The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

Discovering a new author, again…

Themes: YA fantasy, romance

The synopsis

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.

The review

I love witchy books… A lot… So, I had been having this one in mind for quite a time when I was finally able to pick it up. And I wasn’t disappointed by this beautiful story of love, betrayal, and intolerance.

I also really enjoyed the writing style which backed up the eerie feeling given by the plot. Even if I guessed early what was happening (I can’t say more without spoiling things) the author still managed to surprise me. And even though I’m cautious about narrations switching between the characters, it was wonderfully executed here.

Finally, the point that perhaps was the best in this book was the chapters narrating the story of the Swann sisters, which unveiled what was happening bit by bit.

In brief: a very good read for the ones looking for a fantasy standalone.

My rating: 5/5