Available Formats
Paperback
Published: 13th February 2024
Hardback
Published: 21st May 2024
Paperback
Published: 29th April 2025
Fathomfolk
By (Author) Eliza Chan
Little, Brown Book Group
Orbit
13th February 2024
United Kingdom
General
Fiction
Contemporary fantasy
823.92
Paperback
432
Width 152mm, Height 232mm, Spine 38mm
540g
Welcome to Tiankawi - shining pearl of human civilization and a safe haven for those fleeing civil unrest. Or at least, that's how it first appears. But in the semi-flooded city, humans are, quite literally, on top: peering down from shining towers and aerial walkways on the fathomfolk - sirens, seawitches, kelpies and kappas - who live in the polluted waters below.
For half-siren Mira, promotion to captain of the border guard means an opportunity to help her downtrodden people. But if earning the trust and respect of her human colleagues wasn't hard enough, everything Mira has worked towards is put in jeopardy when Nami, a know-it-all water dragon - fathomfolk royalty - is exiled to the city. When extremists sabotage the annual boat race, violence erupts, as does the clampdown on fathomfolk rights. Both Nami and Mira must decide if the cost of change is worth it, or, if Tiankawi should be left to drown.Fathomfolk is a compelling tale about cultures colliding, set against a city backdrop that feels familiar yet fresh. Eliza Chan deftly and compassionately writes about the depths we'll plunge to, to change our world. -- G. V. Anderson, World Fantasy Award winner
Eliza Chan is not just a writer; she is storyteller. In her deft hand Fathomfolk bursts with complex relationships, original world building, and timeless questions. With the confidence and command of a seasoned master, Chan weaves a riveting tale which seized me from the first word and did not let go until the end. A triumph of imagination, birthed from the mind of one who loves stories and knows how to tell them well -- Tobi Ogundiran
Eliza Chan is a Scottish-born Chinese-diaspora author who 'writes about East Asian mythology, British folklore and reclaiming the dragon lady, but preferably all three at once.' Eliza's work has been published in The Dark, Podcastle, Fantasy Magazine and The Best of British Fantasy, and her non-fiction has appeared on Tor.com. She lives in the North of England with her partner and young child. Fathomfolk is her first novel. @elizawchan