Review: The Wicked Deep

Title: The Wicked Deep
Author: Shea Ernshaw
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Canada
Source: NetGalley
Release Date: March 6, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

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:

This is a great, original story.

I liked the way that the myth of the Swan sisters was incorporated into the story. Parts of their story was told between the chapters of Penny’s narrative. It was an interesting myth that came to life each year in their small town.

The story had good pacing. It moved along very quickly. There was a lot that happened in a short amount of time, which kept the story moving.

I couldn’t predict who the Swan sisters would turn out to be, which made it more exciting. I was looking for a logical explanation for the whole event, but I couldn’t find one. Bo was also a curious character, since he came out of nowhere and blended in on Penny’s island so well. I was surprised at the ending, but I liked it!

This story is a great blend of fantasy and real life. It’s a thrilling seaside adventure for YA lovers!