What do you think?
Rate this book
The Water Keepers #1
Deep Blue Secret
California teen Sadie James thinks her life couldn't get any better. She has great friends, an energetic mother she adores, and the beach practically in her own backyard. But her carefree life is turned upside down when she's rescued by a mysterious and strangely familiar boy who won't even tell her his name. Each time the boy appears, Sadie's unexplainable attraction to him deepens along with her need to unravel his secrets. The boy is there to protect her, but as wonderful and exciting as it might be to have an irresistible boy with crystal green eyes protecting her every move, every minute of the day...why does Sadie need one? As Sadie finds answers, she realizes her life isn't as perfect as she thought. Not only is she caught in a world of dangerous secret agents she never knew existed, but it turns out her true identity may be the greatest secret of all.
READING LEVEL: Teen, Young Adult (Mild violence, NO explicit sexual content or profanity)
PRINT LENGTH: 358 Pages
READING LEVEL: Teen, Young Adult (Mild violence, NO explicit sexual content or profanity)
PRINT LENGTH: 358 Pages
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2011
2353 people are currently reading
8001 people want to read
About the author
Christie Anderson
6 books467 followersCHRISTIE ANDERSON is the author of the young adult book series The Water Keepers. Collectively, the series has more than 10,000 5-star ratings across the web. Christie pours herself into her writing through the pains from her past and her hopes for the future, to create strong, admirable characters her readers can root for and fall in love with again and again. Her books have been referred to as captivating, unique, uplifting, and creative, with just the right balance of romance and suspense.
Christie grew up in Southern California and currently lives in Salt Lake City with her husband and son, where she misses the sunshine and ocean breeze every single day. Visit her website at www. AuthorChristieAnderson.com
Christie grew up in Southern California and currently lives in Salt Lake City with her husband and son, where she misses the sunshine and ocean breeze every single day. Visit her website at www. AuthorChristieAnderson.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 473 reviews
December 12, 2011
I'm not even sure it deserves two stars.. Why do new authors keep writing paranormal romances where the paranormal is nowhere to be found and the romance is totally lame and unbelievable? Are they doing it for money, do they hope to be the next Meyer or what?!!
The paranormal aspect of the story absolutely doesn't make sense. We have Water Keepers. They use water to heal, they are like some secret organisation which helps ill people (something like paranormal charity), they have a special source of the water and they can't tell anyone where it is or what they do. But there is no reason why they do it. They are humans, only their life is prolonged by the water and they have their own rules - they can cure you from cancer, but if they fall in love with you, they can't stay with you, because it's in their stupid rules, they rather leave and break your heart forever (I forgot to mention that the water has also a bonding effect, it makes you feel stronger about the person who gives it to you). What's the point? Why can't they be with the person they love and then someone else would do their job? Or why even people keep dying when the water which could cure them all exists? Can't they for example add it into all medicaments? When they can have connected diaries (words written into one of them immediately appear in the other one), they could surely manage that or not?
And almost all the plot is just about one boy. How boring is that? There were a couple of attempts at something paranormal, but it drowned in the boy's green eyes (literally). And the last chapter? WTF??!!!
The paranormal aspect of the story absolutely doesn't make sense. We have Water Keepers. They use water to heal, they are like some secret organisation which helps ill people (something like paranormal charity), they have a special source of the water and they can't tell anyone where it is or what they do. But there is no reason why they do it. They are humans, only their life is prolonged by the water and they have their own rules - they can cure you from cancer, but if they fall in love with you, they can't stay with you, because it's in their stupid rules, they rather leave and break your heart forever (I forgot to mention that the water has also a bonding effect, it makes you feel stronger about the person who gives it to you). What's the point? Why can't they be with the person they love and then someone else would do their job? Or why even people keep dying when the water which could cure them all exists? Can't they for example add it into all medicaments? When they can have connected diaries (words written into one of them immediately appear in the other one), they could surely manage that or not?
And almost all the plot is just about one boy. How boring is that? There were a couple of attempts at something paranormal, but it drowned in the boy's green eyes (literally). And the last chapter? WTF??!!!
January 20, 2020
Yikes. That’s my main thought after reading this book. Thank the heavens I didn’t pay anything for it and got it as an iBook freebie because it would be a shame to spend money on this mess!
June 3, 2012
Deep Blue Disappointment.
I don't really know what to think about this book. The intensity of the plot isn't very strong, and the idea of "Water Keepers" wasn't as strange and cool as I originally thought it would be. I was not surprised at anything in this book - .
Sadie was a shallow, stupid self-centered, bratty, dull character. She flirted with Nick even when she was supposedly in love with Rayne. Speaking of, Rayne was an average character - who was a real jerk and stalker at times. You can give me all your reasons for following her, like protection, butEdward Rayne, I don't buy it.
The insta-love. You think that you've read books with a serious case of the infamous insta-love? Welcome to Deep Blue Secret, folks. I'll give them a little length because apparently the Water is supposed to cause bonding. But seriously. Rayne saves her from drowning at the beach and they nearly kiss seconds later.
What really annoyed me was the fact that the author doesn't know how to use her commas. UGH. It drove me INSANE. In THIRD GRADE I knew when to put a comma!
Example:
It only gets worse. Like I once said, commas can save lives. Literally. "Let's eat, grandma." is not the same thing is "Let's eat grandma."
And let's not forget what the interludes are called. It's so preschool book-ish I almost died laughing:
I just didn't agree with this book. At all.
I don't really know what to think about this book. The intensity of the plot isn't very strong, and the idea of "Water Keepers" wasn't as strange and cool as I originally thought it would be. I was not surprised at anything in this book - .
Sadie was a shallow, stupid self-centered, bratty, dull character. She flirted with Nick even when she was supposedly in love with Rayne. Speaking of, Rayne was an average character - who was a real jerk and stalker at times. You can give me all your reasons for following her, like protection, but
The insta-love. You think that you've read books with a serious case of the infamous insta-love? Welcome to Deep Blue Secret, folks. I'll give them a little length because apparently the Water is supposed to cause bonding. But seriously. Rayne saves her from drowning at the beach and they nearly kiss seconds later.
What really annoyed me was the fact that the author doesn't know how to use her commas. UGH. It drove me INSANE. In THIRD GRADE I knew when to put a comma!
Example:
What is it Rayne?
Really? Wow good job grandpa.
Well since you were the one who bought it, you really just tried to steal it from yourself,” I said.
.... I asked shocked
It only gets worse. Like I once said, commas can save lives. Literally. "Let's eat, grandma." is not the same thing is "Let's eat grandma."
And let's not forget what the interludes are called. It's so preschool book-ish I almost died laughing:
"Voss Waits to Strike"
"Voss Remembers the Past"
"Ash Takes a Day Off"
"Rayne Gets a Phone Call"
"Voss Sends a Message"
"Rayne Finds His Focus"
"Rayne Goes to a Meet""Oceana Goes To Kill Sadie"
I just didn't agree with this book. At all.
May 29, 2014
Ok so I have to say that once again I was expecting this.....
since there was like the whole living by the beach and stuff... I have learned my lesson now the hard way to never judge a book by its cover or summary.
So instead of this....
I got a whole lot of this....
and this....
And for the ending these were my reactions:
Even thought the beginning was a little slow for me...
This book left me feeling like this....
since there was like the whole living by the beach and stuff... I have learned my lesson now the hard way to never judge a book by its cover or summary.
So instead of this....
I got a whole lot of this....
and this....
And for the ending these were my reactions:
Even thought the beginning was a little slow for me...
This book left me feeling like this....
August 15, 2018
I know why this book is free — it's because it just plain
sucks
.
That beautiful cover is a Siren, luring you in under false pretences
[I swear a lot in this review, you’ve been warned.]
As a person who's been battling clinical depression for the past five years, I found the author's misuse—nay, abuse of the word "depression" completely maddening. Listening to a non-cheerful song doesn't make you spiral into depression, psychological triggers and lack of serotonin does.
LIE: In chapter 1, the main character's depression was triggered by, wait for it, emotions.
TRUTH: As a person who actually suffers from it, I'll tell you what it is. It is a fucking lack of feelings . You stop feeling anything, period. You feel lonely, you feel numb, you watch your life go by from behind a thick lane of glass.
LIE: The author also seems to be under the impression that depression is like a light switch, that you can flip it on and off rapidly, some several times a day. And that once it's off, it's all A-okay.
TRUTH: It takes months after taking anti-depressants to regain some semblance of normalcy, and even then, the monster lurks around.
Fact: The word "depress", in various forms, was found 18 times in a book spanning 240 or so pages. It was an overkill, and as my favourite character/mentor, Tywin Lannister says, "Any man who must say, 'I am the king' is no true king." Anyone who says they're depressed around twice a day, isn't really depressed.
But let's see more fun stuff!
— Sadie, the MC, says she's in love, after meeting the other MC, Rayne, three fucking times.
—Sadie was nothing more than a Mary Sue, perfect at everything, with guys falling over their feet to help her out, who also has a kind and helpful heart. Oh, and she's also a wonderful friend.
[I'm so tired of this book, that I'm abruptly stopping the review here. Thinking about this makes my blood boil.]
Honestly, though, the lesson learnt is, look all gift horses in the mouth.
Will I be reading the second book in the series?
P.S. The protagonist was eerily similar to Enoby Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way , albeit preppier and with good grammar. (If you don't know who Ebony is, you aren't really a Potterhead, so to quote the immortal words of My Immortal, "fuk off u posrs!!!11")
Once I got over how annoying the "depression" was, all I could see was a preppy Ebony.
Seriously, though, go read My Immortal, the notorious Harry Potter fan fiction that took the internet by storm.
It was the fan fiction sensation than shook all netizens. :3
Fred and George would be proud of me.
[I swear a lot in this review, you’ve been warned.]
As a person who's been battling clinical depression for the past five years, I found the author's misuse—nay, abuse of the word "depression" completely maddening. Listening to a non-cheerful song doesn't make you spiral into depression, psychological triggers and lack of serotonin does.
LIE: In chapter 1, the main character's depression was triggered by, wait for it, emotions.
TRUTH: As a person who actually suffers from it, I'll tell you what it is. It is a fucking lack of feelings . You stop feeling anything, period. You feel lonely, you feel numb, you watch your life go by from behind a thick lane of glass.
LIE: The author also seems to be under the impression that depression is like a light switch, that you can flip it on and off rapidly, some several times a day. And that once it's off, it's all A-okay.
TRUTH: It takes months after taking anti-depressants to regain some semblance of normalcy, and even then, the monster lurks around.
Fact: The word "depress", in various forms, was found 18 times in a book spanning 240 or so pages. It was an overkill, and as my favourite character/mentor, Tywin Lannister says, "Any man who must say, 'I am the king' is no true king." Anyone who says they're depressed around twice a day, isn't really depressed.
But let's see more fun stuff!
— Sadie, the MC, says she's in love, after meeting the other MC, Rayne, three fucking times.
—Sadie was nothing more than a Mary Sue, perfect at everything, with guys falling over their feet to help her out, who also has a kind and helpful heart. Oh, and she's also a wonderful friend.
[I'm so tired of this book, that I'm abruptly stopping the review here. Thinking about this makes my blood boil.]
Honestly, though, the lesson learnt is, look all gift horses in the mouth.
Will I be reading the second book in the series?
P.S. The protagonist was eerily similar to Enoby Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way , albeit preppier and with good grammar. (If you don't know who Ebony is, you aren't really a Potterhead, so to quote the immortal words of My Immortal, "fuk off u posrs!!!11")
Once I got over how annoying the "depression" was, all I could see was a preppy Ebony.
Seriously, though, go read My Immortal, the notorious Harry Potter fan fiction that took the internet by storm.
It was the fan fiction sensation than shook all netizens. :3
October 11, 2011
I didn't enjoy this book at all. I thought the plot was just strange and weird and to be totally honest it didn't make a heck of a lot of sense. Just to clarify, there are "Keepers" who give this healing water to people who are sick and that's it? Oookay... I must be missing something because that's kind of boring, which was what this book was to me. There were pages upon pages of boring teenage prattle and of course we had the ever increasing "instant teenage love". Rayne saves Sadie at the beach so of course she's in love with him, what else did I expect?
The most interesting person in this book was Voss and he was hardly in it. And even his involvement was just odd. He was a criminal and wanted to be cleared of his crimes so he kidnaps Sadie for a day then falls to his (maybe-though I doubt it) doom. Meh... I just didn't like the book at all. The characters fell flat, the plot was boring and almost put me to sleep about 20x today. The book has good reviews from others, but I just could not get into it!!
The most interesting person in this book was Voss and he was hardly in it. And even his involvement was just odd. He was a criminal and wanted to be cleared of his crimes so he kidnaps Sadie for a day then falls to his (maybe-though I doubt it) doom. Meh... I just didn't like the book at all. The characters fell flat, the plot was boring and almost put me to sleep about 20x today. The book has good reviews from others, but I just could not get into it!!
September 9, 2011
Sadie is such a likeable girl... Everyone loves and adores her... But something seems off with her and she doesn't know what it is... She meets this mysterious handsome HOT guy and she immediately falls for him.. She can't stop thinking about him... He's always there for her when she's in trouble...
Rayne (the HOT guy) is so caring... He is gentle with Sadie and is always there for her... There is such an intensity between them, but they both know that they can't act on it... He has too many secrets that he can't share with her... Sadie is ok with it, as long as she can hang out with him...
I like the fact that it didn't have anything to do with Vampires or Warewolves... Don't get me wrong, I like both of them, but it's nice to read something different. And this is what this book is. Different... It's very clean... There is such a mystery to it... I was oh so excited to learn more about Sadie and what is so special about her... I do have to admit, the ending is such a "WHAT???? Are you seriously ending it like this???" It leaves you intrigued and wanting more. I am definitely looking forward to reading the second book in this series... Now that I know that Rayne LOVES Sadie, I can't wait to see what will happen next...
Rayne (the HOT guy) is so caring... He is gentle with Sadie and is always there for her... There is such an intensity between them, but they both know that they can't act on it... He has too many secrets that he can't share with her... Sadie is ok with it, as long as she can hang out with him...
I like the fact that it didn't have anything to do with Vampires or Warewolves... Don't get me wrong, I like both of them, but it's nice to read something different. And this is what this book is. Different... It's very clean... There is such a mystery to it... I was oh so excited to learn more about Sadie and what is so special about her... I do have to admit, the ending is such a "WHAT???? Are you seriously ending it like this???" It leaves you intrigued and wanting more. I am definitely looking forward to reading the second book in this series... Now that I know that Rayne LOVES Sadie, I can't wait to see what will happen next...
January 24, 2014
I really wanted to like this book. The premise sounded unique and engaging, and at times it hinted at becoming what it promised, but I just never clicked with the story. It took a very long time to get anywhere, and even then I felt disappointed with the destination. When I was younger my family would go up to our cottage every summer. It was a five hour drive and I always dreaded it (five hours might as well be five days to a young kid), but at the same time I knew that it would be wonderful and amazing once we got there. It was well worth the long haul. With Deep Blue Secret? Not so much. Had I known where I was headed, I would have gotten out at the first exit and walked home. The plot was one dimensional, the main character, Sadie, was not likable, and the paranormal aspect wasn’t fleshed out. I even tried to look at it from a spiritual/religious view — special people with healing waters curing the sick, but it still didn’t work for me. The initial idea is there, but there is no real substance put into it after that.
I will say that after reading Deep Blue Secret, I went to Goodreads to mark it as “read” and glimpsed the other star ratings. Some people loved this book, others didn’t like it at all. It’s really about what each person wants out of a story. I’m pretty sure this book is free for Kindle right now, so you can pick up a copy and try it on for size. You never know, this may fit you like a glove. This is a debut novel, so I have to give the author credit for putting it out there. It also seems that the later books in the series have a much higher average rating, so perhaps the series improves.
I will say that after reading Deep Blue Secret, I went to Goodreads to mark it as “read” and glimpsed the other star ratings. Some people loved this book, others didn’t like it at all. It’s really about what each person wants out of a story. I’m pretty sure this book is free for Kindle right now, so you can pick up a copy and try it on for size. You never know, this may fit you like a glove. This is a debut novel, so I have to give the author credit for putting it out there. It also seems that the later books in the series have a much higher average rating, so perhaps the series improves.
March 30, 2014
Twilight remade...
I found myself extremely irritated with this book from the very beginning. My aim is to always give the book a shot and run through till the end...in hopes that things get better...
There was a great deal if information that just seemed like it was taking up space in the book...like sentences and paragraphs that were just there to fill up pages instead of adding anything to the book what so ever.
Sadie was a great annoyance to me...all she was through the whole book was a great big depressed mess. It irritated me the more I read her "thoughts".
This entire book was almost exactly like the whole Twilight mess was...the only exclusion was the sparkling vampire or shirtless werewolves.
There was a good concept here, with the healing water and all...but it was definitely not pulled off. It could have been so much better in my opinion.
I found myself extremely irritated with this book from the very beginning. My aim is to always give the book a shot and run through till the end...in hopes that things get better...
There was a great deal if information that just seemed like it was taking up space in the book...like sentences and paragraphs that were just there to fill up pages instead of adding anything to the book what so ever.
Sadie was a great annoyance to me...all she was through the whole book was a great big depressed mess. It irritated me the more I read her "thoughts".
This entire book was almost exactly like the whole Twilight mess was...the only exclusion was the sparkling vampire or shirtless werewolves.
There was a good concept here, with the healing water and all...but it was definitely not pulled off. It could have been so much better in my opinion.
September 27, 2011
Ok...it's probably 3.8 (hahaha), but I rounded up instead of down. My sis loaned this to me and it was written by someone that lived in her housing court at U of U. It's a trilogy...and I'll be anxious to read the rest of them. My biggest complaint is that I got sucked into the story, but when it was over, I looked back and thought "hmmm....nothing really HAPPENED." Go figure. How can one be obsessively reading a book and then realize that nothing was really going on? I don't know. But that was how I felt when I finished. Upside: you can get it for 99 cents on nook (so I'd assume kindle too)....and it's totally worth one measly dollar....I will definitely be seeking out the second and third books.
August 6, 2016
2.5 stars
(Source: Downloaded for free from Amazon.co.uk)
17-year-old Sadie can’t think of anything else after meeting a mysterious boy on the beach, especially after he saves her life.
Who is the mysterious boy though? And why is her birthmark suddenly glowing?
This was an okay story, but there was way too much stuff in there that didn’t need to be in there.
Sadie was an okay character. She didn’t always make the best decisions, and went into the realms of obsession when she met Rayne, but she was okay.
The storyline was okay, but there was so much stuff in there that didn’t need to be in there! So much of this could have been cut to make the story more streamlined and it would have been so much better. As it was, the story just dragged and dragged. It was predictable, and the romance was really cheesy.
The ending was okay, although we were left with a bit of a cliff-hanger.
I really do think that this book could have been so, so much better with some good editing to take out those things that didn’t need to be in there.
Overall; okay story, but way too long and too slow.
5 out of 10.
(Source: Downloaded for free from Amazon.co.uk)
17-year-old Sadie can’t think of anything else after meeting a mysterious boy on the beach, especially after he saves her life.
Who is the mysterious boy though? And why is her birthmark suddenly glowing?
This was an okay story, but there was way too much stuff in there that didn’t need to be in there.
Sadie was an okay character. She didn’t always make the best decisions, and went into the realms of obsession when she met Rayne, but she was okay.
The storyline was okay, but there was so much stuff in there that didn’t need to be in there! So much of this could have been cut to make the story more streamlined and it would have been so much better. As it was, the story just dragged and dragged. It was predictable, and the romance was really cheesy.
The ending was okay, although we were left with a bit of a cliff-hanger.
I really do think that this book could have been so, so much better with some good editing to take out those things that didn’t need to be in there.
Overall; okay story, but way too long and too slow.
5 out of 10.
August 3, 2016
I really struggled to get through this.
It was really boring up until chapter ten. Something finally happened at the end of that chapter, but it only lasted for a few pages before it got boring again.
The same thing happened later on in the book, which was really annoying.
The main character was okay, but she annoyed me at times.
Overall, dull.
It was really boring up until chapter ten. Something finally happened at the end of that chapter, but it only lasted for a few pages before it got boring again.
The same thing happened later on in the book, which was really annoying.
The main character was okay, but she annoyed me at times.
Overall, dull.
March 25, 2021
An intriguing YA paranormal with excellent world-building kept me riveted as I whipped through the pages. While there were times when I was lost or didn't understand what was going on, the author has a way of hooking the reader. I'll have to read the next book to see if this series will turn to a five-star read.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
My Rating: 4.5 stars
April 20, 2013
This book was a very fun exciting book to read. I recommend this book to all who love YA fiction.....(O how I would love to see those green eyes)
May 27, 2020
Review originally posted on my blog: I Heart Fictional People
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I was on the search again for a book to read for my Monthly Keyword Reading Challenge. And I found this BEAUTIFUL cover! Just look at it. I can’t get over how pretty it is. And the idea of a mysterious boy protecting this girl just grabbed my attention. So I was hooked from the beginning. I did check Goodreads, and I saw negative reviews, but I had a feeling about this one, so I ignored those. And I’m glad I did! And this is the FIRST book I’m reading on my new Kindle Paperwhite, so I was super excited!
WHAT I LIKED
The mystery. I LOVED the idea of this boy protecting this girl, but we don’t know why. And I loved how Sadie felt so connected to Rayne when meeting him, even before meeting him, and she doesn’t know why. The mystery behind it all just kept me interested throughout the book. I wanted to know what the hell was going on! I wanted to know why Sadie was so special and why Rayne was assigned to protect her and what was that watermark on her wrist and why did it keep changing colors?? I had so many questions, and it was exciting to gradually see those questions answered.
The unpredictable suspense. I don’t want to give anything away, but there were a couple turning points and a couple different things that happened that kind of made my jaw dropped. I remember thinking, no way! Wtf just happened?? It was exciting, and I couldn’t stop reading. It only took me a few days to read because I couldn’t put it down. I stayed up to the wee hours of the morning reading this, and I can’t wait to read the next book!
The relationships. We all know I’m a sucker for romance, so Sadie and Rayne’s relationship was obviously my favorite. I really, really appreciated how well-written this was. It wasn’t too fast-paced or too slow. It was perfect. I love the buildup of their relationship. Yes, there was an instant connection, but they took their time to develop their feelings. I also loved Sadie’s relationship with her mom. It has just been the two of them, so they are very close. They have these weekly mother-daughter nights, and it’s sweet. It’s a relationship that I strive to have with my own daughter.
Rayne. Not only is he swoon-worthy in the sweetest ways, but he’s got this moral compass that is just so attractive. He takes his job very seriously, and he will do anything and everything to protect Sadie. Even though he has these strong feelings for her, her safety is his priority. He’s also just very sweet. I can’t get over the things he is willing to do for her. I am excited to see more and different sides of him in the next book. I have a feeling I am going to love him even more!
The end. OMG. I didn’t expect that! That’s all I’m going to say.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Ummm…I guess my ONLY minor complaint is that I wanted to FEEL more. I loved everything about this book, but I didn’t get those feels that I love to get. I wanted something to move me to tears. And I didn’t feel that…yet. I’m expecting to in the rest of the series though.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I just loved this book. From beginning to end, I was just so enamored. I wanted to read it until the end in one sitting. If I didn’t have a job and a kid to take care of, I would have. I am SO GLAD that there are 3 more books to read in this series. I can’t wait to get lost in this world again. Thank you, Christie Anderson, for writing a series that I am going to obsess over 🙂
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I was on the search again for a book to read for my Monthly Keyword Reading Challenge. And I found this BEAUTIFUL cover! Just look at it. I can’t get over how pretty it is. And the idea of a mysterious boy protecting this girl just grabbed my attention. So I was hooked from the beginning. I did check Goodreads, and I saw negative reviews, but I had a feeling about this one, so I ignored those. And I’m glad I did! And this is the FIRST book I’m reading on my new Kindle Paperwhite, so I was super excited!
WHAT I LIKED
The mystery. I LOVED the idea of this boy protecting this girl, but we don’t know why. And I loved how Sadie felt so connected to Rayne when meeting him, even before meeting him, and she doesn’t know why. The mystery behind it all just kept me interested throughout the book. I wanted to know what the hell was going on! I wanted to know why Sadie was so special and why Rayne was assigned to protect her and what was that watermark on her wrist and why did it keep changing colors?? I had so many questions, and it was exciting to gradually see those questions answered.
The unpredictable suspense. I don’t want to give anything away, but there were a couple turning points and a couple different things that happened that kind of made my jaw dropped. I remember thinking, no way! Wtf just happened?? It was exciting, and I couldn’t stop reading. It only took me a few days to read because I couldn’t put it down. I stayed up to the wee hours of the morning reading this, and I can’t wait to read the next book!
The relationships. We all know I’m a sucker for romance, so Sadie and Rayne’s relationship was obviously my favorite. I really, really appreciated how well-written this was. It wasn’t too fast-paced or too slow. It was perfect. I love the buildup of their relationship. Yes, there was an instant connection, but they took their time to develop their feelings. I also loved Sadie’s relationship with her mom. It has just been the two of them, so they are very close. They have these weekly mother-daughter nights, and it’s sweet. It’s a relationship that I strive to have with my own daughter.
Rayne. Not only is he swoon-worthy in the sweetest ways, but he’s got this moral compass that is just so attractive. He takes his job very seriously, and he will do anything and everything to protect Sadie. Even though he has these strong feelings for her, her safety is his priority. He’s also just very sweet. I can’t get over the things he is willing to do for her. I am excited to see more and different sides of him in the next book. I have a feeling I am going to love him even more!
The end. OMG. I didn’t expect that! That’s all I’m going to say.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Ummm…I guess my ONLY minor complaint is that I wanted to FEEL more. I loved everything about this book, but I didn’t get those feels that I love to get. I wanted something to move me to tears. And I didn’t feel that…yet. I’m expecting to in the rest of the series though.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I just loved this book. From beginning to end, I was just so enamored. I wanted to read it until the end in one sitting. If I didn’t have a job and a kid to take care of, I would have. I am SO GLAD that there are 3 more books to read in this series. I can’t wait to get lost in this world again. Thank you, Christie Anderson, for writing a series that I am going to obsess over 🙂
dnf
June 25, 2020I dnfed this book roughly 150 pages in. Even though I did not finish it, it is handy for me to know why I did not finish it so here I go.
I added this book to my to-read list seven years ago. To put that in perspective, I was fifteen years old. While some books I read and enjoyed at fifteen I still like, my readings tastes have changed. I especially am not as keen on paranormal books anymore. There are just so many paranormal YA books that are just the same thing over and over again and I grew tired of them. While this book seemed to have an interesting concept, it really wasn't all that interesting. It took a long time for this book to even get into the paranormal aspect and when it did, it was a bit of a let-down. I'm sure there are more paranormal elements later on in the book and the series, but I got 15o pages in and hardly anything was happening. All that really happened was the main character, Sadie, almost dying a bunch of times and falling in insta-love. The romance this book is leaning toward is one of the reasons why I gave up. A hot guy with beautiful green eyes saves her from drowning. She instantly finds him familiar and after only seeing him one more time (and without knowing hardly anything about him), she admits to herself that she is in love with him. The same girl who thinks "I didn't believe in love at first sight". Besides the insta-love, it seems clear that Rayne (green-eyed boy) is a lot older than her. He's a graduate (not sure if high school or college) and he was able to watch over Sadie when she was a child. So, the romance just creeped me out. Of course, he is also "mysterious" and a relationship between them would be "forbidden", two tropes that I am tired of.
So, I gave up on this book. Maybe if I read it at fifteen I would have liked it, but it's just not the kind of book I enjoy reading anymore. If this book took the paranormal genre and did something interesting, I would have continued, but it instead relied on tired tropes and a slow plot. I did not want to waste my time reading a book I knew I wasn't going to enjoy in the end.
I added this book to my to-read list seven years ago. To put that in perspective, I was fifteen years old. While some books I read and enjoyed at fifteen I still like, my readings tastes have changed. I especially am not as keen on paranormal books anymore. There are just so many paranormal YA books that are just the same thing over and over again and I grew tired of them. While this book seemed to have an interesting concept, it really wasn't all that interesting. It took a long time for this book to even get into the paranormal aspect and when it did, it was a bit of a let-down. I'm sure there are more paranormal elements later on in the book and the series, but I got 15o pages in and hardly anything was happening. All that really happened was the main character, Sadie, almost dying a bunch of times and falling in insta-love. The romance this book is leaning toward is one of the reasons why I gave up. A hot guy with beautiful green eyes saves her from drowning. She instantly finds him familiar and after only seeing him one more time (and without knowing hardly anything about him), she admits to herself that she is in love with him. The same girl who thinks "I didn't believe in love at first sight". Besides the insta-love, it seems clear that Rayne (green-eyed boy) is a lot older than her. He's a graduate (not sure if high school or college) and he was able to watch over Sadie when she was a child. So, the romance just creeped me out. Of course, he is also "mysterious" and a relationship between them would be "forbidden", two tropes that I am tired of.
So, I gave up on this book. Maybe if I read it at fifteen I would have liked it, but it's just not the kind of book I enjoy reading anymore. If this book took the paranormal genre and did something interesting, I would have continued, but it instead relied on tired tropes and a slow plot. I did not want to waste my time reading a book I knew I wasn't going to enjoy in the end.
on-hold
October 19, 2011Oh god, I hate Chick Lit. I'm only 20 pages in and I'm hating it already. She's so darn "I'm blonde and gay. My life is so full of warmth and happiness nothing can stop me from singing and dancing around." She wakes up and gets kissed by her overeager blonde mom, hears her favourite song and feels so energized she started singing to it and prancing around her room. And while she prances, she says (direct quote)"I'm not like those over-exuberant girls". Come on ,man, that's a blatant lie.
Even her friends are gay! "omg, you got asked out by NICK. Christenson? SQUEAL!"
GAY. Ugh, this isn't even supposed to be Chick Lit. Oh, and you know what's more? She gets asked out by almost every guy in her school but she's oblivious to it all. And then she goes to agree to going out with a few just for the fun of it. Seriously, dude? And in her heart, she's debating whether to kiss the guy, but is in this shit dilemma because she wants her first time to be special. Hey girl, you're a freaking oxy-moron. If you even give a shit about true relationships and not adolescent infatuations, you wouldn't even be agreeing to go on a date with a guy you barely know just for the freaking "fun" of it! And why are you leading him on anyway? You're giving them hope just to crush it so callously! Ugh.
And I'm not even one-tenth into the book yet. Think I'll continue reading next year. Or maybe not. Ugh.
Even her friends are gay! "omg, you got asked out by NICK. Christenson? SQUEAL!"
GAY. Ugh, this isn't even supposed to be Chick Lit. Oh, and you know what's more? She gets asked out by almost every guy in her school but she's oblivious to it all. And then she goes to agree to going out with a few just for the fun of it. Seriously, dude? And in her heart, she's debating whether to kiss the guy, but is in this shit dilemma because she wants her first time to be special. Hey girl, you're a freaking oxy-moron. If you even give a shit about true relationships and not adolescent infatuations, you wouldn't even be agreeing to go on a date with a guy you barely know just for the freaking "fun" of it! And why are you leading him on anyway? You're giving them hope just to crush it so callously! Ugh.
And I'm not even one-tenth into the book yet. Think I'll continue reading next year. Or maybe not. Ugh.
August 24, 2011
There are three things which make a book interesting for me - that can't put it down/keep me interested feeling, characters who seem to come alive and create a bond, and an ending which leaves me wishing it wasn't over. Christie Anderson hits the mark on all three. Deep Blue Secret is playful, fun, youthful, and mysterious. While it teases us with other world glimpses, it remains down to earth. Sadie is a sweetheart and Rayne is the man of a young girl's dream. As the parent of a young girl, I appreciated the approach Christie took with some of the challenges facing Sadie and her friends. She pulls this off without overburdening the story with a preachy feeling. Thanks Christie for introducing us to your characters, letting us connect with them, and for creating that anticipation for what is to come. While I look forward to the next book, I'll be both comfortable and happy to share this one with my daughter.
February 5, 2014
Let's be honest with each other. We are friends. This book was not my friend. It was weird, I HAD TO TRY TWICE before I could get through the damned thing. Ok. Not going to rant. There is nothing I can say about this book. Unfortunately I read it about 2 days ago, and I cant remember anything but I did not like it. THat means that it was a crappy book. I'm sorry. I just can't
January 8, 2019
A great story
I very much enjoyed this book. It was a very different fantasy book from others I’ve recently read. I especially enjoyed how the author ended the last chapter, and am definitely putting the next book on my must read list!
I very much enjoyed this book. It was a very different fantasy book from others I’ve recently read. I especially enjoyed how the author ended the last chapter, and am definitely putting the next book on my must read list!
Read
March 25, 2020DNF around 40%. Extremely slow, and way way way too much of Sadie's feelings for the mysterious boy she doesn't even know *eye roll*
September 15, 2017
This is a book for young teen readers i think as its mostly about high school kids who i must admit are not a favourite age of mine to read about as i find them rather silly and Heather and company were no different. The book did not impress me in the beginning as i found it took a long time to come to the point and was going nowhere but towards the end the story took a turn for the better, became quite gripping when from a teen romance it sort of turned into a thriller. So much so that i think i will consider reading the 2nd book in the water keepers series even though i am still not sure what sort of world the people within the threshold are living in, or who the keepers really are and who is guiding them, or what the magic water really is!! Rayne is a lovely character and Sadie is at times cute but at others she drove me round the bend as she was pretty spineless!! Hope she gains a bit more character and strength in the following books.
February 25, 2021
I received Deep Blue Secret for free at one point in the past, and now I'm wishing I'd read it sooner! yes, it could be considered a bit juvenile in writing style, but as an adult, it was nice to read about high school students who acted more like the high school students I remember as a teen. Was there teenage drama? Oh yes. Was it over-the-top or indecent like some YA books? Absolutely not. Which I sincerely appreciated, Ms. Anderson, thank you!
The idea of having some sort of "other" humans who are interacting with us in a hidden manner is intriguing; I got the impression it was some sort of parallel universe (not stated explicitly in the book), which I find enjoyable. I like the interaction of Sadie and her mom; loved how the characters developed and relationships grew and experienced "real-life" issues without glossing things over too quickly. I'm hoping the next books in the series aren't too spendy, because I'd like to collect them all!
The idea of having some sort of "other" humans who are interacting with us in a hidden manner is intriguing; I got the impression it was some sort of parallel universe (not stated explicitly in the book), which I find enjoyable. I like the interaction of Sadie and her mom; loved how the characters developed and relationships grew and experienced "real-life" issues without glossing things over too quickly. I'm hoping the next books in the series aren't too spendy, because I'd like to collect them all!
December 29, 2018
Definitely didn’t see that coming
This book is a quick weekend read which is what I did while on Vacation. I enjoyed that it did read well. I didn’t have to restart sentences because they didn’t make sense to me. I have just read one that took way too much energy to read because of the dialect and etc. This would be a great teen read. Not sure how its rated but I believe my granddaughter would enjoy it. I’m pretty good about predicting what’s gonna happen and I didn’t get this one as quickly as others. I definitely recommend it.
This book is a quick weekend read which is what I did while on Vacation. I enjoyed that it did read well. I didn’t have to restart sentences because they didn’t make sense to me. I have just read one that took way too much energy to read because of the dialect and etc. This would be a great teen read. Not sure how its rated but I believe my granddaughter would enjoy it. I’m pretty good about predicting what’s gonna happen and I didn’t get this one as quickly as others. I definitely recommend it.
June 30, 2017
DNF @ 52/457
I can't get into the writing style. It seems really juvenile to me idk. And the instalove thing...no thanks.
I can't get into the writing style. It seems really juvenile to me idk. And the instalove thing...no thanks.
Read
November 4, 2011This book has an interesting idea behind it. A group of otherworldly agents who travel throughout the world healing the sick by means of special healing waters. Sadie is connected to healing water in a way she’s never known and certainly doesn’t understand, but she knows something isn’t right. Then a mysterious stranger—a boy from her dreams with crystal green eyes—shows up every time she’s in trouble and somehow makes things okay.
This book had a lot of potential, and I admit I was very excited to read it. The cover, the copy on the back, and the great reviews on Goodreads were all great.While it had the fairly common normal-girl-falls-for-mysterious-newcomer-boy outline, the “secret agent” aspect was intriguing and seemed to promise something new. Unfortunately, the book didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
It had some definite strong points—a few pieces of “technology” that I thought were interesting, some very true-feeling friend drama, and some nice descriptions of landscapes*, to name a few. But for the most part, I felt like this book just wasn’t finished. The background story needed flushing out, as did the characters themselves—there was very little that made Sadie Sadie, very little that distinguished her from any other teenage girl. We don’t what her interests are, what her weaknesses are—we don’t even know what her favorite subject in school is. All we know is that she thinks her life is perfect—but she gets sad for no reason, and that she’s never felt much of anything for any guy—until her mystery man shows up, and then she’s so head-over-heels in love she can’t control herself.
I have to admit, the writing was very much like stuff I scribbled in my journal at seventeen, so in one sense it was very real… but at the same time, it too felt underdone. Details are skipped over and many things are told rather than shown. The whole story seems to be happening to Sadie—instead of being an active part of the story, she lets Rayne take her by the hand and lead her down a path. Her slowness to question red flags often left me frustrated.
I’m sorry to say that I didn’t particularly like this book. I wanted to. I really wanted to. I even feel badly that I’ve been asked to write a review, because I don’t want Ms. Anderson to be discouraged by what I say—I just want her to know that her book could have been better. It could have been more fleshed out, and it could have been sharpened.
Funnily enough, what I enjoyed most about the book were the things that Sadie couldn’t wait to get away from—the normal teenage things. I thought that the dialogue and the jealousies between the teens Sadie hung out with were very true to teenagers, and felt very natural. I almost wish the book had been a straight contemporary about the difficulties of high school. It would have been interesting to read a book about a teen who had bouts of depression even though she thought she had a great life—more interesting, I think, than having most of her emotions influenced by things outside her control.
But that’s just my two cents.It really does have great reviews on Goodreads.
You can buy Deep Blue Secret here, and find more about Christie Anderson at her website.
*Though I have to say, as a San Diego native I thought her version of California was sadly TV-version stereotypical, but I suppose Anderson grew up where the stereotype was the rule? My high school was nothing like a “sea of blonde,” personally. Just sayin’.
This book had a lot of potential, and I admit I was very excited to read it. The cover, the copy on the back, and the great reviews on Goodreads were all great.While it had the fairly common normal-girl-falls-for-mysterious-newcomer-boy outline, the “secret agent” aspect was intriguing and seemed to promise something new. Unfortunately, the book didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
It had some definite strong points—a few pieces of “technology” that I thought were interesting, some very true-feeling friend drama, and some nice descriptions of landscapes*, to name a few. But for the most part, I felt like this book just wasn’t finished. The background story needed flushing out, as did the characters themselves—there was very little that made Sadie Sadie, very little that distinguished her from any other teenage girl. We don’t what her interests are, what her weaknesses are—we don’t even know what her favorite subject in school is. All we know is that she thinks her life is perfect—but she gets sad for no reason, and that she’s never felt much of anything for any guy—until her mystery man shows up, and then she’s so head-over-heels in love she can’t control herself.
I have to admit, the writing was very much like stuff I scribbled in my journal at seventeen, so in one sense it was very real… but at the same time, it too felt underdone. Details are skipped over and many things are told rather than shown. The whole story seems to be happening to Sadie—instead of being an active part of the story, she lets Rayne take her by the hand and lead her down a path. Her slowness to question red flags often left me frustrated.
I’m sorry to say that I didn’t particularly like this book. I wanted to. I really wanted to. I even feel badly that I’ve been asked to write a review, because I don’t want Ms. Anderson to be discouraged by what I say—I just want her to know that her book could have been better. It could have been more fleshed out, and it could have been sharpened.
Funnily enough, what I enjoyed most about the book were the things that Sadie couldn’t wait to get away from—the normal teenage things. I thought that the dialogue and the jealousies between the teens Sadie hung out with were very true to teenagers, and felt very natural. I almost wish the book had been a straight contemporary about the difficulties of high school. It would have been interesting to read a book about a teen who had bouts of depression even though she thought she had a great life—more interesting, I think, than having most of her emotions influenced by things outside her control.
But that’s just my two cents.It really does have great reviews on Goodreads.
You can buy Deep Blue Secret here, and find more about Christie Anderson at her website.
*Though I have to say, as a San Diego native I thought her version of California was sadly TV-version stereotypical, but I suppose Anderson grew up where the stereotype was the rule? My high school was nothing like a “sea of blonde,” personally. Just sayin’.
January 17, 2022
b
Not too sure on this one. I only felt *something* on the last page. Not sure it’s enough to continue the series (unless they became free like the first one).
Not too sure on this one. I only felt *something* on the last page. Not sure it’s enough to continue the series (unless they became free like the first one).
January 25, 2014
Deep Blue Secret is the first book in the water keepers series, and I believe that the second book is already out as well so people that don't like waiting between books, never fear! You can continue right on with the series. I liked Deep Blue Secret. It was a different kind of paranormal for me. While there is a bad guy "villain" in this story, the premise still seemed somehow lighter than most other paranormals that I have read. And I liked that. The water keepers are all about healing and helping. While we don't learn a ton about the specifics of them in this first installment, we do get to know the characters in the story pretty well.
Sadie is a unique girl. She has a strange birthmark that changes colors, and then this new guy shows up out of no where. That's when her life starts to really get interesting. I loved seeing Rayne and Sadie together. Rayne was just so sweet. He was always there for Sadie, always looking out for her and protecting her. There is a bit of a twist when it comes to why that is, and even though I managed to guess what it was, I still really like it and I think it is going to be interesting in the books to come. And Sadie herself is a nice, good girl. It is so nice to see someone so nice and normal. I love my jaded heroines with trust issues galore sometimes, but it is also nice to once in a while see a happy, well adjusted teenage with a great mom who is just living her life. I think that's why I felt like this book was a little lighter than most other paranormal's I have been reading lately.
My favorite part of the story was the developing romance between Sadie and Rayne, and getting a glimpse into Rayne's world. I loved learning about the farm that his family has. The only thing I thought Deep Blue Secret was missing was a little bit more back story on the water keepers themselves. I feel like I still have so many more questions about what is going on with them and with Voss, but I think that will all be explained in the next book. Overall, Deep Blue Secret set up an interesting plot that I am intrigued enough with to want to continue on with the story. I love Sadie and Rayne and I can't wait to see if a real romance will blossom between the two of them. I really hope so!
Sadie is a unique girl. She has a strange birthmark that changes colors, and then this new guy shows up out of no where. That's when her life starts to really get interesting. I loved seeing Rayne and Sadie together. Rayne was just so sweet. He was always there for Sadie, always looking out for her and protecting her. There is a bit of a twist when it comes to why that is, and even though I managed to guess what it was, I still really like it and I think it is going to be interesting in the books to come. And Sadie herself is a nice, good girl. It is so nice to see someone so nice and normal. I love my jaded heroines with trust issues galore sometimes, but it is also nice to once in a while see a happy, well adjusted teenage with a great mom who is just living her life. I think that's why I felt like this book was a little lighter than most other paranormal's I have been reading lately.
My favorite part of the story was the developing romance between Sadie and Rayne, and getting a glimpse into Rayne's world. I loved learning about the farm that his family has. The only thing I thought Deep Blue Secret was missing was a little bit more back story on the water keepers themselves. I feel like I still have so many more questions about what is going on with them and with Voss, but I think that will all be explained in the next book. Overall, Deep Blue Secret set up an interesting plot that I am intrigued enough with to want to continue on with the story. I love Sadie and Rayne and I can't wait to see if a real romance will blossom between the two of them. I really hope so!
March 1, 2012
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was not about vampires or werewolves but another supernatural/fantastical beings. Christie Anderson introduces the reader to the idea of these beings called Water Keepers. Water Keepers are agents who are sent on missions to heal people when the really need it. Sadie, the heroine of this story is an almost 18 year old teenage girl who is going through her own personal ups and downs, initially it sounded like she was simply bi-polar or manic depressive but as we learn more about her we realize that her problems have an other-worldly cause. Sadie was raised by her mother, with only her mother's stories of her father to provide her any information about him. Sadie has dreamed of meeting him and writes letters to her father in her diary since she was a little girl. However, Sadie does not know that he father has been looking out for her well being for years but because of his oath and his responsibilities he forced to stay away.
Instead Rayne, a nineteen year old Water Keeper (who has lived 32 years so far) is tasked with protecting Sadie from those who would seek to harm her and even from her own body as she goes through adolescent changes. Sadie does not know Rayne is protecting her but as she catches glimpses of him and finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. She is so drawn to him that thoughts of his diamond-like green eyes take over her mind. Rayne's job is to protect Sadie but he too is drawn to her and struggles to remain emotionless while fulfilling his assignment.
Secrets are revealed in this story that will make a reader yearn for more. It is a little slow in the beginning but it picks up quickly. It is a refreshing new idea and I can't wait to read the sequel.
Instead Rayne, a nineteen year old Water Keeper (who has lived 32 years so far) is tasked with protecting Sadie from those who would seek to harm her and even from her own body as she goes through adolescent changes. Sadie does not know Rayne is protecting her but as she catches glimpses of him and finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. She is so drawn to him that thoughts of his diamond-like green eyes take over her mind. Rayne's job is to protect Sadie but he too is drawn to her and struggles to remain emotionless while fulfilling his assignment.
Secrets are revealed in this story that will make a reader yearn for more. It is a little slow in the beginning but it picks up quickly. It is a refreshing new idea and I can't wait to read the sequel.
January 23, 2014
The always positive and happy Sadie is about to have her life turned upside down in Deep Blue Secret. Unbelievably, for the most part she takes it pretty well. The way she is physically and emotionally losing control makes many things more believable.
Rayne is a Water Keeper. He holds the much dear healing water. He always seems to be there when Sadie needs him the most. However, in the beginning he is just this mysterious, nameless boy with the Green diamond eyes. Oh how much more he is and will be ;)
Deep Blue Secret is well written. The only part I didn't care for at times, but eventually got used to, is the fact that is doesn't just switch between characters throughout the story, but it also changes from first person as Sadie to third person with focus on a different character. I prefer if the author wants to change focus they should still tell it from the same point of view whether it be in first or third.
The book as a whole kept me entertained. I love Sadie and Rayne. I really just want more of them right now. I did feel at times I just couldn't get in the book, but that usually lasted a page or two and then I was completely captivated all over again. I really do think I have some of the book figured out already, just as I did as I was going along, but that tends to be part of my fun while reading. By the end of this book your thoughts are duh, why the hell is there an Mother F'n cliff hanger, and thank God this story continues. I honestly at this point am excited to read the next installment. I am so glad I read this book.
Rayne is a Water Keeper. He holds the much dear healing water. He always seems to be there when Sadie needs him the most. However, in the beginning he is just this mysterious, nameless boy with the Green diamond eyes. Oh how much more he is and will be ;)
Deep Blue Secret is well written. The only part I didn't care for at times, but eventually got used to, is the fact that is doesn't just switch between characters throughout the story, but it also changes from first person as Sadie to third person with focus on a different character. I prefer if the author wants to change focus they should still tell it from the same point of view whether it be in first or third.
The book as a whole kept me entertained. I love Sadie and Rayne. I really just want more of them right now. I did feel at times I just couldn't get in the book, but that usually lasted a page or two and then I was completely captivated all over again. I really do think I have some of the book figured out already, just as I did as I was going along, but that tends to be part of my fun while reading. By the end of this book your thoughts are duh, why the hell is there an Mother F'n cliff hanger, and thank God this story continues. I honestly at this point am excited to read the next installment. I am so glad I read this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 473 reviews