Deeplight

Deeplight' by Frances Hardinge is a fantasy novel set in the Myriad archipelago, where the inhabitants once worshipped monstrous sea-gods. These gods, now dead, are scavenged for their remains which have powerful and mysterious properties. The story follows two teenage friends, Hark and Jelt, who are scavengers on the islands. When they find a piece of dead god that still seems to have life in it, their discovery sets off a series of dangerous events. Hark is drawn into a world of ancient secrets, dark cults, and a conspiracy relating to the gods that threatens to shake the fabric of his society. As he navigates his way through political intrigue and his complex relationship with Jelt, Hark must decide what truly matters and how much he's willing to sacrifice for the people he cares about. The novel explores themes of friendship, power, the nature of divinity, and the human yearning to find one's place in the world.