Well Met by Water by Joy V. Smith follows Rand Beckett, who is left to die in the ocean after a criminal dispute, but survives when a water-adapted human, Cathay, frees him with help from trained dolphins. Her people maintain hidden sites on coasts and underwater, while tracking groups that seek to capture, study, sell, or engineer marine-capable humans. Rand, familiar with criminal channels, enters those circles to gather intel for Cathay and her people. His reports assist in locating holding areas and captives, and in identifying the structure behind the operations. He learns that the criminal network is searching for advanced ocean travel systems under development by Cathay’s people. The purpose? To prevent further exposure and experimentation by relocating to a place beyond the ocean.

To say that Well Met by Water by Joy V. Smith went in a completely different direction than I thought from the book blurb would be a total understatement. I got that there would be human and human water-dwelling hybrids of the chimeric variety, but it is the science fiction elements that really surprised and delighted me. Smith integrates a wonderful, broader science fiction context which, without spoiling what they are for, includes the construction and preparation of fully realized vessels like Sun Song, Sea Star, and Deep Blue. The world-building is exceptional, with the training and movement of the underwater teams being the highlight among many in a textured aquatic series of environments. The book concludes satisfyingly, but there is a little cliffhanger, and I am excited to see where the sequel takes us. I'm pretty sure it will be out of this world. Very highly recommended.

Rand Beckett is shackled in the water when something touches his leg in Joy V. Smith's Well Met by Water. Moments later, he is rescued by Cathay Poirer, and from that moment on, he vows to serve her for the rest of his life. Rand tries to repay her with the money he recovered from the colleagues who betrayed him, but Cathay has no need for it; her family has the wealth of the sea at their command. Rand finally has a reason to call Cathay when he needs her help on a job. Cathay gains valuable experience from their adventure, and Rand discovers the rare gift of friendship. A merman’s child was kidnapped years ago, and whispers of a “fish boy” reportedly kept in a converted saltwater pool piqued Rand's and Cathay’s interest. Could this boy be the long-lost child?

Well Met by Water by Joy V. Smith is an engaging and complex read. The storyline blends mystery and fantasy in a way that is both refreshing and emotionally compelling. The action started right in the beginning with Rand, who was in danger. The pace never felt rushed, and I had enough time to process everything that was happening. The writing style was engaging, and I was intrigued by the mystery of the kidnapped merbaby. Themes of loyalty, trust, and belonging gave a deeper meaning to the plot. The characters were well-developed and unique. Rand is courageous without being flawless, and Cathay was confident and independent. The story was beautifully written and kept my attention throughout. I enjoyed reading this book, which was a magical and satisfying blend of heartfelt connection and underwater wonder.