Every time a new Deep Waters book drops, it feels like a little treat I get to unwrap; something comforting, familiar, and always a little magical. I’ve truly grown attached to this series, and if Emma Hamm wrote 100 more, I’d read every single one of them.
Call of the Fathoms is the fourth installment, and for me, it landed somewhere between satisfying and slightly bittersweet — not because it wasn’t good (it really was), but because it reminded me of how much I love when these stories take their time.
The Plot
This one jumps into the plot right away, which was a bit of a shift from previous books. Usually, the pacing leans a little slower, but here, the story moves forward at a steady clip. It’s well-paced and well-structured, and I never felt lost or bored.
Still, I found myself missing the kind of lingering intimacy that book one had — the way Mira and Arges were allowed to just be with each other. In Call of the Fathoms, we don’t get quite as much of that space for just the two leads. There’s always something happening or someone else around. The romance is there and it works, but I would’ve loved even more time with just Fortis and Alexia on their own.
The Characters
Alexia might be one of my favorite protagonists in the series so far. She feels grounded and vibrant, fully alive on the page, with a strong voice and a lot of heart.
And Fortis really surprised me. His humor was genuinely enjoyable — lighter and more natural than some of the jokes in book three, which didn’t quite land the same way for me. He and Alexia make a great pair, and their dynamic felt balanced and believable. There’s a real sense of connection between them, and while I wanted more of their one-on-one time, what we did get was lovely.
The Writing
Emma Hamm’s writing here feels especially cinematic. There were scenes that I could picture so clearly, like I was watching a beautifully lit, underwater fantasy film. The descriptions are so wonderfully vivid, and the world feels alive.
There were a few moments that felt harder to visualize — small shifts in setting or action that didn’t always come through clearly — but overall, the atmosphere was strong. It’s a style that invites you to sink in (pun not entirely intended), and it works well for this kind of romantic fantasy.
The Romance + Spice
The romance in this one worked for me. It felt organic and emotionally grounded. There’s chemistry, connection, and a nice blend of tension and tenderness. That said, I do wish Alexia and Fortis had more alone time (as I mentioned already). I really wanted them to be trapped in some cave or a forgotten facility for a week or two, or maybe if they talked more while she was trapped on her submarine thingy?
As for the spicy scenes — they were fine. Not my favorite part of the book, but they didn’t pull me out of the story either. My only real issue is the logic jump when it comes to how much Fortis knows about human intimacy. In book one, Arges learning about human anatomy felt like a whole thing. It made sense. But now it’s like every merman is apparently an expert, and it stretched my suspension of disbelief a little too far. I think it would’ve felt more natural if Fortis had been a bit more awkward or unsure at first, especially since merfolk culture seems so different from human norms.
Final Thoughts
Call of the Fathoms is a strong installment in a series I deeply enjoy. It’s romantic, engaging, and beautifully written with standout characters and a story that flows well from start to finish. I still think book one is my personal favorite, but this one comes close.
If you’re already a fan of the series, you’ll find a lot to love here. And if you’re new to it — I envy you and I recommend starting from the beginning. These books are best experienced in order, and the journey through the series is absolutely worth it.
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