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Deep Water
(Castings #2)
by
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
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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Start your review of Deep Water (Castings, #2)

Nov 24, 2018
Rusty's Ghost Engine (also known as.......... Jinky Spring)
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
high-fantasy
3.5 stars
Reviews and more
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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 ...more
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https://edwardsghostengine.wordpress....
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 ...more

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

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

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
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"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 ...more
Following on directly from the events of that book, "Deep Water" starts with Bramble, Ash and Martine on their way to see Safred, the ...more

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 I’ve
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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
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The Eleven Domains is a land haunted by its past—literally. Ghosts are everywhere although most people only see them on the day of their Quickening. That is changing—Saker is raising ghosts from the distant past and giving them substance—as well as purpose.
Having come together at the end of Blood Ties, Bramble and Ash now part ways—Bramble to look for Acton’s 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 ...more
Having come together at the end of Blood Ties, Bramble and Ash now part ways—Bramble to look for Acton’s 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 ...more

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
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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
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

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...
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...

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.

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.
rich, complex and beautifully woven.

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

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!
Keep up the good work, Pamela Freeman!

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.

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.
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.

I might do a review later, but all you need to know is that these books are amazing.
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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 Victor’s Quest and an
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Other books in the series
Castings
(3 books)
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