4.6 stars

This was a wonderful surprise!

When I started it, I was worried it would be too childish for me. Regardless, I kept reading, and I'm glad I did. I was enthralled in the story and didn't even see the ending coming. I wasn't ready to leave the world yet. The author did a wonderful job, especially with the characters and the atmosphere.

The characters were well developed, if not for a small lack of depth. However, I know it's the first in a series and it might get resolved later on in the volumes to come. Plus, I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between the characters. It felt genuine and believable, and all the relations had something unique.

Regarding the ambiance, to me, it comes down to the drawings. Not only were they wonderful, they also conveyed a lot. For example, the emotions were well-depicted in the face of the characters (blushing, admiration seen through their eyes, etc.) It helped connect with the story.

I can't wait for the next one to come out.

Every one cares about their prophecy that the beacon is intended to fulfill.
Many kingdoms have different prophecies all for the same Beacon ( the savior of sorts ).
Does the beacon bring riches, strong armor, ever lasting health and life? Does he intend to fill all of them?
What if the beacon is brought down by a prince whose land has a prophecy that killing the beacon will free his land of a curse.

The prince and the beacon. Two souls who share a unwanted destiny.

There are some really touching moments for the prince and the beacon in this first installment. They come to realize that neither of them are who everyone wants them to be, and both feel like they are letting everyone down. The foil between the two of them is fantastically written.

The connection and banter with them *Chefs Kiss*

I find myself smiling and giggling, I'm anxiously awaiting the second volume!

Thank you NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for this advanced copy to review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ten Speed Graphic for this ARC. (Although it’s been published by the time I was able to get this uploaded)

This Graphic novel was such a refresher. It hooked me from the start and was paced incredibly! The art style is simple in such a special way! The colors are easy on the eyes and are cohesive.

The elements in this story are both fun and serious. I liked reading a story where we are able to see both sides of the coin. I love that there are Queens in this who rule their own kingdoms.

Kappa and Siren are super special and have so much more in common than they realize when they meet. As they get to talking they realize the other isn’t so bad. But they both have worlds that clash and people expecting big things out of both of them. As they navigate through those hard times, they both discover things about themselves that they couldn’t have found out on their own. I’m excited to continue reading this graphic novel!

Castle Swimmer is a captivating start to a Webtoon series that masterfully combines adventure and romance under the sea. The story follows Kappa, a merman burdened by his predetermined fate as the Beacon, and his unexpected journey when he encounters Prince Siren of the Shark kingdom. Their defiance of destiny leads to thrilling escapades and a budding romance that challenges everything they thought they knew about their lives.

Wendy Martin’s storytelling is both enchanting and emotionally resonant, drawing you into a vibrant underwater world filled with danger and heart. The graphic novel format enhances the experience, bringing the characters and their adventures to life beautifully. 5 stars!

Gay mermaids, what's not to love? The art style is beautiful, and it's crazy to compare this published work with the original drawings on webtoon and how much it has evolved. The story is really enticing, and I can't wait to read what happens next with Kappa and Siren. The characters develop really naturally over the course of the volume, and I look forward to the development that comes next.

I’m ecstatic that I finally got the chance to read Castle Swimmer. I’ve read plenty of webtoons, but this one had been on my list for a while, and I’m so glad I got around to it. The artwork is stunning, filled with vibrant colors that really stand out. I read it on both my iPad and Kobo Color, and while the colors still shine on the Kobo, I recommend keeping the brightness up to fully appreciate all the details.

Castle Swimmer follows the story of Kappa, a Merboy destined to fulfill prophecies as the Beacon of the underwater world. His role is far from easy, and one prophecy leads him into the life of Siren, the shark prince. Siren's kingdom is cursed and falling apart, and the prophecy says that only by killing the Beacon can Siren free his people. Despite this grim fate, Kappa and Siren’s growing bond complicates their paths, adding a captivating layer of tension between their duties and their personal feelings.

Siren and Kappa are unbelievably cute and lovable characters, and their journey is both heartwarming and intense. However, a quick warning—there are a few scenes involving blood for anyone squeamish. The story also explores the difficulty of setting aside personal feelings for the greater good, which is something both Siren and Kappa struggle with as their connection deepens.

I’m really excited to continue this series and see where their journey takes them! Thank you to Ten Speed Graphic and NetGalley for the Digital Advanced Reader’s Copy.

Hear me out: This graphic novel is a total gem!

Siren and Kappa are such charming characters. The story is heartwarming and totally addictive. The artwork is... something else. I love the way they play with colors and make each character stand out. I’m definitely going to continue reading it on Webtoon. It could become my new obsession!

𝚁𝙴𝙻𝙴𝙰𝚂𝙴 𝙳𝙰𝚃𝙴: October 22, 2024
𝚁𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙶: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝙼𝚈 𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚄𝙶𝙷𝚃𝚂:
Absolutely adorable. A mer-boy born as the Beacon and the prince who must kill him for a prophecy.

Kappa and Siren had the BEST meet cute.
Omg, the artistry really showed what they thought at first sight and my heart exploded in giddiness!
And then Kappa opened his mouth and Siren laughed, and I KNEW this one was going to be amazing.

My heart ACHED for both Kappa and Siren.
Kappa was the Beacon.
That was who he was.
He travelled and fulfilled prophecies.
But he wanted so much more.
And Siren had done nothing with his life because he was protected.
He felt useless.
Watching these two, sweet mer-boys get to know each other was perfect.
The sweetest little mer-romance is brewing.

I can’t wait for more!
I’m definitely going to invest in a physical copy of this series because it’s too gorgeous not to!

𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣. 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣.

I began reading this as a webcomic and am very happy to read the ARC. I will update with links and a full review, but so far find the story very sweet, a bit sad, but hopeful.

I remember when Castle Swimmer first started releasing on Webtoon!

It feels like just yesterday I was waiting for the newest update!

Castle Swimmer is the story of a Merboy named Kappa and his ‘life’s purpose’ as the underwater world’s Beacon. The Beacon’s job is to make prophecies come true, but it’s never as easy as it sounds. Against his will, Kappa is dragged into Siren’s life. Siren is the shark prince of a kingdom that is slowly dwindling to nothing because of a curse. It is said in their people’s prophecy that the Beacon will one day free them of their curse by allowing Siren to kill him. But can Siren do it? Can he fulfill his Kingdom’s prophecy by murdering Kappa, his new friend, in cold blood?

For starter’s Kappa and Siren are literally the CUTEST PAIR. EVER. They are perfect and in this first volume the reader gets to see their friendship begin. Even if the circumstances aren’t great, the two bond almost instantly over their similarities and life pressures. They’re so wholesome to read about and the artwork tops the cake at bringing the story and plot to life. I’m so glad this story is being published physically and more people can enjoy the story of Castle Swimmer!

Easily a 5/5-star rating. I will be purchasing a copy when it releases as well as promoting it at my Library. A highly recommended read for all ages!

My thanks to Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for the Digital Advanced Reader’s Copy. This book is expected to be published October 22th, 2024.

This is a cute little story. I enjoy the artwork, and the story seems to be developing in an interesting direction. I am definitely curious to see where it will go, and think it will be a good addition to the graphic novel collection at my library.

This is such a lovely story about two mermaids that everyone has expectations of that they don’t want to for fill.
I never read it on webtoon so this was my first introduction to this wonderful world. I can’t wait to read the rest of the story.

Thank you netgalley to provide me with this arc. This is my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Wendy Martin, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Castle Swimmer: Volume 1. What an absolute treat this graphic novel has been! As someone who's recently gotten into graphic novels, this was a perfect reminder of why stepping outside of your usual reading box can be so rewarding.

Castle Swimmer follows Kappa, a merman born to fulfill the prophecies of sea creatures all over the ocean. Burdened by a predetermined fate, Kappa's journey takes a turn when he's pulled into the prophecy of the Shark Kingdom, where their prince, Siren, is destined to kill him to break a curse that haunts their people. What unfolds is a tender, engaging story about defying destiny, with Kappa and Siren forming an unlikely bond.

The artwork is breathtakingly beautiful, with vibrant depictions of underwater life and different merpeople designs that make each scene feel alive and immersive. Kappa and Siren are easy to love, and their evolving relationship is heartfelt and touching. Watching them navigate their feelings while caught between duty and desire makes for a compelling read.

Wendy Martin's storytelling is whimsical, yet thought-provoking, weaving in themes of self-sacrifice, responsibility, and the desire for freedom from fate. It’s not just the stunning visuals that captivated me but also the emotional depth and complexity beneath the surface. Kappa’s internal struggle, as someone who is seen as a beacon of hope but treated as a tool, is incredibly poignant. Likewise, Siren's turmoil over being expected to take an innocent life adds layers to the narrative, making the stakes feel real and heavy.

While this volume sets the stage, leaving readers with a slow build and much anticipation, the promise of more adventures is enough to keep me eagerly waiting for Volume 2. I was so enchanted by this story, and it felt like a warm hug. I can’t recommend it enough for fans of graphic novels who love a blend of heartwarming romance, stunning art, and thought-provoking fantasy.

Five stars for this captivating and visually stunning debut! I can’t wait to see where Wendy Martin takes Kappa and Siren’s story next.

The artwork was swimmingly beautiful to soar through. I was extremely lucky to have been given the chance to read this. While I recently got into comics and graphic novels, this one proved to me that trying something new can be the best part of life. I like to throw myself into books I would normally never read because it helps me to learn outside my box. Try new things, explore and learn more about life , be selfless. I adored this treasure. Take a chance!

Did you ravenously consume webcomics on Smackjeeves in the early 2010s? My god, do I have a graphic novel for you. Castle Swimmer fulfills a need I'd forgotten I had. The art, the humour, the characters... this if so For Me™ it hurts.
Of course, that does mean that I don't quite know who to recommend this too - is it too tumblr coded for younger generations? Well, I don't care, because to me... it was perfect.
I love a story about people who are unhappy with their prescribed destiny and are trying to get out of it; combine that with an engaging plot, likeable and relatable characters, a still immature but charming artstyle, and what do you get? An immaculate graphic novel.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I’ve been a fan of Castle Swimmer since it was first published on Webtoon. When I saw it on NetGalley, I knew I needed to request it immediately! Kappa and Siren are such great characters and I adore their dynamic. It was really nice to revisit their story from the beginning. I’d describe this as a cozy queer romance with some angst. The story is a bit of a slow build, which allows you to really feel the character development. I selfishly wish this first volume went further into the story, but I’m looking forward to the next book!

Born to be the answer to countless prophecies is a tough job to crack. When all the nations of the ocean all want the world from you life is tough and it seems that you will always be seen as a commodity and not a person. When the prophecy of the sharks calls for Kappa’s death at the hands of their prince in order to break a curse on their people, Kappa is captured and he doesn’t want to die.

The prince doesn’t want to kill an innocent person either and as the boys get to know each other feeling build and they plan a way to escape and break the curse without sacrificing Kappas life.

This Webtoon is so sweet yet full of responsibilities that are so much greater then any individual. What is the life of a beacon who has to die for one prophecy when he has yet to fulfill the prophecies of so many other nations? Yet, are prophecies of nations prosperities worth more than saving a nation from a curse that kills many of their people every day?

This webtoon with a beautiful art style has so much more going on with it underneath the surface. It’s hard to know what to root for and things are so complicated. All I can think is I want to read more and more of it. I want to see what becomes of the mer-people and if they will survive their curse or will Kappa be sacrificed in the end?

(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Netgalley.)

Kappa is a Beacon - a magical creature who is blessed (cursed?) to play a role in the prophecies of various underwater kingdoms the world over. He even looks the part, with his beautiful, shimmering gold scales and aura of light. You'd think he'd love his life's purpose - after all, everyone is always thrilled to see him - yet it's a lonely, unfulfilling existence ... especially when the prophecy doesn't play out as expected. (And, given that prophecies are tricky things, they rarely do.)

Yet Kappa's "visit" (scare quotes because it's hardly voluntary) to the Shark Kingdom will present him with an entirely new threat, as this kingdom's prophecy involves his death. More specifically, Kappa must die at the hands of the kingdom's only un-scarred prince in order to break a decades-long curse that plagues the Shark merpeople.

For his part, Prince Siren has crumbled under the weight of his kingdom's prophecy. So that he may remain alive and intact, he'd had to watch his peers be sent to battle while he remains safe and sheltered in the castle ... reflecting on the morality of killing an innocent being to save his people. Things only become more twisted when Siren meets Kappa, and the two begin to fall in love. Can they find a way to thwart the prophecy, or will Siren be forced to choose between Kappa and his family?

CASTLE SWIMMER is absolutely lovely: sweet and life affirming, comfort food for the heart and soul. The artwork is enchanting: from the various merpeople to the sea creatures and, of course, Kappa and Siren, the nonhumans who populate CASTLE SWIMMER are freaking adorable. Pruney fingers aside, it's almost enough to make me want to live there, among the underwater caves and jellyfish. Kappa and Siren's budding romance is just [heart eyes] (think: HEARTSTOPPER underwater). It's such a beautiful story (and quick read) that I was sad to see Volume 1 come to an end. Luckily, the series is available on Webtoons, where Martin is already up to episode #186 (!). (Volume 1 is just episodes 1-19, with a few bonus stories at the end.)

in the meandering and whimsical introduction to the castle swimmer series, a pair of young mermen meet and inspire each other to defy their intertwined destinies.

i’m new to graphic novels, but i found this one to be absolutely darling. the art is lovely (i love the different mermaid styles!), and kappa and prince siren are cute and easy to root for. i was left wanting more despite the slow pace here (we don’t get any of those promised adventures in this volume) and i’m looking forward to picking up volume 2!

This was a very cute and fun read.
I loved the art style and the concept. The main characters were adorable, and I can’t wait to see all the adventures they get up to.