The Deep & Dark Blue

Contributors

By Niki Smith

Formats and Prices

Price

$24.99

Price

$30.99 CAD

Format

The Witch Boy meets The Legend of Korra in this breathtaking, epic graphic novel.

After a terrible political coup usurps their noble house, Hawke and Grayson flee to stay alive and assume new identities, Hanna and Grayce. Desperation and chance lead them to the Communion of Blue, an order of magical women who spin the threads of reality to their will.

As the twins learn more about the Communion, and themselves, they begin to hatch a plan to avenge their family and retake their royal home. While Hawke wants to return to his old life, Grayce struggles to keep the threads of her new life from unraveling, and realizes she wants to stay in the one place that will allow her to finally live as a girl.

This title will be simultaneously available in paperback.

  • Praise for The Deep & Dark Blue:One of Buzzfeed's 25 Magnificent Middle Grade Novels To Get Your Hands On ASAP
    One of Kirkus's 2020 Best Children's Books
    One of NYPL's Favorite Trans, Nonbinary, and GNC Titles of 2020
    ​One of YALSA's 2021 Great Graphic Novels for Teens
    A Top Ten 2021 Rainbow Book List Title
    One of Buzzfeed's 17 Great LGBTQ Middle Grade Novels You Need In Your Life!
    A 2021 Lambda Literary Award Finalist

     * "Grayce's coming-out subplot is affirming; she is met with love and support by old family and new. Woven with magic."
    Kirkus Reviews, starred review
  • * "Children figuring out where they fit in will appreciate this stunning work that does double duty as an absorbing adventure and a gentle musing on gender identity, family, and acceptance."
    School Library Journal, starred review
  • "This full-color graphic novel has much to offer its readers: the action of a family coup, the world building of a fascinating faith of spinners and weavers, and a transgendered character finding her place in the world."
    School Library Connection
  • "[C]apable worldbuilding and a positive look at transgender identity [...] Smith's anime-inspired illustrations are smooth and beautifully costumed, with an open, cartoon expressiveness."
    Publishers Weekly
  • "Smith's artwork, recalling classic manga, delivers clearly choreographed action and intense facial expressions, which capably communicate poignant emotion during the many bittersweet scenes. [...] A rich tapestry of a story, with action and character development in equal measure."
    Booklist
  • "[...] Smith's quick pacing and world building make this a page-turner for lovers of adventure and magic."
    BCCB
  • "[The Deep & Dark Blue is] exactly the type of book to give to a trans child who's coming to terms with their identity. Smith designed the story to be gentle and empathetic while also providing the fun and thrills of a fantasy epic of daring-do and friendship. This is a complete epic story...a book for a kid to cherish and keep forever."
    Bleeding Cool

On Sale
Jan 7, 2020
Page Count
256 pages
Publisher
Little, Brown Ink
ISBN-13
9780316485982

Niki Smith

About the Author

Niki Smith is the author/illustrator of The Deep & Dark Blue and is a cartoonist based out of Munich. She is a Lambda Literary Award nominated author for Crossplay, has been digitally published by DC Comics and The Nib, and has contributed to the Lambda Literary Award-winning Beyond anthology.

Learn more about this author