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The Girl Who Swam Between Worlds
The ocean hugged her on all sides, squeezing out the life she was leaving behind.
Every weekend, 16-year-old Ivy Medina sinks beneath the waves and explores the ocean of the beach she lives on. But on this already peculiar day, she conjures a most vivid dream where she discovers an underwater tunnel that leads her to the captivating world of Harukai.
Only, Harukai is anything but a dream, and upon returning home, everything she’s ever known is quite literally torn from her hands as her mother is taken captive. Now trapped in Harukai with the loss of her mother and her own identity pulling her under, she ends up living inside a tree, inherits a pile of old books, and finds a sword made of glass.
With a mysteriously friendly faun and a flirtatious yet slightly irritating merfolk by her side, Ivy scours old tomes and learns how to fight, all in the name of finding a way home and rescuing her mother. But her search has her questioning everything she knows, leading her to uncover her hidden identity and the truth about her past, her present, and her future.
Every weekend, 16-year-old Ivy Medina sinks beneath the waves and explores the ocean of the beach she lives on. But on this already peculiar day, she conjures a most vivid dream where she discovers an underwater tunnel that leads her to the captivating world of Harukai.
Only, Harukai is anything but a dream, and upon returning home, everything she’s ever known is quite literally torn from her hands as her mother is taken captive. Now trapped in Harukai with the loss of her mother and her own identity pulling her under, she ends up living inside a tree, inherits a pile of old books, and finds a sword made of glass.
With a mysteriously friendly faun and a flirtatious yet slightly irritating merfolk by her side, Ivy scours old tomes and learns how to fight, all in the name of finding a way home and rescuing her mother. But her search has her questioning everything she knows, leading her to uncover her hidden identity and the truth about her past, her present, and her future.
359 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2025
31 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Koch
1 book13 followersChantelle spends majority of her writing time either staring at a blank page or doing literally anything other than writing, claiming, ‘At least I’m being productive!’ But during the rare moments that words are actually flowing through her veins, it’s as if her fingers can weave magical threads that craft enchanting worlds, captivating stories, and emotionally traumatised characters. Sometimes even she is mesmerised by what she creates.
She graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2023 with a Bachelor of Creative Industries, and uses that now to create characters like that live completely rent free in her mind.
When she isn’t staring at a computer screen, you’ll most likely find her staring at her phone or TV screens instead. She does, in fact, have plenty of family and friends, but instead she chooses the hermit crab life along with her partner and cat.
She graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2023 with a Bachelor of Creative Industries, and uses that now to create characters like that live completely rent free in her mind.
When she isn’t staring at a computer screen, you’ll most likely find her staring at her phone or TV screens instead. She does, in fact, have plenty of family and friends, but instead she chooses the hermit crab life along with her partner and cat.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 30, 2025
C.M. Koch has done an excellent job with her debut novel, The Girl Who Swam Between Worlds, from the awestriking world building, to the dynamic and courageous female lead, Ivy Medina, to the unique and intriguing side characters,(my favourite being a particularly quiet faun lady), this book was a joy for me to read its full of fun and emotion and has a mystery that is slowly unfolding leaving me (and Ivy) with some questions about destiny and identity. I am now anxiously awaiting the second book in the series because I am absolutely HOOKED and cannot wait to see where this journey takes us all next.
FYI
I received this book as an ARC hence why my review is early.
FYI
I received this book as an ARC hence why my review is early.
August 25, 2025
“The air of this world was thick with secrets.” - Beautifully written sentence that perfectly encapsulates this book.
This book was beautifully described through thought-proving metaphors and depictions of whimsical and gorgeous scenery, I felt like I was there!
It had twists and turns from very early on that I didn’t expect, but loved!
I really loved the way it incorporated fun new takes in mythology and folklore that we know and love.
Another quote that I loved:
“The ocean hugged her on all sides, squeezing out the life she was leaving behind.”
Very keen to uncover more mysteries about Harukai and Miss Ivy in the next book! 🌺✨🧜♀️🏝️🌿
This book was beautifully described through thought-proving metaphors and depictions of whimsical and gorgeous scenery, I felt like I was there!
It had twists and turns from very early on that I didn’t expect, but loved!
I really loved the way it incorporated fun new takes in mythology and folklore that we know and love.
Another quote that I loved:
“The ocean hugged her on all sides, squeezing out the life she was leaving behind.”
Very keen to uncover more mysteries about Harukai and Miss Ivy in the next book! 🌺✨🧜♀️🏝️🌿
August 4, 2025
This story was captivating, mesmerising, and a real page turner. The way she describes the world the characters are in is so descriptive, I could picture it clearly. I love the characters, I love the story line, and the ending left me excited to see what happens later on. I can’t wait for the next one!
August 26, 2025
Such a beautiful debut. Whimsical Narnia like realm, cute banter, strong female lead. absolutely cannot wait to see where it leads next.
August 17, 2025
This book felt like Alice in Wonderland, rewritten for my inner teenager. It was a whimsical, unexpected, beautiful adventure. I can not wait for the next book!
August 8, 2025
What an incredible debut novel from C.M. Koch! I was hooked from right from the start, and couldn’t wait to continue reading this story. The world building was next level, I felt as though I saw through Ivy’s eyes the entire book, with no detail spared. The side characters, Alvaro and Theon were executed extremely well, especially Theon if I do say so myself (just kiss already please). Not only was Ivy a complex main character, but she developed throughout the book beautifully as she uncovered more about her identity. The last third of the book was my personal favourite, I was on the edge of my seat, I couldn’t put it down, with twists and turns coming out of no where, I can admit there were things I didn’t see coming. With that cliffhanger, and so many questions left unanswered, the next book could not come soon enough. What a brilliant world and story, I cannot wait to see what happens next and where C.M. Koch will take us. It was an absolute honour to be an ARC reader for this book!
January 29, 2026
3.5 🌟A great debut novel! Fantastic read for young readers and whimsical fantasy lovers. The start of this book was pure chaos (the good kind) I did not see except it to kick into the story so fast. I loved it!
This book has a lot of emotional and beautiful descriptions of the characters and the world. C.M Koch really transports the reader into her world. It was also refreshing to read about some different magical creatures such as fauns, centaurs, which I haven’t read about since books like Narnia and Harry Potter.
The only issue I had with the story is the pacing, while I understand the Author had a reason for this I thought the first 50% went super fast then the last 50% I felt was a little slow and the ending not as impactful as I excepted as I have so many unanswered questions but this make sense has I know this is a continuing series.
But all in all a fantastic debut novel and I’m keen to see where Ivy’s story goes.
This book has a lot of emotional and beautiful descriptions of the characters and the world. C.M Koch really transports the reader into her world. It was also refreshing to read about some different magical creatures such as fauns, centaurs, which I haven’t read about since books like Narnia and Harry Potter.
The only issue I had with the story is the pacing, while I understand the Author had a reason for this I thought the first 50% went super fast then the last 50% I felt was a little slow and the ending not as impactful as I excepted as I have so many unanswered questions but this make sense has I know this is a continuing series.
But all in all a fantastic debut novel and I’m keen to see where Ivy’s story goes.
September 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all thank you so much C.M. Koch for letting me on your arc team 🩵🐚 I loved Harukai so much I want to live there as a fairy/faun 🧚🏻♀️🦌
This is YA fantasy, there is no spice in this book the most you’re going to get in the romance department is a slight touch of the hands (which that part was so cute 💕) while I typically read books with an adult audience in mind, I found this book in particular to be very refreshing and a fun read. I finished it within 2 days, I cannot wait to see how Miss Ivy’s journey continues in book 2.
This book is light, mystical, full of secrets, beauty, and magic. The world of Harukai is enough to make you swoon the wild and large mushrooms, colorful flowers, leaves of every color, tree houses, ocean waves, white sandy beaches, a library built into the mountainside, and ancient monuments.
The artwork for this book 😍 I’m huge when it comes to book art, for me it add so much more to the book and brings your favorite characters and scenes to life in a way.
Ivy is the fmc for this book. She’s sixteen, naive in a few ways (but who wasn’t at 16), inquizitive, stubborn, and fiercely loyal. Ivy’s journey in Harukai is far from an easy one. She has to learn to overcome traumatizing moments, navigate new self discoveries, and uncover all the secrets Harukai is harboring.
Alvaro is our lovely faun friend. He gentle spirited, very polite, stubborn, patient, and also fiercely loyal. He has a charming tree house and vegetable garden. He will always make sure you’re taken care of by offering his home, tea and fruit.
Theon is our charming and charismatic merfolk friend. He’s sassy, captain of Noa Kingdoms legion, and very protective. He’s beautiful with his shining blue scales copper red hair that shines in the sunlight.
Tropes:
🌊 Hidden realm
🐚 They touch hands
🌊 Too many questions
🐚 Identity Crisis
🌊 Found family
🐚 Motherly love
🌊 Prophecy
🐚 Slow burn/ romance subplot
First of all thank you so much C.M. Koch for letting me on your arc team 🩵🐚 I loved Harukai so much I want to live there as a fairy/faun 🧚🏻♀️🦌
This is YA fantasy, there is no spice in this book the most you’re going to get in the romance department is a slight touch of the hands (which that part was so cute 💕) while I typically read books with an adult audience in mind, I found this book in particular to be very refreshing and a fun read. I finished it within 2 days, I cannot wait to see how Miss Ivy’s journey continues in book 2.
This book is light, mystical, full of secrets, beauty, and magic. The world of Harukai is enough to make you swoon the wild and large mushrooms, colorful flowers, leaves of every color, tree houses, ocean waves, white sandy beaches, a library built into the mountainside, and ancient monuments.
The artwork for this book 😍 I’m huge when it comes to book art, for me it add so much more to the book and brings your favorite characters and scenes to life in a way.
Ivy is the fmc for this book. She’s sixteen, naive in a few ways (but who wasn’t at 16), inquizitive, stubborn, and fiercely loyal. Ivy’s journey in Harukai is far from an easy one. She has to learn to overcome traumatizing moments, navigate new self discoveries, and uncover all the secrets Harukai is harboring.
Alvaro is our lovely faun friend. He gentle spirited, very polite, stubborn, patient, and also fiercely loyal. He has a charming tree house and vegetable garden. He will always make sure you’re taken care of by offering his home, tea and fruit.
Theon is our charming and charismatic merfolk friend. He’s sassy, captain of Noa Kingdoms legion, and very protective. He’s beautiful with his shining blue scales copper red hair that shines in the sunlight.
Tropes:
🌊 Hidden realm
🐚 They touch hands
🌊 Too many questions
🐚 Identity Crisis
🌊 Found family
🐚 Motherly love
🌊 Prophecy
🐚 Slow burn/ romance subplot
September 19, 2025
The girl who swim between worlds is an amazing mystical world. The main female lead, Ivy Medina, is a curious teenage girl who loves exploring the ocean and just loves being in the sea. One day she swims into Harukai, this new world, and when she can't swim back, her life changes in her mind for the worse.
As Ivy explores Harukai, which is one kingdom in this new world, so do we, and I have to admit I'm just as curious as she is about everything, but more so the other kingdoms. They sound amazing, like, hello, a sky kingdom and Koa, which is an under the sea kingdom; I can't wait to explore more.
What I love about this book is the personal growth Ivy goes through, both physically and mentally. I really loved the mental part of the training, and I'm curious to see what else she learns.
Along the journey, she meets a caring male named Alvaro, who is friendly and lives in an amazing tree home. I loved the concept of his outdoor bath. He is also the one to teach her about the connection to nature and to self.
The boy from the sea named Theon is charming with his smirking smile, beautiful scaled skin, and red hair. I want to discover more about him and how he became a captain of his kingdom's legion. He was the one to teach her physical strength.
The storyline was chef's kiss, from twists and turns to uncovering the past and how to save the future. I'm so excited to follow Ivy into the next book.
As Ivy explores Harukai, which is one kingdom in this new world, so do we, and I have to admit I'm just as curious as she is about everything, but more so the other kingdoms. They sound amazing, like, hello, a sky kingdom and Koa, which is an under the sea kingdom; I can't wait to explore more.
What I love about this book is the personal growth Ivy goes through, both physically and mentally. I really loved the mental part of the training, and I'm curious to see what else she learns.
Along the journey, she meets a caring male named Alvaro, who is friendly and lives in an amazing tree home. I loved the concept of his outdoor bath. He is also the one to teach her about the connection to nature and to self.
The boy from the sea named Theon is charming with his smirking smile, beautiful scaled skin, and red hair. I want to discover more about him and how he became a captain of his kingdom's legion. He was the one to teach her physical strength.
The storyline was chef's kiss, from twists and turns to uncovering the past and how to save the future. I'm so excited to follow Ivy into the next book.
September 6, 2025
This ARC was an absolutely incredible joy to read and took me straight back to my childhood reads with the mythic creatures and mysteries that I would constantly wish would happen to me. If I'm being completely honest I still do wish they would happen, my imaginary friend as a child was a centaur so this book was right up my alley!
The vibes this book gave me is whimsy and all the things that books/media growing up gave me such as in particular The 1999 Alice in Wonderland. (If you know you know 😉) the author has managed to write a book that not only feels like coming of age and letting go of childhood but also freedom and the imagination that I haven't felt since I was a child.
The storyline was such a fun yet heartbreaking coming of age story that many can relate to in many ways. Each character has purpose and brings something to Ivy's life whether good or bad and the layers of her growing, learning, fighting and yearning for her mothers love and knowledge was done with such a great balance that nothing felt overdone.
I can't wait for the second book because I have so many theories and ideas floating around in my head and I need to know if I'm correct! This book comes out on September 19th so go get your copies when it comes out or pre-order because this book will bring some whimsy into your life.
The vibes this book gave me is whimsy and all the things that books/media growing up gave me such as in particular The 1999 Alice in Wonderland. (If you know you know 😉) the author has managed to write a book that not only feels like coming of age and letting go of childhood but also freedom and the imagination that I haven't felt since I was a child.
The storyline was such a fun yet heartbreaking coming of age story that many can relate to in many ways. Each character has purpose and brings something to Ivy's life whether good or bad and the layers of her growing, learning, fighting and yearning for her mothers love and knowledge was done with such a great balance that nothing felt overdone.
I can't wait for the second book because I have so many theories and ideas floating around in my head and I need to know if I'm correct! This book comes out on September 19th so go get your copies when it comes out or pre-order because this book will bring some whimsy into your life.
September 6, 2025
Searching for a story full of whimsical mystery? Then this one is for you. 🌊🍃🌪️🔥
If I hadn’t had other factors in play this week I think I would have finished this in a day or two, every spare second I had I found myself reaching to finish this one. 🥰
Traveling this journey of self discovery with Ivy through the beautiful world of Harukai has been extremely exciting as she not only uncovers many secrets about herself but also her mum. 🧜🏼♂️✨
With a prophecy brewing Ivy is searching for all the answers she needs to help those in her life while also coming to terms with a whole new reality for herself.🌻🍄
As a child my pop used to read me the faraway tree and it was my favourite, I’m not sure if it was trees for houses but this story really gave that feeling of nostalgia for me. Enchanted woods and traveling through worlds, as a friend mentioned in her review, if you’re a fan of all the Alice in Wonderland vibes this one is definitely for you! 🐇✨
This book was so fun to read, it was actually my first ever ARC and I feel so privileged for that honour! Thank you for the reminder of childhood whimsy! 💫
If I hadn’t had other factors in play this week I think I would have finished this in a day or two, every spare second I had I found myself reaching to finish this one. 🥰
Traveling this journey of self discovery with Ivy through the beautiful world of Harukai has been extremely exciting as she not only uncovers many secrets about herself but also her mum. 🧜🏼♂️✨
With a prophecy brewing Ivy is searching for all the answers she needs to help those in her life while also coming to terms with a whole new reality for herself.🌻🍄
As a child my pop used to read me the faraway tree and it was my favourite, I’m not sure if it was trees for houses but this story really gave that feeling of nostalgia for me. Enchanted woods and traveling through worlds, as a friend mentioned in her review, if you’re a fan of all the Alice in Wonderland vibes this one is definitely for you! 🐇✨
This book was so fun to read, it was actually my first ever ARC and I feel so privileged for that honour! Thank you for the reminder of childhood whimsy! 💫
September 13, 2025
This is a YA fantasy written in third person that takes you on a mysterious, emotional, and adventurous journey.
The story follows a girl who discovers a tunnel while swimming that leads her to another world, one brimming with secrets, folk, and danger. What really stands out is how many mysteries surround her; at times it feels like she’s the only one left in the dark, heightening the tension. Alongside this, she struggles with her identity and clings to whatever little control she can find, making her journey feel both fantastical and deeply personal.
There’s a slow burn romance simmering in the background, but the focus is very much on her growth, choices, and survival. The pacing starts off a little slow, but once the world unfolds, the story draws you in and becomes hard to put down. And that ending? A cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for the next book!
If you love YA fantasy filled with secrets, self-discovery, and just the right touch of romance, this one is worth diving into.
The story follows a girl who discovers a tunnel while swimming that leads her to another world, one brimming with secrets, folk, and danger. What really stands out is how many mysteries surround her; at times it feels like she’s the only one left in the dark, heightening the tension. Alongside this, she struggles with her identity and clings to whatever little control she can find, making her journey feel both fantastical and deeply personal.
There’s a slow burn romance simmering in the background, but the focus is very much on her growth, choices, and survival. The pacing starts off a little slow, but once the world unfolds, the story draws you in and becomes hard to put down. And that ending? A cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for the next book!
If you love YA fantasy filled with secrets, self-discovery, and just the right touch of romance, this one is worth diving into.
September 14, 2025
This was such a great debut novel by C.M. Koch! The Girl Who Swam Between Worlds is a YA fantasy with Alice in Wonderland and Narnia vibes. This book does not have any spice in it which I normally prefer to have romance but I still really enjoyed this book.
I really enjoyed the world building. I really felt like I could see the world through Ivy’s eyes. I love Harukai. The two main side characters (Theon and Alvaro) I throughly enjoyed too. While this book has no romance, I am dying for Theon and Ivy to be together like just kiss already.
The cliffhanger has me so eager to see where this story continues. I can’t wait for book two!
Thank you to C.M. Koch for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed the world building. I really felt like I could see the world through Ivy’s eyes. I love Harukai. The two main side characters (Theon and Alvaro) I throughly enjoyed too. While this book has no romance, I am dying for Theon and Ivy to be together like just kiss already.
The cliffhanger has me so eager to see where this story continues. I can’t wait for book two!
Thank you to C.M. Koch for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 1, 2025
This is my latest read, an arc of ‘The girl who swam between worlds’
This was one of the best YA books I’ve ever read. It was beautifully written in a narrative format. The storyline had lots of twists and turns which made it such a captivating read. This book 100% is for people who love Alice in Wonderland. The atmosphere reminded me of fairytopia and is described so beautifully. The mystery made this book a page turner and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book. I am in love with Ivy’s character and this is one of those cozy reads but it leaves you on the edge of your seat the whole time. THIS BOOK IS JUST EVERYTHING RIGHT 🫶
This was one of the best YA books I’ve ever read. It was beautifully written in a narrative format. The storyline had lots of twists and turns which made it such a captivating read. This book 100% is for people who love Alice in Wonderland. The atmosphere reminded me of fairytopia and is described so beautifully. The mystery made this book a page turner and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book. I am in love with Ivy’s character and this is one of those cozy reads but it leaves you on the edge of your seat the whole time. THIS BOOK IS JUST EVERYTHING RIGHT 🫶
January 29, 2026
A charming, immersive read with heart and surprises
The Girl Who Swam Between Worlds was such a delightful surprise. It’s super cute, genuinely charming, and filled with characters you can’t help but root for. Ivy is an especially relatable protagonist — flawed, thoughtful, and easy to sink into from the very first page.
The worldbuilding is beautifully visualised; I could see every setting so clearly, and the transitions between worlds felt seamless and magical rather than confusing. And the plot twists? They actually crept up on me — no obvious signposting, just quiet tension that suddenly clicks into place.
Warm, imaginative, and emotionally engaging, this book left me smiling…and immediately wanting more. Cannot wait for the next one.
The Girl Who Swam Between Worlds was such a delightful surprise. It’s super cute, genuinely charming, and filled with characters you can’t help but root for. Ivy is an especially relatable protagonist — flawed, thoughtful, and easy to sink into from the very first page.
The worldbuilding is beautifully visualised; I could see every setting so clearly, and the transitions between worlds felt seamless and magical rather than confusing. And the plot twists? They actually crept up on me — no obvious signposting, just quiet tension that suddenly clicks into place.
Warm, imaginative, and emotionally engaging, this book left me smiling…and immediately wanting more. Cannot wait for the next one.
September 30, 2025
I don’t think I have any spoilers
The girl who swam between worlds
C.M. Koch
Fantasy
Adventure
Y.A. {Young Adult.}
Pages: 359
Why I chose this book:
I read it as an A.R.C. {Advanced Readers Copy.} I saw it on a social media platform as an advertisement asking people to read it and then post a review. I signed up for it and received an E-copy on my KOBO. The front cover drew me in as well as the notes around it.
🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐️
🌟= one star.
⭐️- Half of a star
I would highly recommend this to people who like Lynnette Noni's Medoran Chronicles and any of her other works, as well as the Powerless and Red Queen series. It follows a popular structure and has realistic thought processes that guide the character's actions through the world of Thidin as well as Earth. The book is classified as a YA, adventure, fantasy, and fiction, and I completely agree with this. It also has a slight romantic element. 🖤
The girl who swam between worlds is a captivating piece by C.M. Koch, it follows teenage Ivy on a detailed journey across worlds. Every time I picked it up I found out something new about the characters setting and problems, there was no dull stretch of uneccasary waffling and there was constant energy. The storyline is memorable highly detailed and flows well. It has deep and meaningful characters and the best part about characters is that..there are not thousands to remember and keep tabs on.
There were however a few points that didn't make sense, first there were a few parts that were worded confusingly aswell as a single point were a short time event was described as stopping {page 287 of 359} but not starting.
This book was full of surprises. I appreciated how it allowed the reader to make predictions before telling the next event allowing a sense of anticipationp to overcome me.
I highly recommend to anyone interested in fantasy and Y.A books.
I am so exited to see if ivy’s story continues!
Four and a half stars, or even 4 & 2/3 !
The girl who swam between worlds
C.M. Koch
Fantasy
Adventure
Y.A. {Young Adult.}
Pages: 359
Why I chose this book:
I read it as an A.R.C. {Advanced Readers Copy.} I saw it on a social media platform as an advertisement asking people to read it and then post a review. I signed up for it and received an E-copy on my KOBO. The front cover drew me in as well as the notes around it.
🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐️
🌟= one star.
⭐️- Half of a star
I would highly recommend this to people who like Lynnette Noni's Medoran Chronicles and any of her other works, as well as the Powerless and Red Queen series. It follows a popular structure and has realistic thought processes that guide the character's actions through the world of Thidin as well as Earth. The book is classified as a YA, adventure, fantasy, and fiction, and I completely agree with this. It also has a slight romantic element. 🖤
The girl who swam between worlds is a captivating piece by C.M. Koch, it follows teenage Ivy on a detailed journey across worlds. Every time I picked it up I found out something new about the characters setting and problems, there was no dull stretch of uneccasary waffling and there was constant energy. The storyline is memorable highly detailed and flows well. It has deep and meaningful characters and the best part about characters is that..there are not thousands to remember and keep tabs on.
There were however a few points that didn't make sense, first there were a few parts that were worded confusingly aswell as a single point were a short time event was described as stopping {page 287 of 359} but not starting.
This book was full of surprises. I appreciated how it allowed the reader to make predictions before telling the next event allowing a sense of anticipationp to overcome me.
I highly recommend to anyone interested in fantasy and Y.A books.
I am so exited to see if ivy’s story continues!
Four and a half stars, or even 4 & 2/3 !
September 17, 2025
Woah!! This book is certainly one of the best YAs I've read this year. Lush prose, vivid descriptions, unique worldbuilding... I love it!! I enjoyed the homeschooled rep, being a formerly homeschooled kid myself, but I do wish it didn't lean that much into the stereotypical 'my only friends are my parents' (not a direct quote, just the general gist of what was said). However, I found the whole getting along w/ adults without a hitch, and her self-confidence perfectly accurate and subtly depicted (chef's kiss!).
I was also able to figure things out a lot faster than Ivy, and personally found her mentally younger than her 16 years. To me, it would've been way more accurate if she'd been 13 or 14, but I was still able to be enraptured by the book, so this is a pretty minor gripe. Besides, it lowkey makes sense given she's been pretty much sheltered by her parents and there are passages touching upon her naivety.
Also, can we talk about the illustrations of the folk?!! (And that front cover!) So beautiful. I can't wait for the next book <3
I received an ARC from the author—thank you!— & I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
I was also able to figure things out a lot faster than Ivy, and personally found her mentally younger than her 16 years. To me, it would've been way more accurate if she'd been 13 or 14, but I was still able to be enraptured by the book, so this is a pretty minor gripe. Besides, it lowkey makes sense given she's been pretty much sheltered by her parents and there are passages touching upon her naivety.
Also, can we talk about the illustrations of the folk?!! (And that front cover!) So beautiful. I can't wait for the next book <3
I received an ARC from the author—thank you!— & I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2025
4.5 stars. I chose to read this book because it has both fauns and merfolk in it, and I was not disappointed! What I didn't expect, however, was how the various races of Harukai--fauns, merfolk, harpies, fairies, and centaurs--could have blended families, their offspring having various features. It was such a creative and unique touch.
The worldbuilding and lore were exceptional. I felt completely immersed and would very much love to live in Harukai. Ivy was a fun, relatable character. Alvaro the faun--my favourite--gave Mr. Tumnus (Chronicles of Narnia) vibes but was far more of a mentor character. And Theon the merfolk--sweet, good-natured, brave Theon...
The only thing I had an issue with was the occasional breaking of the fourth wall by the narrator, sometimes in brackets, to give readers a tidbit of humour or information. It broke the immersion a bit for me, but it wasn't enough of a deterrence to dissuade me from reading the sequel, which I'm looking forward to. Excellent debut!
The worldbuilding and lore were exceptional. I felt completely immersed and would very much love to live in Harukai. Ivy was a fun, relatable character. Alvaro the faun--my favourite--gave Mr. Tumnus (Chronicles of Narnia) vibes but was far more of a mentor character. And Theon the merfolk--sweet, good-natured, brave Theon...
The only thing I had an issue with was the occasional breaking of the fourth wall by the narrator, sometimes in brackets, to give readers a tidbit of humour or information. It broke the immersion a bit for me, but it wasn't enough of a deterrence to dissuade me from reading the sequel, which I'm looking forward to. Excellent debut!
November 6, 2025
This was really fun! Felt like walking into Narnia again. I definitely felt a little out of the age bracket of this book, if I had picked it up at age 14 I can see myself just loving it!
I guess that’s what made it so frustrating, was the FMC was so innocently, cutely 16. She is young and naive and STUBBORN and struggles with new knowledge. I think I would have connected with that a lot more if I too, was still 16, however I am older and found her to be very frustrating at times.
That is to say, this book was lots of fun. It really felt like diving into a series like Narnia again where anything magical is possible. Very excited to see how the story continues in book two!!
I guess that’s what made it so frustrating, was the FMC was so innocently, cutely 16. She is young and naive and STUBBORN and struggles with new knowledge. I think I would have connected with that a lot more if I too, was still 16, however I am older and found her to be very frustrating at times.
That is to say, this book was lots of fun. It really felt like diving into a series like Narnia again where anything magical is possible. Very excited to see how the story continues in book two!!
October 26, 2025
Koch fully immersed me in Harukai, the world 16 year old Ivy is trapped in. Her prose is lush and immersive. I loved the little squabbles between Theon and Ivy as well they are teenage characters realistically written.
This book reminded me of studio ghibli and narnia all wrapped into one!
This book reminded me of studio ghibli and narnia all wrapped into one!
November 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story pulled me under like the ocean itself. Ivy’s journey through Harukai is breathtaking, magical, emotional, and full of heart. It reminded me why I love fantasy: not for escape, but for the way it helps you find yourself.
This story pulled me under like the ocean itself. Ivy’s journey through Harukai is breathtaking, magical, emotional, and full of heart. It reminded me why I love fantasy: not for escape, but for the way it helps you find yourself.
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