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Mother Waters
Crackling with the tension of a thriller, Mother Waters is a deeply beautiful and strange debut about ambition, grief, love and the myths we weave – both about ourselves and the natural world – by a hauntingly powerful new voice.
On the morning of her wedding anniversary, Charlie walks out of her house and her marriage. Free for the first time in years, she returns to her love of marine biology, determined to regain her professional standing.
Charlie specialises in bioacoustics, listening to the private orchestras of the ocean: the songs of whales, the clacks of parrotfish munching through kelp, the zither of crustaceans hauling themselves across the seabed. The sound she yearns to hear the most, though, is the voice of her father, who died at sea when she was a child.
When Dexter, the son of a billionaire, uses his ailing father’s fortune to fund a research vessel to explore one of the world’s deepest ocean trenches, Charlie seizes the chance to immerse herself in the oceanic world and discover what happened to her father.
While Charlie and Dexter each seek to reconcile their fathers’ legacies, something is waiting for them below the surface of the ocean.
On the morning of her wedding anniversary, Charlie walks out of her house and her marriage. Free for the first time in years, she returns to her love of marine biology, determined to regain her professional standing.
Charlie specialises in bioacoustics, listening to the private orchestras of the ocean: the songs of whales, the clacks of parrotfish munching through kelp, the zither of crustaceans hauling themselves across the seabed. The sound she yearns to hear the most, though, is the voice of her father, who died at sea when she was a child.
When Dexter, the son of a billionaire, uses his ailing father’s fortune to fund a research vessel to explore one of the world’s deepest ocean trenches, Charlie seizes the chance to immerse herself in the oceanic world and discover what happened to her father.
While Charlie and Dexter each seek to reconcile their fathers’ legacies, something is waiting for them below the surface of the ocean.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 4, 2026
Unforgettable. Haunting. Captivating. Atmospheric.
I am endlessly fascinated by nature and this story captured so much about our human desire to explore, understand and connect with the world around us.
'I suspect things are occurring that my human senses are incapable of grasping, and that they've been occurring for some time...It all points to something, doesn't it? That we don't understand our world, are unable to perceive all its strata. There are other ways of being all around us...'
I love how the stories of both characters are deftly woven together and connected into the dark depths of the ocean. I thoroughly enjoyed the details about bioacoustics, marine biology, deep sea exploration and ecology.
'An ocean has no endings.'
This was a well-researched and beautifully written debut novel. I am looking forward to reading what is next from Lisa Nan Joo. I continue to think about elements of this story everyday.
As an added bonus, the cover of this book is gorgeous, and it is a new favourite on my bookshelf.
I am endlessly fascinated by nature and this story captured so much about our human desire to explore, understand and connect with the world around us.
'I suspect things are occurring that my human senses are incapable of grasping, and that they've been occurring for some time...It all points to something, doesn't it? That we don't understand our world, are unable to perceive all its strata. There are other ways of being all around us...'
I love how the stories of both characters are deftly woven together and connected into the dark depths of the ocean. I thoroughly enjoyed the details about bioacoustics, marine biology, deep sea exploration and ecology.
'An ocean has no endings.'
This was a well-researched and beautifully written debut novel. I am looking forward to reading what is next from Lisa Nan Joo. I continue to think about elements of this story everyday.
As an added bonus, the cover of this book is gorgeous, and it is a new favourite on my bookshelf.
August 10, 2026
As someone with a background in marine biology, Mother Waters was always going to be a book I wanted to read, and the ecology, marine biology and oceanographic notes were a huge A+. You can tell Lisa Nan Joo has done her research, and it shows. The ocean itself almost became another character, and I loved following Charlie as she returned to marine biology while searching for answers about her father’s disappearance.
I think where this lost me was the direction it ultimately took. With so much focus on marine biology, bioacoustics, bioluminescence and just how little we’ve explored the deepest ocean trenches, I really thought we were building towards some incredible biological discovery. Charlie even talks about the possibility of discovering species we’ve never encountered before. I honestly sensed we were heading down the path of either an undiscovered benthic species or even a scientific take on kraken mythology, and I’d have been completely on board with either.
Instead, the story leaned much more heavily into magical realism than I was expecting. That’s not necessarily a criticism of the direction itself, but after laying such a strong scientific foundation, it wasn’t where I thought the story was taking me. I also felt the ending came and went a little too quickly. After such a steady build, the climax was kind of done and dusted before everything wrapped up.
Even with that, I’m really glad I picked this one up. It didn’t quite land where I thought it was heading, but I really admired what Lisa Nan Joo was trying to do, and I haven’t read another book quite like it.
3.5⭐️
I think where this lost me was the direction it ultimately took. With so much focus on marine biology, bioacoustics, bioluminescence and just how little we’ve explored the deepest ocean trenches, I really thought we were building towards some incredible biological discovery. Charlie even talks about the possibility of discovering species we’ve never encountered before. I honestly sensed we were heading down the path of either an undiscovered benthic species or even a scientific take on kraken mythology, and I’d have been completely on board with either.
Instead, the story leaned much more heavily into magical realism than I was expecting. That’s not necessarily a criticism of the direction itself, but after laying such a strong scientific foundation, it wasn’t where I thought the story was taking me. I also felt the ending came and went a little too quickly. After such a steady build, the climax was kind of done and dusted before everything wrapped up.
Even with that, I’m really glad I picked this one up. It didn’t quite land where I thought it was heading, but I really admired what Lisa Nan Joo was trying to do, and I haven’t read another book quite like it.
3.5⭐️
August 23, 2026
A original and compelling read with vivid imagery. Told from two points of view. Charlie has just left her husband and travelled to the other side of the country. In the shadow of the controlling David, she worked as a lecturer rather than undertaking her own research. She also has a difficult relationship with her mother since her father died at sea when she was a child. The other point of view was less engaging for me. Dexter is the son of a rich businessman, he’s more interested in science but expects to take over his fathers business. The company funds ocean research as a side project and Dexter takes part. This venture ends with the loss of a sub in ‘the Crescent Deep’, a deep trench in the Indian Ocean.
The two characters come together when Charlie applies to do research on the follow up trip combining looking for her fathers boat and also deep sea creatures and their mythological counterparts. The story takes off into some sort of psychedelic scifi giant luminescent jellyfish - is it real or all in their heads? Really enjoyed this.
The two characters come together when Charlie applies to do research on the follow up trip combining looking for her fathers boat and also deep sea creatures and their mythological counterparts. The story takes off into some sort of psychedelic scifi giant luminescent jellyfish - is it real or all in their heads? Really enjoyed this.
July 31, 2026
Mother Waters is an engaging debut with something for everyone. Told from the dual point a of view of Charlie and Dexter, I enjoyed getting to know each of them. Both were complex characters, each with their own battles and dealing with the loss of their fathers. I particularly enjoyed Charlie’s storyline and seeing her take control of her life again. I enjoyed the insight into the cutthroat world of research and academia. An interesting mix of genres, I loved its mix of emotional storyline, deep sea adventures and mythical creatures. A story of loss, grief, success and ambition for fans of The Amalfi Curse.
July 29, 2026
My mum really likes this book.
July 26, 2026
On the morning of her fifth wedding anniversary, Charlie walks out of her house and marriage, free for the first time in years and determined to regain her professional standing in the field of marine biology. She specialises in bioacoustics and wins a spot on a research trip to the Crescent Deep, one of the deepest ocean trenches and the place her father lost his life when his ship went down during a storm when she was a child. She longs to know what happened to him and is determined to use this trip to find out. The trip is funded by Dexter, who is the the son of a billionaire. Dexter has always been interested in science and in the ocean, but his last mission to the trench ended badly and he needs to know what caused it. As the trip goes on, weird things start happening, and it seems that something unknown is waiting to be found at the bottom of the ocean.
While this was written beautifully, I finished it not really understanding what the point of it was… I enjoyed reading it for sure, but the ending left me with so many questions! It’s also hard to categorise genre wise - It’s got elements of sci-fi, thriller, speculative fiction and contemporary literature, which made for interesting reading. I couldn’t decide if Dexter was a dick or just desperate for answers and I wanted to know more about Charlie‘s marriage breakdown!!! I did really love learning more about how bioacoustics work - what an interesting field that must be to work in! I did love the sea myths woven in, and the descriptions of the ocean truly made me feel like I was there. Overall an okay read for me. Props to the designer of this cover too - it’s gorgeous!
While this was written beautifully, I finished it not really understanding what the point of it was… I enjoyed reading it for sure, but the ending left me with so many questions! It’s also hard to categorise genre wise - It’s got elements of sci-fi, thriller, speculative fiction and contemporary literature, which made for interesting reading. I couldn’t decide if Dexter was a dick or just desperate for answers and I wanted to know more about Charlie‘s marriage breakdown!!! I did really love learning more about how bioacoustics work - what an interesting field that must be to work in! I did love the sea myths woven in, and the descriptions of the ocean truly made me feel like I was there. Overall an okay read for me. Props to the designer of this cover too - it’s gorgeous!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for the ARC in return for an honest review.
4.25* rounded down to 4.
This is one of those books that doesn't fit neatly into a single genre. It is a character study, a portrait of loss, the struggle to discover who you are now you have the freedom to do so. It is also sci-fi, horror and mystery. I loved it. This is such a unique book and I absolutely loved it.
The book follows the story of Charlie and Dexter, two people whose lives have been shaped in different ways by the looming shadows of their Fathers, and are both escaping the straight-jacket of controlling relationships (Dexter by his Father, Charlie by her ex). They don't know each other at the start of the book, but are brought together on a research vessel bound for one of the deepest ocean trenches in the world to study what might be down there. I really like Charlie's character, who has good development across the novel. Dexter's character was more complicated; while I sympathized with his lonley upbringing with an absent Mother and demanding and controlling Father, he was entitled and self-important for most of the book, and I found it interesting that by the end of the book he became more and more like his Father.
The main narrative is the ocean voyage and the events that happen on the research vessel. But for both main characters there is a lot of flash-backs to the main events in their lives, the memories they are reliving while on the boat. The narrative is similar to a stream-of-consciousness structure, which I really loved. I felt it added to the way the characters were trying to make sense of the past in the present narrative, and worked well for the later part of the books that happen in, on, and around the ocean and the creatures living there.
The question of what lived in the trench was done well. It's revealed slowly through glimpses of video, sound and the characters experiences while near the trench. It slowly increases in tension while things on the ship slowly start to unravel, with Charlie and Dexter struggling to discern what is reality, and what isn't. I don't want to say too much as I don't want to spoil the plot, and I think it's best discovered as it's read.
My only annoyance with this book was the way it ended. I understand why the author finished it the way she did, but I needed an Epilogue!! I like things to be tied up neatly in a bow!!
4.25* rounded down to 4.
This is one of those books that doesn't fit neatly into a single genre. It is a character study, a portrait of loss, the struggle to discover who you are now you have the freedom to do so. It is also sci-fi, horror and mystery. I loved it. This is such a unique book and I absolutely loved it.
The book follows the story of Charlie and Dexter, two people whose lives have been shaped in different ways by the looming shadows of their Fathers, and are both escaping the straight-jacket of controlling relationships (Dexter by his Father, Charlie by her ex). They don't know each other at the start of the book, but are brought together on a research vessel bound for one of the deepest ocean trenches in the world to study what might be down there. I really like Charlie's character, who has good development across the novel. Dexter's character was more complicated; while I sympathized with his lonley upbringing with an absent Mother and demanding and controlling Father, he was entitled and self-important for most of the book, and I found it interesting that by the end of the book he became more and more like his Father.
The main narrative is the ocean voyage and the events that happen on the research vessel. But for both main characters there is a lot of flash-backs to the main events in their lives, the memories they are reliving while on the boat. The narrative is similar to a stream-of-consciousness structure, which I really loved. I felt it added to the way the characters were trying to make sense of the past in the present narrative, and worked well for the later part of the books that happen in, on, and around the ocean and the creatures living there.
The question of what lived in the trench was done well. It's revealed slowly through glimpses of video, sound and the characters experiences while near the trench. It slowly increases in tension while things on the ship slowly start to unravel, with Charlie and Dexter struggling to discern what is reality, and what isn't. I don't want to say too much as I don't want to spoil the plot, and I think it's best discovered as it's read.
My only annoyance with this book was the way it ended. I understand why the author finished it the way she did, but I needed an Epilogue!! I like things to be tied up neatly in a bow!!
August 28, 2026
I absolutely love the ocean. It's the one place that never fails to bring me peace when I need it. I'm fascinated by it but also a little terrified by its vast unknown.
The story is well-researched and the writing is mesmerising, vividly capturing the essence and mystery of the ocean. The story was so immersive, I felt as though I was alongside the characters. The cover design fits perfectly with the concept of the story, too! This unique story weaves ejects is scientific exploring with mystery and magical realism to create a beautiful and engaging read. There are so many pages I tabbed while reading this story - this one is one of my favourites:
'...One of the Fishermen is on his feet, pointing...I see a plume of ocean spray, the shadow of something huge in the water; off to her flank, a smaller shadow. Then she breaches and I see her white belly... before she falls back under, tunneling down with her calf... '. Anyone who has experienced this, will understand the wonder of this sight.
I love Lisa's acknowledgement: 'Most of all, Mother Waters is for those who waited years for me to emerge from the trenches with written work in hand: my parents, my brother and sister
The story is well-researched and the writing is mesmerising, vividly capturing the essence and mystery of the ocean. The story was so immersive, I felt as though I was alongside the characters. The cover design fits perfectly with the concept of the story, too! This unique story weaves ejects is scientific exploring with mystery and magical realism to create a beautiful and engaging read. There are so many pages I tabbed while reading this story - this one is one of my favourites:
'...One of the Fishermen is on his feet, pointing...I see a plume of ocean spray, the shadow of something huge in the water; off to her flank, a smaller shadow. Then she breaches and I see her white belly... before she falls back under, tunneling down with her calf... '. Anyone who has experienced this, will understand the wonder of this sight.
I love Lisa's acknowledgement: 'Most of all, Mother Waters is for those who waited years for me to emerge from the trenches with written work in hand: my parents, my brother and sister
August 13, 2026
I’ve heard this compared to The Amalfi Curse, and I can definitely see the similarities, but it also has those same haunting vibes that reminded me so much of Wild Dark Shore. Since I absolutely loved both of those books, it should come as no surprise that I loved Mother Waters as well.
The setting and tone are remarkably atmospheric, pulling you right into the story from the very beginning. I felt like I was right there with them in the water.
Dexter and Charlie balanced each other out really well. Dexter’s abrasive exterior and his struggle with loss were grounded by Charlie’s softness, and resilience (but Dexter eventually won me over in the end). Charlie's personality, especially how she treated her mother despite everything, was beautifully written. And I loved Ha-yoon.
I also loved how grief and trauma were woven so gently throughout the story, giving it deep emotional weight without ever feeling heavy-handed.
The setting and tone are remarkably atmospheric, pulling you right into the story from the very beginning. I felt like I was right there with them in the water.
Dexter and Charlie balanced each other out really well. Dexter’s abrasive exterior and his struggle with loss were grounded by Charlie’s softness, and resilience (but Dexter eventually won me over in the end). Charlie's personality, especially how she treated her mother despite everything, was beautifully written. And I loved Ha-yoon.
I also loved how grief and trauma were woven so gently throughout the story, giving it deep emotional weight without ever feeling heavy-handed.
August 21, 2026
3.5 stars
A bit of everything in this one. We get an insight to the cutthroat world of academia and research. Love and loss, and complex relationships. The human struggle to figure out who you are when you create the freedom to do so.
Some very nice writing, and a mix of genres. Even a but of sci-fi thrown in. Complicated in parts, I had to backtrack a couple of times to fully digest and interpret where the tale had woven.
A bit of everything in this one. We get an insight to the cutthroat world of academia and research. Love and loss, and complex relationships. The human struggle to figure out who you are when you create the freedom to do so.
Some very nice writing, and a mix of genres. Even a but of sci-fi thrown in. Complicated in parts, I had to backtrack a couple of times to fully digest and interpret where the tale had woven.
September 10, 2026
A mind-blowing mystery you can't put down
I loved the rich language and description that created a truly unique atmosphere and environment in this book. While I couldn't wait the mystery unfold, I could feel so precisely the smells, surfaces and emotions in this book. Charlie's experience really opened my eye on the difference between being resilient versus tolerant in a relationship and not loosing one's self. Could their story continue, I wonder?
I loved the rich language and description that created a truly unique atmosphere and environment in this book. While I couldn't wait the mystery unfold, I could feel so precisely the smells, surfaces and emotions in this book. Charlie's experience really opened my eye on the difference between being resilient versus tolerant in a relationship and not loosing one's self. Could their story continue, I wonder?
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Charlie and Dexter are both looking for similar things in their respective lives and this outstanding debut. It's atmospheric sciences and I was mesmerised by the descriptions. It's a story of grief, loss, starting again, achieving your dreams and love. I felt the aspirations and it made me feel inspired. This book opens up a new world.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a well written novel about a woman coming back into her self, the evolution of self and the waves in which we deal with grief many years after the event/s take place.
I recommend this book for people who enjoy sci-fi novels with a strong pull of general fiction.
Thank you Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
I recommend this book for people who enjoy sci-fi novels with a strong pull of general fiction.
Thank you Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2026
So much beautiful writing in this intriguing novel about the monsters under the sea. Walking the line between a thriller, speculative fiction, and literary, this book had me hooked. Definitely recommend.
September 24, 2026
This was an interesting read from a new Australian author. Featured a lot of marine biology intertwined with exploration of a variety of complex relationship dynamics. The whole book you are wondering what lies beneath the water...
October 15, 2026
Throughout reading I was so enthralled; By the writing, by the characters, by the science, by the ocean...but then felt the last portion or 'climax' of the book was rushed and unfortunately didn't finish how I was expecting...still loved it and still so glad I read this.
August 2, 2026
This book is a stunning debut novel. The writing draws you into the surroundings so vividly, it’s like reading a picture book. Truly beautiful writing, I can’t wait for what’s next from this author.
September 6, 2026
Lisa is such an amazing writer!
September 26, 2026
4.75 ⭐️
Wow, this book was nothing like I imagined it would be.
Wow, this book was nothing like I imagined it would be.
October 13, 2026
ok cairns mentioned!!
did not like the ending
sometimes felt like the focus was on trying to describe the ocean etc beautifully rather than developing characters or exploring themes further
did not like the ending
sometimes felt like the focus was on trying to describe the ocean etc beautifully rather than developing characters or exploring themes further
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2026
What a gorgeously written book! So atmospheric too. Academia, science, grief, this one had a bit of everything for everyone
Review of advance copy received from Author
Few contemporary debut novels can weave a story so beautifully through the voices of nature, echoes of the supernatural and the inner worlds of its characters. Fewer still can touch so many fascinating areas without overcrowding the pages. To go through some of the thought provoking themes in this gem: how we personally navigate the unknown in our worlds and grasp for meaning, recognition and answers; how we revisit memories, grief, loss, connection, ambition, access, and how the environment is responding to ever increasing and relentless human interference. There are even delightfully clever insights into academia, odd and yet relatable workplaces, and dealing with prickly online comments. The hypnotic centrepiece is the benthic mystery calling from below.
There is a place, an in-between place, where the ocean meets the world above. An interstitial plane, where the water becomes air, and air becomes water. The place where unspoken words linger, unexpressed feelings fester. I know this place.
I was excited from the first page and the pacing was perfect, with the action pulling you to keep turning the pages to see what happens next - especially in the last third of the book. The prose holds just enough mystery and tension and the scenes unfold with such beautiful writing and detail that the reader has a vivid experience even though they might not be sure what they are seeing, yet.
Near the surface, the sea is quick. It swarms, it rushes. But thousands of metres down, it thickens and stills with the weight of deep time….
I can’t wait to read more from Lisa Nan Joo. This book was such an enjoyable read.
There is a place, an in-between place, where the ocean meets the world above. An interstitial plane, where the water becomes air, and air becomes water. The place where unspoken words linger, unexpressed feelings fester. I know this place.
I was excited from the first page and the pacing was perfect, with the action pulling you to keep turning the pages to see what happens next - especially in the last third of the book. The prose holds just enough mystery and tension and the scenes unfold with such beautiful writing and detail that the reader has a vivid experience even though they might not be sure what they are seeing, yet.
Near the surface, the sea is quick. It swarms, it rushes. But thousands of metres down, it thickens and stills with the weight of deep time….
I can’t wait to read more from Lisa Nan Joo. This book was such an enjoyable read.
July 17, 2026
3.5 STARS ⭐️
Mother Waters by Lisa Nan Joo is an atmospheric and captivating story that explores grief, secrets, self-discovery, and the mysteries hidden beneath the ocean’s surface.
On the morning of her wedding anniversary, Charlie walks away from her marriage, choosing herself for the first time in years. Returning to her passion for marine biology, she joins an expedition to explore one of the world’s deepest ocean trenches, hoping to uncover answers about her father’s disappearance and the secret he left behind.
As Charlie ventures deeper into the ocean, she is forced to confront not only the mysteries of the deep but also the ones buried within herself.
I absolutely loved the descriptions of the sea life and the mythology woven throughout the story, especially the legends surrounding sirens and krakens. Lisa Nan Joo has an incredible ability to bring the ocean to life. I could feel the water surrounding me, picture the translucent lights beneath the surface, and almost hear the communication between the creatures of the deep.
This isn’t a book I would usually pick up, but I found myself completely immersed in this beautiful blend of discovery, rediscovery, thriller, and sci-fi. At its heart, this is a story about remembering who you are and not losing yourself for the sake of someone else’s love.
My only hesitation was the ending. While I loved the journey, I felt the conclusion didn’t quite provide the closure I was hoping for.
A beautifully written, imaginative story that takes you deep beneath the waves and reminds you that sometimes the greatest discoveries are the ones we make about ourselves. 🌊
Mother Waters by Lisa Nan Joo is an atmospheric and captivating story that explores grief, secrets, self-discovery, and the mysteries hidden beneath the ocean’s surface.
On the morning of her wedding anniversary, Charlie walks away from her marriage, choosing herself for the first time in years. Returning to her passion for marine biology, she joins an expedition to explore one of the world’s deepest ocean trenches, hoping to uncover answers about her father’s disappearance and the secret he left behind.
As Charlie ventures deeper into the ocean, she is forced to confront not only the mysteries of the deep but also the ones buried within herself.
I absolutely loved the descriptions of the sea life and the mythology woven throughout the story, especially the legends surrounding sirens and krakens. Lisa Nan Joo has an incredible ability to bring the ocean to life. I could feel the water surrounding me, picture the translucent lights beneath the surface, and almost hear the communication between the creatures of the deep.
This isn’t a book I would usually pick up, but I found myself completely immersed in this beautiful blend of discovery, rediscovery, thriller, and sci-fi. At its heart, this is a story about remembering who you are and not losing yourself for the sake of someone else’s love.
My only hesitation was the ending. While I loved the journey, I felt the conclusion didn’t quite provide the closure I was hoping for.
A beautifully written, imaginative story that takes you deep beneath the waves and reminds you that sometimes the greatest discoveries are the ones we make about ourselves. 🌊
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