Hi friends! Today’s blog post is one of my favorite blog tours I’ve ever been apart of! Keep reading to find out more about the book and all my thoughts! Also keep reading for a fun giveaway!!
About the Book:
A young prince must rely on a mysterious stranger to save him when he is kidnapped during his coming-of-age tour in this swoony adventure that is The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Pirates of the Caribbean.
Prince Tal has long awaited his coming-of-age tour. After spending most of his life cloistered behind palace walls as he learns to keep his forbidden magic secret, he can finally see his family’s kingdom for the first time. His first taste of adventure comes just two days into the journey, when their crew discovers a mysterious prisoner on a burning derelict vessel.
Tasked with watching over the prisoner, Tal is surprised to feel an intense connection with the roguish Athlen. So when Athlen leaps overboard and disappears, Tal feels responsible and heartbroken, knowing Athlen could not have survived in the open ocean.
That is, until Tal runs into Athlen days later on dry land, very much alive, and as charming—and secretive—as ever. But before they can pursue anything further, Tal is kidnapped by pirates and held ransom in a plot to reveal his rumored powers and instigate a war. Tal must escape if he hopes to save his family and the kingdom. And Athlen might just be his only hope…
PUBLISHER: Margaret K. McElderry Books
RELEASE DATE: April 20th, 2021
GENRE(S): YOUNG ADULT FICTION–Historical, Fantasy, Romance
About the Author:
F.T. Lukens is the author of four young adult novels published through Interlude Press, and her book Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic was a 2017 Cybils Award finalist in YA Speculative Fiction, won the ForeWord INDIES Book of the Year Gold Award for YA Fiction, and the Bisexual Book Award for Speculative Fiction, and it was also recently named to ALA’s 2019 Rainbow List. F.T. lives in North Carolina with her husband, three kids, three dogs, and three cats. Visit her at FTLukens.com
My Review:
Oh man, I had high expectations for this book and they were totally met! The cover was the first thing that drew me in, but after reading the first few chapters, I could not put it down. In Deeper Waters is such an adorably queer book, and I’m grateful for the representation. Now to be clear, it’s not specified whether the MC is bisexual or pansexual, but other character characters describe him as being attracted to “both boys and girls” while Tal describes himself being attracted to “anyone regardless of gender.” As a bi teen myself, Tal was such a relatable main character to read, and I wish there would be a sequel!
My favorite part of the book was getting to know both Tal and Athleen, and watching them get to know one another. They’re both absolute cinnamon rolls, and are attracted to each other immediately. It’s a bit instalove-ey but I honestly didn’t mind. I loved their interactions and how they connected over their “otherness” rather than being afraid of the other. Both of them learn the stick together and face problems together rather than splitting up, and their protectiveness is so sweet.
While the plot is a bot predictable, and the pacing sometimes went a little wonky, it didn’t hinder my enjoyment much. I was really mostly reading just for the characters and the romance. In Deeper Waters is mainly a character driven book, so I didn’t mind the hiccups along the way.
If you’re looking for a cute, queer, standalone fantasy look no further! You’ll fly through this book!
Favorite Quotes:
“You saved me,” Tal said.
Athleen mustered a grin. “You saved me first, remember? I was returning the favor.”
“That was a lifetime ago.”
______________________________
“I know you want to protect me, but I don’t need protecting. I’d rather be in danger with you than left behind.”
______________________________
I’ll find you another [shark’s tooth].” Athleen bumped his nose to Tal’s. “I’ll find you a thousand if that’s what you want.”
“One will do.”
Athleen laughed and kissed him again.
Tal sank into it– happy, loved, and unafraid.
______________________________
Giveaway:
Up for grabs, we have ONE (1) physical copy and ONE (1) digital copy of In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens. This giveaway will end on April 26th at 11:59 PM CST. The physical copy will be available to win by US residents only and the digital copy will be available to win by INTL residents only. To enter, click the link below!
Click the link here or the image below to enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway!
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