Daughter of the Merciful Deep

Penelope fuses magical realism, folklore and African American history into a profound and rousing fantasy … Jane’s character leaps off the page, buoyed by a supporting cast who breathe life into the narrative. Meanwhile, the romance that develops between Jane and Daniel adds sweetness. This potent work packs a punch – PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)A mesmerising tale that deftly blends history and magic – Nicole glover, author of THE CONDUCTORSLeslye Penelope has created a rich and immersive world, set in an enchanting 1920s Washington DC full of jazz musicians, elite Black social organizations, fairy balls, bootleggers, lady gangster bosses and mesmerizing magic! It’s a story that weaves together threads of real history with bits of the utterly fantastic. The Monsters We Defy will keep you turning the pages and wanting more – P. Djèli Clark on THE MONSTERS WE DEFYPenelope’s blend of fantasy and history is pitch perfect, with wit, romance, and a lovable found family thrown in for good measure. Readers will be wowed – PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on THE MONSTERS WE DEFYEntwines African American folk magic with a caper, historical fiction, and romance to equally enchanting effect – BOOKLIST on THE MONSTERS WE DEFY

Brightly painted with hues and shades of magic, set against a backdrop of jazz music and drag balls, Penelope has taken a specific historical place and moment and made them feel vibrantly alive. She expertly weaves threads of folklore, mythology, and Bible stories into the tapestry of the setting, creating a texture that ties the story to this world and its history while allowing the fantastic to breatheand flow

Leslye Penelope has been writing since she could hold a pen and loves getting lost in the worlds in her head. She lives in Maryland with her husband and their furry dependents.

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