Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan

For lovers of fantasy with an Asian flavour, this is an awesome epic tale that will inspire and intrigue. Set in Tiankawi, which is a safe haven for humans but also is a semi-submerged zone of conflict because of the polluted waters that impact the sea-creatures (Fathomfolk) who literally and metaphorically live beneath the feet of their human neighbours. There are some Fathomfolk who have defied their history and have woven a place into human society, there are others who utilise magical and mystical powers to shapeshift and there are some who incite rebellion to alter power imbalances. In this fraught world Chan allows us to follow the stories of half-siren Mira and water-dragon Kai who try to make the world a better place by exercising power in a moderate and considerate way. Their relationship is loving and generous, and Kai’s significant powers are controlled in order to benefit all of society, regardless of their origin or position in Tiankawian society. Mira has worked her way into a position of authority, despite her low-born beginnings. Into this world comes Kai’s sister, Nami, a young water-wielding water-dragon, imbued with angst and uncertainty and disdain for Kai and Mira’s measured approach to solving injustice. She is swayed by those who want change quickly and inadvertently becomes a pawn in rebellion. The disaster that follows floods all that was peaceful with a wave of uncontrollable uncertainty. Will a peaceful future be possible for them all? 

With characters that mysteriously shape-shift and an environment that is far from recognisable (fantasy, post-global-warming, dystopia) and alternating between under-water and land existence, there are many confusing and conflicting elements in this complex story. However, this is a brilliantly written fantasy story, compelling in many ways and presents a fascinating insight into power imbalances in a complex world. It is not for the faint-hearted though - it is a work of fantasy fiction that requires a dedicated reader. The hints of East-Asian mythology and the layers of a mythical history created by the author are delicately but intricately woven together and yet it sometimes flows at an alarming pace. There is tension in relationships, hints of romance, powerful magic at play and political intrigue all washing around in almost whirlpool-like action. At times I struggled to maintain my head above water, but those with well-developed fantasy ‘gills’ will breathe comfortably under the waves of this fantasy epic. Nothing is simple in this story, there are many depths in the fantasy world and it does require a committed fantasy reader to immerse themselves into the deep … but those that do stay the distance will find a new fantasy writer to love.

Themes: Fantasy, Oceans, Sea creatures, Power imbalances, Revolution, Love, Environmental disaster, Asian fantasy.

Carolyn Hull