Book Review – The Deep | Smitten For Fiction

Happy Sunday book lovers. I’m back with a short review for a novella inspired by the song “The Deep” by Clipping. I read a digital ARC of The Deep by Rivers Solomon from Netgalley.

About The Book 📚

Publication Date: November 5, 2019

Publisher: Gallery/Saga Press

Suggested Reader Age: 16+

Genre: Adult Sci-Fi, Fantasy (mermaids)

My Review

› The mermaids in this novella are descendants of pregnant American slaves. Yetu is a special mermaid who has the burden of knowing their entire history, while the others don’t have to know of their struggle. Yetu becomes increasingly overwhelmed by this burden until one day she leaves and finds refuge on the surface. If Yetu and her people want to survive, they’ll have to first discover their entire history.

› I loved the premise, and diversity, but didn’t enjoy the execution. The writing style is flowery, with little plot, muddy storylines, and weak world-building. Many other readers LOVED this novella, so don’t take my word for it.
› Final Thoughts
• If you like literary fiction, flowery writing, or magical realism then I think you should give this a try.

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.