Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Riveting tale of love, loss, murder, ghosts from the sea.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the book offers an engaging and atmospheric reading experience that blends love, loss, and horror, making it both touching and captivating. While many appreciate its depth and plot twists, some find it predictable and boring, with mixed feelings about its romantic elements.
- atmospheric story
- engaging plot
- emotional depth
- mixed reactions
- captivating read
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The wild, beautiful Swan sisters landed in blustery Sparrow, Oregon, in 1822, full of hope for a new life. A year later the townspeople tied rocks around their ankles and drowned them in THE WICKED DEEP, claiming they were witches. Ever since, the town's been cursed. Each June the sisters possess the bodies of local girls and lure boys to their death. It's become a tourist attraction. When Swan Season rolls around again, 17-year-old Penny Talbot wants no part of the festivities, but as a new boy arrives in town with no idea what he's in for, she gets more involved than she wants to be, trying to keep him safe.
Is It Any Good?
First-time author Shea Ernshaw spins a thrilling tale of murder, revenge, deep wrongs, and curse-battling love as Oregon teens cope with their town's dark legacy. Suspense and swear words abound as angry spirits from The Wicked Deep seek their prey, teens turn against one another, and young lovers grapple with dark secrets and their consequences. The characters are engaging and relatable as they move to a traumatic but satisfying resolution.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the Swan sisters get into trouble for being too "different" for the people around them in The Wicked Deep. What other stories can you think of with a similar theme? What about in real life?
Do you think you'd like to live in an isolated village like Sparrow, or would it feel like a prison?
Why do you think stories about curses are so popular? How do you think this one stacks up?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon Pulse
- Publication date : March 6, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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