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The Deep and the Drowned
Not yet published
Expected 17 Nov 26The first in a new fantasy trilogy from the author of the Rotstorm series and
Extremophile
, this novel is a high-octane tale set on the turbulent seas of Morost.
Beneath a sky ruled by gods and monsters, a drowned land spreads — thousands of scattered isles, each its own dominion, each a deadly trap for the unwary.
But for those bold enough to ply these turbulent waters, there is trade to be done and money to be made.
For a decade, Killian has sailed between the Strait Kingdoms and the Crown Isles — enough time to run up debts, break promises, and make enemies in every port. Now, foes and bad luck are quickly outnumbering his fortune and friends.
With the seas blazing with war, gods and mages clash to keep their heads above the rising tide. Killian must sail into the storm — and repay the biggest debt he owes, no matter the cost.
Beneath a sky ruled by gods and monsters, a drowned land spreads — thousands of scattered isles, each its own dominion, each a deadly trap for the unwary.
But for those bold enough to ply these turbulent waters, there is trade to be done and money to be made.
For a decade, Killian has sailed between the Strait Kingdoms and the Crown Isles — enough time to run up debts, break promises, and make enemies in every port. Now, foes and bad luck are quickly outnumbering his fortune and friends.
With the seas blazing with war, gods and mages clash to keep their heads above the rising tide. Killian must sail into the storm — and repay the biggest debt he owes, no matter the cost.
- GenresFantasy
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Deep and the Drowned by Ian Green is packed with powerful mysterious mages, ruthless pirates, hardened sailors, deceiving diplomats and an unknown knight navigating islands through treacherous seas. The world feels alive and full of adventures from the very first chapter till the very end and leave you desperate for the next book. And the cover beautiful sets the mood for the whole story.📚📖
Thank you NetGallery for access to this ARC.
Thank you NetGallery for access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Review – The Deep and the Drowned by Ian Green
Pub Date: 6 August 2026
This is a bold and immersive start to a new fantasy trilogy, one that immediately stands out for its unique setting and relentless pace. Set across a fractured world of scattered isles and treacherous waters, The Deep and the Drowned delivers a gripping, high-stakes adventure that feels as vast and unpredictable as the seas it’s built upon.
Ian Green creates a world that is both rich and dangerous, where every island feels like its own story waiting to unfold. The constant presence of gods, monsters, and rising conflict gives the narrative a sense of scale that never lets up. There is a raw, almost chaotic energy to the world-building, and it works brilliantly in reinforcing the instability of a land shaped by water, war, and power.
At the centre of it all is Killian, a flawed and compelling protagonist. He is not a traditional hero, and that’s exactly what makes him so engaging. Burdened by debts, mistakes, and a past that refuses to stay buried, his journey feels grounded despite the fantastical setting. His character arc is driven as much by survival as it is by accountability, and that adds a layer of depth that elevates the story beyond a typical adventure.
The pacing is one of the novel’s strongest elements. It moves quickly, but never at the expense of tension or clarity. Each encounter feels purposeful, whether it’s a confrontation at sea, a political exchange, or a brush with something far more dangerous. There is always a sense that something is about to shift, and often it does.
What truly sets this book apart is the atmosphere. The seas of Morost are not just a backdrop; they are a living, unpredictable force. The danger feels constant, and the stakes are reinforced by the looming presence of war and divine influence. Magic and mythology are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a world that feels both ancient and volatile.
Overall, The Deep and the Drowned is a strong opening to what promises to be an expansive and gripping series. With a morally complex lead, a richly imagined world, and a story driven by consequence and survival, it is a compelling read for fans of darker, high-stakes fantasy.
A fast-paced, atmospheric, and engaging start that leaves you wanting more.
Pub Date: 6 August 2026
This is a bold and immersive start to a new fantasy trilogy, one that immediately stands out for its unique setting and relentless pace. Set across a fractured world of scattered isles and treacherous waters, The Deep and the Drowned delivers a gripping, high-stakes adventure that feels as vast and unpredictable as the seas it’s built upon.
Ian Green creates a world that is both rich and dangerous, where every island feels like its own story waiting to unfold. The constant presence of gods, monsters, and rising conflict gives the narrative a sense of scale that never lets up. There is a raw, almost chaotic energy to the world-building, and it works brilliantly in reinforcing the instability of a land shaped by water, war, and power.
At the centre of it all is Killian, a flawed and compelling protagonist. He is not a traditional hero, and that’s exactly what makes him so engaging. Burdened by debts, mistakes, and a past that refuses to stay buried, his journey feels grounded despite the fantastical setting. His character arc is driven as much by survival as it is by accountability, and that adds a layer of depth that elevates the story beyond a typical adventure.
The pacing is one of the novel’s strongest elements. It moves quickly, but never at the expense of tension or clarity. Each encounter feels purposeful, whether it’s a confrontation at sea, a political exchange, or a brush with something far more dangerous. There is always a sense that something is about to shift, and often it does.
What truly sets this book apart is the atmosphere. The seas of Morost are not just a backdrop; they are a living, unpredictable force. The danger feels constant, and the stakes are reinforced by the looming presence of war and divine influence. Magic and mythology are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a world that feels both ancient and volatile.
Overall, The Deep and the Drowned is a strong opening to what promises to be an expansive and gripping series. With a morally complex lead, a richly imagined world, and a story driven by consequence and survival, it is a compelling read for fans of darker, high-stakes fantasy.
A fast-paced, atmospheric, and engaging start that leaves you wanting more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I found The Deep and the Drowned to be a strong and immersive opening to a new fantasy series, with a setting that immediately sets it apart. The drowned world of Morost with its fractured isles, volatile seas, and ever present sense of danger felt expansive, richly imagined and full of potential.
The world building is a clear highlight. Ian Green crafts a landscape shaped by conflict where gods, mages and human ambition collide in ways that feel both chaotic and deliberate. There’s a weight to the setting that gives the story real presence and the maritime focus adds a refreshing edge within the genre.
Killian is a compelling and grounded protagonist. His moral ambiguity, past mistakes and constant struggle to stay ahead of mounting consequences make him feel layered and authentic. Rather than a traditional hero he reads as someone shaped by survival which adds depth to his journey and anchors the wider narrative.
The pacing is fast and driven by action, with strong momentum throughout. Encounters at sea, moments of political tension, and brushes with larger powers keep the narrative moving. At times, this pace does limit deeper exploration of some of the supporting cast but it also reinforces the unpredictability of the world and the urgency of Killian’s situation.
What stood out most was the atmosphere. The sea itself feels like a living force unforgiving, unstable, and central to the story’s identity. Combined with the looming presence of war and divine influence, it creates a tone that is both dark and immersive.
Overall this is a confident and engaging start to a series with a distinctive setting, a morally complex lead, and strong narrative momentum. I’m very interested to see how the world and its conflicts develop in the next instalment.
I found The Deep and the Drowned to be a strong and immersive opening to a new fantasy series, with a setting that immediately sets it apart. The drowned world of Morost with its fractured isles, volatile seas, and ever present sense of danger felt expansive, richly imagined and full of potential.
The world building is a clear highlight. Ian Green crafts a landscape shaped by conflict where gods, mages and human ambition collide in ways that feel both chaotic and deliberate. There’s a weight to the setting that gives the story real presence and the maritime focus adds a refreshing edge within the genre.
Killian is a compelling and grounded protagonist. His moral ambiguity, past mistakes and constant struggle to stay ahead of mounting consequences make him feel layered and authentic. Rather than a traditional hero he reads as someone shaped by survival which adds depth to his journey and anchors the wider narrative.
The pacing is fast and driven by action, with strong momentum throughout. Encounters at sea, moments of political tension, and brushes with larger powers keep the narrative moving. At times, this pace does limit deeper exploration of some of the supporting cast but it also reinforces the unpredictability of the world and the urgency of Killian’s situation.
What stood out most was the atmosphere. The sea itself feels like a living force unforgiving, unstable, and central to the story’s identity. Combined with the looming presence of war and divine influence, it creates a tone that is both dark and immersive.
Overall this is a confident and engaging start to a series with a distinctive setting, a morally complex lead, and strong narrative momentum. I’m very interested to see how the world and its conflicts develop in the next instalment.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I enjoyed this a lot! I always like a seafaring fantasy and the world of Morost with its fragmented islands, skein-mages and animist mad gods is unique and vividly realised. I've not read any of the author's previous novels but this is set in the same world as his Rotstorm trilogy, which has been added to my TBR list on the back of this read.
Killian Heroneye is a really interesting protagonist, not your stereotypical action hero of epic fantasy. He's very much a real person, a deeply flawed, ambiguous character who often does the wrong thing for the wrong reasons, is riddled with regrets and isn't always in control of situations, and keeps you wondering just how much of his real story we're being told. The secondary characters are just as complex in their motivations and interactions - with one exception there are no hundred percent good or evil people here.
The pacing is spot on. It rattles along briskly but confidently, and while we don't get endless historical and geographical details, there's enough threaded through the story that one never feels lost. The ending is not exactly a cliff-hanger, but leaves the fates of many of the characters in the balance so I will definitely be back for book two because I need to see what happens next.
I enjoyed this a lot! I always like a seafaring fantasy and the world of Morost with its fragmented islands, skein-mages and animist mad gods is unique and vividly realised. I've not read any of the author's previous novels but this is set in the same world as his Rotstorm trilogy, which has been added to my TBR list on the back of this read.
Killian Heroneye is a really interesting protagonist, not your stereotypical action hero of epic fantasy. He's very much a real person, a deeply flawed, ambiguous character who often does the wrong thing for the wrong reasons, is riddled with regrets and isn't always in control of situations, and keeps you wondering just how much of his real story we're being told. The secondary characters are just as complex in their motivations and interactions - with one exception there are no hundred percent good or evil people here.
The pacing is spot on. It rattles along briskly but confidently, and while we don't get endless historical and geographical details, there's enough threaded through the story that one never feels lost. The ending is not exactly a cliff-hanger, but leaves the fates of many of the characters in the balance so I will definitely be back for book two because I need to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy
The Deep and the Drowned is a nautical themed fantasy where our main character, Killian, has to navigate the treacherous seas and the wild islands within them to pay back previous mistakes but slowly unravels a bigger problem at hand.
I really enjoyed the world building within this book, as someone who can get a bit lost with heavier fantasy books, this one did a great job at explaining this nautical world. I was excited to see what each island held and what characters we would face.
Killian was a well developed character, charismatic, flawed, challenged. He made for an interesting and relatable hero.
The mystical and magical elements of the book were my favourite, as someone who isn't big on conflict/battle revolved books, I didn't mind this one as much.
It did take a bit of time for me to get in to the book, and I did find the pacing slow in some parts and then a bit too quick in others, but overall decent pacing. I do wish there was more time spent exploring the other characters and the lands they were from.
A lot of things in the book do feel like they were set up for the rest of the trilogy, which does make you want to read on, but also had me yearning for some form of closure.
As my first at-sea fantasy, I found this interesting and would recommend for anyone who wants to get in to slightly heavier fantasy books.
The Deep and the Drowned is a nautical themed fantasy where our main character, Killian, has to navigate the treacherous seas and the wild islands within them to pay back previous mistakes but slowly unravels a bigger problem at hand.
I really enjoyed the world building within this book, as someone who can get a bit lost with heavier fantasy books, this one did a great job at explaining this nautical world. I was excited to see what each island held and what characters we would face.
Killian was a well developed character, charismatic, flawed, challenged. He made for an interesting and relatable hero.
The mystical and magical elements of the book were my favourite, as someone who isn't big on conflict/battle revolved books, I didn't mind this one as much.
It did take a bit of time for me to get in to the book, and I did find the pacing slow in some parts and then a bit too quick in others, but overall decent pacing. I do wish there was more time spent exploring the other characters and the lands they were from.
A lot of things in the book do feel like they were set up for the rest of the trilogy, which does make you want to read on, but also had me yearning for some form of closure.
As my first at-sea fantasy, I found this interesting and would recommend for anyone who wants to get in to slightly heavier fantasy books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A gripping fantasy adventure from start to finish, filled with pirates, evolving beasts, mages, and characters bound to different gods and laws. Each isle feels like its own unique story, adding depth and variety to the journey while steadily expanding the world around the characters.
The main character is both kind and loyal, yet often naïve to how his desires and choices affect those around him. His reluctance to give away his heart easily adds an emotional layer that develops naturally throughout the story. The story also carries real stakes, with characters who may die along the way, making the dangers and choices feel genuine.
The world-building is imaginative, the pacing keeps the story engaging, and the ending leaves plenty of exciting avenues open for future books. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy filled with magic, creatures, adventure, and complex characters.
A very enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
The main character is both kind and loyal, yet often naïve to how his desires and choices affect those around him. His reluctance to give away his heart easily adds an emotional layer that develops naturally throughout the story. The story also carries real stakes, with characters who may die along the way, making the dangers and choices feel genuine.
The world-building is imaginative, the pacing keeps the story engaging, and the ending leaves plenty of exciting avenues open for future books. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy filled with magic, creatures, adventure, and complex characters.
A very enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a well-written fantasy that looks like it'd be a hit with the right audience. Unfortunately I don't think that includes me.
I found the excessive exposition full of fantasy names, history, geography etc confusing from the start - particularly with the unclear time-jump between Prologue and Chapter 1 - and it really slowed the pace of the story down. What should have been an action-packed beginning full of tension was instead full of backstory, as well as reminding me of other similar tales (notably 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', which was admittedly rather fun). I soon found myself skipping the huge paragraphs of lore, which isn't a good sign, and ultimately felt reluctant to return to the book after putting it down. Sadly a DNF for me, as it just didn't connect.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
I found the excessive exposition full of fantasy names, history, geography etc confusing from the start - particularly with the unclear time-jump between Prologue and Chapter 1 - and it really slowed the pace of the story down. What should have been an action-packed beginning full of tension was instead full of backstory, as well as reminding me of other similar tales (notably 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', which was admittedly rather fun). I soon found myself skipping the huge paragraphs of lore, which isn't a good sign, and ultimately felt reluctant to return to the book after putting it down. Sadly a DNF for me, as it just didn't connect.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The kingdom has all but drowned and now only islands remain, each ruled by a god of its own making and not kind to outsiders like Killian, who wash up on their isle intent on burrowing into the crypts of the dead...
I had such a fun time with this sea-faring adventure! Killian and his crew were varied and interesting and the world was vast and magical. I might have got a little overwhelmed with all the wonders this contained, on times, but had a wonderful time immersed in this new, fantasy world. I haven't had the pleasure of reading from this author before, but I know this will not be my last foray into his mystical and magical mind!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Ian Green, and the publisher, Head of Zeus, for this opportunity.
I had such a fun time with this sea-faring adventure! Killian and his crew were varied and interesting and the world was vast and magical. I might have got a little overwhelmed with all the wonders this contained, on times, but had a wonderful time immersed in this new, fantasy world. I haven't had the pleasure of reading from this author before, but I know this will not be my last foray into his mystical and magical mind!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Ian Green, and the publisher, Head of Zeus, for this opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The deep and the drowned follows Killian, the captain of the Cutless Hawk and his crew as they go on adventures. There is a diverse cast of characters which adds to the story, although you do connect better to some than others. Within The deep and the drowned there are elements of magic, fantasy, Gods, adventure and bloodshed.
Initially, I really struggled with the chapters as they flipped between characters in the same chapters but this became better as the story continued. The start was quite slow as the world was built but by the end I couldn’t put the book down.
This book is set up to be a trilogy so the ending is left open with many storylines unfinished. I am keen to get the next book asap and find out what is happening next.
Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for a copy of this eARC in return for an honest review.
Initially, I really struggled with the chapters as they flipped between characters in the same chapters but this became better as the story continued. The start was quite slow as the world was built but by the end I couldn’t put the book down.
This book is set up to be a trilogy so the ending is left open with many storylines unfinished. I am keen to get the next book asap and find out what is happening next.
Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for a copy of this eARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
That gorgeous cover and a promise of windswept adventures drew me as a moth to a flame to this book. And now I don't really know how to review. I did love the writing and the worldbuilding. But the pacing the first part was a bit slow and I had a hard time getting into the story and after that I couldn't really get myself to care much about the characters. Maybe this is more a me thing because I had some high expectations for this one. But like I said.. that worldbuilding! So good!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews