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ash_ton's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75
really good! definitely did not expect that plot twist.
i think i would have liked to see a bit more of the swan sisters' past, especially hazel
i think i would have liked to see a bit more of the swan sisters' past, especially hazel
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, Murder, and Death of parent
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Grief, and Alcohol
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
drowning
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