This is the kind of middle-grade I love. I would compare it to the His Dark Materials books; not in plot, but the themes explored, the adventure and the fact that while the main character is 15 years old (and actually acts like a 15 year old, not 20 year old!) but there are still some dark undertones and themes explored in the book. These include toxic friendships, the power stories have over us, monsters (the undersea kind) and monstrous acts (perpetrated by the most mundane of humans). 

 

I admit, it did take a little time for to sink (pun absolutely intended) into this vibrant, vivid world and understand what was happening and some of the book-specific terms like “sea-kissed” and “godware”. Once I did, it was a joy to continue reading and immerse myself in this world. Frances has also included some excellent representation of deaf characters after being approached by one of her readers, and sign language and deafness feature predominantly in this book. 

 

I consider myself a total Hardinge convert now!