The Deep & Dark Blue

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 unravelling, and realises she wants to stay in the one place that will allow her to finally live as a girl.

“"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”

"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
"[...] Smith's quick pacing and world building make this a page-turner for lovers of adventure and magic."--BCCB
"[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
"[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
"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
"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
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

Niki Smith 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. This is her debut middle grade 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 unravelling, and realises she wants to stay in the one place that will allow her to finally live as a girl.

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