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Castle Swimmer #1
Castle Swimmer, Vol. 1
In the gorgeous first installment of the hit Webtoon series Castle Swimmer, two young mermen reject their destinies and embark on an epic adventure full of romance and danger, featuring exclusive bonus material.
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.
Episodes 1-19 of Webtoon's Castle Swimmer Season 1 is collected in this stunning graphic novel, which also includes a never-before-seen bonus chapter featuring Kappa and Siren.
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.
Episodes 1-19 of Webtoon's Castle Swimmer Season 1 is collected in this stunning graphic novel, which also includes a never-before-seen bonus chapter featuring Kappa and Siren.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
November 18, 2024
THIS WAS THE FUCKIN CUTEST SHIT I EVER READ FOR REAL.
EVERY SINGLE INTERACTION BETWEEN KAPPA AND SIREN LITERALLY MAKING ME SQUEEEEEE
STOP.
Even if you're not a webtoon girly pop, this shit was FIRE. 🔥 The art is FIRE. 🔥 The blushing and awkward interactionssssssssssssssss between Kappa and Siren will give you life.
*I got this on Netgalley*
EVERY SINGLE INTERACTION BETWEEN KAPPA AND SIREN LITERALLY MAKING ME SQUEEEEEE
STOP.
Even if you're not a webtoon girly pop, this shit was FIRE. 🔥 The art is FIRE. 🔥 The blushing and awkward interactionssssssssssssssss between Kappa and Siren will give you life.
*I got this on Netgalley*
August 13, 2024
Siren and Kappa are so stinkin' cute, unbelievably wonderful. A very nice story, but also quite bloody. Hmm, I think it's addictive. I found myself watching it for much longer than I had planned 😍🐠😍
September 25, 2024
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
Two mermen are stuck in their prophecies. Maybe together, they can be free.
This was SO CUTE.
I loved the art style and the concept, and the main characters were adorable.
The magical underwater world and the prophecies were very interesting, and I’m curious to see what other adventures these cutie mermen get up to.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
“You can read minds? Amazing! I didn’t know the beacon could do that!”
“… No, I can’t read your mind.”
“Oh.”
Two mermen are stuck in their prophecies. Maybe together, they can be free.
This was SO CUTE.
I loved the art style and the concept, and the main characters were adorable.
The magical underwater world and the prophecies were very interesting, and I’m curious to see what other adventures these cutie mermen get up to.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
August 23, 2024
rating: 3.5★
though the premise is v intriguing, this was a bit of a slow start for me. i was surprised at how little action overall happens in this first volume. i would read the next volume or continue on webtoons though bc i hear it picks up.
the art style is very cute and i love the mermaid designs, but i did feel like the choice to have monochromatic color themes to panels made it feel a bit underwhelming sometimes.
the extra content however was very intriguing, i liked the extra details and thought put into little things about this world!
an honest arc review ♡
though the premise is v intriguing, this was a bit of a slow start for me. i was surprised at how little action overall happens in this first volume. i would read the next volume or continue on webtoons though bc i hear it picks up.
the art style is very cute and i love the mermaid designs, but i did feel like the choice to have monochromatic color themes to panels made it feel a bit underwhelming sometimes.
the extra content however was very intriguing, i liked the extra details and thought put into little things about this world!
an honest arc review ♡
April 22, 2024
✰5 stars✰
I was beyond excited when I saw that this was being released as a paperback later this year, and I knew I immediately had to request it on NetGalley.
I started reading this comic when it first started being released years ago on WEBTOON, and I've followed it ever since.
This release was the perfect opportunity to go back to the beginning and read Volume 1. Having read this in the WEBTOON format originally, getting to see the transition to a book comic format was super cool. I think that it was done beautifully and nothing was disrupted from the initial reading medium.
This comic holds a special place in my heart because it was probably one of the first queer pieces of fiction that I consumed when it was first being drawn.
Kappa and Siren hold my heart and I can honestly say that are probably my Roman Empire because I think about them easily several times a week.
I will recommend this comic until the day I die. Wendy Martin you can have all of my money because I will be buying this physical copy for myself and several of my closest friends.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was beyond excited when I saw that this was being released as a paperback later this year, and I knew I immediately had to request it on NetGalley.
I started reading this comic when it first started being released years ago on WEBTOON, and I've followed it ever since.
This release was the perfect opportunity to go back to the beginning and read Volume 1. Having read this in the WEBTOON format originally, getting to see the transition to a book comic format was super cool. I think that it was done beautifully and nothing was disrupted from the initial reading medium.
This comic holds a special place in my heart because it was probably one of the first queer pieces of fiction that I consumed when it was first being drawn.
Kappa and Siren hold my heart and I can honestly say that are probably my Roman Empire because I think about them easily several times a week.
I will recommend this comic until the day I die. Wendy Martin you can have all of my money because I will be buying this physical copy for myself and several of my closest friends.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2024
I was sent this book as an advanced copy by the publisher via NetGalley for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own.
🥹🥹
I had been hearing about Castle Swimmer for YEARS and yet I somehow never started reading it (I'm a fool). I was really happy to be able to snatch an ARC on ng but needless to say one volume wasn't enough and I had to go read everything that's on the webtoon app. I'm only here to review this first volume though, so I will premise that it's very much introductory to the rest of the story (which...!!) but it manages to set the tone and feel for it beautifully. Oh, and the art style is really gorgeous. I really can't recommend it enough!
🥹🥹
I had been hearing about Castle Swimmer for YEARS and yet I somehow never started reading it (I'm a fool). I was really happy to be able to snatch an ARC on ng but needless to say one volume wasn't enough and I had to go read everything that's on the webtoon app. I'm only here to review this first volume though, so I will premise that it's very much introductory to the rest of the story (which...!!) but it manages to set the tone and feel for it beautifully. Oh, and the art style is really gorgeous. I really can't recommend it enough!
August 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this! After seeing a couple rave reviews on goodreads from friends, this went from a maybe to must read for me and I was thrilled to be approved for an ARC from NetGalley.
I really like the premise of two characters connected by opposing roles in a prophecy who both bond because of it and struggle with it. We got to see some personality and sweetness between them and their shared experiences of being othered and saddled with intense expectations due to this prophecy.
It feels like it’s going an interesting direction with free will and destiny and obligations to self and others, and I’m really looking forward to the next volume.
I wish more happened in this first volume, but we’ve been set up with a solid cliffhanger and I’ve got a feeling I might enjoy future volumes even more as the adventure really gets rolling.
Definitely recommend, a great graphic novel that is volume 1 in a longer series to be published in the future.
I really like the premise of two characters connected by opposing roles in a prophecy who both bond because of it and struggle with it. We got to see some personality and sweetness between them and their shared experiences of being othered and saddled with intense expectations due to this prophecy.
It feels like it’s going an interesting direction with free will and destiny and obligations to self and others, and I’m really looking forward to the next volume.
I wish more happened in this first volume, but we’ve been set up with a solid cliffhanger and I’ve got a feeling I might enjoy future volumes even more as the adventure really gets rolling.
Definitely recommend, a great graphic novel that is volume 1 in a longer series to be published in the future.
October 14, 2024
What a beautiful graphic novel.
5 out of 5 stars.
Castle Swimmer: Volume 1 by Wendy Martin is a mermaid story with a difference. Kappa is the Beacon - the light of the ocean.
The illustrations are simply beautiful and I really enjoy the colours and differences in characters, for example: between Kappa and the shark prince Siren. Apart they are beautiful, but side by side they're truly a vision.
The plot is simple: each part of the ocean has a prophecy involving the Beacon - the shark one shows the prince slaying the Beacon which doesn't feel right to Siren. Over his visits the two become close, learning about each other and themselves.
Would highly recommend this book to literally everyone.
5 out of 5 stars.
Castle Swimmer: Volume 1 by Wendy Martin is a mermaid story with a difference. Kappa is the Beacon - the light of the ocean.
The illustrations are simply beautiful and I really enjoy the colours and differences in characters, for example: between Kappa and the shark prince Siren. Apart they are beautiful, but side by side they're truly a vision.
The plot is simple: each part of the ocean has a prophecy involving the Beacon - the shark one shows the prince slaying the Beacon which doesn't feel right to Siren. Over his visits the two become close, learning about each other and themselves.
Would highly recommend this book to literally everyone.
June 27, 2024
I've been a fan of Castle Swimmer since it was on WEBTOON, in fact it was one of the first WEBTOONs I read when I downloaded it seven years ago so I immediately knew I had to request it.
The art is gorgeous. Martin does a great job with creating different species and incorporating diverse character designs. As well as making the setting feel bright and alive.
Kappa and Siren are the cutest. Even in this short volume you could really get a feel for their characters and their struggles of being tied to the prophecy.
Finally, the plot of the book is slow to start since I know that it builds up later with lots of twists and turns. However, every page still kept me hooked.
Overall, one of my favourite WEBTOONs ever.
The art is gorgeous. Martin does a great job with creating different species and incorporating diverse character designs. As well as making the setting feel bright and alive.
Kappa and Siren are the cutest. Even in this short volume you could really get a feel for their characters and their struggles of being tied to the prophecy.
Finally, the plot of the book is slow to start since I know that it builds up later with lots of twists and turns. However, every page still kept me hooked.
Overall, one of my favourite WEBTOONs ever.
April 17, 2024
Copy for review via NetGalley
It's a beautiful comic about the burden of having to fulfil a prophecy you disagree with.
...
Kappa is the castle swimmer, the beacon. The chosen one, who has to fulfil the prophecies of all the merfolk and bring them riches in that way. It's a lonely life of only living to bring others happiness.
When Kappa is pulled to the castle of the sharks, he figures the prophecy to fulfil is of him dying at the hands of the prince, Siren.
Siren who was raised to fulfil the prophecy is beginning to doubt the way the prophecy has to be fulfilled and his doubts only grow after meeting Kappa.
The two share a burden of the prophecy and try to make it work another way. While the other folk also want a share of the beacon's presence.
I loved this first volume of the comic and am very curious to find out how this story will continue.
I loved the amazing artwork! The storytelling was quick to my taste, but that's more often the case with comics. All together this is an amazing comic with hints of love, anxiety and purpose, a good combo.
It's a beautiful comic about the burden of having to fulfil a prophecy you disagree with.
...
Kappa is the castle swimmer, the beacon. The chosen one, who has to fulfil the prophecies of all the merfolk and bring them riches in that way. It's a lonely life of only living to bring others happiness.
When Kappa is pulled to the castle of the sharks, he figures the prophecy to fulfil is of him dying at the hands of the prince, Siren.
Siren who was raised to fulfil the prophecy is beginning to doubt the way the prophecy has to be fulfilled and his doubts only grow after meeting Kappa.
The two share a burden of the prophecy and try to make it work another way. While the other folk also want a share of the beacon's presence.
I loved this first volume of the comic and am very curious to find out how this story will continue.
I loved the amazing artwork! The storytelling was quick to my taste, but that's more often the case with comics. All together this is an amazing comic with hints of love, anxiety and purpose, a good combo.
April 24, 2024
Kicking myself for not reading this Webtoon sooner, but I'm so glad I finally did! I'm so glad this is getting published physically, because it's AMAZING and I know I'm going to need a copy. It's the perfect amounts of dark and suspenseful yet cute, cosy and funny. If that sounds strange, I'm sorry, I can't explain it any better. I thought this was so well done, and I already adore both characters.
August 29, 2024
I NEED MORE!!!! NOWWWW
May 7, 2024
Oh my goodness! This is my first written review for a reason. The story was sweet in ways I didn’t expect. I hope the next volume will come shortly!
January 3, 2024
I don't know if this is the right author (since the other listed books are vastly different); I'll update this post if I need to. Anyways, this series is so good. Not only is it really cute, but the writing is incredible. Each character feels so real and likable while also being distinct and unique to one another, and I feel myself rooting for everyone. I don't think I've ever felt so connected to so many characters before. The pacing is perfect, and the story never felt boring or dragged out. Also, the wide range of representation is *chef's kiss*. And yes, I did binge this series--that's how good it is.
I also loved watching the art evolve. While it was still good in the beginning, it dramatically improved in the second season. Each background and character is perfectly drawn to bring the world to life.
I also loved watching the art evolve. While it was still good in the beginning, it dramatically improved in the second season. Each background and character is perfectly drawn to bring the world to life.
September 23, 2024
That was such a cute read and for once I'm intrigued.
The drawing are absolutely adorable especially in way baby are drawn .
I don't have much to say it is a first volume so it was more about settling few base point for the story .
It was pretty chill . Not much action happened but it was really adorable .
I don't know yet if it going to be a full on romance but the tag and the interactions between Kappa and Siren are really foreshadowing a little queer romance which I LIKE.
The idea of multiple prophecies may mean that Kappa should not be the only one of his kind
Apart from the fact that it does not resemble any of the species we have met so far, each kingdom has its own prophecy and if every prophecies were to be fulfilled , Kappa will not succeed without missing one or more.
The drawing are absolutely adorable especially in way baby are drawn .
I don't have much to say it is a first volume so it was more about settling few base point for the story .
It was pretty chill . Not much action happened but it was really adorable .
I don't know yet if it going to be a full on romance but the tag and the interactions between Kappa and Siren are really foreshadowing a little queer romance which I LIKE.
The idea of multiple prophecies may mean that Kappa should not be the only one of his kind
Apart from the fact that it does not resemble any of the species we have met so far, each kingdom has its own prophecy and if every prophecies were to be fulfilled , Kappa will not succeed without missing one or more.
April 2, 2024
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC for early review.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
I was *much* younger when I first read Castle Swimmer on Webtoon. So I can understand why I feel a sort of disconnect with it now. It's for a younger audience than me at this point, and I think that audience will genuinely enjoy getting to know Kappa and Siren and their unique relationship. This isn't exactly "high angst," but there's plenty of hard feelings and troubling events for both characters to experience. The romance is mostly flirting through the first volume, and very cute, which matches with a very cute art style. There is "gore" but it is very clean and, uh... Friendly? It's not gross to look at. I feel like this would be a nice story for even middle grade graphic novels readers to enjoy, and I'm happy to see it moving to physical printing, even if I've somewhat outgrown it.
I was *much* younger when I first read Castle Swimmer on Webtoon. So I can understand why I feel a sort of disconnect with it now. It's for a younger audience than me at this point, and I think that audience will genuinely enjoy getting to know Kappa and Siren and their unique relationship. This isn't exactly "high angst," but there's plenty of hard feelings and troubling events for both characters to experience. The romance is mostly flirting through the first volume, and very cute, which matches with a very cute art style. There is "gore" but it is very clean and, uh... Friendly? It's not gross to look at. I feel like this would be a nice story for even middle grade graphic novels readers to enjoy, and I'm happy to see it moving to physical printing, even if I've somewhat outgrown it.
May 4, 2024
Cute YA m/m romance between two merfolk. One of them, Kappa, the Beacon, is destined to fulfill various prophecies, the other‘s fate is to kill him and lift a curse on his people by doing so.
I read the first three episodes online through Webtoons.com. Here is the link to the first episode:
https://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/c...
I assume that Siren (the one destined to kill Kappa) will not go through with it. They fall in love, lots of adventures follow, etc. Not continuing for now, it‘s too YA for my taste. Cute though, with nice artwork.
The first volume, with Episodes 1-19, is currently available on Netgalley.
I read the first three episodes online through Webtoons.com. Here is the link to the first episode:
https://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/c...
I assume that Siren (the one destined to kill Kappa) will not go through with it. They fall in love, lots of adventures follow, etc. Not continuing for now, it‘s too YA for my taste. Cute though, with nice artwork.
The first volume, with Episodes 1-19, is currently available on Netgalley.
June 2, 2024
This book was such a cute and whimsical read. I’m not sure if this is being marketed as YA but if you love series like Heartstopper I think this might appeal to you. I remember checking out this comic back when I first began on webtoon, but I didn’t keep up with it. It was really fun to get to return to the story now that more has been completed. I really loved all the different types of mermaids that were shown throughout this book. Going for something more nontraditional and visually interesting was definitely the way to go. This was a great start to a series and I’m excited for Kappa and Siren to get to go on some little adventures.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 4, 2024
*Thank you to Netgalley for an arc copy*
This was such a cute graphic novel that was so enjoyable!
I loved the art style, and the story itself was so good. I love anything relating to merpeople, and this is no different.
I really want the next instalment to know what happens!!!
This was such a cute graphic novel that was so enjoyable!
I loved the art style, and the story itself was so good. I love anything relating to merpeople, and this is no different.
I really want the next instalment to know what happens!!!
October 24, 2024
The way I’d sooner buy this than download the Webtoon app to keep reading smh
October 7, 2024
(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.)
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.)
March 25, 2024
This comic is SO. GOOD. Gay mermaids; that's all you need to know. I binged it a few weeks back, and now I'm following it week to week. I never thought I'd be this into a webcomic, but here I am. The art is soooo cute and good, and the writing is just so clever and funny. Kappa is my child, and I love him. And Siren gives me Zuko vibes. I hope a physical version gets published sooner than later. 5/5 stars and a new favorite graphic novel.
May 13, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the early opportunity to reread this amazing webtoon; now graphic novel!!
Amazing as a remember!!! I was so excited when I heard this was getting published! I read this years ago on webtoon and it was one of my favorite and I guess I can say it still is! The art is amazing, the thing that attracted me at first to the webtoon, the reluctant chosen one plot, the “enemies to lovers” all so well done. Love the story too, the funny dialogue and both MCs and side characters.
I got a little bit too emotional at one point and I’m honestly upset it’s not more ! But i guess I’ll just wait for the second volume to be published too because technically I do know what gonna happen. I’m very excited !!
Very happy to give this 5 stars!
Amazing as a remember!!! I was so excited when I heard this was getting published! I read this years ago on webtoon and it was one of my favorite and I guess I can say it still is! The art is amazing, the thing that attracted me at first to the webtoon, the reluctant chosen one plot, the “enemies to lovers” all so well done. Love the story too, the funny dialogue and both MCs and side characters.
I got a little bit too emotional at one point and I’m honestly upset it’s not more ! But i guess I’ll just wait for the second volume to be published too because technically I do know what gonna happen. I’m very excited !!
Very happy to give this 5 stars!
August 21, 2024
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.
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.
November 3, 2024
Um, this is SO GOOD.
It feels like merfolk are making a comeback—and I’m so here for it.
In this first volume, we’re introduced to two young mermen—Kappa and Siren. Both are beholden to destinies they wish they weren’t. When their destinies entwine, the two decide to not only reject their shared destiny but change fate—and maybe fall in love along the way.
Give me a story about some youths struggling but trying to find their own ways in life and you’ve got me every time.
One volume in and this story is already so compelling. There’s great commentary throughout on struggling with expectations placed upon you and with feelings of inadequacy. I feel like this story would resonate with younger and older readers alike.
Highly recommend~
It feels like merfolk are making a comeback—and I’m so here for it.
In this first volume, we’re introduced to two young mermen—Kappa and Siren. Both are beholden to destinies they wish they weren’t. When their destinies entwine, the two decide to not only reject their shared destiny but change fate—and maybe fall in love along the way.
Give me a story about some youths struggling but trying to find their own ways in life and you’ve got me every time.
One volume in and this story is already so compelling. There’s great commentary throughout on struggling with expectations placed upon you and with feelings of inadequacy. I feel like this story would resonate with younger and older readers alike.
Highly recommend~
July 7, 2024
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!
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!
October 12, 2024
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!
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!
April 3, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC of this graphic novel.
Castle Swimmer was a quick fun read for fans Heartstopper and Bloom. A mystical tale of a merfolk who is destined to release the sharkfolk from a curse. The story follows a Kappa who is the beacon and Siren who is destined to kill him. I enjoyed the art style and the story. It was just getting ramped up and ended on that cliffhanger. Will definitely be tuning in to the rest of it.
Castle Swimmer was a quick fun read for fans Heartstopper and Bloom. A mystical tale of a merfolk who is destined to release the sharkfolk from a curse. The story follows a Kappa who is the beacon and Siren who is destined to kill him. I enjoyed the art style and the story. It was just getting ramped up and ended on that cliffhanger. Will definitely be tuning in to the rest of it.
July 29, 2024
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing the earc.
I sadly think this one just wasn't for me, tha pacing and length of the volume did really take me out of the story. It feels like such an interesting series but the set up wasn't enough to draw me in.
The way the panels were set up made the reading experience feel convoluted.
The artstyle is absolutely gorgeous and i freaking love the color palette.
Overall i recommend checking it out
I sadly think this one just wasn't for me, tha pacing and length of the volume did really take me out of the story. It feels like such an interesting series but the set up wasn't enough to draw me in.
The way the panels were set up made the reading experience feel convoluted.
The artstyle is absolutely gorgeous and i freaking love the color palette.
Overall i recommend checking it out
October 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This was so so sweet, I read it in one sitting and I'm already craving for more!!
My favorite part was the art style. I was immediately drawn to it, and to the colors, but ended up really liking the characters and what I've seen of the story so far.
I expected more to happen in this volume, but I was pleasantly surprised to see I was wrong. I like that the story isn't rushed, and that the author is (I think) taking the time to properly set things up before jumping into the meat of the plot.
Both Siren and Kappa are really really cute, and I'm excited to see more of them!!
This was so so sweet, I read it in one sitting and I'm already craving for more!!
My favorite part was the art style. I was immediately drawn to it, and to the colors, but ended up really liking the characters and what I've seen of the story so far.
I expected more to happen in this volume, but I was pleasantly surprised to see I was wrong. I like that the story isn't rushed, and that the author is (I think) taking the time to properly set things up before jumping into the meat of the plot.
Both Siren and Kappa are really really cute, and I'm excited to see more of them!!
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