A Secret Deep and Savage

by Lisa Amowitz

Rosalie Gatell may have saved Salttain Island, but her triumph comes at a devastating cost. With Liam cursed and her own scars still raw, she's plunged into the perilous depths of the Institute, surrounded by whispers of conspiracy and potential traitors.

Faced with an impossible choice, Rosalie must embrace her family's dark legacy or forfeit her memories and any hope of saving the boy she loves. Fate forces her hand when a terrifying new threat emerges, binding her destiny to her fiercest rival, Jessica. Their explosive connection hints at unimaginable powers, but it also puts both girls in grave danger. Jessica might just be the key to Liam's salvation, but can Rosalie trust her?

As darkness closes in and the clock ticks down, Rosalie and her unlikely allies find themselves on the run. Liam's life hangs in the balance, and unimaginable evil breathes down their necks. They must race against time to thwart a disaster that could obliterate not just their world, but the entire planet.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2024

About the author

Lisa Amowitz is an artist and graphic designer by trade, but writing
has always been a deep and abiding passion.

Her lastest release is the LOST GARDEN series, with the first book, An Island Strange and Wild, and the prequel, A Promise Bright and Fragile, available now. The second book in the series, A Secret Deep and Savage releases November 12, 2024,

visit her online at lisaamowitz.com

Twitter: @lisa_amowitz
Instagram @lisa_amowitz.author
TikTok: @lisaamowitz_author

Reviews

[Page_2_Pen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This continuation of Rosalie and Liam’s strange and wonderful adventure was everything I was hoping it would be! The side characters were given so much more depth and new ones introduced that really stole my heart. This story made me feel all the things a YA fantasy should, and the otherworldly strangeness of the Island and the people of this underlying mystery really kept me engaged and loving the adventure with them all! I was surprised and excited to find out there is a prequel novella about Tyler and immediately moved it to my TBR list! Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Victory Editing/Branch Office Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Samantha Gagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Lisa for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

A Secret Deep and Savage is the sequel novel to An Island Strange and Wild, a spellbinding romantasy retelling of The Secret Garden.

Go wilder, go deeper. Submerge yourself in the continuing saga…

My obsession continues! This book had me hooked from beginning to end as I desperately followed Rosalie's journey and watched as she continued down darker and more dangerous paths.

I loved the new settings we got, including a magic training school - always a fun trope! I don’t want to say anything else about the settings though, because secrets don’t make friends in this case, but trust me that they are amazing!

The twisty, anxious vibes continue as conspiracies abound, new enemies are cropping up left, right, and centre, and the stakes get higher and higher. Luckily, Rosalie also has new friends and allies to help her along as she tries to navigate this world of magic, secrets, and danger. Those friends couldn’t have come any sooner as Rosalie and Liam try to overcome their respective unhealed wounds leftover from An Island Strange and Wild to continue their fight despite overwhelming odds.

This book is full of new twists and turns, new factions at play, and new ties forcing Rosalie’s hand at various times. At its core, however, this is a story of a young woman stepping into her power and personhood, which I think is what makes it so relatable for so many of us. Rosalie spends most of the two novels in the dark, unsure of what is going on around her or even inside her own body. This all builds to an incredibly satisfying climax where all I could think was, “good for her.”

The ending leaves us with many questions unanswered and many things left unresolved. I’m both thrilled with what’s happened and antsy to read what comes next! (Now, how long do I have to wait for the next two books? I’m on the edge of my seat here!)

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Just remember this: what lies below does not always remain buried.”

I absolutely loved getting to revisit Rosalie and her world. I loved getting to know her new friends from the Institute and seeing that she’s growing in her knowledge of who she is and of her past. She’s doing an amazing jobs with her powers, especially considering that she only recently discovered her heritage and the powers she possesses. One of the things I enjoyed is that there are several characters that you can’t really tell if they’re good or bad. Are they making the right choices? Are they making the wrong choices for the right reasons? It’s completely understandable that Rosalie is struggling to know who she can and cannot trust. Some of the people around her take “morally grey” to a whole other level! I loved every minute that she got to spend with Liam and find myself rooting for them even more. So much is up in the water and there are so many questions that need to be answered in book three. Lisa truly made me feel like I could see the beautiful worlds she created, both below the sea and on land. There were scenes that truly kept me on the edge of my seat and I absolutely cannot wait to get the rest of the story!

[Marcia - itsabookthing2021 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved going back to the garden in A Secret Deep and Savage, Lisa Amowitz spins a marvellous story that has the same flare and action as the first in the series. The writing is full of rich and lavish descriptions, really creating that picture as I'm reading. I loved how developed this novel was and the direction it went in. Rosalie finding out more about herself and the situation she found herself in, the dangers and issues haven't ceased and there's a lot more to it all - however I won't be spoiling what.
The character developments in this novel are created with a bigger picture in mind and I can tell by it all that it's all gonna bubble over by book 3. Jessica was a character that I actually really liked in the end and I really liked how her interactions with Rosalie became. The direction of the storyline had me hooked, I needed to know how everything was gonna play out, would Brodie get away and succeed, what would happen to Liam and Aurora's curse... I had so many questions... I still have questions and I can't wait to head back to the garden in book 3.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the Lost Garden series was a great continuation of the story. A Secret Deep and Savage takes a different turn and you end up in a totally different setting than the original garden, but still in a wondrous place.

Filled with action, new characters, old friends and adversaries, the adventures in this book leave you hanging on to the edge of your seat. Another great installment, this book will leave you wanting more…now.

This series is very fun, and the settings are so lushly described. The cover art is gorgeous as well. It’s just a pleasure to read all around.

Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘A Secret Deep and Savage’ Explores the Legend of Atlantis for a Stunning Chapter in ‘The Lost Garden’ Series

After being whisked away from the smoking ruins of Salttain, Rosalie is learning the world her mother never wanted her to know. When we meet her again, she’s living at a fancy institute filled with other magical beings, on a journey of healing and discovery. But something still feels off; her powers are more subdued than ever, while the secrets are piling up. And then there are those she left behind, including her love Liam, who’s cursed to live out his days at sea—how can she free him from his terrible fate?

When the esteemed ruling council, known as the Hand, wishes to assess the extent of Rosalie’s newfound powers, it seems everyone has designs on what her future should look like. But life has a funny way of blowing even the best-laid plans out of the water—Rosalie finds herself bonded to her old rival Jessica, and dragged by the heart down into the depths to face a menacing threat.

I fell in love with the mystical nature of Salttain in An Island Strange and Wild; taking readers somewhere new after such a setting is an immense undertaking, but where else could rise to the challenge than Atlantis? A Secret Deep and Savage dives deep into the ocean to tell impossible tales of the legendary island and its ties to Salttain. With it comes gorgeously descriptive writing that paints every part of this world with a magical hue.

Through Rosalie’s strong-willed and always curious lens, you discover each place and the deep-rooted connections between those she meets and what lies beneath the waves. The new characters feel real with tangible motivations, even if it takes time to reveal their true selves. Rosalie’s friends from the institute and the oceans in between add extra layers to the story, seamlessly weaving in their wonderfully diverse histories. The story also builds upon the connections Rosalie made in the previous novel to add an edge of raw grief and terror when the darkness looms.

Rosalie and Liam’s connection is strengthened here, with all-too-brief meetings between the star-crossed lovers that make you ache with the longing left between them. It’s bittersweet yet beautiful whenever they’re able to reunite, keeping you rooting for their HEA. As Rosalie grows in her powers, so does her resolve to free Liam and find answers, and their love provides the beating heart of this series.

On the other end of the spectrum is Rosalie’s relationship with Jessica, constantly pushing and pulling them away from each other only to be snapped back into place. They must find new ways of cooperating and understanding one another, even when it costs them dearly. It adds a heartwrenching set of stakes that threatens everyone around them and allows the narrative to explore what it means when trauma and power intersect.

One of the most enthralling parts of this series is how each mystery keeps you hooked and begging for more with every chapter. The narrative tension keeps you in a constant state of wonder, whether at the vivid scenery or at what revelation will strike you in the chest next. You feel the choke of betrayal and the pang of sacrifice, as characters reveal what they’re truly capable of, for better or worse. It’s dark and twisted but full of life in all its strange, sublime ways.

A Secret Deep and Savage is a splendid sequel that builds upon the fantastical foundations of its predecessor. It takes you to new and unexpected places with just as much magic and awe as when you first began the series, and once again you won’t be able to resist its peculiar thrall.

[Rachael Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, this is the sequel to An Island Strange and Wild, so if you want to know ho we got to this particular point and understand what is going on, you will need to read the first one. I do imagine there will be a book #3, so I highly encourage reading them all.

The twists and turns continue in this book, and the stage is well set for a fantastic adventure. Often there is a sort of sophomore slump when it comes to second books but I feel as though the author does incredibly well with pacing and giving us something new and different from the first without going too far off script and taking it in an unreasonable direction.

We learn more about Rosalie and her abilities which is always fun. There's even a magic school called the Institute where she continues to grow. When this book opens, Rosalie and her mom are heatedly arguing about how Rosalie should handle her powers and what the future may hold. I will say, her mom is a bit of a tool but Rosalie is determined to find herself and to come into her own.

This is a really fun, creative YA series with well developed characters and an incredibly rich setting. I do feel this book triggers the imagination well and I am easily able to picture the world Lia Amowitz creates. This is quickly becoming a series I am encouraging others to read since I want it to find more of a footing in a mainstream realm for others to enjoy.

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Secret Deep and Savage is a fantastic sequel to The Lost Garden, continuing the journey in unexpected and wondrous ways. This second book in the series takes a different turn, transporting readers to a new and unfamiliar setting that is just as magical and captivating as the original garden. The shift in environment only adds to the story’s sense of awe and discovery, keeping the same enchanting atmosphere that made the first book so compelling.

Amowitz does a remarkable job of building on the fantastical elements of the first book, taking us to new, unexpected places filled with even more magic. The world-building is rich, and the characters grow in fascinating ways, making it easy to get swept up in the narrative once again. The writing is beautifully crafted, and the story draws you in with its peculiar charm, leaving you eager to see where the adventure leads next.

If you loved The Lost Garden, A Secret Deep and Savage will not disappoint. It’s a delightful continuation of the series that enhances the magic and wonder of the world while deepening the emotional stakes. It’s a story that truly changes the way you experience a fantastical narrative, with great characters and immersive writing that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Highly recommend for fans of YA fantasy and magic!

[S.E. Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to dive back into Rosalie’s world! After falling in love with the plants and the dreamy magic of the first book, it felt unsettling—and completely gripping—to watch Rosalie be cut off from that connection. Seeing her struggle at the Academy/Institute, surrounded by people who share her culture which is still so foreign to her, just adds a whole new layer of tension. It’s the perfect fish-out-of-water opening, pun intended.

I was thrilled to meet a whole new cast alongside Rosalie, even though it’s clear she’s having a hard time figuring out who to trust. Her friendship with Aurora grows so beautifully, and the way Rosalie keeps fighting to free Liam from his curse had me rooting for them both more than ever. Their love story is tested again and again—there’s no shortage of emotional gut-punches here, but I’m definitely not complaining. This whole installment is packed with twists, new factions, and so many moments where Rosalie has to make impossible choices. The return of some familiar enemies had my blood boiling, and I flew through those pages so quickly my Kindle couldn't keep up.

But what really makes this book shine is Rosalie herself. She's still unsure of what’s happening around her—or even inside her—and is pushed toward all these extreme options that never quite fit. Watching her finally step into her power is deeply satisfying.

The writing is as gorgeous and lyrical as ever, and it’s also fast-paced in a way that kept me turning pages late into the night. I’m honestly so bummed I have to wait for the next installment—I need to know what happens next! I’m already counting down the days until I can return to this world and see where Rosalie goes next.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting deeper into this story.
The character development and story line continues to have you on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed diving into the characters stories and more into Rosalie’s emotions.
One of my favorite things about the story, the whole series thus far, is how realistic our main character’s thought process is. Not all the time, remember it’s a story. But so many times I read and I feel like I’m shouting in my head at the characters to at least think common sense even if they still do the dumb heroic things. This book did that! It acknowledges what the reader is likely screaming to themselves. I might be alone in thinking that one aspect was amazing enough to outshine the already incredible story, but when you read it, you will understand. Now you won’t help but notice how much you could easily be put in Rosalie’s shoes.
My only pet peeve is the ending, I needed more immediately!

[One Anjana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picking up where the story ends, A Secret Deep and Savage follows Rosalie's journey after she has saved Salttain Island and now lives in Snag Island's Institute Academy in an attempt to learn more about her magic as an apprentice.

I guess my opinion is unpopular because unfortunately, I started to get bored with the plot. I feel like the plot has gone astray after their encounter with the old villain. I kinda expected it would focus on that villain, but no. The plot takes a very long turn to explore another new world. Enchanting as it is, I still feel annoyed with how much drama and secrets I (and Rosalie) must bear along the story. While mysteries and secrets are essential to the plot, I found this excessive to be unbearable for me.

As the story comes to an end, I come to the realization that there will be two more books in this series. Hope the next ones will be great!

[jessi_reading_corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sequel novel to 'An Island Strange and wild' (which is incredible by the way!) A beautiful retelling of The Secret Garden.

This book again captured my attention and had me hooked from the very beginning, as we followed Rose down the dark and dangerous paths and her decision-making. Watching her grow as a character was lovely.
Amazing new settings ones. I don't want to mention so as to ruin this story.
There are so many twists and turns!!!
The ending left me a little annoyed 😅 I was left with so many unanswered questions! So many things left unsolved, I NEED the next book! 📖
Lisa Amowitz is an amazing storyteller the way she picks you up and plops you. Smack bang into the middle of her story. A true work of art!

[Tiffany Ewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this explosive continuation of Rosalie & Liam's story. Amowitz does a wonderful job once again of creating a fantastically mysterious world to get tossed around in. Absolutely intriguing, manipulating, and twisted in all the right ways. More action, adventure, urgency and the right amount of awe to keep you on the edge of your seat. Who to trust, who not to trust, mind blowing secrets, ulterior motives, magic that defys all, a curse to break a love to save! Single pov, steady balance, political intrigue, betrayal, twists and turns you don't expect, and a slow-burn romance that keeps you going, but I NEED MORE! I can't wait to see where this goes and how Amowitz continues this brilliant series!

[Zaonic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get thrown back into the magical world of Rosalie Gatell.

This book follows Rosalie 5 months post the events of the last book. Walk beside her as she finally learns about whole new world that was kept hidden from her.

Lisa does an excellent job keeping the twists coming, you will be horrified at several points reading this book. Just like her first book you're barely getting to know the characters before you're thrown into your first loop and tragedy.

Gotta give props to my Lisa because there is real queer representation in this book! But no spoilers on who!

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book, and the prequel, so it made sense for me to dive into the second book and see what lays ahead for Rosalie and Liam. I adored the worldbuilding and the way Amowitz always has you in the centre of the action. While there were parts I liked less, overall the story has you hooked and pulled into the world, the twists keeping you turning the pages. The whole thing was a wild ride, and a series I’ll have to finish off to know the final ending!

[Bookdragon733 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel is packed full of adventure, action, magic and awesome characters! A Secret Deep and Savage has several twists and turns that will keep you turning the page. The MC overcomes many challenges and finds friends along the way. This page turner has me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book. Thank you, Lisa, for giving me the privilege of ARC reading this book! I cannot wait to see what comes next!

[Erin Saulpaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im so glad I was able to read the books together, and that I didn't have to wait for the second one to release. As soon as I finished book 1, I jumped right into book 2, and it did not disappoint. I love this series so much. This has to be one of my favorite series for 2024. This book was more dark and dangerous and I loved it.
Book 3 can't come soon enough... can't wait to see what happens next!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provoked my thoughts, it was so good not to set down! It has powerful relationships and I love that! Rosalie and Jessica relationship was very much focused in this book and it just drags you into what’s gonna happen next! Love that! I needed more Liam though hehe. And I hope Brody has a 3 degree burn or worse! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

[Sarah Stokes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wooow!! What a journey this series is so far!

I just love the relationship Liam and Rosalie have and I love how their relationship is getting stronger with every challenge they face.

And Jessica!! Just loved her character building and the way her and Rosalie’s friendship grows throughout. Soo many twists and turns in this book that you don’t see coming!!

I can not wait for the next book 🥰🥰

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Secret Deep and Savage is book two in Lisa Amowitz's Lost Garden YA series. Although it is book two, the series includes two other books, including a prequel. It is not a standalone and should be read with the other two books.

I was very excited to jump in and see what has happened since the end of book one. Rosalie may have saved Salttain Island, but it comes at a huge cost. I was delighted to continue Liam and Rosalie’s love story. So many new and exciting characters are introduced, and some old ones reappear. This book will have you on the edge of your seat and second-guessing who to trust. There are incredible twists and turns! It’s not just Salttain Island in danger this time!

This cover is just as beautiful as the others. They would look amazing on your shelf!

Thank you to Lisa Amowitz for gifting me an eARC of A Secret Deep and Savage. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[🐷Shay loves books🐷 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Lost Garden series. You definitely need to read book 1 before this one and there is also a novella that goes along with it. This story for me was an edge of my seat thrill ride, in a very good way. The twists and unexpected turns was amazing! I cldnt get enough of Rosalie and Liam’s love story. In book1 Rosalie saves Salttains Island but the story continues with more adventures and they soon realize that Salttains wasn’t the only thing in danger! This book was so good! I recommend for everyone to read this series! I Can’t wait for more!! I’m hooked! Lisa’s writing is beautiful and it flows so well with the story. It is a kind of a retelling of the secret garden, which I loved growing up, but she puts her own love into that if you didn’t know it was loosely based on the secret garden, you may not even realize it!

[BookReviewMystic | Tabitha S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful continuation of An Island Strange + Wild! With a large focus on found family, overcoming obstacles, high stakes, + opposing societies, I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. I am very much looking forward to the next book!

[Janna Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book along with the first one; both are absolutely stunning. This one picks up after the first one and follows an Altantis retelling. It is filled with more magic, adventures, and romance as Rosalie tries to discover more about herself and save Liam.

[bookish_adventurer · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Coming from An Island Strange and Wild (book 1), A Secret Deep And Savage continues the awe of this wonderful tale. The writing is engaging and detailed as it paints a scene . There’s romance. There’s angst. I enjoy reading any work from this author.

[Sandy Auld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa does it again. Another new world that takes you to the depths of your imagination.

This follow-up has Rosalie learning about so many things that have been hidden from her. New friends and enemies to intrigue you while cruising through this beautiful sea worthy story.

[Dglab1511 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Read

What an imagining! The many, many layers peeling in this book. I am amazed by your imagination and talent spinning through the pages of this book. Write faster! I need the next book!

[Emily Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Secret Deep And Savage picks up where An Island Strange and Wild left off, in the thick of the action....and it never slows down. Lisa's writing is as atmospheric as ever, with gorgeous descriptions that were so vivid, I could envision the book playing out like a movie. Rosalie's love for Liam pervades every page, and since this is a Lisa Amowitz book, their romance plays out against a backdrop of spectacular twists and turns. With a villain you love to hate, an unexpected fusion of science and magic, and a heroine who is as flawed as she is powerful, this sequel delivers on all fronts. I was fortunate enough to read an early version of this story, and now I can't wait for Book 3!

[Monica Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as amazing and thrilling a ride as the first book! Can’t wait for the next to see what happens next! Kept me hooked from page 1 and every scene I felt like I was in the story.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story that won’t disappoint Rosalie is in danger and how will this all turn out for her. Filled with secrets, fast moving and powerful.

[Annie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

While book 2 takes a different path than book 1 it is just as good and goes much deeper into the mysterious Saltain Island. This is turning into a great series that leaves you mystified and wanting to learn more. The more Rosalie seeks answers the more questions she has and nothing seems to be going her way.