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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Kidnapping, Xenophobia, Death, Mental illness, and Misogyny
Moderate: Infidelity, Mental illness, and Grief
theespressoedition's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Shea Ernshaw continues to amaze me with her creativity, intrigue, and ability to suck me into a story (so much so that I never want it to end).
After reading Winterwood last autumn, I decided that this year I would pick up her even more well-known novel, The Wicked Deep. I'm so glad I did. This book blew me away (though I'm not at all surprised by it)!
The moment I began to read, I felt as though I was in the story. I wasn't just reading words on a page, I was watching the Swan Sisters drown, I was hearing their spooky singing each year on the shore, and I was experiencing the fear of the townspeople and the awe of the tourists. It was fascinating!
As soon as I knew the underlying plot, I began to try and unravel the mystery. I was desperate to understand what happened and why, where Penny's father went, who Bo really is, and if there will be a happily-ever-after in this "spooky" story. A note on the spook factor: I'm someone who is scared by the tiniest things and even some fantasy novels are too much for my overactive imagination. However, despite the seemingly frightening content in this book, I was never uncomfortable or afraid. I would advise caution, however, if you're a more sensitive reader like myself. Just be aware that this does have a "horror" style story to it (though the whimsical, hauntingly beautiful writing gives it a less creepy feeling)!
I was very satisfied with the ending. While some may find it slightly frustrating, I enjoyed the way it was written. It felt as though it wrapped up all of the things that needed wrapping and while it wasn't all "perfect," it definitely gave me the right sense of closure.
I can honestly say that Shea has become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read whatever comes next!
After reading Winterwood last autumn, I decided that this year I would pick up her even more well-known novel, The Wicked Deep. I'm so glad I did. This book blew me away (though I'm not at all surprised by it)!
The moment I began to read, I felt as though I was in the story. I wasn't just reading words on a page, I was watching the Swan Sisters drown, I was hearing their spooky singing each year on the shore, and I was experiencing the fear of the townspeople and the awe of the tourists. It was fascinating!
As soon as I knew the underlying plot, I began to try and unravel the mystery. I was desperate to understand what happened and why, where Penny's father went, who Bo really is, and if there will be a happily-ever-after in this "spooky" story. A note on the spook factor: I'm someone who is scared by the tiniest things and even some fantasy novels are too much for my overactive imagination. However, despite the seemingly frightening content in this book, I was never uncomfortable or afraid. I would advise caution, however, if you're a more sensitive reader like myself. Just be aware that this does have a "horror" style story to it (though the whimsical, hauntingly beautiful writing gives it a less creepy feeling)!
I was very satisfied with the ending. While some may find it slightly frustrating, I enjoyed the way it was written. It felt as though it wrapped up all of the things that needed wrapping and while it wasn't all "perfect," it definitely gave me the right sense of closure.
I can honestly say that Shea has become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read whatever comes next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Grief
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Alcohol, and Kidnapping
Minor: Animal death and Sexual content
drowningfrantically's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
"but they've been murdering young men every summer for 200 years!" so what? we all have our faults
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Grief, Misogyny, Confinement, and Murder
Moderate: Infidelity, Violence, and Death
maple_dove's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
CW: lynching, murder, drowning
The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw takes place in a town called Sparrow, a town cursed two centuries ago by the three Swan sisters: sisters who were all lynched by accusations of witchcraft. Every summer, these sisters each take the body of one girl for revenge, luring boys by the water and drowning them.
The main character is Penny Talbot, and it doesn't take long before we meet a boy named Bo, arriving in Sparrow, having no idea what the hell he just got himself into.
The witch hunt starts, Penny has the ability to see what others cannot, and Penny must make a decision: save Bo, or herself.
Review:
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I saw one thing coming from miles away, but this ending still mentally reeling. 🤯
I Liked:
The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw takes place in a town called Sparrow, a town cursed two centuries ago by the three Swan sisters: sisters who were all lynched by accusations of witchcraft. Every summer, these sisters each take the body of one girl for revenge, luring boys by the water and drowning them.
The main character is Penny Talbot, and it doesn't take long before we meet a boy named Bo, arriving in Sparrow, having no idea what the hell he just got himself into.
The witch hunt starts, Penny has the ability to see what others cannot, and Penny must make a decision: save Bo, or herself.
Review:
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I saw one thing coming from miles away, but this ending still mentally reeling. 🤯
I Liked:
- The dark, mysterious town vibe(s)
- How this book addresses that accusations of witchcraft were used to alienate and control people
This book almost immediately had me gripped, and I was tempted to just binge the entire book in one sitting.
I Didn't Like:
. . . The only things I can think of are things like are lack of action. Although, that's simply because that's not what this book is.
Final Comments:
Overall, I definitely think this was worth the read. Not a favorite, but a good read nonetheless.
As always, I highly encourage checking content warnings before reading a book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Grief, and Sexual content
Minor: Suicide, Misogyny, and Infidelity
High school graduates drinking alcohol (graphic), Lynching (graphic), Drowning (graphic)dlrosebyh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
this book took me by surprise. it’s one of the books i feel so connected to— no doubt i got attached to the characters.
i didn’t really give it 5 stars because i didn’t really love the insta-love trope, but i enjoyed their romance. i also guessed the major plot twist, so it didn’t really blew my mind off as other people say it will. it was dark— very dark, but not scary. though, at some times i felt scared for the main character and her love interest.
i definitely sobbed at the end; it was so selfless of her to do that.
in summary, this book made me suffocate in the best way possible. the atmosphere felt very real.
i didn’t really give it 5 stars because i didn’t really love the insta-love trope, but i enjoyed their romance. i also guessed the major plot twist, so it didn’t really blew my mind off as other people say it will. it was dark— very dark, but not scary. though, at some times i felt scared for the main character and her love interest.
i definitely sobbed at the end; it was so selfless of her to do that.
in summary, this book made me suffocate in the best way possible. the atmosphere felt very real.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Death, and Rape
Moderate: Grief and Murder
Minor: Infidelity, Vomit, and Confinement
malloryfitz's review against another edition
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Murder, and Sexism
Minor: Confinement, Infidelity, Suicide, Vomit, and Blood
tori214's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Perfect September read for that period right between summer and fall!!
I really enjoyed this! The plot was really intriguing! It was super atmospheric and it felt like the ocean and the island were their own characters. I also really liked the characters and “quaint, small town with something to hide” vibes.
However, it was also pretty predictable. I guessed almost every plot twist except for one VERY early on. Also, some bits of the writing style did leave something to be desired. There were some scenes that were supposed to be pretty high-stakes and dramatic that just fell a little short.
There were some absolutely beautiful gems within though, including:
“Love is an enchantress—devious and wild.
It sneaks up on you, soft and gentle and quiet, just before it slits your throat.”
and I think my personal favorite:
“I fell in love. What’s more human than that?”
Overall, good spooky vibes💀🎃🍂
I really enjoyed this! The plot was really intriguing! It was super atmospheric and it felt like the ocean and the island were their own characters. I also really liked the characters and “quaint, small town with something to hide” vibes.
However, it was also pretty predictable. I guessed almost every plot twist except for one VERY early on. Also, some bits of the writing style did leave something to be desired. There were some scenes that were supposed to be pretty high-stakes and dramatic that just fell a little short.
There were some absolutely beautiful gems within though, including:
“Love is an enchantress—devious and wild.
It sneaks up on you, soft and gentle and quiet, just before it slits your throat.”
and I think my personal favorite:
“I fell in love. What’s more human than that?”
Overall, good spooky vibes💀🎃🍂
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Infidelity and Misogyny
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