Reviews

A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall

ronan5's review against another edition

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

An enjoyable and magical read. Perfect for fans of epistolary format. I highly recommend following along or listening to the audio as each character is given a unique voice. Not incredibly plot heavy but it is a light read and wonderfully unique for those looking for something to read if you need a more easy-going and vibes heavier book.

ryanreadsfantasy's review against another edition

This book is told in a very unique and interesting manner. All through letters and “electronic missives” between the characters. It is more like reading research for an academic history paper than enjoyment. It wasn’t for me. But the cover is really beautiful and the plot seemed interesting. 

swalk's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A delightful story of discovery and romance told through the correspondence of each character, most notably E. Sidnosen to Henerey Clel.  1002. The prose is beautiful and works well with the writing format, which is part Magical Academia, part Deep-Sea Fantasy with a sprinkling of period drama elements in the letter writing.


The story begins when E.'s sister Sophy Sidnorjay and Henerey's brother, Captain Vyerin Clel correspond about their respective siblings' disappearance and the destruction of E’s family home, The Deephouse.

This is a very slow-paced, surreal and wandering tale which takes a while to come together, I did at times find it hard to follow with the number of characters but the cast of narrators did an excellent job and helped with that.  I personally feel it could have been a little shorter. Overall a nice relaxing read.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death

emaretea's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

katieproctorbooks's review against another edition

4.0

Took me a little bit too long to care- but that might’ve been life circumstances not the book’s fault. 

alysnow427's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This world is stunning.  But also mysterious, and enthralling, as are the ocean depths she so perfectly uses as the backdrop for this tale.  The historian in me adores the use of formal written correspondance as the primary communication method (which smarter minds have now taught me are considered epistilary novels), and the relationships Cathrall weaves are complex and offer a perfect balance of biased perspective. I was completely lost to the fathoms, as are the dear researchers that grace these pages, and i cannot wait for the follow-up. 

rainbowbookthief's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

dalloway_gal_now23's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

elizabethbunston's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced

5.0

guylou's review against another edition

4.0

𝗔 𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗦 𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗣 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝘆𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 is a captivating read that intertwines mystery and academic romance through a series of letters. The story begins with the reclusive E., who starts a correspondence with the esteemed scholar Henerey Clel after a remarkable discovery outside her underwater home. Their letters reveal a shared passion for their fields, which soon deepens into a personal connection. Cathrall beautifully unravels their relationship and the enigmatic mystery they uncover about their underwater world. When a seaquake destroys E.'s home and both scholars vanish, E.'s sister Sophy and Henerey's brother Vyerin take up the mantle, piecing together letters, sketches, and field notes to solve the puzzle of their disappearance. This epistolary novel is enchanting and immersive, blending themes of mental health, academia, and scientific exploration. It's a debut that captured my heart and curiosity from start to finish.