Tideborn - (Drowned World) by Eliza Chan (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A tsunami and a dragon's wish have wrought changes upon the city of Tiankawi that have never been seen before. But shared experiences have not healed the rift between the city's fathomfolk and human citizens, and scars from years of oppression still remain.

Mira, a half-siren and activist, fights politicians and her own people to rebuild her city, and to uncover a deadly conspiracy. And Nami, the dragon princess, undertakes a daring ocean voyage alongside friend and foe, in order to convince a mythical Titan not to destroy Tiankawi for its crimes...

Review Quotes

Praise for The Drowned World:

"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, World Fantasy award-winning author of The Jasmine Throne

"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, author of She Who Became the Sun

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

"Gloriously imagined and full of heart." --Claire North, author of Ithaca

"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

"A nuanced, powerful and complex parable, one that raises questions that linger far after the novel reaches its conclusion." --BookPage (starred)

"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, author of Perilous Times

"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

"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, author of Long Live Evil

"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. Y. Chao, author of Shanghai Immortal

"With complex, daring characters and layered storytelling, Chan's heartfelt and nuanced exploration of diaspora survival will resonate deeply with readers." --June C.L. Tan, author of Jade Fire Gold

"Readers will enjoy exploring the intricate details of Tiankawi and its history through the perspectives of three wonderfully complex female protagonists. Fans of mythic fantasy will find plenty to savor." --Publishers Weekly

"Chan floats beautifully between multiple point-of-view characters, and also between different facets of Tiankawi life, from the poor to the privileged. From Nami's well-meaning immaturity to Mira's complicated feelings about her dual identity, all the characters have fully realized perspectives and goals that clash with each other in both clever political plots and exciting action scenes. The first installment in what will hopefully be a long series of undersea adventures." --Kirkus

"A promising debut." --Locus

"Chan's storytelling immerses readers in a richly atmospheric setting ... both entertaining and thought-provoking ... The book caters to fantasy enthusiasts who appreciate strong world building and themes of change and resilience. Fathomfolk stands as a captivating and impactful read, showcasing Chan's prowess as one of fantasy's exciting new voices." --Booklist

"Enchantingly unique and vibrant ... The way that Chan draws her folk inspiration from so many mythologies truly makes Tiankawi feel lived in." --Paste Magazine

About the Author

Eliza Chan is a Scottish-born Chinese-diaspora author who "writes about East Asian mythology, British folklore and reclaiming the dragon lady, but preferably all three at once". Eliza's work has been published in The Dark, Podcastle, Fantasy Magazine and The Best of British Fantasy, and her non-fiction has appeared on Tor.com. She lives in the north of England with her partner and young child.