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How to Hang a Witch #2
Haunting the Deep
The Titanic meets the delicious horror of Ransom Riggs and the sass of Mean Girls in this follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestseller How to Hang a Witch, in which a contemporary teen finds herself a passenger on the famous “ship of dreams”—a story made all the more fascinating because the author’s own relatives survived the doomed voyage.
Samantha Mather knew her family’s connection to the infamous Salem Witch Trials might pose obstacles to an active social life. But having survived one curse, she never thought she’d find herself at the center of a new one.
This time, Sam is having recurring dreams about the Titanic . . . where she’s been walking the deck with first-class passengers, like her aunt and uncle. Meanwhile, in Sam’s waking life, strange missives from the Titanic have been finding their way to her, along with haunting visions of people who went down with the ship.
Ultimately, Sam and the Descendants, along with some help from heartthrob Elijah, must unravel who is behind the spell that is drawing her ever further into the dream ship . . . and closer to sharing the same grim fate as its ghostly passengers.
Samantha Mather knew her family’s connection to the infamous Salem Witch Trials might pose obstacles to an active social life. But having survived one curse, she never thought she’d find herself at the center of a new one.
This time, Sam is having recurring dreams about the Titanic . . . where she’s been walking the deck with first-class passengers, like her aunt and uncle. Meanwhile, in Sam’s waking life, strange missives from the Titanic have been finding their way to her, along with haunting visions of people who went down with the ship.
Ultimately, Sam and the Descendants, along with some help from heartthrob Elijah, must unravel who is behind the spell that is drawing her ever further into the dream ship . . . and closer to sharing the same grim fate as its ghostly passengers.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2017
About the author
Adriana Mather
7 books2,341 followersAdriana Mather is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Hang a Witch, with family roots that go back to Sleepy Hollow, the Salem Witch Trials, and the Titanic. She's also an actor and producer best known for her role in the award-winning Honeyglue. She co-owns Zombot Pictures, a production company that makes feature films. Her first acting scene in a film ever was with Danny Glover, and she was terrified she would mess it up. In addition, her favorite food is pizza, she has too many cats, and a deep abiding love for all things autumnal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 825 reviews
November 12, 2017
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January 31, 2018
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
I recently read and reviewed ‘How to Hang a Witch‘ and loved it. Soon after finishing it, I realised that there was a sequel and bought it straight away. I did wonder at first where the author was going to take the book, as a girl in Salem has a lot to do with witches, but the Titanic, I wasn’t so sure. However, the story worked perfectly.
Sam Mather is back 6 months after the order in the first book. Whilst having breakfast a young girl appears to her and then disappears. She is concerned as nothing ever good come from spirits showing themselves, and she was right to think that as more appear.
Sam and the Descendants try to do a spell to ward off the spirits, but that only causes more problems. With spells being cast on classmates and her vivid dreams of being on the Titanic exceptionally real, Sam realises that trouble is definitely coming her way and that once again she needs the help of her friendly spirit, Elijah (A spirit she may just have a crush on).
I have a keen interest in the Titanic. Like the author, I too have a relative on-board, although mine wasn’t so lucky and went down with the ship, his body never to be recovered. So, this book was perfect for me. The author has kept to factual information surrounding the Titanic and if you don’t know much about it, the book will also be a history lesson for you.
This book was so many things, it was engaging, gripping, interesting, witty and contained a fantastic array of characters. Unlike the first book, I worked out who was behind the ‘issues’ from early on, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment. I also worked out straight away what the problem was with her friend and neighbour, Jaxon.
Overall the book was an enjoyable read with some twists, turns and a few surprises. I didn’t want to put it down and ended up reading the last twenty chapters until the early hours of the morning, determined to finish it.
I recently read and reviewed ‘How to Hang a Witch‘ and loved it. Soon after finishing it, I realised that there was a sequel and bought it straight away. I did wonder at first where the author was going to take the book, as a girl in Salem has a lot to do with witches, but the Titanic, I wasn’t so sure. However, the story worked perfectly.
Sam Mather is back 6 months after the order in the first book. Whilst having breakfast a young girl appears to her and then disappears. She is concerned as nothing ever good come from spirits showing themselves, and she was right to think that as more appear.
Sam and the Descendants try to do a spell to ward off the spirits, but that only causes more problems. With spells being cast on classmates and her vivid dreams of being on the Titanic exceptionally real, Sam realises that trouble is definitely coming her way and that once again she needs the help of her friendly spirit, Elijah (A spirit she may just have a crush on).
I have a keen interest in the Titanic. Like the author, I too have a relative on-board, although mine wasn’t so lucky and went down with the ship, his body never to be recovered. So, this book was perfect for me. The author has kept to factual information surrounding the Titanic and if you don’t know much about it, the book will also be a history lesson for you.
This book was so many things, it was engaging, gripping, interesting, witty and contained a fantastic array of characters. Unlike the first book, I worked out who was behind the ‘issues’ from early on, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment. I also worked out straight away what the problem was with her friend and neighbour, Jaxon.
Overall the book was an enjoyable read with some twists, turns and a few surprises. I didn’t want to put it down and ended up reading the last twenty chapters until the early hours of the morning, determined to finish it.
March 31, 2017
Adriana Mather returns to Salem in HAUNTING THE DEEP, with yet another propulsive, intricate mystery. Fans of HOW TO HANG A WITCH will be glad to see that everything Mather did so skillfully in HOW TO HANG A WITCH is even more fully on display here—the pace; the chemistry; the twists; the living, breathing characters. If you're looking for a book that will grab you and keep you turning pages right up until the end, look no further!
October 10, 2017
Ughhhhhh I liked this but it was somewhat ruined for me due to the love story aspect. It was just annoying. I am salty she did not pick who I liked lol. But other than that it was a great book. Not as good as the first but still good. The character growth was great. Still loved their relationships, the suspense, and the twists.
April 16, 2018
Samantha Mather is still trying to recover from events that happened in Salem six months before. She started seeing ghosts, was almost hanged and was betrayed by someone she had once trusted. Her family ties to the Salem Witch Trials caused magic and spirits to become a part of her life. She's hoping that all goes away. But, when she starts seeing victims of the Titanic disaster....ghostly figures dripping sea water....she knows it's not going away.
Haunting the Deep is the second book in the How to Hang a Witch series. Samantha finds that her life is tied to the sinking of the Titanic. But the strange events aren't just effecting her....some of her friends and her father are also getting pulled into the situation this time. Strange dreams, packages showing up on her porch, weird feelings and strange artifacts....what's going on? And how can they stop it?
I enjoyed this book. It's a great follow up to How to Hang a Witch. Samantha has found a home in Salem....but her life isn't easy. The supernatural and magic just seem to crowd in on her. Makes for a great suspenseful story. This book is definitely YA, but not juvenile. As an adult, I still enjoyed reading the story. Samantha is an intelligent main character. Her friends, father and the other supporting characters aren't well developed, but do help move the plot along. They all have their quirks and personalities. All in all, it's a well written book. The fact that the author is actually descended from Cotton Mather and survivors of the Titanic sinking add another facet of interest to this book.
The front cover-art is great!! It really draws attention to the book.
I can't wait to see what the next book will have in store! I will definitely be reading more of this series!
Haunting the Deep is the second book in the How to Hang a Witch series. Samantha finds that her life is tied to the sinking of the Titanic. But the strange events aren't just effecting her....some of her friends and her father are also getting pulled into the situation this time. Strange dreams, packages showing up on her porch, weird feelings and strange artifacts....what's going on? And how can they stop it?
I enjoyed this book. It's a great follow up to How to Hang a Witch. Samantha has found a home in Salem....but her life isn't easy. The supernatural and magic just seem to crowd in on her. Makes for a great suspenseful story. This book is definitely YA, but not juvenile. As an adult, I still enjoyed reading the story. Samantha is an intelligent main character. Her friends, father and the other supporting characters aren't well developed, but do help move the plot along. They all have their quirks and personalities. All in all, it's a well written book. The fact that the author is actually descended from Cotton Mather and survivors of the Titanic sinking add another facet of interest to this book.
The front cover-art is great!! It really draws attention to the book.
I can't wait to see what the next book will have in store! I will definitely be reading more of this series!
December 6, 2017
I love Adriana Mather's books so far! I have quickly became a huge fan of hers. She has an amazing family history that she weaves into stories to share with us in these books, and it is just incredibly done. I will admit I found this one a bit more predictable than How to Hang a Witch but even that did not deter me away from loving this book. The author's note at the end was great and inspiring. I can promise you I will continue reading her work and truly hope she weaves more of that family history into more stories for me to eat up!
February 17, 2018
I enjoyed this sequel almost as much as the first book! Haunting the Deep draws you in from the start and keeps you turning pages to find out what kind of witchy-ness have Samantha and The Descendants been drawn into this time!? Per Usual though I’m endlessly annoyed by Jaxson no matter the circumstances. I loved having more of the Descendants around as friends and I missed more bits of Elija. All in all another nice fluffy, witchy, paranormal fantasy.
I give Haunting the Deep 4 Stars.
I give Haunting the Deep 4 Stars.
October 16, 2017
That was just disappointing.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series--it had all the normal schticks you would expect from a YA novel, but it spun them in a way that didn't make it feel overused or over the top. That did not happen in the second book. Instead, all the things that I happily glossed over in the first came back AGAIN and did nothing to further the story.
First: the girl on girl hate. I'm very tired of this. Poor little Samantha is always treated poorly by the girls and it's sad. Never mind that Samantha is kind of a snob and acts better than everyone else. Please refer to quote below:
"You have a natural ability with magic and you see spirits. You're young, rich, white, and healthy, for crying out loud. You are privileged. You have every opportunity to do spells because you live in Salem in a time when no one will jail you. That's just the short list."
I mean, good for the author for knowing she's a brat but I still didn't like Samantha at all.
And the actual point of the novel was absolutely ridiculous. Why the hell would this guy--this family, even--spend so much time in this? It was seriously the dumbest reason for capturing ghosts I have ever seen. It was an idiotic thing to throw a hissy fit over and it's even worse that it went on for generations. When the reasoning is finally revealed I just started laughing.
Love triangle is back and isn't cute, just annoying. The whole thing with Jaxon acting weird was incredibly obvious and I wanted Samantha to stop being a stubborn jerk and actually think about someone else besides herself. Unfortunately that did not happen.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series--it had all the normal schticks you would expect from a YA novel, but it spun them in a way that didn't make it feel overused or over the top. That did not happen in the second book. Instead, all the things that I happily glossed over in the first came back AGAIN and did nothing to further the story.
First: the girl on girl hate. I'm very tired of this. Poor little Samantha is always treated poorly by the girls and it's sad. Never mind that Samantha is kind of a snob and acts better than everyone else. Please refer to quote below:
"You have a natural ability with magic and you see spirits. You're young, rich, white, and healthy, for crying out loud. You are privileged. You have every opportunity to do spells because you live in Salem in a time when no one will jail you. That's just the short list."
I mean, good for the author for knowing she's a brat but I still didn't like Samantha at all.
And the actual point of the novel was absolutely ridiculous. Why the hell would this guy--this family, even--spend so much time in this? It was seriously the dumbest reason for capturing ghosts I have ever seen. It was an idiotic thing to throw a hissy fit over and it's even worse that it went on for generations. When the reasoning is finally revealed I just started laughing.
Love triangle is back and isn't cute, just annoying. The whole thing with Jaxon acting weird was incredibly obvious and I wanted Samantha to stop being a stubborn jerk and actually think about someone else besides herself. Unfortunately that did not happen.
July 6, 2017
A gloriously creepy and fun return to the witchy, haunted world of HOW TO HANG A WITCH--now with more ghosts, more spooky-as-hell magic, more kickass teen girls fighting evil with flair, and terrifying visits to the grandmother of all ghost ships.
Oh, and my ghost boyfriend, obviously. YOU STILL CAN'T HAVE HIM. HE'S MINE.
Seriously, this is such a fun sequel. Perfect continuation of the first book, with more of everything that made that one so fantastic, and the spooks and story and history are wound together so well!
Oh, and my ghost boyfriend, obviously. YOU STILL CAN'T HAVE HIM. HE'S MINE.
Seriously, this is such a fun sequel. Perfect continuation of the first book, with more of everything that made that one so fantastic, and the spooks and story and history are wound together so well!
March 25, 2018
This sequel was everything. When I was younger my topic at school was The Titanic and I loved learning about it so Titanic mixed with the plot and characters of his book is perfect.
April 25, 2017
I am always concerned when an author writes a sequel to a well loved book (in this case, "How To Hang A Witch"). Often I find second attempts disappointing at best. However, I was more than thrilled with Ms. Mather's second novel. The blend from one storyline/book to another was seamless, and anyone that's tried to write even short stories knows how difficult that can be.
I was thrilled to see a dynamic similar to "The Craft," at least in the beginning, and I spent much of the book imagining one of the characters as Fairuza Balk, which amused me to no end.
As I don't want to spoil the book, I won't go into further detail regarding the story. I will say it is an easy read with a nice flow and good character development. I cannot wait for the next installment!
I was thrilled to see a dynamic similar to "The Craft," at least in the beginning, and I spent much of the book imagining one of the characters as Fairuza Balk, which amused me to no end.
As I don't want to spoil the book, I won't go into further detail regarding the story. I will say it is an easy read with a nice flow and good character development. I cannot wait for the next installment!
January 20, 2018
4.5 Stars****
It was not a surprise to me that I absolutely LOVED this book as much as I loved the first book! The history that goes into this book is fascinating to read about and I really enjoyed being introduced to real life people who were on the titanic and their real life stories. Then you mix in all of the magic, lovable characters, humor, the beauty that is Salem, and THE BEAUTY THAT IS ELIJAH! I have fallen in love with this world and characters so much and I really really hope to have more books in the future!
The only reason I docked half a star is because I feel that I guessed a big part of the mystery so the twist didn't impact me as much as I wish it would have! I am able to push past that though because I never would have guessed the motive or anything and that was really exciting to read about!
OH and just a fair warning... THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOU SO HUNGRY. Seriously all of the pastries and delicious sounding meals throughout this book. Oh my gosh. Keep a snack by you at all times while reading this book hahahaha.
It was not a surprise to me that I absolutely LOVED this book as much as I loved the first book! The history that goes into this book is fascinating to read about and I really enjoyed being introduced to real life people who were on the titanic and their real life stories. Then you mix in all of the magic, lovable characters, humor, the beauty that is Salem, and THE BEAUTY THAT IS ELIJAH! I have fallen in love with this world and characters so much and I really really hope to have more books in the future!
The only reason I docked half a star is because I feel that I guessed a big part of the mystery so the twist didn't impact me as much as I wish it would have! I am able to push past that though because I never would have guessed the motive or anything and that was really exciting to read about!
OH and just a fair warning... THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOU SO HUNGRY. Seriously all of the pastries and delicious sounding meals throughout this book. Oh my gosh. Keep a snack by you at all times while reading this book hahahaha.
January 1, 2022
This was one hell of a book! I was completely immersed in the story. Adriana Mather's writing definitely made me feel like I was in the Titanic. I was anxious about Sam and how she's going to get out of this one. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoyed How to Hang a Witch. Actually, this was so much better than the first book.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for approving me request to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
**Huge thanks to the publisher for approving me request to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
June 1, 2021
3.5⭐️ I liked this one better than the first. I thought the plot was a little bit more complex, though the climactic points were still predictable.
I enjoyed the message of the book and thought the plot overall was pretty interesting.
I’m keeping this review pretty short so that is all lol.
I enjoyed the message of the book and thought the plot overall was pretty interesting.
I’m keeping this review pretty short so that is all lol.
October 15, 2017
Such a heart wrenching second book. Action and adventure on every page. Many unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend it!
February 18, 2018
*Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This book follows Sam from How to Hang a Witch as she is thrown another curve ball. This book introduces new characters and new settings that I appreciated a lot more than the old ones. This follows the tragedy of the Titanic and of course, I was super excited for it. Anything that takes place in the ocean is my own slice of heaven.
I didn't end up liking anybody else besides Sam, SOMEONE we met in book one, and the innocent Titanic passengers.
I didn't care for Jackson from book one. I thought he would redeem himself in this one but no such luk. This book only made me dislike him even more. And the Descendants? I didn't really care for them either. Something about them just prevented me from getting attached to them and I just learned to live with it.
Again, Adriana's writing is super predictable, so I could in no right mind, give this 5 stars. I knew who the villain was as SOON as I saw them and I never wanted to be more wrong in my life. But alas, I was right, so the 'big reveal' was not in the works for me. I loved the setting and story line so much more than the first book but it still had a lot to be desired.
I really enjoyed discovering Sam's family history and the way it related to the plot. I will never read/look at anything Titanic-related without picturing all the passengers from this novel. My heart broke for them time and time again. I always saw Titanic as something that 'just happened' but Adriana opened my eyes and made me see it in a whole new light. For that, I am grateful. I could feel the love Adriana had for her own history as much as Sam's and I admired her for sharing it with us.
I just have to mention that I loved the way she decided to incorporate Titanic into this novel. I've never read a plot line like it and it was joy to experience it through Sam's eyes. Yes, I have a few negative things to say for her plot twists but the plot itself? It was beautiful. Just writing this review makes me want to read it all over again and I'm sure that I will give in one day. To this day, I still can't stop thinking about the events that went down in this novel.
Anyway, let's just say that this won't be the last book I of hers! (Especially if I get to see more of my romantic ship!)
This book follows Sam from How to Hang a Witch as she is thrown another curve ball. This book introduces new characters and new settings that I appreciated a lot more than the old ones. This follows the tragedy of the Titanic and of course, I was super excited for it. Anything that takes place in the ocean is my own slice of heaven.
I didn't end up liking anybody else besides Sam, SOMEONE we met in book one, and the innocent Titanic passengers.
I didn't care for Jackson from book one. I thought he would redeem himself in this one but no such luk. This book only made me dislike him even more. And the Descendants? I didn't really care for them either. Something about them just prevented me from getting attached to them and I just learned to live with it.
Again, Adriana's writing is super predictable, so I could in no right mind, give this 5 stars. I knew who the villain was as SOON as I saw them and I never wanted to be more wrong in my life. But alas, I was right, so the 'big reveal' was not in the works for me. I loved the setting and story line so much more than the first book but it still had a lot to be desired.
I really enjoyed discovering Sam's family history and the way it related to the plot. I will never read/look at anything Titanic-related without picturing all the passengers from this novel. My heart broke for them time and time again. I always saw Titanic as something that 'just happened' but Adriana opened my eyes and made me see it in a whole new light. For that, I am grateful. I could feel the love Adriana had for her own history as much as Sam's and I admired her for sharing it with us.
I just have to mention that I loved the way she decided to incorporate Titanic into this novel. I've never read a plot line like it and it was joy to experience it through Sam's eyes. Yes, I have a few negative things to say for her plot twists but the plot itself? It was beautiful. Just writing this review makes me want to read it all over again and I'm sure that I will give in one day. To this day, I still can't stop thinking about the events that went down in this novel.
Anyway, let's just say that this won't be the last book I of hers! (Especially if I get to see more of my romantic ship!)
May 30, 2020
3.5. Definitely enjoyed how to hang a witch better. Just something about the titanic seemed out of place for me. Still an enjoyable, quick fun read with the same cast of characters.
November 28, 2017
First off, I should totally apologize to the person I was going to buddy read this book with because I totally forgot about reading this book and I missed the deadline to add my comments! Just know that I read this book and I loved it!
Okay, so Haunting the Deep follows right where How to Hang a Witch left off. Sam is still trying to recover from what happened during the salem witch trials. However, she can't seem to put the ghosts nor the magic behind her. Oh no, she starts dreaming about the Titanic. THE REAL TITANIC GUYS! And now I really want to watch the movie..
Overall, I loved this book - I just wish I got more scenes with certain characters.
Okay, so Haunting the Deep follows right where How to Hang a Witch left off. Sam is still trying to recover from what happened during the salem witch trials. However, she can't seem to put the ghosts nor the magic behind her. Oh no, she starts dreaming about the Titanic. THE REAL TITANIC GUYS! And now I really want to watch the movie..
Overall, I loved this book - I just wish I got more scenes with certain characters.
October 26, 2018
Not quite as good as the first book, How to Hang a Witch, but I stuck it out for the girl gang of witches—my guilty October pleasure. The mystery was lacklustre, sadly. I didn’t necessarily see it coming, but the big reveal behind the magical Titanic whirlwind was too random. This particular character was essentially insignificant in my mind, so my emotional investment in their motive was practically zilch.
The Titanic themed ghost chase was fun, although I still don’t see the appeal for Elijah from the first book. I cringe at the thought of that potential romance. In any book, not just this one, I’m never able to romanticize a human + ghost relationship. It’s just laughable. On the other hand, Jaxon bored me to tears. Really, I could do without any romance in this series. The subtle eerie vibe—the ghost of the drowned man was perfectly unsettling—mixed with Samantha partnering up with The Descendants to explore historical tragedies is all I needed.
And once again, the author includes a note detailing her own family history and how it relates to the story—very cool!
The Titanic themed ghost chase was fun, although I still don’t see the appeal for Elijah from the first book. I cringe at the thought of that potential romance. In any book, not just this one, I’m never able to romanticize a human + ghost relationship. It’s just laughable. On the other hand, Jaxon bored me to tears. Really, I could do without any romance in this series. The subtle eerie vibe—the ghost of the drowned man was perfectly unsettling—mixed with Samantha partnering up with The Descendants to explore historical tragedies is all I needed.
And once again, the author includes a note detailing her own family history and how it relates to the story—very cool!
December 17, 2017
GUSH SPOILER FREE REVIEW to come on Lair Of Books! (Link is in the bio). So friggin addictive, I need more!
My full review can also be viewed on Lair Of Books:
https://lairofbooksblog.wordpress.com...
THE 411..
Haunting the Deep is the follow-up to How to Hang a Witch & so I’ll leave out the Goodreads synopsis for fear of spoilers. In the same manner its predecessor was based on real life historical events, this sequel is centered around the Titanic. A YA Historical Fiction mixed with paranormal, Haunting the Deep picks up right from where we left off and the same characters are back. I truly enjoyed this follow-up a million times more for so many reasons but most of all it’s the character depth & fast moving plot that was fun and easy to follow, that make Haunting a 5 star read for me. This time around there was less of a Mean Girls vibe (not completely without) & more of the 1966 cult classic The Craft. After the events of HTHAW, our MC Sam is a bit shaken up & avoiding any and all interaction with a group of girls in Salem that are known as The Descendants. This group is known for their family lineage, each having descended from those accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials, Sam herself (like the author) is descended from Cotton Mather who stands on the accusing side. This bad blood pits Sam against the Descendants in the first book however, in Haunting we see a meeting of the minds. Since Sam & the Descendants saw themselves in a terrible predicament in HTHAW, this time around calls for them to set their differences aside. Ghosts have always made themselves visible to Sam but this time around they’ve multiplied and need the help of the living. We follow Sam & the Descendants as they try to piece together what really is going on with the ghosts of those who passed away in The Titanic. The paranormal aspects were tuned up & Sam’s witchy abilities have further developed allowing her to leave her body and enter the spiritual world. I could NOT put this book down for long! I found that it had the perfect balance of paranormal & historical and soaked up all of the details Mather had to have heavily researched.
CHARACTERS
If you found yourself wanting more from the characters in HTHAW, this is the follow-up you’re going to want to pick up ;) although we still get a bit of the mean girl vibe, it quickly develops into something else that I found myself really enjoying. Sam still managed to slightly annoy me but she also grew on me by the end. The real stars of the book (beside the ghosts) were The Descendants Susannah, Mary, and Alice aka MY FAVORITE! haha! Mary unfortunately gets the ditsy role but she also has a heart of gold that makes it hard to dislike her. Susannah is the calmer more mature of the crew and is able to see things before they happen. Alice is unapologetically unfiltered & every time she put Sam in her place I chuckled. I got more of Mrs. Meriwether & her wonderfully tempting pastries and good cheer, I honestly could smell her baking through the pages haha! We also get to see Elijah aka the hot Ghost who has a thing for Sam & who Sam can’t stop thinking about. There was definitely less romance this time around & more of a focus on friendship which I feel, boosted my interest ten fold. I still couldn’t get enough of those Elijah scenes but I really enjoyed The Descendants & fast moving plot so much so that I didn’t miss the romance too badly. There are a few ghosts we meet along the way & everything from their manner of talk & dated clothing fleshed this world out so well, I just couldn’t get enough of the story.
WRITING & FINAL THOUGHTS
The amount of research that had to have been done to re-create the night of the Titanic down to the music playing is pretty awesome! We get descriptive writing on the clothes worn, the ship itself, way of life for those on the Titanic, and so much more! I feel as if author Adriana Mather’s writing has grown in such a short matter of time leading me super excited for what’s to come in 2018. I absolutely plan on continuing on with this series, I care for these characters & am curious to see how much more developed their witchy abilities get in the next book. Also, Elijah and Sam…essentially both a living person and a deceased one have managed to catch feelings for one another…how is this going to work? I have questions lol! each of the characters in Jaunting the Deep had their own distinct voice & each personality jumped off the page. I found myself transfixed by this story & how well it blended the historical with the Paranormal. I love when a book makes me Google the real life facts to compare & the surprise I receive when I realize how close to the real deal the author kept it. It’s no secret that I love Fantasy but when it comes to Paranormal, witches are my achilles heel & I cannot resist a good story. Haunting the Deep is a treat to those who enjoy Historical Fiction & Paranormal. The title couldn’t be more fitting as the pages truly did leave a haunting impression every night (spooky x 1,000) & I may have possibly needed to leave my nightstand lamp on to fall asleep. Need book 3 but I’ll settle for a release date at the very least Haha! ;)
*Many thanks to Knopf Books for Young Readers, Netgalley, and Adriana Mather for the eGalley copy of Haunting the Deep in exchange for an honest review.
My full review can also be viewed on Lair Of Books:
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THE 411..
Haunting the Deep is the follow-up to How to Hang a Witch & so I’ll leave out the Goodreads synopsis for fear of spoilers. In the same manner its predecessor was based on real life historical events, this sequel is centered around the Titanic. A YA Historical Fiction mixed with paranormal, Haunting the Deep picks up right from where we left off and the same characters are back. I truly enjoyed this follow-up a million times more for so many reasons but most of all it’s the character depth & fast moving plot that was fun and easy to follow, that make Haunting a 5 star read for me. This time around there was less of a Mean Girls vibe (not completely without) & more of the 1966 cult classic The Craft. After the events of HTHAW, our MC Sam is a bit shaken up & avoiding any and all interaction with a group of girls in Salem that are known as The Descendants. This group is known for their family lineage, each having descended from those accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials, Sam herself (like the author) is descended from Cotton Mather who stands on the accusing side. This bad blood pits Sam against the Descendants in the first book however, in Haunting we see a meeting of the minds. Since Sam & the Descendants saw themselves in a terrible predicament in HTHAW, this time around calls for them to set their differences aside. Ghosts have always made themselves visible to Sam but this time around they’ve multiplied and need the help of the living. We follow Sam & the Descendants as they try to piece together what really is going on with the ghosts of those who passed away in The Titanic. The paranormal aspects were tuned up & Sam’s witchy abilities have further developed allowing her to leave her body and enter the spiritual world. I could NOT put this book down for long! I found that it had the perfect balance of paranormal & historical and soaked up all of the details Mather had to have heavily researched.
CHARACTERS
If you found yourself wanting more from the characters in HTHAW, this is the follow-up you’re going to want to pick up ;) although we still get a bit of the mean girl vibe, it quickly develops into something else that I found myself really enjoying. Sam still managed to slightly annoy me but she also grew on me by the end. The real stars of the book (beside the ghosts) were The Descendants Susannah, Mary, and Alice aka MY FAVORITE! haha! Mary unfortunately gets the ditsy role but she also has a heart of gold that makes it hard to dislike her. Susannah is the calmer more mature of the crew and is able to see things before they happen. Alice is unapologetically unfiltered & every time she put Sam in her place I chuckled. I got more of Mrs. Meriwether & her wonderfully tempting pastries and good cheer, I honestly could smell her baking through the pages haha! We also get to see Elijah aka the hot Ghost who has a thing for Sam & who Sam can’t stop thinking about. There was definitely less romance this time around & more of a focus on friendship which I feel, boosted my interest ten fold. I still couldn’t get enough of those Elijah scenes but I really enjoyed The Descendants & fast moving plot so much so that I didn’t miss the romance too badly. There are a few ghosts we meet along the way & everything from their manner of talk & dated clothing fleshed this world out so well, I just couldn’t get enough of the story.
WRITING & FINAL THOUGHTS
The amount of research that had to have been done to re-create the night of the Titanic down to the music playing is pretty awesome! We get descriptive writing on the clothes worn, the ship itself, way of life for those on the Titanic, and so much more! I feel as if author Adriana Mather’s writing has grown in such a short matter of time leading me super excited for what’s to come in 2018. I absolutely plan on continuing on with this series, I care for these characters & am curious to see how much more developed their witchy abilities get in the next book. Also, Elijah and Sam…essentially both a living person and a deceased one have managed to catch feelings for one another…how is this going to work? I have questions lol! each of the characters in Jaunting the Deep had their own distinct voice & each personality jumped off the page. I found myself transfixed by this story & how well it blended the historical with the Paranormal. I love when a book makes me Google the real life facts to compare & the surprise I receive when I realize how close to the real deal the author kept it. It’s no secret that I love Fantasy but when it comes to Paranormal, witches are my achilles heel & I cannot resist a good story. Haunting the Deep is a treat to those who enjoy Historical Fiction & Paranormal. The title couldn’t be more fitting as the pages truly did leave a haunting impression every night (spooky x 1,000) & I may have possibly needed to leave my nightstand lamp on to fall asleep. Need book 3 but I’ll settle for a release date at the very least Haha! ;)
*Many thanks to Knopf Books for Young Readers, Netgalley, and Adriana Mather for the eGalley copy of Haunting the Deep in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2020
I was quite interested in reading a good paranormal story and when I came across a book that not only had a paranormal element but it revolved around the Titanic, I knew I had to read it! Haunting the Deep is the second book in the How to Hang a Witch series. This is a series that I would recommend reading in series order. Although the mystery in this book is its own animal there is history between all the characters and events that are referenced that are found in book one, How to Hang a Witch.
This book is set in Salem Massachusetts and Samantha Mather is a high school student who also has the uncanny ability to interact with the departed. This story was cool, mysterious and well depicted. The Author created fantastic paranormal elements derived from historical facts. Definitely gave me the spooky vibe. The Titanic elements felt realistic and were handled quite well. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes that were depicted and the mingling between the past and present that was achieved throughout this story.
There was definitely a young adult vibe in this story as a large part of it takes place at a high school with all the social drama you would come to expect. I did like the relationship between Sam and her previous “enemies.” Their banter was entertaining and definitely had a girl power feel to it. I was glad that Sam developed some friendships and their addition to unraveling the mystery was most welcome.
There were aspects of this story that I didn’t like and they revolved around a love triangle and all the social drama that came with it. Honestly, I could not see the draw for the love aspect and I think Jaxon is a total winner. Give me the live guy every time. Trust me that you will have to have read the first book in this series to truly understand the love aspect in this story. I was not feeling it but I was not invested in it either as I was team Jaxon.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading a story that has witches, the paranormal, and a mystery with deadly consequences. There were also positive messages about love, family, friendships, and believing in yourself. The end was satisfactory and I do like where the series appears to be heading. Overall, Haunting the Deep is a thrill ride into the paranormal and will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for the other shoe to drop.
This review is based on a complimentary book I received from NetGalley. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.
This book is set in Salem Massachusetts and Samantha Mather is a high school student who also has the uncanny ability to interact with the departed. This story was cool, mysterious and well depicted. The Author created fantastic paranormal elements derived from historical facts. Definitely gave me the spooky vibe. The Titanic elements felt realistic and were handled quite well. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes that were depicted and the mingling between the past and present that was achieved throughout this story.
There was definitely a young adult vibe in this story as a large part of it takes place at a high school with all the social drama you would come to expect. I did like the relationship between Sam and her previous “enemies.” Their banter was entertaining and definitely had a girl power feel to it. I was glad that Sam developed some friendships and their addition to unraveling the mystery was most welcome.
There were aspects of this story that I didn’t like and they revolved around a love triangle and all the social drama that came with it. Honestly, I could not see the draw for the love aspect and I think Jaxon is a total winner. Give me the live guy every time. Trust me that you will have to have read the first book in this series to truly understand the love aspect in this story. I was not feeling it but I was not invested in it either as I was team Jaxon.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading a story that has witches, the paranormal, and a mystery with deadly consequences. There were also positive messages about love, family, friendships, and believing in yourself. The end was satisfactory and I do like where the series appears to be heading. Overall, Haunting the Deep is a thrill ride into the paranormal and will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for the other shoe to drop.
This review is based on a complimentary book I received from NetGalley. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.
Read
November 15, 2017I loved this one just as much as the first. I felt like I was right there on the Titanic with the heroine. I could feel the cold in the air and my hands were clenching the rope. I also crave baked goods every time I step into this world. Love that baking neighbor lady. Mmmm eclairs...
June 15, 2019
Solid 4.5 rounded to 5 stars.
I actually enjoyed this one even more than the first and I loved the first. I now have a strong urge to watch the Titanic at the moment.
In all honesty what could be better than a story about Salem, witches and the Titanic? This story just worked so well for me. I love Ms. Mather's writing style and the story was so intriguing I stayed up late into the night to finish. In this 2nd installment in the How to Hang a Witch series Sam has now grown closer to the Descendants after the events that transpired in the woods. When the Spring Fling dance's theme is uncovered to be the Titanic (which happens to also be what they are studying at school) strange events begin to occur. With the help of the Descendants will Sam be able to uncover the mystery before its to late?
I would also like to point out that this is one book you want to read the Authors Note. I really appreciate Ms. Mather's note of the Titanic and how we often hear stories about the first class survivors but no mention to the 3rd class, etc. Just because we may not read about them doesn't discount all the lost souls and stories that went down with the ship. It really helped to put things into perspective and I won't deny a tear or two was shed for all those who perished and whose stories went down with them.
Highly recommend. I hope there is more to this series as I cannot get enough of it.
I actually enjoyed this one even more than the first and I loved the first. I now have a strong urge to watch the Titanic at the moment.
In all honesty what could be better than a story about Salem, witches and the Titanic? This story just worked so well for me. I love Ms. Mather's writing style and the story was so intriguing I stayed up late into the night to finish. In this 2nd installment in the How to Hang a Witch series Sam has now grown closer to the Descendants after the events that transpired in the woods. When the Spring Fling dance's theme is uncovered to be the Titanic (which happens to also be what they are studying at school) strange events begin to occur. With the help of the Descendants will Sam be able to uncover the mystery before its to late?
I would also like to point out that this is one book you want to read the Authors Note. I really appreciate Ms. Mather's note of the Titanic and how we often hear stories about the first class survivors but no mention to the 3rd class, etc. Just because we may not read about them doesn't discount all the lost souls and stories that went down with the ship. It really helped to put things into perspective and I won't deny a tear or two was shed for all those who perished and whose stories went down with them.
Highly recommend. I hope there is more to this series as I cannot get enough of it.
October 22, 2020
'Hell is other people.'
3.25 stars
My goodness! I don't think I ever picked up a sequel where I basically hated the first installment and ended up kinda happy with the sequel. (I can't quit series for crap, it's basically a nightmare.)
Samantha is much more agreeable in this one as are the Descendents. Having a whole new situation in Sam's home really makes all the difference. Jaxon is still not my favorite person but at least he was a piece of the puzzle this time.
The new Titanic narrative - while still taken from the author's family history - is totally gripping and I even figured out the villain this time so I didn't feel completely lost.
I need a moment to talk about Elijah. How awesome is he?! I mean, he's not perfect and totally stupid in the way he goes about wanting to protect Sam (just like her Dad). I think I once read a book where someone said that the men in books who keep secrets from the heroine in order to protect her just end up hurting her by having kept those secrets. Which totally applies here (and to lots of other books as well!). But Elijah just has that air around him that makes him utterly swoonworthy.
October 14, 2017
Rating: 4.5 stars
A different review originally appeared on We Live and Breathe Books
In this installment, we get to learn some really interesting things about the Titanic. I loved the way Mather wove her family history into How to Hang a Witch, and she did an excellent job once again in this book.
Another win for me was that friendship took center stage in this volume. I have a thing about strong friendship, and am even more elated when they feature female friendships. I really enjoyed this particular development in the story, because it works with moving Samantha forward with her magic and claiming her place in the town.
The romance went nowhere, but Mather did keep the flames alive. So the triangle continues. I would love for Samantha to make a choice, because only one makes sense in my mind.
I wasn't sure how Mather was going to continue this story, but she delivered another great story packed with history, magic, and suspense.
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A different review originally appeared on We Live and Breathe Books
In this installment, we get to learn some really interesting things about the Titanic. I loved the way Mather wove her family history into How to Hang a Witch, and she did an excellent job once again in this book.
Another win for me was that friendship took center stage in this volume. I have a thing about strong friendship, and am even more elated when they feature female friendships. I really enjoyed this particular development in the story, because it works with moving Samantha forward with her magic and claiming her place in the town.
The romance went nowhere, but Mather did keep the flames alive. So the triangle continues. I would love for Samantha to make a choice, because only one makes sense in my mind.
I wasn't sure how Mather was going to continue this story, but she delivered another great story packed with history, magic, and suspense.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
February 3, 2018
Are you a reader who seeks out adventure and drama, realistic historical facts and figures, and writing that will create the perfect bookish escape? If the answer to that question is Yes, then Adriana Mather's second book in a two book series should be your next read!
Haunting The Deep is a Must Read for 2017, and to reread for many years to follow. As an accomplished actress, producer, and New York Times best selling author for her first novel, How To Hang A Witch, Adriana Mather has managed to elegantly write yet another novel that is sure to quickly become another best selling favorite. Haunting The Deep, very similarly to How to Hang a Witch, is a book worthy of reading for both teens and adults. With a captivating plot, relatable characters, and descriptive writing, Adriana brings many both well known and lesser known passengers from the Titanic to life through a historically accurate story. Adriana's careful research and direct ties to her own ancestors are made clear and consistent throughout Haunting The Deep.
As if an unpredictable book full of surprises and a multitude of moments to keep the pages turning isn't enough, well loved characters from How To Hang A Witch make a much awaited return in this enjoyable sequel. As the book progresses, there is significant character development of the returning main characters, as well as the introduction of new characters. The story follows Samantha Mather, and her new life in Salem, MA, as she experiences heartbreak and young love, family and high school drama, learning about her family ties to the Titanic, and a newfound friendship with a group of girls who call themselves Descendants.
As the reader, it is impossible not to enjoy Adriana's clean writing, and the way that she brings otherwise forgotten and misunderstood historical events to life in a new light! Although the book revolves around high school aged characters and events, the main focus of Haunting The Deep is Samantha's connection to her ancestors and her exploration and discovery of who she is and how she can accept her abilities and that it is possible for them to be used for the greater good in the town of Salem. As an end result, there are clear themes of the book such as teamwork and trust to overcome obstacles, learning to love yourself for who you are even if you're afraid or uncertain, valuing the relationships with those you love, and that love can come in all shapes and forms (like ghosts) and we should never let anyone else's opinions of us or our lives stand in the way of being who we really are.
Haunting The Deep is an example of the importance of storytelling and always being proud of your roots! On an end note, I would recommend Haunting The Deep to teens and adults of all ages, and anyone who is interested in both the Titanic, as well as a pleasurable journey and a story that has a little something for everyone whether that's a lesson to take away from the reading, love, magic, humor, friendship, or history.
Haunting The Deep is a Must Read for 2017, and to reread for many years to follow. As an accomplished actress, producer, and New York Times best selling author for her first novel, How To Hang A Witch, Adriana Mather has managed to elegantly write yet another novel that is sure to quickly become another best selling favorite. Haunting The Deep, very similarly to How to Hang a Witch, is a book worthy of reading for both teens and adults. With a captivating plot, relatable characters, and descriptive writing, Adriana brings many both well known and lesser known passengers from the Titanic to life through a historically accurate story. Adriana's careful research and direct ties to her own ancestors are made clear and consistent throughout Haunting The Deep.
As if an unpredictable book full of surprises and a multitude of moments to keep the pages turning isn't enough, well loved characters from How To Hang A Witch make a much awaited return in this enjoyable sequel. As the book progresses, there is significant character development of the returning main characters, as well as the introduction of new characters. The story follows Samantha Mather, and her new life in Salem, MA, as she experiences heartbreak and young love, family and high school drama, learning about her family ties to the Titanic, and a newfound friendship with a group of girls who call themselves Descendants.
As the reader, it is impossible not to enjoy Adriana's clean writing, and the way that she brings otherwise forgotten and misunderstood historical events to life in a new light! Although the book revolves around high school aged characters and events, the main focus of Haunting The Deep is Samantha's connection to her ancestors and her exploration and discovery of who she is and how she can accept her abilities and that it is possible for them to be used for the greater good in the town of Salem. As an end result, there are clear themes of the book such as teamwork and trust to overcome obstacles, learning to love yourself for who you are even if you're afraid or uncertain, valuing the relationships with those you love, and that love can come in all shapes and forms (like ghosts) and we should never let anyone else's opinions of us or our lives stand in the way of being who we really are.
Haunting The Deep is an example of the importance of storytelling and always being proud of your roots! On an end note, I would recommend Haunting The Deep to teens and adults of all ages, and anyone who is interested in both the Titanic, as well as a pleasurable journey and a story that has a little something for everyone whether that's a lesson to take away from the reading, love, magic, humor, friendship, or history.
October 9, 2017
4.5 Stars
'Haunting the Deep' is a wonderful second installment in a young adult paranormal series that brings Salem's infamous Witch Trials into the twenty-first century. I've always been incredibly fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials - there's so much interesting history and so many stories surrounding them. With this book, the author included the infamous Titanic tragedy and managed to infuse Salem and its magic with the past in a way that felt believable. After loving the first book, I have to admit that I had high hopes for this novel - and I'm so happy that I wasn't disappointed in the least. The author does another superb job weaving together history, superstition, modern teenage problems, and magic to create an awesome novel that had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved basically everything about the book and have no real complaints (except that I wished it could've been longer and possibly a bit creepier, but that's just my personal opinion).
The characters were all well rounded with unique traits and personalities - especially our main character, Samantha "Sam" Mather. I really connected with her early on in the story and I loved getting to know her on an even deeper level (after the first book) and discovering all the strange things about the Titanic and it's history alongside her. She's smart, a good student, a loving daughter, and down to earth - but she's quite straightforward and has a sarcastic attitude. She was an great mix of snarky and sweet - bold but shy and unsure at the same time. The book is told from Sam's point of view, which really allows the reader to connect with her on a deeply personal level. By the end of the book, it felt like I had been right beside Sam during the entire story. If you've read my reviews before, you know I'm a huge advocate of the first person point of view - which is no exception with this book.
Every other aspect of the novel was well done - the setting was perfect, the plot was enticing and full of great supernatural twists and historical aspects, and the writing itself was fluid and had a quick pace. I was sucked into Sam's world from the very first page and I didn't stop reading until I had finished the entire book - which only took a few hours. All of the elements in the novel worked very well together and they came together to create a really fascinating and fun book that fans of the genre will be sure to love. Very highly recommended for fans of paranormal, fantasy, historical fiction, and contemporary fiction!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
'Haunting the Deep' is a wonderful second installment in a young adult paranormal series that brings Salem's infamous Witch Trials into the twenty-first century. I've always been incredibly fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials - there's so much interesting history and so many stories surrounding them. With this book, the author included the infamous Titanic tragedy and managed to infuse Salem and its magic with the past in a way that felt believable. After loving the first book, I have to admit that I had high hopes for this novel - and I'm so happy that I wasn't disappointed in the least. The author does another superb job weaving together history, superstition, modern teenage problems, and magic to create an awesome novel that had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved basically everything about the book and have no real complaints (except that I wished it could've been longer and possibly a bit creepier, but that's just my personal opinion).
The characters were all well rounded with unique traits and personalities - especially our main character, Samantha "Sam" Mather. I really connected with her early on in the story and I loved getting to know her on an even deeper level (after the first book) and discovering all the strange things about the Titanic and it's history alongside her. She's smart, a good student, a loving daughter, and down to earth - but she's quite straightforward and has a sarcastic attitude. She was an great mix of snarky and sweet - bold but shy and unsure at the same time. The book is told from Sam's point of view, which really allows the reader to connect with her on a deeply personal level. By the end of the book, it felt like I had been right beside Sam during the entire story. If you've read my reviews before, you know I'm a huge advocate of the first person point of view - which is no exception with this book.
Every other aspect of the novel was well done - the setting was perfect, the plot was enticing and full of great supernatural twists and historical aspects, and the writing itself was fluid and had a quick pace. I was sucked into Sam's world from the very first page and I didn't stop reading until I had finished the entire book - which only took a few hours. All of the elements in the novel worked very well together and they came together to create a really fascinating and fun book that fans of the genre will be sure to love. Very highly recommended for fans of paranormal, fantasy, historical fiction, and contemporary fiction!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2017
I really enjoyed How to Hang a Witch, and I thought the story ended there, so I was excited to see a sequel with a totally new storyline, and involving the Titanic, no less! Unfortunately, I did not like Haunting the Deep nearly as much. For starters, it moves very slowly. Nothing but talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. Halfway through I started skimming to get to some action. Secondly, Samantha behaves so immaturely in this book that I lost a lot of respect for her. And lastly (and possible SPOILER alert), she picks the wrong guy, in my opinion. I will give it props for surprising me with the identity of the villain, but as in the first book--and this was the only issue I marked that book down for--the motivation and resulting climax is really over-the-top. I know lots of other readers are loving this, but I really struggled with it.
October 18, 2017
Four stars: A surprising story that gives a new ghostly take on the Titanic.
Sam is trying to get back to normal after her father almost died, and she was almost hanged by her stepmother. She just wants to be a boring girl. Unfortunately one morning at breakfast, Sam sees a ghostly girl. She does not want to interact with ghosts. Then things get even more weird when she receives a mysterious package supposedly from a distant aunt. In the package is a vintage dress from the turn of the 20th Century. When Sam tries on the dress, something strange happens. She finds herself on board the Titanic, but she isn’t herself. Sam finds herself in the body of one of her relatives who was actually on board the fated ship. As the days go on, Sam continues to visit the Titanic in her dreams. Who is behind the spells and why?
What I Liked:
Haunting the Deep was a surprisingly good read. I went in with low expectations because let’s face it, the Titanic is a well known story, how can it be reimagined? Well surprisingly, it can. I loved this ghostly version of the Titanic that is a result of spells and witchcraft. It was unique and entertaining. Definitely worth trying if you are a tried and true Titanic fan.
I didn’t read book one, but I was pleased that I wasn’t lost in the story. The author does an excellent job of recapping all the events that occurred in book one, so much so that after reading this one, I want to go back and read the first book.
I liked the focus on friendship in this book. Sam finds herself in a troubling situation so she reaches out to the three girls who are descendants of the original Salem Witches. It was nice that this book was all about friendship instead of romance. I liked seeing the girls come together and learn to trust each other in order to solve the problem.
Of course, I loved the whole Titanic story line. I appreciated that the author brought to life some lesser known characters, and that their stories were brought to light. It was interesting to learn that the author had relatives on the Titanic, and she featured them in the story. There are many fascinating tidbits of information that aren’t as well known about the ship.
The ending was satisfying, it concluded the story lines, no cliffhangers. There were some hints to what is to come.
And The Not So Much:
There wasn’t much romance in this story which was fine with me. It appears that there is an ongoing love triangle from the first book, which I find annoying, especially considering that one of the love interests is a ghost. I have a feeling what is going to happen next, and I am not sure that I am on board with that.
When the villain was unmasked, it was a surprise, which was a good thing, but I found myself confused over the motives. I wish that there had been more insight into this person.
This would have been a better read if I had read the first book. I would recommend reading book one before going into this one.
Haunting the Deep was an entertaining and interesting read that surprised me. I loved the new take on the Titanic. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, the spells and the witches. If you are looking for something different in the YA genre, this is one to try.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Sam is trying to get back to normal after her father almost died, and she was almost hanged by her stepmother. She just wants to be a boring girl. Unfortunately one morning at breakfast, Sam sees a ghostly girl. She does not want to interact with ghosts. Then things get even more weird when she receives a mysterious package supposedly from a distant aunt. In the package is a vintage dress from the turn of the 20th Century. When Sam tries on the dress, something strange happens. She finds herself on board the Titanic, but she isn’t herself. Sam finds herself in the body of one of her relatives who was actually on board the fated ship. As the days go on, Sam continues to visit the Titanic in her dreams. Who is behind the spells and why?
What I Liked:
Haunting the Deep was a surprisingly good read. I went in with low expectations because let’s face it, the Titanic is a well known story, how can it be reimagined? Well surprisingly, it can. I loved this ghostly version of the Titanic that is a result of spells and witchcraft. It was unique and entertaining. Definitely worth trying if you are a tried and true Titanic fan.
I didn’t read book one, but I was pleased that I wasn’t lost in the story. The author does an excellent job of recapping all the events that occurred in book one, so much so that after reading this one, I want to go back and read the first book.
I liked the focus on friendship in this book. Sam finds herself in a troubling situation so she reaches out to the three girls who are descendants of the original Salem Witches. It was nice that this book was all about friendship instead of romance. I liked seeing the girls come together and learn to trust each other in order to solve the problem.
Of course, I loved the whole Titanic story line. I appreciated that the author brought to life some lesser known characters, and that their stories were brought to light. It was interesting to learn that the author had relatives on the Titanic, and she featured them in the story. There are many fascinating tidbits of information that aren’t as well known about the ship.
The ending was satisfying, it concluded the story lines, no cliffhangers. There were some hints to what is to come.
And The Not So Much:
There wasn’t much romance in this story which was fine with me. It appears that there is an ongoing love triangle from the first book, which I find annoying, especially considering that one of the love interests is a ghost. I have a feeling what is going to happen next, and I am not sure that I am on board with that.
When the villain was unmasked, it was a surprise, which was a good thing, but I found myself confused over the motives. I wish that there had been more insight into this person.
This would have been a better read if I had read the first book. I would recommend reading book one before going into this one.
Haunting the Deep was an entertaining and interesting read that surprised me. I loved the new take on the Titanic. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, the spells and the witches. If you are looking for something different in the YA genre, this is one to try.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
August 15, 2018
Better than expected! I really enjoyed the first book so I had to dive right into the second. I was hesitant of how The Titanic would tie into Salem. But it did, and it was well done. I really enjoyed the historical part of the book as well. I learned some new things about The Titanic so that was interesting. The story kept moving, there wasn't really any dull moments. I laughed, I was in shock, there was a nice plot twist! Overall, WELL DONE!
I'm really happy with the growth of the group as well. I like Sam, and The Descendants. I need more Alice in my life. There was even a gay character, which was nice!
I'm really enjoying this series. I hope there will be a third book!
I'm really happy with the growth of the group as well. I like Sam, and The Descendants. I need more Alice in my life. There was even a gay character, which was nice!
I'm really enjoying this series. I hope there will be a third book!
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