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The Spiritwalkers #1

Deep Dark Secrets

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The deadliest secrets are the ones we keep from ourselves…

One year ago, seventeen-year-old Marayah Freeman nearly died in a tragic car accident that also took the life of her best friend, Hailey.

Memories of the accident plague Marayah, but no one believes they’re real. They say there was no shadowy figure on the bridge that night. No oil-black tears running down Hailey's face. No guy who appeared from a bright light in the forest.

Frustrated, Marayah locks those memories away and tries to focus on the future, but the past keeps pulling her back. A guy who looks like the stranger from the forest enrolls in her school, and her nightmares are getting worse. But when she finds a note in her locker, the mystery of the accident becomes more terrifying than ever. The note is from Hailey.

“Marayah,
If I’m dead—
it wasn’t an accident.”

ebook

First published August 25, 2017

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345 people want to read

About the author

Sarra Cannon

62 books2,460 followers

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5 stars
145 (55%)
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80 (30%)
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25 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Katrin D.
284 reviews590 followers
February 20, 2020
OK, I'll start off by saying that I'm a huge fan of Sarra's youtube channel, which is how I found out this book even existed. To be quite honest, I had never stumbled upon any of Sarra's books before I found her channel.

And as much as it pains me, I cannot rate "Deep Dark Secrets'' higher. It was just...mediocre at best. Although, I think I'm not the right target audience for this book, which is why it got another half-star star. Otherwise, it would have been a solid 1.5* read.

Now, my main problems with the book were the following:

1. There wasn't much description of anything, which is weird because my main critique is that there was too much narration & too few scenes. We were always told what Marayah felt and thought and whatnot, but we were rarely shown those things.

2. The plot itself felt formulaic as if the author was just ticking off boxes while deciding what to include in the story. The story was predictable, the big reveal wasn't big at all and frankly, the whole thing felt underdeveloped.

3. There was the obligatory insta-love episode, which was still unconvincing even though Marayah herself thought over and over again how it didn't make sense. Yeah, mentioning what is obvious is not going to make the readers suddenly rationalise the whole love subplot.

Feel I just skimmed over these points without adding much to my review? Yeah, the book was like that, too.

Overall, it was not bad, definitely, but it just wasn't anything worth remembering.
Profile Image for Aly.
1,898 reviews69 followers
October 26, 2017
What is a Spiritwalker? This book made me ask this question is the beginning and I am still wondering. The book is very good and I really like this author. I can't wait to read the next book, but I hope the next few books in the series help me understand what a Spiritwalker is better. The author touched on this a little bit in this book but we learned who Marayah and Jordan were and I enjoyed that about this book but now I hope the author will delve into Spiritwalker legacy in the next books more, I feel I want to know more. But this book was very exciting and I found myself not wanting to put this book down. This was another great book from Sarra.
Profile Image for Suze.
1,884 reviews1,299 followers
February 5, 2018
Marayah spent a lot of time in rehab recovering from a tragic accident that killed her best friend Hailey. She can remember parts of what happened to them that night, but has been told that her memories are false. Marayah saw darkness in her friend, there were black tears streaming down Hailey's face and what was inside her is now inside Marayah. Marayah and Hailey weren't alone when the accident happened. Marayah saw a shadowy figure and there was a man who rescued her and gave her a talisman. When she can leave the center she knows her memories are real because she gets back the necklace that was meant to protect her. Marayah can finally start looking for the truth, will she find the answers she so desperately needs?

Jordan is new at school, but Marayah instantly recognizes him. There's a familiarity she can't deny. Who is he and what is he doing at her school? Marayah isn't free of the evil that caused the accident and while searching for the truth she learns that the accident she and her friend were in might not have been an accident at all. Who can she trust and what should she believe? Is there a way to get to the bottom of the matter and is Marayah still in danger?

Deep Dark Secrets is a gripping story about friendship, darkness and secrets. I was immediately intrigued by Marayah's situation. Nobody believes her when she tells what she saw on the night of the accident and this makes her doubt herself and the memories she has. She has to find out more, because whatever happened that night is still part of her. She's a strong resilient girl with a good head on her shoulders and I was fascinated by her resolve to keep going until she's uncovered the truth. She doesn't rest until she knows what Jodan's doing at her school and I liked the part he plays in her story. She also keeps questioning those who should have answers for her and never gives up, which is something I admired. Slowly she finds the missing pieces of the puzzle and her search kept me on the edge of my seat.

Sarra Cannon has written a fantastic story about evil, magic and spirits. I was captivated by her engaging writing style, her vivid descriptions and skillful way to use tension. Deep Dark Secrets is fabulously creepy. I love stories about mysterious powers, compelling legends and unknown adversaries. I read Deep Dark Secrets in one sitting and enjoyed every single page. I highly recommend this promising first story in The Spiritwalkers series and am anxious to read more.
Profile Image for Jennifer Rux.
225 reviews12 followers
August 23, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow Cannon has outdone herself on this book. I know I say this just about every time, but when it is the truth, it is the truth.

One year prior there was a horrible accident where a young girl not only lost her best friend, but lost a part of her memory and a bit of her sanity. Now that she is out of the hospital she is determined to find out what really happened. She knows deep in her heart that she and her friend didn't have an accident due to drugs...she just knew it, and she is out to prove it.

This book took some twists and turns that kept me guessing the whole time. When the ending was reveled my jaw was on the floor. It was so good and I didn't have a clue.

Mystery, Romance and supernatural are three of the elements in this book. Three of my loves. Three things that complement one another. I just loved this book and I can't wait to read the next in the series.

Pick up this book. You wont regret it.
Profile Image for Jailene Jewell.
19 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2017
All I can say is that Sarra has done it again. If there is one thing I can always expect from her it is quality, and she always delivers. This book was spectacular from beginning to end. Somehow, Sarra Cannon has mastered the art of the hook; finding that balance between keeping secrets and creating intrigue at the beginning of a novel is difficult, but I've yet to see her fail.

I am an avid fan, and there's obviously a reason. The twists and turns of the stories she writes, the characters drawing you in, and the mystery is always intense. Her ongoing Demons series has my attention, along with the Fairhope books, and the Eternal Sorrows book. Sarra has managed to turn her life of writing into it's own saga, and as always, I am anxious to find out what will happen next!
Profile Image for Tara Baals.
76 reviews
August 25, 2017
great book good story. Sarra Cannon really brings you into a story. this is a good mix of her other books the raw emotions from her Fairhope books and her supernatural worlds of her other stories brings out the best in her writing style. a must read
Profile Image for Emma.
108 reviews35 followers
August 23, 2017
Deep Dark Secrets

1 0f 3

young adult, paranormal

4.5 stars

One year ago, seventeen-year-old Marayah Freeman nearly died in a tragic car accident that also took the life of her best friend, Hailey.

Memories of the accident plague Marayah, but no one believes they’re real. They say there was no shadowy figure on the bridge that night. No oil-black tears running down Hailey's face. No guy who appeared from a bright light in the forest.

Frustrated, Marayah locks those memories away and tries to focus on the future, but the past keeps pulling her back. A guy who looks like the stranger from the forest enrolls in her school, and her nightmares are getting worse. But when she finds a note in her locker, the mystery of the accident becomes more terrifying than ever. The note is from Hailey.

“Marayah,
If I’m dead—
it wasn’t an accident.”







THOUGHTS:

I've read each and every one of Cannon's books, eagerly waiting for each one because I found her during her first book's release. That's awesome, but also sad because it kills me to wait. When she asked for ARC (Advance reader copies) readers, I totally jumped on board and finish this within a day.

This is different from her other works, primarily her series involving witches, but I looked forward to this new series and new characters. I wasn't disappointed.



THE GOOD:

I love Marayah. She starts out as this sad, almost chaotic character who's finally released from a psychiatric program after dealing with a huge accident the year prior. We meet her and she's just wanting to get home, but inside is still sad and confused. I felt so much for her in the beginning, especially as she transistions back to being home and going to school. It was obviously hard for her.

Now, add in supernatural and high school becomes even worse.

The Native American aspect to this was so neat. I don't know much about their stories and culture, so it was neat to hear about what they believe in and how it all wraps into..

To finish this review, read it here: https://www.avidreaderthe.com/reviews...
Profile Image for Kara.
11 reviews
February 23, 2019
Really Good!

I don't know why it took me so long to finally read this book. I've LOVED ALL of Sarra's other books, so there shouldn't have been any hesitation. The only thing I can think of is that the book description/blurb isn't very, well, descriptive of what the book is actually about. Lol.
I'm going to give my own description. I'll try not to give any spoilers, but it IS more detailed, so be warned.

**Start of my book description:

Marayah & her friend Hailey are driving home from a party one night & wind up in a terrible accident. Only Marayah survives. They are both blamed & assumed that it was drugs that caused the crash. Marayah has some memory issues after the accident & desperately searches for the answers of what really happened that night-because one thing she think she knows for sure, is that she never took any drugs. She remembers something "supernatural" happening, but is told by her therapist that it is just a nightmare/PTSD. While searching for the answers, she's dealing with her parents treating her like she's going to break at any second, not giving her any freedom, & not trusting her anymore. Also while trying to figure out the answers, she finds a letter Hailey wrote indicating/proving that their accident wasn't an accident, & she also meets a new guy at school whom seems to be connected to it all, & may have some of the answers. Something is happening to her, but she can feel the clock is ticking down to something. She survived the crash, but will she survive what's happening to her now?

**End of my book description

That's the best that I can describe it without giving away too much, or spoiling any of it.
If for any reason you've been hesistating to read this, maybe that will help.
It really was a great book, & I look forward to the second in the series!
20 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Sarra did it again.

It's been a while since I read anything of hers, because I finished the current books in the Shadow Demons Saga a while ago. When I started on this one, however, it made me realize just how good her writing is.

There's something about her books that I can't quite put my finger on, that makes them so suspenseful. Deep Dark Secrets wasn't a very long book, but there was just so much information packed in to make up for that. Every action, even if it was something as simple as eating breakfast or picking clothes, was seemed incredibly meaningful, and there was a constant sense of foreboding that lingered over me as I read this book.

Was the suspense worth it? Absolutely.

Like I've mentioned in another review, despite the light-vs-dark trope in this one, there's something dark about the atmosphere of Sarra's books, even though they're completely T-rated. The suspense released in bursts throughout the second half of the book, and resulted in multiple climaxes of varying degrees of horror.

I also have to give Sarra credit - as far as I can tell, she managed to capture Marayah's post traumatic behavior in a completely realistic manner. I never felt as though any part of her character development was forced, and I appreciate the way in which her anxiety and depression interact with the magic world realistically.

Overall, as usual, the book sucked me in. I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Alyssa.
68 reviews18 followers
September 7, 2017
Sarra Cannon was one of the first indie authors I absolutely fell in love with. While I haven't finished her Demons series, as I've been waiting for more to release so I can binge read, they stole my heart right away when she first released the series. I think I'm so drawn to her books because she's a fantastic person outside of her work, as I follow her on her social media. I remember reading her blogs during her struggle with pregnancy and being so happy for her when her son was born. That being said, I plan on giving all of her books a shot, eventually. Money, you know. Broke recent college grad, here.

This book shows exactly what I like out of Cannon's books. You get a normal, albeit tragic experience: a car crash killing one friend and leaving another broken both physically and mentally. You also get: MAGIC. DARKNESS. EVIL. LIGHT. GOOD. GREY (because nothing is black and white). You can't forget the little hint of romance, either. While I don't find myself as connected as with the Demon series, I will definitely be picking up the second one when it releases.

As for the writing in this book, I did find a few flaws, mostly grammar and word choice (example: queue instead of cue.) While there and sometimes annoying, it didn't take away from the story as a whole. I know Sarra pushes and pushes herself to release her books in a timely manner, and some minor errors are the price we have to pay for her devoted release schedule.

As for the context of the story, there were a few things I wish were a little different. We see mention of Marayah's sister, Kimi, in the very first chapter. She was so excited to see her sister!! However, Kimi is completely in the background, only used as a convenient alibi supplier for Marayah, with little to no explanation, despite promises to explain later. And while her need for freedom is understandable, Marayah seems to brush off her parents very easily. Add to the fact she learns something was held back from her knowledge all through childhood, and she didn't confront them about it? The way I viewed her character, she would not have wasted time there.

All in all, we'll see how the next book plays!
Profile Image for V.
19 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sarra delivers yet another captivating read. This new series is entertaining and intriguing, while mysterious all at the same time. There wasn't a boring moment in this book.

This story brings together magic, mystery, and romance seamlessly. It is so well written that I was able to read it easily in one day.

Marayah and her best friend, Hailey, left a party late one night and were in a horrible car accident that ended up killing Hailey. Even though Marayah can't recall everything that happened on the night of the accident, she starts having flash backs of that night which makes her question whether it really was "an accident." She then investigates and gathers all that she has discovered and remembered of that night to determine what really happened. Was it really an accident? Or could it be possible that someone or something was responsible for Hailey's death?

Thank you Sarra for producing yet another fantastic story!
Profile Image for Ann.
1,045 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2017
I had my problem of getting into this story. It was too "constructed" in the way it suited the author: I always reasoned and questioned how nobody of her friends came to visit her a whole year, not even her sister, how everybody even the police and her doctor just assumed she was a depressed suicidal junkie instead of a drugged party victim, why this therapy didn't involve getting back into society and especially in her case, back into a car,... all these simply frustrated me.
After I resigned and just accepted it, I could enjoy the story very much. Sarra Cannon once again wrote a fluent and engaging story based on a native american myth. The book isn't complete as there will be more in the spiritwalker series but the major issues are solved, so it's bearable to wait for the next instalment.
3,75 from 5 stars
Profile Image for Spiteful Cupcake.
12 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2017
I stumbled upon Deep Dark Secrets by a random Amazon search, because I was in desperate need of a good book to read. I’ve never read anything by Sarra Cannon prior to this, but I read the synopsis and thought it was worth the chance.

And it was. While Deep Dark Secrets isn’t what I expected it to be, it surprised me. I couldn’t put it down since the first chapter, and that’s always a good sign.

I couldn’t help but be reminded of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin, in the fact that the main character had issues separating reality from her thoughts. She didn’t know if she was crazy. And I liked that aspect of the book.

It was very well written, and I was thankful for that. Sometimes I come across books that it’s almost painful to read because of all the spelling or grammar issues, and I was happy to find that this wasn’t the case with Deep Dark Secrets.

Overall, I enjoyed this book quite a bit and I recommend it to my book-loving friends.
Profile Image for Courtney (Bookish Blonde Barista).
621 reviews
October 3, 2017
I have read the Shadow Demons Saga by Sarra Cannon and loved it. This book was not what I was expecting, but it was amazing! I cannot wait to read more of Marayah and Jordan's story!

Marayah ... She has survived a tragic accident that really should have killed her. She is finally being released from rehab after an almost death experience, but going back to her old life is not as easy as one may think. She is going back to school as a senior only she will not have her best friend there with her. On top of that, none of her friends really seemed to care that she was gone.

Jordan ... The new guy in town who came looking for his brother. Marayah remembers some if the details of the accident and this man who looks similar to Jordan helped her. Everyone keeps telling her that is the drama from the accident, but she knows better and Jordan proves this.

This was a great story from Sarra and I look forward to reading the next book in the Spiritwalkers Series.
4 reviews
August 25, 2017
Deep Dark Secrets is a new venture for Sarra Cannon and tells us the story of Marayah and her transition back into being a regular teen after a life-changing tragedy. Trouble begins for our protagonist from day one of her attempt at normality. Nothing in her life is the same, and we go along for the ride as she tries to discover the why behind all of her troubles and who she is now in the aftermath. Of course, it doesn’t hurt (or does it?) that a mysterious new guy has shown up at her school! I read this book in one sitting (so glad I got it on a Sunday!) as I was just THAT invested in to what was going to happen with these characters.

*I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review*
Profile Image for Kristan.
280 reviews7 followers
December 2, 2017
I enjoyed this story, all the mystery and trying to figure out what was going on along with Marayah. But I didn't feel any connection or anything to the main character and didn't really care what happend to her. Jordan was nice but again he was barely in it and we didn't really get to know him, same with pretty much alp the characters I didn't feel like we got to know any of them to feel sad if they got hurt or died or anything. The plot was a little slow moving and didn't have my heart pounding or needing to know more and didn't really have me on the edge of my seat or feeling any emotions besides a little intrigue about what this darkness was. Overall it was an enjoyable book but didn't hook me as much as I'd have like.
Profile Image for Lea.
666 reviews25 followers
March 14, 2024
This was a good start. If there was a second book I would have read it, but it's not a great standalone with the cliffhanger at the end. And seeing how this author wrote it in 2017, but never wrote Book 2 and moved on to other series, I'm assuming this is where this one ends. Bummer. I could have done with more detail into spirit walkers, that convo with her dad about her gma and himself. I guess I needed more questions answered.
The thing is, there was something about this, it was so easy to read, and enjoyable, and even though I wasn't thinking about it when I wasn't reading it... I consumed this quickly and really liked it. I just wish there were more books where we really see more character development, she grows up. Real things happen. 3.75/5
Profile Image for T.A. Beasley.
Author 7 books117 followers
July 3, 2021
Marayah Freeman is trying to get her life back to normal, but something about the night of her accident keeps bothering her. Not only did she lose her best friend, but a memory keeps coming back and she cannot decipher it. This book had my investigative skills on how alert. I loved the mystery element to it. I also loved at each turn a new obstacle happens and the characters must start over. This is book one in the Spiritwalkers series and I pray she continues this series soon. I am on pins and needles waiting for book two.
Profile Image for Melissa.
35 reviews7 followers
January 26, 2024
I really enjoyed the characters and their story. It was written well for a book one, and if the series had continued I would have given it 5 stars. However, to rate based on it being a standalone, it wasn’t complete enough for me to give it a full five stars. The book didn’t touch on the main premise until about the last 50-75 pages and it seemed to end just when it started getting to the point. This would have been fine if a book 2 existed. I hope the author continues the series someday. It was a great start.
Profile Image for Diana.
166 reviews8 followers
August 27, 2017
Sarra has done it yet again!!! She has an amazing mind and a great way with words. I am always sucked right into these worlds she builds with these stories and I love it. It is so nice to have an escape to go to. Sarra thank you for another amazing book. I can't wait for your next book. They always make me so happy.
Profile Image for Leah.
84 reviews
August 31, 2017
Fantastic!

Sarra Cannon's worlds astound me. She sucks you in and makes you see everything that happens like you're a part of it. Deep Dark Secrets is no different! From the very first word to the very last, it was as gripping as everything else she's written. Cannot wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Kirstin.
14 reviews
September 1, 2017
Great new Paranormal

I love Sarra Cannon! I have read every one of her books and this was fun fresh take on Paranormal. Just when you think you know where she is going you don't! Loved this story of Spiritwalkers with a little bit of romance! Can not wait to read what come next. I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sarz.
551 reviews11 followers
September 18, 2017
Shifters and Native American legends.

I really enjoyed this, and read it in one sitting. I thought there were some similarities with Colleen Vanderlinden's Copper Falls series, which I loved. Perhaps they're drawing on similar Native American stories? Looking forward to the next installment :)
1 review
September 25, 2017
Perfect balance of light & dark

I tried this book purely out of loyalty to Sarra Cannon to begin with but by the end of chapter 1 I realised this book was brilliant in it own right!! I highly recommend anyone reading this as its worth it in my humble opinion!! Thank you Sarra for creating another amazing world to escape in to
Profile Image for Marie Yule.
300 reviews6 followers
March 18, 2018
This book totally surprised me, I found myself wanting to read it all in one go but it turned out to be a big read. Time was taken to set the characters up to lead into a big twist that I didn’t see coming.

All the evidence along the way pointed towards a pretty obvious ending, but took us in a totally different direction!

I can’t wait for book two!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for DMORGAN.
5 reviews
July 28, 2018
Great read!

Although I am not as young as I would like to think I am, I do enjoy books written for the young adult audience. That said, this book really rang true to my own journey into spiritual healing and how much of what I do as a healer is so far beyond the understanding of most people. I look forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Irma rosales.
115 reviews
December 18, 2018
It’s real bland. No life is in this book. I feel like they are just throwing word at my face and I’m just taking it. I’m still reading it but because I don’t like to just not finish reading a book. Plus I paid for it so I have to at least try and finish. If you have kindle I can do that thing where you can share the book or something like that.
Profile Image for Lyra k.
7 reviews
October 7, 2017
A must read

Sarra Cannon is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint. The character are so well written. I'm the kind of reader who tries to guess what happens next and I'm pleasantly surprise that I couldn't. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Apryle Smith.
52 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2018
Indian come Lord meets today

I found this book to be a good read. It keeps you going to where you have to find out what happened. But I wish there was more to explain spiritualist . But a pretty good read all the same.
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