I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, as I knew it would feel very "fan fic-y" and that definitely did happen, but once I moved past that I did enjoy the story a lot. The artwork as expected was gorgeous, and I think that's a great addition to a story that can really thrive visually as this one does. I can tell that the author had specific scenes that they could see in their head that they wanted to stand out along side the illustrations.

As a debut novel I think this is fairly good, it has all the makings of something that would be a hit with the right audience. The structure feels a little clunky at times, and oftens leans toward hand holding and explaining every minor detail without allowing the reader to use their brain. I think the first person POV makes that a bit harder to handle, as it makes the book as a whole feel a lot younger than is intended.

Overall I think this was a very fun debut to jump into. I love the atmosphere and the love that was woven throughout the characters. The setting was easily enjoyable and unique enough to stand out.

«"All I know is that he misses the moon. If I could, I'd ride the rollercoaster to the sky, just to steal it for him."»
«"Despite the wisdom of my harmony, despite everything I believed possible, my heart is cultivating a pearl. For a human."»


I’m sad that I put off reading this for so long out of fear of heartache because I absolutely devoured this book! It’s easily one of my new favorites, and I’m so glad I gave it a chance.

When the Tides Held the Moon is a breathtaking blend of magic, love, and resilience. It has elements such as redemption, survival, and finding family in unexpected places.

---
First Impressions:
The cover and title instantly drew me in. And the fact that it was about the merfolk practically sealed the deal! The author’s writing style is also pretty engaging and immersive, making it easy to dive into the story.

---
Pacing:
While the early chapters leaned a bit slow-paced, especially with the focus on Benny’s life before meeting Río. I wish the buildup had been shorter, as the pacing felt a bit uneven early on.

However that changed pretty quickly once Río (our merman!) and Benny finally met, and the story completely took off.
Once the story truly found its stride, I completely lost track of time.

The final chapters had me on the edge of my seat—so much anxiety, so much heart. Río and Benny’s desperate fight for survival and the twists were amazing.

However, the epilogue felt a bit underwhelming. After the intensity of the climax, the conclusion lacked the emotional closure I was hoping for, but I suppose it wasn't too bad.

---
What I Loved:

The Characters: Every single character in this story felt real and three-dimensional. Even the side characters like Sonia, Matthias, and Emmett had layers to them that made them stand out. Sonia’s redemption arc, in particular, blew me away—it was unexpected, but definitely welcome.

Even characters who weren’t directly involved in the main plot—like Río's mother and Titi Luz—had a significant impact on the storyline.

Benny and Río, of course, completely stole my heart.

The Tropes: The found family trope is my weakness, and this book delivered it with perfection. The bond between Benny and Río, Benigno finding his harmony with the company, hit me right in the feels.

The Storyline: It was gripping, deeply emotional, and grounded in reality. While Benny’s experience as a Puerto Rican character facing constant discrimination was tough to read at times, it reflected the harsh truths of the world. This balance of fantasy and realism worked beautifully.

The Illustrations: I can’t praise them enough! They were stunning, vivid, and added so much to the experience. Each one drew me further into the story.


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What I Struggled With:

Benny’s Hesitation: At one point, I was so frustrated with Benny’s constant hesitation. I was practically jumping in my seat, ready to shake him so he would hurry up and do something! His indecisiveness held the story back for a bit, and it left me itching for him to take action.

The Use of Spanish at certain points:
While the inclusion of Spanish added authenticity and cultural depth to the story, it sometimes lacked translation or context. While I could piece things together through clues, there were moments when I felt slightly lost.

Can't really find faults with this one, to be honest.
---

Final Thoughts:
Despite minor pacing issues and a slightly lackluster epilogue, the book remains a stunning, unforgettable read that I’d recommend to anyone who loves high-stakes fantasy with a touch of realism.

Rating: 4.5/5

I can’t say enough wonderful things about this incredibly beautiful book. It is genuinely just as beautiful inside as it is on the outside. Vanessa’s prose, along with their incredible illustrations, make this a page turner.
This story sucks you in quickly. Benny is a blacksmith from Puerto Rico, and after he makes a tank for Morgan’s sideshow, life brings him to the shores of the East River (saltwater estuary!) where he is part of the crew that captures the merman. And he promises Río’s mother he will save him.
I got attached to Benny and Río right away. After Río literally goes for his throat, Benny doesn’t give up talking to him. I love their banter and the natural flow their relationship takes from friends to lovers. I can’t tell you the number of times Río’s short POV chapters made me kick my feet! Their love made my heart swell and ache. Once it becomes clear there is a rush to get Río back to the ocean, my heart pounded with every page as the escape plan was made. Despite the fact Benigno is human and Río is mer, you can’t help but hold out hope they can be together.
This is one of my top five books I’ve read this year. I’m so glad I also pre-ordered it. This is a book I will go back go over and over again!

4/5 stars
Recommended if you like: historical fantasy, LGBTQ+ characters, mermaids, carnivals

This review has been posted to Goodreads as of 11/17, to Instagram on 11/20, and to my review blog on 11/28.

This book follows Benny as he goes from working at the ironworks to working for Samuel Morgan at his carnival exhibition.

I'll be honest, this book was interesting and nothing was particularly wrong with it, but it just had some trouble holding my interest. For one, I probably could've done with a more interesting first chapter. While Benny cares a great deal about the skill and effort he puts into creating the beautiful cage for Mr. Morgan, I do not. At all. The first chapter being solely about ironworking really did not hold my interest at all and I set the book aside for a week before returning.

Once Benny leaves the ironworks and makes his way to Coney Island and Mr. Morgan things become more interesting. The merman is definitely interesting and sparks a lot of development, plot- and character-wise, throughout the book, but at the same time it felt like there was little forward progression for a lot of the book, which might be what caught me.

Benny, Benigno, immigrated to NYC from Puerto Rico at the behest of his late aunt, who wanted a better life for him. He ends up toiling away at the ironworks until a minor accident puts him out of a job. Luckily (?) he has another offer waiting for him: Mr. Morgan wants assistance with his show on Coney Island. Life does seem to look up for Benny after that, he finally has people who welcome him into their lives and accept him, and the merman offers a perplexing glimpse into a different world. But Benny's comfort rests in part on the imprisonment of the merman, whom he is slowly coming to love. A lot of Benigno's arc has to do with acceptance and doing the right thing even when there's a lot of risk involved.

When he gets to know the merman, Rio, he immediately wants to help. But things become complicated as he also gets to know the other people working for Mr. Morgan and is accepted as one of the family. There are high stakes for the coming carnival season, and saving Rio might mean ruining his newfound family...but helping his friends would mean ruin for Rio.

Rio comes from a culture of merpeople that we really only get glimpses of. It's clear they have a very different way of viewing things than humans do, and sometimes Rio and Benigno clash over this. But despite his circumstances, Rio has always been soft at heart and interested in helping people (which is actually how he ends up in this situation). He's incredulous at the prejudices Benigno faces and encourages Benigno to find people who truly understand him. I did like Rio a good bit, and though I wasn't a huge fan of his narrative style, I do wish we got more insight into him.

I liked the side characters and appreciated that they all had pretty deep backgrounds. Mr. Morgan's show at Coney Island is a side show featuring the 'smallest woman in the world,' Navya; the 'tallest man in the world, Igor; a fat lady, Lulu; the fire-breather, Vera; the 'strongest man in thew world,' Matthias; the flexible acrobat, Sonia; and the 'conjoined twins,' Eli and Emmett. It would've been interesting to have a book about one of them (or all of them), but it seems this is a standalone.

Overall this is a pretty good book, I just don't think it was for me. There's a lot of nuance to the characters and I think the side characters and their relationships helped make the story shine.

A powerful look into the human heart with all its shallows and depths heightened by Kelley’s gorgeous illustrations.

i fear i am in the minority here with not liking this book and so i’ll start with what i liked about it. the vibes and world building for the book were done very well i felt like i was in that time period and in new york. i also LOVED the art it was so beautiful. benny and rio’s relationship (for the most part) was very cute as well. my biggest issue is this book was not written very well and most of it read like it was fanfic, which apparently it was but i still expected more from the writing. Rio’s povs were better written but were still lacking. in my opinion a lot of it was written out very show and tell instead of leaving things for the reader to think on and i know some people enjoy that but personally i think it’s ok to trust the reader to connect the dots from time to time. most of the characters felt flat to me and seemed like caricatures of their culture. and to add onto that it was mentioned briefly that Filipinos were kept caged as an exhibit? i don’t understand how the menagerie can rebel to help a merman but think keeping humans caged as an exhibit is fine, especially benny. he did mention distaste towards it but if you can’t stand a merman in a tank and need to break him out why doesn’t that apply to the others? pacing was all over the place too, it was either extremely slow or extremely fast. overall just did not enjoy this book. it was really good as a concept just wish it was executed a bit better.

Stunningly beautiful and expertly woven; this is a tale for the ages.
Venessa Vida Kelly has created a story that is vibrant and engaging, both through their words and through their art.
The characters feel real and lived in. The romance is strong and well-developed. The setting is visceral and harsh, which juxtaposes well with the warmth that is created by the family formed.
A truly incredible read that I can't stop telling my friends about. I can't wait to read this in a hardcopy!

4.5. This is a beautiful book—lyrically written, with a sweet romance and strong, well-crafted characters. Beneath the surface of the fantastic story about the love between a Puerto Rican man and a merman in a Coney Island amusement park at the beginning of the 20th century, it offers many reflections on society, difference, and acceptance.

The relationship between Benny and Rio is truly heart-wrenching and undoubtedly the strongest element of the novel. It is lyrical, full of both joy and sorrow. Furthermore, the book features a "found family" theme, which, though based on the familiar trope of outcasts in a freak show, is executed very well. The plot does have slower moments at times, unfortunately, but overall, it’s an easy and enjoyable read, thanks in part to its beautiful prose.

An additional strength of the book is the stunning illustrations that enrich the story. I have been following Venessa Kelley’s career as an illustrator for a long time, and I am overjoyed that she is also succeeding as a writer. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, yet beautifully written story about love.

Oh this is just my vibe.
Queer, historical with fantasy elements!? I’m there.
Plus there’s illustrations!? Amazing!

I will say it took me a little time to get into it at the beginning, but I absolutely fell in love with it.

Took me through so many emotions and was such a beautiful love story! Gorgeous.

Thanks to NetGalley and Erewhon Books for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 30%

This one unfortunately I just couldn’t get into, the prose just wasn’t pulling me in, making it a bit hard for me to be fully immersed.

The illustrations throughout however are great.

When the Tides Held the Moon

**ARC Review, No Spoilers**

I have been a long time fan of Vanessa Vida Kelley as an artist. Their illustrations are stunning with the perfect amount of whimsy and detail. Admittedly, the announcement of this book was my introduction to Vanessa being a writer as well! I was fortunate enough to read When the Tides Held the Moon in advance of its release (thank you, NetGalley). I had no familiarity with the story and went in totally blind beyond knowing there was a merman involved. I’m so happy to share that I truly enjoyed this book.

Am I surprised Vanessa’s writing is as beautiful as their art? Absolutely not. I should have assumed as much. Vanessa has poured their heart, soul, and love of their heritage into the pages. The writing is vivid with details that serve the reader who enjoys picturing what they’re reading in their head. I am one of those readers so this made for an enjoyable experience.

If there was one word to describe this story, I think I’d say it would be ‘pride.’ Pride in who you are. Pride in who you love. Pride in bloodline and in creating your own family at the same time. As a side note, I can’t wait for my physical copy so I can see the final illustrations in person.

🌊 When the Tide Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley is a hauntingly beautiful queer fantasy that truly pulls you in with its captivating premise. Set in 1910s New York, the story follows Benny, an orphaned blacksmith who unexpectedly becomes entangled in a strange world of sideshow performers—and a magical, tragic merman named Río. Their love story is one that feels like it’s written in the stars, and I found myself completely enchanted by the emotional depth of their bond. 💖

Benny and Río’s connection is so much more than just a romance. It’s a journey of self-discovery, understanding, and the kind of love that defies boundaries. I adored how Kelley portrayed Río—he’s not just a mystical creature, but a fully realized, philosophical being with kindness and wisdom that challenged everything Benny knew about the world. The merfolk and their underwater world were beautifully imagined, and I could feel the weight of Río’s captivity in every page. 🧜🏽‍♂️

That said, while the story has so much heart, the prose occasionally needed a little extra nudge to fully shine. The pacing can feel sluggish in parts, especially when the story slows down to explore the more introspective moments. Some sections seemed to linger a little too long, which made me yearn for more forward movement.

But despite that, the book’s soul is undeniable. There’s something so raw and real about Benny and Río’s journey, and I found myself rooting for them until the very end. 🌙 While the prose could’ve used some tightening up, the emotional weight of the story kept me hooked.

This book is for anyone who loves a slow-burn romance, fantasy that feels both otherworldly and deeply human, and characters who truly grow and change. It’s a beautiful, bittersweet ride, and even though the pacing wasn’t always perfect, I couldn’t help but fall for this story. 🌊✨

This is one of my most anticipated reads and naturally it arrived in my hands in the midst of never ending book slump.

The story itself and the illustrations were so absolutely stunning ; I have been a longtime follower of this author and their incredible art and I’m so thrilled it’s being showcased.

This book suffered for me from the actual flow of the writing ; and the POV used to write. I wish it hadn’t been first person and was told at a distance, because as is often the case with first time authors the prose needs some hand holding and it’s less apparent when it’s not in first person.

The story is beautiful and I enjoyed the adventure of reading it and I will definitely be picking up a copy so I can gasp at the stunning art in person; I can’t wait to see what comes next.

"I'd gotten so used to being treated like I couldn't feel pain; I was a machine meant to labour until the gears failed and I became just another punchline to a white man's joke. But I was one of Río's seashells in his hands—treasured, precious, apt to shatter if pressed too hard."

When the Tides Held the Moon is an absolutely stunning creation. Venessa Vida Kelley has proven (unsurprisingly) that she is overwhelmingly talented as both an artist and a writer. This wonderful story reads less like a standard book, and more like poetry. Filled with beautiful prose and overwhelming rich in culture, this book has an almost dreamlike quality to it that you can't help but be drawn in by, I felt like I was experiencing a fairytale with each word whilst being drawn into a world of wonder.

Pair the lustrous prose with the gorgeous artwork and you've been left with something beautiful, enrapturing and utterly unforgettable.

5/5 stars! I love the cover of this book. This book is so stunningly beautiful that it took my breathe away. The setting, 1910s New York, the tone melancholy with glimmers of hope, and the characters, Rio and Benigno.... just perfect.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“But if you’re the sort who needs to see to believe, come to the Iron Pier on a clear night when the tide is in, and the moon is full.”

A queer fantasy romance, sign me up!
Words cannot express how grateful I am to have received this eARC. When the Tides Held the Moon was one of my most anticipated releases for next year, I dropped everything to read it.

At its heart, When the Tides Held the Moon is a captivating story about love, family, and identity. This novel is told mainly from Benny’s perspective, with small excerpts from Río’s. Kelley’s portrayal of the merfolk, which I had not read before, can only be described as enchanting. The way Benny and Río’s relationship developed into something so heartfelt and the depiction of queer love through the stunning prose was absolutely a highlight for me. The cast of characters we meet at the menagerie are so lovable, and the way Coney Island is described makes it feel alive. I cannot forget to talk about the beautiful illustrations by Kelley themselves. I had to stop to take in all the details before I turned the page.

I want to mention the epilogue from Matthias’s perspective and the last page of the novel, where he receives a letter from Benny, because if I was not already crying, that would have done it.

In conclusion, I have already pre-ordered a hard copy so I can experience this again, and I am eagerly waiting to read what Kelley writes next. Even weeks later, I am still thinking about this book, and I need someone to talk to about it ASAP, so when the novel releases next year, I 100% recommend it.

Thank you, NetGalley and Erewhon Books, for the eARC.

<i>When the Tides Held the Moon </i> is one of my favorite reads this year. This story was so beautiful it took my breath away. Venessa Vida Kelley created a story with breathtaking illustrations, beautiful prose, multidimensional characters, and an enduring love story. 

Benigno (Benny) is a masterful Puerto Rican ironworker in 1910s New York, who hasn't been allowed to move past his current station. When a strange request to build a tank comes into his place of work, he is chosen to take on the task. When the famed Luna Park owner comes to pick up the tank all are curious what it can be for. In an act of fate or the currents Benigno is injured and ends up among the Luna Park crew as they capture a merman.  With no job and nowhere to call home Benigno joins the Luna Park Crew and begins to care for the Merman who he affectionately calls Río. The two begin to create a beautiful friendship that blossoms into more among late night takes and earnestly shared truths. 

Benny is torn, wanting with all his heart to free Río and wanting to support the family he has built on Coney island, but Luna Park is in debt and Río might be the only thing that can pull the park out of the red. Benny has to decide what he wants and if he can trust the relationships he has made. Venessa Vida Kelley executes the found family story so artfully that you can feel the love these characters have for one another through the pages. 

Venessa Vida Kelley writes a breathtaking queer love story that doesn't shy away from challenging topics. They discuss differences in a world that wants everyone to blend in and be a certain way. If you pick up any book this year please let it be this one. It was everything I wanted in a book and more... It was everything I needed in a book. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this eARC.

Each and every character in this book comes alive. The descriptions of NY/Coney Island of years past made me feel like I was there to experience it. The storyline is fresh and devour-able. How do you not root for Rio & Benigno?!

Venessa Vida Kelley's mesmerizing debut, "When the Tides Held the Moon," weaves a captivating narrative of love, loss, and self-discovery. This lyrical and poignant tale transports readers to a mystical world of ancient magic, forgotten myths, and the resilience of the human spirit.


Plot


In 19th-century coastal Ireland, 17-year-old Maeve navigates:


1. Family secrets and ancient curses
2. Forbidden love and heart-wrenching tragedy
3. Mystical connections to the ocean and moon
4. Self-discovery amidst societal expectations


Kelley's Strengths


1. Enchanting prose and vivid descriptions
2. Richly detailed world-building
3. Complex, relatable characters
4. Emotional depth and resonance
5. Unique blend of mythology and historical fiction


Character Analysis


1. Maeve: Determined, passionate, and vulnerable
2. Cian: Brooding, loyal, and mysterious
3. Aisling: Wise, nurturing, and enigmatic


Criticisms


1. Slow-burning pacing may deter some readers
2. Supporting character development could be expanded


Conclusion


"When the Tides Held the Moon" is a wonderful debut, showcasing Kelley's mastery of atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth. This haunting tale will bring in the fans of historical fantasy, mythology, and literary fiction.


Rating Breakdown:


- Plot: 4/5
- Character development: 5/5
- World-building: 5/5
- Writing style: 5/5
- Pacing: 4/5
- Originality: 5/5
- Emotional resonance: 5/5
- Overall enjoyment: 4/5

I’ve been following Venessa for a little over a year now because of their amazing talent as illustrator and even from their firsts posts on Instagram about this book I could feel how proud they were of this book, so when I was approved for an ARC I almost couldn’t believe it.

In a NY of the 1910’s we find Benny, a Puerto Rican blacksmith that built the most resistant water tank on the planet, little did he know this tank would be the cage of a Merman that will completely change his life as he knew it.
An array of side characters are his found family and will support the MC along the way. But once we put everything and everyone else aside there’s Benny and Rio and the poetry of the description the author uses to depict their romance.
The illustrations are an absolute plus to an already great book. Venessa’s soul, and their attention to other’s feelings, to LGBTQ+ issues and inclusiveness come through beautifully behind every word, whether in English or in Spanish (I really appreciated Benny’s use of his mother tongue in certain situations, as a foreigner myself I could relate to that).
This is more than a love story, it’s a story that, although it takes place over a century ago, it touches a lot of points that (sadly) are still very current. The life journeys of Benny, Rio and all the other side characters are going to make every reader reflect, and we can all use a bit of that.
This was my first merman book and although it may not be my favourite genre, I totally recommend this book if you feel like you need to start believing in magic and the power of the elements again.