A Letter to the Luminous Deep
A Novel
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
An Amazon Best Book of April 2024 • An IndieNext Pick
A charming fantasy set in an underwater world with magical academia and a heartwarming penpal romance, perfect for fans of Emily Wilde's Encylopaedia of Faeries and The House in the Cerulean Sea.
A beautiful discovery outside the window of her underwater home prompts the reclusive E. to begin a correspondence with renowned scholar Henerey Clel. The letters they share are filled with passion, at first for their mutual interests, and then, inevitably, for each other.
Together, they uncover a mystery from the unknown depths, destined to transform the underwater world they both equally fear and love. But by no mere coincidence, a seaquake destroys E.'s home, and she and Henerey vanish.
A year later, E.'s sister Sophy, and Henerey's brother Vyerin, are left to solve the mystery, piecing together the letters, sketches and field notes left behind—and learn what their siblings’ disappearance might mean for life as they know it.
Inspired, immersive, and full of heart, this charming epistolary tale is an adventure into the depths of a magical sea and the limits of the imagination from a marvelous debut voice.
Praise for A Letter to the Luminous Deep
“An underwater treasure-chest to be slowly unpacked, full of things I adore.” —Freya Marske, author of A Marvellous Light
“A shimmering, delicately crafted delight.” —H.G. Parry, author of The Magician's Daughter
“A fascinating and charming story told in a uniquely elegant voice.” —Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches
“Both the setting and the story are exquisite.” —Megan Bannen, author of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Cathrall spins a captivating tale of mystery and romance set in an enchanting underwater society in her wondrous debut. When shy amateur scholar E. Cidnosin makes a fascinating scientific discovery near her home beneath the sea, she reaches out to renowned aquatic-dwelling academic Henerey Clel, sparking a tender epistolary love story as the two work to unravel the secrets of the depths. But tragedy strikes when both E. and Henerey disappear after a devastating seaquake. A year later, their grieving siblings discover their letters and come together to solve the mystery of their disappearance. As they search for answers, they uncover secrets that could forever transform their world. The epistolary format creates a feeling of intimacy between the well-shaded characters and allows the central duo's unlikely romance to unfurl with heartwarming tenderness. The conceit is well used and never feels overly clever or gets in the way of the luscious worldbuilding and slow-burning plot. This poetic and emotional tale announces the arrival of a skilled storyteller.