Fathomfolk
The Drowned World Duology, Book 1
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Fathomfolk
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Narrated by:
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Emily Woo Zeller
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By:
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Eliza Chan
About this listen
'Prepare to be engulfed. Chan has superbly created a world as real and complex as our own, where oppression has no easy solutions and there is no success without sacrifice. Fast-paced action combined with true social depth make this an unforgettable, must-read fantasy'
Shelley Parker-Chan
Revolution is brewing in the semi-submerged city of Tiankawi, between humans and the fathomfolk who live in its waters. This gloriously imaginative debut fantasy, inspired by East Asian mythology and ocean folk tales, is a novel of magic, rebellion and change.
***The Instant Sunday Times no. 1 bestseller ***
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 shining towers and aerial walkways on the fathomfolk - sirens, seawitches, kelpies and kappas - who live in the polluted waters below.
For half-siren Mira, promotion to captain of the border guard means an opportunity to help her downtrodden people. But if earning the trust and respect of her human colleagues wasn't hard enough, everything Mira has worked towards is put in jeopardy when Nami, a know-it-all water dragon and fathomfolk princess - is exiled to the city, under Mira's watch. When extremists sabotage a city festival, violence erupts, as does the clampdown on fathomfolk rights. Both Nami and Mira must decide if the cost of change is worth paying, or if Tiankawi should be left to drown.
'A vivid, textured tale of migration, prejudice and change. Wonderful and breathtaking'
Aliette de Bodard
'Life is better down with the fathomfolk. I was dazzled by this novel, which has as many turns as the tide, and hope to see much more of this world and this author'
Sarah Rees Brennan
'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
'From the glittering city heights to the criminal underbelly on the seafloor, the world of Fathomfolk feels deeply plausible and satisfyingly complex. If you want scheming sirens and snarky sea dragons then this is the book for you'
Thomas D. Lee
'Fathomfolk is a compelling tale about cultures colliding, set against a city backdrop that feels familiar yet fresh. Eliza Chan deftly and compassionately writes about the depths we'll plunge to, to change our world'
G. V. Anderson, World Fantasy Award winner
'A thrilling, incisive fantasy of diaspora and dragons, Fathomfolk is an unmissable debut. if you're hungry for a beautiful Southeast Asian influenced fantasy with razor-sharp edges, this book is for you'
Tasha Suri
'Eliza Chan's Fathomfolk has all the feels-furious, bittersweet and heart wrenching. Gripping to the last page, the story stayed with me long after I finished the book. A tour de force!'
A. Y. Chao
'Gloriously imagined and full of heart'
Claire North
'Eliza Chan is not just a writer; she is storyteller. In her deft hand 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
'A thrilling tale set in a unique and inventive fantasy world peppered with East Asian and Southeast Asian myth and lore. With complex, daring characters and layered storytelling, Chan's heartfelt and nuanced exploration of diaspora survival will resonate deeply with readers'
June CL Tan
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What listeners say about Fathomfolk
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- anonymous
- 09-03-24
What wonderful adventures above and below the waterline!
I am not usually an audible person - just end up falling asleep, but the adventures of the Fathomfolk made this such a fun book to listen to! A also like the way it gives a glimmer of hope to our own world.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Johanna
- 01-06-24
Very simplistic worldview
I actually enjoyed the first half of the book. It was slow but I like the world and I think politics can be fascinating. What let this book down for me is the lack of character growth and the deus ex machina ending. I won’t spoil it for you but it left a sour taste in my mouth. I will not be reading the sequel.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Omar Kooheji
- 10-03-24
Magical and Captivating
This is a deep an d beautiful story, the three characters are each so different and they give you a totally different view of the city.
The way the story covers the different point of view of diaspora and those form the culture they come from is masterfully done.
It’s great to see sea creatures from all mythologies interacting with each other, there’s even a bunyip and I love bunyips!
I really hope Eliza is working on a sequel…
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 29-02-24
Awesome story and world building
This was amazing! I loved Mira and Kai. Nami is annoying but then change takes time and she needs to learn through life experiences. Cordelia is a badass - I want to see her succeed as the villain
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Julia M
- 04-09-24
Great Story
I have found it is better (for me) not to read reviews before reading a book as there are times I really enjoy a book only to find that it has mid to low star ratings. This book is one I'm glad I went in as a blank slate.
Firstly I would say this is not a light-hearted "under the sea" Asian mythology novel. It is heavy with politics, prejudices, tensions and xenophobia. Some other reviews I've read have been annoyed that there were mythologies and names etc from different backgrounds making it a "mish mash" all put in one story but I felt that the political side of things and the tensions between the humans and the fathomfolk (sea type creatures) and internally between different Fathomfolk was very true of many multicultural parts of the world. There were Kelpies and Selkies which made me think of Scotland (the author is Scottish born Chinese so I'm guessing she was inspired by these Scottish myths) then there were sea dragons that made me think of China, Japan and Korea. There were also sirens and sea witches etc. I'll admit the types of characters and the world were a lot to keep up with so I wouldn't read this book if you're tired.
The story focuses on three different female pov and they are all very different.
Mira is half siren half human and her story focuses on her building her career whilst dealing with the prejudice (from humans and Fathomfolk alike) for being half siren/human.
Nami comes across as naive and spoiled to begin with, also very easily led which can lead to trouble for her but through bouts of activism and learning her own mind her maturity does increase. There were times she slipped back to her immature self but I tried not to get to frustrated with that.
The final pov is Serena and Cordelia. I don't really want to say too much about this one as I think it will be way too easy to spoil.
Overall I enjoyed the book and being Scottish I enjoyed knowing about a couple of the mythical creatures used. I will definitely read more from this author
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