I received the physical copy from B2 Weird Book Tours and a digital copy via Orbit Books. All reviews are my own.
Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope didn't quite hit the mark for me. I was drawn to this book because of my love for Monsters We Defy, a book that was truly exceptional. I tried my best not to compare the two stories, as they are distinct in their own right, but I couldn't help but long for the same awe-inspiring experience I had with Monsters We Defy.
"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."
The story bored me. I thought I would have more interest in drowned towns than I did. I didn't care for highlighting sign language or selective mutism, as it did nothing grand for the story. I'm not even sure how I felt about the possible sighting of Atlantis being an African version of Ile Ife. Still, I loved the idea of New Africa's second creation in the waters and the world-building surrounding it. The story as a whole wasn't a good magical realism or historical fantasy marriage, and because of that, I almost DNFed the book entirely. What saved it was me switching to the audio format and listening to the familiar voice of Shayna Small, who also did Monsters We Defy and The Black Girl Survives in This One by Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell.
I am impressed with the extensive research Penelope has poured into creating this story. DOTMD is a book on drowned towns, specifically Black towns in the South. I've been living in a southern state for almost ten years, and to hear about the infamous Lake Lanier and the paranormal thoughts surrounding all the deaths that come from swimming in the man-made lake feels on brand with the origin of the tale. Though Penelope mentioned that the idea came to her after watching a documentary about drowned towns, the way the story was written is a reminder of the past that bigots have tried to wash out. I appreciate this story because it's a piece of horror and unjust history that was almost forgotten.
Speaking more about Penelope's incredible research abilities, I've noticed a pattern in her character developments. She loves to give her main characters a true story. I didn't delve into it like I wanted to in Monsters We Defy, but Clara Johnson was a real-life person who shot and killed a cop during an illegal raid in her home in 1919 – and lived to tell it. I don't know about ya'll, but that is our ancestor's wildest dream. So, for Penelope to pull another rabbit out of the hat for Jane Edwards's background story, I stood up in my seat as if I were in a VIP section of a club. I won't give her background because it spoils the story, but understand that it happened in real life. I love that Penelope brings these small, groundbreaking historical moments back to life.
Overall, I rated this book 3-stars. There were moments when the pacing was slow, and I craved more action in the Fantasy elements. However, Penelope's world-building is undeniably impressive, and the extensive research is evident throughout. While the story didn't fully resonate with me, it may still be a compelling read for others.
Daughter of the Merciful Deep is available now.
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