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Deep Water

(Castings #2)

Pamela Freeman (Goodreads Author)

4.04 · Rating details · 612 ratings · 35 reviews

Centuries ago, Acton and his people displaced the Travellers, the original inhabitants of the Eleven Domains. Now, Saker the enchanter is driven by this ancient rage. With the bones of his fallen ancestors and the blood from his own veins, he will raise armies of the dead to slake his revenge.

But what really happened when Acton came through DeathPass a millennium ago? To ...more

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Paperback, 490 pages

Published November 12th 2008 by Orbit (first published 2008)

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· 612 ratings · 35 reviews

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Nov 24, 2018 Rusty's Ghost Engine (also known as.......... Jinky Spring) rated it really liked it

Shelves: high-fantasy

3.5 stars

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I found the writing and the setting especially beautiful in this second instalment and it was really interesting getting the chance to learn more about the history of this world and more about the characters. I know I found the first book in the series a bit strange in terms of writing and characterisations but even then I couldnt argue of how beautiful the setting of this world is and how vividly described it all was.

One thing I 3.5 stars

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I found the writing and the setting especially beautiful in this second instalment and it was really interesting getting the chance to learn more about the history of this world and more about the characters. I know I found the first book in the series a bit strange in terms of writing and characterisations but even then I couldn’t argue of how beautiful the setting of this world is and how vividly described it all was.

One thing I don’t think I mentioned last time was how there were short chapters here and there that told about the history of side characters the main characters met. Many I notice found these side chapters annoying and pointless but I found them really interesting and enjoyed reading about the histories of other characters and while I must agree these passages sometimes don’t really contribute to the overall story, they were really entertaining for me.

As a lot of this book is about looking at the past and finding out how to stop the growing evil, not a lot happened in terms of action like in the last book, but I felt I got on better with this book because the characters were more well fleshed out and the story moved along at a nice relaxing pace. The author has certainly managed to set up the scene for a grand finale in the last book as this book more or less ended with a kind of cliffhanger which I normally don’t like, but this one is one that still leaves the reader intrigued to find out what happens next, but also doesn’t cut things off too abruptly. I haven’t mentioned this before but after reading this book I’m kind of gutted there aren’t more books in the series set in this amazingly crafted world. I know the author will probably tie things off really nicely, but I’ll say now I don’t want to leave :/ While I did find this book very slow going in some parts and it did take me a lot longer to finish than I hoped, I still wish the author would write more books of this type…

So overall, a very well described fantasy world with interesting world descriptions and history and characters that I found easier to connect with this time. It took me longer to finish than I thought and that was a bit of a disappointment but I would still like to recommend this series to those who like beautifully written traditional fantasy with a relaxing prose. I strongly look forward to seeing how things will end for this world and characters 🙂 ...more

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Jul 01, 2020 Aparna rated it really liked it

Stars: 4 / 5
Recommendation: Well-written with a balance between ongoing tale and the parallel stories of other characters without missing a step. Keeping readers intrigued to keep going on, keeping the mystique and reality just in equal parts for any kind of reader to enjoy.

Deep Water is the second book in The Castings Trilogy by Pamela Freeman first published in November of 2008. The story continues with Bramble and Ash who reached the Well of Secrets,, while Saker is succeeding in his plan of ...more

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Oct 12, 2008 Liviu rated it it was amazing

Shelves: genre-fantasy, 2008_release_read

Superb sequel to Blood Ties, Deep Water takes the trilogy to another level by delving in the mysteries of the richly imagined Eleven Domains.

We follow our heroes Ash, Martine, Bramble, Leof as well as seeing vignettes from occasional characters that add to the rich woven tapestry.

Bramble witnesses the past and the life of Acton, Ash needs to find his true image in the secret Deep that is open only to Traveler men and get the secret spells to help stop Saker, Martine follows Safred the ...more

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Mar 22, 2009 Marian rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy-now

After about 1000 pages in this series, I must admit I got tired of all the side stories of everyone our main characters came in contact with-- Other than that I enjoyed the plot. Looking forward to the release of book three.

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Jan 28, 2017 Christopher Ball rated it really liked it

I am enjoying this trilogy. I needed something entertaining and engaging, and these books provided. I especially like the theme explored in these books that there is no true good or evil. Any character perceived as evil has motivations with which the reader can relate and even support, and any character perceived as good has done regrettable, sometimes "evil" things. I especially like the storyline exploring Acton's history and how he is revealed not to be the monster that some of the characters ...more

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Jul 14, 2019 Ravindu Gamage rated it it was amazing

This book was everything I expected from the sequel to 'Blood Ties' and more. Even more vividly written than its predecessor, the story went through the history of the Eleven Domains and explained everything that led to the creation of the world as we know from the first book. Acton's story was told beautifully through the journey of Bramble's mind and just like the previous book, the subplots and minor side-stories about characters were a reserve for your mind to take a small break from the ...more

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Mar 12, 2018 SBC rated it really liked it

Things did get a little darker in this sequel, but it was written with depth, complexity and compassion. I found the interwoven narration fascinating and really enjoyed the plot and characters.

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Jan 18, 2019 Anne Bussell rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Compelling and intimate

Great story told very well from multiple pics. Usually that doesn't work for me. This does. This is the second in a great trilogy.

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Jun 12, 2019 kelsie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 9-10-stars, favorites-19

10/10 Stars

I cant even explain how much I loved this. ...more

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Dec 31, 2014 Soho_Black rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed, used-to-own

"Blood Ties", the opening part of Pamela Freeman's "Castings" trilogy was a decent opening, but darted between characters with all the feeling of a chick lit style novel and, for me, interrupted the flow of things. The story was entertaining enough, but the writing style detracted a little from it and one of the main characters seemed pushed into the background.

Following on directly from the events of that book, "Deep Water" starts with Bramble, Ash and Martine on their way to see Safred, the "Blood Ties", the opening part of Pamela Freeman's "Castings" trilogy was a decent opening, but darted between characters with all the feeling of a chick lit style novel and, for me, interrupted the flow of things. The story was entertaining enough, but the writing style detracted a little from it and one of the main characters seemed pushed into the background.

Following on directly from the events of that book, "Deep Water" starts with Bramble, Ash and Martine on their way to see Safred, the Well of Secrets; someone who hears the voices of the gods better than most people. As well as Bramble needing healing, they are seeking advice on how best to stop Saker from raising ghosts to take revenge on the invaders who took over the country a thousand years previously. Bramble's desire to do stop him gains extra motivation after the ghosts attack on Carlion costing the lives of her sister and brother-in-law.

Through Safred, the gods tell them that the best way to stop Saker's enchanted ghost army is to raise the ghost of the invader, Acton. These ghosts were the result of his invasion and if he has killed them all once, maybe he can kill them again. However, in order to raise the ghost of Acton they need the appropriate songs and to find Acton's bones. This splits the party, as Ash goes to find his father, a singer and musician, to learn the songs that he was never taught before, but which he will need now. Bramble is taken by the gods to observe Acton's life through the eyes of some of his companions to find out where the bones are.

The style of "Deep Water" matches that of "Blood Ties", in that it's written in that same chick lit style; switching between characters with each chapter. This time out, it's even more confusing than before, as for much of the story, Bramble inhabits the bodies of various people from Acton's time, which means her sections are constantly switching focus in themselves. This also results in the time frame altering between her parts and those of the others, some of whom are a thousand years in the future looking after her body. However, this also provides some entertainment, as most of the characters she inhabits are men and there are some funny moments as she adjusts to the physical differences between the genders.

This consistency of style did mean that a couple of the things I thought let "Blood Ties" down a little were again present. Once more, Saker's story was pushed very much into the background, although as his preparation for what may prove to be the final encounter was the easiest of them all, following him for too long would have been a little boring and he did get a brief but exciting cameo late on. The other issue was that Freeman occasionally dips into the stories of the minor characters which, because they rarely reappear, act only as a diversion and seem to be there to fill space. They do add a little bit of extra colour, but they don't always seem entirely necessary.

If the weaknesses of "Blood Ties" are still apparent, its' strengths are also here. Freeman has created a very distinctive cast of characters, each with entirely separate personalities, from the straight forward and grounded Cael, to the enthusiastic and flighty Flax. Once more, you rarely get a feel for how the characters look, but their personalities are so well drawn that you don't need appearances to tell them apart. Even the new additions to the party in this book are given their own personalities so swiftly that it soon seems hard to imagine that they haven't always been involved in the tale.

What makes "Deep Water" the better of the two books in the trilogy so far is that the story moves along a lot better. You get a sense of things coming to a climax, even though that climax may yet be some way off. Middle parts of trilogies can so often seem like their only purpose is to bridge the gap between the opening and the ending, but here it really feels like Freeman is laying the foundations for the ending. There is always something happening and whereas the opening book felt like they were just trying to get somewhere, this feels like they have arrived and they're getting ready for some major event. The characters themselves are still travelling, but it doesn't seem as if they are just moving for the sake of it, they seem to have a lot more purpose than before.

At the end of "Blood Ties", I wasn't too concerned whether or not I ever finished reading the trilogy. Quite a way before the end of "Deep Water", I knew I have to see how things turn out when it all comes together. It is rare for me that I am more excited by the second part of a trilogy than I am with the first, so Freeman has accomplished something unusual here. If you've enjoyed the first part of the series, this one is even better and if the final part is this good, or even raises the bar once again, it's going to be an incredible read.

This review may also appear, in whole or in part, under my name at any or all of www.ciao.co.uk, www.thebookbag.co.uk, www.goodreads.com, www.amazon.co.uk and www.dooyoo.co.uk ...more

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Mar 24, 2009 Karen Field rated it it was amazing

As a reader, I found that the first two books of the trilogy spoke to me. I enjoyed the characters, especially their depth, and I related to their stories. I also enjoyed finding out what made them tick by reading their mini stories. Often we accept traits of characters on face value, but the author of these books offered reasons and circumstances that made me feel sorry for even the nasty characters. As I said in my review of Blood Ties (Book 1), this trilogy is the best adult writing Ive read ...more

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Aug 28, 2014 Michael rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

My hopes for the second book of the trilogy were not disappointed. The characters are further developed and the story takes off, making the sequel more interesting than the first book. The format is still the same. Freeman alternatingly devotes each chapter to one of the main characters or tells the story of a shortly appearing supporting character. Besides Bramble, Ash, and Saker, the stonecaster Martine and the warlord's man Leof are now also main characters, widening the perspective of the ...more

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May 09, 2011 Lighthearted rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy

The Eleven Domains is a land haunted by its pastliterally. Ghosts are everywhere although most people only see them on the day of their Quickening. That is changingSaker is raising ghosts from the distant past and giving them substanceas well as purpose.

Having come together at the end of Blood Ties, Bramble and Ash now part waysBramble to look for Actons burial place and Ash to learn the secret songs. If the Well of Secrets is correct, both are needed if Saker is to be stopped.

I cannot put these ...more

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Aug 07, 2011 Ruth rated it liked it

c2008: For a second book of a presumed trilogy -this was really good. I did battle for the first paragraph or two until my memory started to activate. The pace was great and the characters of Ash (captures the essence of those who wish they could do things but overlook their own particular talent), Bramble (who is really kick ass in this book), Saker (evil knielvel) and Leof (think olf fashioned loyalty and chivalry) develop even further. I love the plot device of random POVs that help with the ...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Jen rated it liked it

Shelves: teenage, fantasy

Volume 2 of the Casting trilogy has Bramble agreeing to go back in time to view the life and decisions of Acton and his men, so that she can counter the wicked Enchanter, Saker, who is raising ghosts to slaughter his descendants.

While she is engaged in this, Ash journeys to the Deep to meet his father and to discover the old songs, which may also help overthrow Saker. Martine and her band help protect Bramble while she is under the time spell and then journey to Foreverfroze to take ship to ...more

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Sep 05, 2012 Jackie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: epic, fantasy

Just as good as the first book.
I liked the inventive way the author had us learn about Acton's life, an important figure who died 1000 years ago. Again, the different POV, enriching the story in a first person setting.
The quest, the magic, the stonecasting...impressive. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Being left in the middle of the store, I'll continue immediately with Full Circle.
I'm anxious to get started...

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Apr 15, 2011 Craig rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

Very fine second book in the series. More plot driven than the first, but still has a number of small vignettes of passing characters. Seems like fewer than the first though, although some of that is replaced by another device the author uses (not gonna spoil it :) ). Guess the world is mostly built by now, although actually there *were* surprises that way throughout even this second book. Very well done.

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Feb 17, 2014 Deborah rated it it was amazing

excellent! not always easy to sustain a reader's interest and keep the story gripping through the middle volume of a trilogy, but this worked brilliantly for me, with several familiar (and some new) characters' stories interwoven, as in the first book, plus Bramble undergoing an involuntary journey through the minds (and bodies) of people from what to her is the distant past.
rich, complex and beautifully woven.

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Jun 16, 2009 Penelope rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Anyone who enjoys a good fantasy novel.

Shelves: sf-and-fantasy

I loved the first book in this series and the second was not a disappointment. I was heartbroken to leave the characters behind when I finished the book and just can't wait until book 3 comes out later this year. I well written, heartfelt story which enfolds you a world you don't want to leave. Simply wonderful

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Mar 07, 2011 Kate rated it really liked it

These books just keep getting better. Solid world-building, excellent characterisation, an intriguing plot; there is nothing here not to love. I especially like the way that even "walk-on" characters get to have their say here, I think it gives the books a depth that is lacking in a lot of modern fantasy fiction.

Keep up the good work, Pamela Freeman!

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Aug 02, 2009 jD rated it it was amazing

Shelves: series_trilogy, genre_fantasy, fantasy_adventure_worldbuilding

Pamela Freeman is very creative and the world she has built is "Fellowship of the Rings" good. Can't wait for the final installment although I do not think it will turn out well for the main characters. The way things are going, they are all going to die or come very close.

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Jun 20, 2010 Kate Forsyth rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

I'm just loving Pamela Freeman's fantasy series so far! Book 1 was absolutely brilliant - so beautifully written and very fresh & unusual in its structure and focus on the stories behind even the most minor character. Book 2 is a little slower but still filled with light and brilliance. Loving it!

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Jan 21, 2012 Tara rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I'm so glad to finally finish this up!!! started it ages ago. the 2nd "in-progress" book within a month's time to get finished up!!!! so glad!!!!

I'll have to look for the 3rd one & read it. may as well finish the trilogy. =)

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Apr 14, 2013 Rachel Toh rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: All who love fantasy

Shelves: fantasy

See my review on the first book.

As a second book, good enough filler. I did feel the minor character stories a little choresome in this one though. Regardless, could not stop reading, finished the book in a day.

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Jan 08, 2015 April Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: owned

I just devoured this second installment. It perfectly matched the first story and continued to tell its story beautifully.

There were times were I got a little confused by the sudden change of voice but overall this book is very well done.

I was left wanting to know what happens next.

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Jan 04, 2009 Sue rated it really liked it

continues the story with enough complexity to keep me interested - wishing the 3rd one was already available

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Oct 18, 2009 Sasha rated it really liked it

Shelves: scifi-fantasy

Great high fantasy with an unusual world. Includes some unusual character sketches and a pretty hard look (for a fantasy book) at the relationship between a conquered people and their conquerors.

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Feb 03, 2011 Toks rated it liked it

Shelves: 2011

Second book curse. Definitely a better "bridge" book than most, and still very enjoyable. I still have issues with pacing.

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Jun 27, 2011 Aaron rated it liked it

More three and a half... Just not as good as the first book in the series, but still enjoyable!

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Aug 21, 2011 Annji rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

Second in The Castings Trilogy. Thoroughly enjoyable but it loses a star for overdependence on a tiresome narrative device.

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About Pamela Freeman

Pamela Freeman

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Pamela Freeman is an Australian author of books for both adults and children. Most of her work is fantasy but she has also written mystery stories, science fiction, family dramas and non-fiction. Her first adult series, the Castings Trilogy (Blood Ties, Deep Water and Full Circle) is published globally by Orbit books. She is best known in Australia for the junior novel Victors Quest and an ...more