Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, Book 1
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The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is the story of a small-town teen girl who falls in love with a mysterious boy who moves into her guesthouse. It has a gothic horror feel that's atmospheric and creepy.There are some violent and disturbing scenes (suicide, people set on fire, murder, and attempted murder), some strong language ("damn," "s--t," "crap"), and kissing.
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Why does this have four stars
What's the story?
Violet White's grandmother warned her about the devil. Growing up in the small town of Echo, Violet has had nothing to fear. She misses her grandmother and her parents, who took off for Europe to pursue artistic interests and left her brother, Luke, and her to live alone in the family's mansion near the sea, known as Citizen Kane. Violet's used to being alone, fighting with Luke, and visiting her next door neighbor, Sunshine, but she often feels something's missing from her life, until River West rents her guesthouse. He's mysterious, aloof, and doesn't provide many answers on his background. When strange things start to occur to Violet, her friends, and the residents of Echo, she begins to wonder if the boy she's falling in love with could actually be the devil in disguise.
Is it any good?
BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA is an atmospheric, lyrical novel from debut author April Genevieve Tucholke. The plot moves quickly and is filled with secrets and paranormal elements. Violet and River are both fascinating, likable characters. However, River has a dark side, and Violet questions her feelings for him throughout the book. Readers will also question Violet's choices and decisions regarding him. Her relationships with her brother and her friend Sunshine are realistic and add to the story. The descriptions in the book are top-notch and reminiscent of gothic horror classics like Dracula, Rebecca, Jayne Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and The Mystery of the Haunted Pool. The novel ends with a cliffhanger that will leave readers wondering what happens next to Violet, River, and the other characters.
Talk to your kids about ...
Familes can talk about gothic romance a genre. What common elements appear in gothic horror novels? Why do they remain popular?
Do you think Violet makes the right choices? Should she have trusted and fallen for a stranger so quickly without really knowing him first?
Do you think River is truly evil and can control his magical ability? Or is he just a lost soul who's struggling to not be the bad boy?
Book details
- Author: April Genevieve Tucholke
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Arts and Dance, Book Characters, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Dial Books
- Publication date: August 15, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 17
- Number of pages: 368
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 19, 2019
Our editors recommend
For kids who love fantasy and paranormal romance
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