Thumbnail for Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan (Illumicrate 'Fantasea' Exclusive) image
Thumbnail for Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan (Illumicrate 'Fantasea' Exclusive) image
Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan (Illumicrate 'Fantasea' Exclusive) image
Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan (Illumicrate 'Fantasea' Exclusive) image
  • Past Box
Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan full box (Illumicrate 'Fantasea' exclusive)
Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan (Illumicrate 'Fantasea' Exclusive)
Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan (Illumicrate 'Fantasea' Exclusive)
Back to Full Box
Illumicrate image

Illumicrate

March's Theme

Eliza Chan

Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan full box (Illumicrate 'Fantasea' exclusive)

Featured book: Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan

An exclusive cover (from the publisher)

Full colour printing on the hardback (by @danlinz_art)

Digitally printed fore-edge (from the publisher); block sprayed top and bottom edge

Illustrated endpapers (by @tropicalgloom)

Signed by the author

'Fantasea' March 2024 Illumicrate Exclusive

This box was part of the Illumicrate subscription in March 2024 and is no longer available to purchase.

Subscribe to Illumicrate

Shop order shipping:

All shop orders ship in batches at least once a week. If it has been more than 14 days since you placed your order and you have not received a shipping notification, please get in touch with support here.

About the product

Revolution is brewing in the semi-submerged city of Tiankawi, between humans and the fathomfolk - sirens, sea witches, kelpies, and kappas - who live in its waters. This debut fantasy inspired by East Asian mythology and watery folk tales is perfect for fans of Jade City, The Bone Shard Daughter and House of Earth and Blood.

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 - fathomfolk royalty - is exiled to the city. When extremists sabotage the annual boat race, 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.

The book at a glance:

  • Adult fantasy debut; first in a duology
  • Featuring: exclusive cover; full colour printing on the hardback; digitally printed fore-edge; illustrated endpapers; signed by the author; bonus content
  • M/F main relationship; PoC viewpoint characters; East and South-East Asian inspired world; diverse queer identities

Photo credit to @Rae

'An unforgettable, must-read fantasy.' - Shelley Parker-Chan

Tropes for Fathomfolk include: multi-POV, established relationship, angry women, East Asian mythology, burn it all down

Book merchandise

Our March 2024 ‘Fantasea’ box included:

About the Author

Eliza Chan is a Scottish-born speculative fiction author. Her Sunday Times bestselling debut novel FATHOMFOLK — inspired by mythology, East and Southeast Asian cities and diaspora feels — was published by Orbit in 2024. The sequel TIDEBORN will be published in 2025. Her short fiction has featured in The Dark, Podcastle, Fantasy Magazine and The Best of British Fantasy.

Content warnings for Fathomfolk

  • Content Warning

    • Violence
    • Death
    • Toxic relationship/manipulation
    • Corrupt state and justice system
    • Racism
    • Xenophobia
    • Cultural appropriation
    • Class discrimination
    • Non-explicit sexual content
    • Alcohol/alcohol consumption
    • Drug use
    • Blackmail
    • Trafficking
    • Imprisonment
    • Strong language/cursing/swearing