The Deep, by Rivers Solomon with Daveed Diggs, William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes

This is about a 3.6 rounded up. My opinion improved as I read some of the supporting material, and understood this as an origin myth. It reads like one and the protagonist is imperfect in the way that godlike originators often are. So many heroes are unflinching, or have misgivings but no real weaknesses. Yetu is sensitive and struggles under the pressure of being the Historian, and even runs away from her problems.

The pain of the Middle Passage is central to this book but is not extensively dwelled upon, though there are a few graphic descriptions. The writing style actually reminds me of Nnedi Okorafor, in that it is very direct and can seem a little stiff. It's a fine story, especially as an origin myth. Am glad I read it. 

Goodreads Review