Review: The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

The Wicked Deep
by Shea Ernshaw

March 6, 2018

320 pages

Goodreads     Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

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.

 

Review

I had chills reading The Wicked Deep. A tale full of bittersweet love, loss and sorrow. Not many stories leave a lasting impression but this one does.

The Wicked Deep is a fairly quick read with the plot pulling you in and holding you down from the very start. The whole story was beautifully crafted. The ominous atmosphere, the desperations in the characters and the sense of urgency to the plot drew me into the town of Sparrow. Even if I didn't want to be there because of its history.

The myth of the Swan sisters was such a solid foundation to the overall story. Inserted between chapters details to the sisters and relevant parties were carefully revealed. I've had trouble with this style of writing in the past but not with The Wicked Deep. No confusion or doubts whatsoever. I was kept on the edge of my seat as understanding filled me.

There were quite a few twists in The Wicked Deep but I was able to guess the major ones. I want to emphasize this did not affect my enjoyment of the story as my heart thumped hard with every confession. Were it not for the clues in the writing I definitely would have done many many double takes. The transitions were really smooth. All of my burning questions were clearly answered.

There's a small sense of instalove with the romance though I feel like Ms. Ernshaw does a great job building up Penny and Bo's connection. Her attraction and his feelings made sense. The ending was somber but fitting. Though I can't help but feel a little unfair for the real Penny. I thought she deserved better than what she got in the end.

The Wicked Deep pulled me under its spell. A bewitching story full of mystery and allure, the Swan sisters' tale will not soon be forgotten by me.
 

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.