Diving into Deeper than Black: A Journey through an Aquatic World
When H.L. Dawson’s Deeper than Black landed in my inbox, I felt a wave of intrigue wash over me. The promise of an underwater adventure mixed with a monster romance was too enticing to resist. I make it a point to offer open and honest reviews, especially for the authors who trust me with their stories. So, with that in mind, let’s dive in—no pun intended!
Set in a post-apocalyptic world flooded for centuries, the backdrop of Deeper than Black immerses us in the underwater cities known as Bobas. These cities are not just fascinating structures; they’re a reflection of society’s tiered class systems. Our heroine, Mizu, embodies resilience and grit as she scavenges for survival at the bottom of this watery hierarchy. Her character pulled me in immediately—while I felt like shaking her at times to "just DO IT," I also cried alongside her during her most vulnerable moments. Who hasn’t felt lost or invisible at some point? Dawson captures this beautifully.
But let’s talk about the world-building—especially the introduction of the Sirhunues. These aquatic beings, a blend of humanity and sea creatures spliced with DNA, add a unique richness to the story. Initially, I found myself re-reading passages to wrap my head around what exactly was going on. Once I embraced the chaos of their world, it became a captivating part of my reading experience.
And then we meet Fin. Oh, Fin. A character who checks all the boxes for a monster-loving reader like me: tall, dark, handsome, and yes, he has tentacles! He is both possessive yet emotionally thoughtful, challenging the notion of what a romantic hero can be. Watching Mizu’s interactions with him brought both heat and tension to the narrative, making it impossible to put the book down.
Now, let’s not shy away from the book’s heft—over 1,000 pages—but don’t let that scare you off. Dawson’s pacing turned what could have felt like a slog into an engaging experience akin to binge-watching your favorite show. There are slow points, certainly, especially in the early chapters filled with rich details reminiscent of Tolkien’s world-building. Yet, this may become your personal treasure if you take your time to embrace all those descriptions.
Despite a few not-so-fun aspects of life in Bobas—think smelly fish meals, rust galore, and bathrooms that don’t seem to exist—Dawson’s narrative kept me anchored in the world he created. My own life, filled with baby toys and laundry, felt like a distant memory when I was submerged in this story.
Ultimately, Deeper than Black is more than just an adventure; it’s a tale of survival, love, and vulnerability set against a backdrop of darkness. It’s a book that made me laugh, cry, and feel hope for characters who are, quite literally, swimming against the current.
If you’re a fan of slow-burn monster romances, unique world-building, and characters navigating the complexities of human connection (albeit underwater), I wholeheartedly recommend this story. H.L. Dawson, you’ve done it—thank you for this unforgettable journey! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to tackle the mountain of laundry that has been patiently waiting for my return.
4.5 Fish-Men-Float-My-Boat stars ⭐
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