Libby Powell's Reviews > Deeplight

What a book. What a ride.

Frances Hardinge can write... really write... in a way lives and breathes.

This book was truly excellent. From its new-ancient island setting to the painfully compelling (and unpredictable) plot to the complex depth and development of the characters, Deeplight gave me something to ponder over, to weep over, and, in the end, to sigh over. Whether that sigh contained more grief or satisfaction I don’t think I can accurately say. That’s how… amazing this book is. Hark’s conflict became my conflict – his battles, his ache, his hope were not just words on a page or emotions of a boy in a book. They were real, I ached and hoped with him. My heart... it ached so much. Sometimes the right decisions are the most painful, but knowing that doesn't stop the hurt.

"Friendship" is the word that comes to mind when I think back on this book… what is it? How far does trust go and on what is it built? Hardinge takes the reader on a fascinating journey to discover truths about man that leaves one reeling and broken, but she also demonstrates the power of selflessness and sacrifice for something greater that in the end can overcome. Deeplight is a grand and epic story to be sure, but it has a deeper, philosophical side to it that’s a rare find in many modern adventures.

I admit, I was wary coming into the book as it’s no secret that a big part of it deals with “the gods” and finding the heart of a god – I tend to stay away from novels that journey into the supernatural aspect of gods and goddesses, it’s tricky to write about that well without getting into uncomfortable territory. Hardinge, however, handles the existence of gods in her world admirably well – without spoiling too much, I hope, they’re viewed more as ancient, beautiful (frecht) monsters than supernatural deities. So my thoughts on that score were set to rest.

All in all, five stars all the way down. This is an excellent addition to the realm of fantasy books, very clean, very unique, with a strangely compelling and philosophical story to boot.