyscrapers and aerial walkways on the fathomfolk—sirens, seawitches, kelpies and kappas—who live in the polluted waters below. And the fathomfolk are tired of it. When a water-dragon and a half siren join forces, the path to equality is filled with violence, secrets, and political intrigue. And they both must decide if the cost of change is worth it, or if Tiankawi should be left to drown.

©2024 Eliza Chan (P)2024 Orbit

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A vivid, textured tale of migration, prejudice and change. Wonderful and breathtaking." —Aliette de Bodard, author of The Red Scholar's Wake

"A richly envisioned world and finely crafted tale, Fathomfolk is a luxurious and thrilling story full of political intrigue, heart-wrenching characters and edge-of-your seat tension. A glittering and magical novel from a glorious new voice in fantasy."—Bea Fitzgerald, author of Girl, Goddess, Queen

"Fathomfolk bursts with complex relationships, original world building, and timeless questions. With the confidence and command of a seasoned master, Chan weaves a riveting tale which seized me from the first word and did not let go until the end. A triumph of imagination, birthed from the mind of one who loves stories and knows how to tell them well."—Tobi Ogundiran, author of In the Shadow of the Fall

Dynamic, vivid storytelling & world-building!

Engaging characters, fun plot twists, and wonderful homages to Asian myths and lore, rich with metaphorical commentary on climate, class, rebellion, equality, diversity, government suppression, exploitation—it’s gripping storytelling and I wish I could listen all over again for the first time.

Not What I Expected

the summary says it's about a water dragon and a half siren teaming up to save the city, but that was barely a part of the book. most of the book is about the water dragon's younger sister getting involved with a radical rebel group, being blinded by a super toxic love interest, and learning about her own prejudices. the other main storyline of the book is about the sea witch and her attempt to manipulate the city from behind the scenes. the water dragon and the half siren play very minimal parts until the very later chapters of the book. it was decent, but not great. the only thing more toxic than the water and the politics is Firth's character.