Thursday, May 3, 2012

The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Córdova (ARC Review + International Giveaway)

Genre:Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural, 
Publication.Date  May 1st 2012
Pages:384
Published By:  Sourcebooks Fire  | 
WebsiteZoraida Cordova 

The Vicious Deep - Goodreads
My review copy:ARC received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Where to get:




For Tristan Hart, everything changes with one crashing wave.

He was gone for three days. Sucked out to sea in a tidal wave and spit back ashore at Coney Island with no memory of what happened. Now his dreams are haunted by a terrifying silver mermaid with razor-sharp teeth.

His best friend Layla is convinced something is wrong. But how can he explain he can sense emotion like never before? How can he explain he’s heir to a kingdom he never knew existed? That he’s suddenly a pawn in a battle as ancient as the gods.

Something happened to him in those three days. He was claimed by the sea…and now it wants him back. (Goodreads)



"Say, Mom and Dad and other people present? I think I'm seeing a monstrous woman's face on the head of an old lady and hearing this incessant humming every now and then. No, nothing to worry about. Just wanted to let you know in case my heart suddenly stops from being scared shitless."
The silver mermaid smiles, and when she smiles, there is nothing more terrifying than the rows of her razor-sharp teeth.




     From the moment I first heard about The Vicious Deep, I've been pining for it. Both the promise of being introduced to mermaids that, as stated on the cover, are "not the mermaids you know", and the cover design hinting at this book being more of an adventure than a supernatural romance, got me extremely excited for this title. And the fact that the story is told from a male's point of view only made me want to read it more. Plus, I love all things dark and eerie, and this novel seemed like just the perfect treat for me. And in many ways it was. Yes, there were also a few things that I didn't like, but these tiny little shortcomings didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying the story. Ultimately, I came out of reading this book feeling impressed and satisfied. The Vicious Deep is extremely unique and breathtakingly imagined YA debut, full of gorgeous creatures and dangerous adventures. Zoraida Cordóva is a talent to be reckoned with, her writing - both powerful and enticing, and there's no doubt in my mind that she can really turn this trilogy into one of the best - if not THE best - supernatural series out there. 

I. Have. A. F**king. Tail. 

     I won't lie, I went into reading this novel with huge expectations. With all the hype it was getting, I was pretty much prepared to be swept off my feet. Was I swept off my feet? Yes, most definitely, although not right away. In fact, I found it very hard to get through the first 80 pages or so. The beginning of the story was quite chaotic, jumpy, and hard to focus on. I had serious trouble following the plot line and it took me a while to really get into the story, the awkward relationship between Tristan and Layla being one of the reasons for it. Thankfully, it gets so much better once we get past the first few chapters. For me, the story really took off when Tristan set out to the Sea Court to meet his grandfather (who also happens to be the King of the Sea Court, and one in need of an heir). That's when things got interesting. On the island, Zoraida introduces us to a whole new palette of fantastic characters, and tells us more about Tristan's heritage and what's expected of him. We taste the magic and experience the thrill of adventure. And there's an epic quest, too! How exciting is that?! 

     Cordóva has created a masterful, absolutely dazzling and refreshingly original mermaid world. Her vision, as well as the amount of thought she put into it, is really awe-worthy. I really enjoyed both the social and political aspects of the story, I thought they were done brilliantly and added an interesting layer of complexity to the story. Vibrant and mesmerizing, the Sea Court is full of life, beauty and magic. There's also a darker side of it, something wicked and deadly lurking in the deep waters, creatures so vicious and blood thirsty that just reading about them sends a shiver down your spine. A delicious blend, yum! 

     I thought the characters were exceptionally well fleshed out. Especially Tristan. I've seen many people praising Cordóva for how great a job she did writing from a male's POV, and, well, it's hard not to agree with that. She really did it magnificently. Tristan's character shined with authenticity. Handsome (and well aware of the fact), cocky and flirtatious, Tristan is a hot teenage boy who never bothers to censor his thoughts, is painfully straight-forward, and sweetly oblivious of his own immaturity. His first concern after turning into a merman: "where does it go?" (it being the phallus) - yep, that pretty much sums up his personality. Undeniably, he's a very colourful character. I found him, although realistically drawn, rather unlikeable. That made it very difficult for me to connect with him as a person and care about what will happen to him next. It was fun and entertaining following his adventures, but in the end, I realized I liked some of the supporting characters way better (Kurt being one of the most fascinating and charming ones!). I also didn't care much for the whole dramatic "she loves me/she loves me not" romance going on. I just didn't feel the chemistry between the main characters, and, to me, the burning love Tristan supposedly had for Layla seemed quite fake and more of a "I want it so bad, because I can't have it" than actual devotion. And don't get me wrong, I do understand that pretty boys are easily distracted by pretty girls, but I would like it so much better if Tristan could focus on the girl he (supposedly) loves so much, rather than play a happy grass-hopper, jumping from one flower to another. On a brighter note, I thought it would be really great to see Layla and Kurt together. I think they would make a totally adorable couple

     Overall, this was an immensely entertaining, action-packed read. I loved the adventure aspect of it (who doesn't like epic quests?!), I really enjoyed the darker elements, too, and most of all - I was amazed by the phenomenal world building and the mythological background. Intense, thrilling, and visually breathtaking, The Vicious Deep is an excellent supernatural/fantasy adventure with elements of romance and mystery. Readers will not be disappointed!







❤ ❤ ❤GIVEAWAY❤ ❤ ❤ 

I'm giving away my lightly read ARC of The Vicious Deep + some cool SWAG!




(the ARC copy doesn't have the new cover design, sorry! But hey, there's a sticker and a pin! How cool!)

Enter through Rafflecopter below!
Open to: INTERNATIONAL
Ends: May 20th
(ENTER AFTER THE PAGE BRAKE -> click: read more!) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
About the Author
Evie is the Blogger behind Bookish. She enjoys reading many different genres, especially YA, Paranormal, Contemporary Fiction and Fantasy.
She loves talking to authors and is always happy to welcome them for interviews, and guest posts. She also likes spreading the love for awesome books and  chatting with fellow book-worms.
You can find Evie here: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Shelfari | The Library Thing

73 comments:

Unknown said...

Haha, Where did it go? I cracked up when I read that. :P
Now I am completely pining for this book. I actually hadn't heard much about it, but thanks for bringing it to my attention. :)
Great Review.

Lauren said...

Thanks for the good review! I hadn't heard of this before but a book about mermaids - woo hoo!!

Good Choice Reading said...

OMG I love your review! I cracked up! I really want this book! :-)

Evie said...

I think I have never read a book about mermaids before....I am curious now and from a male's POV it seems even more interesting now.
Thanks a lot for the giveaway!

WinterFaerie said...

Awesome! I'm excited to read this book!!

Makayla said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Makayla said...

Great Giveaway!!

I'm glad you enjoyed the book!!!
I can't wait to read this one also!!

RuthB said...

I'm glad you could make it after the first 80 pages! This happens sometimes to me. But I believe every book deserves a chance!
The last book I read was kind like that, the first chapter were very chaotic but then I found a great story!

Love that the book is tell by a male point of view

Great review
Kisses
ruty

primrose said...

Male mermaids sounds so cool!

Unknown said...

I love how you bring so many amazing points to light!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us :)

Kimberly Lim said...

I think this is an awesome book....
I love your thoughts about it...
Thanks for the giveaway, hope to win

kai (amaterasu) said...

You just said two of my favorite words: 'epic quest'. And this is also mermaid themed, right? Plus it's written in a guy's POV so it's really a book you'd want to read!

Barbara E. said...

This is the first review I've read about The Vicious Deep. I enjoyed reading your opinion of the book and I like that there are darker elements as well as an epic quest. You're right, who doesn't like an epic quest.

M.A.D. said...

I just heard about The Vicious Deep and put it on my TBR list! Tristan sounds incredibly swoon worthy, and I love the mystical underwater kingdom ... oooh, can't wait to read this :D

(I completely cracked up reading the *I have a f... tail* line lol)

Mary DeBorde M.A.D.

Carina Olsen said...

Great review, sweetie :D I have read this book. I didn't really like it at all :( Wanted it to be amazing; but to me it wasn't. But I really wish to win your giveaway; because I would love that sticker and pin :D so gorgeous. The book cover is stunning. <3 Even though I didn't like it, I'm glad you did :)

Lezean said...

I haven't read this book but based on your review, the story is thrilling! That is interesting for me. You mentioned that the girl is better for the supporting character, not for the main one. yay! I also found myself many times thinking like that in some books. :)

Maya Floria Yasmin said...

thanks for letting me know about this book

T said...

I've been pining after this one as well - it sounds like a really fresh take on things, and I think mermaids are one of the few mythical creatures that haven't really been touched on yet!

Thanks for the giveaway!

kara-karina@Nocturnal Book Reviews said...

What actually attracted me first to this book was the original cover. now knowing more about it I understand that it was completely inapropriate, considering that the main character is a merman (I'm picturing Zoolander now, if anyone watched this movie?)Still the premise and all the reviews I've read so far are interesting and pretty glowing :) Great review, Evie!

Lynn K. said...

I've been seeing reviews of this pop up everywhere lately but I kinda didn't check it out because of the cover. >.> (I like the ARC cover much better)

Merman story eh? I don't think I've read this sort before. So sorry to hear that the chemistry between the characters aren't working out for you and the she loves me/not thing, I don't like that sort much. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

Lucka said...

Your reviews are the best. I like it. This book seems very good. And thanks for the international giveaway :D

Amy said...

I am pretty fascinated with mermaids so this book has been on my radar for a while. I love snarky characters and it sounds like Tristan is. It's a shame that the romance between the MC's didn't seem very realistic though. Fantastic review. I like that it's a bit darker of a book, not a fluffy happy mermaid story.

Christina said...

Thanks for warning about the slow start. It's always good to know about those in advance, so you know not to give up!

Steph said...

I am super excited to read this book. I am super intrigued that more writers are using water creatures not just faeries and vampires. :)

fakesteph said...

I'm really excited that this is from a male point of view. I've been seeing such good things about this book and I'm glad you thought the characters were really authentic. That is the biggest thing for me when reading.

Little Miss Becky said...

Great review! Seriously, a book completely looses me if the characters don't fell authentic and fully fleshed-out. This sounds like it's going to be something I will love!

Rebecca Hipworth said...

Thank you for the giveaway :)

deasuluna said...

Oh I definitely think that mermaids are the hottest new YA genre and I am loving it. I'm currently reading Of Poseidon by Anna Banks and waiting on the third mermaid book in Tera Lynn Childs Forgive My Fins series. The Vicious Deep sounds great, I can't wait to read it. Thanks for the chance at this great giveaway!

Kali Skittles said...

I am beyond excited for this. I remember a while ago reading somewhere that there aren't very many(or any at the time) good mermaid YA books, but this year there are so many good ones and I cannot wait! Mermaids might just be my favourite paranormal creature.

This book does sound like all kinds of awesome, and I really enjoy male POVs because of how "few" there are. Plus, that cover is so cool!

Thanks so much for this giveaway.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

A good review. I'm glad you got into it after the first chaotic pages. Tristan is a great character and the story line is captivating.

Thanks for giveaway.

polaris said...

Tristan sounds...very teenage-y. LOL. i'm worried about sexual references in the book, but i'm willing to give it a try since it's a merman(?) book! i've never read about mermaid/merman before. and Zoraida Cordova seems to have pulled off her writing from your review!

so, i will read the book if i have them, ofc. thanks for the giveaway!

Sofija Kapranova said...

I love books about mermaids. There is something intriging about them. Can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway!

Mirela said...

Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the giveaway!!!

Yackers said...

Thank you so much for making this giveaway international. :-) I have been getting into mermaids and selkies the last couple of months, I can't wait to read this one! Great review!

bookworm105 said...

Great review! The Vicious Deep has been getting some really positive reviews and i think this is gong to be a great and cracking Laugh-till-i-die read! Thanks for the giveaway! =D

Gretchen H. said...

Been seeing this around, but wasn't sure if it was for me. Thanks for convincing me! :D

Ariel Wilson said...

I'm not one for water... I'm not sure I could handle this book haha.

Vi Win Win said...

I really wanna read more mermaid books & love that enjoyed this one. Makes me wanna read it more! Great review!

Sophia said...

I love action and well created characters. Characters are the most important part of a story to me, so I'm very happy to hear that Tristan is very thorough. Thanks for the great review!

Unknown said...

"Where does it go?" I love it! In general, I really enjoy tales about mermaids, especial the dark and spooky ones. You've convinced me to add it to my to read pile. Great review!

Gigi said...

:O I haven't read any book with a guy POV... so this can be a pretty awesome journey! I have read books that at the beginning they are hard to keep reading, but at the end they have been good enough to finish them, so i'm putting this book in my TBR pile! Thanks for the review! (ileana - rafflecopter)

Danie said...

Awesome giveaway! Thank you!

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said...

It has been so long since I've read a mermaid book, and never one from the point of view from a merman! I really like when reviewers advise their readers of rough starts and to 'stick with it because it gets better', thank you! It would have been so disappointing to start reading such a highly anticipated book to be disappointed right from the start!
I really cannot wait to read this one, thank you for your thoughts and the giveaway!

Mel@Thedailyprophecy said...

Cordóva has created a masterful, absolutely dazzling and refreshingly original mermaid world.

Sounds amazing! :D Thanks for the honest review and I love the fact that it's a guy POV :D

Melanie said...

Love mermaid fiction and am especially excited to read this story from the pov of a merman. If you're looking for a good mermaid fiction series, try Everblue by Brenda Pandos. I'm in love with that series and will have to try some of the other books recommended by the other blog posters :)

zikit2012 said...

Sounds awesome and funny, I can't wait to read it!

Phantom Book Blog said...

Sounds hilarious from your description of the main character d:

Kelly said...

I am glad you said you had a hard time getting into it. I would have just stopped reading it if you hadn't said to hang on,that it was really good. thanks

Jaime Lester said...

I have only read 2 mermaid books, as far as I can remember. One was Between the Sea and the Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore and I really enjoyed it. All of the rest that I have attempted to read I haven't made it very far. I don't know, they just all come across so sappy and maybe just a little too YA for my not so YA self. The Vicious Deep has caught my eye a few times, but I have never looked at it (except to admire the awesome cover) and decided to give it a chance. I think I may have been mistakin. You had me at dark. I love a dark and powerful, intense read. This book just sounds truly awesome. I am very glad I came across your review or I may never have given this book a chance.Sooo, thank you!

Anonymous said...

I have never heard of this book. How is that possible? It sounds like a great one and I think Tristan must be hilarious.
Awesome review!

Sarahbotbonkers said...

I've been pining for this book as well! I'm so glad you liked it. :) Thank you for the chance to win.

franchie15 said...

Sounds a great take on mermaids! Glad it didn't disappoint you. :)

Thanks for the giveaway.

Na said...

I'm looking for more supernatural books and though this may not be the best it has some qualities that appeal to me. For one, I like the action and world-building. It sounds like a great world.

Lori said...

Awesome review.
I've been eyeballing this book for a while now and this just made me want to read it even more!!

Jen said...

I can't wait for this book!!! I love a guy's POV and I LOVE mermaids! :)
-JennyC

Ellisa said...

So it's told in male's pov? I just knew that! That'll be interesting, yes, and the fact that you pointed out Tristan's dialogue "where does it go?" gets me more interested. We need more books with male pov!

TayteH said...

Love the quotes. Can't wait to read the book.

Nicole said...

I love mermaid books and this one looks especially awesome!

Steph said...

Great review! I've never really been that into mermaid books and I've only read 1 (and I didn't really care for it). Your review gives me hope that this one might be different, so I'm excited to read it!

Karen said...

Wow, this is exactly the kind of mermaid book I have been waiting for! The quotes sound amazing and funny!

Christine said...

I had heard about this book and was on the fence about whether or not to give it a try, but your review has convinced me to add it to my to-read list now!

Irina said...

The review is great. Mermaid books are something new for me and I'm really curious about it!

Unknown said...

I would love to read this book. It sounds like an awesome read. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Holly said...

Can't wait to read it! I love mermaid stories!

The Little Green Art Witch said...

This sounds so cool! Great review, neat book ... LOVE the cover!!! Yay! And I love a bit of swag to go along with the giveaway!

Thank you!!!
Danielle

Sonia said...

Lies Beneath crossed my mind while reading the review. It is also a mermaid book and from male point of view. And with magic and adventure, I can't wait to read this! Great review! ;-)

Alicia said...

I've been reading a lot of hype about this book. Glad to know that it has a slow start but gets really good after the first 80 pages!! I can't wait to read this. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!!

april_hunter24 said...

This book looks so interesting. Can't wait to read it. Thanks for hosting the giveaway and for the chance to win !

S a n d r a said...

I didn't know this book and it seems interesting!
Great review!

Kari said...

Yours is the first review I've read on this book. I'm kind of loving mermaid books right now, and its looking like this would be a great one to pick up!

Unknown said...

Yay me! I can't wait to read this book!

S a n d r a said...

Congrats to the winner! :)

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