A Magic Deep and Drowning by Hester Fox

Holland, 1650. One fine spring day in Friesland, twenty-year-old Clara van Weiren is faced with an ill a whale, beached and rotting in the noonday sun. But Clara doesn’t believe in magic and superstition, and this portent is quickly dismissed when a proposal from a wealthy merchant arrives, promising Clara the freedom she seeks from her mother’s overbearing rule. When her attempts at overseeing the household at the family’s estate lead to her chance encounter with a young man with russet hair and sparkling eyes the color of the sea, she finds herself strangely drawn to him. 

As Clara grows closer to Maurits, she must choose between the steady, gentle life she has been raised for and the man who makes her blood sing. But Maurits isn’t who he seems to be, and his secrets, once hidden beneath the waves, threaten to rise up and drown them both. And when an ancient bargain, forged in blood between the mythical people of the sea and the rulers of the land, begins to unravel, Clara finds herself at the heart of a deadly struggle for power.

 Not yet published Expected 24 Jun 25 

Genres Fantasy Historical Fiction Historical Fantasy Retellings Romance Fiction Historical Fantasy Romance Mermaids Romantasy 352 pages, Paperback 

My Review: Let me begin with, this is the second book by Hester Fox. I am now a FanGirl!

I honestly didn't read any reviews before requesting to read/review this book. A few of her other books were witch centered, so I just assumed this would be too. I was wrong! 

This is a book unlike most books I have read. The story is a historic fiction (love) about a young woman Clara. She is a wealthy daughter who seems bored with her life. Her parents are either overbearing of checked out. A silver lining is when her dad mentions he has found her a suitable husband. She is actually very excited at the prospect. When a young man appears, she is taken off guard. She knows nothing about him, but she seems smitten. Maurits. Maurits turns her heart and her world upside down. Suddenly her world is underwater--so to say and stories of old are suddenly reality. 

This book was wonderful, because I had no idea what was about to happen. I couldn't even guess what was coming next. It was all sorts of my favorite genres, but with an unexpected story twist. Even though I thought I knew where it was going the story would go in a different direction.

I loved how Clara grew as a character throughout the book. Really allowing her to develop as her life circumstances changed, as her life seemed to test her. There were times I felt the retelling of Little Mermaid was giving me too much foreshadowing--but like I said earlier so many twists! 

There were several times I really didn't want to put the book down. I couldn't wait to find out how all the pieces would be put together. I very much enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more from Hester Fox.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.