Still Waters Run Deep

by M.G. Hunt

In a world where elemental magik is forbidden, Asta has a secret.

Living in the peaceful village of Laugar, she keeps her water affinity hidden from everyone. Including the people closest to her.

Asta’s life changes forever when she is forced to leave her home and is kidnapped by a hidden group of elemental affinities, known as Velum.

In Velum, Asta encounters other young people like herself. Rather than hiding their elemental powers, they embrace them. For better or worse.

Asta soon learns that things at Velum aren’t as they seem. She has to endure the domineering ways of Gatira, Velum’s creator. Gatira is a curious, undead scholar, who seeks not only to enhance the elemental powers of the affinities she looks after, but to serve her own controlling self interests. And she is a force Asta must choose to serve under, or to reckon with.

Dive into a world of elemental magik, secrets, evolving friendships, and blossoming romances. ‘Still Waters Run Deep’ is the debut full-length novel by Australian author, MG Hunt.

Genres: Fantasy

355 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2025

About the author

MG Hunt is a young adult fantasy author, based in Melbourne/Naarm, Australia.

Her novels are tales of elemental magik and mystery, drawing readers into a richly imagined universe filled with vivid characters and captivating adventures.

In her personal life, MG Hunt is a graphic designer and illustrator. She enjoys creating art and visual representations of her written work. MG Hunt currently lives in a cosy unit with her husband Ryan, and her cat Stella.

Reviews

[Fernanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who grew up on dystopian fantasies, Still Waters Run Deep is the perfect book.

With elemental powers, complicated love affairs and hidden villains MG Hunts hits it out of the park in her first published story.

It may be her first story, but Hunt was able to perfectly curate a world and nothing seems like an afterthought thought. Each character and their connection to each other is well developed keeping you engaged and rooting for them all.

Like most dystopian/fantasy stories there are similarities but this still feels like a very unique story. Her use of multiple POVs from the big players in the books helps the reader get a full picture and a better look at this world she created.

But at times the quick change of POV can feel jarring. Yet, her short style of writing and constant use of dialogue makes it easy for the reader to keep up.

Listed as Book 1, Hunt’s ending leaves the future open as to what Book 2 may be about yet still provides closure for readers.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS AN ARC

[Trudy · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Still Waters Run Deep, by MG Hunt

I really enjoyed Asta's story, which was so much deeper than her relationship with our mysterious MMC Kzan. I loved the world-building and the irony of the importance that magik plays throughout that world.

My one critique would be that even though we have multiple POVs, they are still written in third person. For me, i feel like the storytelling would have been even more compelling if written in first person, at least for Asta and Kzan.

But that aside, I really enjoyed Still Waters Run Deep by MG Hunt. And I think it is pitched really well for YA fantasy lovers. I appreciated the 'fade to black' spice too, as I would feel comfortable recommending it to that 12-18 year group.

Tropes include:
⭐ Elemental magik ⭐ Strong FMC ⭐ Mysterious MMC ⭐ Coming of age ⭐ Multiple POVs ⭐ Adventure ⭐ Morally grey characters ⭐ Secret identities ⭐ Friends to lovers ⭐ 'One bed' trope ⭐ Found family ⭐ YA fantasy ⭐

Solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me.

Still Waters Run Deep is out on 24th April 2025

Thanks again to MG Hunt for gifting me with this ARC ❤️

[KK Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I wanted to love this but I just couldn’t seem to fully immerse myself in it. Asta is an enjoyable enough character, I wish the romance was a little less insta love. I think the writing could be a bit more nuanced, things were just told to us instead of leading us to conclusions or giving us the chance to wonder. There was a lot of POV switching that felt like it happened to keep the narrative linear rather than keep balance between the characters. It wasn’t bad, just didn’t reel me in like I wanted it to. I feel like this would be a good read for a new fantasy reader or a YA reader. I did enjoy the world, the magic system, and some of the characters (the non villainous ones 🤣), I just wanted a bit more from it.

[Cozy_fiction · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still waters run deep is the debut novel by M.G Hunt. It follows Asta, a water affinity, forced to hide her magic, her identity in a world scared of elemental magic. Full of adventure, mystery, magic and found family, this new fantasy novel sucks you in as you delve deeper into what awaits Asta as she embraces her magic through Velum.

Velum is a secret organisation run by Gaitra, a mysterious woman with undisclosed magical talent. From the start I did not feel anything good from her character, but her storyline has really kept me on my toes. I knew her magic was too sinister, but the open-ended question at the end of this book was criminal.

There are so many characters, places and adventures that happen in this book, that it never gets boring. However, I do feel that this novel could have been fleshed out a little bit more and expanded on areas to really make you feel like you are there in the story rather than looking in as a third party, as such the pacing felt a little fast.

I really want to gain a connection and understanding of the characters and places along the way. Asta’s time in Velum and exploring on missions I would have loved to see more of her character growth through her training, and her grappling with her power as she sees that it can be just as hurtful as it is beautiful.

As the pacing felt off so did the dialogue between characters. It felt stilted. There were times through this book where morals and values didn’t seem to be individualised. Yes, elemental affinities should not be shunned and executed, but should be free to flourish. But the base of this story is years of generational propaganda to isolate this group of people because they possess something some can’t grasp. This type of society would not shift to a cohesive unit as quickly as what occurred.

This being said I love the storyline. The magic and worldbuilding was gorgeous and I loved the take on elemental magic and the descriptive nature of it being in your very soul. It read beatifically. The elemental and dark magic element…. Has me already guessing about book two. The foundations of this world are really strong and descriptive. Personally, I love history of fantasy worlds. The history of each elemental affinity is explored as Asta navigates what it’s like to be able to express herself amongst similar people, whilst trying to understand the power she possesses. This world building centred around the tomes was brilliant and the different regions…

The Characters:

Asta is the main protagonist in ‘Still Waters Run Deep’. I really enjoyed her storyline of following herself and her morals, rather than being bullied into a way of life by Gaitra. Her independence of questioning everything after she is whisked away to abandon everything, she knows is inspiring and shows her inner strength.

Inynx is a character I’m still on the fence. Her actions throughout the first half of the book lead me to question her morals and intentions. Is Asta too trusting? The situation Asta is thrust in with Velum causes internal conflict as she stains her hands with blood to appease Gaitra and to survive. Although it seems Inynx is a good friend, the one-dimensional dialogue between the two characters makes me start pondering their storyline.

Kzan is very mysterious and quiet, but over the course of the book he really comes out of his shell. His character depth from his past and continuing actions showcases his compassion and development by the end of this novel. I loved the addition of more affinities as the book went on, it really supported the main characters and their fight to survive through this society.

The plot was very well thought out and I believe if this novel was just that little bit longer then the execution would have been perfect.

Thank you so much to the author MG Hunt for graciously giving us the chance to read your beautiful story!!

- Adventure
- YA Fantasy
- Found family
- Forbidden magic
- friends to lovers
- elemental magic

Spice: 🫑
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kelsbookreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was immediately immersed in Asta's world, starting with her simple life in a village with her twin sister and emotionally absent parents - all while hiding her outlawed magik affinity with water. Of course, this less than idyllic life comes crashing down around her in a fit of betrayal, blood spilt, and an escape into the unknown.

But as we soon find out, escaping one dire situation doesn't equal freedom, it can lead to another form of entrapment, and that's where Asta finds herself. Living with a band of elemental magik users like herself, called Velum, Asta is quick to learn who to trust and who to watch out for. Enemies and friendships are formed and lost on her road to find out who she is, what her elemental powers mean, and how to gain her freedom.

With the stoic, quiet and handsome Kzan and bubbly, impulsive and charismatic Iynx by her side, Asta has to fight against Gatira, the leader of Velum and her captor who holds a dark secret and an even darker power.

This story is full of life, adventure, loss and hope and MG Hunt knows how to weave a compelling and intricate story to keep the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat until the very last page. I love the world-building and the twist on elemental magik that makes it fresh and so completely enjoyable to read.

If you love:

- friends to lovers
- coming of age
- fantasy YA
- quests and adventures
- morally grey characters
- found family
- forbidden magic
- multiple POVs

Then you should definitely pick this one up.

[Mandy Lehti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Waters Run Deep is an enchanting, atmospheric fantasy that sweeps you beneath the surface of a world where magik is forbidden, secrets are dangerous, and one girl’s hidden strength becomes her greatest weapon. M.G. Hunt crafts a beautifully layered tale filled with tension, mystery, and the quiet power of discovering who you truly are.

Asta is instantly compelling soft spoken yet fierce, cautious yet deeply empathetic. Watching her struggle to conceal her water affinity in the peaceful but restrictive village of Laugar adds a heartbreaking fragility to her early chapters. The moment she’s forced from her home and kidnapped by the Velum marks a dramatic shift, plunging both her and the reader into a world teeming with other affinities who embrace the power she’s been taught to fear.

Velum itself is a captivating and unnerving setting. The friendships Asta forms are tender, vibrant, and very human but hovering over them is Gatira, the undead scholar whose presence is as fascinating as it is intimidating. Gatira’s morally twisted ambitions create an incredible villain dynamic, pushing Asta toward a crossroads where she must decide whether to submit to Gatira’s control or rise against her.

The novel shines in its mix of intimate character moments, slow burn romantic threads, and the majestic, immersive exploration of elemental magik. As Asta grows into her abilities and her bravery you can feel the ripples of something much larger beginning to unfold. Still Waters Run Deep is a debut that promises a vast, emotionally rich series to come.

[Morebooksthanx · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I was given this eARC from the author in exchange for my honest review - ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ = 3.5 stars **

I enjoyed reading this novel and its mysterious world of elemental magic. We start with FMC Asta who has a secret water affinity that is unknown to her family. In a world where magic is outlawed and her secrets are revealed, she must face judgement or escape. On her journey she’s captured by a secret society and forms a connection with a moody and observant character Kzan. Together they search their world for magical objects for their mysterious dark leader.

I think this would be a great recommendation for an entry level YA fantasy reader, as you are immersed in an easily accessible fantasy world. It was paced well and was an easy and entertaining read. The world building was descriptive and the characters thought process alongside the narrative was often repetitive, however, that didn’t detract from the story as the plot was interesting and engaging. The world building also includes various cultures, magical secrets, temperate climates and geographical features, which further piques the readers interest. Whilst Goodreads only counts whole stars - I actually give this book 3 1/2 stars.

- YA fantasy
- found family
- quests and adventure
- elemental magic
- multiple pov
- forbidden magic
- secret society of elemental magic affinities

[wardah · Rating 4 out of 5]

💼🌊🔮❤️‍🔥🦹‍♀️
my rating: 4 / 5
tropes: powerful fmc, elemental magic, found family, coming of age
tw / cw: violence

thanks to the e-ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

my opinion:
the story started off with the story of asta (fmc), that has been hiding her water affinities from her family members since the place she was born in, laugar, would unalive people with elemental affinities. the introduction part immediately had me hooked for more as the description used has helped me imagine the scenes in the book.

in the first few chapters of the book, the pacing of the story is rather slow for me and rather fast at parts that i was genuinely interested in to be expanded; the training that asta has to go through etc. however, around the second half of the book, the pace of the book is fast and very engaging where there are multiple occasions happening. the multiple POVs has helped me understand their thoughts but could be a little confusing at the frequent and inconsistent changes throughout the book.

as for the characters, everyone has their own stories and distinct personalities but i'd love to read more on the backstory of kzan (mmc), iynx, vera etc!!! also, can't get enough of both fmc & mmc's love story since [redacted] kept on [redacted] them :( wish we could see more of them but i could feel their blooming chemistry from their shared little moments! ^^

all in all, it's a solid YA fantasy novel to be used for introducing magic and elemental affinities. for the fans of avatar: the last airbender, you'd be able to imagine these characters' movements or action scenes easier hehe kbye!

[Christi Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Waters Run Deep is a fantastic debut novel, aimed at (and appropriate for) the YA age group, but also very enjoyable for adults.

We are pulled into Asta's story from the beginning, as we learn who (and what) she is, and follow her as she begins her journey of growth. She is, of course, pulled away from her originally planned path and set on a new one, and has to make some difficult decisions along the way. We do also get to know other characters and see things from their perspectives, which is nice, and allows us to see how others are interpreting the main character's actions.

Asta is not perfect or invincible, which is refreshing. And the story kept me reading. At times I expected it to end, with a 'to be continued...' in a sequel, but it kept going until it reached a fulfilling end. There is room for the author to tell more stories in this world, but the book can stand alone.

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy from the author; all opinions here are my own.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Waters Run Deep by M.G. Hunt introduces an exciting world where elemental magic is both feared and hidden. The story follows Asta, a water affinity, as she navigates a dangerous society and becomes entangled with the secretive organization Velum.

While the storyline and setting are captivating, the pacing sometimes feels rushed, making it harder to fully connect with the characters and their emotional journeys. A deeper exploration of Asta’s growth and relationships would have made the story even more impactful.

Overall, this debut lays a strong foundation, filled with memorable elements like secret identities, found family, and morally grey characters. It's a fun YA fantasy adventure that leaves you curious for what’s next.

[Jaz Vermaas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin with reviewing this amazing story?!

Still Waters Run Deep is a story following Asta and her journey as a water affinity navigating prejudice and a secret society that is more than just a "safe" haven for affinities.

From start to finish MG Hunt has written a story that is exciting and leaves you craving more. Having different perspectives from different characters highlighted some of the peril that they were in and also highlighting their different struggles. The twists and turns throughout made the story all of the more exciting as every time I thought I knew what was going on, another twist changed the whole thing!

I can't wait for the next installment!

[Tracey Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Waters Runs Deep is a thoroughly enjoyable read which I think would be perfect for YA fantasy readers. I personally think it is a perfect entry-level book for those younger age groups and I would have no issue with recommending this for a young teen.

The storyline and plot was great; as was the world-building and the elemental magik; it was the right amount of description to keep me engaged and wanting to read more!

Thank you MG Hunt for allowing me to ARC read another of your beautiful pieces.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Nathalia Barnerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Waters Run Deep by MG Hunt is a spellbinding journey into a world where elemental magik is forbidden, yet brimming beneath the surface. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into Asta’s story a young woman hiding her water affinity in the quiet village of Laugar, only to be thrust into danger, discovery, and difficult choices.

[Dianna Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is new to this genre I found Still Waters Run Deep offered an engaging and rewarding introduction. Careful layering of the story, and the measured introduction of characters with all their complexities quickly drew me into the story. A genre I will explore further- hopefully there will more from MG Hunt soon.

[Melissa Kincaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was generously provided an eARC by the author and I am happily, and voluntarily, leaving my review! ❤️ Thank you!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ = 4 stars!

Still Waters Run Deep is MG Hunt’s first full-length young adult fantasy novel, centered around Asta, a girl who has kept a dangerous secret her entire life. She is a water affinity, gifted with control over the fluid element—an ability that should be a blessing but is instead a curse in a world where affinities are feared, outcast, and even executed in certain regions. Living in constant fear, Asta has spent her life hiding—until the day she slips up. Her magic is exposed, and she is forced to flee, only to land in the clawed hands of Gatira, the enigmatic and ruthless head of a manor filled with misfit elementals. But Gatira’s motives are far from clear, and as Asta navigates her new reality, she quickly realises that survival comes at a cost.

The story is fast-paced and gripping, immediately pulling me in with its dynamic world and high stakes. It gave me strong Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes, with elemental magic at its core, while also evoking shades of Suicide Squad with its band of reluctant, talented assassins thrust into bloody work they’d rather not be doing. The manor where they live had a distinctly X-Men feel—an isolated haven for the gifted, yet one filled with tension, secrets, and danger.

Asta’s character stood out as someone who remained true to her morals, even when forced to stain her hands. Her internal conflict about her actions added depth to her journey, making her a protagonist I rooted for. The mysterious and stoic MMC, Kzan, an earth affinity, slowly opened up over the course of the story, and his development was compelling to witness. The supporting cast was diverse and well-woven into the narrative—some characters were easy to love, others easy to hate, all adding richness to the world. Gatira, in particular, made for a striking villain—charismatic on the surface yet utterly ruthless beneath her carefully constructed mask.

MG Hunt’s writing is engaging and accessible, effortlessly immersing the reader in a land divided by fear of the unknown. The world building was intriguing, with hints of monumental change brewing beneath the surface. I’m eager to see how this world evolves and how its people react to the inevitable upheaval ahead.

What to Expect:
💧 Elemental magic
🔥 A fierce, true-to-herself FMC
🪨 Multiple POVs
🍃 Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes
💧 Adventure & danger
🔥 Magical books & secret identities
🪨 Friends-to-lovers romance
🍃 Twists and turns
💧 The ‘one bed’ trope
🔥 Found family dynamics
🪨 High fantasy

Spice Level:
🌶️ No spice, fade to black

There were a few moments where the prose leaned more toward telling rather than showing. That said, this didn’t detract significantly from the overall story.

A huge thank you to MG Hunt for the opportunity to read an ARC of her beautiful book! Your approach to building your author presence, especially through your design talents, is truly inspiring.

Still Waters Run Deep is an exciting and promising fantasy, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!


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[Poppy Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐️