Release Date: February 13, 2014
Publisher: Cerulean Books
Pages: 288
Series: n/a
Review Source: eARC for review through InkSlinger PR
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?
Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.
But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.
It's actually difficult to describe how much I love this book, because I was enthralled from the very beginning, and that wonder lasted throughout the whole book. Heather Lyons’ books have always had an addictive quality to them, but she improves as a writer with every single one. This story, Medusa’s narrative, was intriguing, sad, and yet, at times, hilarious. I love when books make me feel things from all over the emotional spectrum and this one definitely did. The Deep End of the Sea features an epic, epic best friends romance. The relationship is just so lovely and pure: two individuals who are clearly meant to be.
Heather’s characterizations of the gods were fabulous. She stuck to some of the typical stories and traits, but she also made the characters completely her own. Hades, Persephone, and Aphrodite are three gods who stood out to me in the story: they were so much fun to read about. I’d also be remiss not to mention Hermes, because he definitely shines in this book. Medusa is not someone I ever expected to see as a main character of a novel, but Heather has taken Ovid’s version of the myth and twisted it to perfection. Medusa is one of the most lovely, honest characters I've read about in a long while. She is so pure and kind, despite what she's had to endure, and even though she doesn't realize it, she's very strong.
The Deep End of the Sea features lush and vivid storytelling. It’s suspenseful at times, and it features a gorgeous, swoonworthy romance where the characters have to fight to be together. The romance is not an easy journey, but it was so sweet, and one of the most romantic stories I’ve read in a long, long while. This book features all of that, plus a surprise reveal that I didn’t see coming at all. Add in some major feminist props for a great dialogue about not blaming the victim and giving power back to women, and you have a completely epic book. I stayed up late to finish this book, and when I woke up the book was still on my mind. I was so satisfied where the book ended up, and yet I was sad that there wasn’t more to read. Basically, I can’t recommend this book highly enough -- it’s a must read!
The Cover:
Gorgeous!!
Rating:
[5/5]Purchase Links:
Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Barnes & Noble
EXCERPT:
“Where are Hades and Persephone?” I ask, glancing around the empty living room. They are nowhere to be seen tonight; neither are any of the Automatons.
The corner of Hermes’ mouth quirks. “Out. Possibly in the Underworld. One never knows with those two.”
Relief unfurls in the muscles in my shoulders. Still, I can’t help but ask, “Without saying goodbye?”
He’s definitely amused. “Shall I fetch them for you?”
“No!” My answer is too quick, which I fear broadcasts just how ecstatic I am at the thought of being along with Hermes right now. And that realization causes me to blush for the millionth time around him in the last month, so I clarify, “Of course not. I was just curious.”
“Curiosity killed the cat, you know.” To my delight, his hand finds mine and our fingers intertwine. It is a delicious sensation: his hand, warm and worn in mine in just such a way that feels like it’s an extension of my body.
It must be criminal to adore touching someone so much.
“Did it, though?” I ask, and he laughs a burst of exasperated air.
“Possibly, but then again, who am I to judge, when I am often struck by curiosity that I cannot help but sate?” He gives me that dazzling grin of his and pulls me through the house. “Case in point: you.”
“Me?” I squeak unattractively. There are lights ahead through the French doors leading to the patio, and I am curious myself enough to wonder what they are, but not nearly as much as I am for what he might mean.
“Yes, you.” He glances back at me. “I’ve never told you that I was overcome with curiosity when I heard Athena cursed some girl from one of her temples. It wasn’t like it was the first time she’d gone vindictively bonkers, but she was really put out over you. I mean . . . one of her followers? Even that was low for her.” His fingers squeeze mine gently and we stop about twenty feet from the doors. “When I first showed up on your island . . .”
I am helpless at looking anywhere but in his eyes. Tonight, they’re green. Vivid, beautiful, clear green. “Yes?”
“I’d been warned that you were a monster and that I best keep my distance. That you would slay me at the slightest provocation, and naturally, I believed it, as I could not blame anyone’s hatred toward my family after what my sister and uncle had done to you. But once Death handed me that first soul and departed, I heard you crying. My curiosity inflamed tenfold. What kind of so-called monster weeps like her heart had shattered and never would form whole again?”
Like clockwork, my cheeks burn. His fingers brush my reddened skin ever so gently before I turn my face to rest in his hand. The butterflies in my chest swarm frantically. “My sister misjudged you. I knew that the very second I heard your anguish. I’m afraid I was lost to you from that moment on. I had to discover all that made you you, even if I would suffer the same fate as the proverbial cat. And I never cared about the risks, as long as my curiosity about you was sated first.”
“Truly?” The word barely escapes my lips.
His eyes are so intense. “Truly.”
About Heather:
Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.
Where to find Heather:
Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest
GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
You can also follow along with the blog tour, running February 12 - 25.
Would love to see aphrodite, and maybe some demi-gods, Love the idea of half god and half human. :) Great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteOh, you've sold me on this book. This sounds great! I am totally in the mood for a good romance, and an epic story.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the review!