What do you think?
Rate this book
A Magic Deep and Drowning
Set in the waning days of the Dutch Golden Age, this enchanting, lush reimagining of The Little Mermaid is perfect for fans of Jesse Burton’s The Miniaturist and Leigh Bardugo’s The Familiar.
The Dutch Republic, 1650. One fine spring day in Friesland, twenty-year-old Clara van Wieren is faced with an ill a whale, beached and rotting in the noonday sun. But Clara doesn’t believe in magic and superstition, and this portent is quickly dismissed when a proposal from a wealthy merchant arrives, promising Clara the freedom she seeks from her mother’s overbearing rule.
When her attempts at overseeing the household at the family’s estate lead to her chance encounter with a young man with russet hair and sparkling eyes the color of the sea, she finds herself strangely drawn to him. As Clara grows closer to Maurits, she must choose between the steady, gentle life she has been raised for and the man who makes her blood sing.
But Maurits isn’t who he seems to be, and his secrets, once hidden beneath the waves, threaten to rise up and drown them both. And when an ancient bargain, forged in blood between the mythical people of the sea and the rulers of the land, begins to unravel, Clara finds herself at the heart of a deadly struggle for power.
The Dutch Republic, 1650. One fine spring day in Friesland, twenty-year-old Clara van Wieren is faced with an ill a whale, beached and rotting in the noonday sun. But Clara doesn’t believe in magic and superstition, and this portent is quickly dismissed when a proposal from a wealthy merchant arrives, promising Clara the freedom she seeks from her mother’s overbearing rule.
When her attempts at overseeing the household at the family’s estate lead to her chance encounter with a young man with russet hair and sparkling eyes the color of the sea, she finds herself strangely drawn to him. As Clara grows closer to Maurits, she must choose between the steady, gentle life she has been raised for and the man who makes her blood sing.
But Maurits isn’t who he seems to be, and his secrets, once hidden beneath the waves, threaten to rise up and drown them both. And when an ancient bargain, forged in blood between the mythical people of the sea and the rulers of the land, begins to unravel, Clara finds herself at the heart of a deadly struggle for power.
Paperback
First published June 24, 2025
123 people are currently reading
20858 people want to read
About the author
Hester Fox
10 books2,087 followersHester Fox is a full-time writer and mother, with a background in museum work and historical archaeology. She is the author of such novels as The Witch of Willow Hall, A Lullaby for Witches, and The Last Heir to Blackwood Library. She lives in a small mill town in Massachusetts.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
June 23, 2025
A reimagining of The Little Mermaid, A Magic Deep and Drowning: A Magical Historical Romance of Love and Betrayal in the Dutch Golden Age is set in 1650 in the Dutch trepublic. I found this book to be creative, well thought out, imaginative and enchanting. A Magic Deep and Drowning: A Magical Historical Romance of Love and Betrayal in the Dutch Golden Age is a wonderful mixing of historical fiction and fantasy. A bargain made long ago between the people of the sea and the land. When deals are not kept, there is a price to be paid!!!!
Clara van Wieren is twenty-years old practical young woman. She has her own ideas and goals but unfortunately, she lives in a time where her parents and society dictate how her life will be lived. Her marriage has been arranged to a wealthy man, but before her wedding day she meets Maurits, a handsome and intriguing young man and is drawn to him. He is a unique individual in more ways than one!
I found this book to be entertaining, creative, engaging and fun to read. I loved The Little Mermaid, and I am a fan of retellings and reimagining's, so this book was right up my alley. I enjoyed going under the sea, to the deep dark land of the creatures who live there. I also enjoyed how Clara proved to be a strong female character in a time where society punished women for being strong. She showed both compassion and strength and was a likeable character as was Maurits.
This book touches on family, relationships, family obligations/expectations, the environment and romance.
I enjoyed Hester Fox's wonderful writing, her well thought plot, the vivid descriptions, the characters (both likeable and unlikeable), and the plot. This book is quite different from the other books Hester Fox has written, and I enjoyed her historical fantasy romance!
This book is getting mixed reviews, but it worked for this reader.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Graydon House and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Clara van Wieren is twenty-years old practical young woman. She has her own ideas and goals but unfortunately, she lives in a time where her parents and society dictate how her life will be lived. Her marriage has been arranged to a wealthy man, but before her wedding day she meets Maurits, a handsome and intriguing young man and is drawn to him. He is a unique individual in more ways than one!
I found this book to be entertaining, creative, engaging and fun to read. I loved The Little Mermaid, and I am a fan of retellings and reimagining's, so this book was right up my alley. I enjoyed going under the sea, to the deep dark land of the creatures who live there. I also enjoyed how Clara proved to be a strong female character in a time where society punished women for being strong. She showed both compassion and strength and was a likeable character as was Maurits.
This book touches on family, relationships, family obligations/expectations, the environment and romance.
I enjoyed Hester Fox's wonderful writing, her well thought plot, the vivid descriptions, the characters (both likeable and unlikeable), and the plot. This book is quite different from the other books Hester Fox has written, and I enjoyed her historical fantasy romance!
This book is getting mixed reviews, but it worked for this reader.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Graydon House and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
October 11, 2025
I would like to thank Harlequin Audio and Netgalley for giving me the chance to receive an ALC of this title!
Here we basically have an uno reverse retelling of the little mermaid. Where our MMC lives below while our FMC is on land.
I absolutely loved this! For me as long as the retelling has the right original elements idc how far from the original fantasy we go! I don’t have a single bad thing to say about this book. If I HADD to pick something ( & it’s not even really bad) I would maybe say it’s a little too safe? If that makes sense. As if the author knew the concept was already “out there” & didn’t want to push it too far. But I think she should have pushed! because this is one HELL of an idea! So I just wish there was a little more of a backstory in some spots because I think they would have been AMAZING! Just like the rest of the book was. For example, I wish there was more to why our MMC was so drawn to our FMC, maybe him admiring her from a far for a bit longer? (I absolutely LOVED the dog concept!). Or a little more of the past issue between the mer & humans, just more of the undersea life in general would have been cool!!But a lot of this is just me wishing this book could go on forever.. Then again as I’m saying these ideas, I can see where they would all fit in a beautiful prequel! I hope this becomes a whole series, I really do! I can see amazing sequels as well as the prequel.
AND THE ENDING?!?!?!?!? SERIOUSLY!! Oh my god I’m SOBBING 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Here we basically have an uno reverse retelling of the little mermaid. Where our MMC lives below while our FMC is on land.
I absolutely loved this! For me as long as the retelling has the right original elements idc how far from the original fantasy we go! I don’t have a single bad thing to say about this book. If I HADD to pick something ( & it’s not even really bad) I would maybe say it’s a little too safe? If that makes sense. As if the author knew the concept was already “out there” & didn’t want to push it too far. But I think she should have pushed! because this is one HELL of an idea! So I just wish there was a little more of a backstory in some spots because I think they would have been AMAZING! Just like the rest of the book was. For example, I wish there was more to why our MMC was so drawn to our FMC, maybe him admiring her from a far for a bit longer? (I absolutely LOVED the dog concept!). Or a little more of the past issue between the mer & humans, just more of the undersea life in general would have been cool!!But a lot of this is just me wishing this book could go on forever.. Then again as I’m saying these ideas, I can see where they would all fit in a beautiful prequel! I hope this becomes a whole series, I really do! I can see amazing sequels as well as the prequel.
AND THE ENDING?!?!?!?!? SERIOUSLY!! Oh my god I’m SOBBING 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
July 9, 2025
3.5
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a reverse reimagining of The Little Mermaid, more like the original tale providing a darker take. It is a fantastical historical romance set in 1620s Netherlands where Clara and Mauritz meet, though Clara is betrothed to another and fall in love, which cascades into a series of conflict between humans and merfolk. The setting portrayed places you there with the characters, especially in the water realm.
The characters were good with Clara being a strong fmc, and though "insta-lovey," the love formed between Maurits and Clara is believable and sweet. The pacing was also good at a steady rate that keeps you engaged. It was an entertaining read, and I definitely suggest giving it a try.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a reverse reimagining of The Little Mermaid, more like the original tale providing a darker take. It is a fantastical historical romance set in 1620s Netherlands where Clara and Mauritz meet, though Clara is betrothed to another and fall in love, which cascades into a series of conflict between humans and merfolk. The setting portrayed places you there with the characters, especially in the water realm.
The characters were good with Clara being a strong fmc, and though "insta-lovey," the love formed between Maurits and Clara is believable and sweet. The pacing was also good at a steady rate that keeps you engaged. It was an entertaining read, and I definitely suggest giving it a try.
July 23, 2025
The lovers connect at first through innocence and mutual attraction and later put through a test of separation, hardship and endurance much like the polishing of a diamond.
Clara seeks to escape her unloving and abusive parents by agreeing to a marriage that appears doomed from the start. She does not approve of his work and he would surely become disgruntle from a wife’s lack of gratitude for all the comfort he provides to which she is accustomed. She meets Maurits with whom she shares mutual longing and a stolen kiss. He too comes from an ambitious and cruel family; in that regard, they are similar apart from possessing kindness and an independent streak despite their upbringing. The lovers both want to make their own way in the world and forge their own future; this they are forced to do when disaster strikes, through which, they grow, mature and develop character.
It is story full of magic, mythology and unexpected friendship, help and love. There are deals, exchanges and wishes to be made. Their love solidifies through empathy, personal sacrifice for the greater good and mutual understanding. A delightful read.
Clara seeks to escape her unloving and abusive parents by agreeing to a marriage that appears doomed from the start. She does not approve of his work and he would surely become disgruntle from a wife’s lack of gratitude for all the comfort he provides to which she is accustomed. She meets Maurits with whom she shares mutual longing and a stolen kiss. He too comes from an ambitious and cruel family; in that regard, they are similar apart from possessing kindness and an independent streak despite their upbringing. The lovers both want to make their own way in the world and forge their own future; this they are forced to do when disaster strikes, through which, they grow, mature and develop character.
It is story full of magic, mythology and unexpected friendship, help and love. There are deals, exchanges and wishes to be made. Their love solidifies through empathy, personal sacrifice for the greater good and mutual understanding. A delightful read.
July 27, 2025
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
There were plenty of elements in this whimsy Little Mermaid retelling that I enjoyed, but ultimately, this didn't live up to my expectations.
I really appreciated the setting and the depictions of the Dutch Golden Age, which we don't get to see that much in English fiction. I thought that the depictions of society, their clothing, and how houses reflected social status were well executed, transporting me to these places successfully.
I also like the fantasy elements. The Old Ones were whimsical and eerie, but their unique magic and societies ultimately made this book a lot more interesting. Since we spend a considerable amount of time underwater with the water folks, their depictions felt the most exciting. I liked how the author described them in all their diversity, some looking more human and others more on the creature side of things. They felt like folk tales come to life in a way that made me feel giddy.
These two aspects of the book deserve the three stars I'm giving it. They single-handedly got the book this rating. The atmosphere is hands down my favorite thing about this book. Because the actual plot, the romance, and the main characters were the letdown.
This is a very action-packed book, and would work best as a duology in my opinion. Too much goes on, and nothing is deepened enough to allow me to connect with the characters nor the romance. I'm not a reader who can just believe two people are in love if there's no yearning. I need that to feel natural because as much as I love a simp, I need to believe they have reason for it.
Clara and Maurits fall deeply in love so quickly, and then we are just meant to believe their yearning, even though there wasn't enough time for it. Clara goes from not trusting him to trusting him several times in the book, and we get no reason as to her change in mood. It felt like the author just wanted to write these beautifully romantic scenes, but didn't know how to craft the buildup.
Finally, the plot felt convoluted. There is a major coup that is rather unexplained. I feel like it was too simple and not believable. Then, the whole revenge plotline that made no sense... I really feel like nothing had time to brew properly, so it wasn't as impactful as it should have been.
Overall, love the lore but didn't care for anything else.
There were plenty of elements in this whimsy Little Mermaid retelling that I enjoyed, but ultimately, this didn't live up to my expectations.
I really appreciated the setting and the depictions of the Dutch Golden Age, which we don't get to see that much in English fiction. I thought that the depictions of society, their clothing, and how houses reflected social status were well executed, transporting me to these places successfully.
I also like the fantasy elements. The Old Ones were whimsical and eerie, but their unique magic and societies ultimately made this book a lot more interesting. Since we spend a considerable amount of time underwater with the water folks, their depictions felt the most exciting. I liked how the author described them in all their diversity, some looking more human and others more on the creature side of things. They felt like folk tales come to life in a way that made me feel giddy.
These two aspects of the book deserve the three stars I'm giving it. They single-handedly got the book this rating. The atmosphere is hands down my favorite thing about this book. Because the actual plot, the romance, and the main characters were the letdown.
This is a very action-packed book, and would work best as a duology in my opinion. Too much goes on, and nothing is deepened enough to allow me to connect with the characters nor the romance. I'm not a reader who can just believe two people are in love if there's no yearning. I need that to feel natural because as much as I love a simp, I need to believe they have reason for it.
Clara and Maurits fall deeply in love so quickly, and then we are just meant to believe their yearning, even though there wasn't enough time for it. Clara goes from not trusting him to trusting him several times in the book, and we get no reason as to her change in mood. It felt like the author just wanted to write these beautifully romantic scenes, but didn't know how to craft the buildup.
Finally, the plot felt convoluted. There is a major coup that is rather unexplained. I feel like it was too simple and not believable. Then, the whole revenge plotline that made no sense... I really feel like nothing had time to brew properly, so it wasn't as impactful as it should have been.
Overall, love the lore but didn't care for anything else.
August 9, 2025
One thing that my 2025 reading adventures have taught me is that I don't hesitate anymore with books that are 2 stars. They are okay reads, but they are missing a particular sparkle for me. With A Magic Deep and Drowning, I am very disappointed because Hester Fox has been a consistent 4-star author for me up to this point.
Things I liked:
(1) This is a Little Mermaid retelling. I am always game for an author's take on a popular story. I liked how the author had little "slices" of folk tale information between the novel's chapters.
(2) The story takes place in the Dutch Republic in the 1600s, a period I am not familiar with but which I found was very interesting. But Hester Fox's descriptions made me feel like I time-travelled back to this era.
(3) The water folk people were great. Maurits, his brother, and his mother loved their scenes. Great rivalry dynamic. The conflict they created was great.
Things I didn't like
(1) Clara, I don't have to like all my protagonists, but I couldn't find even something about her that I liked.
(2) When Clara becomes an apprentice to the artist, my interest goes way down.
(3) The love story- snooze.
*Sigh* It left me feeling very disappointed and jaded. But I cannot wait to see what the author writes next because her books are great. However, I wouldn't recommend this one!
Publication Date 24/06/25
Goodreads Review 09/08/25
Things I liked:
(1) This is a Little Mermaid retelling. I am always game for an author's take on a popular story. I liked how the author had little "slices" of folk tale information between the novel's chapters.
(2) The story takes place in the Dutch Republic in the 1600s, a period I am not familiar with but which I found was very interesting. But Hester Fox's descriptions made me feel like I time-travelled back to this era.
(3) The water folk people were great. Maurits, his brother, and his mother loved their scenes. Great rivalry dynamic. The conflict they created was great.
Things I didn't like
(1) Clara, I don't have to like all my protagonists, but I couldn't find even something about her that I liked.
(2) When Clara becomes an apprentice to the artist, my interest goes way down.
(3) The love story- snooze.
*Sigh* It left me feeling very disappointed and jaded. But I cannot wait to see what the author writes next because her books are great. However, I wouldn't recommend this one!
Publication Date 24/06/25
Goodreads Review 09/08/25
March 27, 2025
This was an incredible historical fantasy novel. It is a retelling of the classic "The Little Mermaid" but has its own unique spin. Hester Fox's A Magic Deep and Drowning just swept me away like a rogue wave!
Clara van Weiren is a young woman who yearns for more. Her life is a set routine and when her parents announce she is going to get married she is excited to finally have some independence. However before she gets married, she meets a young man called Maurits. There is an instant spark and now Clara wants nothing to do with her fiance. What Clara doesn't know is that Maruits is not what he seems and their romance might be doomed from the start. Clara must forge her own path and discover hidden depths of strength to deal with the many strange twists and turns her life is about to take.
This was an incredible story filled with fantastic fantasy elements. There is the thrill of the unknown, ancient promises, magical creatures, self discovery, and romance. I highly recommend this story especially if you are looking for something a little different!
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing/Graydon House and NetGalley for this ARC.
Clara van Weiren is a young woman who yearns for more. Her life is a set routine and when her parents announce she is going to get married she is excited to finally have some independence. However before she gets married, she meets a young man called Maurits. There is an instant spark and now Clara wants nothing to do with her fiance. What Clara doesn't know is that Maruits is not what he seems and their romance might be doomed from the start. Clara must forge her own path and discover hidden depths of strength to deal with the many strange twists and turns her life is about to take.
This was an incredible story filled with fantastic fantasy elements. There is the thrill of the unknown, ancient promises, magical creatures, self discovery, and romance. I highly recommend this story especially if you are looking for something a little different!
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing/Graydon House and NetGalley for this ARC.
November 17, 2024
I don’t really review on GR anymore (find me on BookBub!) but I told Hester I would share my review/blurb here, because this book is so special.
A timeless and transportive story of magic, perseverance, justice, and love lost and found. Fox takes readers on a journey to the lore-filled Netherlands, where a daughter of worldly privilege is faced with the power of the sea and a broken pact that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear. Layered with rich allegorical meaning, A Magic Deep and Drowning is a sword of truth for the times we live in...couched in a darkly effervescent fairytale.
Don’t miss it, you all!
A timeless and transportive story of magic, perseverance, justice, and love lost and found. Fox takes readers on a journey to the lore-filled Netherlands, where a daughter of worldly privilege is faced with the power of the sea and a broken pact that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear. Layered with rich allegorical meaning, A Magic Deep and Drowning is a sword of truth for the times we live in...couched in a darkly effervescent fairytale.
Don’t miss it, you all!
April 25, 2025
I was intrigued by the idea of a historical fantasy with a gender-swapped Little Mermaid retelling set in 1600s Amsterdam, an unusual setting for this genre. But this just was not my cup of tea.
Clara is a naive, headstrong girl (her naivete par for the course for her sheltered upbringing and the times) raised by abusive parents and a mother who frequently hits her for the slightest transgression. She is looking forward to marriage only as a means of escape, even if it is to a dull, socially awkward whaler. Until she meets a charming but mysterious man below her station named Maurits, who sweeps her off her feet with pretty words and kisses in their few brief encounters.
Clara is then dragged from one gilded cage to another as she is caught up in the political machinations of the bloodthirsty mermaid court, with a heavy dose of climate change and environmental fantasy.
I didn't care for the instalove, didn't emotionally connect to Clara as a character and I could have found their romance charming but it got subsumed by too many other plot points, like the climate change allegory and court politics. I wanted the romance to be front and center and I felt as if poor Clara couldn't catch a breath as everything is taken from her and she had little agency in her own fate. And Maurits lied to her and betrayed her so many times that I couldn't buy him as a worthy romantic hero.
So this just ultimately wasn't my cup of tea.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Clara is a naive, headstrong girl (her naivete par for the course for her sheltered upbringing and the times) raised by abusive parents and a mother who frequently hits her for the slightest transgression. She is looking forward to marriage only as a means of escape, even if it is to a dull, socially awkward whaler. Until she meets a charming but mysterious man below her station named Maurits, who sweeps her off her feet with pretty words and kisses in their few brief encounters.
Clara is then dragged from one gilded cage to another as she is caught up in the political machinations of the bloodthirsty mermaid court, with a heavy dose of climate change and environmental fantasy.
I didn't care for the instalove, didn't emotionally connect to Clara as a character and I could have found their romance charming but it got subsumed by too many other plot points, like the climate change allegory and court politics. I wanted the romance to be front and center and I felt as if poor Clara couldn't catch a breath as everything is taken from her and she had little agency in her own fate. And Maurits lied to her and betrayed her so many times that I couldn't buy him as a worthy romantic hero.
So this just ultimately wasn't my cup of tea.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 22, 2025
This story relies heavily on the insta love trope which I can’t stand. Love that the story is gender-bent but I felt the characters and lore and fantastical aspects fell flat. Quite a few loose ends left by the end as well. The descriptions of the Dutch people and customs of the time were interesting, but didn’t save the tale.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, the narrator, and Harlequin Audio for a copy!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, the narrator, and Harlequin Audio for a copy!
June 23, 2025
This was a clever gender swapped reimagining of the Little Mermaid tale set in the 17th century Dutch Colony. While it wasn't my favorite Hester Fox book it did keep me entertained and I would recommend it for fans of that era or anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
Want to read
August 18, 2025ARC received! Thank you, Harlequin Audio!!
I'm so excited for this. It sounds beautiful!
I'm so excited for this. It sounds beautiful!
August 4, 2025
Sometimes I couldn’t tell you what drew me to a book if you asked. When I saw A Magic Deep and Drowning on NetGalley, where I received review copy, I was intrigued, but I’m not sure why. It might be the setting—the Netherlands in the early seventeenth century—or that it’s a very loose reimagining of The Little Mermaid. Whatever the reason, as I started reading, I deflated: I wasn’t enjoying it. Then … suddenly … I was? Hester Fox slow-rolled me, and literally in the turn of a page I went from “I might DNF” to “I must know how this ends.”
Clara is the daughter of a modest merchant and has led a very sheltered life. When her parents betroth her to another merchant, she is prepared to meekly accept the arrangement, desperate to escape her mother’s abusive reach. Then she meets a mysterious young man, Maurits, who seems to be more than he appears—but who swears he is no good for her. Soon, we learn that Maurits is far more magical than he appears, and Clara’s life changes irrevocably forever.
I didn’t like this book at first because I didn’t understand where the magic was. The first few chapters are mundane and seem to be setting up the love triangle between Clara, her betrothed, and Maurits. It isn’t until a tragedy alters the entire trajectory of Clara’s life that the book metamorphoses into something grander, weirder, and far more fascinating.
Clara is a frustrating protagonist at first because she is rather useless, and a lot of things happen to her. She grew on me, however, and by the end of the book, I really enjoyed her obstinacy and tenacity. I really wish, however, that we had seen more of her painter phase!! It was such a neat little moment, but Fox didn’t allow us to pause and enjoy it much before she thrust Clara back into danger. Fair enough.
I wasn’t as sold on Clara and Maurits’s romance. Similarly, the political machinations underwater felt flaccid and predictable. Maurits spends a lot of his time imprisoned with very little to do.
Overall, A Magic Deep and Drowning is fine, and if you like love-at-first-sight romances or fairytale retellings more than me, you’d probably like this more. But it just didn’t have that spark I need. I kept reading because, after the slow start, Fox’s pacing and penchant for plot twists really worked well for me—and I will give her all the credit for that. I just wish the characters had made the same kind of impact.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews.
Clara is the daughter of a modest merchant and has led a very sheltered life. When her parents betroth her to another merchant, she is prepared to meekly accept the arrangement, desperate to escape her mother’s abusive reach. Then she meets a mysterious young man, Maurits, who seems to be more than he appears—but who swears he is no good for her. Soon, we learn that Maurits is far more magical than he appears, and Clara’s life changes irrevocably forever.
I didn’t like this book at first because I didn’t understand where the magic was. The first few chapters are mundane and seem to be setting up the love triangle between Clara, her betrothed, and Maurits. It isn’t until a tragedy alters the entire trajectory of Clara’s life that the book metamorphoses into something grander, weirder, and far more fascinating.
Clara is a frustrating protagonist at first because she is rather useless, and a lot of things happen to her. She grew on me, however, and by the end of the book, I really enjoyed her obstinacy and tenacity. I really wish, however, that we had seen more of her painter phase!! It was such a neat little moment, but Fox didn’t allow us to pause and enjoy it much before she thrust Clara back into danger. Fair enough.
I wasn’t as sold on Clara and Maurits’s romance. Similarly, the political machinations underwater felt flaccid and predictable. Maurits spends a lot of his time imprisoned with very little to do.
Overall, A Magic Deep and Drowning is fine, and if you like love-at-first-sight romances or fairytale retellings more than me, you’d probably like this more. But it just didn’t have that spark I need. I kept reading because, after the slow start, Fox’s pacing and penchant for plot twists really worked well for me—and I will give her all the credit for that. I just wish the characters had made the same kind of impact.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews.
December 22, 2024
I only wish there were seven stars!
This book brought me so much joy. Hester Fox has such a beautiful way of creating realistic stories of historic women and threading magic throughout them. The character development and arcs, the slow burns, the flow of her books are thoughtful and thorough. Clara is such a strong, loveable character, and I found myself rooting for her throughout.
Thank you so much, Hester, for allowing me to read this manuscript. It was a true pleasure. I cannot recommend this book enough!
This book brought me so much joy. Hester Fox has such a beautiful way of creating realistic stories of historic women and threading magic throughout them. The character development and arcs, the slow burns, the flow of her books are thoughtful and thorough. Clara is such a strong, loveable character, and I found myself rooting for her throughout.
Thank you so much, Hester, for allowing me to read this manuscript. It was a true pleasure. I cannot recommend this book enough!
August 13, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for providing me with an ALC.
I liked the theme of merging a fairy tale retelling with Dutch folklore. It's what pulled me into the book. The setting was described quite well and the beginning of the book was quite alluring. Despite being a huge fan of both retellings and historical fiction/fantasy, I just could not get into this book, the primary reason being the insta-love. I also felt that their romance was so on and off, with so many betrayals and plots in between. I personally couldn't distinguish the folklore additions from the fantasy because I don't know much about the era. It would have been nicer if that was more clear (The author's note helped a bit though). The plot itself felt very typical of this genre and didn't necessarily blow my mind but was entertaining enough. I would recommend this to those interested in historical fantasy retellings featuring insta-love.
The narrator did a great job of bringing the story to life, although it would have been even better if stronger emotions had been expressed at the required places.
I liked the theme of merging a fairy tale retelling with Dutch folklore. It's what pulled me into the book. The setting was described quite well and the beginning of the book was quite alluring. Despite being a huge fan of both retellings and historical fiction/fantasy, I just could not get into this book, the primary reason being the insta-love. I also felt that their romance was so on and off, with so many betrayals and plots in between. I personally couldn't distinguish the folklore additions from the fantasy because I don't know much about the era. It would have been nicer if that was more clear (The author's note helped a bit though). The plot itself felt very typical of this genre and didn't necessarily blow my mind but was entertaining enough. I would recommend this to those interested in historical fantasy retellings featuring insta-love.
The narrator did a great job of bringing the story to life, although it would have been even better if stronger emotions had been expressed at the required places.
July 16, 2025
3.5 stars
Little Mermaid retellings really interest me so I was excited about this one! It was set in the 1600s Amsterdam and had a for sure historical fantasy feel which I enjoy! Clara our FMC really interested me and I did enjoy seeing her journey! The writing was really beautiful and atmospheric and the setting was described so cool and unique.
The problem for me was in the insta love feel of the book! And this is just a total preference but it was just way too insta lovey that I wasn’t invested in the relationship at all. But if you are a fan of that then this would be a great read!
Thank you to The Hive for the gifted copy!
Little Mermaid retellings really interest me so I was excited about this one! It was set in the 1600s Amsterdam and had a for sure historical fantasy feel which I enjoy! Clara our FMC really interested me and I did enjoy seeing her journey! The writing was really beautiful and atmospheric and the setting was described so cool and unique.
The problem for me was in the insta love feel of the book! And this is just a total preference but it was just way too insta lovey that I wasn’t invested in the relationship at all. But if you are a fan of that then this would be a great read!
Thank you to The Hive for the gifted copy!
August 19, 2025
2.5 stars rounded down. This was very well written, I enjoyed the prose, the setting and the overall tone of the story. And how often do we read stories set in the Dutch Golden Age, with Frisian folklore?! So cool.
But my God both Clara and Mauritz were absolutely dreadful. They fell in love very fast even for an insta-love story. Maurits lies to Clara every step of the way (understandable) and every time she forgets about it because he’s so hot. And Clara absolutely did not deserve any of the free hall passes she got until about 90% into the story.
But my God both Clara and Mauritz were absolutely dreadful. They fell in love very fast even for an insta-love story. Maurits lies to Clara every step of the way (understandable) and every time she forgets about it because he’s so hot. And Clara absolutely did not deserve any of the free hall passes she got until about 90% into the story.
July 27, 2025
Not my usual genre, but this was an enchanting read, not your typical mermaid story it is an engrossing storyline filled with fantasy, romance and an imaginative cast of characters.
June 12, 2025
Hester’s take on a genderbent the Little Mermaid felt fresh and original. However, as much as I wanted to love this, it unfortunately fell a bit flat for me, and almost read as young adult rather than an adult historical fantasy novel.
The romance between Clara and Maurits was my biggest gripe as they fell in love way too quickly. The book doesn’t give them enough time to get to know each other and develop feelings before they’re separated. They then spend the rest of the book pining after each other, thinking they’re so deeply in love when they’ve had maybe 4 conversations total. Clara can also be especially naive, which could be contributed to her upbringing. But she always thought the best of him and that he wouldn’t lie to her again, when he’s lied to her every time they spoke.
The plot was okay and covered important topics of environmentalism pertaining the ocean. I was not very immersed in the setting however, and it could have been any historical fantasy world rather than 17th century Netherlands.
Lauren Ezzo did a good job with the narration and I enjoyed the different voices she did for the characters, especially the Old Ones.
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC!
The romance between Clara and Maurits was my biggest gripe as they fell in love way too quickly. The book doesn’t give them enough time to get to know each other and develop feelings before they’re separated. They then spend the rest of the book pining after each other, thinking they’re so deeply in love when they’ve had maybe 4 conversations total. Clara can also be especially naive, which could be contributed to her upbringing. But she always thought the best of him and that he wouldn’t lie to her again, when he’s lied to her every time they spoke.
The plot was okay and covered important topics of environmentalism pertaining the ocean. I was not very immersed in the setting however, and it could have been any historical fantasy world rather than 17th century Netherlands.
Lauren Ezzo did a good job with the narration and I enjoyed the different voices she did for the characters, especially the Old Ones.
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC!
July 10, 2025
“No, that makes sense…” I say, trying desperately to convince myself that any of the events in this book were well thought out. Plot convenience is… convenient!
June 14, 2025
Almost a DNF. Not for me, but powered through.
November 7, 2025
I admit I completely forgot what this book was about by the time I got around to reading it and I was completely blown away! The magic and the twists and the beautifully developed characters knocked me off my feet. Tremendous writing!
August 24, 2025
Hester Fox writes in a way that really draws me into her stories. This is what I want from a fantasy story. This world has a lot of depth and she could have made this more than a stand alone but I appreciate this being one and done
June 25, 2025
It’s book review time! This month, I decided to go with a fairytale retelling of the Little Mermaid (one of my favorite fairytales), though it’s more rooted in Disney than Hans Christian Andersen, which is fine. I like both. Anyway, A Magic Deep and Drowning by Hester Fox was released yesterday (the 24th) from Graydon House (part of HarperCollins). As usual, I must thank them and NetGalley for access to an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Let’s get to it!
A Magic Deep and Drowning follows Clara, a young woman from a well to do family who wants nothing more than to escape her cold, abusive parents. An arranged marriage offers that escape, but the appearance of a mysterious and attractive young man has her questioning everything. Throw in a flood and tensions between beings of the land and the kingdom of the sea and Clara gets thrown into the middle of a deal gone wrong. The problem… she’s the last sacrifice needed to fulfill the deal her ancestors made. How can she save herself and her homeland?
So, the plot is great with a lot of potential. My biggest issue with this book is that Clara is presented as the protagonist. The heroine. But she never actually does anything aside from pine for some dude that she’s known a whole hour. Love at first sight, I know. It’s a fairytale. Fine. But every time she says she’s going to do something or every time she has to make a difficult decision, someone or something else does it for her. Don’t want to sleep with your new husband? Magical flood! And it just keeps going from there. She gets herself into trouble and is saved every time. Even when she specifically says she’s going to do something to help herself be the hero, everyone else jumps in to fix it for her. It’s annoying and super unsatisfying. Like… let her do the thing! But no. The damsel can’t do anything. Ugh.
The characters are fine in the beginning, but become annoying about halfway through the book. I think if Maurits and Helma had actually let Clara do something for herself, I would’ve liked them a lot better. I definitely would’ve liked Clara better. She was decent, but she wasn’t allowed to actually grow despite what the narration says. The sea queen was probably the most interesting character. She was powerful, but flawed. I’m still not entirely sure how Thade did what he did while the queen just kind of let it happen. The whole “he honed his powers so much that he could do it” thing is not convincing at all given her powers. But yeah. Most of the characters had potential that wasn’t really brought to fruition.
A random thing that bothers me: the author’s note. You know how sometimes an author will leave a little note explaining something about the book or the research or whatever? There’s one of those. It starts off talking about the mythology used in the book, which is awesome because it’s a subject I’m interested in. Then the note goes on to explain what the book is supposed to be about. An allegory for climate change? You don’t say. I always find notes like that condescending and/or desperate. Either the writer doesn’t trust the reader to be smart enough to “get it” or they don’t trust their writing enough to convey the thoughts they desperately want to share. Either way, it’s ick.
As far as the writing goes, I enjoyed it. It was lyrical and had lovely imagery. The writing was basically what made the story worth finishing.
Ultimately, I wanted to like A Magic Deep and Drowning more than I did. It was just too annoying for me.
Overall, I gave it 2 out of 5 stars. I waffled between 2.5 and 2, but the more I think about it, the less I enjoyed it. If you like pretty writing and don’t mind a useless heroine, check it out. Otherwise, you’re not missing much.
A Magic Deep and Drowning follows Clara, a young woman from a well to do family who wants nothing more than to escape her cold, abusive parents. An arranged marriage offers that escape, but the appearance of a mysterious and attractive young man has her questioning everything. Throw in a flood and tensions between beings of the land and the kingdom of the sea and Clara gets thrown into the middle of a deal gone wrong. The problem… she’s the last sacrifice needed to fulfill the deal her ancestors made. How can she save herself and her homeland?
So, the plot is great with a lot of potential. My biggest issue with this book is that Clara is presented as the protagonist. The heroine. But she never actually does anything aside from pine for some dude that she’s known a whole hour. Love at first sight, I know. It’s a fairytale. Fine. But every time she says she’s going to do something or every time she has to make a difficult decision, someone or something else does it for her. Don’t want to sleep with your new husband? Magical flood! And it just keeps going from there. She gets herself into trouble and is saved every time. Even when she specifically says she’s going to do something to help herself be the hero, everyone else jumps in to fix it for her. It’s annoying and super unsatisfying. Like… let her do the thing! But no. The damsel can’t do anything. Ugh.
The characters are fine in the beginning, but become annoying about halfway through the book. I think if Maurits and Helma had actually let Clara do something for herself, I would’ve liked them a lot better. I definitely would’ve liked Clara better. She was decent, but she wasn’t allowed to actually grow despite what the narration says. The sea queen was probably the most interesting character. She was powerful, but flawed. I’m still not entirely sure how Thade did what he did while the queen just kind of let it happen. The whole “he honed his powers so much that he could do it” thing is not convincing at all given her powers. But yeah. Most of the characters had potential that wasn’t really brought to fruition.
A random thing that bothers me: the author’s note. You know how sometimes an author will leave a little note explaining something about the book or the research or whatever? There’s one of those. It starts off talking about the mythology used in the book, which is awesome because it’s a subject I’m interested in. Then the note goes on to explain what the book is supposed to be about. An allegory for climate change? You don’t say. I always find notes like that condescending and/or desperate. Either the writer doesn’t trust the reader to be smart enough to “get it” or they don’t trust their writing enough to convey the thoughts they desperately want to share. Either way, it’s ick.
As far as the writing goes, I enjoyed it. It was lyrical and had lovely imagery. The writing was basically what made the story worth finishing.
Ultimately, I wanted to like A Magic Deep and Drowning more than I did. It was just too annoying for me.
Overall, I gave it 2 out of 5 stars. I waffled between 2.5 and 2, but the more I think about it, the less I enjoyed it. If you like pretty writing and don’t mind a useless heroine, check it out. Otherwise, you’re not missing much.
September 28, 2025
This book was a unique and inventive, gender-swapped reimagining of The Little Mermaid. It was a slightly darker take in which our MC, Clara, is arranged to be married off to a very wealthy whale merchant, but then meets a mysterious man with eyes the color of the sea. She’s inexplicably drawn to him even though marrying her soon to be suitor would provide an easy life. It’s filled
with mythical creatures, ancient bargains, and environmental foreboding!
“𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑟, ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑛 𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚.”
I think the audiobook narrator did a wonderful job and I felt fully immersed inside the Dutch golden age in which a battle between humans and merfolk rage on. On a deeper level it’s an allegory for environmental havoc as a direct result of humans, climate change, and recognizing the darker side of colonization that contributed to the wealth of The Dutch Republic in the 1650s. On a more fantastical level, it’s a story rich with mythical creatures and their lore such as dire whales, nixies, tree spirits/moss maidens, elves, vengeful souls of women called Widde Juvven, and of course merfolk! There’s an arranged marriage, a forbidden romance, and a girl who is coming of age and finding the strength within herself to fight against an ancient bargain. I really appreciated the elements of this story and what the author created. Can we also take a moment to appreciate the stunning cover?! This story was right up my alley and I highly recommend if any of the above appeal to you as well!
•𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 •
+ a gender swapped reimagining of The Little Mermaid
+ adult magical fantasy mixed with historical fiction and romance
+ set in the Dutch Golden Age of 1650
+ read if you love mermaids and other mythical creatures
+ forbidden romance, arranged marriage
+ coming of age
+ family dynamics and societal expectations
+ a division between sea and land people due to a bargain
+ climate fiction
+ a water kingdom
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: June 24, 2025
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: HF • Magical Realism • Fantasy • Retelling • Mythology
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: Audiobook (11h 46m)
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: Lauren Ezzo
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★★★ 𝟒
𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭: I enjoyed getting lost in this world!
Thank you so much @htp_hive @graydonhousebooks @netgalley and Harlequin Audio for this #gifted ALC!
See my bookstagram for more including quotes and mythical creature guide!
with mythical creatures, ancient bargains, and environmental foreboding!
“𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑟, ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑛 𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚.”
I think the audiobook narrator did a wonderful job and I felt fully immersed inside the Dutch golden age in which a battle between humans and merfolk rage on. On a deeper level it’s an allegory for environmental havoc as a direct result of humans, climate change, and recognizing the darker side of colonization that contributed to the wealth of The Dutch Republic in the 1650s. On a more fantastical level, it’s a story rich with mythical creatures and their lore such as dire whales, nixies, tree spirits/moss maidens, elves, vengeful souls of women called Widde Juvven, and of course merfolk! There’s an arranged marriage, a forbidden romance, and a girl who is coming of age and finding the strength within herself to fight against an ancient bargain. I really appreciated the elements of this story and what the author created. Can we also take a moment to appreciate the stunning cover?! This story was right up my alley and I highly recommend if any of the above appeal to you as well!
•𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 •
+ a gender swapped reimagining of The Little Mermaid
+ adult magical fantasy mixed with historical fiction and romance
+ set in the Dutch Golden Age of 1650
+ read if you love mermaids and other mythical creatures
+ forbidden romance, arranged marriage
+ coming of age
+ family dynamics and societal expectations
+ a division between sea and land people due to a bargain
+ climate fiction
+ a water kingdom
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: June 24, 2025
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: HF • Magical Realism • Fantasy • Retelling • Mythology
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: Audiobook (11h 46m)
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: Lauren Ezzo
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★★★ 𝟒
𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭: I enjoyed getting lost in this world!
Thank you so much @htp_hive @graydonhousebooks @netgalley and Harlequin Audio for this #gifted ALC!
See my bookstagram for more including quotes and mythical creature guide!
July 2, 2025
I liked the first half a lot, but kind of lost interest part way through. I’m not really a fan of instalove, but I loved the different take on a Little Mermaid retelling.
3.25⭐️
3.25⭐️
Read
July 14, 2025DNF @ 52%
September 6, 2025
**spoilers abound in this review**
This book was marketed as a great fit for fans of Leigh Bardugo's The Familiar, which I loved. This book is nothing like that book. I found the narrative to be incredibly clunky, the characters opaque, and many descriptions of basic action confusing. There were times when I was confused about where a scene was taking place. (Are we above ground? Underwater?). There is a romance at the core of the plot and I could not for the life of me understand the attraction between the two main characters. Their "love" ends up being based on about 4 brief interactions, so the supposed depth of feeling between them that motivated all kinds of desperate actions was confusing.
There are transparent allegories for climate change and racial equity, and the destructive force of capitalism. I am all about these causes and values but I found the way this played out in the book to be lifeless and without nuance or complexity (ie main character experiences a complete changing of perception and consciousness in one conversation). Lots of pedantic exposition.
I almost stopped listening to this audiobook many times but there was enough of a compelling premise (retelling of the little mermaid) that I was curious how things would turn out. The setting (Dutch Golden Age) and the weaving through of Friesian fairy tails was interesting too.
Clearly this was not what I was looking for - I wish I had skipped it.
This book was marketed as a great fit for fans of Leigh Bardugo's The Familiar, which I loved. This book is nothing like that book. I found the narrative to be incredibly clunky, the characters opaque, and many descriptions of basic action confusing. There were times when I was confused about where a scene was taking place. (Are we above ground? Underwater?). There is a romance at the core of the plot and I could not for the life of me understand the attraction between the two main characters. Their "love" ends up being based on about 4 brief interactions, so the supposed depth of feeling between them that motivated all kinds of desperate actions was confusing.
There are transparent allegories for climate change and racial equity, and the destructive force of capitalism. I am all about these causes and values but I found the way this played out in the book to be lifeless and without nuance or complexity (ie main character experiences a complete changing of perception and consciousness in one conversation). Lots of pedantic exposition.
I almost stopped listening to this audiobook many times but there was enough of a compelling premise (retelling of the little mermaid) that I was curious how things would turn out. The setting (Dutch Golden Age) and the weaving through of Friesian fairy tails was interesting too.
Clearly this was not what I was looking for - I wish I had skipped it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised with this little mermaid retelling. I really enjoy the writing style, which comes across as a classic romantic novel rather than a modern romantasy. The sin characters are cute and shy, which I can relate to myself so it was refreshing to see this character development.
September 28, 2025
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
A Magic Deep and Drowning by Hester Fox is a magical and intoxicating dive under the sea, I just loved this creative tale that was both entertaining and captivating. There were some elements of The Little Mermaid with a gender flip and Dutch folklore.
The story is set in 1650’s in the Netherlands. Twenty year old maiden Clara is the daughter of wealthy and unloving parents and is to be married off to a wealthy merchant but in the meantime she falls for a mysterious man who isn’t quite who he says he is.
An ancient bargain forged in blood between humans and the people of the sea turns Clara’s world inside out and upside down.
How wonderfully atmospheric was the water kingdom, magical creatures and the vibrant magical realism. The way humans are destroying the environment is cleverly weaved into the tale.
A fascinating and somewhat dark re-imaging.
Publication Date 02 July 2025
Publisher HQ Fiction US
Thank you so much Harlequin Australia & Harper Collins Australia for sending me a copy of the book.
A Magic Deep and Drowning by Hester Fox is a magical and intoxicating dive under the sea, I just loved this creative tale that was both entertaining and captivating. There were some elements of The Little Mermaid with a gender flip and Dutch folklore.
The story is set in 1650’s in the Netherlands. Twenty year old maiden Clara is the daughter of wealthy and unloving parents and is to be married off to a wealthy merchant but in the meantime she falls for a mysterious man who isn’t quite who he says he is.
An ancient bargain forged in blood between humans and the people of the sea turns Clara’s world inside out and upside down.
How wonderfully atmospheric was the water kingdom, magical creatures and the vibrant magical realism. The way humans are destroying the environment is cleverly weaved into the tale.
A fascinating and somewhat dark re-imaging.
Publication Date 02 July 2025
Publisher HQ Fiction US
Thank you so much Harlequin Australia & Harper Collins Australia for sending me a copy of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews