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

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.

This review will be posted to Instagram, StoryGraph, and Goodreads the week of publication.

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❤️

This is such a beautiful story about expectations, prophecies and the light of friendship, taking place in a beautiful marine setting.

Kappa and Siren, two mermen, have more things in common that they think. They are both key to fullfil prophecies very important to their people, and they are committed, although things are not as simple.

The story is quite fast paced, and quickly establishes the plot and defining traits of both characters.
The art is so beautiful, I adored the color palette.

I really enjoyed it and certainly want to know more of this story, the two mermen are so cute and I can't wait to see how the romance develops.

The bonus material is great, insightful and you can somehow connect to the author.

i've came across castle swimmer on webtoon and ever since than it's been an important story to read, to follow. it's about fate, friendship, love, adventure. it's about pushing your own boundaries, about fighting for yourself and for people. and mostly it is a fantastic coming of age story with a mystery twist.

Thank you netgalley and publishers for the arc of Castle Swimmer Vol. 1!!

This was so sweet ! I’ve had the webtoon on my list for a long time, but never got found to reading it, so when I found out it was being released as a volume, I had to request it

Kappa and Siren are both tied to prophecy, their paths laid out for them, but they plan to reject their destinies, and even find romance.

Castle Swimmer volume one is quick paced, intruiging and the art-style is wonderful. The story is classic, but also authentic, and I love the diversity within it.


If I do not begin the webtoon after reading this volume, I will be eagerly awaiting volume two.


REVIEW WILL BE RELEASED ON GOODREADS AND STORYGRAPH UPON WEEK OF PUBLICATION

'Castle Swimmer' was a fun, interesting story but ultimately one I just didn't care for very much, Like a lot of webcomic's turned graphic novels, these seemed to stop right as the story was developing to be more interesting. The art style wasn't one I particularly enjoyed but also wasn't bad either, just felt as though it teetered more child like. I'm interested to see where else this story goes. The romance seemed interesting. But ultimately, I just don't think I cared enough about this one.

I hope it finds its home elsewhere!

Synopsis: From the moment Kappa tumbles into existence on the ocean floor, his life’s purpose is already decided for him: He is the Beacon, a light to all sea creatures, and destined to fulfill their many prophesies. In high demand and under immense pressure, Kappa quickly realizes that fame and glory are small compensation for a life of predetermined self-sacrifice.

Unable to resist the call of destiny due to a magical yellow cord that appears from his chest and pulls him inexorably to any sea creatures he swims by, Kappa ultimately finds himself drawn to the Shark kingdom, where he is immediately imprisoned. The Sharks’ prophecy states that the curse maiming their people will only be lifted once their prince, Siren, kills the Beacon. But when Prince Siren decides to defy fate and help Kappa escape, Kappa realizes that there might be more to life than fulfilling endless prophesies, leading to a raucous adventure as big and unpredictable as the ocean itself—and a romance that nobody could have predicted.

My rating: A solid 5 stars!

Thank you #NetGalley & Ten Speed Press & Wendy Martin for allowing me to read this beautiful story and ARC!

“ The truth is… I don’t want to be a beacon that shines for others. I just want to shine for myself!” -Kappa

I was beyond excited to have this ARC approved for me to read. I was hooked from the moment I opened it, absolutely stunning illustrations, captivating likeable characters and a story that leave you wanting more!

I especially appreciated how the author includes the origin story of ‘Castle Swimmer’ at the end of the novel and a bit of her own backstory! Much hard work and pure talented was poured into this graphic novel and that shows on every page.

I would recommended this stunning graphic novel to anyone that enjoys fantasy, LGBTQIA+ storylines & enjoys humorous characters. I flew through this novel and loved every moment, I cannot wait for more Kappa & Siren!

Note for NetGalley: My public reviews on Instagram & Goodreads will be posted the week of the publishing date October 21, 2024

Kappa's entire life has been ruled by a prophecy told by long-dead strangers, and he's made to follow a yellow cord that pulls him to every prophecy in existance. One day, he's led to a prophecy that demands him to die by a spear in Prince Siren's hands. Instead of killing him, Siren spares him.

The art style is adorable and I love how expressive the characters are! The volume ended on a cliff hanger, and I can't wait to read more.

Ahhh!!! I need to read the second volume ASAP! Absolutely loved this comic!!! The art was amazing, it had a lovely magical touch to it.

This was great! This is a book I've read in its original Webtoon format, and I'm glad it's finally being published physically. I love Kappa and Siren soo much, and I am in love with their story! I will 100% be looking out for more of this physical copies in the future. The art style of this series is amazing too, and I love the progression of it as the author/artist's style develops!

A host of different species of mermaids all hoping to encounter a merman called the Beacon so that their prophecies can be fulfilled. A gay shark-merman prince is tasked with killing the Beacon so that he can break the curse on his people. The shark-merman doesn’t want to kill the Beacon after realizing he’s just another person and a small romance starts blossoming. What I loved most was that the characters’ sexualities aren’t questioned, they just are. There’s no coming out scene or any internal or external conflict because of the characters’ sexuality. A refreshing take on a queer romance with a nice art style and narrative. Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I’ll definitely pick up the next volume.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

I really love this webtoon. This first volume starts a little bit slow, but knowing where it goes from here I love it. This book is really just introducing us to the characters and getting us used to the world. We get to know our main characters and the struggles they are going through with the lives they've been told they have to lead. They both have the world on their shoulders and all they want to do is be able to tell their own story. I love the art style and it really continues to improve as the story goes on. I will absolutely be picking up a copy!

This is a nice collection of the first part of a great webcomic. I just wish more had been included in this first volume.