Five Fathoms Beneath is J.R. Alcyone’s debut novel — an unforgettable and captivating contemporary literary story about the power of hope, the heartbreaking invisibility of mental illness, redemption, and forgiveness.
Five Fathoms Beneath is a superb piece of storytelling on a level with the best of John Irving. – Publisher’s Daily Review.

Learn more about the stunning debut novel readers have called “vivid and entrancing,” “an amazing first novel,” “one of the best books I’ve read in 2018,” and “crisp, well-written, and engaging.” With a nod to philosopher Loren Eiseley’s famous essay, “The Star Thrower,” and to Shakespeare’s classic play, “The Tempest,” Five Fathoms Beneath blends literary allusions, elements of magical realism, and a realistic medical backdrop to create a wholly original, contemporarily relevant, and ultimately uplifting and encouraging story about a young man’s struggle to overcome depression and to cope with his father’s tragic death. By turns heartwrenching and heartwarming, with a feel-good ending which will leave you feeling hopeful, Five Fathoms Beneath is an emotionally engaging and thought-provoking rollercoaster of a story you won’t soon forget. Recommended for medical drama fans, people who enjoy contemporary literary fiction, or for anyone looking for an inspirational and touching story about fathers and sons, forgiveness and absolution, loss and love.
Alcyone’s best work comes in how she deals with the topic of mental illness. It impacts all those around Alec and Ambrose: from significant others to children to patients. Alcyone does a wonderful job in illuminating the sometimes-invisible signs of mental illness while offering up productive new ways for the reader to feel hope. – Independent Book Review.
Five Fathoms Beneath is available as an ebook for Kindle as well as in paperback through Amazon.com.



