A review by megsbookishtwins
The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

4.0

Disclaimer: I received this free from the publisher via NetGalley.

The town of Sparrow is cursed. It has been cursed for centuries-ever since the small and isolated town drowned three girls they deemed to be witches. They tied stones to their ankles were thrown into the depths of the sea to drown. And every year since the girls come back, their song drifting over the sea trying to lure girls into the sea to steal their bodies. With these bodies they get their revenge, they drown boys, dragging them to their watery depths. Penny Talbot has accepted the fate of the town, but when a stranger called Bo Carter, Penny has a strong urge to protect him from the sisters. The townspeople turn against each other trying to find the sisters before more men drown.

The Wicked Deep was a beautifully haunting read. Atmospheric, lush writing, and a brilliant witchy vibe. It was full of witches, revenge, secrets and murder, and if that is your thing then I do highly recommend that The Wicked Deep goes to the top of your TBR shelf. One of my favourite things was the small town atmosphere, it really added to the story.

I loved the idea of the Swan season when the swan sisters came back to haunt the cursed town, seeking revenge for the pain they suffered at the town’s hands. What I really would have seen more of though, is more development for the sisters. I really loved the flashbacks to when the sisters were alive and the events that led to their deaths, but honestly, I would read a whole book about the sister’s lives two centuries ago.

What I felt was lacking, was the romance. They had some chemistry but yeah, not my favourite romance but it was nice. I did see the big twist coming, but, I did love it nonetheless. Also, this book reminded me why I love the paranormal genre and WE NEED MORE WITCHES IN YA PLEASE!

The writing is lovely. It is atmospheric, whimsical but dark, and it is what really drew me into the story. Shea Ernshaw is definitely on my list of authors-to-keep-my-eye-on. I will read whatever she writes next.

Overall, a book that I would highly recommend if you are looking for a dark and atmospheric read full of witches, secrets, and murder.