Deeplight Review

Deeplight by Frances Hardinge was a very different book to anything I have read. I know they say you shouldn't pick a book based on the front cover but this time, being the ocean lover that I am, I caved. Though upon reading the blurb I was very intrigued about this books storyline.

Set in an alternate reality in chains of islands of the Myriad, where gods once rose from the Undersea and ruled, Hark and Jelt now live. Years ago the Gods destroyed each other by the power of their hearts, leaving their 'godware' behind. 14 year old Hark scapes through life scavenging for this powerful 'godware' to earn his way. However, a failed endeavour leaves him paying his debts to a scientist. There he discovers a still beating 'godware' heart, not truly understanding the full power it still holds. Hark knows is he needs to keep it out of prying hands, though uses it to save his friend who is near death, due to Jelts dangerous antics and unwillingness to leave Hark alone. It appears there are repercussions to this act, as Jelt begins to change into something unrecognisable to Hark. He is forced to leave his friend behind that is if he isn't already lost. 

This world was a beautiful creation and is intricately described like nothing I have ever read before, that is what kept me wanting to read more. The tales of the 'sea kissed' (those who are deaf from their time at sea) tell an intricate tale of the Myriad that is compelling to the reader to delve further into this world. The relationship between Hark and Jelt is complex and based around friends who once had no one else but each other, until Hark moved on leading to Jelt's jealousy to grow ever fonder. This storyline has a fascination with the sea in an alternate reality and it is mesmerising to read about, as the characters themselves still resemble the behaviours of humans in todays world. This book is something different to delve into but it is something I recommend you to do. A complex yet welcoming universe that you cannot help but keep coming back to.