Skip to product information
1 of 1

Goldsboro Books

978-0356522395

Fathomfolk

Fathomfolk

by Eliza Chan

Publisher Orbit

Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Released:

  • Signed
  • Hardback
  • UK First Edition/First Printing


Regular price £18.99
Regular price Sale price £18.99
Sale Sold out
Rendering loop-subscriptions
Rendering loop-subscriptions

Available from:

Limited Edition Copies

View full details

About the book

'Prepare to be engulfed. Chan has superbly created a world as real and complex as our own, where oppression has no easy solutions and there is no success without sacrifice. Fast-paced action combined with true social depth make this an unforgettable, must-read fantasy'
Shelley Parker-Chan

Revolution is brewing in the semi-submerged city of Tiankawi, between humans and the fathomfolk who live in its waters. This gloriously imaginative debut fantasy, inspired by East Asian mythology and ocean folk tales, is a novel of magic, rebellion and change.

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 and fathomfolk princess - is exiled to the city, under Mira's watch. When extremists sabotage a city festival, violence erupts, as does the clampdown on fathomfolk rights. Both Nami and Mira must decide if the cost of change is worth paying, or if Tiankawi should be left to drown.

'A vivid, textured tale of migration, prejudice and change. Wonderful and breathtaking'
Aliette de Bodard

'Life is better down with the fathomfolk. I was dazzled by this novel, which has as many turns as the tide, and hope to see much more of this world and this author'
Sarah Rees Brennan

'A richly envisioned world and finely crafted tale, Fathomfolk is a luxurious and thrilling story full of political intrigue, heart-wrenching characters and edge-of-your seat tension. A glittering and magical novel from a glorious new voice in fantasy'
Bea Fitzgerald

'From the glittering city heights to the criminal underbelly on the seafloor, the world of Fathomfolk feels deeply plausible and satisfyingly complex. If you want scheming sirens and snarky sea dragons then this is the book for you'
Thomas D. Lee

'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

'A thrilling, incisive fantasy of diaspora and dragons, Fathomfolk is an unmissable debut. if you're hungry for a beautiful Southeast Asian influenced fantasy with razor-sharp edges, this book is for you'
Tasha Suri

'Eliza Chan's Fathomfolk has all the feels-furious, bittersweet and heart wrenching. Gripping to the last page, the story stayed with me long after I finished the book. A tour de force!'
A. Y. Chao

'Gloriously imagined and full of heart'
Claire North

'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

'A thrilling tale set in a unique and inventive fantasy world peppered with East Asian and Southeast Asian myth and lore. With complex, daring characters and layered storytelling, Chan's heartfelt and nuanced exploration of diaspora survival will resonate deeply with readers'
June CL Tan

Collapsible content

About the Author

Eliza Chan

Eliza Chan writes about East Asian mythology, British folklore and reclaiming the dragon lady, but preferably all three at once. She likes to collect folk tales and modernise them with a twist of lemon, pinch of pepper and a kilo of weird.

Eliza's work has been published in The Dark, Podcastle, Fantasy Magazine and The Best of British Fantasy 2019. Her debut fantasy novel FATHOMFOLK will be published by Orbit in Feb 2024.

  • Professionally Packed

    All of our books that have a dust wrapper are covered in clear protective, removable film and are packed professionally in bubble wrap and a box for shipping so that they reach you in perfect condition.

  • Book Condition & Notes

  • The October Must-Reads: Bookseller Top Picks

    The October Must-Reads: Bookseller Top Picks

    David Headley

    As the leaves turn and the evenings draw in, there’s nothing quite like settling down with a brilliant new book to escape into.  With so many incredible titles being released...

    David Headley

    The October Must-Reads: Bookseller Top Picks

    As the leaves turn and the evenings draw in, there’s nothing quite like settling down with a brilliant new book to escape into.  With so many incredible titles being released...

  • Glass Bell Winner 2024: Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati

    Glass Bell Winner 2024: Clytemnestra by Costanz...

    Rebecca McDonnell

      This evening, Goldsboro Books announced the winner of their seventh Glass Bell Award, Costanza Casati for her evocative Greek retelling, Clytemnestra (Michael Joseph, May 2023).  The Award was presented...

    Rebecca McDonnell

    Glass Bell Winner 2024: Clytemnestra by Costanz...

      This evening, Goldsboro Books announced the winner of their seventh Glass Bell Award, Costanza Casati for her evocative Greek retelling, Clytemnestra (Michael Joseph, May 2023).  The Award was presented...

  • An Interview with David Wragg

    An Interview with David Wragg

    Goldsboro Books

    We recently had the joy of hosting David Wragg as he signed copies of The Company of the Wolf, the sequel to The Hunters in the Tales of the Plains...

    Goldsboro Books

    An Interview with David Wragg

    We recently had the joy of hosting David Wragg as he signed copies of The Company of the Wolf, the sequel to The Hunters in the Tales of the Plains...

  • Goldsboro's Summer Bestseller List: London vs Brighton

    Goldsboro's Summer Bestseller List: London vs B...

    David Headley

    We’re delighted to reveal our summer bestseller lists from our independent bookshops in Brighton and London. This summer has been another incredible season for the book community, highlighting a strong...

    David Headley

    Goldsboro's Summer Bestseller List: London vs B...

    We’re delighted to reveal our summer bestseller lists from our independent bookshops in Brighton and London. This summer has been another incredible season for the book community, highlighting a strong...

1 of 4