F.T. Lukens

Sixteen-year-old Prince Tal is on his long-awaited coming-of-age tour when he meets the intriguing and roguish Athlen, and when he is kidnapped by pirates, Athlen is his only hope of escape.

In Deeper Waters

kristin :)

"There's nothing I wouldn't do for you. I'd face her a hundred times over. I'd give her all the blood she wants."

"[...] I didn't mean to embarrass you. I just...you're beautiful."

Athlen's smile was like the sun breaking out between clouds.

Emma Hak-Kovacs

this was quite a fun read. i thought the overall setting was nice and tal and athlen were adorable. also i loved all the different characters and tal's character development was great to see. overall an easy and comfortable read that in the end was very tense, which kept me at the edge of my seat.

Geoffrey Froggatt

A young prince must rely on a mysterious stranger to save him when he is kidnapped during his coming-of-age tour. I fully admit that I picked up this book because of the colorful artwork on the cover. I expected a lighthearted romance, but was surprised to find a swashbuckling historical fantasy with surprisingly good world-building. Tal and Athlen were decent characters, but I personally never felt connected to or compelled by either character. There were many interesting elements to this cute story, but for a story about seafaring pirates and mermen, I felt like the plot had the depth of a kiddie pool. The ending itself felt like it was leading up to the beginning of a new story or a sequel, but this book has been written as a stand-alone novel. Although I found the story to be very average, I admire the world-building and highly recommend this book for young-adult readers who like stories about pirates in fantasy settings.

Kerry McHugh West

Erzse Reed

— lae

so so good. tugged right at my heartstrings and pleased my inner 12 yr old me. gay pirate vibe prince mermaid au? everything i’ve asked for!!!! i have so many more emotions from this book but i can’t put them into words.. just know i am physically biting my fist and screaming. this’ll be a comfort book for sure.

Jamieson

2.5 stars

this was a cute and simple pirate fantasy book but the worldbuilding was non-existent and I didn't love the writing? It was just okay. Some of the dialogue was kinda bad. That said I still had fun with this? was an easy listen while doing other things

As a young person I found this book really enjoyable! 10/10 would read 100 times again!!!

milo ⭐️

“A frothy confection of sea-foam, young love, and derring-do.” —NPR A young prince must rely on a mysterious stranger to save him when he is kidnapped during his coming-of-age tour in this swoony adventure that is The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Pirates of the Caribbean. Prince Tal has long awaited his coming-of-age tour. After spending most of his life cloistered behind palace walls as he learns to keep his forbidden magic secret, he can finally see his family’s kingdom for the first time. His first taste of adventure comes just two days into the journey, when their crew discovers a mysterious prisoner on a burning derelict vessel. Tasked with watching over the prisoner, Tal is surprised to feel an intense connection with the roguish Athlen. So when Athlen leaps overboard and disappears, Tal feels responsible and heartbroken, knowing Athlen could not have survived in the open ocean. That is, until Tal runs into Athlen days later on dry land, very much alive, and as charming—and secretive—as ever. But before they can pursue anything further, Tal is kidnapped by pirates and held ransom in a plot to reveal his rumored powers and instigate a war. Tal must escape if he hopes to save his family and the kingdom. And Athlen might just be his only hope…

Isabela H 

100% thought this book was going to be about two pirates falling in love (so sue me for judging a book by its cover) so it was disappointing in that regard. However, I still absolutely would have read this if you told me it’d be a Prince falling in love with a commoner at sea, because that’s just as adorable and romantic, especially when the commoner is Athlen, probably one of the sweetest and softest characters I’ve seen. I highly recommend this book to people looking for mlm reads that are just as fun to read for the plot and side characters as they are for the romance 

** spoilers ahead ** 

My biggest criticism of this book would be Tal’s relationship with his family (and the family dynamics in general). I think the book would’ve benefited from more inclusion of and attention to the familial relationships because even though I think the author did try to make family a theme, it didn’t succeed as much as I would have liked. 

Also!! I really like the way that Athlen’s deal with the sea witch was resolved because you had sacrifice coming from a character that you genuinely did feel sorry for and so everyone got to win a little, rather than having someone give up their life for love.

Katheryn Sowers 

I didn't dislike this book, I just didn't really mesh with it as much as I expected. 
There's nothing really wrong with it but I found myself skimming and not caring very much about the characters

Megan Lowe

3.5 stars.

I had really high hopes for this book, but it feel super flat for me. It read so young, like, really young. Like almost middle grade.
And the storyline wasn’t particularly sophisticated or complex. Everything happened was kind of one note, when it could be so much more.
Still, I did like the humour and the cast, but this book just wasn’t for me.

this book was so good and also so cute!! i enjoyed reading it sm <3 the cover is gorgeous, take notes authors with real people covers

It was a nice reading, interesting but for me it felt like there was something missing. It felt like it had more potential but it was kind of wasted, but it was still nice

keith

Hayzey

Oh my god I loved this book so much, it is definitely one of my favorites of the year. 

It gave off major "Little Mermaid" vibes and almost seemed inspired by the story, although it doesn't say anywhere whether it was or not.

It has a prince who is openly attracted to both men and women and anything in between.

Unlike Ariel this merman has had his legs for a few years before he met his prince.

The prince and the merman form a bond when they realize that they are not so different from one another.

There is quite a bit a political intrigue in th plot. Despite that it is still a very quick and easy read, so quick it took me just over 2 days to read it.

Ethan Hill

Look, I don't expect every fantasy novel I pick up to have the intricate worldbuilding of Tolkien or the clearly defined magic systems of Sanderson. But when the main plot of your fantasy relies heavily on politics and magic I expect at the bare minimum a paragraph or two giving us some background. Sadly, In Deeper Waters gives us none of that, instead recycling the same two or three pieces of information over and over again in a weak excuse for worldbuilding. After 300 pages I could not tell you the name of a single other country besides the one in which the MC resides, nor could I even begin to explain anything about the magic that is so central to the plot. Add in a pirate theme that only takes up about a third of the story and a central relationship with less chemistry than my failed baking soda volcano from sixth grade and you've got the biggest disappointment of the year.

Finja Papendorf

i loved this book. Yes it lacks and worldbuilding a little but I just loved the vibes and the love story.

85% 

Queer people, high fantasy, and pirates? I had to read this! 


  Athlen lifted Tal's hand closer, his breath warm and rhythmic on Tal's skin, before he pressed a kiss to the palm.


I am really glad I finally decided to pick up this book! I was looking for a light and easy read to get over my reading slump, and I got the perfect one! In Deeper Waters is a queer fantasy novel that follows the adventures of prince Tal, the fourth of his line and the only one with magical powers. In his coming-of-age tour around the kingdom, he meets, Athlen, who ends up in his charge. 

It is described as a High Fantasy novel but is not overwhelmed or boring at all (something that I do perceive in some other fantasy books). The characters are great, I loved both, Tal and Athlen. However, I would have loved to see more interactions with Dara at the end of the book, I believe that their friendship could have had more moments. 

The pace of the story was okay. I did not expect something different; is light and has not many plot twists (which, from my point of view, is not something bad!). However, I felt that the ending was a bit rushed and fitted a bit too perfectly. 

Overall, the book is a perfect four stars. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a light read or just a cute romance book!


  “You saved me," Tal said.

Athlen muttered a grin. "You saved me first, remember? I was returning the favor.


Pd: I consider In Deeper Waters a Little Mermaid queer retelling. I know is not, but you cannot convince me otherwise.

Gabriel Noel 

ARC given by NetGalley for Honest Review

I'm here to gush about how lovely this book is! In Deeper Waters is a thrilling and heartfelt story of Prince Tal and his epic coming of age adventure. There are pirates, kidnappings, magic, merpeople, and political plots and it all weaves together so beautifully! If Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue and The Little Mermaid had a baby this is what it would produce.

Athlen's character is kind and naïve and makes a great foil to Tal's cynical and moody nature. Throughout the story they balance each other out and it's so satisfying in the end. I loved the shared gifts like the shark tooth and the ring, as well as the fact that, even when Athlen was trying to keep Tal safe from his deal with the sea witch, they both learned how to stop keeping secrets and be honest with each other.

Totally something I'm adding to my own personal collection as well as recommending it for our library's teen collection.

ahaana bhargava

read the full review on my 
  
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this gave me so many feels - 100% a comfort read lmao

omg, i truly have no words. that was just so queer and soft. i loved it so much.

Juliette Raven 

What a nice story! I really enjoyed the fairytale and fantasy elements of the story! The relationship between the brothers and sisters was really touching and the romance was so cute!
It was a fun read will definitely try another book written by this author!

Danni’s Badass Books

⭐ 3.5 Stars ⭐

So after reading the description, I was expecting a gay romance pirate story, but this was not the case. To me, it seemed a lot more like a coming of age with a dash of fantasy, which, don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed. Just don’t go into this expecting anything more than that. 

Okay, so the world-building wasn’t exactly that great. Not much background information was discussed or any other parts of the world that Tal did not directly visit. While I understand a fair portion of this was set on a ship, I wish a little detail was put into the rest of the world, even just a brief description to tie it all together. 

Tal was such a lovable character. He started the book not knowing who he was or where he fit in, but throughout the book, he grew into himself, realising his own worth and strength. Athlen on the other hand, kinda faded into the background a bit. He didn’t get much of a backstory and just kind of appeared like you were supposed to know everything. 

I found Tal and Athlen’s relationship absolutely adorable; however, it did have an insta-love/connection feel, but I didn’t mind as they were so sweet together. 

This book has very strong family dynamics, and Tal’s family is very supportive of each other, especially to him. It was refreshing to see a family that sincerely cared about one another and weren’t out for themselves. 

All in all, a good read.

Paige Green

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: In Deeper Waters

Author: F.T. Lukens

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 5/5

Diversity: bisexual main character, m/m romance, depression character rep, POC characters

Recommended For...: pirate fans, ya readers, fantasy lovers, history readers, romance lovers, LGBT readers

Publication Date: April 20, 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy Historical Romance

Recommended Age: 14+ (gore, violence, death, panic attacks TW)

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Pages: 320

Synopsis: Prince Tal has long awaited his coming-of-age tour. After spending most of his life cloistered behind palace walls as he learns to keep his forbidden magic secret, he can finally see his family’s kingdom for the first time. His first taste of adventure comes just two days into the journey, when their crew discovers a mysterious prisoner on a burning derelict vessel.

Tasked with watching over the prisoner, Tal is surprised to feel an intense connection with the roguish Athlen. So when Athlen leaps overboard and disappears, Tal feels responsible and heartbroken, knowing Athlen could not have survived in the open ocean.

That is, until Tal runs into Athlen days later on dry land, very much alive, and as charming—and secretive—as ever. But before they can pursue anything further, Tal is kidnapped by pirates and held ransom in a plot to reveal his rumored powers and instigate a war. Tal must escape if he hopes to save his family and the kingdom. And Athlen might just be his only hope…

Review: This is the type of book I’ll read over and over again. I absolutely loved the story (I’m really into tour/sea-faring stories) and the plot. The characters are what really make this book though and I loved how cute it was in regards to the romance. The world building was also amazingly well done and I am definitely rereading this in the future.

The only issue I had was that the romance kind of took the primary role in some parts of the book where I wanted it to the on the backburner, but it was amazing overall.

Verdict: Highly recommend!

Laura Springall

MY HEART! Oh this book was so good. I don’t really have a lot to say to be honest. I don’t think there was single thing I disliked about In Deeper Waters, which is such a rare thing. The pacing was great, nothing was drawn out or too rushed. I loved the characters, the romantic and familial relationships, the writing was good, the plot was engaging. Literally everything was fantastic and I had such a good time reading this!

Watch my full review on YouTube HERE!

In Deeper Waters

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