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The Deep and the Drowned
The first in a new fantasy trilogy from the author of the Rotstorm series and
Extremophile
, this novel is a high-octane tale set on the turbulent seas of Morost.
Beneath a sky ruled by gods and monsters, a drowned land spreads — thousands of scattered isles, each its own dominion, each a deadly trap for the unwary.
But for those bold enough to ply these turbulent waters, there is trade to be done and money to be made.
For a decade, Killian has sailed between the Strait Kingdoms and the Crown Isles — enough time to run up debts, break promises, and make enemies in every port. Now, foes and bad luck are quickly outnumbering his fortune and friends.
With the seas blazing with war, gods and mages clash to keep their heads above the rising tide. Killian must sail into the storm — and repay the biggest debt he owes, no matter the cost.
Beneath a sky ruled by gods and monsters, a drowned land spreads — thousands of scattered isles, each its own dominion, each a deadly trap for the unwary.
But for those bold enough to ply these turbulent waters, there is trade to be done and money to be made.
For a decade, Killian has sailed between the Strait Kingdoms and the Crown Isles — enough time to run up debts, break promises, and make enemies in every port. Now, foes and bad luck are quickly outnumbering his fortune and friends.
With the seas blazing with war, gods and mages clash to keep their heads above the rising tide. Killian must sail into the storm — and repay the biggest debt he owes, no matter the cost.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Deep and the Drowned by Ian Green is packed with powerful mysterious mages, ruthless pirates, hardened sailors, deceiving diplomats and an unknown knight navigating islands through treacherous seas. The world feels alive and full of adventures from the very first chapter till the very end and leave you desperate for the next book. And the cover beautiful sets the mood for the whole story.📚📖
Thank you NetGallery for access to this ARC.
Thank you NetGallery for access to this ARC.
August 7, 2026
I found this book really hard to get into. I loved the pirate aspect and the cocky humorous main character but I found the story to be a little all over the place. Since finishing I have seen that it is a book set in a very established world and therefore I may have enjoyed this book a lot more if I had read previous books in the world for more context.
But at the heart this book should have worked for me. There was a found family aspect to the crew, religious factions, a quest and some really cool races of people and creatures in this book. But for some reason I had no real desire to keep picking up the book and found my attention wandering all over the place. I think this is a me problem rather than the book. I think I wanted more sea monsters than I got.
But at the heart this book should have worked for me. There was a found family aspect to the crew, religious factions, a quest and some really cool races of people and creatures in this book. But for some reason I had no real desire to keep picking up the book and found my attention wandering all over the place. I think this is a me problem rather than the book. I think I wanted more sea monsters than I got.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ian Green's ‘The Deep and the Drowned’, the first instalment in a new high fantasy trilogy, blends seafaring adventure with soft magic and a multitude of competing religions. One of its most welcome modern qualities is its treatment of female characters, who are afforded as much agency, complexity and narrative importance as their male counterparts. Given fantasy's often uneven record in this regard, Green's approach is both refreshing and commendable.
Less successful, however, is his embrace of another contemporary trend: minimalist prose. Such restraint works well in contemporary fiction, where readers already understand the world the characters inhabit. In secondary-world fantasy, every omission creates uncertainty rather than intrigue. Green offers sparse descriptions and little exposition, leaving the reader to piece together unfamiliar races, customs and terminology with minimal guidance. I frequently found myself wondering why a character had scales or a flicking tongue, or what exactly was meant by terms such as "relu" or "Judge". I was not looking for lengthy infodumps, but fantasy places different demands on the writer. Following the principle of "show, don't tell" means showing far more, because the reader has no shared reality to fall back on. Here, mystery too often shades into confusion.
That lack of detail also weakens the novel's pacing. Words that might have been better spent enriching the world, developing battles that end almost as soon as they begin, or giving greater weight to a relatively slight plot are instead devoted to intermittent interludes that neither deepen the characters nor advance the story.
The novel also falls short of the expectations created by its description as "a high-octane tale set on the turbulent seas of Morost". For a seafaring fantasy, remarkably little of the story actually takes place at sea, and "high-octane" is not an adjective I would choose. The narrative is slow to gather momentum, with the central plot only truly emerging well past the halfway point. As a result, the book feels less like a satisfying novel in its own right than an extended prologue for the volumes to come.
There are the makings of an intriguing fantasy here, particularly in its progressive characterisation and ambitious setting, but the world remains too indistinct and the story too insubstantial to leave a lasting impression. I finished the novel with little desire to continue the trilogy.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Ian Green, and Head of Zeus for the ARC.
⚠️ Violence, torture, death of parent, cannibalism, slavery, murder
Less successful, however, is his embrace of another contemporary trend: minimalist prose. Such restraint works well in contemporary fiction, where readers already understand the world the characters inhabit. In secondary-world fantasy, every omission creates uncertainty rather than intrigue. Green offers sparse descriptions and little exposition, leaving the reader to piece together unfamiliar races, customs and terminology with minimal guidance. I frequently found myself wondering why a character had scales or a flicking tongue, or what exactly was meant by terms such as "relu" or "Judge". I was not looking for lengthy infodumps, but fantasy places different demands on the writer. Following the principle of "show, don't tell" means showing far more, because the reader has no shared reality to fall back on. Here, mystery too often shades into confusion.
That lack of detail also weakens the novel's pacing. Words that might have been better spent enriching the world, developing battles that end almost as soon as they begin, or giving greater weight to a relatively slight plot are instead devoted to intermittent interludes that neither deepen the characters nor advance the story.
The novel also falls short of the expectations created by its description as "a high-octane tale set on the turbulent seas of Morost". For a seafaring fantasy, remarkably little of the story actually takes place at sea, and "high-octane" is not an adjective I would choose. The narrative is slow to gather momentum, with the central plot only truly emerging well past the halfway point. As a result, the book feels less like a satisfying novel in its own right than an extended prologue for the volumes to come.
There are the makings of an intriguing fantasy here, particularly in its progressive characterisation and ambitious setting, but the world remains too indistinct and the story too insubstantial to leave a lasting impression. I finished the novel with little desire to continue the trilogy.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Ian Green, and Head of Zeus for the ARC.
⚠️ Violence, torture, death of parent, cannibalism, slavery, murder
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Review – The Deep and the Drowned by Ian Green
Pub Date: 6 August 2026
This is a bold and immersive start to a new fantasy trilogy, one that immediately stands out for its unique setting and relentless pace. Set across a fractured world of scattered isles and treacherous waters, The Deep and the Drowned delivers a gripping, high-stakes adventure that feels as vast and unpredictable as the seas it’s built upon.
Ian Green creates a world that is both rich and dangerous, where every island feels like its own story waiting to unfold. The constant presence of gods, monsters, and rising conflict gives the narrative a sense of scale that never lets up. There is a raw, almost chaotic energy to the world-building, and it works brilliantly in reinforcing the instability of a land shaped by water, war, and power.
At the centre of it all is Killian, a flawed and compelling protagonist. He is not a traditional hero, and that’s exactly what makes him so engaging. Burdened by debts, mistakes, and a past that refuses to stay buried, his journey feels grounded despite the fantastical setting. His character arc is driven as much by survival as it is by accountability, and that adds a layer of depth that elevates the story beyond a typical adventure.
The pacing is one of the novel’s strongest elements. It moves quickly, but never at the expense of tension or clarity. Each encounter feels purposeful, whether it’s a confrontation at sea, a political exchange, or a brush with something far more dangerous. There is always a sense that something is about to shift, and often it does.
What truly sets this book apart is the atmosphere. The seas of Morost are not just a backdrop; they are a living, unpredictable force. The danger feels constant, and the stakes are reinforced by the looming presence of war and divine influence. Magic and mythology are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a world that feels both ancient and volatile.
Overall, The Deep and the Drowned is a strong opening to what promises to be an expansive and gripping series. With a morally complex lead, a richly imagined world, and a story driven by consequence and survival, it is a compelling read for fans of darker, high-stakes fantasy.
A fast-paced, atmospheric, and engaging start that leaves you wanting more.
Pub Date: 6 August 2026
This is a bold and immersive start to a new fantasy trilogy, one that immediately stands out for its unique setting and relentless pace. Set across a fractured world of scattered isles and treacherous waters, The Deep and the Drowned delivers a gripping, high-stakes adventure that feels as vast and unpredictable as the seas it’s built upon.
Ian Green creates a world that is both rich and dangerous, where every island feels like its own story waiting to unfold. The constant presence of gods, monsters, and rising conflict gives the narrative a sense of scale that never lets up. There is a raw, almost chaotic energy to the world-building, and it works brilliantly in reinforcing the instability of a land shaped by water, war, and power.
At the centre of it all is Killian, a flawed and compelling protagonist. He is not a traditional hero, and that’s exactly what makes him so engaging. Burdened by debts, mistakes, and a past that refuses to stay buried, his journey feels grounded despite the fantastical setting. His character arc is driven as much by survival as it is by accountability, and that adds a layer of depth that elevates the story beyond a typical adventure.
The pacing is one of the novel’s strongest elements. It moves quickly, but never at the expense of tension or clarity. Each encounter feels purposeful, whether it’s a confrontation at sea, a political exchange, or a brush with something far more dangerous. There is always a sense that something is about to shift, and often it does.
What truly sets this book apart is the atmosphere. The seas of Morost are not just a backdrop; they are a living, unpredictable force. The danger feels constant, and the stakes are reinforced by the looming presence of war and divine influence. Magic and mythology are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a world that feels both ancient and volatile.
Overall, The Deep and the Drowned is a strong opening to what promises to be an expansive and gripping series. With a morally complex lead, a richly imagined world, and a story driven by consequence and survival, it is a compelling read for fans of darker, high-stakes fantasy.
A fast-paced, atmospheric, and engaging start that leaves you wanting more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Deep and the Drowned is a fun pirate coded fantasy about the seafaring Killian Heroneye, who is a self-made man (pirate). His parents are dead, his sister is estranged, but he has his crew. Problem is that he’s indebted to these lizard creature sisters, who send him out on a grand adventure that will not only risk his life but put him in the path of his actually sister, who may or may not want revenge for having been left behind years ago.
This book has such an interesting and vivid world — it’s set on a bunch of small islands and the only way to get between them is really to be able to sail a full ship. This means that the traveling people are often people who have the means or the infrastructure to hop between islands. It’s such a fascinating idea.
I had a hard time grasping the world in full, however, because despite a map and mention of various nations and islands, we don’t actually find out very much about the cultures of the creatures and peoples who inhabit these places. Killian is Russilan, we know that, and we know that Russilans were a people who no longer exist. They had a god that went mad, but we don’t know what separates them from other humans or why this happened.
I suspect a lot more details will be shared in the books to come, but it made it hard to follow this world. I also think it’s a stylistic choice. It’s a rather action packed book, and a lot of descriptors are skipped over, which works for those who like to follow the action vibe. I like epic fantasy with a lot of leisurely descriptors, world building and all those things that annoy the living hell out of others. I found myself going back several times to try to find details here that just didn’t exist. For some, that’s fine, but for me, it makes it a lot harder to connect with the writing.
The strength of this book is its well-developed world building and character back stories. I think if one buys that this is a typical first fantasy book, setting us up for the adventures to come, we can also accept some of the less developed parts of the Deep and the Drowned. I can really sense the plot machinations writhing underneath the writing, and my hunch is that it’s going to be well executed.
I received an eARC via NetGalley, provided by the publisher. Many thanks to Ian Green and Head of Zeus for letting me review this book!
This book has such an interesting and vivid world — it’s set on a bunch of small islands and the only way to get between them is really to be able to sail a full ship. This means that the traveling people are often people who have the means or the infrastructure to hop between islands. It’s such a fascinating idea.
I had a hard time grasping the world in full, however, because despite a map and mention of various nations and islands, we don’t actually find out very much about the cultures of the creatures and peoples who inhabit these places. Killian is Russilan, we know that, and we know that Russilans were a people who no longer exist. They had a god that went mad, but we don’t know what separates them from other humans or why this happened.
I suspect a lot more details will be shared in the books to come, but it made it hard to follow this world. I also think it’s a stylistic choice. It’s a rather action packed book, and a lot of descriptors are skipped over, which works for those who like to follow the action vibe. I like epic fantasy with a lot of leisurely descriptors, world building and all those things that annoy the living hell out of others. I found myself going back several times to try to find details here that just didn’t exist. For some, that’s fine, but for me, it makes it a lot harder to connect with the writing.
The strength of this book is its well-developed world building and character back stories. I think if one buys that this is a typical first fantasy book, setting us up for the adventures to come, we can also accept some of the less developed parts of the Deep and the Drowned. I can really sense the plot machinations writhing underneath the writing, and my hunch is that it’s going to be well executed.
I received an eARC via NetGalley, provided by the publisher. Many thanks to Ian Green and Head of Zeus for letting me review this book!
August 6, 2026
The Deep and the Drowned is the first instalment in a new epic fantasy trilogy by Ian Green. The story follows Killian, a notorious sailor whose reputation stretches across the globe—from the Strait Kingdoms to the Crowne Isles. Along the way, he's amassed debts, ignited conflicts, and made enemies in almost every port he has visited. With old foes beginning to outnumber his allies, Killian soon finds himself caught in a far greater conflict than any he's faced before.
As war erupts between powerful mages and ancient gods across the seas, Killian is forced to confront the ultimate debt he owes—one that could cost him everything.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its world-building. Green creates a vast, richly imagined fantasy world filled with vivid locations, layered lore, and high-stakes magic. The descriptive writing paints every setting in detail, making it easy to picture the seas, cities, and dangers that lie ahead.
That said, I personally found this a difficult book to fully connect with. A huge amount happens in a relatively short space of time, and while the pace rarely slows, I often found myself reading several pages before realising I hadn't absorbed what I'd read. It wasn't until the latter part of the novel that the story really began to pull me back in.
I wanted to enjoy this more than I ultimately did. Whether that came down to the writing style simply not clicking with me or the story itself, I'm not entirely sure. Much of the plot follows Killian travelling from place to place, exploring tombs, escaping danger, and fighting his way through increasingly perilous situations. While there are plenty of action sequences, I found this structure became quite repetitive, and I was hoping for more variation and character development to break up the cycle.
Overall, The Deep and the Drowned is an ambitious start to what promises to be a large-scale fantasy series, with impressive world-building and an intriguing premise. Although it wasn't the right fit for me personally, readers who enjoy expansive fantasy worlds, seafaring adventures, and action-driven plots may find far more to love here than I did.
As war erupts between powerful mages and ancient gods across the seas, Killian is forced to confront the ultimate debt he owes—one that could cost him everything.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its world-building. Green creates a vast, richly imagined fantasy world filled with vivid locations, layered lore, and high-stakes magic. The descriptive writing paints every setting in detail, making it easy to picture the seas, cities, and dangers that lie ahead.
That said, I personally found this a difficult book to fully connect with. A huge amount happens in a relatively short space of time, and while the pace rarely slows, I often found myself reading several pages before realising I hadn't absorbed what I'd read. It wasn't until the latter part of the novel that the story really began to pull me back in.
I wanted to enjoy this more than I ultimately did. Whether that came down to the writing style simply not clicking with me or the story itself, I'm not entirely sure. Much of the plot follows Killian travelling from place to place, exploring tombs, escaping danger, and fighting his way through increasingly perilous situations. While there are plenty of action sequences, I found this structure became quite repetitive, and I was hoping for more variation and character development to break up the cycle.
Overall, The Deep and the Drowned is an ambitious start to what promises to be a large-scale fantasy series, with impressive world-building and an intriguing premise. Although it wasn't the right fit for me personally, readers who enjoy expansive fantasy worlds, seafaring adventures, and action-driven plots may find far more to love here than I did.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC copy of this book through NetGalley, these are my honest opinions.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
I'm so torn about this one. I loved the story and the characters, but this feels like a part one of a book, instead of an entire book on its own. There's no real resolution to anything in this book and it leaves you feeling like you've read an extended synopsis meant to entice you into the rest of the series. It leaves you wanting more but, at the same time, a little unfulfilled because none of the story threads wrap up. It raises questions throughout and offers no answers. And I found that a little frustrating.
The premise is a welcome change to the usual fantasy model, with more of an ocean based setting, and I love the set up of the Cil-Marie essentially being an occupying force and enforcing their own beliefs on others -- it gave me Star Wars empire vibes, which I loved. And the different cultures and customs made the world feel so big and new. (And, honestly, it was so refreshing to see a fantasy world that wasn’t Fae or Elves).
And the characters? I genuinely loved the fact that punches weren't pulled and that awful characters got to do awful things without the book trying to soften the blow. There are a couple of moments that felt truly dark that really show you that the antagonists are prepared to cross any line either because they have to or simply because they want to. But, even then, giving the short length of the book and how much it tries to accomplish, we don’t get to linger on many of the events. Things happen, then they’re onto the next thing.
I don't know. I enjoyed it but it did feel like something was missing/it should have been longer instead of it leaving so many plot threads dangling to go into the next book. And that did affect my overall enjoyment, especially towards the end where everything ramps up to a confrontation that I didn't feel really delivered.
All this said, I am invested enough that I will probably continue this series.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
I'm so torn about this one. I loved the story and the characters, but this feels like a part one of a book, instead of an entire book on its own. There's no real resolution to anything in this book and it leaves you feeling like you've read an extended synopsis meant to entice you into the rest of the series. It leaves you wanting more but, at the same time, a little unfulfilled because none of the story threads wrap up. It raises questions throughout and offers no answers. And I found that a little frustrating.
The premise is a welcome change to the usual fantasy model, with more of an ocean based setting, and I love the set up of the Cil-Marie essentially being an occupying force and enforcing their own beliefs on others -- it gave me Star Wars empire vibes, which I loved. And the different cultures and customs made the world feel so big and new. (And, honestly, it was so refreshing to see a fantasy world that wasn’t Fae or Elves).
And the characters? I genuinely loved the fact that punches weren't pulled and that awful characters got to do awful things without the book trying to soften the blow. There are a couple of moments that felt truly dark that really show you that the antagonists are prepared to cross any line either because they have to or simply because they want to. But, even then, giving the short length of the book and how much it tries to accomplish, we don’t get to linger on many of the events. Things happen, then they’re onto the next thing.
I don't know. I enjoyed it but it did feel like something was missing/it should have been longer instead of it leaving so many plot threads dangling to go into the next book. And that did affect my overall enjoyment, especially towards the end where everything ramps up to a confrontation that I didn't feel really delivered.
All this said, I am invested enough that I will probably continue this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I found The Deep and the Drowned to be a strong and immersive opening to a new fantasy series, with a setting that immediately sets it apart. The drowned world of Morost with its fractured isles, volatile seas, and ever present sense of danger felt expansive, richly imagined and full of potential.
The world building is a clear highlight. Ian Green crafts a landscape shaped by conflict where gods, mages and human ambition collide in ways that feel both chaotic and deliberate. There’s a weight to the setting that gives the story real presence and the maritime focus adds a refreshing edge within the genre.
Killian is a compelling and grounded protagonist. His moral ambiguity, past mistakes and constant struggle to stay ahead of mounting consequences make him feel layered and authentic. Rather than a traditional hero he reads as someone shaped by survival which adds depth to his journey and anchors the wider narrative.
The pacing is fast and driven by action, with strong momentum throughout. Encounters at sea, moments of political tension, and brushes with larger powers keep the narrative moving. At times, this pace does limit deeper exploration of some of the supporting cast but it also reinforces the unpredictability of the world and the urgency of Killian’s situation.
What stood out most was the atmosphere. The sea itself feels like a living force unforgiving, unstable, and central to the story’s identity. Combined with the looming presence of war and divine influence, it creates a tone that is both dark and immersive.
Overall this is a confident and engaging start to a series with a distinctive setting, a morally complex lead, and strong narrative momentum. I’m very interested to see how the world and its conflicts develop in the next instalment.
I found The Deep and the Drowned to be a strong and immersive opening to a new fantasy series, with a setting that immediately sets it apart. The drowned world of Morost with its fractured isles, volatile seas, and ever present sense of danger felt expansive, richly imagined and full of potential.
The world building is a clear highlight. Ian Green crafts a landscape shaped by conflict where gods, mages and human ambition collide in ways that feel both chaotic and deliberate. There’s a weight to the setting that gives the story real presence and the maritime focus adds a refreshing edge within the genre.
Killian is a compelling and grounded protagonist. His moral ambiguity, past mistakes and constant struggle to stay ahead of mounting consequences make him feel layered and authentic. Rather than a traditional hero he reads as someone shaped by survival which adds depth to his journey and anchors the wider narrative.
The pacing is fast and driven by action, with strong momentum throughout. Encounters at sea, moments of political tension, and brushes with larger powers keep the narrative moving. At times, this pace does limit deeper exploration of some of the supporting cast but it also reinforces the unpredictability of the world and the urgency of Killian’s situation.
What stood out most was the atmosphere. The sea itself feels like a living force unforgiving, unstable, and central to the story’s identity. Combined with the looming presence of war and divine influence, it creates a tone that is both dark and immersive.
Overall this is a confident and engaging start to a series with a distinctive setting, a morally complex lead, and strong narrative momentum. I’m very interested to see how the world and its conflicts develop in the next instalment.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Five stars to the atmosphere, which almost entirely makes the book in my opinion, but a four star overall.
I found the tone of this book so incredibly moody and fresh in the way it was done. It’s a fantasy that’s so very atmospheric it transports you directly into the action. You could practically feel the sea breeze on your face, see the monsters with your eyes.
This world, a very rich and layered world, is ruled by the aforementioned gods and monsters, the story takes place on the turbulent seas of Morost. It can get pretty dark, I’ll tell you that much, but I don’t think that should shy anyone away from reading this book, it’s really just its tone.
I don’t know if this is the general consensus, but the main character Killian really did nothing for me. I could see the appeal I guess, the flawed hero kind of experience, but he was really just forgettable to me. I the sense that I probably won’t remember even his name tomorrow, that kind of forgettable. And that’s not good.
The storyline flowed smoothly, and the writing style was very engaging and I liked all the maps shown and the little chapter intermissions with quotes and the like. I really enjoyed those, they’re my thing.
I think maybe the book could’ve done with being a little longer, though. You could especially see that in the beginning, the first third or so, threw a lot of stuff at you, and you don’t know where to look there’s so much stuff going on. It’s not like it’s even that short but for a fantasy book with a complex world and world building, you need a little more pages.
I see this is also the first in a series which I wasn’t anticipating, though I do see now why that is, but I could see myself picking the next book up when it’s out. All in all, I would recommend. Mostly for the atmosphere situation, the pacing, just the story, a little less for the characters which I didn’t connect with at all.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found the tone of this book so incredibly moody and fresh in the way it was done. It’s a fantasy that’s so very atmospheric it transports you directly into the action. You could practically feel the sea breeze on your face, see the monsters with your eyes.
This world, a very rich and layered world, is ruled by the aforementioned gods and monsters, the story takes place on the turbulent seas of Morost. It can get pretty dark, I’ll tell you that much, but I don’t think that should shy anyone away from reading this book, it’s really just its tone.
I don’t know if this is the general consensus, but the main character Killian really did nothing for me. I could see the appeal I guess, the flawed hero kind of experience, but he was really just forgettable to me. I the sense that I probably won’t remember even his name tomorrow, that kind of forgettable. And that’s not good.
The storyline flowed smoothly, and the writing style was very engaging and I liked all the maps shown and the little chapter intermissions with quotes and the like. I really enjoyed those, they’re my thing.
I think maybe the book could’ve done with being a little longer, though. You could especially see that in the beginning, the first third or so, threw a lot of stuff at you, and you don’t know where to look there’s so much stuff going on. It’s not like it’s even that short but for a fantasy book with a complex world and world building, you need a little more pages.
I see this is also the first in a series which I wasn’t anticipating, though I do see now why that is, but I could see myself picking the next book up when it’s out. All in all, I would recommend. Mostly for the atmosphere situation, the pacing, just the story, a little less for the characters which I didn’t connect with at all.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2026
High fantasy meets the high seas in the start of Ian Green’s new trilogy.
It follows a pirate crew as they navigate an archipelago in the world of Morost, on the way to pay a debt and find a long lost sister. Their journey is filled with monsters and mysteries, and you’ll love the drama of the diverse crew.
The main character is Captain Killian Heroneye, a young, brave misfit full of vengeance who has fought tooth and nail to lead a ship and crew. However, the multi-POV format means you also follow a range of mages, soldiers and sailors, tapping into their different religions and relationships.
Something I particularly like is the magic. It plays on the concept that all things are woven together in a pattern - the ‘skein’ - that can be tapped into by those with a sense of it. I’m sure this is going to be elaborated on in future books, and I’m intrigued to see how different characters wield the power.
This was the first book I’ve read by Ian Green, but I already get a sense of how his stories intertwine. They’re set in the same world: a place where the ancient powers have gone mad, and fearsome ‘rotstorms’ plague the land. It’s a fascinating landscape, cleverly built, and reading this one makes me want to read the others.
There were a few things that broke my reading experience - I’m not sure why some sentences are so long, and I wonder why all the deities and powers are brilliantly original except for one pagan god that was actually worshipped around 1200 BCE or so. Why add that in to a world otherwise so unique and new? Perhaps it’s due to the association with storms, but still - the author is a fantastic writer and could have imagined up something really creative instead.
That being said, I loved the adventure, the pacing and the world, and I’m eager to see where this series goes.
A big thank you to @headofzeus and the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
It follows a pirate crew as they navigate an archipelago in the world of Morost, on the way to pay a debt and find a long lost sister. Their journey is filled with monsters and mysteries, and you’ll love the drama of the diverse crew.
The main character is Captain Killian Heroneye, a young, brave misfit full of vengeance who has fought tooth and nail to lead a ship and crew. However, the multi-POV format means you also follow a range of mages, soldiers and sailors, tapping into their different religions and relationships.
Something I particularly like is the magic. It plays on the concept that all things are woven together in a pattern - the ‘skein’ - that can be tapped into by those with a sense of it. I’m sure this is going to be elaborated on in future books, and I’m intrigued to see how different characters wield the power.
This was the first book I’ve read by Ian Green, but I already get a sense of how his stories intertwine. They’re set in the same world: a place where the ancient powers have gone mad, and fearsome ‘rotstorms’ plague the land. It’s a fascinating landscape, cleverly built, and reading this one makes me want to read the others.
There were a few things that broke my reading experience - I’m not sure why some sentences are so long, and I wonder why all the deities and powers are brilliantly original except for one pagan god that was actually worshipped around 1200 BCE or so. Why add that in to a world otherwise so unique and new? Perhaps it’s due to the association with storms, but still - the author is a fantastic writer and could have imagined up something really creative instead.
That being said, I loved the adventure, the pacing and the world, and I’m eager to see where this series goes.
A big thank you to @headofzeus and the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The book marks the beginning of a new trilogy, seemingly set in the Rotstorm universe. Our protagonist is a wayward ship captain, one of the remnants of an ancient race, who has lost his family because of both the violence of the Cil conquerors and his own misguided actions.
The story begins in earnest when his arm is twisted and he is forced to transport a Cil diplomat and her guardian to a remote location protected by a god who permits entry only to a select few. As they embark on this journey, we gradually learn more about the world they inhabit, the reasons behind this unusual quest, and what drives some of the protagonists to act as they do.
As usual with this author, the writing is close to impeccable. Once the story gets going (around 20% of the way through), the book becomes very difficult to put down. The protagonists are remarkably flawed and lifelike, while the relationships between them feel natural, complex, and multi-faceted.
It is almost everything I want from a fantasy novel. Despite being somewhat reminiscent of *The Lies of Locke Lamora* and *The Liveship Traders*, the story remains fresh enough to keep the reader fully engaged. It perhaps lacks metaphysical depth or philosophical acuity, but that only matters if one is looking for those things (I usually am, though I can still enjoy an excellent book when they are absent).
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The story begins in earnest when his arm is twisted and he is forced to transport a Cil diplomat and her guardian to a remote location protected by a god who permits entry only to a select few. As they embark on this journey, we gradually learn more about the world they inhabit, the reasons behind this unusual quest, and what drives some of the protagonists to act as they do.
As usual with this author, the writing is close to impeccable. Once the story gets going (around 20% of the way through), the book becomes very difficult to put down. The protagonists are remarkably flawed and lifelike, while the relationships between them feel natural, complex, and multi-faceted.
It is almost everything I want from a fantasy novel. Despite being somewhat reminiscent of *The Lies of Locke Lamora* and *The Liveship Traders*, the story remains fresh enough to keep the reader fully engaged. It perhaps lacks metaphysical depth or philosophical acuity, but that only matters if one is looking for those things (I usually am, though I can still enjoy an excellent book when they are absent).
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I enjoyed this a lot! I always like a seafaring fantasy and the world of Morost with its fragmented islands, skein-mages and animist mad gods is unique and vividly realised. I've not read any of the author's previous novels but this is set in the same world as his Rotstorm trilogy, which has been added to my TBR list on the back of this read.
Killian Heroneye is a really interesting protagonist, not your stereotypical action hero of epic fantasy. He's very much a real person, a deeply flawed, ambiguous character who often does the wrong thing for the wrong reasons, is riddled with regrets and isn't always in control of situations, and keeps you wondering just how much of his real story we're being told. The secondary characters are just as complex in their motivations and interactions - with one exception there are no hundred percent good or evil people here.
The pacing is spot on. It rattles along briskly but confidently, and while we don't get endless historical and geographical details, there's enough threaded through the story that one never feels lost. The ending is not exactly a cliff-hanger, but leaves the fates of many of the characters in the balance so I will definitely be back for book two because I need to see what happens next.
I enjoyed this a lot! I always like a seafaring fantasy and the world of Morost with its fragmented islands, skein-mages and animist mad gods is unique and vividly realised. I've not read any of the author's previous novels but this is set in the same world as his Rotstorm trilogy, which has been added to my TBR list on the back of this read.
Killian Heroneye is a really interesting protagonist, not your stereotypical action hero of epic fantasy. He's very much a real person, a deeply flawed, ambiguous character who often does the wrong thing for the wrong reasons, is riddled with regrets and isn't always in control of situations, and keeps you wondering just how much of his real story we're being told. The secondary characters are just as complex in their motivations and interactions - with one exception there are no hundred percent good or evil people here.
The pacing is spot on. It rattles along briskly but confidently, and while we don't get endless historical and geographical details, there's enough threaded through the story that one never feels lost. The ending is not exactly a cliff-hanger, but leaves the fates of many of the characters in the balance so I will definitely be back for book two because I need to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy
The Deep and the Drowned is a nautical themed fantasy where our main character, Killian, has to navigate the treacherous seas and the wild islands within them to pay back previous mistakes but slowly unravels a bigger problem at hand.
I really enjoyed the world building within this book, as someone who can get a bit lost with heavier fantasy books, this one did a great job at explaining this nautical world. I was excited to see what each island held and what characters we would face.
Killian was a well developed character, charismatic, flawed, challenged. He made for an interesting and relatable hero.
The mystical and magical elements of the book were my favourite, as someone who isn't big on conflict/battle revolved books, I didn't mind this one as much.
It did take a bit of time for me to get in to the book, and I did find the pacing slow in some parts and then a bit too quick in others, but overall decent pacing. I do wish there was more time spent exploring the other characters and the lands they were from.
A lot of things in the book do feel like they were set up for the rest of the trilogy, which does make you want to read on, but also had me yearning for some form of closure.
As my first at-sea fantasy, I found this interesting and would recommend for anyone who wants to get in to slightly heavier fantasy books.
The Deep and the Drowned is a nautical themed fantasy where our main character, Killian, has to navigate the treacherous seas and the wild islands within them to pay back previous mistakes but slowly unravels a bigger problem at hand.
I really enjoyed the world building within this book, as someone who can get a bit lost with heavier fantasy books, this one did a great job at explaining this nautical world. I was excited to see what each island held and what characters we would face.
Killian was a well developed character, charismatic, flawed, challenged. He made for an interesting and relatable hero.
The mystical and magical elements of the book were my favourite, as someone who isn't big on conflict/battle revolved books, I didn't mind this one as much.
It did take a bit of time for me to get in to the book, and I did find the pacing slow in some parts and then a bit too quick in others, but overall decent pacing. I do wish there was more time spent exploring the other characters and the lands they were from.
A lot of things in the book do feel like they were set up for the rest of the trilogy, which does make you want to read on, but also had me yearning for some form of closure.
As my first at-sea fantasy, I found this interesting and would recommend for anyone who wants to get in to slightly heavier fantasy books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this book, I need more. The pirates, the Judges, the Factions battling it out for power of The Crowns.
Things I loved...
•The fantasy - the skein intrigues me and I wish there was more information on it!
•The MC - Killian was a well rounded character in my opinion, you could see his flaws, you could see his motivation and you could see his strengths.
•The world building - the first half of this book felt very much like it was building the world around The Crowns and giving the reader an idea of the powers at play, the things at stake and the and the many cultures in the setting.
Things I wasn't so much of a fan of...
•It didn't feel like a true ending. It just kind of stopped. The climax of the story happened with Lady Marion, Silver, Blade Mournchild, Key, Killian and his crew reaching the apex and then bam books finished. I remarked to my husband that it felt the end of a TV episode.
•The pacing - it starts off slow, whilst I appreciated the world building there wasn't a lot that happened for the ending to feel so abrupt.
Overall a good read and I'm definitely going to be keeping my eyes peeled for book 2 to see where that ending takes the Crew of the Cutlass Hawk
Things I loved...
•The fantasy - the skein intrigues me and I wish there was more information on it!
•The MC - Killian was a well rounded character in my opinion, you could see his flaws, you could see his motivation and you could see his strengths.
•The world building - the first half of this book felt very much like it was building the world around The Crowns and giving the reader an idea of the powers at play, the things at stake and the and the many cultures in the setting.
Things I wasn't so much of a fan of...
•It didn't feel like a true ending. It just kind of stopped. The climax of the story happened with Lady Marion, Silver, Blade Mournchild, Key, Killian and his crew reaching the apex and then bam books finished. I remarked to my husband that it felt the end of a TV episode.
•The pacing - it starts off slow, whilst I appreciated the world building there wasn't a lot that happened for the ending to feel so abrupt.
Overall a good read and I'm definitely going to be keeping my eyes peeled for book 2 to see where that ending takes the Crew of the Cutlass Hawk
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Deep and the Drowned in five words: pirates, stars, gods, violence, family.
I hadn't read the other books set in this universe, but the first entry in this trilogy from Ian Green is wholeheartedly enough to make me want to dive in (pardon the pun), to what has come before it.
Weirdly, I am drawn to pirate stories at the moment, and this is well and truly pirate-y in all it's maritime violent glory.
Killian is a "sailor" - he isn't, he's a pirate, lets be clear about that. And he is what I can only call a morally grey bastard, who looks out for people, but also has an extremely short temper and significant anger management issues.
In short, a great protagonist.
Sea monster gods, multiple races, religious crusades and magic.
This kind of has it all and is a really, really solid fantasy.
My only issue was the complexity of the first 50-75 pages. It's dense. If you can get through it, read it slowly so it goes in, then you're onto a winner. My advice is to stick with it, go steady, and try and understand who is who, and what is what, and the payoff will be worth it.
Really enjoyed this - so over the moon I got an ARC because LOOK AT THAT COVER, IT'S STUNNING.
4.0/5.0
I hadn't read the other books set in this universe, but the first entry in this trilogy from Ian Green is wholeheartedly enough to make me want to dive in (pardon the pun), to what has come before it.
Weirdly, I am drawn to pirate stories at the moment, and this is well and truly pirate-y in all it's maritime violent glory.
Killian is a "sailor" - he isn't, he's a pirate, lets be clear about that. And he is what I can only call a morally grey bastard, who looks out for people, but also has an extremely short temper and significant anger management issues.
In short, a great protagonist.
Sea monster gods, multiple races, religious crusades and magic.
This kind of has it all and is a really, really solid fantasy.
My only issue was the complexity of the first 50-75 pages. It's dense. If you can get through it, read it slowly so it goes in, then you're onto a winner. My advice is to stick with it, go steady, and try and understand who is who, and what is what, and the payoff will be worth it.
Really enjoyed this - so over the moon I got an ARC because LOOK AT THAT COVER, IT'S STUNNING.
4.0/5.0
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is a high-stakes pirate fantasy that doesn't let a sprawling world-build distract from it's compelling cast of characters. Morost is a fantasy world that is truly alive and will remind you of such viciously and when you least expect it. Not surprising when TDATD takes place in the same world as Green's Rotstorm Trilogy. (However there is no requirement to read Rotstorm first)
Killian is my kind of character. Morally grey, grimy, angry, lost man with a strange charisma (arguably required in a pirate) and something inside that keeps pushing him forwards. Maybe that thing is a mad sea god? Maybe just spite?
Complex political, social, religious, and historical machinations underpin the narrative while a variety of POVs deliver a gripping story about conviction, family, and thirst. So much thirst- but for what? I won't say. I was dipping into the perspective of protagonists, antagonists, and uniquely placed side character alike. This is one of the biggest strengths as all the POVs serve the greater story and when everything finally comes together...it crashes into you. Imagine seeing the movements of the antagonists and they STILL get your ass at the end...yeah...it's not fair but I love it.
Already pining for book 2!
Killian is my kind of character. Morally grey, grimy, angry, lost man with a strange charisma (arguably required in a pirate) and something inside that keeps pushing him forwards. Maybe that thing is a mad sea god? Maybe just spite?
Complex political, social, religious, and historical machinations underpin the narrative while a variety of POVs deliver a gripping story about conviction, family, and thirst. So much thirst- but for what? I won't say. I was dipping into the perspective of protagonists, antagonists, and uniquely placed side character alike. This is one of the biggest strengths as all the POVs serve the greater story and when everything finally comes together...it crashes into you. Imagine seeing the movements of the antagonists and they STILL get your ass at the end...yeah...it's not fair but I love it.
Already pining for book 2!
July 28, 2026
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review*
This was a difficult book for me to review because there was a lot I enjoyed, but also quite a bit that didn’t work for me.
Starting with the negatives, I found the pacing a little uneven. Some sections felt drawn out, while others seemed rushed. There were also a few instances where the word choice didn’t quite fit the scene, which pulled me out of the story and broke my immersion. I also didn’t feel the ending did the book justice, it felt as though it simply… stopped.
On the positive side, I loved the rich world-building. I’m especially intrigued by the Skein and can’t wait to learn more about it in the next book. I thought the main characters were well developed, and there were one or two side characters who seem like they have the potential to become really interesting. I’d also love to learn more about the Judges in the sequel.
Overall, The Deep and the Drowned has all the ingredients of a strong fantasy series. With some tighter pacing and a little more development in future instalments, I think it could become something really special.
This was a difficult book for me to review because there was a lot I enjoyed, but also quite a bit that didn’t work for me.
Starting with the negatives, I found the pacing a little uneven. Some sections felt drawn out, while others seemed rushed. There were also a few instances where the word choice didn’t quite fit the scene, which pulled me out of the story and broke my immersion. I also didn’t feel the ending did the book justice, it felt as though it simply… stopped.
On the positive side, I loved the rich world-building. I’m especially intrigued by the Skein and can’t wait to learn more about it in the next book. I thought the main characters were well developed, and there were one or two side characters who seem like they have the potential to become really interesting. I’d also love to learn more about the Judges in the sequel.
Overall, The Deep and the Drowned has all the ingredients of a strong fantasy series. With some tighter pacing and a little more development in future instalments, I think it could become something really special.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had high hopes for this book but unfortunately it just didn't grip me the way I had imagined it would.
The first 28(ISH)% of the book felt rather overwhelming. Everything felt like it was thrown at you all at once. After that, the story seemed to settle into a good rhythm and I did begin to enjoy it. The magic, the piracy and the character connections all started to flow and I found myself quite hooked. Until I hit about 65% and then everything seemed to unravel again. I did finish the book but, even though the ending is a typical cliffhanger, it's not one that will entice me into the next book.
Another distraction for me personally is the overuse of 'and', mainly in the latter half of the book. Longer sentences would frequently have 3 or 4 'and's in them, when commas or new sentences would have been just as effective. Unfortunately, once I had noticed this, it was impossible for me to ignore.
Others may well enjoy this book as there are some great elements to it but it was just not for me.
The first 28(ISH)% of the book felt rather overwhelming. Everything felt like it was thrown at you all at once. After that, the story seemed to settle into a good rhythm and I did begin to enjoy it. The magic, the piracy and the character connections all started to flow and I found myself quite hooked. Until I hit about 65% and then everything seemed to unravel again. I did finish the book but, even though the ending is a typical cliffhanger, it's not one that will entice me into the next book.
Another distraction for me personally is the overuse of 'and', mainly in the latter half of the book. Longer sentences would frequently have 3 or 4 'and's in them, when commas or new sentences would have been just as effective. Unfortunately, once I had noticed this, it was impossible for me to ignore.
Others may well enjoy this book as there are some great elements to it but it was just not for me.
August 6, 2026
The Deep and the Drowned is an incredibly immersive maritime fantasy that excels at capturing a genuinely gritty atmosphere and an impressively large-scale world. The book wastes absolutely no time pulling you in; the opening pages literally drop you right into the churning sea, kicking things off with a visceral, raw intensity that sets the tone for the entire adventure. While I felt that the overarching plot took its time to truly materialize, only gaining momentum around the midway point, the journey getting there was still enjoyable. Exploring this sea-dominated expanse alongside diverse groups of Gods, rogue pirates, powerful mages, and plotting diplomats kept me fully engaged. Overall a fascinating world crawling with monsters that left me interested to see where this chaotic nautical journey heads next. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
August 10, 2026
I really wanted to like this book; it features different gods, magic, and a man who has to repay his debts—what’s not to like?
However, it focused more on religion than magic. The magic felt secondary rather than primary. It wasn’t bad, but it took a while to really get into, especially for a book of this size. I thought I’d finish it in a day, but it took a little longer than expected. The magic aspect was brilliant, and I loved it! I just wish there was more of it, along with the treasure hunting.
The main character, Killian, intrigued me. He seemed to have been through a lot in his young life, and although he has powers, he’s reluctant to show them. He’s also a killer and a thief. One thing I was hoping for in a pirate fantasy like this was some banter, but there was none, which was disappointing.
Would I read the next books? Yes, but I wouldn’t purchase them outright; I’d probably wait for the paperbacks to come out.
However, it focused more on religion than magic. The magic felt secondary rather than primary. It wasn’t bad, but it took a while to really get into, especially for a book of this size. I thought I’d finish it in a day, but it took a little longer than expected. The magic aspect was brilliant, and I loved it! I just wish there was more of it, along with the treasure hunting.
The main character, Killian, intrigued me. He seemed to have been through a lot in his young life, and although he has powers, he’s reluctant to show them. He’s also a killer and a thief. One thing I was hoping for in a pirate fantasy like this was some banter, but there was none, which was disappointing.
Would I read the next books? Yes, but I wouldn’t purchase them outright; I’d probably wait for the paperbacks to come out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a well-written fantasy that looks like it'd be a hit with the right audience. Unfortunately I don't think that includes me.
I found the excessive exposition full of fantasy names, history, geography etc confusing from the start - particularly with the unclear time-jump between Prologue and Chapter 1 - and it really slowed the pace of the story down. What should have been an action-packed beginning full of tension was instead full of backstory, as well as reminding me of other similar tales (notably 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', which was admittedly rather fun). I soon found myself skipping the huge paragraphs of lore, which isn't a good sign, and ultimately felt reluctant to return to the book after putting it down. Sadly a DNF for me, as it just didn't connect.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
I found the excessive exposition full of fantasy names, history, geography etc confusing from the start - particularly with the unclear time-jump between Prologue and Chapter 1 - and it really slowed the pace of the story down. What should have been an action-packed beginning full of tension was instead full of backstory, as well as reminding me of other similar tales (notably 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', which was admittedly rather fun). I soon found myself skipping the huge paragraphs of lore, which isn't a good sign, and ultimately felt reluctant to return to the book after putting it down. Sadly a DNF for me, as it just didn't connect.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The kingdom has all but drowned and now only islands remain, each ruled by a god of its own making and not kind to outsiders like Killian, who wash up on their isle intent on burrowing into the crypts of the dead...
I had such a fun time with this sea-faring adventure! Killian and his crew were varied and interesting and the world was vast and magical. I might have got a little overwhelmed with all the wonders this contained, on times, but had a wonderful time immersed in this new, fantasy world. I haven't had the pleasure of reading from this author before, but I know this will not be my last foray into his mystical and magical mind!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Ian Green, and the publisher, Head of Zeus, for this opportunity.
I had such a fun time with this sea-faring adventure! Killian and his crew were varied and interesting and the world was vast and magical. I might have got a little overwhelmed with all the wonders this contained, on times, but had a wonderful time immersed in this new, fantasy world. I haven't had the pleasure of reading from this author before, but I know this will not be my last foray into his mystical and magical mind!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Ian Green, and the publisher, Head of Zeus, for this opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a swashbuckling ride! The Deep and the Drowned throws you headfirst into the adventure from the very first page.
Ian Green has created a magic system that feels genuinely different. The characters are compelling and layered.
This book had me so in its thrall that somewhere along the way I stopped noticing the pages turning and simply existed in the story. So much so that when I reached the end, I was genuinely surprised that there wasn't another hundred pages waiting for me.
This is a fantasy that is immersive without becoming convoluted, adventurous without sacrificing character. I'm already looking forward to whatever voyage Green takes me on next.
Ian Green has created a magic system that feels genuinely different. The characters are compelling and layered.
This book had me so in its thrall that somewhere along the way I stopped noticing the pages turning and simply existed in the story. So much so that when I reached the end, I was genuinely surprised that there wasn't another hundred pages waiting for me.
This is a fantasy that is immersive without becoming convoluted, adventurous without sacrificing character. I'm already looking forward to whatever voyage Green takes me on next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🌊 ARC Review 🌊
• The Deep and the Drowned by Ian Green •
This is the first installment in a series set out to be a trilogy.
This book is for fans of Seafaring adventures and Mythical Gods. Unfortunately that doesn't apply to me. It took me a while to get into it, and in the end I didn't up finishing it.
I don't feel that I connected with this work, not because it wasn't good but because I don't feel like I am the right target audience.
I struggled wirh the pacing, I was more enthralled by the prologue character rather than the MC. I was confused as to when in time Killian (MC) comes in. I felt like it could have been a bit more gripping.
Rating: ☆☆☆/5
• The Deep and the Drowned by Ian Green •
This is the first installment in a series set out to be a trilogy.
This book is for fans of Seafaring adventures and Mythical Gods. Unfortunately that doesn't apply to me. It took me a while to get into it, and in the end I didn't up finishing it.
I don't feel that I connected with this work, not because it wasn't good but because I don't feel like I am the right target audience.
I struggled wirh the pacing, I was more enthralled by the prologue character rather than the MC. I was confused as to when in time Killian (MC) comes in. I felt like it could have been a bit more gripping.
Rating: ☆☆☆/5
Review of advance copy
Whilst I did enjoy the story overall I found this a very hard book to get into. It does not hold your hand at all and you’re thrown into the world with lots of assumptions on what you know, I appreciate there are other trilogies in this world but i was hoping I’d be able to pick up this trilogy and get on with it without reading the others.
I’m not sure if I’d appreciate the book more if I understood the world better but with the quick writing pace I felt as if I was always playing catchup and not fully appreciating the story.
I did enjoy the overall plot though and the main character of Killian was interesting and I wasn’t always expecting his actions which kept the book fresh.
I’m not sure if I’d appreciate the book more if I understood the world better but with the quick writing pace I felt as if I was always playing catchup and not fully appreciating the story.
I did enjoy the overall plot though and the main character of Killian was interesting and I wasn’t always expecting his actions which kept the book fresh.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The deep and the drowned follows Killian, the captain of the Cutless Hawk and his crew as they go on adventures. There is a diverse cast of characters which adds to the story, although you do connect better to some than others. Within The deep and the drowned there are elements of magic, fantasy, Gods, adventure and bloodshed.
Initially, I really struggled with the chapters as they flipped between characters in the same chapters but this became better as the story continued. The start was quite slow as the world was built but by the end I couldn’t put the book down.
This book is set up to be a trilogy so the ending is left open with many storylines unfinished. I am keen to get the next book asap and find out what is happening next.
Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for a copy of this eARC in return for an honest review.
Initially, I really struggled with the chapters as they flipped between characters in the same chapters but this became better as the story continued. The start was quite slow as the world was built but by the end I couldn’t put the book down.
This book is set up to be a trilogy so the ending is left open with many storylines unfinished. I am keen to get the next book asap and find out what is happening next.
Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for a copy of this eARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love this book so much!!
I love Killian, I spent the entire book wanting to both shake some sense into him and also just wrap him up in a hug and keep him safe from the world. That boy needs to stop running directly into trouble at every opportunity!
The found family vibes are immaculate, I love them all and I need to know what happens next!
A glorious swashbuckling adventure on the high seas, tragic backstories galore, a little bit of magic and folk who make being morally grey into an art form. What more do you need!
I love Killian, I spent the entire book wanting to both shake some sense into him and also just wrap him up in a hug and keep him safe from the world. That boy needs to stop running directly into trouble at every opportunity!
The found family vibes are immaculate, I love them all and I need to know what happens next!
A glorious swashbuckling adventure on the high seas, tragic backstories galore, a little bit of magic and folk who make being morally grey into an art form. What more do you need!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. I am normally a sucker for books set on ships, and there were aspects I liked with this one. But overall I kept feeling like something was missing, I wanted more from the parts I found most interesting (like the God and their madness). I also felt there were so many story threads left unresolved and the abruptness of the ending did not help that. I think this is still a good read, especially those who do love fantasy on ships but it is not my favourite example.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ah unfortunately this one was not for me.
The cover immediately drew me in (it looks so epic!) and the synopsis sounded really interesting but I struggled to hold my attention when reading this one. I found the writing (while very detailed) to be lengthy and repetitive. I also found the constant use of the word "and" to be distracting throughout the story.
While this was a DNF for me, I am sure that this will be a popular story with the right audience.
Thank you so much Head of Zeus and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this one early, all opinions are my own.
The cover immediately drew me in (it looks so epic!) and the synopsis sounded really interesting but I struggled to hold my attention when reading this one. I found the writing (while very detailed) to be lengthy and repetitive. I also found the constant use of the word "and" to be distracting throughout the story.
While this was a DNF for me, I am sure that this will be a popular story with the right audience.
Thank you so much Head of Zeus and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this one early, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
That gorgeous cover and a promise of windswept adventures drew me as a moth to a flame to this book. And now I don't really know how to review. I did love the writing and the worldbuilding. But the pacing the first part was a bit slow and I had a hard time getting into the story and after that I couldn't really get myself to care much about the characters. Maybe this is more a me thing because I had some high expectations for this one. But like I said.. that worldbuilding! So good!
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