Harbor of Hungry Ghosts - by Eliza Chan (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A family of demon hunters find their hands full when unfamiliar monsters start stalking the streets of Opium War-era Hong Kong, in this historical fantasy adventure from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author Eliza Chan.

The Au family serve the people of Hong Kong as demon hunters and exorcists: blessing shrines, honoring the dead and dealing with dangerous yiaoguai incursions. The expectations on eldest daughter Kiamling are high, which is not something her strict grandmother and mentor will let her forget.

However, when British colonists interrupt a hungry ghost ritual, and her grandmother disappears, Kiamling must step up and lead the search.

Her bumbling language pupil Archie and her youngest sister Jingling will offer aid, alongside Hoi Gor, Kiamling's recently returned childhood crush from Canton.

But when British fables mingle with local Chinese monsters, how can Kiamling prove herself, when the old rules no longer seem to apply?

Review Quotes

"Fathomfolk is a compelling tale about cultures colliding, set against a city backdrop that feels familiar yet fresh. Eliza Chan deftly and compassionately writes about the depths we'll plunge to, to change our world."

--G. V. Anderson, World Fantasy Award winner, on Fathomfolk

"A nuanced, powerful and complex parable, one that raises questions that linger far after the novel reaches its conclusion."

--BookPage (starred) on Fathomfolk

"Chan expands the glittering, tumultuous world of Tiankawi in the spellbinding sequel to Fathomfolk ... Chan's prose brims with tension, richly imagined political intrigue, and characters grappling with guilt, duty, and impossible choices. The blend of mythic grandeur and modern social commentary remains gripping, with stakes that crescendo into breathtaking set pieces. Fans of intricate world building and morally complex narratives will find this series installment utterly unmissable."

--Booklist on Tideborn

"There's a pulse-pounding tension in the plotlines of all three heroines, as well as between the townspeople and the Fathomfolk as they work to protect and rebuild their home. Though the story can be dense, readers will be captivated by Tiankawi's atmospheric, postapocalyptic universe. This keeps the series going strong."

--Publishers Weekly on Tideborn

"Fathomfolk bursts with complex relationships, original world building, and timeless questions. With the confidence and command of a seasoned master, Chan weaves a riveting tale which seized me from the first word and did not let go until the end. A triumph of imagination, birthed from the mind of one who loves stories and knows how to tell them well." --Tobi Ogundiran, author of In the Shadow of the Fall, on Fathomfolk

"A promising debut."--Locus on Fathomfolk

"A richly envisioned world and finely crafted tale, Fathomfolk is a luxurious and thrilling story full of political intrigue, heart-wrenching characters and edge-of-your seat tension. A glittering and magical novel from a glorious new voice in fantasy." --Bea Fitzgerald, author of Girl, Goddess, Queen, on Fathomfolk

"A thrilling, incisive fantasy of diaspora and dragons, Fathomfolk is an unmissable debut. If you're hungry for a beautiful Southeast Asian influenced fantasy with razor-sharp edges, this book is for you."--Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne, on Fathomfolk

"A vivid, textured tale of migration, prejudice and change. Wonderful and breathtaking." --Aliette de Bodard, author of The Red Scholar's Wake, on Fathomfolk

"Chan floats beautifully between multiple point-of-view characters, and also between different facets of Tiankawi life, from the poor to the privileged. From Nami's well-meaning immaturity to Mira's complicated feelings about her dual identity, all the characters have fully realized perspectives and goals that clash with each other in both clever political plots and exciting action scenes. The first installment in what will hopefully be a long series of undersea adventures."--Kirkus on Fathomfolk

"Chan's storytelling immerses readers in a richly atmospheric setting ... both entertaining and thought-provoking ... The book caters to fantasy enthusiasts who appreciate strong world building and themes of change and resilience. Fathomfolk stands as a captivating and impactful read, showcasing Chan's prowess as one of fantasy's exciting new voices."--Booklist on Fathomfolk

"Eliza Chan has outdone herself! Filled with action, humor, and sassy women, Harbor of Hungry Ghosts is a glorious tribute to Eastern and Western mythologies, and to Hong Kong's richly vibrant history." --Sunyi Dean, author of The Book Eaters

"Eliza Chan's Fathomfolk has all the feels--furious, bittersweet and heart wrenching. Gripping to the last page, the story stayed with me long after I finished the book."--A. Y. Chao, author of Shanghai Immortal, on Fathomfolk

"Enchantingly unique and vibrant ... The way that Chan draws her folk inspiration from so many mythologies truly makes Tiankawi feel lived in."
--Paste Magazine on Fathomfolk

"From the glittering city heights to the criminal underbelly on the seafloor, the world of Fathomfolk feels deeply plausible and satisfyingly complex. If you want scheming sirens and snarky sea dragons then this is the book for you."--Thomas D. Lee, author of Perilous Times, on Fathomfolk

"Gloriously imagined and full of heart."--Claire North, author of Ithaca, on Fathomfolk

"Life is better down with the fathomfolk. I was dazzled by this novel, which has as many turns as the tide, and hope to see much more of this world and this author."--Sarah Rees Brennan, author of Long Live Evil, on Fathomfolk

"Prepare to be engulfed. Chan has superbly created a world as real and complex as our own, where oppression has no easy solutions and there is no success without sacrifice. Fast-paced action combined with true social depth make this an unforgettable, must-read fantasy."--Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun, on Fathomfolk

"Readers will enjoy exploring the intricate details of Tiankawi and its history through the perspectives of three wonderfully complex female protagonists. Fans of mythic fantasy will find plenty to savor."--Publishers Weekly on Fathomfolk

"With complex, daring characters and layered storytelling, Chan's heartfelt and nuanced exploration of diaspora survival will resonate deeply with readers."--June C.L. Tan, author of Jade Fire Gold, on Fathomfolk

About the Author

Eliza Chan is a Scottish-born Chinese-diaspora author who writes about East Asian mythology, British folklore and madwomen in the attic, but preferably all three at once. Eliza's work has been published in The Dark, Podcastle, Fantasy Magazine and The Best of British Fantasy 2019. Fathomfolk is her first novel.