There are a few weak spots in the story line of The Deep & Dark Blue. The largest two pieces are, first, it seems to start in the middle of the story. You do not learn who the two main characters, Hawke and Grayson, are right away but tossed into being introduced to a large plot point while being tossed into meeting a cousin of the twins at the same time. Yet, you are unaware right off he is a cousin. Or they are twins. The second one is who is cousin Mirelle? She just shows up. However, her introduction fits her personality nicely. Of course, you know she will be the one to cause the most trouble, just because of how her introduction is, but it would have been nicer if all characters had some sort of “soft introduction” and not, “BOOM here they are.”
But overall this is an interesting, longer graphic novel of gender identity, family and politics that Niki Smith has created. This is their first middle reader novel, but they have worked in graphic novels/comics and done other writings as well. Most not for kids due to a quick look at their works. Since this is coming out in January 2020, I am hoping that there will be a few areas that are smoothed out for the story. And I am excited to see the final art. My readers copies artwork was sketchy (literally) but a good teaser.
The story is heavy art, low text. After the political coup, Hawke and Grayson hide in the Communion of the Blue. This is basically a sanctuary and the girls there are a form of nun/priestess (for a lack of better terms) that spin reality as they wish by using Blue. Yet, some girls are not spinners, they have other roles. One being a Guardian (which Hawke will become). Some of this information is also choppy, due to pieces being assumed, coming later or not at all. When the twins are there, they become Hanna and Grayce. And while Hawke/Hanna is not happy, he wants to stop hiding and be the warrior he should have been, Grayson/Grayce find she belongs there. Yes, Grayson needs to be Grayce as she is Grayce. This is who she is meant to be. There is a nice hint early on that shows something is “different” about Grayson, but it is only after how comfortable she is in her new life that you realize why. It is tastefully done, if not a little optimistic how everyone accepts her so quickly. There also seems to be an Asian/Eastern feel to the characters, the hierarchy and the political setup. Of course, it is heavy fantasy setup as well.
I am assuming this is going to be a series. While, of course, Grayce and Hawke save the day, there is information presented that says, “More to come.” This book, while I greatly enjoyed it was not necessarily a “new” story. It reminded me of most anime/manga I have read and most fantasy animation I have seen. It also slightly reminded me of an easier Price and the Dressmaker (yet, mothing like it at the same time). There are a few scenes that are intense (there does not seem to be a lot of blood, but there is no question characters have been killed and later we learn more about spinning and what it can do to a person. Spinning, like any magic/power, can be used to do evil and we see that). I would tentatively say ages 10 to 14 (but even as high as 15-16 depending on the reader) and of course, adults.