#wicked deep

So... covid-19. This is interesting.

I’m coming to the end of my third and final year at uni, trying to finish writing my dissertation (with incomplete data, due to the laboratory closing) and my other assignments, and plan my future plans, all while staying inside to avoid getting sick.

I was quite worried due to my medical history, but apparently I’m no longer in the ‘high risk’ category, so that’s one less source of stress.

Most of my time is divided between trying to write uni work, saying sweet nothings to my growing collection of plants, experimenting with make-up, and trying to read books/watch TV without feeling incredibly guilty for not writing my uni work.

I’ve started yoga at the suggestion of a friend, and am aggravated to report that it does seem to be doing me good, drat it. Means I’ll have to keep doing it.

I miss my family and closest friends. I want the lockdown ended when it’s safe and sensible to do so, and not a millisecond before. But it’s hard to not visit people.

Currents:

Listening - Houses (Great Northern), Golden Years (David Bowie), The Chain (Evanescence), Undisclosed Desires (Muse), Toss A Coin To Your Witcher (The Witcher 2019)

Reading - Carpe Jugulum (Terry Pratchett), The Earthsea Quartet (Ursula Le Guin), Wicked Deep (Shea Ernshaw)

Watching - Charmed (2018), Prodigal Son, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Mandalorian, The Witcher

Eating & Drinking - Skips, grapes, and lots of coffee

“The Wicked Deep” by Shea Ernshaw

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Love is an enchantress - devious and wild. It sneaks ups behind you, soft and gentle and quiet, just before it slits your throat.”

I was very surprised by how much I liked this book. Admittedly, I picked it up because I thought the cover was pretty and I was interested in the vague concept - two hundred years after a town kills three sisters accused of witchcraft, those sisters come back every year to haunt the town possessing three girls and killing countless boys every summer. I didn’t have a great first impression after the first two chapters, I didn’t think I was going to finish it because the narration was initially a little juvenile. But the concept kept me pushing through and I started to like the mystery of the Swan sisters and the connection between Penny and Bo. And then I guessed the secrets that both Penny and Bo were keeping and I was, once again, prepared to not like the book. Despite all of that, the way the story unfolded and the played out, I still really liked the book. It was eerily beautiful, dark and lovely, and a nice easy read.

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw — 2.5⭐️

Let me preface this negative review by saying I didn't HATE this book. I was just incredibly disappointed in it *sends book to room*.

I have been pretty excited about this book since it came out. A creepy/witchy/Practical Magic-ish YA standalone—ummmm yes, please. But The Wicked Deep fell so flat for me.

The ambiance gets a 10/10, that's why this book was a 2.5 for me rather than a 2. I adored the tiny, Oregon town setting and loved the spooky flashbacks to the Swan sisters. It was the plot that I truly didn't like. Penny and Bo's romance was so fast, rushed and unnecessary. I was hoping for a slow burn, but I didn't get it. Instead, we watch them fall in love instantly. I also really disliked the ending. I won't talk about it because...spoilers. But for me, it was just so fast, not logical, and honestly, just really stupid. Nothing the characters did at the end made any sense. Plus the sacrifices Penny and Bo made for each other didn't at all add up for two people who HAD LITERALLY JUST MET and had sex a couple of times.

They have been on my TBR since the beginning of time

I always skip them

I felt pretty iffy after reading another book by the author and just don’t know if I want to.

Book Review: The Wicked Deep

Greetings Readers! Man, it’s been a while since I’ve posted! I’ve been really busy lately getting ready for grad school and focusing on the 9 to 5, so this may be a recurring trend unfortunately. Regardless, I hope you stick around for more chills and thrills. I’m glad you’re here! 🙂 Today I’m sharing my review of The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw. This is my most recent buddy read with Misty’s…

Is a feature post where booklovers can share the first line or two of the book we are reading…

Three sisters arrived on Sparrow, Oregon, in 1822 aboard a fur trading ship named Lady Astor, which sank later that year in the harbor just beyond the cape.

They were among the first to settle in the newly founded coastal town, and they strode onto the new land like thin-legged birds with wavy caramel…