INDIGO, THE DEEP
by Kellye Abernathy
Teen and YA / Coming of Age / Fantasy
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Publication Date: July 7, 2026
SYNOPSIS
“In the heart of the deepest sea caverns, there is a stillness. Learn to surrender to it.”
Fifteen-year-old Condi Bloom knows the magic will happen again. The autumn equinox is looming. Strange currents are sweeping through her coastal town. Tides are turning wild, and a mercurial mist cloaks the lonely rock tower known as Windy Hollow, long believed to be haunted.
When a silent threat glides into the cove, altering the fragile ecosystem and drawing sharks close to shore, Condi ignores the danger. A fierce surfer, she insists on pushing her skills to the limit, hoping to heal a broken heart. Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Firth Cristo, a bold free diver, is tormented by a past he cannot reveal. Guided by the Beachlings, the mystical women who teach the secrets of the deep, he dares to explore remote underwater sea caverns, navigating the pulsing tides of a shimmering enchantment.
Inspired by the certainty of wonder and the uncertain nature of time, Condi and Firth dive into their rawest places, discovering that healing—of nature, of others, and of themselves—is found in the bounty of a limitless sea.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
An avid reader and writer, Kellye is the author of the YA science-fantasy series: The Aquamarine Surfboard (2022), Amethyst, The Shallows (2024), and Indigo, The Deep (2026). A former wireless business executive and a graduate of the University of Kansas, Kellye teaches practical life skills, creative writing, yoga, and mindfulness within the trauma-survivor community in Plano, Texas. She hopes to inspire healing through body and breath awareness, creativity, consistency, and compassion. Her joys are many and varied, among them neuroscience, oceanography, swimming, biking, family adventures, and great conversation. She believes in staying curious, showing up, and keeping her heart open.
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REVIEW
I’ve enjoyed my previous visits to Dipitous Beach, and this time is no different. Ms. Abernathy’s fantastical world, inhabited by unique individuals, is a fascinating and delightful read.
The themes of community, found family, friendship, and environmental stewardship are highly appealing to me; that is why I follow this series closely and own all three books. The mixture of fantasy, adventure, and a little romance makes for a highly original work.
All I know for sure is that the people we love never leave us.”
The author’s talent for imbuing each character with a distinct and unforgettable personality is quite admirable, given the growing number of the cast with every new installment. The Beachlings, in particular, are dear to me, and every possibility of loss evokes sadness. The kids, especially those who were given the privilege of interacting with Koan and visiting the deep (Conti, Isaac, and Firth), come across as authentic and relatable. They still act their age while displaying maturity under great stress. The supporting characters also stand out and contribute significantly to the overarching story.
“Whatever is destined cannot be prevented.”
Ms. Abernathy’s descriptions are always top-notch and infuse her books with an excellent sense of place. The action scenes are evocative and play like a film in readers’ imaginations. The dialogue between the characters is meaningful and moves the story along quite well. The pacing is on-point. The multiple points of view make sense and are never confusing. A mark of great writing.
Cinematic, touching, and relevant, this book deserves a high rating.
To learn more about the book, look for #LSLLIndigotheDeep on your preferred social media platform.
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Maida Malby 
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