This book has left me somewhat speechless. I expected a creepy, spine-tingling Gothic horror replete with old house, perhaps a haunting or two, paranormal goings-on etc. I was also hoping for a more profound connection to the sea given the title and cover. I got the old house and the paranormal goings-on, but alas no deep sea connection (which is wholly my fault for having that sort of expectation, not the book's failing) and then a whole lot of what I hadn't expected - violence. the writing - brilliant! I loved the voice, I loved the descriptions, I loved the purplish prose and the use of repetition and the juxtaposition of innocence with darkness. 5 stars for the writing. The characters - I wanted to smack Violet upside the head several times. She drove me crazy with her 'I know better but I'm just going to give into hormones or whatever for no apparent reason.' Her brother was a far more interesting character but didn't get enough page time imo. I also really liked Sunshine - she had spunk, and Jack was lovely. As for River and Neely. I can't really say I know what to make of them. At first I was intrigued by the mysterious River, then repulsed, then sort of sympathetic. He was complex and well-written, but he definitely made me do the opposite of swoon. Neely was better, I liked him. Whole book dedicated to Neely please! As for the antagonist 0.o Without giving away spoilers, suffice it to say, I was nauseated, severely. 4 stars for the cast of characters.

This book has left me rather perplexed. At times, I hated the story, but I couldn't put it down and was totally seduced by the writing. In the end, writing trumps story for me this time so I'll settle on 4 stars. Definitely interested in reading more by this author.
( )

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is an intriguing novel, but better read by those with some military background. It tells the story of a young California man who finds himself at a crossroads. He's run afoul of the local tough guys and now must stay and fight or run away to the military. he chooses the latter.

Initially thinking he'd made the easier choice, he soon discover his miscalculation. Boot camp is a living hell, but he survives and slowly but surely the military turns him into the man he was meant to be. This is that story and encompasses his travels around the world as a member of the US Navy. ( )

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White's sleepy, seaside town...until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet's crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet's grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery...who makes you want to kiss back. Violet's already so knee-deep in love, she can't see straight. And that's just how River likes it.

Well I can say this was weird and at the same time very good in its weirdness. Review to come

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItYQYF8HC4Q

A young southern California man of Cuban decesnthas has run afoul of the local crime lord and grasps at the only opportunity available - he joins the Navy. The year is 1969, the Vietnam War rages, but Ceasar see's little alternative to avoid the trouble he finds himself in. Unfortunately for him, every decision brings new consequences.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a coming of age story at a time when all too many young mn were forced to grow up all to quickly. Sharply written, it draws the reader in to a world that seems long gone, but was the reality only a few short decades ago.

Author Andre Lewis Carter writes in a concise manner, using his prose to draw the reader into Ceaser's world, and exposing decisions that feel authntic. I look forward to future entries. ( )