Deeplight

by Frances Hardinge

[kimbacaffeinate]

Come to Myriad, where the sea gods are revered even though they ceased to exist decades ago. They harvest pieces of the gods (godware) themselves from the sea as their industrial world develops.

Come meet 15-year-old Hark, an orphan who scams tourists to keep his belly full. His best friend, Jelt, offers him a lucrative gig that lands him in trouble. In fact, Jelt often gets Hark in trouble. This time they discover an usual piece of godware that will lead Hark on a perilous journey. He will have to save not only Jelt but the world.

Sacrifice, growth and heroes emerge as Hark begins his quest to save his friend, but his quest is weighted by decisions that will affect all.

This was my first experience with Hardinge and I loved the vivid, unique world she created. The tale unfolds smoothly without information dumps. We learn through Hark’s voice and alongside him as he learns more about the Gods, the Priests and the world he thought he knew.

Secondary characters were well-developed, intriguing and added to the tale as Hardinge ramped up the suspense and danger in the second half. Her prose brings this world together in vivid 3-D, so much so, that I could taste the salt air and feel the wind blowing my hair.

Joshua Akehurst narrates as the voice of Hark. This was my first experience with Akehurst and I enjoyed his unique voices, both male and female. From his tone I could desertion age, sex and emotions.

This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer