In a distant future, an automaton, a recovering addict, and an angel team up to solve the murder of the Pope in a secluded monastery, while facing the looming threat of the Sisters of the Drowned Deep. The novella delves into themes of faith, trauma, addiction, and the complexities of relationships, set in a unique world where gods, angels, and eldritch horrors coexist in a blend of science fiction and fantasy.

Reader Review Summary

Out of the Drowning Deep by A.C. Wise is a remarkable and imaginative blend of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and mystery that packs an incredibly rich and immersive experience into a relatively short novella. Despite its concise length, the story manages to explore profound themes of religion, faith, divinity, trauma, addiction, and the nature of humanity, all while delivering an engaging murder mystery plot.

One of the standout elements of this novella is its exceptional world-building. Wise has crafted a brilliantly realized far-future universe where humans mingle with gods, angels, demons, and other celestial beings. The vivid descriptions of this world, from the crumbling monastery known as the Bastion to the terrifying Sisters of the Drowned Deep rising from the depths, create a captivating and haunting atmosphere that draws the reader in from the very start.

The characters are the true heart of the story, and Wise has crafted a diverse and compelling cast. Scribe IV, the self-aware automaton who serves as the Bastion's majordomo, is an endearing and introspective protagonist, grappling with existential questions about his own purpose and potential for growth. Quin, the recovering addict turned private investigator, is a complex and deeply human character, haunted by his traumatic past and his struggle with addiction. Angel, the literal angel who descends from Heaven to assist in the investigation, is both delightfully whimsical and subtly unsettling, representing the awe-inspiring and terrifying aspects of divinity.

The relationships between these characters are beautifully rendered, with Wise exploring themes of found family, love, loyalty, and the bonds that transcend physical or spiritual boundaries. The dynamic between Scribe IV and Angel is particularly touching, as the automaton's wonder and the angel's curiosity about mortals create a profound connection.

Woven throughout the murder mystery plot are powerful examinations of faith, belief, and the nature of religion. The novella poses thought-provoking questions about the role of organized religion in a world where gods and angels are proven to exist, and the implications of humanity's ability to create new deities. These heady concepts are balanced by the personal narratives of the characters, grounding the metaphysical explorations in relatable human experiences.

Wise's prose is exquisite, with a lyrical quality that perfectly captures the sense of wonder and mystery inherent in the story. The descriptive passages are lush and evocative, transporting the reader to this strange and captivating universe. Yet, the writing remains accessible and engaging, never sacrificing clarity or emotional resonance for stylistic flourishes.

While the novella's relatively short length means that some aspects of the world and character development feel somewhat condensed, this is a minor quibble in the face of the overall richness and depth of the story. Wise has created a truly unique and thought-provoking tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

In conclusion, Out of the Drowning Deep is a remarkable achievement, a genre-blending masterpiece that combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and mystery into a cohesive and deeply moving narrative. With its intricate world-building, complex characters, and profound exploration of profound themes, this novella is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and anyone seeking a rich and immersive reading experience.