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The Wicked Deep
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The Wicked Deep - Week 1 Discussion
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Chapter 1-5I was waiting for someone else to start the discussion... because my first thoughts were not very positive about this book. I personally did not find these first few chapters that great. If I was not reading for this group I would have actually thrown it in the DNF pile.
I found the first introductions rather bland and uninteresting... the same as Penny. Bo is clearly not just a random person that happens to show up in town... as we are expected to believe at this point.
However, the story itself does ask to be read. So I muscled through the first few chapters.
By the end of chapter 5, I finally believed that I would be able to finish the book. And was hoping desperately for the sisters to start killing people.
Don't let my negative thoughts stop the discussion though.
Happy reading...
I'm with Sarah, the characters introductions seemed bland for me too. Bo stuck out because it's pretty obvious there is more to his character. I kind of really love the setting, it's probably my favorite thing about the book. I've finished too, so I'll leave my comment at that.
I am totally with you ladies on that! Bland, bland, bland when it comes to introducing characters. I feel there needs to be so much more dimension to the characters and they fell flat upon the beginning of the book. It took an immense amount of convincing myself that so many of my friends wouldn't have loved this book so much if it didn't get better.
My feelings on the Penny/Bo thing aren't exactly positive, but I hate that whole "character shows up out of no where - full while knowing it isn't out of no where - and our protagonist falls in love." like eff off with your insta-love bullshit.
BUT.
That being said, all I wanted to do was be wherever this book took place. The atmosphere was dynamic and I truly at times felt like I was lost in a seaside city with a majorly dark past.
All I wanted was to see when the Swan sisters would make their first strike, and who would fall victim.
Hope your coffee is strong on this Monday morning, and hopefully this book is magical for you all!!
Creep it real, witches!
J. [@BookishWiccan]
I felt like the strength of the opening chapters was really in the introduction of the setting. It reminded me so much of Shadow over Innsmouth by Lovecraft. Seaside town with secrets buried deep under water. I immediately got the sense that it would be somewhat of an allegorical story, similar to Wink Poppy Midnight. I also didn't pick up on Penny's name for quite a few chapters. I didn't mind that though, it was just another element that made me focus on the setting more than the characters.
definitely agree about the setting being stronger than the characters themselves. I did find the writing style extremely easy to read but think I would've enjoyed this more a few years ago. I definitely agree that I was waiting for some murders to happen so did captivate me.
My first impressions of this book was the character development is slow but the setting/world build was descent in my opinion, I love the idea of a town consumed with superstition.... or is it? I think the most interesting part of this book is the look into the past we get at the beginning of each chapter. To me it is kind of a story inside a story. We kind of get to know the Swan sisters as characters along with everything going on present day. This is definitely a fast read. I am already half way through and will be finishing early. I am enjoying this book but I'm not IN LOVE with it like I thought I would be.
I will say I am in love with the dust jacket of the hardcover copy LOL!
Hi all,I’ve read it all too, actually first book I’ve read due to the urge of writing and editing.
I’d have to agree, the character building is slow but with reason. The description of the town and coastal surrounds, especially the isolation of the island and lighthouse, become a most compelling character.
I always look for that ‘catch’, that ‘defining something’ and the reason - other than interesting writing, this book was chosen to be published traditionally. I have my theories and will wait till we all finish the read, to hear everyone’s notions!
Enjoy.
Kellie
Hi guys, I'm another person who has previously read the whole book and I definitely agree with you all about the character building. However, it's definitely worth it! I think with this book, the story is centred more on the setting with its curse, than characters.It does have a bit of a slow start, but once the Swan sisters are introduced into the story properly, it really does pick up the pace!
I'm just finally getting the chance to get started with this read, and I'm really glad to see that I'm not the only one disappointed by the start. There's a serious case of "telling" rather than "showing" going on here, where Penny is just telling us everything that's happened instead of things actually happening. I like to be in the heart of the action, rather than be told a story within a story. I do like the setting, and am intrigued by the idea of the sisters' curse though.
I hope everyone is enjoying the book so far! I know a few of you (like myself) FLEW through the book, which shows me it was a good pick for this months read!
So this week, lets talk characters and world building.
- How have you felt about the characters Shea has introduced?
- Is there anyone that sticks out to you for any reason?
- How do you feel about the setting?
What else would you like to discuss from the first few chapters? Leave your comments below!
Remember if you've finished the book, not everyone has so don't spoil it!!