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Deep Waters #4
Call of the Fathoms
The deepest waters hide the greatest secrets. When a depthstrider finds his match in a human warrior, he will do anything to keep her...
Book 4 in the Deep Water Series coming soon!
Book 4 in the Deep Water Series coming soon!
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2025
303 people are currently reading
1,665 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hamm
66books3,462followers
We all know you don't really care about reading my background. Enjoy Cap instead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
April 3, 2025
Call of the Fathoms or Call me Daddy?
Damn, perfect ending for this perfect series!
Damn, perfect ending for this perfect series!
April 15, 2025
im in denial that this series is complete 😭 emma if you’re seeing this, i will shout from the rooftops for all eternity that you can write infinite books in this series, and we will love them 😭😭
this book was AMAZINGGG and really hit me in the heart, more so than the other Deep Waters books
Fortis and Alexia were such a dynamic couple, both with captivating arcs, who really went through it to come out on the other side. Fortis is such a stoic, touch-starved widower who distanced himself from all connections besides his son, UGH. and Alexia, who was genetically created as a warrior to protect the “originals� that ultimately f*cked up the world enough to force humans to live under the sea, DESERVES THE WORLD. (i love this book so much i’m writing in completely run-on sentences idc i can’t shut up)
tears were shed. hearts were thawed. jaws were dropped.
not only is this series amazing for romance & spicy mermen, but the commentary is so needed. human greed is a plague and it’s crazy how this isn’t even that far off from what could be reality. i can only hope that if we go down that road, we have some hot mermen to help out our future generations.
SIDE NOTE: emma said on her post today that if we all yell together, she might write another Deep Waters book so pls join me in singing her praises 😭
this book was AMAZINGGG and really hit me in the heart, more so than the other Deep Waters books
Fortis and Alexia were such a dynamic couple, both with captivating arcs, who really went through it to come out on the other side. Fortis is such a stoic, touch-starved widower who distanced himself from all connections besides his son, UGH. and Alexia, who was genetically created as a warrior to protect the “originals� that ultimately f*cked up the world enough to force humans to live under the sea, DESERVES THE WORLD. (i love this book so much i’m writing in completely run-on sentences idc i can’t shut up)
tears were shed. hearts were thawed. jaws were dropped.
not only is this series amazing for romance & spicy mermen, but the commentary is so needed. human greed is a plague and it’s crazy how this isn’t even that far off from what could be reality. i can only hope that if we go down that road, we have some hot mermen to help out our future generations.
SIDE NOTE: emma said on her post today that if we all yell together, she might write another Deep Waters book so pls join me in singing her praises 😭
March 10, 2025
Alexia - talk about a favorite FMC. I don't have much more to say than I love this entire series & cannot recommend them enough. Read this, and then re-read, because like fine wine it gets better with each sip!
April 22, 2025
November 12, 2024
I’m intrigued 👀
I’m intrigued 👀
April 10, 2025
This series has had me in a chokehold beginning to end. I’m devastated to see it go, but I’m also glad Emma Hamm can no longer unlock hidden water related fears (for now).
Alexia might be my new favorite FMC in this series.
Alexia might be my new favorite FMC in this series.
March 3, 2025
Beta read & can’t help but post a rating cuz it’s good yall.
April 13, 2025
It feels bittersweet knowing the story has come to an end but this will always be one of my favourite series ever.
🧜♂� Alexia! What a woman. So strong both physically and mentally and I loved reading about her discovering how to live. Such a perfect FMC.
🧜♂� Fortis was exactly how I expected him to be and I adored his grumpy and mature but secret simp side
🧜♂� Emma Hamm perfectly weaves together world building, slow burn tension and overarching political intrigue
Absolutely adored this book and I read it within two days.
I received this as an ARC but all thoughts are my own.
🧜♂� Alexia! What a woman. So strong both physically and mentally and I loved reading about her discovering how to live. Such a perfect FMC.
🧜♂� Fortis was exactly how I expected him to be and I adored his grumpy and mature but secret simp side
🧜♂� Emma Hamm perfectly weaves together world building, slow burn tension and overarching political intrigue
Absolutely adored this book and I read it within two days.
I received this as an ARC but all thoughts are my own.
April 15, 2025
Way heavier on the insane sci-fi than the other books in the series, to the point where it did start to bog me down a little. But I loved the dynamic between Fortis and his son, as well as the not so subtle commentary on human selfishness destroying nature and as a result ourselves.
Tragic lack of Daios in this book but the author made up for it by making the female mc a massive genetically engineered supersoldier who is 6 ft 7.
Tragic lack of Daios in this book but the author made up for it by making the female mc a massive genetically engineered supersoldier who is 6 ft 7.
April 3, 2025
What a perfect wrap up to one of my all time favourite series. Nobody does monster romance better than Emma Hamm. These undines are all so special and loveable in their own quirky ways and it’s so bittersweet for this series to come to an end.
Call of the Fathoms was everything I hoped it would be, in fact it suprised me
We dive deep into the making of Tau, the backstory of Alexis (our FMC), and we also see the Depthstriders in more light. I was waiting patiently for Fortis� book ever since COTF was announced and his story is one of my new favourites in the series.
I don’t want to spoil anyone but I will say a few things that I really enjoyed.
The moments where Alexis and Fortis were getting to know each other were some of my favourite, the push and pull between them was electric and that made the romance well worth the wait. I loved hearing more about Fortis and his life, it was endearing to learn just how much he loved his son.
Alexis is unlike the other FMCs in the series, she’s strong (both physically and mentally), but she was also lost in a way that meant her learning the truth set her free. This made her character development really special.
YES, the spice is well worth the wait (thank you Emma for feeding my fantasies) and I also loved seeing some familiar faces, this rounded off the series really nicely.
Overall, one of my new favourites books and one I know that all you fellow monster lovers out there will DEVOUR.
Call of the Fathoms was everything I hoped it would be, in fact it suprised me
We dive deep into the making of Tau, the backstory of Alexis (our FMC), and we also see the Depthstriders in more light. I was waiting patiently for Fortis� book ever since COTF was announced and his story is one of my new favourites in the series.
I don’t want to spoil anyone but I will say a few things that I really enjoyed.
The moments where Alexis and Fortis were getting to know each other were some of my favourite, the push and pull between them was electric and that made the romance well worth the wait. I loved hearing more about Fortis and his life, it was endearing to learn just how much he loved his son.
Alexis is unlike the other FMCs in the series, she’s strong (both physically and mentally), but she was also lost in a way that meant her learning the truth set her free. This made her character development really special.
YES, the spice is well worth the wait (thank you Emma for feeding my fantasies) and I also loved seeing some familiar faces, this rounded off the series really nicely.
Overall, one of my new favourites books and one I know that all you fellow monster lovers out there will DEVOUR.
March 19, 2025
Such a beautiful ending for a beautiful series! I can’t help but hope that maybe another story will join in eventually but it was delightful. Alexia and Fortis have the best enemy to lover energy and I loved seeing them rediscover life and themselves with each other. I’m glad to see past characters participate in the story and I am very satisfied with this final installment. As always, Emma Hamm spins magic with her worded yarn.
April 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ 1.5 🌶� the books in this series always delivers & a mermaid music playlist is the perfect companion 🤍
thank you emma for this arc !!
thank you emma for this arc !!
Want to read
January 17, 2025AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH
LO SABIA, LO SABÍAAAAAAAAA
ÉSTE ME VA A VOLAR LA CABEZA, ESTOY SEGURAAAAAAA🤡
Abril 14😭
LO SABIA, LO SABÍAAAAAAAAA
ÉSTE ME VA A VOLAR LA CABEZA, ESTOY SEGURAAAAAAA🤡
Abril 14😭
April 12, 2025
Alt titles for this could have easily been: Deep Waters: Eat The Rich, or Deep Waters: There Are No Good Billionaires. But in the most poetic way possible! Every moment felt perfectly earned for the series. It’s also a story of strength and grief and rebirth. I devoured it like a Humboldt squid. Gosh I love this series! I’m so sad it’s over, but also…is it over?
Alexia was created for one purpose: protecting the Originals. Through genetic experiments they have managed to live for hundreds of years. The same science that created Alexia, a human with enhanced size & strength. One day a captured undine - a depthstrider - manages to escape the city. She chases him into the deep, determined to bring him down. Fortis has known for years that he would change the tides of war…and die in the process. All he’s wanted to do since then is get there. No time for relationships and definitely not with humans. Alexia though is unlike any human he’s ever met, and Fortis soon begins to wonder if this warrior woman will change everything he thought he was.
From the first chapter I knew Alexia would have my heart. Told her whole life she was nothing but a weapon, forced to numb her emotions…I loved that she was a fierce warrior, and also revealed such openness and vulnerability. And a dry sense of humor. Everything made her such a great match for Fortis.
And Fortis. After three books of his grumpy elusive prophet act, it was a blast to get his perspective. The way he was so down bad but too blind to see it for SO LONG. Watching his walls come down one by one was perfectly paced. His relationship with his son was also highlight.
Expect the same spice level as previous books. Alexia is the least experienced other FMCs (another delightful choice by the author!) Fortis enjoys teaching her more than he thinks he will�.
As with previous books most of the “traditional� action happens at the end. Alexia was the perfect FMC to take us through, yielding a combination of violence and poetic justice to finish out this series!
Thank you to the author for this ARC!
Alexia was created for one purpose: protecting the Originals. Through genetic experiments they have managed to live for hundreds of years. The same science that created Alexia, a human with enhanced size & strength. One day a captured undine - a depthstrider - manages to escape the city. She chases him into the deep, determined to bring him down. Fortis has known for years that he would change the tides of war…and die in the process. All he’s wanted to do since then is get there. No time for relationships and definitely not with humans. Alexia though is unlike any human he’s ever met, and Fortis soon begins to wonder if this warrior woman will change everything he thought he was.
From the first chapter I knew Alexia would have my heart. Told her whole life she was nothing but a weapon, forced to numb her emotions…I loved that she was a fierce warrior, and also revealed such openness and vulnerability. And a dry sense of humor. Everything made her such a great match for Fortis.
And Fortis. After three books of his grumpy elusive prophet act, it was a blast to get his perspective. The way he was so down bad but too blind to see it for SO LONG. Watching his walls come down one by one was perfectly paced. His relationship with his son was also highlight.
Expect the same spice level as previous books. Alexia is the least experienced other FMCs (another delightful choice by the author!) Fortis enjoys teaching her more than he thinks he will�.
As with previous books most of the “traditional� action happens at the end. Alexia was the perfect FMC to take us through, yielding a combination of violence and poetic justice to finish out this series!
Thank you to the author for this ARC!
April 10, 2025
We return to the Deep Waters series for one last grand adventure, one that places Fortis at the forefront as he faces off - and falls in love - with his greatest adversary yet, the genetically modified and absolutely formidable human, Alexia.
I was so hyped to see Fortis take center stage and he did not disappoint! I loved getting to know this being at his core. It was so easy to engage with his POV. Fortis is a character who sees so much, but upon meeting Alexia eventually comes to realize just how little he truly sees. His connection with her broadens his perspective in so many enriching ways, further elevating his character as a whole.
It took me a while to connect to Alexia, and in a way it makes sense- she's not a natural being, she's not been raised with kindness, she's been raised to be without feeling. Which is why it hit me like a crashing wave when she began to simply feel and I realized, oh yes I do connect with you, Alexia. I may not relate to this character but my heart bled for her. My heart sympathized so greatly with all she has suffered. Her isolation, her loveless upbringing, her de-humanization. Alexia has had her life continuously suppressed, and yet her soul stays resilient.
Her relationship with Fortis gives her all she has been robbed. She begins living, truly living. To see her worth, her value, her very heart. Their relationship is so delicately built, block by block, until we see them for their masterpiece they are. Tow tortured souls ready to give up their lives realizing they have so much left to live for.
Emma Hamm has made an incredible series with Deep Waters. The overarching plots throughout the interconnected stories has paid off so greatly. Every couple stands on their own, unique in character and arcs, that allows the story to feel fresh upon every installment. I am so impressed and in awe of this series. One of my favorite favorites, without any single doubt.
If this is goodbye, it ends on the most beautiful note. But there's still story left to tell if Emma Hamm ever decides to return. The door to the main event may have closed, but oh my gosh the windows that open by narrative's end have me quietly optimistic this isn't quite the end.
I have so deeply loved the Deep Waters series and I am so glad to be here as this door closes. Thank you for an incredible journey, Emma Hamm!
And thank you to the street team for this wonderful opportunity in receiving an advanced complimentary copy! I leave this honest review voluntarily. 4.5
I was so hyped to see Fortis take center stage and he did not disappoint! I loved getting to know this being at his core. It was so easy to engage with his POV. Fortis is a character who sees so much, but upon meeting Alexia eventually comes to realize just how little he truly sees. His connection with her broadens his perspective in so many enriching ways, further elevating his character as a whole.
It took me a while to connect to Alexia, and in a way it makes sense- she's not a natural being, she's not been raised with kindness, she's been raised to be without feeling. Which is why it hit me like a crashing wave when she began to simply feel and I realized, oh yes I do connect with you, Alexia. I may not relate to this character but my heart bled for her. My heart sympathized so greatly with all she has suffered. Her isolation, her loveless upbringing, her de-humanization. Alexia has had her life continuously suppressed, and yet her soul stays resilient.
Her relationship with Fortis gives her all she has been robbed. She begins living, truly living. To see her worth, her value, her very heart. Their relationship is so delicately built, block by block, until we see them for their masterpiece they are. Tow tortured souls ready to give up their lives realizing they have so much left to live for.
Emma Hamm has made an incredible series with Deep Waters. The overarching plots throughout the interconnected stories has paid off so greatly. Every couple stands on their own, unique in character and arcs, that allows the story to feel fresh upon every installment. I am so impressed and in awe of this series. One of my favorite favorites, without any single doubt.
If this is goodbye, it ends on the most beautiful note. But there's still story left to tell if Emma Hamm ever decides to return. The door to the main event may have closed, but oh my gosh the windows that open by narrative's end have me quietly optimistic this isn't quite the end.
I have so deeply loved the Deep Waters series and I am so glad to be here as this door closes. Thank you for an incredible journey, Emma Hamm!
And thank you to the street team for this wonderful opportunity in receiving an advanced complimentary copy! I leave this honest review voluntarily. 4.5
April 15, 2025
After That So Raven-ing his own happy death day, our giant bundle of cantankerous cartilage finds himself caught in the sights of a genuine Tall Girl. Who, in a twisting turn of events, DOES NOT wish to be on a cocktail of Xanax and Lexapro. Can they save the world as they know it from rich, evil humans hellbent on sapping resources for their own sick personal gain? (WOW that hit a little close to home) FIND OUT in the fourth installment of the Double Pe- erh�. Uh I mean Deep Waters series.
April 19, 2025
This series has had me in a CHOKEHOLD for the past 2 weeks. I read all four books in a bit more than a week and now I don't even want to start a new book/series, I just wanna immediately reread these. I'm not ready to part with the characters, can't believe it's over 🥲
If you ever decide to try reading a monster romance, let it be this series - it has everything; an intriguing plot and worldbuilding, endearing characters and amazing chemistry between them. It was my first one of this genre and I'm so glad I decided to read it 😭🙌🏻
If you ever decide to try reading a monster romance, let it be this series - it has everything; an intriguing plot and worldbuilding, endearing characters and amazing chemistry between them. It was my first one of this genre and I'm so glad I decided to read it 😭🙌🏻
Currently reading
April 2, 2025MONSTER ROMANCE APRIL LETS GOOO. my first one was a letdown so let’s hope that Fish Man Book 4 delivers
April 17, 2025
MY GOSH, WHAT AN EPIC FINALE.
For anyone who has not read any of the Deep Waters series, you must read the series *in order* to get the full picture and find yourself deeply immersed in the conclusion (..?) of this series.
One of my favorite part of this series specifically has been the way the female main characters are not only baddies in their own rights (which we Stan hard around here) but they are all uniquely human. Not a single one of them would be classed as the Perfect Fantasy Human Female Main Character, and I mean that with reverence, admiration and appreciation.
Alexia is a unique human woman among the humans that call the under the sea home. She was giving me Amazon Warrior vibes but from a more .. manufactured angle. The struggle of being lost to a drug-induced ignorance free of emotion versus feeling the things that are an essential part of the human experience was written beautifully; her desire to embrace the pain and the beauty of her humanity was in constant struggle with her knowledge that once she started down that path there would be no going back.
Fortis is a character that we've seen throughout the series and when I learned he would be the MMC for this story, I was VERY invested to see more of this elusive type of undine. He was giving missionary-monk energy, channeling his innate power to see memories and the future to weaponize a fight against the humans.. specifically Alexia's home city. Their story is a TRUE enemies tale filled with literal fighting between two highly qualified warriors.
Which means THE TENSION OMGGGGGG.
Of course there are moments of discovery on both sides, instances of recognizing something similar in the other they never thought they could find. The push-and-pull between them as they dance around each other to realize they have a common goal had me turning page after page. I won't spoil anything further but just know that of all the moments of "oh no, I think I have feelings for this creature?!" that exist within the series, THIS STORY contained my favorite <3
If you like:
- watching animosity morph into reluctant respect that then sows seeds of admiration between two people set on being enemies
- when the over-arching story set up in book 1 comes full circle AND IT GIVES ALL THE SHOCK AND AWE AND SURPRISE AND VINDICATION YOU COULD HOPE FOR, PLUS MORE
- appearances of previous couples in their varying states of co-existence post-HEA
.. do yourself a favor and read this beautifully crafted story. DO NOT READ IT ALONE. You will love it regardless but the best reward will come from arriving here last.
For anyone who has not read any of the Deep Waters series, you must read the series *in order* to get the full picture and find yourself deeply immersed in the conclusion (..?) of this series.
One of my favorite part of this series specifically has been the way the female main characters are not only baddies in their own rights (which we Stan hard around here) but they are all uniquely human. Not a single one of them would be classed as the Perfect Fantasy Human Female Main Character, and I mean that with reverence, admiration and appreciation.
Alexia is a unique human woman among the humans that call the under the sea home. She was giving me Amazon Warrior vibes but from a more .. manufactured angle. The struggle of being lost to a drug-induced ignorance free of emotion versus feeling the things that are an essential part of the human experience was written beautifully; her desire to embrace the pain and the beauty of her humanity was in constant struggle with her knowledge that once she started down that path there would be no going back.
Fortis is a character that we've seen throughout the series and when I learned he would be the MMC for this story, I was VERY invested to see more of this elusive type of undine. He was giving missionary-monk energy, channeling his innate power to see memories and the future to weaponize a fight against the humans.. specifically Alexia's home city. Their story is a TRUE enemies tale filled with literal fighting between two highly qualified warriors.
Which means THE TENSION OMGGGGGG.
Of course there are moments of discovery on both sides, instances of recognizing something similar in the other they never thought they could find. The push-and-pull between them as they dance around each other to realize they have a common goal had me turning page after page. I won't spoil anything further but just know that of all the moments of "oh no, I think I have feelings for this creature?!" that exist within the series, THIS STORY contained my favorite <3
If you like:
- watching animosity morph into reluctant respect that then sows seeds of admiration between two people set on being enemies
- when the over-arching story set up in book 1 comes full circle AND IT GIVES ALL THE SHOCK AND AWE AND SURPRISE AND VINDICATION YOU COULD HOPE FOR, PLUS MORE
- appearances of previous couples in their varying states of co-existence post-HEA
.. do yourself a favor and read this beautifully crafted story. DO NOT READ IT ALONE. You will love it regardless but the best reward will come from arriving here last.
April 2, 2025
Genre: Adult Monster Romance
Spice: 2/5 🌶�
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
Call of the Fathoms is the final book in the Deep Water Series. Each book follows a different couple, but the overall plot is furthered in each book. I suggest reading them in order.
The Catalog: FM, enemies to lovers, human x sea monster (mer-ish), warrior FMC, touch starved MCs, post-climate disaster ocean living, forced proximity, fighting as foreplay, emotion altering drugs (ala Brave New World), inexperienced FMC, love after loss, and more
Spoiler-Free Blurb:
Fortis has known when he will die from the moment it was foretold decades ago. His only purpose has been fulfilling the destiny that will lead to his demise; freeing his people from the terror of the humans living under the sea. When he feels the tides of fate pushing him toward that very destiny, he knows that nothing can stop the inevitable, not even the warrior that has captured his attention.
Thoughts:
I remember reading book one of Deep Waters and thinking to myself: this is going to be incredible. I said that this was the grittier, underwater Ice Planet Barbarians that we all needed. Emma Hamm has created absolute magic with this series, and I am happy to report the end was fantastic!
Call of the Fathoms is by far the darkest book of the series, which fits with the trend of series getting progressively darker with each book. Almost as though the characters have to swim through the dark abyss to find the light 👀
The FMC, Alexia, is officially my new favorite FMC of this series, and I’ve said that every book, so truly this speaks to Emma’s amazing writing. But Alexia is truly special, as she was genetically modified into a warrior. She is big, broad, tall, and incredibly strong. She’s a cold blooded killer. Until she’s not.
As for Fortis, I have been completely enthralled by the vicious, and sometimes cold, Deathstrider (one who spiritually connects with the ocean and has mystical abilities). His story was everything I wanted and I LOVED that he worshipped Alexia for being the warrior she is. I loved their enemies to lovers arc, but did feel their romance was a little underdeveloped compared to the other couples.
I’m sad to see the end of this series, but I think that Emma did an amazing job wrapping everything up. I’m eternally grateful to have experienced this incredible world and characters. Deep Waters will sit with me for a long, long time.
Spice: 2/5 🌶�
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
Call of the Fathoms is the final book in the Deep Water Series. Each book follows a different couple, but the overall plot is furthered in each book. I suggest reading them in order.
The Catalog: FM, enemies to lovers, human x sea monster (mer-ish), warrior FMC, touch starved MCs, post-climate disaster ocean living, forced proximity, fighting as foreplay, emotion altering drugs (ala Brave New World), inexperienced FMC, love after loss, and more
Spoiler-Free Blurb:
Fortis has known when he will die from the moment it was foretold decades ago. His only purpose has been fulfilling the destiny that will lead to his demise; freeing his people from the terror of the humans living under the sea. When he feels the tides of fate pushing him toward that very destiny, he knows that nothing can stop the inevitable, not even the warrior that has captured his attention.
Thoughts:
I remember reading book one of Deep Waters and thinking to myself: this is going to be incredible. I said that this was the grittier, underwater Ice Planet Barbarians that we all needed. Emma Hamm has created absolute magic with this series, and I am happy to report the end was fantastic!
Call of the Fathoms is by far the darkest book of the series, which fits with the trend of series getting progressively darker with each book. Almost as though the characters have to swim through the dark abyss to find the light 👀
The FMC, Alexia, is officially my new favorite FMC of this series, and I’ve said that every book, so truly this speaks to Emma’s amazing writing. But Alexia is truly special, as she was genetically modified into a warrior. She is big, broad, tall, and incredibly strong. She’s a cold blooded killer. Until she’s not.
As for Fortis, I have been completely enthralled by the vicious, and sometimes cold, Deathstrider (one who spiritually connects with the ocean and has mystical abilities). His story was everything I wanted and I LOVED that he worshipped Alexia for being the warrior she is. I loved their enemies to lovers arc, but did feel their romance was a little underdeveloped compared to the other couples.
I’m sad to see the end of this series, but I think that Emma did an amazing job wrapping everything up. I’m eternally grateful to have experienced this incredible world and characters. Deep Waters will sit with me for a long, long time.
April 10, 2025
“I will always know who you are, virago. I will see you struggle to do what is right and be victorious. I know, without a doubt, that you will lead our people toward a better future.�
“I adore you, Alexia. But even more than that, I believe in you.�
Emma, you once again will be receiving a bill from my therapist because this absolutely wrecked me, and yet, it healed something within me. Some long , broken part of me that always felt too big, too large and too out of place because I never fit into the societal standards. So often to writers portray the mfc as a small, dainty thing and while that’s totally fine, I don’t think I’ve resonated with a character like Alexia in a very long time. She is for those who have always been the tallest girl in their class, the one who could never wear the right clothes because they were made for people 6in shorter than them & who were just trying their best to not feel accepted in their bodies, regardless of their size (no, I do not play basketball/volleyball just bc I’m 6ft tall). Alexia’s story hurt in so many ways, but her growth was nothing short of breathtaking.
Her relationship with Fortis, aka Daddy Fortis (because lets be so honest with ourselves, Fortis is prime DILF material here), was so utterly beautiful, it had me weeping into my pillow on many occasions. He knew their paths would converge, that she was the one who would be responsible for Tau’s destruction. Fortis knew his destiny, his story, ended with her. That she was the one who would take his life. Yet, he didn’t care in the slightest. It did not stop him from admiring her strength, from respecting her as a fellow warrior, from totally and completely falling for her.
With a heavy heart, I have to say goodbye to this world. This was the perfect way to end the series & Fortis has officially taken the number one Undine slot (sorry Daios, my undine Bucky Barnes. I still love you, boo).
I can’t wait for Emma’s next series because I know it’s going to be immaculate, just like this one!
Tropes:
Monster romance
Enemies to Lovers
Slow burn
Dystopian vibes
Found Family
SPECIAL PEENS!
“I adore you, Alexia. But even more than that, I believe in you.�
Emma, you once again will be receiving a bill from my therapist because this absolutely wrecked me, and yet, it healed something within me. Some long , broken part of me that always felt too big, too large and too out of place because I never fit into the societal standards. So often to writers portray the mfc as a small, dainty thing and while that’s totally fine, I don’t think I’ve resonated with a character like Alexia in a very long time. She is for those who have always been the tallest girl in their class, the one who could never wear the right clothes because they were made for people 6in shorter than them & who were just trying their best to not feel accepted in their bodies, regardless of their size (no, I do not play basketball/volleyball just bc I’m 6ft tall). Alexia’s story hurt in so many ways, but her growth was nothing short of breathtaking.
Her relationship with Fortis, aka Daddy Fortis (because lets be so honest with ourselves, Fortis is prime DILF material here), was so utterly beautiful, it had me weeping into my pillow on many occasions. He knew their paths would converge, that she was the one who would be responsible for Tau’s destruction. Fortis knew his destiny, his story, ended with her. That she was the one who would take his life. Yet, he didn’t care in the slightest. It did not stop him from admiring her strength, from respecting her as a fellow warrior, from totally and completely falling for her.
With a heavy heart, I have to say goodbye to this world. This was the perfect way to end the series & Fortis has officially taken the number one Undine slot (sorry Daios, my undine Bucky Barnes. I still love you, boo).
I can’t wait for Emma’s next series because I know it’s going to be immaculate, just like this one!
Tropes:
Monster romance
Enemies to Lovers
Slow burn
Dystopian vibes
Found Family
SPECIAL PEENS!
April 3, 2025
What a ride! The journey Fortis and Alexia go through really had me on an emotional roller coaster. The way Emma writes these characters is so relatable, and I found myself not wanting to accept this as the final book multiple times, but especially at the end. The world building up to this point was phenomenal, and seeing all of the pain, suffering, torment, and anger come to a climax was so intense. Alexia is a warrior goddess queen, and Fortis, her perfect match in every way, was both a bully and a balm for her, as she was for him. Seeing these two struggle through and find each other through the mess was beautiful, and I both am grateful for their happy ending and wanting MORE.
April 5, 2025
The infamous Tau was finally explored. The Originals creeped me the entire fuck out. I can’t imagine living the way they did.
Which I suppose is the point.
I have been so excited to get Fortis� story! He was just so big and mysterious. I loved that he was a dad and he seemed to have so much wisdom but was willing to (sometimes) admit when he was wrong.
I also loved how much he adored Alexia.
Her story was…immensely sad.
I can’t imagine the pain of “waking up� and gaining emotions slowly. Allowing yourself to feel the rage that’s been festering and realizing what you’ve spent your whole life dedicated to was all smoke and mirrors. She was trained to protect and guard but it wasn’t for some noble cause and it took a good bit of time for her to come to terms with that.
I also loved that we got to see more of the depth striders! I think they’re just so interesting! I really liked their story arc and how they were two of the strongest of their people, going head to head.
(Get it? Two peens?)
Fortis was everything I wanted him to be. Passionate and gentle but fierce and loyal.
I won’t lie, I cried when I finished.
Knowing we will never get to return to this world, on a new couple, a new adventure made me very sad. But I know I’ll read these for years to come. The universe Emma created is so special and though it’s fantasy and slight dystopian it’s one of my favorite book series I have ever read.
Though I WISH Aulax could get his own book now. That man was so sweet!
Which I suppose is the point.
I have been so excited to get Fortis� story! He was just so big and mysterious. I loved that he was a dad and he seemed to have so much wisdom but was willing to (sometimes) admit when he was wrong.
I also loved how much he adored Alexia.
Her story was…immensely sad.
I can’t imagine the pain of “waking up� and gaining emotions slowly. Allowing yourself to feel the rage that’s been festering and realizing what you’ve spent your whole life dedicated to was all smoke and mirrors. She was trained to protect and guard but it wasn’t for some noble cause and it took a good bit of time for her to come to terms with that.
I also loved that we got to see more of the depth striders! I think they’re just so interesting! I really liked their story arc and how they were two of the strongest of their people, going head to head.
(Get it? Two peens?)
Fortis was everything I wanted him to be. Passionate and gentle but fierce and loyal.
I won’t lie, I cried when I finished.
Knowing we will never get to return to this world, on a new couple, a new adventure made me very sad. But I know I’ll read these for years to come. The universe Emma created is so special and though it’s fantasy and slight dystopian it’s one of my favorite book series I have ever read.
Though I WISH Aulax could get his own book now. That man was so sweet!
April 11, 2025
While I am sad this is the final book of the series, it couldn't be a better ending. With each book we get deeper into the dark secrets of the undersea cities. And the secrets of Tau? They're as dark as the abyss.
The MMC Fortis has shown up in the previous books and I was really unsure how the eerie (and TBH kind of crotchety) depthstrider was going to fall for one of the achromos he so despised. But Alexia slowly dismantles all of his assumptions about humans.
I love that Alexia isn't described as some great beauty. She's all hard muscles, towering stature, harsh angles: the first human that Fortis finds to be a worthy opponent. And the mutual respect for each other's strength that Fortis and Alexia develop eventually grows into something more as the ever growing alliance of humans and People of the Water plan the the fall of Tau. (Because let's be honest, the Originals? They really, really suck and totally deserve everything coming to them.)
The MMC Fortis has shown up in the previous books and I was really unsure how the eerie (and TBH kind of crotchety) depthstrider was going to fall for one of the achromos he so despised. But Alexia slowly dismantles all of his assumptions about humans.
I love that Alexia isn't described as some great beauty. She's all hard muscles, towering stature, harsh angles: the first human that Fortis finds to be a worthy opponent. And the mutual respect for each other's strength that Fortis and Alexia develop eventually grows into something more as the ever growing alliance of humans and People of the Water plan the the fall of Tau. (Because let's be honest, the Originals? They really, really suck and totally deserve everything coming to them.)
March 29, 2025
i will forever be grateful to be able to arc read for emma, her books bring me such joy and i adore every single one of them.
this book was honestly such a great read and i loved every single minute of fortis and alexia’s story. fortis is prob my fav broody merman of this entire series and i loved how much growth he had in this book. alexia definitely changed him and he her, and it was such a joy to read. i devoured this book and am sad that it ended.
the ending was perfect and i am so glad how it all played out for the undines and the humans. 10/10 recommend this series!
this book was honestly such a great read and i loved every single minute of fortis and alexia’s story. fortis is prob my fav broody merman of this entire series and i loved how much growth he had in this book. alexia definitely changed him and he her, and it was such a joy to read. i devoured this book and am sad that it ended.
the ending was perfect and i am so glad how it all played out for the undines and the humans. 10/10 recommend this series!
March 18, 2025
4.9/5 0
Not me stopping to find an ARC in my email and reading the whole thing in 4 hours. Nope, not me at all...
This was phenomenal. I adore the premise of the whole series and am so grateful to Emma Hamm's indomitable imagination. That she shares her underwater-steampunk-meets-the-little -mermaid world with us, is a blessing I for one am eternally grateful for. These characters are so interesting, and not just the main ones, all of them. I like that she creates a world and adds to it, instead of making it feel like episodes. This is an epic story being told in book-sized chapters.
I really hope the little kernels of future plot will be their own full-size books. There are two strong threads that i think will make excellent stories, and I cannot wait to see if they pan out. I will wait, although with anxious patience, because this is worth it.
Until Next Time,
MC
Not me stopping to find an ARC in my email and reading the whole thing in 4 hours. Nope, not me at all...
This was phenomenal. I adore the premise of the whole series and am so grateful to Emma Hamm's indomitable imagination. That she shares her underwater-steampunk-meets-the-little -mermaid world with us, is a blessing I for one am eternally grateful for. These characters are so interesting, and not just the main ones, all of them. I like that she creates a world and adds to it, instead of making it feel like episodes. This is an epic story being told in book-sized chapters.
I really hope the little kernels of future plot will be their own full-size books. There are two strong threads that i think will make excellent stories, and I cannot wait to see if they pan out. I will wait, although with anxious patience, because this is worth it.
Until Next Time,
MC
April 8, 2025
Whole lotta eating in this book. Emma ate, I ate this up, Fortis ate, Alexia ate x 2
Is ate a real word anymore
Is ate a real word anymore
April 16, 2025
MISS EMMA YOU’VE DONE IT AGAIN
for real though, this was the best book in the series. Thank you for writing such a wonderful woman and a beautiful story <3
for real though, this was the best book in the series. Thank you for writing such a wonderful woman and a beautiful story <3
Read
April 19, 2025Okay that was my favorite of these tbh. I cried! Twas a good time.
April 23, 2025
4.5 stars.
April 3, 2025
Wow. Just� wow. Call of the Fathoms was EVERYTHING I wanted in a series finale and then some. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours. The storytelling took such a unique twist, and Alexia and Fortis were so rich and layered—I swear they could walk right off the page and drag me into the depths with them. And honestly? I’d go willingly.
One of my absolute favorite moments was this gem of a quote:
“You are a product of what they wanted you to be. Nothing more, nothing less. A weapon is not to blame for a death, it is the person who wields the weapon.� His eyes swirled with all those pretty colors. “Let me wield you, Alexia.�
CHILLS. Literal chills. This book doesn’t just tell a great story—it digs deep. Alexia’s emotional complexity and growth were phenomenal. Watching her grapple with her identity, her choices, and the power she holds was mesmerizing.
And that ending? Chef’s kiss. Utterly satisfying, but also� I need 100 more books set in this world ASAP. If you haven’t started the Deep Waters series yet, what are you even doing? Go read it. Now. 🖤🐚
One of my absolute favorite moments was this gem of a quote:
“You are a product of what they wanted you to be. Nothing more, nothing less. A weapon is not to blame for a death, it is the person who wields the weapon.� His eyes swirled with all those pretty colors. “Let me wield you, Alexia.�
CHILLS. Literal chills. This book doesn’t just tell a great story—it digs deep. Alexia’s emotional complexity and growth were phenomenal. Watching her grapple with her identity, her choices, and the power she holds was mesmerizing.
And that ending? Chef’s kiss. Utterly satisfying, but also� I need 100 more books set in this world ASAP. If you haven’t started the Deep Waters series yet, what are you even doing? Go read it. Now. 🖤🐚
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