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Somewhere in the Deep
Seventeen-year-old Krescent Dune is buried under the weight of her dead parents’ debt and the ruinous legacy they left behind. The only way she can earn enough money to escape her unforgiving island is by battling monstrous creatures in an underground fighting pit. After a fight goes terribly wrong, she’s banned from the pits. Now hopeless, she is offered a deal: in exchange for the erasure of her debts, she must join and protect a hunting party for a rescue mission deep within the mining caves beneath the island.
Krescent is determined to keep her head down and fulfill her role as the dutiful bodyguard, even though she is trapped underground with her childhood enemy and a company of people who would gladly kill her if they knew who her parents were. As they come across creatures she believed only existed in legends, it becomes clear they are in far more danger than she could have imagined. But someone doesn’t want her to make it out alive. And she’ll have to figure out who before she’s left alone… in the dark.
From the author of Monsters Born and Made comes an action-packed South Asian inspired fantasy that will have your heart racing at every turn.
Krescent is determined to keep her head down and fulfill her role as the dutiful bodyguard, even though she is trapped underground with her childhood enemy and a company of people who would gladly kill her if they knew who her parents were. As they come across creatures she believed only existed in legends, it becomes clear they are in far more danger than she could have imagined. But someone doesn’t want her to make it out alive. And she’ll have to figure out who before she’s left alone… in the dark.
From the author of Monsters Born and Made comes an action-packed South Asian inspired fantasy that will have your heart racing at every turn.
372 pages, Hardcover
First published January 9, 2024
56 people are currently reading
14726 people want to read
About the author
Tanvi Berwah
4 books313 followersTanvi Berwah is a South Asian writer who grew up wanting to touch the stars and reach back in time. Her debut YA novel MONSTERS BORN AND MADE, a book that has something to say and isn’t afraid to say it to your face (Lightspeed Magazine), is out now. She graduated from the University of Delhi with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Literature of English, and always found ways to fit in The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones in her academic life. A history and space enthusiast, she would’ve loved to be an astronomer, had her lack of mathematical skills allowed it. Find her at tanviberwah.com, or on Instagram.
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June 28, 2023
ARCs are making into the world so it's the appropriate time for a little intro and content warnings!
SOMEWHERE IN THE DEEP is set in the same world as my debut book Monsters Born and Made, on another island which was name-dropped in MBAM, and runs parallel to that book. You do not need to read the first book, but if you do, it expands the world MBAM created.
This book is an anti-thesis to MBAM. Where that book was about the exploration of a society divided on the lines of caste and class, and how the lack of community stands against any real change, and an inevitable tragedy, this one sees a united community and the kind of change that can bring. Thematically, both books are complimentary to each other.
Kress is one of my favorite characters I've created because her internal struggle with her burdened legacy was cathartic to explore. Rivan and the love he bears for his brothers, one of whom is trans and whose sense of responsibility as the oldest often clashes with Rivan's, was an absolute delight to write. Together, these two make the heart and soul, the back and forth of what we owe our communities, and what not. I adored writing these two, and I hope you love them too.
Content warning for this book:
- gladiatorial fights
- blood depiction
- poverty depiction
- exploitation of mining community/workforce
- bonded labor
- suicide ideation
- death [animal, shown]
- animal cruelty
- death [parents, backstory]
- extreme debt pressure
- bomb explosions [backstory and shown]
- anxiety disorder manifesting as pain
- war and battle
- social violence
- fantasy level gore
SOMEWHERE IN THE DEEP is set in the same world as my debut book Monsters Born and Made, on another island which was name-dropped in MBAM, and runs parallel to that book. You do not need to read the first book, but if you do, it expands the world MBAM created.
This book is an anti-thesis to MBAM. Where that book was about the exploration of a society divided on the lines of caste and class, and how the lack of community stands against any real change, and an inevitable tragedy, this one sees a united community and the kind of change that can bring. Thematically, both books are complimentary to each other.
Kress is one of my favorite characters I've created because her internal struggle with her burdened legacy was cathartic to explore. Rivan and the love he bears for his brothers, one of whom is trans and whose sense of responsibility as the oldest often clashes with Rivan's, was an absolute delight to write. Together, these two make the heart and soul, the back and forth of what we owe our communities, and what not. I adored writing these two, and I hope you love them too.
Content warning for this book:
- gladiatorial fights
- blood depiction
- poverty depiction
- exploitation of mining community/workforce
- bonded labor
- suicide ideation
- death [animal, shown]
- animal cruelty
- death [parents, backstory]
- extreme debt pressure
- bomb explosions [backstory and shown]
- anxiety disorder manifesting as pain
- war and battle
- social violence
- fantasy level gore
May 5, 2024
I think I shouldn't have finished this, my only mistake...
I mean...
It was okay, I think it could have receive plenty of cheers from the right readers...
Again I have to ask myself, Do I get old for this?!
When about 20 of it I saw it seemed there would be no characters, plot, or story, I should have DNF it right there.
the story was narrated in first person, and the main character, Krescent was everything she claimed she was not!
They dig underground, where mining minerals, forward to monsters and I expected more engaging lines...
But there were none!
Thank you Sourcebooks Fire for ARC via NetGalley. I have given my honest review.
I mean...
It was okay, I think it could have receive plenty of cheers from the right readers...
Again I have to ask myself, Do I get old for this?!
When about 20 of it I saw it seemed there would be no characters, plot, or story, I should have DNF it right there.
the story was narrated in first person, and the main character, Krescent was everything she claimed she was not!
They dig underground, where mining minerals, forward to monsters and I expected more engaging lines...
But there were none!
Thank you Sourcebooks Fire for ARC via NetGalley. I have given my honest review.
January 4, 2024
Somewhere in the Deep
by Tanvi Berwah
Fantasy YA
NetGalley ARC
Pub Date: Jan 9, 2024
Sourcebooks Fire
Ages: 14+
Krescent Dune is held accountable for what her parents did when she was a child, and now her only way of making money, to pay her parent's debt and to escape the island, is to fight in the pits against the monsters of the island, but a betrayal gets her banned from fighting.
With all of her hopes lost, a deal is placed before her: Lead an expedition into the deepest mines to search for missing explorers, and her debts will disappear.
I was hoping for monsters galore; yeah there were monsters but they didn't leap out of the pages at me. They weren't detailed or graphic enough to make me cringe or read with wide eyes. I mostly skimmed because they didn't grab my attention.
The story was good, but more creatures and their descriptions would make it a more interesting read. Just like the creatures, the characters also felt flat, not a lot of details to single them out, so I couldn't tell you much about any of them.
I feel that if more time was spent detailing the trek underground, in the dark, with information on their lighting, their weapons, and the underground was given more life. Rocks can look different...
Maybe it was the typical A B C of them walking down into caves, knowing there'd be creatures they have to fight, and they did, then walked some more, and another creature, etc, that made it a slow and kind of boring read. Something out of the blue could have been a slap in the face to make it more of an adventure.
2 Stars
by Tanvi Berwah
Fantasy YA
NetGalley ARC
Pub Date: Jan 9, 2024
Sourcebooks Fire
Ages: 14+
Krescent Dune is held accountable for what her parents did when she was a child, and now her only way of making money, to pay her parent's debt and to escape the island, is to fight in the pits against the monsters of the island, but a betrayal gets her banned from fighting.
With all of her hopes lost, a deal is placed before her: Lead an expedition into the deepest mines to search for missing explorers, and her debts will disappear.
I was hoping for monsters galore; yeah there were monsters but they didn't leap out of the pages at me. They weren't detailed or graphic enough to make me cringe or read with wide eyes. I mostly skimmed because they didn't grab my attention.
The story was good, but more creatures and their descriptions would make it a more interesting read. Just like the creatures, the characters also felt flat, not a lot of details to single them out, so I couldn't tell you much about any of them.
I feel that if more time was spent detailing the trek underground, in the dark, with information on their lighting, their weapons, and the underground was given more life. Rocks can look different...
Maybe it was the typical A B C of them walking down into caves, knowing there'd be creatures they have to fight, and they did, then walked some more, and another creature, etc, that made it a slow and kind of boring read. Something out of the blue could have been a slap in the face to make it more of an adventure.
2 Stars
July 18, 2023
"The Land keeps its secrets" ch11
4.25 stars
First, a thank you to NetGalley and the author for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own of course.
Usually, when you read a YA (Romance) Fantasy, it is either character-driven, plot-driven, or both. However, in this book, there is a third element that should be focused on as much which is the SETTING.
The island of Kar Atish, its description, what layers it holds, the creatures lurking beneath it, and the secrets it guards all play important roles in the story making the island somewhat alive.
and the author did an amazing job bringing forth every space to life, although I do wish there was a map at the beginning of the book. It would have made it easier than rereading paragraphs to understand the layout
The island is inhabitant by miners working to dig out zargunine material that the upper class called Landers use to hikd power,, wage their wars and enslave people.
The book follows the life of Kress (Krescent Dune: strange name for a girl born and raised on an island considering these names are associated usually with the desert) who was orphaned at the age of 11 when her parents did something horrible and died while doing it. She hides her identity as best as she can and fights in the pit in order to gain enough silver to buy her freedom and her way out of the island
She befriends Rivan, a miner, and his two brothers who became sort of her other family.
She is tricked to join an expedition inside the tunnels of the mines looking for supposed survivors by the promise of her freedom only to discover that this whole escapade was a ruse to find more zargunine or something better
They stumble upon dark secrets and loyalties are tested
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book even though I didn't read the first book (each book is a standalone). The description of the creatures and monsters and that of the island created clear and vivid images in my head.
but it was the political and cultural undertone of the book that really hooked me in. This was a clear depiction of colonialism especially that of the British/India, French/North Africa, and late-Ottomman/Arabian world if you will.
The Landers, an upper caste of rich, powerful people who seem to hold our world in their fists arrived at the nine islands and the island of Kar Atish and we were informed that anyone not a Lander was of a lower caste, a Renter, by birth. The brutality of how these Landers treated the islanders and regarded them as not only inferior but also objects that only serve the masters is a clear shout-out to how colonialism perceived People of the invaded land.
The dynamic between Kress and Rivan was beautiful to see especially how much Rivan Loved Kress. "You can't pick who to love any more than you could avoid a tsunami". The eye role I made every time Kress questions his motives clueless of what he felt towards her brought an ache to my eyes.
I am just imagining all the Pinterest fanart and simpping over these two, especially Rivan. Don't believe me? just read this
Kress, not even the ocean could have stopped me from finding you." FYI, the ocean is their god.
Throughout her miserable 6 years since her parents died, Rivan was her anchor, I nearly cired when they said
"Sometimes choices get taken away from you by the world"
"Then you find new ones"
"Does this world feel like it lets you find new choices?"
"Not if you close up to the chance"
"The world never gave me a chance!"
"What do you think I was doing all these years? Why am I not enough, Kress"
and because of this feeling of desperate abandonment, I excused how passive Kress was sometimes. Some characters were bombarding her with insults and mocking and she just stood there! I almost threw my kindle a couple of times from frustration shouting "Say something damn you!"
but I understood her feeling of guilt and her inner struggle that whatever she does, she will never be good enough. It was refreshing by end to see her standing up to herself though
Now to the parts I did not like
This book is 307 pages. It is short for a fantasy book but it felt like 50 pages shouldn't be there and 100 more should be added.
it was boring how many times it was repeated that Kress was afraind about Rivan and what would happen to her if he got hurt and how his brothers would feel. It was over 20 times! enough already.
Or how many times she monologued on her life and how she wishes to get out
I wanted more background on the side characters. Who was Harren and Racksha they played important parts but we got little info on them.
what was Aryadna's true relationship with her grandfather? it wasn't convincing.
more about the parents
and the myths of the island
just felt that something was missing
also, this thing that modern writiers are doing to reach a quota in their books!
if you want to put an LGBTQ rep in your story, I have no problem with that as long it is there to be of significance and importance. NOT "It is here just to be here"!!
According to the writer here on GR, May was transgender. Reading the book you do not figure it out by yourself if you don't look closely at the ONE CLUE.
He had no significant role. it wouldn't matter to the story whether he was there or not.
So what was the purpose??????
the last thing was I did not grasp if this was a High fantasy or a Low fantasy. The setting and world building gave it a high fantasy feel. But the lingo used was definitely low fantasy
all in all, this was so much better than many of YA fantasy books I've read lately and definitely will read all the books by this author.
4.25 stars
First, a thank you to NetGalley and the author for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own of course.
Usually, when you read a YA (Romance) Fantasy, it is either character-driven, plot-driven, or both. However, in this book, there is a third element that should be focused on as much which is the SETTING.
The island of Kar Atish, its description, what layers it holds, the creatures lurking beneath it, and the secrets it guards all play important roles in the story making the island somewhat alive.
and the author did an amazing job bringing forth every space to life, although I do wish there was a map at the beginning of the book. It would have made it easier than rereading paragraphs to understand the layout
The island is inhabitant by miners working to dig out zargunine material that the upper class called Landers use to hikd power,, wage their wars and enslave people.
The book follows the life of Kress (Krescent Dune: strange name for a girl born and raised on an island considering these names are associated usually with the desert) who was orphaned at the age of 11 when her parents did something horrible and died while doing it. She hides her identity as best as she can and fights in the pit in order to gain enough silver to buy her freedom and her way out of the island
She befriends Rivan, a miner, and his two brothers who became sort of her other family.
She is tricked to join an expedition inside the tunnels of the mines looking for supposed survivors by the promise of her freedom only to discover that this whole escapade was a ruse to find more zargunine or something better
They stumble upon dark secrets and loyalties are tested
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book even though I didn't read the first book (each book is a standalone). The description of the creatures and monsters and that of the island created clear and vivid images in my head.
but it was the political and cultural undertone of the book that really hooked me in. This was a clear depiction of colonialism especially that of the British/India, French/North Africa, and late-Ottomman/Arabian world if you will.
The Landers, an upper caste of rich, powerful people who seem to hold our world in their fists arrived at the nine islands and the island of Kar Atish and we were informed that anyone not a Lander was of a lower caste, a Renter, by birth. The brutality of how these Landers treated the islanders and regarded them as not only inferior but also objects that only serve the masters is a clear shout-out to how colonialism perceived People of the invaded land.
The dynamic between Kress and Rivan was beautiful to see especially how much Rivan Loved Kress. "You can't pick who to love any more than you could avoid a tsunami". The eye role I made every time Kress questions his motives clueless of what he felt towards her brought an ache to my eyes.
I am just imagining all the Pinterest fanart and simpping over these two, especially Rivan. Don't believe me? just read this
Kress, not even the ocean could have stopped me from finding you." FYI, the ocean is their god.
Throughout her miserable 6 years since her parents died, Rivan was her anchor, I nearly cired when they said
"Sometimes choices get taken away from you by the world"
"Then you find new ones"
"Does this world feel like it lets you find new choices?"
"Not if you close up to the chance"
"The world never gave me a chance!"
"What do you think I was doing all these years? Why am I not enough, Kress"
and because of this feeling of desperate abandonment, I excused how passive Kress was sometimes. Some characters were bombarding her with insults and mocking and she just stood there! I almost threw my kindle a couple of times from frustration shouting "Say something damn you!"
but I understood her feeling of guilt and her inner struggle that whatever she does, she will never be good enough. It was refreshing by end to see her standing up to herself though
Now to the parts I did not like
This book is 307 pages. It is short for a fantasy book but it felt like 50 pages shouldn't be there and 100 more should be added.
it was boring how many times it was repeated that Kress was afraind about Rivan and what would happen to her if he got hurt and how his brothers would feel. It was over 20 times! enough already.
Or how many times she monologued on her life and how she wishes to get out
I wanted more background on the side characters. Who was Harren and Racksha they played important parts but we got little info on them.
what was Aryadna's true relationship with her grandfather? it wasn't convincing.
more about the parents
and the myths of the island
just felt that something was missing
also, this thing that modern writiers are doing to reach a quota in their books!
if you want to put an LGBTQ rep in your story, I have no problem with that as long it is there to be of significance and importance. NOT "It is here just to be here"!!
According to the writer here on GR, May was transgender. Reading the book you do not figure it out by yourself if you don't look closely at the ONE CLUE.
He had no significant role. it wouldn't matter to the story whether he was there or not.
So what was the purpose??????
the last thing was I did not grasp if this was a High fantasy or a Low fantasy. The setting and world building gave it a high fantasy feel. But the lingo used was definitely low fantasy
all in all, this was so much better than many of YA fantasy books I've read lately and definitely will read all the books by this author.
January 5, 2024
naauurr never again
1. friends to lovers?????? 👹🚨🪓🚫 and not even a pleasant one they're all lovey dovey rainbows and butterflies even though "they don't know the other's feelings"
2. wayyyyyy too long for a repetitive plot, half of fighting creatures on their way inside the mines, half fighting creatures on their way OUT
3. predictable plot twists except one about a character's identity and one that turns the whole thing into a cosmic affair
4. confusing /lacking descriptions, each new cave they entered in the mines looked the same, I had no idea what the fights looked like or how the space was set up
5. side characters not fleshed out. I will not elaborate
6. confusing monsters?? I will not elaborate
7. at one point we learn 2 people in the group share a secret trait, but the MC doesn't stop on that important information and doesn't really wonder who the other one is?????? wtf
8. for me the whole post mines thing doesn't make sense. I will, again, not elaborate
9. whatever sequel is planned after this, i would rather read 0 books in 2024 than read it
10. this is not meant to tear down the author I promise I just want to give my most sincere (and perhaps brutal) opinion, if friends to lovers and fighting creatures on and on are your thing go ahead 😃
[arc review, honest opinion]
1. friends to lovers?????? 👹🚨🪓🚫 and not even a pleasant one they're all lovey dovey rainbows and butterflies even though "they don't know the other's feelings"
2. wayyyyyy too long for a repetitive plot, half of fighting creatures on their way inside the mines, half fighting creatures on their way OUT
3. predictable plot twists except one about a character's identity and one that turns the whole thing into a cosmic affair
4. confusing /lacking descriptions, each new cave they entered in the mines looked the same, I had no idea what the fights looked like or how the space was set up
5. side characters not fleshed out. I will not elaborate
6. confusing monsters?? I will not elaborate
7. at one point we learn 2 people in the group share a secret trait, but the MC doesn't stop on that important information and doesn't really wonder who the other one is?????? wtf
8. for me the whole post mines thing doesn't make sense. I will, again, not elaborate
9. whatever sequel is planned after this, i would rather read 0 books in 2024 than read it
10. this is not meant to tear down the author I promise I just want to give my most sincere (and perhaps brutal) opinion, if friends to lovers and fighting creatures on and on are your thing go ahead 😃
[arc review, honest opinion]
July 3, 2024
4 Stars for Somewhere in the Deep (audiobook) by Tanvi Berwah read by Deepa Samuel.
What a great adventure. A young heroine finds herself deep underground helping to protect a rescue party from monsters. She is risking her life to cancel her debts but it may be too much for her when she runs across a legendary creature.
What a great adventure. A young heroine finds herself deep underground helping to protect a rescue party from monsters. She is risking her life to cancel her debts but it may be too much for her when she runs across a legendary creature.
October 5, 2024
⭐️3.00⭐️
For fans of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi 🐙
For fans of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi 🐙
did-not-finish
January 13, 2024DNF @ 73%.
I would've given up earlier if I didn't pick up a buddy reader along the way. (Hi Dustin!)
I'm tagging this under "generic uninspired fantasy books." I couldn't relate to the characters. I didn't care for the worldbuilding. Literally nothing stood out to me. It felt like every other high stakes teen fantasy featuring a FMC with a tragic past.
The monster attack scenes were cool, but that was about it.
Oh, and my buddy reader said the payoff was weak, but the naga dragon was cool.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for this arc.
I would've given up earlier if I didn't pick up a buddy reader along the way. (Hi Dustin!)
I'm tagging this under "generic uninspired fantasy books." I couldn't relate to the characters. I didn't care for the worldbuilding. Literally nothing stood out to me. It felt like every other high stakes teen fantasy featuring a FMC with a tragic past.
The monster attack scenes were cool, but that was about it.
Oh, and my buddy reader said the payoff was weak, but the naga dragon was cool.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for this arc.
July 26, 2023
Thank you to Tanvi Berwah, Sourcebooks Fire. and NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review-- all opinions are my own.
"Somewhere in the Deep" is a fast-paced and heart-racing adventure fantasy story that follows the main character, Krescent Dune, into the dark and deadly depths of the earth in search of something long hidden and a chance at freedom from the hard life she lives on Kar Atish. This book was a really enjoyable read. The setting and plot is very fast-paced so there are a lot things that happen very quickly which was really enjoyable. I didn't have any moments where I felt that it was dragging along which can happen sometimes with some adventure stories. The action moments are paired well with moments of dialogue and discovery between characters that help the story move along nicely. Berwah does a really great job of world-building, monster creation, and storytelling. For most of this book, I genuinely felt that I was walking alongside the main character because of just how detailed the writing was. Also, the monsters were genuinely designed and described so well. It was a lot of fun imagining how they looked like in my mind from the descriptions. Throughout the book, I was rooting for the main character and the people on Kar Atish to survive and rise up against the people who have had them working and living in horrible conditions. Overall, a really nice read!! I also did not know that there is another book set in the same world that the author mentions in this book a couple of times, but after finding out I want to read it as well! Overall, a very good book!
"Somewhere in the Deep" is a fast-paced and heart-racing adventure fantasy story that follows the main character, Krescent Dune, into the dark and deadly depths of the earth in search of something long hidden and a chance at freedom from the hard life she lives on Kar Atish. This book was a really enjoyable read. The setting and plot is very fast-paced so there are a lot things that happen very quickly which was really enjoyable. I didn't have any moments where I felt that it was dragging along which can happen sometimes with some adventure stories. The action moments are paired well with moments of dialogue and discovery between characters that help the story move along nicely. Berwah does a really great job of world-building, monster creation, and storytelling. For most of this book, I genuinely felt that I was walking alongside the main character because of just how detailed the writing was. Also, the monsters were genuinely designed and described so well. It was a lot of fun imagining how they looked like in my mind from the descriptions. Throughout the book, I was rooting for the main character and the people on Kar Atish to survive and rise up against the people who have had them working and living in horrible conditions. Overall, a really nice read!! I also did not know that there is another book set in the same world that the author mentions in this book a couple of times, but after finding out I want to read it as well! Overall, a very good book!
dnf
January 4, 2024DNF p37
Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for providing an eARC to review!
Unfortunately I just found the writing really clunky and couldn’t see myself connecting with the story or the characters. I did get this arc like months ago so maybe it’s just an early version, but there were enough times that I stumbled over the word choices that it was pulling me out of what was happening.
It also felt like it was going to be a pretty run of the mill YA fantasy - an orphan girl who is unique in some way and has a boy supporting her for no real discernible reason apart from us being told they’re really close. Maybe it could have surprised me going forward, but I sadly just wasn’t really drawn in.
I think people who enjoyed Grace and Fury might enjoy this though as it has some similar elements.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for providing an eARC to review!
Unfortunately I just found the writing really clunky and couldn’t see myself connecting with the story or the characters. I did get this arc like months ago so maybe it’s just an early version, but there were enough times that I stumbled over the word choices that it was pulling me out of what was happening.
It also felt like it was going to be a pretty run of the mill YA fantasy - an orphan girl who is unique in some way and has a boy supporting her for no real discernible reason apart from us being told they’re really close. Maybe it could have surprised me going forward, but I sadly just wasn’t really drawn in.
I think people who enjoyed Grace and Fury might enjoy this though as it has some similar elements.
October 23, 2023
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I enjoyed this book. You can tell the author has been an avid reader throughout her life. The story is expertly written, it's exciting with lots of action and adventure. You can tell the author cares about her story and her craft. It's an entirely different world that Krescent Dune and her best friend Ravin are a part of. The rich and the powerful rule over the poor and the week. The poor people being miners made to mine resources to make the wealthy even more wealthy. What's worse is if after the second time they can't pay their loans then they are enslaved into hard labor for it. Krescents parents tried to blow up the mine and close it, but several miners were killed in the explosion and several children left orphans. Their daughter at 8 years old was labeled public enemy number one and also saddled with the repayment of her parents loan. She can't work in the mines so she works in the fighting arena against fantastical beasts. She's the top fighter for the arena, but her boss and the head collector of the loans make her an offer she can't refuse. Be the top guard of the expedition and they will erase her parents debt. Krescent thinks it's a way out of the dark Island and her way to escape. Do the oppressors follow through with their deal, does she make it back from the deep underworld of the island? Read and find out..you won't be disappointed.
February 8, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley & Sourcebooks Fire for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
I spent most of this book trying to decide if I should DNF. I’m not entirely sure why I persevered, but it did leave me feeling uncertain. Nothing was terrible exactly, it just wasn’t great either… most of the characters stuck in their lane and didn’t venture out in any surprising manner. Our protagonist was strong but awfully whiny and self-pitying about it. She lingered over every mean comment or look and failed to appreciate the good in her life, which may have been little but was still there. The journey and labyrinth had some interesting moments but went on forever. I’m sure there will be more to this series but I’m not sure I’d be interested.
I spent most of this book trying to decide if I should DNF. I’m not entirely sure why I persevered, but it did leave me feeling uncertain. Nothing was terrible exactly, it just wasn’t great either… most of the characters stuck in their lane and didn’t venture out in any surprising manner. Our protagonist was strong but awfully whiny and self-pitying about it. She lingered over every mean comment or look and failed to appreciate the good in her life, which may have been little but was still there. The journey and labyrinth had some interesting moments but went on forever. I’m sure there will be more to this series but I’m not sure I’d be interested.
January 8, 2024
3.5/5
Another book where my not reading the blurb got me in a tiny bit of trouble. This isn't really a sequel, to my surprise.
Our new amazing protagonist is Krescent Dune, a character burdened by her deceased parents' debts and the shadow of their ruinous legacy. Trapped on an unforgiving island, Krescent's only means of escape is through battling monstrous creatures in an underground fighting pit. However, a catastrophic fight results in her banishment from the pits and a sudden proposition arises: the erasure of her debts in exchange for joining and safeguarding a hunting party embarking on a perilous rescue mission deep within the island's mining caves. Krescent soon finds herself trapped underground alongside her childhood nemesis and a group with unknown motives, all while facing the looming danger.
While the book presented certain stumbling blocks reminiscent of the author's previous work – occasional metaphors lacking coherence, instances of tell-don't-show, and plot developments that felt contrived – it notably showcased marked improvement, delving into MUCH darker themes and delivering solid social commentary surrounding colonialism.
The narrative thrives on a tense atmosphere, drawing readers into a world rife with danger and secrets. Despite some hiccups in execution, the book excels in portraying a palpable sense of impending peril and the claustrophobic, foreboding environment of the island's mines. Berwah effectively elevates the stakes, intertwining action sequences with moments of character introspection.
Where the story truly shines is in its exploration of societal dynamics and the burdens carried by its protagonist. Krescent's journey is not merely physical but emotional and moral, navigating the complexities of her heritage while grappling with the harsh realities of survival in a treacherous landscape.
Despite its imperfections, "Somewhere in the Deep" marks a commendable step forward in the author's narrative prowess. Berwah demonstrates a willingness to take risks, diving into darker thematic depths while enhancing social commentary within a fantasy framework.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the eARC. This is an honest review.
Another book where my not reading the blurb got me in a tiny bit of trouble. This isn't really a sequel, to my surprise.
Our new amazing protagonist is Krescent Dune, a character burdened by her deceased parents' debts and the shadow of their ruinous legacy. Trapped on an unforgiving island, Krescent's only means of escape is through battling monstrous creatures in an underground fighting pit. However, a catastrophic fight results in her banishment from the pits and a sudden proposition arises: the erasure of her debts in exchange for joining and safeguarding a hunting party embarking on a perilous rescue mission deep within the island's mining caves. Krescent soon finds herself trapped underground alongside her childhood nemesis and a group with unknown motives, all while facing the looming danger.
While the book presented certain stumbling blocks reminiscent of the author's previous work – occasional metaphors lacking coherence, instances of tell-don't-show, and plot developments that felt contrived – it notably showcased marked improvement, delving into MUCH darker themes and delivering solid social commentary surrounding colonialism.
The narrative thrives on a tense atmosphere, drawing readers into a world rife with danger and secrets. Despite some hiccups in execution, the book excels in portraying a palpable sense of impending peril and the claustrophobic, foreboding environment of the island's mines. Berwah effectively elevates the stakes, intertwining action sequences with moments of character introspection.
Where the story truly shines is in its exploration of societal dynamics and the burdens carried by its protagonist. Krescent's journey is not merely physical but emotional and moral, navigating the complexities of her heritage while grappling with the harsh realities of survival in a treacherous landscape.
Despite its imperfections, "Somewhere in the Deep" marks a commendable step forward in the author's narrative prowess. Berwah demonstrates a willingness to take risks, diving into darker thematic depths while enhancing social commentary within a fantasy framework.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the eARC. This is an honest review.
January 2, 2024
And we have another of Tanvi Berwah’s amazing stories! Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Krescent Dune is a fighter in a fighting pit against sea monsters for scrips. Ever since her parents died, she’s been taking the brunt of their mistakes and is shunned by everyone from the island of Kar Atish. So when an opportunity presents itself for her to finally leave the island, she takes on the task of finding the men lost in the previous expeditions underground. But as they delve into an endless abyss somewhere in the deep, Kress soon discovers a horrible truth that could kill them all.
A book like this is why it’s incredibly important that stories are told. Tanvi Berwah’s writing has a knack for leaving everything to a reader’s interpretation which I think is very interesting. This South-Asian inspired fantasy novel is immensely reflective of what it means to live in an oppressive society and how creating an undeterred, united front can bring upon change. It has parallels to Monsters Born & Made, but as the author mentioned, is the complete antithesis of this novel and you will see the contrasting themes of both books pan out. Lastly, I find the prose here so much more riveting. The prose here is so much better, and shows us a delightful slowburn romance between. I would totally recommend!
Krescent Dune is a fighter in a fighting pit against sea monsters for scrips. Ever since her parents died, she’s been taking the brunt of their mistakes and is shunned by everyone from the island of Kar Atish. So when an opportunity presents itself for her to finally leave the island, she takes on the task of finding the men lost in the previous expeditions underground. But as they delve into an endless abyss somewhere in the deep, Kress soon discovers a horrible truth that could kill them all.
A book like this is why it’s incredibly important that stories are told. Tanvi Berwah’s writing has a knack for leaving everything to a reader’s interpretation which I think is very interesting. This South-Asian inspired fantasy novel is immensely reflective of what it means to live in an oppressive society and how creating an undeterred, united front can bring upon change. It has parallels to Monsters Born & Made, but as the author mentioned, is the complete antithesis of this novel and you will see the contrasting themes of both books pan out. Lastly, I find the prose here so much more riveting. The prose here is so much better, and shows us a delightful slowburn romance between. I would totally recommend!
November 3, 2023
4⭐️
Wow, this book took me by surprise. It was not at all what I was expecting and I love it. I hadn't read the first book but these are standalone's to each other that I didn't feel like I missed out.
The characters are good in this book but I think really it's all about the setting and the atmosphere that the writer sets up for us as readers. The majority of the book takes place in an isolated cave where monsters could be around any corner. My goodness the monsters in this book, they were so unique and just straight up, terrifying. I love them. I couldn't wait to see what monster we encountered next.
Revan is just chefs kiss. I don't know how many times he had to tell Krescent in different ways how much he cared for her. I just wanted to shake her sometimes. But I thought the two of them together. We're very sweet and I loved seeing each other interactions.
I will probably go back and read monsters born and made just because I did enjoy this book so much. The only thing holding me back giving this five stars, is that sometimes the pacing was almost too much and too fast. I catch myself having to reread sections to try to understand what was happening in the moment.
I'm really interested see what else this author writes and I really hope that she continues in this world because the monsters in the atmosphere was just chefs kiss!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks fire for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
I will be posting my review to my Instagram page the.floofs.booknook and retail sites close or on publication.
Wow, this book took me by surprise. It was not at all what I was expecting and I love it. I hadn't read the first book but these are standalone's to each other that I didn't feel like I missed out.
The characters are good in this book but I think really it's all about the setting and the atmosphere that the writer sets up for us as readers. The majority of the book takes place in an isolated cave where monsters could be around any corner. My goodness the monsters in this book, they were so unique and just straight up, terrifying. I love them. I couldn't wait to see what monster we encountered next.
Revan is just chefs kiss. I don't know how many times he had to tell Krescent in different ways how much he cared for her. I just wanted to shake her sometimes. But I thought the two of them together. We're very sweet and I loved seeing each other interactions.
I will probably go back and read monsters born and made just because I did enjoy this book so much. The only thing holding me back giving this five stars, is that sometimes the pacing was almost too much and too fast. I catch myself having to reread sections to try to understand what was happening in the moment.
I'm really interested see what else this author writes and I really hope that she continues in this world because the monsters in the atmosphere was just chefs kiss!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks fire for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
I will be posting my review to my Instagram page the.floofs.booknook and retail sites close or on publication.
May 23, 2023
Kate gets an arc when?
July 6, 2025
This book needs an editor!
That's really most of what there is to say, because the problem is so extensive that every other comment I am going to try and make below, positive or negative, they could all just be artefacts of the unclear writing. Maybe I missed or misunderstood things. I wouldn't know. The same way that for most of the action scenes, I can't tell you clearly what happened. The description of the island, the geography, the monsters? All I have are blurry, foggy mental images because the book never managed to build a clear picture of any of them.
There were words used as synonyms when they shouldn't (one of the earliest examples of that was a wall being then referred to as a slope in a fighting scene - since it was pretty central to what they were doing, I no longer had any idea what was happening after that), weird choices of conjunctions (such as using "but" when there is no opposition), weird to plain wrong grammar or comma placements, weird choices of vocabulary (adjectives, verbs, etc. that didn't seem to match what they were qualifying), etc. To give an idea of the problem, it was noticeable enough that, at first, I thought that it was maybe a wonky translation - my mind went there first as someone who's not a native English speaker themselves, and then I saw it was not translated... so maybe it's just bad writing? Look, at the end of the day, the only thing I know is that, whatever the cause might be, if writing gets in the way of the storytelling, there is a problem. And a problem that didn't need to be there: this just needed an editor!! There's an audiobook version, read by someone who is not the author, so I am genuinely confused as to how nothing was done to address any of this. It's frustrating because the story had potential, imo.
Ok, so the good:
* The characters (mostly) - the main cast is a mix of adults to teens, with the main character being 18-19 (can't remember if that was specified). They all have had to age too fast and are still a bit lacking in the emotional intelligence department, but in a ways that make sense with the setting. A bit too morally black and white to make them interesting on that front, but no angsty, tropy, silly behaviors at least.
* The subterranean adventure - the eventual revelation about what is happening down there comes out of nowhere and is too convoluted (the author published another book in this universe, but as far as I know, reading it was not supposed to be a requirement for this one). I still liked the adventure and exploration of the underground world, though.
* The general story and pacing - they mostly make sense. There is a bunch of varied characters with different allegiances and motives, etc. which kept it interesting.
The bad:
* The twists, and other efforts to create gasp-worthy moments - just the pacing/repetition of them becomes ridiculous, at times. For example,
* Mysteries that don't make sense - there are a few, but the main one is pretty central to the story. When they are all starting their journey down the mines,
All in all, reading this book was a constant battle of will to keep myself trudging through the unnatural quality of the prose, trying to still connect to the descriptions and plot buried in there. If that had been less of a struggle, I think I would have actually liked this story.
That's really most of what there is to say, because the problem is so extensive that every other comment I am going to try and make below, positive or negative, they could all just be artefacts of the unclear writing. Maybe I missed or misunderstood things. I wouldn't know. The same way that for most of the action scenes, I can't tell you clearly what happened. The description of the island, the geography, the monsters? All I have are blurry, foggy mental images because the book never managed to build a clear picture of any of them.
There were words used as synonyms when they shouldn't (one of the earliest examples of that was a wall being then referred to as a slope in a fighting scene - since it was pretty central to what they were doing, I no longer had any idea what was happening after that), weird choices of conjunctions (such as using "but" when there is no opposition), weird to plain wrong grammar or comma placements, weird choices of vocabulary (adjectives, verbs, etc. that didn't seem to match what they were qualifying), etc. To give an idea of the problem, it was noticeable enough that, at first, I thought that it was maybe a wonky translation - my mind went there first as someone who's not a native English speaker themselves, and then I saw it was not translated... so maybe it's just bad writing? Look, at the end of the day, the only thing I know is that, whatever the cause might be, if writing gets in the way of the storytelling, there is a problem. And a problem that didn't need to be there: this just needed an editor!! There's an audiobook version, read by someone who is not the author, so I am genuinely confused as to how nothing was done to address any of this. It's frustrating because the story had potential, imo.
Ok, so the good:
* The characters (mostly) - the main cast is a mix of adults to teens, with the main character being 18-19 (can't remember if that was specified). They all have had to age too fast and are still a bit lacking in the emotional intelligence department, but in a ways that make sense with the setting. A bit too morally black and white to make them interesting on that front, but no angsty, tropy, silly behaviors at least.
* The subterranean adventure - the eventual revelation about what is happening down there comes out of nowhere and is too convoluted (the author published another book in this universe, but as far as I know, reading it was not supposed to be a requirement for this one). I still liked the adventure and exploration of the underground world, though.
* The general story and pacing - they mostly make sense. There is a bunch of varied characters with different allegiances and motives, etc. which kept it interesting.
The bad:
* The twists, and other efforts to create gasp-worthy moments - just the pacing/repetition of them becomes ridiculous, at times. For example,
* Mysteries that don't make sense - there are a few, but the main one is pretty central to the story. When they are all starting their journey down the mines,
All in all, reading this book was a constant battle of will to keep myself trudging through the unnatural quality of the prose, trying to still connect to the descriptions and plot buried in there. If that had been less of a struggle, I think I would have actually liked this story.
**ARC provided by publisher in a giveaway. Thank you!**
June 30, 2023
Thanks to Tanvi Berwah, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
A fun YA fantasy, with a unique world, and likeable characters. The plot was fast moving, and the writing was easily engageable, however the book just didn’t manage to captivate me in the way others of the genre have. That said, that’s probably more a reflection on the amount of YA fantasy I have consumed than on the book itself.
The world of the book was contained to that of an island and while the scope was small, it was very effectively fleshed out with its class system of the invading ‘Landers’ and the oppressed ‘Renters’. An aspect I really enjoyed of the book was the exploration of land ownership, and the way that the land itself seemed to be a character in the novel. The lore of the world was interesting, filled with mythical beasts of legend, people from the depths, and mineral ores of untold power. However I did find the world to be quite claustrophobic, with its dark setting of the depths of monster filled caves, and while that was the intended purpose I must say I would’ve enjoyed a few more scenery changes throughout, as after a while it became slightly monotonous. The plot similarly did seem a bit repetitive at times, until the conclusion, as well as the fact that none of the twists surprised me as they were a bit too strongly foreshadowed.
I enjoyed the characters of the book, although I felt that I didn’t have time to grow to necessarily love any of them. Additionally I would’ve enjoyed some relationships to be more fleshed out, in particular Rivan and Kress, who were sweet, but most of their close bond was told to us, in the context of their long lasting friendship, rather than shown. Maybe it was just that Rivan could have benefitted from more time establishing his character as his own person, beyond the fact that he was a caring friend and brother, to make them feel more authentic (I still liked Rivan though).
The one aspect that didn’t allow this book to reach bigger heights for me was the constant sense I had that I was waiting for something big to happen to shake up the game, that never eventuated, however maybe I’m just used to the larger scope of fantasy series rather than the limits of a standalone.
All in all a fun fantasy, with a well constructed world, that didn’t particularly bring anything new to the genre, but was an enjoyable read all the same.
A fun YA fantasy, with a unique world, and likeable characters. The plot was fast moving, and the writing was easily engageable, however the book just didn’t manage to captivate me in the way others of the genre have. That said, that’s probably more a reflection on the amount of YA fantasy I have consumed than on the book itself.
The world of the book was contained to that of an island and while the scope was small, it was very effectively fleshed out with its class system of the invading ‘Landers’ and the oppressed ‘Renters’. An aspect I really enjoyed of the book was the exploration of land ownership, and the way that the land itself seemed to be a character in the novel. The lore of the world was interesting, filled with mythical beasts of legend, people from the depths, and mineral ores of untold power. However I did find the world to be quite claustrophobic, with its dark setting of the depths of monster filled caves, and while that was the intended purpose I must say I would’ve enjoyed a few more scenery changes throughout, as after a while it became slightly monotonous. The plot similarly did seem a bit repetitive at times, until the conclusion, as well as the fact that none of the twists surprised me as they were a bit too strongly foreshadowed.
I enjoyed the characters of the book, although I felt that I didn’t have time to grow to necessarily love any of them. Additionally I would’ve enjoyed some relationships to be more fleshed out, in particular Rivan and Kress, who were sweet, but most of their close bond was told to us, in the context of their long lasting friendship, rather than shown. Maybe it was just that Rivan could have benefitted from more time establishing his character as his own person, beyond the fact that he was a caring friend and brother, to make them feel more authentic (I still liked Rivan though).
The one aspect that didn’t allow this book to reach bigger heights for me was the constant sense I had that I was waiting for something big to happen to shake up the game, that never eventuated, however maybe I’m just used to the larger scope of fantasy series rather than the limits of a standalone.
All in all a fun fantasy, with a well constructed world, that didn’t particularly bring anything new to the genre, but was an enjoyable read all the same.
December 12, 2024
Tanvi Berwah did it again! Gotta say that Monsters Born and Made is still my favorite, characters and plot wise, but we have another fierce girl in the same fierce, aquatic world, so I've got nothing to complain about. The big jump in the magic system surprised me, though. Can't wait to see the next thing that happens in this world (please bring Koral and Krescent together to ally up and reclaim this island!)
April 17, 2024
4.5 stars.
The rating is for the story itself, not the audiobook. It's so weird, but the narrator was extremely slow and staggered, and it drove me crazy. The weird part? She narrated the authors previous book, as well, and she didn't drive me crazy then. This world and the crazy monsters and characters are so much fun. Can't wait to see where the next books takes us. At least, I hope there is a next book!
The rating is for the story itself, not the audiobook. It's so weird, but the narrator was extremely slow and staggered, and it drove me crazy. The weird part? She narrated the authors previous book, as well, and she didn't drive me crazy then. This world and the crazy monsters and characters are so much fun. Can't wait to see where the next books takes us. At least, I hope there is a next book!
March 16, 2024
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In the shadow of her parents’ ruinous legacy, seventeen-year-old Krescent Dune finds herself shackled by insurmountable debt on a desolate island. Her only ticket to freedom lies in the brutal underground fighting pits, where monstrous creatures are vanquished for a price. A calamitous fight bans her from the pits, plunging her into despair until a dubious offer emerges. In exchange for erasing her debts, Krescent must protect a hunting party on a perilous rescue mission within the island’s treacherous mining caves. Trapped underground with enemies and mythical beasts, she navigates a world where danger lurks at every turn. As dark forces conspire against her, Krescent races against time to uncover the hidden enemy, all while grappling with her haunting lineage. From the author of “Monsters Born and Made,” this South Asian-inspired fantasy promises an adrenaline-fueled journey, blending action and intrigue in a world where shadows hold both peril and revelation.
Berwah works effectively in world-building, beast creation, and narrating. For the vast majority of this book, I felt that I was strolling close by the principal character given exactly how nitty gritty the composing was. The portrayal of the animals and beasts and that of the island made clear and distinctive pictures in my mind. Where the story genuinely sparkles is in its investigation of cultural elements and the weights conveyed by its hero.
It has equals to Beasts Conceived and Made, however, as the writer referenced, is the finished direct opposite of this novel and you will see the differentiating subjects of the two books work out. I preferred every one of the animals we say in this and found the utilization and blending of genuine folklore extraordinarily great. I wouldn’t want anything more than to see a few brief tales and novellas set in this world.
In the shadow of her parents’ ruinous legacy, seventeen-year-old Krescent Dune finds herself shackled by insurmountable debt on a desolate island. Her only ticket to freedom lies in the brutal underground fighting pits, where monstrous creatures are vanquished for a price. A calamitous fight bans her from the pits, plunging her into despair until a dubious offer emerges. In exchange for erasing her debts, Krescent must protect a hunting party on a perilous rescue mission within the island’s treacherous mining caves. Trapped underground with enemies and mythical beasts, she navigates a world where danger lurks at every turn. As dark forces conspire against her, Krescent races against time to uncover the hidden enemy, all while grappling with her haunting lineage. From the author of “Monsters Born and Made,” this South Asian-inspired fantasy promises an adrenaline-fueled journey, blending action and intrigue in a world where shadows hold both peril and revelation.
Berwah works effectively in world-building, beast creation, and narrating. For the vast majority of this book, I felt that I was strolling close by the principal character given exactly how nitty gritty the composing was. The portrayal of the animals and beasts and that of the island made clear and distinctive pictures in my mind. Where the story genuinely sparkles is in its investigation of cultural elements and the weights conveyed by its hero.
It has equals to Beasts Conceived and Made, however, as the writer referenced, is the finished direct opposite of this novel and you will see the differentiating subjects of the two books work out. I preferred every one of the animals we say in this and found the utilization and blending of genuine folklore extraordinarily great. I wouldn’t want anything more than to see a few brief tales and novellas set in this world.
January 5, 2024
I originally requested Somewhere in the Deep expecting it to be something it wasn't, then realised what it was and didn't read it for the next few months because I thought it wasn't for me. However, after reading it, ohmygodit'ssogood.
So! Read Somewhere in the Deep if you enjoy:
- Class solidarity because honestly yeah
- Ocean-themed eldritch horrors
- Childhood best friends to lovers
- and a girl who can and will fight anything and everything if she must
I'll admit I don't have much to say on this book, for the most part every part of the book was excellent, but it wasn't perfect, which is why the 8/10 rating. Like the pacing was fantastic, but I would've preferred if Berwah had spent more time on the climax, not the final 50 or so pages, and given us a more meaningful resolution. The characters were incredibly fun, but many of them blended together and a handful of them felt fairly undefined. The romance was cute and didn't feel like it came out of nowhere, but the two LI's could've stayed friends and I don't think it would've changed much in the book. The worldbuilding was uniquely fantastic though, and all the compliments to Berwah for an incredibly intriguing world, yet not showing off her entire hand., I'm honestly considering picking up her other book just in the hopes of learning more about the world. I really liked all the creatures we say in this, and found the use and mixing of real world mythology honestly incredibly well done. More often than not when books try to mix cultures it comes off as crass and somewhat offensive, but Berwah's attempt felt a lot more natural because she was truly fitting these things to the world, and not vaguely reskinning them.
All in all, a good book, just... not perfect.
So! Read Somewhere in the Deep if you enjoy:
- Class solidarity because honestly yeah
- Ocean-themed eldritch horrors
- Childhood best friends to lovers
- and a girl who can and will fight anything and everything if she must
I'll admit I don't have much to say on this book, for the most part every part of the book was excellent, but it wasn't perfect, which is why the 8/10 rating. Like the pacing was fantastic, but I would've preferred if Berwah had spent more time on the climax, not the final 50 or so pages, and given us a more meaningful resolution. The characters were incredibly fun, but many of them blended together and a handful of them felt fairly undefined. The romance was cute and didn't feel like it came out of nowhere, but the two LI's could've stayed friends and I don't think it would've changed much in the book. The worldbuilding was uniquely fantastic though, and all the compliments to Berwah for an incredibly intriguing world, yet not showing off her entire hand., I'm honestly considering picking up her other book just in the hopes of learning more about the world. I really liked all the creatures we say in this, and found the use and mixing of real world mythology honestly incredibly well done. More often than not when books try to mix cultures it comes off as crass and somewhat offensive, but Berwah's attempt felt a lot more natural because she was truly fitting these things to the world, and not vaguely reskinning them.
All in all, a good book, just... not perfect.
December 24, 2023
4 Stars.
The YA fantasy novel, Somewhere in the Deep by Tanvi Berwah is an adventurous story set on an island named Kar Atish which is steeped in lore, mystery, monsters and classism. We follow the main character, Krescent Dune, a monster fighter in the popular underground pits who longs to be free from the island and a past that haunts and follows her due to her parents actions. To achieve this Krescent Dune will take on a mission and go in the depths of the caves with others who may or may not wish her harm.
This is a fast-paced story with tonnes of action scenes involving unique and terrifying monsters. I enjoyed the different characters and the small romantic side plot. The descriptions and world building felt well thought out and added to the creepy and dark atmosphere of traveling into the depths of the island. This was a really fun YA fantasy which can be read as a standalone. I also have seen that this novel is set in the same world as a previous story written by the author called Monsters Born and Made which I will be adding to the never depleting TBR.
My only criticism is it may have been too fast paced at times where too much was happening making the plot and character development feel rushed.
Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The YA fantasy novel, Somewhere in the Deep by Tanvi Berwah is an adventurous story set on an island named Kar Atish which is steeped in lore, mystery, monsters and classism. We follow the main character, Krescent Dune, a monster fighter in the popular underground pits who longs to be free from the island and a past that haunts and follows her due to her parents actions. To achieve this Krescent Dune will take on a mission and go in the depths of the caves with others who may or may not wish her harm.
This is a fast-paced story with tonnes of action scenes involving unique and terrifying monsters. I enjoyed the different characters and the small romantic side plot. The descriptions and world building felt well thought out and added to the creepy and dark atmosphere of traveling into the depths of the island. This was a really fun YA fantasy which can be read as a standalone. I also have seen that this novel is set in the same world as a previous story written by the author called Monsters Born and Made which I will be adding to the never depleting TBR.
My only criticism is it may have been too fast paced at times where too much was happening making the plot and character development feel rushed.
Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 9, 2024
4 stars!!
"Sometimes choices get taken away from you by the world."
"Then you find new ones."
this is the type of book where the way and type of story that is told is essential. first, i want to say I'm so happy that more desi/south asian inspired fantasy books are making their way in the world!! i loved seeing names that i am familiar with in books.
this fantasy book talks about an oppressed society, and how being united can bring about a change. i adored the way the author wrote about these topics; the writing was really fun as well. the descriptions in this book were really fascinating; since there are a lot of monsters and the slaying of said monsters, i enjoyed the way the author wrote such scenes and descriptions. and the romance!!! such a cute friends-to-lovers slow-burn romance; i adore the two of them to pieces. the love interest simping this whole book was my roman empire.
"What can I say to make you see, Kress, that if I have a home, it's because you make it so?" ahhh i love these two so much!!
overall, deeply enjoyed this book and i highly recommend it to everyone!!
"Sometimes choices get taken away from you by the world."
"Then you find new ones."
this is the type of book where the way and type of story that is told is essential. first, i want to say I'm so happy that more desi/south asian inspired fantasy books are making their way in the world!! i loved seeing names that i am familiar with in books.
this fantasy book talks about an oppressed society, and how being united can bring about a change. i adored the way the author wrote about these topics; the writing was really fun as well. the descriptions in this book were really fascinating; since there are a lot of monsters and the slaying of said monsters, i enjoyed the way the author wrote such scenes and descriptions. and the romance!!! such a cute friends-to-lovers slow-burn romance; i adore the two of them to pieces. the love interest simping this whole book was my roman empire.
"What can I say to make you see, Kress, that if I have a home, it's because you make it so?" ahhh i love these two so much!!
overall, deeply enjoyed this book and i highly recommend it to everyone!!
November 18, 2023
I was excited to read this book based on the synopsis, and somewhat disappointed by the end. Kress, a 17 year old fighting in the pits to stay alive and stay afloat with her debt to the Collector, gets tasked with an expedition into the mines to earn her freedom upon returning. Charged as the protector of the group, she fights a variety of beasts and creatures, learning about the complicated history of her home island along the way. What starts as a simple mission underground evolves into something much more sinister, with much more at stake.
While the book is packed with action and fighting and thrills, it never felt thrilling or captivating to me. I could never get "hooked" into it, where you end up losing an entire afternoon because you couldn't put the book down- rather it took me an exceptionally long time to read with multiple much-needed breaks along the way. I've been trying to figure out why this story didn't hook me the way I thought it would, and the only thing I can think of is that the world building might not have been enough. While Berwah was descriptive, I felt that they descriptions were lacking, and that the environment and situations could've been described in more depth and detail to more fully immerse me in the moment.
Thank you to Goodreads and Tanvi Berwah for letting me enjoy this free ARC. Somewhere in the Deep will be released January 2024.
While the book is packed with action and fighting and thrills, it never felt thrilling or captivating to me. I could never get "hooked" into it, where you end up losing an entire afternoon because you couldn't put the book down- rather it took me an exceptionally long time to read with multiple much-needed breaks along the way. I've been trying to figure out why this story didn't hook me the way I thought it would, and the only thing I can think of is that the world building might not have been enough. While Berwah was descriptive, I felt that they descriptions were lacking, and that the environment and situations could've been described in more depth and detail to more fully immerse me in the moment.
Thank you to Goodreads and Tanvi Berwah for letting me enjoy this free ARC. Somewhere in the Deep will be released January 2024.
January 7, 2024
This story is a fun adventure, following Krescent as she descends into deep mines on a dangerous mission. It was an entertaining story, great for anyone looking for a unique adventure.
I gave this story 3 stars. The story is full of made-up monsters and an intricate cave system, but nothing was described well enough for me to picture it; I felt disconnected from the scenes. Likely because I couldn't see the uniqueness of every situation and monster, the story got a little repetitive. There were also quite a few characters who didn't have a very distinct voice. The story was overall good.
As a note because I misinterpreted: the summary alluded to a possible enemies-to-lovers arc by stating her childhood enemy was going on the mission with her. This fact didn't affect the story much and did not create a major enemies-to-loves situation. If that's what you're looking for, you won't find it here!
I gave this story 3 stars. The story is full of made-up monsters and an intricate cave system, but nothing was described well enough for me to picture it; I felt disconnected from the scenes. Likely because I couldn't see the uniqueness of every situation and monster, the story got a little repetitive. There were also quite a few characters who didn't have a very distinct voice. The story was overall good.
As a note because I misinterpreted: the summary alluded to a possible enemies-to-lovers arc by stating her childhood enemy was going on the mission with her. This fact didn't affect the story much and did not create a major enemies-to-loves situation. If that's what you're looking for, you won't find it here!
July 4, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, publisher, and author for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Before I was halfway done with the book, I knew I loved it. It reminded me a bit of the Hunger Games but managed to be unique as well. It has several twists and turns (seemingly in every chapter) and I liked a lot of the creepy and dark aspects. The fact that no one really knows what they have gotten themselves into is intriguing and makes it even more creepy. I also have been craving sea-themed books and this book didn't disappoint.
The only issue I had with the title was near the end, everything seems rushed. Usually I like rushed because it means fast-paced, however it was so rushed that it was hard to keep up with at times. It was like being on a roller coaster and not getting a chance to take a breath before getting thrown for another nauseous loop again (which is why I can't do roller coasters).
Before I was halfway done with the book, I knew I loved it. It reminded me a bit of the Hunger Games but managed to be unique as well. It has several twists and turns (seemingly in every chapter) and I liked a lot of the creepy and dark aspects. The fact that no one really knows what they have gotten themselves into is intriguing and makes it even more creepy. I also have been craving sea-themed books and this book didn't disappoint.
The only issue I had with the title was near the end, everything seems rushed. Usually I like rushed because it means fast-paced, however it was so rushed that it was hard to keep up with at times. It was like being on a roller coaster and not getting a chance to take a breath before getting thrown for another nauseous loop again (which is why I can't do roller coasters).
July 22, 2023
Thank you Sourcebooks fire and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.
I’ve read Monsters born and made by the same author and I didn’t feel anything while reading that book. Maybe, it’s the writing style that annoys me, maybe it’s the characters that I didn’t feel any connection with, maybe it’s just me. But both books were not of my liking. And while I’ve struggled to keep on reading Monsters born and made, I decided that the books of Tanvi Berwah are not my kind of books so I decided to DNF this book and not going to pick up books of her.
I’ve read Monsters born and made by the same author and I didn’t feel anything while reading that book. Maybe, it’s the writing style that annoys me, maybe it’s the characters that I didn’t feel any connection with, maybe it’s just me. But both books were not of my liking. And while I’ve struggled to keep on reading Monsters born and made, I decided that the books of Tanvi Berwah are not my kind of books so I decided to DNF this book and not going to pick up books of her.
July 27, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with this ARC of Somewhere in the Deep by Tanvi Berwah. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have read it and give feedback.
This has been my favourite ARC so far. I’m not exaggerating when I say I loved every minute of it!
It’s a fairly simple story: Krescent Dune is a fighter in the fighting pits, forced to kill monsters, hated by her own people. When something goes wrong, she gets the opportunity to make it up to her employer — go deep into the mines with a rescue party. Down there, another dark world awaits, and it forces her to rethink about the history of her own people and why she’s so hated in the first place. Going into spoiler territory now to say this next part.
The writing was nice and fluid, the ideas were really fun and kept me engaged, and the characters were decent. Krescent is a standard fantasy “fighter” character, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. The cover is gorgeous, and the ARC I received had no issues with formatting. If Goodreads had .5 stars, I would give this a 4.5. As it is now, I've rounded it down to 4.
This is a very short review compared to my other ARC reviews, but what can I say? The book was that enjoyable. I would buy this, recommend it to people I know, and I’ll happily read anything Tanvi Berwah publishes. I’ve seen she has another book set in the same world, so that will be added to my to-read list! While I generally dislike sequels when I feel a book is good enough as a standalone, I would love to see some short stories and novellas set in this world.
This has been my favourite ARC so far. I’m not exaggerating when I say I loved every minute of it!
It’s a fairly simple story: Krescent Dune is a fighter in the fighting pits, forced to kill monsters, hated by her own people. When something goes wrong, she gets the opportunity to make it up to her employer — go deep into the mines with a rescue party. Down there, another dark world awaits, and it forces her to rethink about the history of her own people and why she’s so hated in the first place. Going into spoiler territory now to say this next part.
The writing was nice and fluid, the ideas were really fun and kept me engaged, and the characters were decent. Krescent is a standard fantasy “fighter” character, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. The cover is gorgeous, and the ARC I received had no issues with formatting. If Goodreads had .5 stars, I would give this a 4.5. As it is now, I've rounded it down to 4.
This is a very short review compared to my other ARC reviews, but what can I say? The book was that enjoyable. I would buy this, recommend it to people I know, and I’ll happily read anything Tanvi Berwah publishes. I’ve seen she has another book set in the same world, so that will be added to my to-read list! While I generally dislike sequels when I feel a book is good enough as a standalone, I would love to see some short stories and novellas set in this world.
December 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5 STARS
Genre: YA Fantasy
Synopsis: Orphan Krescent Dune fights dangerous beasts in the pits to pay off her family’s debt. When she accepts a deal to relieve her debt in exchange for leading a mission in mining caves, she encounters more than just the deadly beasts hunting them.
This is set in the same world as Monsters Born and Made which I loved! You do not need to read MBAM though in order to read this one. They do make reference to some of the characters a few times(in case you did read it), but it has nothing to do with the story.
I really enjoy this world. I love the different beasts and imaginative monsters along with a good quest. This is action packed with a hint of a romance and plot twists.
It is hard to compete with Monsters Born and Made though, but for her second book it was well done. I hope she writes another book set in this world!
Thank you Sourcefire Books for the ARC! 🧌
4.5/5 STARS
Genre: YA Fantasy
Synopsis: Orphan Krescent Dune fights dangerous beasts in the pits to pay off her family’s debt. When she accepts a deal to relieve her debt in exchange for leading a mission in mining caves, she encounters more than just the deadly beasts hunting them.
This is set in the same world as Monsters Born and Made which I loved! You do not need to read MBAM though in order to read this one. They do make reference to some of the characters a few times(in case you did read it), but it has nothing to do with the story.
I really enjoy this world. I love the different beasts and imaginative monsters along with a good quest. This is action packed with a hint of a romance and plot twists.
It is hard to compete with Monsters Born and Made though, but for her second book it was well done. I hope she writes another book set in this world!
Thank you Sourcefire Books for the ARC! 🧌
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