4.5 stars rounded up to five on net galley

I enjoyed this graphic novel a lot, but I really enjoy anything with merpeople. I loved the different mer-types based on different sea creatures, though I would’ve loved to see more skin colours and body types. The art style and the different kingdoms reminded me a lot of She-ra and the princess of power (2018). It was interesting to see the difference in the art style between the bonus chapter and the rest of the book, at first I thought it was a different artist and it wasn’t till I got to the authors note that I saw and realised the improvement and changes in their work. Story wise the two main characters have been told a prophecy and there is a lot of outside pressure to conform which is a good analogy for queerness as a whole. However I’m not sure what solution siren and kappa will have, to avoid following the prophecy and the pull that kappa has. Their avoidance towards the end did start to slightly irritate me. I look forward to seeing where it goes in the rest of the series.
#ad I received this book as an arc but the opinions are my own.

Marsharks blushing is on my list of things I find super cute now. Kappa being a shiny merperson “blessed” to be the beacon and fulfill the prophecies of the other variations of merpeople seems like a pretty sweet gig, if you don’t think about it too much. Siren is the prince of the mersharks and he’s been been told his whole life he will fulfill his peoples prophecy and break their curse, he’s just waiting on one Mr. Beacon.
The art in this is phenomenal, there is so much detail and the colors are gorgeous, I loved every minute of it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Wendy Martin; Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press | Ten Speed Graphic for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) and provide my honest opinion/review.

I haven’t read the webtoon of Castle Swimmer, but the cover and discription had me sprinting to request this on #NetGalley! The illustrations are absolutely stunning! I cannot get over how beautiful they are! Kappa literally looks like he’s glowing! The details are amazing and the use of colours is perfection! I didn’t even realise until I reached the bonus content, but the jellyfish are drawn swimming upwards to represent daytime and swimming down to represent night, because that’s how jellyfish swim in the sea, like how cool is that?!? Honestly this is going to become my new obsession!

The storyline is great so far and I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happens next! (I’m swimming to Webtune to find out!) this was such a lovely coming of age story with mermaids and magic and both Kappa and Siren are so cute I can’t wait to explore their friendship and see where this story takes us! (I’m hoping the end up together!!)

For lovers of:
- Graphic Novels
- Mermaids
- Coming of age stories
- Queer characters
- Prophecies
- Magic

Give me a world underwater and queer mermens and I'm all for it. And what a read! It was SO beautiful. The drawings are mesmerizing, the story is overly cute and touching. During all my reading, all I wanted to do was to hug them sooo tight. Kappa is so soft, and I felt so much for Siren. I love them so much I couldn't wait for the rest so now I'm reading it on Webtoon and I juste can't stop !!!

Heat Factor: Nothing yet!
Character Chemistry: It’s pretty hard to say no to a connection forged after one character can’t handle murdering the other
Plot: As the Beacon, Kappa’s entire life’s purpose is to fulfill the prophecies of others. Siren’s people’s prophecy is for him to kill the Beacon in order to end their suffering.
Overall: It’s only the first chapter of a much bigger adventure, but it’s charming, and I’m invested

I decided to try to get in on the ground floor for this one, and I hope that’s a good choice for future Erin, because I think it’s going to be a drawn-out slow burn for these mer-boys.

So, Kappa is, like, popped into existence, and the god-equivalent tells him that his life will be for fulfilling prophecies. All good, right? (I mean, no. As an adult I can see that this is no way to live, but he doesn’t know this yet.) But the very first time Kappa fulfills a prophecy, it doesn’t turn out the way the people expected/wanted, and he realizes that this life is not all it’s chalked up to be. Worse, he can’t avoid the prophecies. If he happens to swim near one, he has to go to it.

Okay. So. The plot is not as simple as “Kappa swims into the Shark abode and Siren has to deal with him.” There are also other sea-peoples who are aware the Beacon exists and who are kind of collectively trying to figure out how to get him to come fulfill all their prophesies. This becomes a problem when Kappa is already in the Shark community, where the prophecy is that he needs to be killed by the prince, because obviously if Kappa is dead he can’t fulfill everybody else’s prophecies.

Siren, the extremely sheltered prince of the Sharks—whose entire life has been about staying safe to ensure that he can fulfill the Shark end of the prophecy—simply cannot murder Kappa. He has guilt about avoiding his responsibility, because as long as he doesn’t do his job his people are suffering, but he sees Kappa’s personhood and can’t take that away, either. So, he tells his mom every day that he’s going to go do his duty, but he just spends the day hanging out with Kappa instead. Together they start trying to figure out ways around their predicament, and they start to care about each other as individuals. It’s adorable.

So. We have the opening for both some external shenanigans and also a sweet YA love story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

the main characters are quite interesting! i love the simple art design and the thought-out worldbuilding rules that the author shared on the end. i like the struggles that the prince is facing and i'm interested in knowing how his story will go

Very beautiful book! The story was good, but not overly deep. I loved the connection between the two main characters, and how they bonded over their sense of obligation to their communities. The plot wasn't very complex, but the character work and the art were stunning. I will definitely be looking for a volume 2 for this series. Enjoyable read.

Book provided by netgalley for a fair review.

I wanna start by saying the art is so beautiful! Even more than I can remember. The story is so sweet but also sad. A very good combo if you ask me. Volume 1 is a great one and the ending left me ready for more! This comic has a special place in my heart because it's the first queer fiction I have read. I will never stop recommending it to others.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

From the moment Kappa is born, he has a purpose. He is the Beacon, destined to fulfill prophecies for all of fish-kind. As he swims, he is pulled by a golden tether to anyone/ anything he gets too close to, bound to them until the prophecy is complete. Eventually the tug of prophecies leafs Kappa to the shark kingdom, where he is immediately imprisoned. The sharks prophecy states that the curse on their people will only be lifted if their Prince kills the Beacon. When Prince Siren strikes up an unlikely friendship with the Beacon, they both realize that there might be more to life than the roles they’ve been given, and maybe it’s time to break free from them.

Castle swimmers 1 was everything I wanted it to be. The art was beautiful and the setting and different species designs were amazing and so immersive. It was bright and fun and captured my attention from the first page.

The relationship between Kappa and Siren was so sweet and endearing. The two of them getting to know each other and flirting with each other while also coming to terms with their roles in the prophecy was so cute and I am obsessed with the queer merman plot.

As for the plot, it was a little bit of a slow burn, but it is clearly set up for a much larger overarching storyline. It also wasn’t too slow to where it lost my attention. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next!

Wendy Martin ha logrado un equilibrio excepcional entre la trama y el romance juvenil. Aunque la trama es compleja, siempre se mantiene clara y la narración fluye sin problemas.

Me sorprendió gratamente lo mucho que disfruté esta historia y cómo me sumergí en su mundo. Este volumen aborda temas importantes pero logra mantener un tono alegre que te engancha por completo. ¡Necesito saber cómo continúa todo!

🦈🦈🦈

Wendy Martin has achieved an exceptional balance between the plot and young romance. Although the plot is complex, it remains clear and the storytelling flows smoothly.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this story and immersed myself in its world. This volume tackles important themes yet manages to maintain a cheerful tone that completely captivates you. I need to find out how everything continues!

Summary:

Kappa is the Beacon, a fact known well before his birth. Every culture and city has its own legend about Kappa. Some believe he'll come and bring with him good fortune. Others think he'll be what they need to change their lives forever. It's hard living up to these expectations, to say the least.

Siren knows a little bit about drowning under the weight of expectations. His whole life, people have been waiting for the day he lived up to his prophecy—the day he saved his people from horrendous injuries on a daily basis. But can he do what it takes?

Review:

Oh goodness. I went into Castle Swimmer Vol. 1, not really having any expectations (I didn't read the Webtoon series), and holy cats! This series has so much heart it's impossible not to fall head over heels for it.

For starters, I love the whole concept – playing around with legends and prophecies. These things never work out as we expected, and Castle Swimmer does a great job of showing the how and why of it all.

Then there are the characters. I just want to bundle Kappa and Siren up and protect them from the world (in my defense, they could probably use the help). They make this series, so there is no question about that.

The worst part about Castle Swimmer Vol. 1 was coming to an end. I didn't want to put it down – I wanted to keep reading. This had little to do with the cliffhanger ending, but mostly, it's because I got so caught up in the world.

If you love mermaids and prophecies, make sure to check out Castle Swimmer Vol. 1.

Highlights:
Fantasy/Romance
LGBT
Coming of Age
Legends and Lore
Webtoon Series

Castle Swimmer is an absolutely ADORABLE graphic novel about the "Beacon" a young mermanish creature, who is destined to fulfill many prophecies and the young prince who is prophesied to kill him. While the story sounds pretty dark, the illustrations and vibe are cozy & cute. I really connected with both of the main characters, & my only complaint was that it ended on a cliffhanger. (It clearly says volume 1, I just wanted more lol)

Big thanks to NetGalley, Wendy Martin, and Ten Speed Press for the chance to read and review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review!

I really enjoyed THE CASTLE SWIMMERS so very much. It checks all the boxes for me: Gay? ✅ Mermen?✅ Good shark representation? ✅

(listen sharks are not bad guys, ok people, it’s just that there was this horror movie that really rocked everyone’s face in the 80’s, ok? Sharks are actually just goofy lil guys and we should stop killing them for shark fin soup, and just let them LIVE).

Ahem.

Anyway.

Gay shark mermen. Love it. I also was really impressed by the world building, I absolutely loved that. I was excited to find this webcomic online, so I can read more of it!

First, let me just say that I have never read a webtoon story before, and this has made me download the app so that I can keep reading about these characters.
I got attached really quick to Kappa and Siren, and that's exactly what kept me reading. If I love the characters, I love the book!
The storyline is also really interesting: the idea of fate and destiny, not having agency in your life and wanting to take your life into your own hands really spoke to me.
I 100% recommend that you read this, needless to say, I will keep reading the rest!

I loved Castle Swimmer.

It is very interesting what it presents to us about the prophecies, and how those involved become involved in them without even having a choice. This is seen very well in this graphic novel (which was a webtoon) and which shows us underwater life.

The illustrations are beautiful, the art is very particular and unique, it accompanies the story very well and we can see a little about the process at the end of the volume.

I think this story has everything, lgbtq+ representation, prophecies, rebellious characters, a lot of humor, romance, action!! of everything.

Also... we have a romance between a merman and a shark. Love!

A light, fun read that allows you to visit the depths of the ocean and meet these two characters with whom you become attached super quickly.

Thanks Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press | for the ARC.

I had seen this comic for a long time on Webtoon and had always been curious about it, but never read it. I thought the concept was so interesting and felt sucked into the plot quick. Within one volume so many complex emotions and situations are covered. I immediately felt invested in our characters and only want the best for both of these cute beans. I think it cut off on a thrilling note and I am curious for the next installment. The art reflects an earlier style for the artist and it is so nice to see the transition in their own style and finding their own. I think this is a great read for anyone and everyone.

Thank you NetGalley and Ten Speed Graphic for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely ADORE this Webtoon. It was one of the first Webtoons I had ever gotten into and to find out it’s being published was so exciting! I am soooo grateful to Wendy Martin and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for approving me to read this before publishing.

Our main characters are not only lovable and beautifully designed, but so relatable. They feel so real and easy to connect to. Wendy Martin is truly such a wonderful artist, I am in love with her style and her use of colors. Castle Swimmer just reels you in and once you’re hooked, that’s it. I cannot wait for more volumes and this one isn’t even officially out yet. I will absolutely be purchasing them all.

If you don’t give Castle Swimmer a chance, you’re really only doing yourself a disservice. Queer sea folk?? Supportive and relatable characters?? Gorgeous art, complex storyline and a sweet little axolotl sidekick?? What are you waiting for?

*this review is also posted on Goodreads

3.5/5

I liked this book. I think I need to read more to love it but it is well on its way. (I mean shark people? Gotta love the concept)

Kappa is a beacon and Siren is meant to kill him. But what happens when Siren doesn’t want to kill and becomes friends and possibly more with Kappa. I am invested on how they will get Kappa out of the situation and how Siren’s family will feel. I look forward to the next books to see where this adventure will take them.

First the art: Perfection! The story is excellent, but the art makes this a five-star book alone. The way the beacon sparkles in contrast to the sharks and darkness. Wow. I could not put it down. It's such a sweet story and yet so sad. The balance is great. I cannot wait to see how this ends.

5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Wendy Martin for allowing me to read an Arc of your upcoming release. In exchange I have written an honest review ❤️
I absolutely loved this WEBTOON , so I was super excited when I found out it was getting published .
From the very beginning it’s just super cute and inspiring .
This book/comic shows the trials of find yourself and loving you for who you are. I felt it shows the struggles of being different in a world that’s scared of that. It’s about finding friendship, love and purpose.
5 stars ! I can’t wait to see more and buy physical copies❤️