Two boys have to fend for themselves and hide within the Communion of Blue - a group that creates magic by spinning thread. Will they be caught?
With this story Niki Smith took some tropes and spun them on their head. She elegantly interweaves the main story thread with presenting the world and characters. The story binds together several good messages, without being overbearing. All in all, a fantastic graphic novel that I wholeheartedly recommend as a gift for kids and young adults (or treat yourself).
The book cover gives a good impression of the art style and vibrant colours throughout the book.
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The Deep & Dark Blue Paperback – Illustrated, Jan. 7 2020
by
Niki Smith
(Author)
Purchase options and add-ons
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 hardcover.
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 hardcover.
- Reading age8 - 12 years
- Print length256 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade level3 - 7
- Dimensions14.86 x 2.03 x 20.96 cm
- PublisherLittle, Brown Ink
- Publication dateJan. 7 2020
- ISBN-100316486019
- ISBN-13978-0316486019
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Product description
Review
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
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
About the Author
Niki Smith is a cartoonist based out of Munich. She is a Lambda Literary Award-nomindated author for Crossplay, has been digitally published by DC Comics and The Nib, and has contributed to the Lambda Literary Award-winning Beyond anthology. This is her debut middle grade novel.
Product details
- Publisher : Little, Brown Ink; Illustrated edition (Jan. 7 2020)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 256 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0316486019
- ISBN-13 : 978-0316486019
- Item weight : 540 g
- Dimensions : 14.86 x 2.03 x 20.96 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: #226,671 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
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Niki Smith is an author, artist and lover of fine comics (and some pretty trashy ones too). Her work is joyously queer, and she is the author of the Lambda Literary Award-nominated graphic novels The Deep & Dark Blue and Crossplay. Her latest work, The Golden Hour, was a Kirkus, SLJ, and NYPL Best Book of 2021. Niki now lives in Munich, Germany with her wife and two bilingual cats.
Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
104 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top reviews from other countries

M.G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gorgeous middle school graphic novel with trans rep! I want more from this world!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 13, 2022Verified Purchase
This gorgeous middle-school graphic novel combines fantasy, coming of age, and finding oneself in a heartwarming but fast-paced tale. I loved the acceptance and support from Grayce's family and friends as she discovers herself. Beautiful 5 star read that I'm proud to have grace my bookshelf.
After a political coup forces Hawke and Grayson to flee their home and hide within the Communion of Blue, they must disguise themselves as Hanna and Grayce. Given the chance to take back their home and bring the people responsible to justice, Hawke is ready to return to his old life, but Grayce isn't sure she can return to who she once was.
I want more!
After a political coup forces Hawke and Grayson to flee their home and hide within the Communion of Blue, they must disguise themselves as Hanna and Grayce. Given the chance to take back their home and bring the people responsible to justice, Hawke is ready to return to his old life, but Grayce isn't sure she can return to who she once was.
I want more!
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Teacher Creature
4.0 out of 5 stars
More please!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 22, 2020Verified Purchase
Beautiful illustrations, fast paced, great lessons for kids and adults. I'm an instant fan and really want to explore this world if there's the possibility of a sequel.