Reviews

Fear the Drowning Deep by Sarah Glenn Marsh

adhicken's review

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adventurous dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

lermonysnickers's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

moshalala's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

bookishdaylight's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

A dark thrilling tale of mysterious spooky creatures lurking at the sea that takes place in the 1913s. It is a story that involves the survival of the people on the island against mysterious forces. This concept of mythology is beautifully captured with the aspect of the story involving superstitions.

I was intrigued, enthralled, and entertained throughout the story. I liked this story's historical feel and truly enjoyed the concept of fear of the deep sea because I would be if it were dark and murky with mythological creatures in the ocean. I loved the family dynamics of Bridey which is full of fun, humor, and care. They were interesting characters in their relationship with one another. The visions of her mother are so interesting, I would've loved to learn more, but the realistic aspect of the unknown of those visions is on point since its setting is historical so I understand. The romance between Fynn and Bridey is heartwarming though the insta love is present and guessing on the time point maybe three to four months since the story takes place before and after summer.

All in all, I enjoyed this with its concept alone. I was captivated by the storyline of monsters lurking in the dark at sea. Tales like these are very interesting and entertaining.

littleyarngoblin's review against another edition

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5.0

Fear the Drowning Deep was everything I have ever wanted or needed. Each character feels so very, very defined; I love her voice, as well. It's the kind of book that sucks you in and keeps you on your toes until the very last page.

hiveretcafe's review against another edition

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4.0

review to come.

lbacon315's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

5.0

cathyatratedreads's review against another edition

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4.0

I got interested in this book because it's set on the Isle of Man. And that tiny island is the land of my father's line, where my last name comes from. And I actually got to visit there a few years ago and see it in person. So reading this story and the Manx references just made me happy.
On top of that, though, it's a fine tale of a girl who bravely faces the dangers that lurk in the inescapable waters around her island. And who falls for a strange young man who just appears one day on the shore. It's a clean book, too, which is also most welcome: hardly any language or offensive content.

Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/fear-drowning-deep-clean-young-adult-book-review/

rkiladitis's review against another edition

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4.0

Sixteen year-old Bridey Corkill has hated the ocean ever since she watched her grandfather drown himself, called by mysterious music that only he could hear. She was ridiculed for saying that the sea took her grandfather, so she's learned to keep to herself, but things are changing in her Isle of Man village. A dead girl washes ashore, and so does a handsome young man, still alive but bleeding from something that attacked him in the water. Bridey calls him Fynn, because he claims no memory of anything that happened or who he is, and she finds herself falling for him. But things are getting worse when other girls start disappearing, and the town starts pointing their fingers at Fynn. Bridey - who's now apprenticed to the village witch - knows there is something in the water that's to blame, but no one wants to listen to her, except for the woman she's apprenticed to; and she's got secrets of her own. Can Bridey save everyone she loves from walking into the water and never returning?

Set in 1913, Fear the Drowning Deep is good, creepy historical fantasy. Setting the story on the Isle of Man in pre-World War I era Europe gives a true feeling of isolation, providing an almost claustrophobic mood as Bridey tries desperately to unlock the secrets of the water before it takes any more of her friends or family. Every single character in this book has depth and lends something to the narrative. The prose is beautiful; literary and fantastic all at once; the dreamlike haze she spins for the water's victims almost lulls readers into a similar, comforting feeling before the author chills you with the revelation that someone has been taken. The relationship between Bridey and Fynn will please YA romance fans, and the pairing of Bridey and Morag, the village witch, is wonderful: atagonistic yet loving, strong and supportive. There's intrigue, secrets, and revelations to be had all around, making this a solid dark fantasy/romance read for your teens. Pair this with Ananda Braxton-Smith's Merrow for a pair of water-based mysteries with a touch of the paranormal.

billblume's review against another edition

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4.0

Enjoyed this novel a lot. Bridey & Fynn's romance got a little over the top, but for a YA book, it's just right. Sarah nails the voice for Bridey, providing beautiful imagery to bring the Isle of Man and the people of Port Coire to life. Love the hunt for more than one sea monster (that she doesn't limit the story to just one creature is a big plus). The book delivers an intense story with high stakes.