Fathomfolk

Emily Woo Zeller’s smooth narration eases listeners into the flow of Chan’s intricately built world of Tiankawi, a half-submerged city populated by all manner of aquatic beings. Kappa and kelpies live alongside mermaids, selkies, and even a tentacled sea witch with a penchant for taking singing voices as payment. Zeller voices all three protagonists. The first is half-siren Mira, the first of the fathomfolk to earn her rank in the guard, despite the prejudice of land-bound humans. Then there is Nami, a young water dragon without the experience to discern the true motives of the rebels she’s allied with. Lastly, there is Serena, a human politician’s wife who manipulates Tiankawi from the shadows. The lives of all three are strongly entwined—for instance, one character dates Mira, is Nami’s brother, and works with Serena’s husband. Zeller has the skill to differentiate the wide cast of characters without resorting to unrealistic voices. Her steady consistency is a boon, as the novel’s intricate plot requires listeners to know who is interacting with each protagonist at all times.