The Vicious Deep (The Vicious Deep #1)
Zoraida Cordova
Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication: May 2012 from Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 372
Format: e-galley
Acquisition: Received via NetGalley for review
Synopsis:
For Tristan Hart, everything changes with one crashing wave.He was gone for three days. Sucked out to sea in a tidal wave and spit back ashore at Coney Island with no memory of what happened. Now his dreams are haunted by a terrifying silver mermaid with razor-sharp teeth.His best friend Layla is convinced something is wrong. But how can he explain he can sense emotion like never before? How can he explain he's heir to a kingdom he never knew existed? That he's suddenly a pawn in a battle as ancient as the gods.Something happened to him in those three days. He was claimed by the sea...and now it wants him back.(from Goodreads)
My Thoughts
Wow! I devoured this book! Stories about merpeople have been more miss then hit for me lately but fortunately The Vicious Deep was a huge hit! I really loved the male protagonist POV and his family and friends. I really loved the world the merpeople live in. I really loved the myth behind the story. I really loved...the entire book!
Seriously though, there is little I can say I don't love about The Vicious Deep. Maybe the ending...or the lack of an ending really. It wasn't so much a cliff hanger as just a hanger, if that makes any sense. The story was going along just fine and then the book was over. Which means - A LOT more story to tell in book 2! Sometimes it upsets me when this happens but it actually kind of worked this time.
I think my favorite thing about The Vicious Deep is it's male protagonist. Maybe I've just been burned by too many week females but there is something about an imperfect male lead that gets me every time! Another thing that really got me was the romance - or rather, the subtle hint at a possible romance. Too many YA books throw love around like it happens in a instant and it's usually a turn off for me. Two characters that start off as friends and work their way up to love? Much more believable and enjoyable to read.
Will I continue the series?
Yes! Book 2 will release next month and I can't wait to add it to my shelves.
Rating
5 / 5 Stars
#1 The Vicious Deep
#2 The Savage Blue
I had the same reaction about the ending of THE VICIOUS DEEP, and it's one I've seen before in other YA series-starting books. This weird idea that the author has to save all the real story development or conclusions for later books. Honestly, if the author cannot find a fulfilling first book, how are people supposed to enjoy the second?
ReplyDeleteCliff hangers are weird for me because sometimes I love them and sometimes I'm left scratching my head with no desire to pick up book 2. In my perfect world each book would be complete with 2nds and 3rds revealing MORE of the story - not pieces that in retrospect would have worked better being included earlier.
DeleteThanks for stopping by :)
I probably shouldn't even admit this, but I first noticed this one just because the cover was so striking. I haven't read it, but this does look like ANOTHER good YA series. (Whew! Too many to keep up with these days.)
ReplyDeleteOoo - what series? I love these covers too.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!