Tanvi Berwah

Tanvi Berwah's debut novel, MONSTERS BORN AND MADE, impressed me. It was different, and I appreciate anything that feels fresh and new when you read as much fantasy as I do. Because I enjoyed her first novel so much, I knew I wanted to read her second novel, SOMEWHERE IN THE DEEP. While it suffers from second-book syndrome, there are enough elements I enjoyed to make her an author to watch.

It was a pleasant surprise to discover that SOMEWHERE IN THE DEEP is in the same world as MONSTERS BORN AND MADE. They occur on different islands, and Krescent's story runs concurrently with Koral's. While reading one before the other is unnecessary, you get a better picture of the political landscape between the Landers and everyone else.

What I like most about Ms. Berwah's storytelling is that she doesn't reveal everything at once. Neither does she unveil secrets in a standard fashion. Instead, it is almost as if backstory and secrets are secondary. For example, we don't find out what made Krescent a pariah among miners until well into the story. While you might think this is a big part of Krescent's backstory, it isn't as big as you thought. Knowing the details of Krescent's past doesn't change your opinion of her. If anything, knowing her past solidifies her fighter status, but it doesn't impact the rest of the story.

Unfortunately, SOMEWHERE IN THE DEEP does struggle with pacing—a lot. Nine days to get under the mines occurs in a matter of chapters. Eight days to return to the surface occurs in one chapter. The pacing issues don't stop there. Once Krescent and the group are at the surface again, the action moves at breakneck speed. The problem is that there is nothing to explain how we go from one situation to another - a very big life-altering -situation within a matter of hours. It's one thing to suspend disbelief for the myriad monsters Krescent faces, but it is another thing to have to suspend disbelief because of the pacing.

With the way SOMEWHERE IN THE DEEP ends, Ms. Berwah may be continuing with this pseudo-series. If so, that excites me. I would love to see Koral and Krescent meet. What's more, I know there are other islands in this archipelago, and the possibilities are endless. Despite the pacing problems, I enjoyed SOMEWHERE IN THE DEEP. Krescent is one of the fiercest heroines I've met, and I appreciate that Ms. Berwah doesn't force a romance on her readers. I still believe Ms. Berwah has the potential for greatness. In the meantime, her South Asian-inspired stories are excellent palate cleansers for those who read fantasy.… (plus d'informations)

On the Island of Kar Atish the lower class must carve out a living for themselves either mining for a substance called zargunine that the upper class, the Landers will pay them for or they can fight against wild creatures from the deep in the pits. After the death of her parents, Krescent Dune chose to fight in the pits in order to raise money to get off the island faster. Kress is paying the price for a mistake that her parents made years ago. Kress has quickly risen as a top fighter in the pits making her a target for her boss. She receives an offer too good to refuse, protection for a rescue mission in the mines that will pay enough for Kress to get off the island. However, the mission quickly becomes more than anyone could have thought, Kress' best friend Rivan shows up and becomes poisoned by an unknown beast, the mines reveal a secret history of the island and new and dangerous creatures keep appearing as the mines meet the ocean.

Somewhere in the Deep is an exciting Young Adult fantasy thriller. This book is set in the same world as Monsters Born and Made, but you do not need to read the books in any order. I was brought into the story immediately as Kress fought in the pits under the name Dark Dancer. Kress is wizened and hardened for her age, but wants desperately to live a simpler life. Through Kress' eyes the writing brought the island to life. Kar Atish is a harsh landscape that has been colonized and created two distinct classes. I could imagine the many different animals the Kress came across on the beach as well as the zargunine filled mines that have been carved out long ago. The pace was kept at a good pace with the many dangers below ground and Kress' impressive fighting skills. More than just fighting, Somewhere in the Deep reveals Kress' true identity, not just the child of the Kinkillers, but a caring person who fiercely protects their own and loves those around her as well as her home.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.… (plus d'informations)

Definitely an enjoyable read if you were a fan of the Hunger Games series. Set on an island surrounded by terrifying sea creatures Koral's family of hunters is tasked at capturing fearsome animals known as maristags. They are then given to the elite known as Landers. They live in an underground city safe from sea creature attacks and the harsh sun which makes living on the outside nearly unlivable. Those on the outside are known as Renters. They are subject to the whim of the Landers and are beginning to form rebel factions to fight for basic human rights.
When Koral's younger sister becomes sicker from a lifelong illness Koral does the one thing she can think of to save her sister and her family from crushing debt. Find a way to race in the Glory Races. A race that only the Landers compete in for a wealth of gold.
I really loved this book. The setting was unique as I felt it was set in the distant future on a planet colonized by ancient humans from Earth. The creatures where wonderfully fleshed out and like nothing I've ever read.
Highly recommend and definitely will be looking forward to the next book.… (plus d'informations)