Deeplight

The gods died fifty years ago after turning on one another, and their remains now hold strange powers. Scraps of dead god, even coin-sized pieces, command high prices, though few are willing to dive for them. When fifteen-year-old Hark discovers the still-beating heart of a deity, he becomes determined to protect it from smugglers, scientists, and cults seeking its power. Hark needs the heart to save his best friend Jelt's life. However, divine power was not meant for human hands. As Jelt begins to transform in disturbing ways after contact with the heart, Hark must confront a difficult choice: remain loyal to his friend or sacrifice what is necessary to save him. The story combines fantasy adventure with coming-of-age elements, set in an archipelago threatened by a dangerous sea and featuring steampunk touches. It explores themes of power's temptation, the grip of the past, and the power of stories.