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Puck's Reviews > Deeplight
Deeplight
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by
"It is easy to love power, because power tells you it is majesty and beauty and greatness.�
Deeplight was one of my most anticipated fantasy-releases of 2019, and I'm so happy it didn't let me down. Frances Hardinge has written an exciting and dangerous sea-adventure, in which a young boy has to handle (deaf) smugglers, ancient Gods, and a toxic friendship in order to survive.
The absolute highlight of this novel is the world-building: a wonderful Myriad of islands, with people loving and fearing the seas, and mysterious sea creatures hiding in the depths. With vivid detail Hardinge describes their sharp teeth and tentacles � you only have to google “Black Dragonfish� or “Bigfin Squid� to find Hardinge’s inspiration.
However, 14-year-old Hark has more to fear from people than from the sea. Hark and Jelt have been friends, close as brothers, working together to survive on the islands. Jelt however keeps demanding more and more from Hark, and to see Hark slowly become more certain of himself and his unhealthy bond with Jelt is very admirable and brave.
A lot less terrifying is how Hardinge made deaf-culture an essential part of this fantasy world. In the Myriad, losing one's hearing because of diving expeditions is quite common, and people who are "sea-kissed" are even highly respected for braving the sea. Therefore, everyone here speaks sign language and is very inclusive; this is the kind of representation I want to see more off!
So although the plot takes a long time to get going, the story isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions. It teaches you that being true to yourself is more important than being true to something (powerful) which only brings you fear in return.
With Deeplight, Hardinge has written a beautiful, haunting, compelling fantasy novel. Highly recommended, although you might want to swear off diving for a while.
Deeplight was one of my most anticipated fantasy-releases of 2019, and I'm so happy it didn't let me down. Frances Hardinge has written an exciting and dangerous sea-adventure, in which a young boy has to handle (deaf) smugglers, ancient Gods, and a toxic friendship in order to survive.
"Stories were ruthless creatures, and sometimes fattened themselves on bloody happenings."
The absolute highlight of this novel is the world-building: a wonderful Myriad of islands, with people loving and fearing the seas, and mysterious sea creatures hiding in the depths. With vivid detail Hardinge describes their sharp teeth and tentacles � you only have to google “Black Dragonfish� or “Bigfin Squid� to find Hardinge’s inspiration.
However, 14-year-old Hark has more to fear from people than from the sea. Hark and Jelt have been friends, close as brothers, working together to survive on the islands. Jelt however keeps demanding more and more from Hark, and to see Hark slowly become more certain of himself and his unhealthy bond with Jelt is very admirable and brave.
“Maybe sometimes there isn’t a right thing to do. Maybe there’s just lots of wrong answers, and you have to pick one you can bear � something that doesn’t break who you are.�
A lot less terrifying is how Hardinge made deaf-culture an essential part of this fantasy world. In the Myriad, losing one's hearing because of diving expeditions is quite common, and people who are "sea-kissed" are even highly respected for braving the sea. Therefore, everyone here speaks sign language and is very inclusive; this is the kind of representation I want to see more off!
So although the plot takes a long time to get going, the story isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions. It teaches you that being true to yourself is more important than being true to something (powerful) which only brings you fear in return.
With Deeplight, Hardinge has written a beautiful, haunting, compelling fantasy novel. Highly recommended, although you might want to swear off diving for a while.
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Reading Progress
August 9, 2019
– Shelved as:
to-read
August 9, 2019
– Shelved
August 9, 2019
– Shelved as:
young-adult
August 9, 2019
– Shelved as:
fantasy
August 9, 2019
– Shelved as:
cover-love
November 18, 2019
–
Started Reading
November 24, 2019
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-4 of 4 (4 new)
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C. (Comment, never msg).
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Dec 02, 2019 10:12AM
Puck, this sounds fresh, enchanting, and well-written like you said. It is probably bizarre and outside what many of us read. I will watch for a second-hand or sale copy! Wishing you a happy, early winter day from a friend far from the seas. Carolyn.
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C. wrote: "Puck, this sounds fresh, enchanting, and well-written like you said. It is probably bizarre and outside what many of us read. I will watch for a second-hand or sale copy! Wishing you a happy, early..."Aww Carolyn, thank you so much for your kind reaction. Deeplight was - like you said - a very unique story, combining elements in such a surprising way. Frightening monsters you often find in fantasy, but to see that brought together with a young boy coming to terms with an unhealthy relationship? That really impressed me.
I hope, if you get the change to read this book, you'll enjoy it too. All my happiness to you, Puck.
Certainly! On dial-up internet, I don't visit webpages as easily or often as I would like to. When I do, I write a decent bit and I am always from the heart, with enthusiasm. :) Thank you, I appreciate happiness in return.
fantasy novel that treats Deaf characters well??? we love to see it. added to TBR!
