“You are a beacon, a light that shines for others. There are many prophecies in this world. You will have a key role to play in each one. The world is waiting for you. Go to the prophecies and fulfil your destiny!”
3.75☆|5

This was a really quick read, the pages were flipping between my fingers — figuratively, I read this on a screen —and I couldn't let it down. In fact, I read it in one sitting. Because if there is one thing that I will always recognize to this comic, it's that it is addictive. There's something so beautiful in the art style that made us unable to leave Siren and Kappa.

This first volume is very obviously a setup; we learn about the universe and how we ended up in this situation, and we learn a bit about the characters — even though it stays a bit superficial, I hope that we will learn more deep things about them later! And yet, enough things happen, the premise is intriguing, and it seems like it is going to be well done. So we stick to it and want to know what is going to happen. In fact, I am not even sure that I will be able to wait for the second volume, and I might really well go read the next chapters directly on Webtoon.

One of the major highlights of this story is its characters. I just love Siren and Kappa, they are opposed yet very similar. And even though I feel like the light romance developing between them is quick, it is cute to read about those two mermen having small crushes when they actually need to kill or be killed by the other. This comic is truly adorable, and I love the art.

I will make sure to read what happens after this volume, and I definitely recommend it if you want a quick, adorable read with nice art and prophecies. Thank you to Netgalley and Ten Speed Graphic for sending me an eARC of this book, it will be out on October 22.

My review will be available on Instagram and Storygraph around October 15th!

**Book Review: Castle Swimmer**

"Castle Swimmer" is an absolute delight, transcending its origins as a Webtoon to become a highly anticipated book. As a librarian, I have witnessed the palpable excitement among many young readers eagerly awaiting its release. The narrative's charm lies in its richly developed characters, Siren and Kappa, who resonate deeply with readers of all ages.

Kappa, the reluctant "chosen one," brings a refreshing twist to the archetype. His journey is one of self-discovery and defiance against the predestined path laid before him. Siren, reminiscent of a modern-day Rapunzel, captivates with her wide-eyed wonder and exploration of a world beyond her confines. Their interactions are a beautiful blend of friendship, adventure, and growth, making the story both relatable and inspiring.

Moreover, the author's dedication to incorporating lesser-known and endangered ocean species into the narrative adds a layer of educational value and environmental awareness. This thoughtful inclusion not only enriches the underwater world of "Castle Swimmer" but also encourages readers to develop a deeper appreciation for marine life and the importance of conservation.

In summary, "Castle Swimmer" is a compelling and heartwarming tale that excels in character development, storytelling, and ecological consciousness. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that combines fantasy, adventure, and meaningful themes.

One of the best graphic novels I've read this year. A sweet story that is sure to swim into the hearts of many. Compelling characters that will make readers care deeply. I can't wait to read more of the story!

This was such a great graphic novel. The art design was so cute and I really like the story. I can't wait to read more!

While I enjoyed this read, it left me a bit disappointed. Mostly because nothing really happens in this first volume. The art is great and fits the story well and we are presented to the story nicely, but it lacked the omph to make me want to keep going.

I might continue this, I might not. I think it'll be a great library book once more volumes are out.

/ Denise

Thank you to Netgally for giving me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

Castle swimmer is a cute, fluffy, and intriguing. The world building and concept is really interesting and I love seeing the different merfolk that were introduced along with the stories they've started to carve out and tell. I'm hoping to see more development for our main characters in the following chapters but this was a good baseline introduction to the series and if you're itching to read more right away you can read it on WEBTOON to continue the story.

Overall I think I would've liked more things to happen for a volume like this. It's a little slow but a solid enough start to get the idea for what you're getting into with this series.

This one was so gorgeous, and the story was so intriguing as well. Had not a single moment where I felt bored, and will definitely purchase it for myself.

this was such a cute comic!! i love the characters and cant wait to see how they figure out the next steps in their lives.

the art is amazing and the story is extremely intresting! its super heartwarming and the characters are all so unique

Like many other reviewers I can see, I began reading Castle Swimmer on Webtoon wayyyy back when. I didn't continue because I dropped my iPad in the bath oops.

But now it's back! And ive read it! and its such a cosy, nostalgic feeling to swipe through beautifully curated pages. As ever the story is endearing and cute, with just enough stakes and twists to carry the plot. Sometimes it's a bit of a tedious read, getting stuck on what feels like repetitive loops here and then, but else wise, it's just an adorable read. I feel as though I have progressed beyond this era of my reading habits, but it's nice to dip my toes back once in a while to appreciate the artistry.

*Thank you to Netgalley for an arc copy*

This was such a cute graphic novel that was so enjoyable!

I loved the art style, and the story itself was so good. I love anything relating to merpeople, and this is no different.

I really want the next instalment to know what happens!!!

I've been a fan of Castle Swimmer since it was on WEBTOON, in fact it was one of the first WEBTOONs I read when I downloaded it seven years ago so I immediately knew I had to request it.

The art is gorgeous. Martin does a great job with creating different species and incorporating diverse character designs. As well as making the setting feel bright and alive.

Kappa and Siren are the cutest. Even in this short volume you could really get a feel for their characters and their struggles of being tied to the prophecy.

Finally, the plot of the book is slow to start since I know that it builds up later with lots of twists and turns. However, every page still kept me hooked.

Overall, one of my favourite WEBTOONs ever.

This is so cute and really nicely drawn, so gutted where it ended and desperately need to read the next instalment 🥺

Loved the artistry of this work. Definitely made you feel for the main characters and the dilemma so called prophecies have put them in.

I really enjoy this one. Quite easy to follow, interesting, nice drawing... I'm waiting for more and I will follow the story for sure.

I never got around to reading this on Webtoon, so this was my first time experiencing this story. It was so good! I can't wait to read more. Being the first instalment, a lot of this book was setting up the characters and world, I'm looking forward to seeing where the story will go now that everyone has been introduced.

I was provided an e-ARC of this graphic novel via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cute beginning to the story! Kappa is the Beacon, or the individual responsible for carrying out the prophecies of different merspecies. However, what happens when the mershark prophecy needs the Beacon to die? Does Prince Siren have what it takes to fulfill the shark prophecy? It ends on a cliffhanger though so it does feel incomplete; however this is volume 1 of a web comic that started on Webtoon, so the cliffhanger was expected. The characters were cute and their interactions reminded me of a mix of the characters from Netflix's "She-Ra and the Princesses of Power" as well as "Avatar: The Last Airbender." The character voices came through the page it felt like I could hear them speaking to each other - they really came to life for me! This is a heartwarming, LGBTQ+-friendly story where all expressions and identities are enthusiastically supported. Reading this graphic novel was an enjoyable experience. Some panels made me laugh out loud!

Some of the dialogue felt a little cheesy but it worked within the world of the characters. Many of the side characters looked alike so it was hard to tell some secondary characters apart.

Content warnings for blood, violence, and arm-cutting in the context of attempting to scar skin on purpose.

Overall I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in future volumes!

_____________________________________________

Please note that per the email I received via Netgalley, I will not post this review until the week of publication October 2024.

The following list is of typos (as a note for the publisher rather than a part of my actual review):
- Page 50: "Lets" should be "Let's"
- Page 79: "durgeon" should be "dungeon"
- Page 102: "about, it afterwards" should have the comma removed
- Page 113: "ineract" should be "interact"
- Page 115: "our of here" should be "out of here"
- Page 144: "Your's" should be "Yours"
- Page 147: In the last panel, "I wanted him to tell me that himself" ends in a comma when it should end in a period.
- Page 206: The line "The Jellyla's voodoo doll plan seems way too risky" needs to end in a period.

Set under water, Castle Swimmer is about the pressure of other people expectations.

With different groups of merpeople desperate for their prophecies to be fulfilled by the Beacon. What happens when he ends up imprisoned by the shark Prince who is destined to kill him?

I really hope this book gets a sequel, I'm desperate to find out what happens next.

As someone who has been reading Castle Swimmer since its very early days on Webtoon (a serial site for comics, manga, and manhwa), I was beyond excited to see that it's going to be bound and available for sale. I mean, queer merfolk? Magic and mysteries? What more could you ask for? But part of the wonder of this story comes from how beautiful the artwork is. It's a world that you'll be happy to be lost in.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In a world of sea creatures and underwater ocean kingdoms, young Kappa’s life is already predetermined as the golden Beacon. His destiny collides with multiple kingdoms, but for one in particular: the shark people. After he’s imprisoned in the shark realm, he meets Prince Siren, who’s destined to end the Beacon’s life. Complications arise, treachery begins, and a romance like no other opens for possibilities.
This graphic novel is stunning, and the different kingdoms that the author/illustrator creates are mesmerizing. Originally part of the app Webtoon, Castle Swimmer is a must-read hit. Stunning illustrations of underwater life mixes with the confusion of Siren and the hope of Kappa. I seriously wish the second volume was here. Time for Webtoon now!