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