I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK! It was one I couldn’t put down for so many reasons!

First, Tal is very well-developed from Page 1, and that goes for the rest of his family and Athlen too! While this book has a big cast of characters, we’re given enough unique characteristics about each of them to set them apart easily.

Second, I love fantasy and I love pirates so putting the two together plus making it queer - I’m in love! The way Lukens writes is so easy to follow too! I know this book is popular in the Queer Bookstagram community but, even if it wasn’t, I still would’ve picked it up!

Then there’s the relationship between Athlen and Tal. Playful, absolutely adorable, and with the right amount of danger! Their connection with each other from the very beginning was just…comforting. To see it continue to bloom was incredibly satisfying.

The obstacles and dangers were high too - and there were a lot of them! I also love that Lukens balances out the danger for Tal and Athlen, not just focusing on putting one of them through the ringer.

Lastly, I want to highlight my favorite side characters:
- Garrett: Talk about an amazing brother! His strength and support was such a rock, of course for Tal, but also for me as a reader! (I may partially be in love with him as well.)
- Kest: I would loved to have seen more of Kest! Even though he didn’t have as much of a presence throughout the story, when he was there, he played an important role every time. His ability is cool too!
- Unnamed cat lady: I don’t remember if we learned her name, but this chick (if you’ve read the book, you’ll know who) was interesting! Her ability is also neat, and she just seems like she’d have an intriguing backstory.

Needless to say, because I have the paperback, I’m going to be investing in the hardback someday! Love love loved In Deeper Waters!

[That’s a good thing too since I have So This Is Ever After lol]