The Wicked Deep Review

Synopsis from Edelweiss:

Hocus Pocus and Practical Magic meets the Salem Witch trials in this haunting story about three sisters on a quest for revenge—and how love may be the only thing powerful enough to stop them.
Welcome to the cursed town of Sparrow…

Where, two centuries ago, three sisters were sentenced to death for witchery. Stones were tied to their ankles and they were drowned in the deep waters surrounding the town.

Now, for a brief time each summer, the sisters return, stealing the bodies of three weak-hearted girls so that they may seek their revenge, luring boys into the harbor and pulling them under.

Like many locals, seventeen-year-old Penny Talbot has accepted the fate of the town. But this year, on the eve of the sisters’ return, a boy named Bo Carter arrives; unaware of the danger he has just stumbled into.

Mistrust and lies spread quickly through the salty, rain-soaked streets. The townspeople turn against one another. Penny and Bo suspect each other of hiding secrets. And death comes swiftly to those who cannot resist the call of the sisters.

But only Penny sees what others cannot. And she will be forced to choose: save Bo, or save herself.

About: The Wicked Deep is a young adult fantasy written by Shea Ernshaw. It will be published on 3/6/18 by Simon Pulse, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, 320 pages. The genres are young adult, fantasy, paranormal, witches, and fiction. This book is intended for readers ages 14 and up, grades 9 and up. It is the author’s debut. According to the publisher’s website, Simon Teen is “delivering fresh, bold voices that inspire compulsive reading for teens and beyond. With a focus on high-concept commercial fiction, we’re proudly known as an imprint to push boundaries, to be daring and edgy and of the moment. Our dynamic books—from cult classics to electrifying debuts—embrace escapism and get people talking.” Please see below for more information about the author and publisher.

My Experience: I started reading The Wicked Deep on 11/10/17 and finished it on 11/15/17. This book has a fantastic love story! I like the mystery to the legend. I like the cover and the art at each chapter. I like the unexpected twist. I like having a glimpse into all the characters involved, past and present. I like how the title is weaved into the story. I like that I couldn’t guess the surprise twist even though I was waiting for it.

This book is told in the first person point of view, following Penny Talbot, 17 who lives on Lumiere Island and goes to Sparrow High School. Sparrow, Oregon has been ravaged by the legend of the Swan sisters (Marguerite, Aurora, and Hazel) where every year starting June 1st, three of the local girls are possessed by the three Swan sisters to lure young men to their deaths in the nearby harbor. Legend says that two centuries ago, the Swan sisters were thought to be witches and they were condemned to death. After that, they come back every year to haunt the locals and take their revenge. No one ever witnessed how the Swan sisters caused the boys’ deaths so their deaths are ruled as drowning or suicides. This book is also told in the third person point of view following the Swan sisters, from their arrival to the town to how they become a legend. From early on, readers will know that Penny and her mom experience grief due to her father’s disappearance. When Bo, an outsider like Penny’s father came to town looking to stay, Penny offers to give him a job. Both are hesitant to share their secrets when it becomes obvious they each have something to hide.

This book is very well written. I like the start at once. Legends and curses definitely caught my attention. I couldn’t wait to unravel the mystery. The story is beautifully crafted and all the characters are well liked and well developed, especially the Swan sisters. Lumiere Island and Sparrow don’t sound like an ideal place to live because of it’s constant rain, but it’s a great setting for this book. The romance speeds too quickly for my liking with Penny and her friend Rose. One moment they just met the guys and the next it’s love. Even so, I enjoy the love story greatly and I highly recommend everyone to read this book!

Pro: cover, legend, mystery, fast paced, page turner, easy to read,

Con: none

I rate it 5 stars!

Buy it here for free shipping: Book Depository

About the Author:

Shea Ernshaw under the pseudonym Shea Olsen, is the coauthor of the upcoming Flower with Elizabeth Craft. She is also the author of The Wicked Deep. Shea lives and writes in a small mountain town in Oregon. She works as a producer for a film production company and shares a home with her husband, a dog named Diesel, and two cats. (Info obtained from Edelweiss and photo obtained from Goodreads).

More information about Simon Pulse:

Website: http://simonandschusterpublishing.com/simonpulse | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Simonkids | Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonkids | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonteen

***Disclaimer: Many thanks to the author Shea Ernshaw, publisher Simon Pulse, and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

xoxo,
Jasmine