I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope Published by Hachette Book Group, Redhook on June 4, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Historical
Pages: 416
Format: ARC
Source: NetGalley
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Goodreads
A woman journeys into a submerged world of gods and myth to save her home in this powerful historical fantasy that shines a light on the drowned Black towns of the American South.
“Our home began, as all things do, with a wish.”
Jane Edwards hasn’t spoken since she was eleven years old, when armed riders expelled her family from their hometown along with every other Black resident. Now, twelve years later, she’s found a haven in the all-Black town of Awenasa. But the construction of a dam promises to wash her home under the waters of the new lake.
Jane will do anything to save the community that sheltered her. So, when a man with uncanny abilities arrives in town asking strange questions, she wonders if he might be the key. But as the stranger hints at gods and ancestral magic, Jane is captivated by a bigger mystery. She knows this man. Only the last time she saw him, he was dead. His body laid to rest in a rushing river.
Who is the stranger and what is he really doing in Awenasa? To find those answers, Jane will journey into a sunken world, a land of capricious gods and unsung myths, of salvation and dreams made real. But the flood waters are rising. To gain the miracle she desires, Jane will have to find her voice again and finally face the trauma of the past.
Review
Leslye Penelope’s Daughter of the Merciful Deep feels like diving into dark water – terrifying at first, then strangely beautiful once your eyes adjust. It’s a story about a disabled woman who ventures into a submerged world of gods and monsters to save her hometown. But really, that’s just scratching the surface.
The real magic here is how Penelope weaves actual history – the tragic legacy of drowned Black towns in the American South – with mythological fantasy. She creates Awenasa, a town so vivid you can practically hear the screen doors creaking and smell the magnolias. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows your business, but they’ll still bring you a casserole when times get tough.
The book hits hard when it needs to, tackling racism and historical injustice head-on. But unlike many stories that wade into these waters, it doesn’t leave you feeling hopeless. Instead, it’s like watching storm clouds break apart to reveal stars – there’s always light threading through the darkness.
Penelope’s writing shines brightest in quiet moments: a grandmother’s knowing smile, the weight of an old family secret, the way water reflects moonlight on a still night. She builds her supernatural elements so naturally that when the gods show up, you’ll barely blink.
The story does split into two distinct parts, which might throw some readers. And yes, there are moments when it feels like Penelope’s juggling too many plot threads. But stick with it – the payoff is worth every page.
What really sets this book apart is its protagonist. Here’s a disabled hero who isn’t defined by her disability, moving through a world that accommodates her without making a big deal about it. It’s refreshingly matter-of-fact, the way real inclusion should be.
For fantasy fans tired of the same old tropes, this book is a breath of fresh air. For history buffs, it’s a window into a past that deserves more attention. And for everyone else? It’s simply a damn good story, told by someone who knows how to make every word count.
3.5/5 stars – This one will follow you home and take up residence in your thoughts. Just don’t start reading it at bedtime unless you’re prepared to stay up way too late.
