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A review by nicolepeck
The Deepest Blue by Sarah Beth Durst
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.