#athlen

Athlen: yes.

Tal: Soooo…what exactly did you trade for your legs..?

Athlen:

just let yall know i started reading this and the cover is the prettiest thing i've seen in my life

Ponyo + In Deeper Waters crossover!!

This is my favorite book I read this summer. It’s the perfect swashbuckling romance that will make you feel like you’re sitting on the beach, even if you’re in a landlocked state.

P.S. why did nobody tell me that drawing merfolk is so much fun???

5/5 Stars!!!

Plot" Prince Tal hides a terrible secret that could lead to the end of his kingdom. When out on his coming-of-age trip, he meets a charming young man with as many secrets as he has and gets kidnapped by pirates with a plot to start a war. With the great burden of his secrets, Tal must do whatever he can to ensure his kingdom isn't led astray by the conspirators. Will he manage to reveal the plot or will he be too late to save anyone from the dastardly plot?

This book was so fun to read! At first, I thought that this would be a quick and underwritten novel, but it was an excellent read and thought out really well. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time looking forward to what would happen next. It was well-written and action-packed. Each plot point was explained well and it ended with no unresolved issues that might make the reader frustrated. It also allows room for the plot to further if the author ever decides to write a sequel, without leaving any cliffhangers. The representation was also phenomenal! There were so many women in power including politically, in the military, and in antagonist positions. There were also many LGBTQ+ relationships and an emphasis on accepting the relationships and allowing them to be who they want to be. The relationships are also all well thought out and actually really sweet.

(This next part is just my opinion. Don't let this discourage you from reading it, regardless of these points, I thoroughly enjoyed the read!) If I had any complaints about this book it would be that the ending was a little too easy However, I also feel that that allows readers to have an easier more enjoyable read as well. There was also very little world-building except to explain the basics. It doesn't explain why only he and one of his siblings have magic. It also doesn't explain how magic originated, which I personally don't have a problem with. One thing that bothered me is that his brother and the other "shifters" aren't ostracized because of their abilities. They are just given a free pass and it's not explained why they aren't, it just glosses over the fact that he has to hide away but his brother, who can turn into a bird, is allowed to just do whatever. I feel like it leaves a big hole in the plot.

Favorite Quote: "Death, he discovered, was simple, not the terrifying and daunting fate that had loomed over him during his time on the ship. It was easy to give in, to let his eyes slide half closed, to let his body drift in the rhythm of the sea."

OVER MY