Fathomfolk

Chan’s ambitious fantasy debut invites readers to a half-submerged city where war is brewing between sea dwellers, or fathomfolk, and humans. When rebellious Nami disobeys her mother, the water dragon matriarch, she is exiled to the troubled border city of Tiankawi, where her brother, Ambassador Kai of Yonakuni, resides with his partner, half-siren Mira, who serves as the first fathomfolk captain of the border guard. Humans have been polluting the water around the city, forcing fathomfolk to live on land, where they are met with discrimination and meager prospects. While Mira tries within her limited capacity to help the folk, others have less honorable intentions. They include the sea witch Cordelia, who seeks to profit from the unrest. Though Nami has long harbored ideas of a fathomfolk revolution, it isn’t until she’s exposed to the rebel group known as the Drawbacks that she realizes the steep price her people must pay for equality. Chan’s world can be challenging to navigate at first, but once situated, readers will enjoy exploring the intricate details of Tiankawi and its history through the perspectives of three wonderfully complex female protagonists. Fans of mythic fantasy will find plenty to savor. Agent: Alexander Cochran, C&W Agency. (Feb.)