What do you think?
Rate this book
Sea of Secrets
Can she save him from the darkness in his soul--or will it destroy them both?
After her brother is killed in the Crimean War, innocent young Oriel Pembroke finds herself alone in the world. Disowned by the cruel father who has always despised her, she has nowhere to turn until she is taken under the wing of a glamorous relative she never knew: the former Duchess of Ellsworth, who has scandalized society by remarrying soon after her first husband's death. At the opulent seaside estate of Ellsmere, Oriel thinks she has found a safe haven--but the darkly handsome young duke, Herron, believes otherwise. Haunted by the death of his father, he suspects that Ellsmere is sheltering a murderer.
Even as Oriel falls in love with the duke, she begins to fear that his grief and suspicion are turning to madness. When dangerous accidents start to befall both Herron and Oriel, however, she realizes that someone may be trying to stop them from discovering the truth about the past. And when someone from her past comes back into her life, she learns that he may hold the answer to the most horrifying secret of all...
Follow Oriel's captivating story as it unfolds in Sea of Secrets and see for yourself why this Victorian romantic suspense novel by Amanda DeWees has been so enthusiastically applauded by fans of Victorian mystery, traditional gothic romance, and historical romance alike. Intelligent and courageous, with a dry sense of humor, Oriel is a heroine wise beyond her years yet inexperienced in the ways of the world. You won't want to miss her thrilling journey through the perils of her new life--and the deadly secrets from the past.
After her brother is killed in the Crimean War, innocent young Oriel Pembroke finds herself alone in the world. Disowned by the cruel father who has always despised her, she has nowhere to turn until she is taken under the wing of a glamorous relative she never knew: the former Duchess of Ellsworth, who has scandalized society by remarrying soon after her first husband's death. At the opulent seaside estate of Ellsmere, Oriel thinks she has found a safe haven--but the darkly handsome young duke, Herron, believes otherwise. Haunted by the death of his father, he suspects that Ellsmere is sheltering a murderer.
Even as Oriel falls in love with the duke, she begins to fear that his grief and suspicion are turning to madness. When dangerous accidents start to befall both Herron and Oriel, however, she realizes that someone may be trying to stop them from discovering the truth about the past. And when someone from her past comes back into her life, she learns that he may hold the answer to the most horrifying secret of all...
Follow Oriel's captivating story as it unfolds in Sea of Secrets and see for yourself why this Victorian romantic suspense novel by Amanda DeWees has been so enthusiastically applauded by fans of Victorian mystery, traditional gothic romance, and historical romance alike. Intelligent and courageous, with a dry sense of humor, Oriel is a heroine wise beyond her years yet inexperienced in the ways of the world. You won't want to miss her thrilling journey through the perils of her new life--and the deadly secrets from the past.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
67 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Amanda DeWees
39 books140 followersAmanda DeWees received her PhD in English from the University of Georgia and wrote her dissertation on 19th-century vampire literature—the perfect training, although she didn’t know it at the time, for writing Victorian gothic romance novels. Her books include With This Curse, winner of the 2015 Daphne du Maurier Award in historical mystery/suspense, and the Sybil Ingram Victorian Mysteries series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 5, 2016
Good book!
I enjoyed this one... Some parts I would've maybe liked to see happen differently but overall thought it was full of good writing, interesting characters (who were pretty mysterious), intrigue, & a great gothic-type ambience. It was easy to read and follow, a good book to follow up a more "deep" or "heavy" one. I'll definitely try others by her.
I enjoyed this one... Some parts I would've maybe liked to see happen differently but overall thought it was full of good writing, interesting characters (who were pretty mysterious), intrigue, & a great gothic-type ambience. It was easy to read and follow, a good book to follow up a more "deep" or "heavy" one. I'll definitely try others by her.
July 23, 2013
This could have been so much better if there had been an epilogue in the form of an Italian newspaper exerpt stating something along the lines that Sir Claude etc. was found dead after what the authorities concluded must have been a tragic accident.....
For really, which mother can shrug off the fact that her new husband has made several attempts on her son's life?
For really, which mother can shrug off the fact that her new husband has made several attempts on her son's life?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2012
Rating 3.5 Stars
How are the sex scenes?
What sex? There is only kissing, but I did not want for any bedroom action.
Sex doesn't fit this story and Amanda made the right choice in excluding it.
How are the story lines?
A clever treat is in store for readers. It's excellent and I was so pleased when I figured it out. Amanda explains it all in her Author's Note at the end of the book.
Review
"Sea of Secrets" by Amanda DeWees is set between 1853 - 1856 along the English coast.
Oriel is a character to fall in love with. She's emotionally neglected, believes she looks plain, sews herself drab-colored dresses because her father refuses to buy something better and lost her mother when she was an infant.
Strong, wounded heroines are a favorite of mine and Oriel hits all the right points.
To whatever he said, however caustic or cruel, I answered only Yes, Father; As you say, Father; To be sure, Father.
The hero of this story is foreshadowed. Remember this sentence. Remember this sentence, read "Sea of Secrets," then think about this sentence again. It's there. And it rules.
The most amazing part of "Sea of Secrets" is the huge parallel between it and another fictional writing. To give the title is a spoiler, but keep this in mind and see how long it takes for you to notice. Then read Amanda's Author's Note to understand the rest.
The reason "Sea of Secrets" receives 3.5 stars and not 4.5 stars or higher...is also a spoiler. But this story is slated as a Gothic Romance, not a historical with a romantic element and is graded as such.
The lack of sex has nothing to do with the rating. As mentioned above, Sea of Secrets doesn't need it and Amanda shows great wisdom in leaving it out.
I enjoyed this story. It's now a comfort read for me.
Amanda's form of writing is beautiful and I dare say perfect; it's nice to read beautiful things.
Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review. ARC was received from author in exchange for honest review.
This is posted on Ravishing Romances. Click here to read the complete review.
September 27, 2012
Reviewed By BlackTulip for Confessions from Romaholics
The blurb seemed fantastic, so I was more than ready to love this book but unfortunately, I didn't; I wanted to like it, but I simply couldn't !
This novel is based partly on a famous Shakespeare play and has the flavor of some 19th century British writers like the Bronte sisters and as a tribute to them, it 's certainly well done. This being said, that's not what I was hoping for ... and the result is a big disappointment, utterly frustrating.
Quite frankly, nothing really worked for me in this book. I'm the kind of person who’s addicted to descriptions of any kind. There are never too much of them, they always help me "to feel" or "to see" and be in some way part of the whole. But magic didn't happen here. The author failed to pull me into her story. I never "felt" Oriel's love grow for the brooding Herron or even any connection between them, nor did I "feel" Herron's anger. In fact I’ve never experienced their emotions, even less gothic atmosphere the blurb was suggesting. I read words after words after words ... which never once spoke to me.
The first half of the story was extremely slow to develop; there was too much thinking and talking and not enough action. Something dramatic happened, at last, half way through but unfortunately it didn't change the slow pace of the writing. The fact that it’s a first-person narrative didn't help, I think. Nevertheless, I'll admit that the second part was a little less dull to read. But regrettably, my interest had ample time to wear down and to finish this book was not easy but I wanted to know how it would end. The multi-layered mystery plot was the best part and that's what made me decide to continue. However, in my opinion, the romance was very weak, the weakest element. And as if it wasn’t enough, I found the ending rather unsatisfactory and disappointing.
Overall, I cannot say I enjoyed this novel, though I tried. But to be fair to Amanda DeWees, I have to say it was very well written. It simply didn't work for me. And in all honesty, I can only give it 2 stars.
January 11, 2017
Oriel has never understood her father's unaccountable contempt for her, but after her brother Lionel is killed in the Crimean War, it ceases to matter: her father disowns her, casts her off, and gives her a mere month to secure her future. It's only the intervention of a previously unknown aunt--a rformer duchess, no less--that keeps Oriel from a state of obscure poverty.
Swept up into her new family, whisked away to their seaside manor, treated with more kindness and generosity than she's ever known before, Oriel is almost overwhelmed by her rags-to-riches good fortune. However, she hasn't had her head turned so much that she doesn't notice certain tensions running through her new family: her aunt, who has been recently widowed and remarried in an unseemly amount of time, is oblivious to the fact that her son and heir, Herron, believes that someone killed his father, the former duke, and that the killer lurks in the loving bosom of their family. It's difficult to tell if Herron has justifiable suspicions, or if he is simply going mad from his grief, but when Oriel begins to do her own bit of questioning and investigating, she turns up some chilling information that puts her at risk, and could possibly destroy her entire family as well.
There are a couple of things that surprised me about this book--first, the rather cheap binding and cover hide a deceptively decent story. The other thing is this: usually, when Oriel observed, overheard, or experienced something (with one major exception), she didn't keep the information to herself, as characters so often do (thereby creating more deceptions and secrets). It was a refreshing change from the usual trajectory of plots.
Swept up into her new family, whisked away to their seaside manor, treated with more kindness and generosity than she's ever known before, Oriel is almost overwhelmed by her rags-to-riches good fortune. However, she hasn't had her head turned so much that she doesn't notice certain tensions running through her new family: her aunt, who has been recently widowed and remarried in an unseemly amount of time, is oblivious to the fact that her son and heir, Herron, believes that someone killed his father, the former duke, and that the killer lurks in the loving bosom of their family. It's difficult to tell if Herron has justifiable suspicions, or if he is simply going mad from his grief, but when Oriel begins to do her own bit of questioning and investigating, she turns up some chilling information that puts her at risk, and could possibly destroy her entire family as well.
There are a couple of things that surprised me about this book--first, the rather cheap binding and cover hide a deceptively decent story. The other thing is this: usually, when Oriel observed, overheard, or experienced something (with one major exception), she didn't keep the information to herself, as characters so often do (thereby creating more deceptions and secrets). It was a refreshing change from the usual trajectory of plots.
August 14, 2016
This novel was so disappointing! I was intrigued at the idea of reading (actually listening to) a retelling of Hamlet, but this book was so slow, it dragged so much!. No real fact actually took place until the very last chapters. It was all talk talk talk, endless talk! Where was the promised suspense? And even forgetting that I disliked all the main characters involved:
Herron wasn’t to me a tormented romantic hero but a rude boy who behaved childishly and at a certain point even like a psychopath
Oriel’s feelings were so very shallow! After immediately and unexplainably falling in love with the duke, she soon transferred her affection to someone else – again with no proper character development to explain that!
The duchess! Well she was an exemplary mother indeed! One that tells her son something like “Hey Herron your stepfather did some very horrible and criminal things to you but he didn’t mean to, you know, and he is so sorry and promised he won’t hurt you again so why don’t you forgive him?”
The villain…. Wasn’t he too much? Too much cruel, too much scheming…. I mean he looked like the parody of a villain to me!
Herron wasn’t to me a tormented romantic hero but a rude boy who behaved childishly and at a certain point even like a psychopath
Oriel’s feelings were so very shallow! After immediately and unexplainably falling in love with the duke, she soon transferred her affection to someone else – again with no proper character development to explain that!
The duchess! Well she was an exemplary mother indeed! One that tells her son something like “Hey Herron your stepfather did some very horrible and criminal things to you but he didn’t mean to, you know, and he is so sorry and promised he won’t hurt you again so why don’t you forgive him?”
The villain…. Wasn’t he too much? Too much cruel, too much scheming…. I mean he looked like the parody of a villain to me!
April 26, 2013
This is not my typical read, however I am glad I had the pleasure to read it. Oriel has been somewhat raised by her evil worthless father. After he disowns her she meets the Duchess, her Aunt, and is given a new life. After becoming friends with Herron and trying to help him she realizes he is not her soulmate. However his step-brother/cousin Charles could be. Great story that keeps you guessing and hoping for a miracle. This is more of a historical /dramatic romance, however there are no intimate scenes. But you do not miss them with this fantastic story line! WaAR
March 26, 2016
Amanda DeWees's got gothic!! Written with lush and intelligent prose, DeWees has crafted a beautiful and suspenseful novel that is a pure pleasure to read!
Read full review in the 2012 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2012 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
November 22, 2012
For a complete review check out the next issue of InD'Tale online magazine!
March 26, 2024
I was really torn about how to rate this book but in the end I'd have to say 2-2 1/2 stars because there were just so many things that didn't work for me. I can appreciate (through the author's afterword), that she wanted to change some expectations (as to who the hero really was) and I'm ok with that and admit that even though it wasn't what I initially wanted, it did kind of work.
What didn't work for me was how slow the story was. People are dead (her brother, Herron's father), Oriel moves to the country but really almost nothing actually happens for about 100 pages or so. The relationship between Oriel and Herron is bizarre and all over the place - this is described as a gothic romantic suspense. There is a sprinkling of gothic elements throughout, some mystery (not really suspense until the very end) but no romance. None.
There's nothing romantic about Oriel being a surrogate mother to Herron. There's nothing romantic in the way he treats her - viciously in some cases. And really nothing romantic in the way she not only accepts his treatment but chases after him and then kind of belatedly says he should apologize. She gets angry for all of five seconds and then is pining for him again. It is the epitome of an abusive relationship. Not romantic at all.
Then there's Charles and Oriel. Their first "romantic" encounter was so awkward and forced. It was like two middle school children kissing for the first time. I'm glad they both seemed to actually have a connection but it was not romantic.
The overdone portrayal of Hamlet was just not to my taste. It was like reading a modern version of Hamlet without the nuances and good dialogue. It just didn't work for me.
All the above got me to barely a 3 star rating but then there was the ending. I'm sorry. There was just way too much swept under the rug. It's frustrating to watch Herron act like a petulant child through most of the book but at least in some ways that made sense. Other people's - especially the Duchess' - reactions to the revelations made made no sense whatsoever. Sorry, there's no coming back from some of the things that came to light - in a real life anyway, but here, it was written as "oh well, sorry I tried to murder you, we can still be friends right?"
It's a shame because in some ways the writing was done well and the story had potential (the mystery did keep me guessing), it just failed in too many ways for me.
What didn't work for me was how slow the story was. People are dead (her brother, Herron's father), Oriel moves to the country but really almost nothing actually happens for about 100 pages or so. The relationship between Oriel and Herron is bizarre and all over the place - this is described as a gothic romantic suspense. There is a sprinkling of gothic elements throughout, some mystery (not really suspense until the very end) but no romance. None.
There's nothing romantic about Oriel being a surrogate mother to Herron. There's nothing romantic in the way he treats her - viciously in some cases. And really nothing romantic in the way she not only accepts his treatment but chases after him and then kind of belatedly says he should apologize. She gets angry for all of five seconds and then is pining for him again. It is the epitome of an abusive relationship. Not romantic at all.
Then there's Charles and Oriel. Their first "romantic" encounter was so awkward and forced. It was like two middle school children kissing for the first time. I'm glad they both seemed to actually have a connection but it was not romantic.
The overdone portrayal of Hamlet was just not to my taste. It was like reading a modern version of Hamlet without the nuances and good dialogue. It just didn't work for me.
All the above got me to barely a 3 star rating but then there was the ending. I'm sorry. There was just way too much swept under the rug. It's frustrating to watch Herron act like a petulant child through most of the book but at least in some ways that made sense. Other people's - especially the Duchess' - reactions to the revelations made made no sense whatsoever. Sorry, there's no coming back from some of the things that came to light - in a real life anyway, but here, it was written as "oh well, sorry I tried to murder you, we can still be friends right?"
It's a shame because in some ways the writing was done well and the story had potential (the mystery did keep me guessing), it just failed in too many ways for me.
April 10, 2019
I was really excited by the premise of this book and in the end, it was a good book: engaging and layered, if a bit slow to get started. I liked the writing style and the successfully historic feel to it. But oh dear, were the characters disappointing. The villian was a bit too much. He came across as more of a cartoon villian; too unfeeling, manipulative, and evil. It just wasn't believable as the story progressed, with no balance of a soft spot or...literally anything to humanize him. Oriel was willfully blind and obtuse at times. When all the signs were screaming in her face, when she overheard all the clues she needed she still couldn't put two and two together. She let sentiment get in the way of logic so many times. Which I guess sort of makes sense when you take in to account the environment in which she was raised. Herron was supposed to be this troubled and grieving young man, but instead he spent most of the book in a state of insanity basically, with a touch of tantruming toddler thrown in. He behaved in a manner that was entirely inexcusable and completely unacceptable. His half-hearted explanation at the end of the book was woefully inadequate and frankly nowhere near even being in the realm of acceptable reasoning for his actions. And his mother! The duchess is worshiped by essentailly everyone in this book, but I find her completely undeserving of such adoration. What kind of mother would EVER accept and look past her husband making attempts on her son's life on more than one occasion, mind you. Simpy because she's managed to convice herself that it's not truly in his nature and that he never would have attempted it had he not been pressured. Okay...but he still tried to kill your son, whether he relished the idea or not. You worthless woman.
In the end we are left to decide for ourselves whether we think Herron's father was killed or not and, if so, by whom? I quite liked that it was left open. And I am glad that Oriel didn't forgive Herron to the extent of looking past his actions and taking him back. I never would have been able to respect her character after that.
In the end we are left to decide for ourselves whether we think Herron's father was killed or not and, if so, by whom? I quite liked that it was left open. And I am glad that Oriel didn't forgive Herron to the extent of looking past his actions and taking him back. I never would have been able to respect her character after that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2022
Good gothic mystery/romance with overtones of Hamlet, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. Oriel is thrown out of her house by her father after the death of her brother in the Crimean War. She calls on a cousin, a duchess, of her mother to find her a job as a governess. The success has some scandal surrounding her as she married her brother in law shortly after the death of her husband, the duke. The Duchess takes Oriel to the family manor, where she meets the new Duke Herron, who is angry suspecting his uncle of murdering his father and walks the roof at night hoping to see a reappearance of his father's ghost. Ariel offers him comfort and she thinks they are in love. Martin's behaviour is increasingly and when he assaults Oriel at a ball, I decided his cousin Charles nice well mannered and obviously in love with Oriel to be the hero. Then Oriel's evil father arrives at the estate and seems to have some sort of hold over the uncle. The truth is finally revealed: the uncle was being pushed to murder his nephew since he would shortly turn 21 and see that his inheritance had been spent by the executors of the evil father and the uncle. The uncle to improve the estate for the tenants and buying lavish gifts for the family. Only 1 thing annoyed me at the end when Oriel's father is attempting to throw Herron off the roof she saves Herron and most likely herself by pushing her father to his death first, then she fears telling anyone for fear they will think her evil and have her arrested. She even doesn't tell Charles she loves him because he deserves better than a murderess. Really??!! But overall fun throwback type read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2017
Honestly, I can't understand why Amanda DeWees' books aren't more popular... These are the books I turn to when I can't figure out what to read or I'm in a reading rut. They are the perfect balance of gothic/spooky and dreamy/romantic.
I didn't love this one as much as I've loved some of her others - (*cough cough* Herron was the worst character ever) - but I did very much enjoy it. These are not the most complex, or wonderfully written stories ever - (or historically accurate, for that matter) - but I just love getting lost in the worlds that this author creates. I guess I was born into the wrong time. (Ha.) I didn't catch the Hamlet connection until the author mentioned it in the Afterward, but now I can see it. Very cool take on the story. 4 stars from me.
I didn't love this one as much as I've loved some of her others - (*cough cough* Herron was the worst character ever) - but I did very much enjoy it. These are not the most complex, or wonderfully written stories ever - (or historically accurate, for that matter) - but I just love getting lost in the worlds that this author creates. I guess I was born into the wrong time. (Ha.) I didn't catch the Hamlet connection until the author mentioned it in the Afterward, but now I can see it. Very cool take on the story. 4 stars from me.
September 3, 2024
I didn't think the novel had a particularly gothic atmosphere. Even with the remote English setting in a large mansion. Even near a violent sea and lots of rain beating against the window panes. And possible murder.
I did immediately get the connection to "Hamlet." I've seen the play several times and now find Hamlet a bore. He is spoiled, immature, and selfish. He doesn't care what his behavior is doing to others around him and it causes others pain and even death.
I felt the same about Herron. (What a weird name.) If he was so sure of his father being murdered by his uncle, why didn't he go to the police? Instead he was acting like a jerk and somewhat insane. I enjoyed the narration of Oriel, another weird name, so that kept me interested in the story.
I did immediately get the connection to "Hamlet." I've seen the play several times and now find Hamlet a bore. He is spoiled, immature, and selfish. He doesn't care what his behavior is doing to others around him and it causes others pain and even death.
I felt the same about Herron. (What a weird name.) If he was so sure of his father being murdered by his uncle, why didn't he go to the police? Instead he was acting like a jerk and somewhat insane. I enjoyed the narration of Oriel, another weird name, so that kept me interested in the story.
November 6, 2024
Very good book !
A good book, with a very interesting and creative plot that hooks you into the story and compels you to read more. As I read this , I found myself planning what would happen next, and comparing it to what actually happened. That’s the type of book it is, where you can read more while never knowing what will happen next. There were very few faults in this book, and the plot was well planned out and presented. I am very pleased with this book.
A good book, with a very interesting and creative plot that hooks you into the story and compels you to read more. As I read this , I found myself planning what would happen next, and comparing it to what actually happened. That’s the type of book it is, where you can read more while never knowing what will happen next. There were very few faults in this book, and the plot was well planned out and presented. I am very pleased with this book.
January 12, 2018
Oriel Pembroke having been disowned by her father seeks out her newly discovered relations. The Duchess of Ellsworth. But as her new family settle at Ellsmere, she wonders is there a murderer residing there, and who could it be. Herron, the new young Duke believes so.
An enjoyable Victorian gothic mystery and romance.
An enjoyable Victorian gothic mystery and romance.
May 3, 2022
Sea of Secrets By Amanda Dewees
Three stars, this story has everything, drama, violence, hate, and love.. Oriel was caught up in all the mystery which they included her crazy father.. There are a lot of "who is trying to kill whom"..
Three stars, this story has everything, drama, violence, hate, and love.. Oriel was caught up in all the mystery which they included her crazy father.. There are a lot of "who is trying to kill whom"..
October 28, 2017
I just loved the mystery, it keeps you guessing till the end<3 And even at the end it leaves it open to interpretation.
May 4, 2022
Not bad. Moves a bit too quickly fir my tastes. Loved the romance though.
Read
October 26, 2022This just wasn't for me - DNFd at ~70%
December 14, 2023
Well written gothic romance. Very draggy in parts. Ending really drug.
July 5, 2013
4.5 out of 5 stars!
After reading the Ash Grove Chronicles I expected nothing less but an excellent story from Sea of Secrets and I was pleasantly surprised because this story was very different from the Ash Grove Chronicles. Sea of Secrets begins with the death of Oriel's dear brother Leonin, and her stressful relationship with her horrible father, who is constantly demeaning her and inducing fear in his own daughter. Oriel's father disowns her and as a last resort she contacts her mother's side of the family, people her father has never mentioned and who she has never met before. What Oriel doesn't know is that there are more links between her mother's side and her father than she could ever imagine.
I sympathised with Oriel, because she has never been loved and it was such a pleasant change to see her mother's family dote on her and for her to fall in love with the Duke. Oriel's father was so cruel and I was horrified to see him return to ruin the little happiness Oriel had finally found.
Overall, the characters were excellently described and all felt so real. The story is full of secrets, just as the title suggests and I liked the dark feel the story takes.
**I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Favourite quotes
"You may be proud that he died a hero's death," intoned Abel Crowley, one of my father's colleagues.
"Indeed, a bullet in the head at twenty-three is far more gratifying than pneumonia at seventy," returned Father, and Crowley, a man not highly attuned to sarcasm, nodded sagely and clapped my father on the back before ambling away.
But it was left to Mrs. Armadale from down the street to make the most foolish attempt to console my father for his loss.
"At least you still have your daughter," she said.
Father stiffened. I kept my eyes lowered, but I could sense the withering glance he directed at me.
"Madam," said Father, in his deep, solemn voice, "you cannot imagine how that fact has cheered me."
"So I have succeeded in teaching you something," he said, his voice almost purring in its deep contentment. "You have inherited something from me after all- the capacity for hate. That will be your legacy."
He stood at the foot of the grave, gloved hands clasped behind him, his dark clothes and hair blending into one black silhouette, as if he were not a presence but an absence, a hole cut out of the landscape.
"Then why shouldn't it be a sin to turn my back on a world that's been left to chaos?" he demanded in triumph. "There can be no sin where there is no deity to sin against. And if there is a God, He can only be my enemy now. Why should I then hesitate to enact the justice that He fails to administer, or to end my own life if I feel it has no further purpose?"
She made no move. Anxious, I put my arm around her shoulders. "He is not lost to you forever, I am sure: in time he will come back to us, out of this prison he has made for himself."
She raised her head at that, and I was shocked anew at the weary hopelessness of her eyes, the tired lies that leapt into sudden relief. "It may be so," she said tonelessly. "But it may be that this prison is stronger than time- or love."
I could see the scene as if it were unfolding before me now: Herron, gazing down at me with love rekindled in his eyes; the duchess and Lord Claude, smiling in their delight; my father, confounded for once, looking as if he had swallowed a bad oyster...
"You gave me a start, daughter," he said almost gaily. "I never expected you to be here. I thought you would be deep asleep, sunk in a laudanum-induced stupor. What a nuisance you are. Can't you do anything I want of you?"
"What are you doing?"
"Killing young Herron. He takes a great deal of killing, this lad. I'm losing count of the times his uncle and I have tried."
I began to laugh, lying there half in and half out of the water, drenched and half-drowned. I had thrown myself into the arms of the sea, and it had thrown me back.
"Oh, I could; but in any case, acting as you did- to save another life- that is not murder. You are no more capable of cold-blooded, deliberate murder than...than Claude. There is some situation in which everyone will kill, whether it is to save her own life or that of someone she loves. That does not make her a killer by nature, or mean that, having destroyed one, she will ever do so again."
"How can you be so sure?" I could not help asking it, even though I did not want to find fault with her kindness. "How can any of us really be certain we know what those around us a capable of?"
She rose to her feet and shook out her gown. "Sometimes we cannot, dear, but often our hearts tell us enough. In any case, we cannot depend on absolute certainty; sometimes we must take people on faith, and trust them even if we risk being hurt."
After reading the Ash Grove Chronicles I expected nothing less but an excellent story from Sea of Secrets and I was pleasantly surprised because this story was very different from the Ash Grove Chronicles. Sea of Secrets begins with the death of Oriel's dear brother Leonin, and her stressful relationship with her horrible father, who is constantly demeaning her and inducing fear in his own daughter. Oriel's father disowns her and as a last resort she contacts her mother's side of the family, people her father has never mentioned and who she has never met before. What Oriel doesn't know is that there are more links between her mother's side and her father than she could ever imagine.
I sympathised with Oriel, because she has never been loved and it was such a pleasant change to see her mother's family dote on her and for her to fall in love with the Duke. Oriel's father was so cruel and I was horrified to see him return to ruin the little happiness Oriel had finally found.
Overall, the characters were excellently described and all felt so real. The story is full of secrets, just as the title suggests and I liked the dark feel the story takes.
**I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Favourite quotes
"You may be proud that he died a hero's death," intoned Abel Crowley, one of my father's colleagues.
"Indeed, a bullet in the head at twenty-three is far more gratifying than pneumonia at seventy," returned Father, and Crowley, a man not highly attuned to sarcasm, nodded sagely and clapped my father on the back before ambling away.
But it was left to Mrs. Armadale from down the street to make the most foolish attempt to console my father for his loss.
"At least you still have your daughter," she said.
Father stiffened. I kept my eyes lowered, but I could sense the withering glance he directed at me.
"Madam," said Father, in his deep, solemn voice, "you cannot imagine how that fact has cheered me."
"So I have succeeded in teaching you something," he said, his voice almost purring in its deep contentment. "You have inherited something from me after all- the capacity for hate. That will be your legacy."
He stood at the foot of the grave, gloved hands clasped behind him, his dark clothes and hair blending into one black silhouette, as if he were not a presence but an absence, a hole cut out of the landscape.
"Then why shouldn't it be a sin to turn my back on a world that's been left to chaos?" he demanded in triumph. "There can be no sin where there is no deity to sin against. And if there is a God, He can only be my enemy now. Why should I then hesitate to enact the justice that He fails to administer, or to end my own life if I feel it has no further purpose?"
She made no move. Anxious, I put my arm around her shoulders. "He is not lost to you forever, I am sure: in time he will come back to us, out of this prison he has made for himself."
She raised her head at that, and I was shocked anew at the weary hopelessness of her eyes, the tired lies that leapt into sudden relief. "It may be so," she said tonelessly. "But it may be that this prison is stronger than time- or love."
I could see the scene as if it were unfolding before me now: Herron, gazing down at me with love rekindled in his eyes; the duchess and Lord Claude, smiling in their delight; my father, confounded for once, looking as if he had swallowed a bad oyster...
"You gave me a start, daughter," he said almost gaily. "I never expected you to be here. I thought you would be deep asleep, sunk in a laudanum-induced stupor. What a nuisance you are. Can't you do anything I want of you?"
"What are you doing?"
"Killing young Herron. He takes a great deal of killing, this lad. I'm losing count of the times his uncle and I have tried."
I began to laugh, lying there half in and half out of the water, drenched and half-drowned. I had thrown myself into the arms of the sea, and it had thrown me back.
"Oh, I could; but in any case, acting as you did- to save another life- that is not murder. You are no more capable of cold-blooded, deliberate murder than...than Claude. There is some situation in which everyone will kill, whether it is to save her own life or that of someone she loves. That does not make her a killer by nature, or mean that, having destroyed one, she will ever do so again."
"How can you be so sure?" I could not help asking it, even though I did not want to find fault with her kindness. "How can any of us really be certain we know what those around us a capable of?"
She rose to her feet and shook out her gown. "Sometimes we cannot, dear, but often our hearts tell us enough. In any case, we cannot depend on absolute certainty; sometimes we must take people on faith, and trust them even if we risk being hurt."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2013
My review for Sea of Secrets written by Amanda DeWees
I was given this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review.
I was immediately captured and sucked into this 1800s gothic novel centered on young Oriel Pembroke. The loss and sadness she experienced at such a young age is tragic and unimaginable. She loses her brother to the war and shortly after is abandoned by her father who was her sole provider at the time. Just when she thought all hope was loss, she finds herself at the estate of where her mother had passed away.
The book is full of mystery and intrigue as to uncovering her family’s true history. The writing in this book is beyond superb and elite. I appreciate every colorful word that assisted in me seeing the world Amanda created. Amanda has definitely taken the time needed to build every character to the standard required to assist the reader in identifying the antagonist and protagonist, as well as allowing us to bond with the primary character.
The usage of dialogue was on point. Amanda is obviously very good at what she does and it was a joy to read her novel. I recommend this book for all enthusiast of period gothic novels. A+ in book.
I was given this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review.
I was immediately captured and sucked into this 1800s gothic novel centered on young Oriel Pembroke. The loss and sadness she experienced at such a young age is tragic and unimaginable. She loses her brother to the war and shortly after is abandoned by her father who was her sole provider at the time. Just when she thought all hope was loss, she finds herself at the estate of where her mother had passed away.
The book is full of mystery and intrigue as to uncovering her family’s true history. The writing in this book is beyond superb and elite. I appreciate every colorful word that assisted in me seeing the world Amanda created. Amanda has definitely taken the time needed to build every character to the standard required to assist the reader in identifying the antagonist and protagonist, as well as allowing us to bond with the primary character.
The usage of dialogue was on point. Amanda is obviously very good at what she does and it was a joy to read her novel. I recommend this book for all enthusiast of period gothic novels. A+ in book.
May 20, 2013
This book is about Oriel Pembroke who has just recently lost her beloved brother, in the Crimean War. He had been the joy in her life, and the buffer between her and the father who hated her. Then as if loosing her brother was not enough her father disowns her(though maybe that may have not been so bad) but in the process leaves her with nothing. But Oriel is a smart young lady, and does some investigation learns she has some family on her mothers side. She then appeals to her aunt to see if she knows of anyone needing a governess. Things take a turn for the better as her aunt decides she should come home with her. Her aunt's family welcomes her with open arms. Oriel is a little overwhelmed with being treated so nicely, as well as receiving gifts. But there are many secrets at her aunts home, and rapidly Oriel finds herself caught up in them. But things work out and Oriel finds love with someone maybe I did not suspect she would but it was a pleasant surprise. Praise to Amanda DeWees on such a lovely, well written story. She will now be an author I will be keeping up with, as she has won me over.
June 5, 2013
I was giving a copy of this book by the wonderful Author Amanda DeWees, thank you for that.
I am never one to like to write about the book itself, just because I feel I would give away to much I always like to review with my own thoughts.
That being said,
I Loved this book, I think it's beautifully written and I had no problems at all to picture all the characters as described.
Oriel is such a quiet young woman, I really felt sorry for her being treated rather like a rapid dog then a human being. I am glad that her life took her into the right direction and I liked that she found her voice, in every way.
I hated Hugo from the start and I am glad he got what he deserved, he was such a tyrant , it's hard to believe for me that a parent has no love for his only daughter.
I loved the duchess, such a warm, kind hearted woman. I was just in awe with her.
Now I would have loved to slap Herron around a few times (little brat) however he also had a spot in my heart throughout the whole book.
And of course Charles, my hero. I am so glad that things worked out at the end, I would have loved an extra chapter like five years later.....
I am never one to like to write about the book itself, just because I feel I would give away to much I always like to review with my own thoughts.
That being said,
I Loved this book, I think it's beautifully written and I had no problems at all to picture all the characters as described.
Oriel is such a quiet young woman, I really felt sorry for her being treated rather like a rapid dog then a human being. I am glad that her life took her into the right direction and I liked that she found her voice, in every way.
I hated Hugo from the start and I am glad he got what he deserved, he was such a tyrant , it's hard to believe for me that a parent has no love for his only daughter.
I loved the duchess, such a warm, kind hearted woman. I was just in awe with her.
Now I would have loved to slap Herron around a few times (little brat) however he also had a spot in my heart throughout the whole book.
And of course Charles, my hero. I am so glad that things worked out at the end, I would have loved an extra chapter like five years later.....
November 5, 2013
So what do I think of "Sea of Secrets "?
"Bother Herron"!
Two words mentioned in the book that I couldn't agree with more. (Herron is the 'hero ' ~I use that term loosely ~ and I found him a petulant child who needed a good kick in the pants for most of the story)
In many ways this book was very good. The writing is good and the characters well drawn. It is written much like the gothics of old which I enjoy. Also I was glad that the author didn't stick to the old formula of 'dark brooding hero triumphs '. It was good to have unexpected twists and turns. (which I wont get into obvious reasons.)
What I didn't like was the paranormal references. I don't like ghost stories as such and I was waiting for things to be cleared up in a "human " way. So when they didn't I was a little aghast. Its my own fault. I knew the book was loosly based on Hamlet but Im not into Shakespeare and I knew the Hamlet story only vaguely...
As for other aspects of the book, readers will probably be happy to note that there is no sex in this book and only one or two mild cusses. Violence is also minimal.
"Bother Herron"!
Two words mentioned in the book that I couldn't agree with more. (Herron is the 'hero ' ~I use that term loosely ~ and I found him a petulant child who needed a good kick in the pants for most of the story)
In many ways this book was very good. The writing is good and the characters well drawn. It is written much like the gothics of old which I enjoy. Also I was glad that the author didn't stick to the old formula of 'dark brooding hero triumphs '. It was good to have unexpected twists and turns. (which I wont get into obvious reasons.)
What I didn't like was the paranormal references. I don't like ghost stories as such and I was waiting for things to be cleared up in a "human " way. So when they didn't I was a little aghast. Its my own fault. I knew the book was loosly based on Hamlet but Im not into Shakespeare and I knew the Hamlet story only vaguely...
As for other aspects of the book, readers will probably be happy to note that there is no sex in this book and only one or two mild cusses. Violence is also minimal.
April 23, 2012
4.5 stars. Very entertaining. I now want to go back and reread Northanger Abbey and Jane Eyre. Gothic stories are so much fun.
I don't know what her editor was talking about, claiming that the story strayed too far from Hamlet. While the author does not slavishly follow the source material, the major elements of the plot are blatantly there for anyone to see. Personally, I think her story is much stronger and her characters much more likeable than Shakespeare's. I did have some difficulty relating to Oriel at times--while I felt her background and psychology were well written and made sense, I have never been able to empathize well with a "victim," so there were many times that I just wanted to shake her and shout, "Why do you stay with this jerk? Why do you excuse him when he abuses you like this?" But then, her relationship with Charles was wonderful. I thought their first kiss was hilarious.
Overall, excellent job, Ms. Dewees. Honestly, there is nothing about this book I didn't like. I look forward to reading it again, and I can't wait to see what you write next.
I don't know what her editor was talking about, claiming that the story strayed too far from Hamlet. While the author does not slavishly follow the source material, the major elements of the plot are blatantly there for anyone to see. Personally, I think her story is much stronger and her characters much more likeable than Shakespeare's. I did have some difficulty relating to Oriel at times--while I felt her background and psychology were well written and made sense, I have never been able to empathize well with a "victim," so there were many times that I just wanted to shake her and shout, "Why do you stay with this jerk? Why do you excuse him when he abuses you like this?" But then, her relationship with Charles was wonderful. I thought their first kiss was hilarious.
Overall, excellent job, Ms. Dewees. Honestly, there is nothing about this book I didn't like. I look forward to reading it again, and I can't wait to see what you write next.
April 26, 2013
This book was recommended to me by a friend but must say I had no idea what a fantastic treat was in store for me. "Sea of Secrets" is a moody and wonderfully dark psychological tale set in the 1850s, reminiscent of Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and apparently Hamlet.
The language used it written in such an amazing appropriate and authentic English, it is hard to believe the novel should have been written in modern day.
The story of a semi-orphaned young woman taking a position with remote family in the English countryside is not that new but the author manages to draw the reader in with her well drawn characters. Although there is the stereotype of the broody dark 'bad boy' versus the 'good boy' the tension and the unfolding plot are intriguing enough to experience the book as a work of art of its own.
I was reading this book during a very busy period in my life and almost 'cursed' the author for getting me so hooked on it. I really loved this book and hope you will find the same pleasure in reading it as I did.
The language used it written in such an amazing appropriate and authentic English, it is hard to believe the novel should have been written in modern day.
The story of a semi-orphaned young woman taking a position with remote family in the English countryside is not that new but the author manages to draw the reader in with her well drawn characters. Although there is the stereotype of the broody dark 'bad boy' versus the 'good boy' the tension and the unfolding plot are intriguing enough to experience the book as a work of art of its own.
I was reading this book during a very busy period in my life and almost 'cursed' the author for getting me so hooked on it. I really loved this book and hope you will find the same pleasure in reading it as I did.
January 3, 2017
Disclaimer: the author gifted me this book with no expectation of a review in exchange. But here I am.
I adore DeWees' novels. They are always a sumptuous, atmospheric delight, full of period details (her clothing descriptions alone are worth the price of admission) and gorgeous prose, and she is a true master of gothic romance. This book follows the story of Oriel, a quiet, intelligent, and self-reliant woman who is disowned by her cruel father and finds herself taken in by her dead mother's family on their estate.
The tale is a Victorian-era retelling of Hamlet. Like all good gothic tales, there are ghosts, murders, gloomy houses, mysteries, and suitors, both suitable and brooding. The tale unfolds slowly but I found myself engaged from page one, letting myself sink into long spells of reading like nestling under a thick blanket. There were several twists that kept me guessing what would happen till the end.
I never thought I'd be a reader of romances, but DeWees and her smart, sensual books have converted me.
I adore DeWees' novels. They are always a sumptuous, atmospheric delight, full of period details (her clothing descriptions alone are worth the price of admission) and gorgeous prose, and she is a true master of gothic romance. This book follows the story of Oriel, a quiet, intelligent, and self-reliant woman who is disowned by her cruel father and finds herself taken in by her dead mother's family on their estate.
The tale is a Victorian-era retelling of Hamlet. Like all good gothic tales, there are ghosts, murders, gloomy houses, mysteries, and suitors, both suitable and brooding. The tale unfolds slowly but I found myself engaged from page one, letting myself sink into long spells of reading like nestling under a thick blanket. There were several twists that kept me guessing what would happen till the end.
I never thought I'd be a reader of romances, but DeWees and her smart, sensual books have converted me.
May 28, 2012
I'm a sucker for historical fiction, if not so much for romance. This happens to be the first book published by a personal friend of mine -- Amanda DeWees. I admit that although I was excited to read it, I was also a little worried it might not be great, and then I'd be in the awkward position of trying to seem really enthusiastic. I needn't have worried. This was a great read. I was immediately engaged by the lead character, Oriel. After that, it unfolded perfectly. I hated putting this down, and when it was over, I really wanted it to be a series. I wanted to see in what further adventures our intrepid heroine might find herself embroiled.
It's not your typical Gothic Romance. Without spoiling it, I'll just say that you'll be pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns in the plot as well as within the characters themselves. And if you enjoy historical detail and literary references, this book is spot on. I highly recommend it.
It's not your typical Gothic Romance. Without spoiling it, I'll just say that you'll be pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns in the plot as well as within the characters themselves. And if you enjoy historical detail and literary references, this book is spot on. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews