A cute premise, but a first book without much action. Like many webcomics, the art evolves as the artist develops and gains a better feel for her characters, something some readers, used to more polished graphic novels, may find off putting, but fans of webcomics will be familiar with this. This book sets up an adventure, but only starts letting us peek at the background of the main characters and doesn't provide much action.

Castle Swimmer is a very cute book about two people realizing that they don’t want to be who they are “destined” to be and starting to figure out how to be who they really are, all of it set under the sea.
I loved the premise of this book and can’t wait to see where the story takes us in the next volumes.
The art style was also beautiful and fit the story perfectly.
I only wanted the characters to be a bit more three-dimensional.

All in all a very good read.

Castle Swimmer Vol 1 was the cutest graphic novel everrrr!! I frequent Webtoon and somehow missed this phenomenal series!

Kappa and Siren are my babies and I would do anything to protect them. The art style, concept and setting of the comic were incredible and I am super interested to see how Martin continues the story!

Thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press | Ten Speed Graphic and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this comic in exchange for an honest review!

Castle Swimmer: Volume 1 is a fresh, sweet MG/YA beginning installment of a unique fantasy. The plot, about a young merboy (he seems to be about 15 maybe?) who’s born to play the key role in other cultures’ prophecies. He has incredible importance to all the denizens of the sea, but it’s clear from his beginning that his life is a lonely one. The ocean is full of various humanoid creatures desperate to meet him, but he’s always on the move, and has no family— his only friends are the little, silent fish companions who keep him out of harms way as he grows through of childhood.
Things get interesting quickly—finally out of childhood but not yet an adult, as various humanoid species eagerly follow word of his travels, he’s trapped rather quickly by the one culture who needs him to die. It’s a dramatic meet-cute for the main characters, a teen shark prince who is destined to become a murderer (to save his people) is as unhappy about this prophecy as the merboy is to be murdered. From there, things start to get interesting as they try to find away around their respective destinies. Volume 1 ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and made me curious enough to go back and pick up the webcomic. I hope there are more installments published. The world building is interesting, and I appreciated the subtle queernormativity of the shark culture. Wendy Martin’s art uplifts the melancholy of the plot, and the characters are so determined to find a way out of their conundrum that I’m excited to see how this story develops. The characters design is consistent in this volume, but I also look forward to seeing the art style evolve (there’s a warning of this at the end of the book—it’s not uncommon for graphic novels who start as webcomics, and something I enjoy seeing). I enjoyed this, and hope the next volume is released soon.





Initial thoughts:
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.

ARC REVIEW: Castle Swimmer: Volume I
Genre: Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book # for 2024: #56

SYNOPSIS: Siren and Kappa her mermen on the opposite side of a prophecy. Kappa is the Beacon, who is the one who grants prophecies. Prince Siren is destined to be the one who kills Kappa in order to save his people from a curse.

MY THOUGHTS: I enjoyed this graphic novel immensely. It was a nice break from all of the heavier things I’ve been reading lately. The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous! I loved the relationship between Kappa and Siren. They have both lived a life that was predetermined for them. They have never made decisions for themselves. They immediately connect because of how they’ve lived. I cannot wait to see where their relationship goes.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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 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!