A Magic Deep and Drowning
A Novel
Published on 14. August 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
342 pages
978-1-5258-0991-0 (ISBN)
Description
Set in the waning days of the Dutch Golden Age, this enchanting, lush reimagining of The Little Mermaid is perfect for fans of Jesse Burton's The Miniaturist and Leigh Bardugo's The Familiar.
The Dutch Republic, 1650. One fine spring day in Friesland, twenty-year-old Clara van Wieren is faced with an ill omen: a whale, beached and rotting in the noonday sun. But Clara doesn't believe in magic and superstition, and this portent is quickly dismissed when a proposal from a wealthy merchant arrives, promising Clara the freedom she seeks from her mother's overbearing rule.
When her attempts at overseeing the household at the family's estate lead to her chance encounter with a young man with russet hair and sparkling eyes the color of the sea, she finds herself strangely drawn to him. As Clara grows closer to Maurits, she must choose between the steady, gentle life she has been raised for and the man who makes her blood sing.
But Maurits isn't who he seems to be, and his secrets, once hidden beneath the waves, threaten to rise up and drown them both. And when an ancient bargain, forged in blood between the mythical people of the sea and the rulers of the land, begins to unravel, Clara finds herself at the heart of a deadly struggle for power.
What can you expect in A MAGIC DEEP & DROWNING?
Lush & Enchanting
Gender-swap of Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid
Historical Fantasy
Set in 17th Century Netherlands
Family Secrets
Atmospheric Vibes
The Dutch Republic, 1650. One fine spring day in Friesland, twenty-year-old Clara van Wieren is faced with an ill omen: a whale, beached and rotting in the noonday sun. But Clara doesn't believe in magic and superstition, and this portent is quickly dismissed when a proposal from a wealthy merchant arrives, promising Clara the freedom she seeks from her mother's overbearing rule.
When her attempts at overseeing the household at the family's estate lead to her chance encounter with a young man with russet hair and sparkling eyes the color of the sea, she finds herself strangely drawn to him. As Clara grows closer to Maurits, she must choose between the steady, gentle life she has been raised for and the man who makes her blood sing.
But Maurits isn't who he seems to be, and his secrets, once hidden beneath the waves, threaten to rise up and drown them both. And when an ancient bargain, forged in blood between the mythical people of the sea and the rulers of the land, begins to unravel, Clara finds herself at the heart of a deadly struggle for power.
What can you expect in A MAGIC DEEP & DROWNING?
Lush & Enchanting
Gender-swap of Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid
Historical Fantasy
Set in 17th Century Netherlands
Family Secrets
Atmospheric Vibes
Reviews / Votes
"Layered with rich allegorical meaning, A Magic Deep and Drowning is a sword of truth for the times we live in...couched in a darkly effervescent fairytale." -Paulette Kennedy, author of The Devil and Mrs. Davenport"A gorgeous direction for Hester Fox, translating her skills for dreamy historical gothics to a fairy tale that honors the original folklore while inventing a new story dripping in golden hues, Shakespearean pining, and exciting fantasy."
-Agatha Andrews, host of the She Wore Black Podcast on A Magic Deep and Drowning
"I have been a fan of Hester Fox's writing since her debut, and I have adored all her books. The Book of Thorns is my absolute favourite. Mingling the language of flowers, two very special women and a backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, The Book of Thorns is so beautifully crafted. Every intricate detail is interwoven with care; a garden that has been tended by a master gardener. I was absolutely swept away. This story gives us romance, heartbreak, evil and a touch of the supernatural. But above all things, Fox leaves us with a sense of hope and a desire for a better, lovelier world. I cannot recommend it heartily enough." -Rosanna Leo, author of Darke Homecoming
"Just when I thought Hester Fox couldn't get any better, she brings us an epic tale of two sisters on opposite sides of the Battle of Waterloo. Cornelia and Lijsbeth's stories are heart-wrenching yet hopeful as they draw from their tragic pasts and their flower-based magic to solve the mysteries behind their estranged sisterhood. Betrayal, loss, love, redemption, and justice collide in this masterpiece of a novel. If you loved Thackeray's Vanity Fair, you won't want to miss The Book of Thorns." -Paulette Kennedy, author of The Devil and Mrs. Davenport
"The Book of Thorns is a gentle, magical tale of hope and healing in the midst of war." - BookPage
"Fox takes readers on a journey across Europe as Napoleon attempts a return to power...Those who enjoy a little history combined with woman protagonists and magic may appreciate this novel." - Library Journal
"Immersive historical detail and a gripping, intricate plot combine to plunge readers headlong into a rags-to-riches tale laced with betrayal and intrigue. This is a treat for bibliophiles." - Publisher's Weekly on The Last Heir to Blackwood Library
"With her trademark wit and lyricism, Hester Fox weaves a tale that is equal parts compelling and fantastical gothic mystery, swoon-worthy love story, and a genuine exploration of living with grief. The Last Heir to Blackwood Library gripped me from the very first page, keeping me on the edge of my seat and rooting for its independent and clever heroine until the very last. Rife with classic literary references and loving odes to the magic of reading, this story is a true delight for book lovers that is sure to be a new staple of the modern gothic genre!" - Marielle Thompson, author of Where Ivy Dares to Grow
"Combining history, the occult, human greed, and a touch of feminism, this is a fine addition to the gothic genre." --ALA Booklist
"An atmospheric and heartbreaking tale of loss, dark magic and the power of love, this brilliant book will stay with you long after the last page." -Constance Sayers, author of The Ladies of the Secret Circus on A Lullaby for Witches
"Weaves a spell of darkness that's mysterious and magical, and binds it with a knot of deathless love." -New York Times bestselling author Susanna Kearsley on A Lullaby for Witches
More details
Edition
Original
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 201 mm
Width: 132 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
266 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5258-0991-0 (9781525809910)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Hester Fox is a full-time writer and mother, with a background in museum work and historical archaeology. She is the author of such novels as The Witch of Willow Hall, A Lullaby for Witches, and The Last Heir to Blackwood Library. She lives in a small mill town in Massachusetts.