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mollymortensen's review against another edition
4.0
I started this book a couple of years ago but didn't make it past 50ish pages. I decided to try one more time.
The plotline was probably the weakest part of the book. I didn't like the entire part with the island, which was the main plot. It doesn't even make sense. You need girls who have the power to control spirits to protect your nation, so you throw them on a deadly island with three days of training?
There could've been a good twist but it was immediately obvious.
The spirits were such a unique creation. They kind of reminded me of ayakashi. I wish they had more depth as opposed to just wanting to kill humans. Smart ones were mentioned but nothing was done with them. Same with the spirit controlling powers. Mayara doesn't know how to use her abilities, nor does she ever really learn. Most of the magic is done by others. It was a wasted opportunity.
Mayara tells 80% of the story with Kello and Queen Asana each having a little POV. Mayara and Kelo are both good characters. Their relationship was sweet and I'm glad there wasn't drama there.
I really can't stand Roe. She's so stupidly self righteous.
On the other hand I loved lady Garnah. I don't know what that says about me since the woman is a poisoner with no morals. Shrugs. But she was entertaining and absolutely not stupid.
Talia kills the queen to protect her daughter, because she doesn't trust that the queen won't put her own daughter before the kingdom again.
So instead of a queen who knows what she's doing, she prefers an untrained nut job who's tried to kill her and everyone else on the island... Yeah, that makes sense.
Quite possibly the perfect ending! There really were a lot of good lines in this book. The end was particularly packed with goodness. I was waffling between 3 and 4 stars but the ending cinched it. Deepest Blue is definitely a good book. I probably won't reread it but I'm glad I gave it another chance.
Spoiler
Until her husband died.Spoiler
Good thing, since we soon find out he is alive.The plotline was probably the weakest part of the book. I didn't like the entire part with the island, which was the main plot. It doesn't even make sense. You need girls who have the power to control spirits to protect your nation, so you throw them on a deadly island with three days of training?
There could've been a good twist but it was immediately obvious.
Spoiler
The minute we learn the queen has a daughter under the "protection" of the families I knew who she was. There were too many clues.The spirits were such a unique creation. They kind of reminded me of ayakashi. I wish they had more depth as opposed to just wanting to kill humans. Smart ones were mentioned but nothing was done with them. Same with the spirit controlling powers. Mayara doesn't know how to use her abilities, nor does she ever really learn. Most of the magic is done by others. It was a wasted opportunity.
Mayara tells 80% of the story with Kello and Queen Asana each having a little POV. Mayara and Kelo are both good characters. Their relationship was sweet and I'm glad there wasn't drama there.
I really can't stand Roe. She's so stupidly self righteous.
Spoiler
They're barely surviving on a hellish island, so what does she want to do? Go in the open to disable traps. Who's to say whoever set them won't just set more, or that by disabling them you're saving anyone? And since she's still injured Mayara volenteers to go so Roe doesn't get herself killed. And Roe's totally okay with Mayara risking her life for this stupid plan.On the other hand I loved lady Garnah. I don't know what that says about me since the woman is a poisoner with no morals. Shrugs. But she was entertaining and absolutely not stupid.
Spoiler
Talia was such a hypocrite!Talia kills the queen to protect her daughter, because she doesn't trust that the queen won't put her own daughter before the kingdom again.
So instead of a queen who knows what she's doing, she prefers an untrained nut job who's tried to kill her and everyone else on the island... Yeah, that makes sense.
Spoiler
I was liking Roe when she got all revengeful but of course it couldn't last. Before long she wants to save the psycho who killed her mom. (She foolishly thinks Lanei can save them...) I'm so glad that didn't happen. That psycho as queen, would not be a happy ending.Quite possibly the perfect ending! There really were a lot of good lines in this book. The end was particularly packed with goodness.
Spoiler
I actually loved the leviathans. I wish they'd been in it more! Their thoughts were hilarious!brite's review against another edition
3.0
This set of stories is so disappointing. The first book was amazing, the second was good, the third was baaad, and now this one... it was entertaining but generic. I read this in the hopes that it would be like the first one, but it had none of the magic.
epieza's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
nicolepeck's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting fantasy book. I enjoyed the descriptions - they were extremely vivid and painted a picture I could see in my mind of the city made of Mother of Pearl, the islands, the action, and more. Very well done that way. There were a few things I felt needed just a bit more development or tie-in between them, but for a young adult book, not a huge drawback to this book. Again, I really enjoyed the writing as far as the descriptions and how I was able to picture things, settings, and what was going on and be able to imagine what Mayara and her friends and family were going through with the Island of Testing and their fear of being found to possess magic/power. Early on, I could see what the solution should be and I wondered why this society hadn't gotten there already, but I still enjoyed the book. There were a few instances with references to the other lands that are part of a previous series where I wish I had read those books before this one so I could relate to that, but I think overall it wasn't a hindrance to understanding this book, just would've maybe given me a more complete picture of this world of Renthia and Belene?
Content: No strong language, only mild kissing, some violence but not graphic or excessive
***Spoilers for Once Upon a Book Club Box***
I received this book as part of my subscription to Once Upon a Book Club, which includes gifts to be opened as you come upon certain spots throughout the book. For this book, the gifts were as follows:
**Warning-- Do NOT read these spoilers if you want to be surprised about the gifts if you purchased this subscription book. This list also contains some book spoilers as well.**
p. 170 - two crystal-shaped glycerine soaps, representing the crystal formations Mayara finds in the cave
p. 237 - white cardboard face mask, representing the mask the Silent Ones wear and the one Mayara watches the Silent One remove when she encounters her during the escape attempt in the cave under the island
p. 276 - seashell charm wind-chime, representing Kelo's charms that he makes and puts up around his house to protect it from the spirits
p. 311 - lavender essential oil, representing the purple potion/poison that is used on Lord Maarte
Bonus: Autographed bookplate from the author.
Printed Quote: "Then dream again...But dream with me." - Sarah Beth Durst, The Deepest Blue
Of note, this book was part of the Adult subscription service for the OUABC; however, it really is a YA book.
Content: No strong language, only mild kissing, some violence but not graphic or excessive
***Spoilers for Once Upon a Book Club Box***
I received this book as part of my subscription to Once Upon a Book Club, which includes gifts to be opened as you come upon certain spots throughout the book. For this book, the gifts were as follows:
**Warning-- Do NOT read these spoilers if you want to be surprised about the gifts if you purchased this subscription book. This list also contains some book spoilers as well.**
p. 170 - two crystal-shaped glycerine soaps, representing the crystal formations Mayara finds in the cave
p. 237 - white cardboard face mask, representing the mask the Silent Ones wear and the one Mayara watches the Silent One remove when she encounters her during the escape attempt in the cave under the island
p. 276 - seashell charm wind-chime, representing Kelo's charms that he makes and puts up around his house to protect it from the spirits
p. 311 - lavender essential oil, representing the purple potion/poison that is used on Lord Maarte
Bonus: Autographed bookplate from the author.
Printed Quote: "Then dream again...But dream with me." - Sarah Beth Durst, The Deepest Blue
Of note, this book was part of the Adult subscription service for the OUABC; however, it really is a YA book.
cece_rants_raves_reviews's review against another edition
5.0
GUYSSSS holy fuckingggg shiiiiittt
Awesome review on the way stars stars stars
Awesome review on the way stars stars stars
elyse12's review against another edition
5.0
*4.5*
This companion was so amazing! I loved this new story so much, I want more!
This companion was so amazing! I loved this new story so much, I want more!
rachel_brisson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
annie76's review against another edition
4.0
I'm sad that I didn't know about this series before! From what I gather, this is a standalone novel set in the universe of a trilogy by the author. After reading this, I'm definitely going to check those out!
This was described as "Island of the Blue Dolphins" meets "The Hunger Games" and that's pretty apt. The world is magical and the people we meet are interesting. I would've loved some additional detail, but I suspect part of that is not having read the other series set in Renthia.
If you enjoy the stories of young people changing the world, overthrowing power hungry jerks, and bonding with "spirits" to keep them from destroying, well, everything, you should give this book a go!
This was described as "Island of the Blue Dolphins" meets "The Hunger Games" and that's pretty apt. The world is magical and the people we meet are interesting. I would've loved some additional detail, but I suspect part of that is not having read the other series set in Renthia.
If you enjoy the stories of young people changing the world, overthrowing power hungry jerks, and bonding with "spirits" to keep them from destroying, well, everything, you should give this book a go!
lindakat's review against another edition
4.0
Three and a half stars, rounding up to four.
A fantastical story about grief and loss and healing.
Mayara holds a gift of connecting with spirits, being able to communicate with them, a wonderful gift if not for the fact that once discovered she would be called in for treason and given two choices. Become a Silent One and lose all connection to your old life or chose to survive on an island for a month (with naught but the clothes on your back) one inhabited by spirits of all sorts wanting to kill and probably die as her sister did.
Beautifully written but I expected nothing other from Sarah Beth Durst, amazing world building, likable characters.
A fantastical story about grief and loss and healing.
Mayara holds a gift of connecting with spirits, being able to communicate with them, a wonderful gift if not for the fact that once discovered she would be called in for treason and given two choices. Become a Silent One and lose all connection to your old life or chose to survive on an island for a month (with naught but the clothes on your back) one inhabited by spirits of all sorts wanting to kill and probably die as her sister did.
Beautifully written but I expected nothing other from Sarah Beth Durst, amazing world building, likable characters.