Devil and the Deep

Ceruleans #4

by Megan Tayte

This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B015HOLZ7K.

STORM CLOUDS ARE GATHERING, AND THEY WILL RAIN BLOOD.

Scarlett is living her happy-ever-after, back in the real world. Only the ‘happy’ part is proving problematic.

For starters, there’s the isolation. Being a Cerulean among humans is fraught with risk, so her time with people can only be fleeting. Which means being with Luke but not being with Luke.

Then there’s her Cerulean light, her power over life and death. Less awesome talent, as it turns out, and more overwhelming responsibility. And it comes with rules – rules that are increasingly difficult to obey.

But what’s really pushing Scarlett to the precipice is something much bigger than herself, than her life in the cove. A force to be reckoned with:

Blood.

When long-buried truths are exposed, will Scarlett keep her head above water – or will she drown in the blood-dimmed tide that is unleashed?

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Young Adult, Mystery, Adventure

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2015

About the author

Once upon a time a little girl told her grandmother that when she grew up she wanted to be a writer. Or a lollipop lady. Or a fairy princess. ‘Write, Charlie,’ her grandmother advised. So that’s what she did.

Many stories later, Charlie is a writer, a book editor and a writing coach. She’s the author of six young-adult novels, published under her pen name Megan Tayte. Stories about love and loss, light and darkness. And sometimes, cake.

Charlie lives in Nottingham with her two children, in a home full of art supplies, teacups, and books, many books. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her walking someplace green, reading by the window or baking up a (probably catastrophic) storm.

Reviews

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Megan Tayte.)

“Seriously, Jude,” said my sister, “what else would we be?”

This was an interesting story, with some surprise twists!

Scarlett had to readjust to living back in the real world in this book, which wasn’t without its problems, especially when it limited how much time she could spend around other people. She did put herself in danger at times though, whilst trying to help people with her healing abilities.

"Time and again, I tortured myself with the thought, Could I have helped?"

The storyline in this had some quite shocking twists in it, especially with regards to Scarlett’s parents, and learning more about the Ceruleans, and I was really excited to find out more about a certain person who seemed to be following Scarlett about.

"He's been stalking you."

The ending to this was a bit of a cliff-hanger, so it will be good to see how it all ends in the final book!



7 out of 10

[Kirsty (Amethyst Bookwyrm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Megan Tayte for giving me this book to review.

Synopsis
STORM CLOUDS ARE GATHERING, AND THEY WILL RAIN BLOOD.
Scarlett is living her happy-ever-after, back in the real world. Only the ‘happy’ part is proving problematic.
For starters, there’s the isolation. Being a Cerulean among humans is fraught with risk, so her time with people can only be fleeting. Which means being with Luke but not being with Luke.
Then there’s her Cerulean light, her power over life and death. Less awesome talent, as it turns out, and more overwhelming responsibility. And it comes with rules – rules that are increasingly difficult to obey.
But what’s really pushing Scarlett to the precipice is something much bigger than herself, than her life in the cove. A force to be reckoned with: Blood.
When long-buried truths are exposed, will Scarlett keep her head above water – or will she drown in the blood-dimmed tide that is unleashed?

Review
Devil and the Deep is a very enjoyable paranormal book which is just as good as the previous three books. Unlike the last book there was more romance and less action but it is still fast paced. It felt like this book was building up to the final book in the series, and most of the revelations that happened I had guessed but it did not spoil my enjoyment. The one minor problem I had with this novel is that I wish we had seen more of what happened with Scarlett when she returned to Luke after the last book, rather than being told.

I liked Scarlett as she is wanting to balance everything, and is kind and wants to help people, but I did think that by now she would have learnt that keeping secrets never ends well. I really like Luke as he is struggling to come to terms with everything, but he never takes it out on Scarlett and he is very protective of those he cares about.

Jude is less of a prominent character in this book compared to Wild Blue Yonder, but he is still a caring friend and ally. Cara is her lively self and I am glad that her character has not changed too much. Another thing I am glad about is that the characters we have that we have gotten to know on Cerulea do play a part in this book and do not disappear entirely.

I really enjoyed this book and there are still lots of unanswered questions, and with the cliffhanger ending I am looking forward to the next and final novel Darkly, Deeply, Beautifully. I would recommend Devil and the Deep to fans of the rest of the Ceruleans series.

This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gifted with unique talents, mere humans become the guardians of the Earth, keeping humanity safe while living hidden among us. Welcome back to the world of Megan Tayte’s Ceruleans, where the price to be an unsung hero runs high and the enticement to go to the dark side blinds even the brightest star. Is there more to this tale than dark versus light? Is there a shade of gray to be considered?

Megan Tayte’s Devil and the Deep is another example of her gift for creative thinking while giving her readers young romance, impossible missions and conflict that runs soul deep when Scarlett comes to realize that her gifts come with unwelcome consequences in the battle of good versus evil. Life is about to take another surprising turn for Scarlett as she discovers even more revelations, takes even more risks and finds that all she’s been told may not be true.

Luke loves her unconditionally, accepts the price they must pay for their relationship, but Jude knows what Scarlett must deal with and has taken on the task of helping her come to terms with her new life. Can you say, intriguing plot? Unexpected twists that take you ever deeper into this amazing and unique tale? Situations that could bring chills to boiling water, Scarlett must deal with them all, while coming to terms with her relationship with her mother and the new world she belongs to. Did she make the right decisions? What does her future hold? Is she ready for what she must face?

Megan Tayte brings this young adult fantasy to life with enough relatable situations that there is something for everyone to say, “I get that,” as each scene unfolds in brilliant detail! Timing and tone in a story is everything and Ms. Tayte has both great rhythm and perfect pitch as she brings us closer to the end of this series. Romantic highs and lows, conflicted feelings, startling revelations, and secrets to keep, a cover that could be wall art, what’s not to like?

I was gifted this copy from Megan Tayte.

Series: Ceruleans - Book 4
Publication Date: September 30, 2015
Publisher: Megan Tayte
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy
Print Length: 314 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come soon.

[Alicja P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally found on Novels all Night

If you have already devoured the first three books in this series, like I did, then you are absolutely going to love this book! Let me just say that these books just keep getting better and better!!

Now at the end of the last book we had some bombshells dropped on us. Scarlett decides to go back to Luke and try to make a life with him work. Scarlett and Jude had also tracked down her sister Sienna and were faced with the horrible truth…she joined the fallen. Devil and the Deep picks up right where we left off. Scarlett is trying to make life as a Cerulean, who is living among humans, work. What that means is she can finally have a life with Luke…just not all the time. She’s also trying to learn about how to use her power responsibly. As if all of that wasn’t enough for Scarlett to deal with she soon finds out that there are still secrets that have been kept from her. And she’s about to discover them in a big way! Once the truth is finally exposed will Scarlett be able to stay on the path shes worked so hard for?

I have to say that this book held the most surprises for me of any of the Cerulean books so far! With the first three books I kind of had a general idea of where they’d be heading but with this one….let me just say TOTALLY UNEXPECTED! Now it starts out with Scarlett and Luke finally together again. Even though they can’t spend all their time together because it’s too draining for Scarlett to always be around people they’re trying to make it work. Everything’s not sunshine and roses but it’s great to see how they deal with the problems that come from a Cerulean and human dating. Luke is just the greatest guy ever, I mean seriously can he do no wrong?

We also see how Scarlett deals with leaving the island and still being a Cerulean. Jude is around to help her learn how to heal and follow all the rules so she doesn’t get hurt. Let me just say that I love Jude and someone needs to show him some love….he’s just so tortured. The excitement starts when Scarlett starts delving into the mystery of her family. She has an idea that Evangaline may be her great grandmother. Once she pulls on that string everything unravels! I really don’t want to give any spoilers so it’s hard to say anymore but it’s amazing! I love that I can still be so surprised in the 4th book of a series. The ending was wonderful and torturous at the same time….I can’t believe I have to wait to read the next one!

The ending of Devil and the Deep is dramatic and everything and everyone is in turmoil. It is the perfect build up to the last book in the series. I can’t say enough great things about this book and if you have been putting of reading this then pick it up right now!! You won’t regret it!
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In ‘Devil and the Deep’ we meet Scarlett right were we left here in the previous book. Scarlett left Cerulea and went back to be with her boyfriend Luke. This all sounds very romantic but being a Cerulean means that being near humans will leave you feeling drained and very tired. But this is a small price to pay for Scarlett and Luke. Love is enough for them and they do whatever they can to be with each other.
But slowly on Scarlett begins to see the difficulties in being a Cerulean. Scarlett feels the need to ‘heal’ people more and more every day. But woman Ceruleans aren’t supposed to heal people, atleast not until Scarlett became one. Going back to Cerulea for answers only leaves her with even more questions and soon Scarlett’s is upside down ones again.

Like I said before, I really love this series. From the moment I read the very first book I was completely hooked to the world Megan Tayte created in her Ceruleans series, and to be honest I can’t believe this series hasn’t gotten more attention. This is such a unique and detailed series, it definitely is one of my all-time favorites and I just can’t enough of it.
In this fourth book we finally get to see more of Scarlett and Luke since their separation after Scarlett’s ‘death’. Its sweet and they definitely got some time together they’ve been waiting for, for a long time. I love these two characters together, and although Luke became a little to protective at times.. There connection still was amazing to read about.

What I love most about this book, was the way we finally get some answers we’ve been waiting for since reading the first book. I must admit that the beginning of this book was a little slow, but the rest of the book really made up for it. There was romance, action, friendship, mystery and more than enough drama. I couldn’t stop reading. The ending was a little frustrating since it was a major cliffhanger.. but I must admit it was the perfect ending to this fourth book. And yet again I can’t wait to read the next book. I have so many questions in my hear right now.. I think I’m going to write them down because my head just feels full. But wonderfully full!!

If you haven’t read the Ceruleans series.. You really must start reading it now! It’s great and pulls you in from the very first page!!

[Cary Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I’m still in a little conflict over how I feel about Devil and the Deep by Megan Tayte. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the book… but it wasn’t my favorite out of the series. The front half of the book felt a little slow to me. Not a lot happened. I read the book 20% at a time, and I didn’t feel like I was itching to get back into the book each time I put it down... If I’d put down the book halfway through, I would have shrugged and moved on—but, I am glad that I continued to read because the second half of the book was much better.

Technically speaking, the book was well written. The pacing was steady, the writing was fluid and easy to follow. I ran into a few minor typos, but nothing that distracted me from the text, or would have made me put the book down. Once again, I loved all the characters…. even Evangeline. It was a solid addition to the series as a whole up until this point. But, like I said, the first half of the book just didn’t engage me like I’d expected.

The ending was great. There was drama and chaos and lines were being crossed, and I was engrossed. When that last line hit, I bemoaned the end of the story. I wanted more.

Overall, I really liked the book. Was it the best book in the series? For me, no. Was it enjoyable? Definitely. Would I recommend it? Yes. If you’ve enjoyed the previous books in this series, you’ll probably enjoy this one too. I can’t wait for the fifth book!

[Erin Koiso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlett Blake is Cerulean. That means she has the power to heal others within herself. But with that power comes many rules and risks. Scarlett has decided to leave Cerulea behind and return to her life with her boyfriend Luke. But that choice does not come without consequences. You see, it is unheard of for a Cerulean to have a relationship with a human. Ceruleans; with or around humans for any length of time poses a risk. But Scarlett is bound and determined to make it work. Adjusting to a new way of life has been a struggle; Scarlett is isolated and sometimes alone at length. But she takes on the task of spending time with Jude (fellow Cerulean) to learn how to use her light and heal those who are in need, without causing any harm to herself. Scarlett has discovered that the results of using her light in the wrong way or on the wrong person can have devastating and real repercussions.

Scarlett’s relationship with her mother has improved. Her mother is forging forward and creating a life for herself, and finally seems quite happy. But as all of this is coming about, Scarlett realizes that all of what she has believed about her childhood and life has been lies. The man she has always believed to be her father, is not. Which leads her on a journey to find out just who is? And what will the consequences be when she finds out? Will it change Scarlett’s life as she knows it? Will she be able to handle the truth of just who her father is?

I have absolutely “fallen” in love with this series. Megan Tayte’s writing opens up an enchanted world of love, friendship, lies and turmoil. Finding out who Scarlett’s real father is – was both heartbreaking and completely satisfying. Knowing that her sister Sienna – now lost to The Fallen was not alone in her tragedy left me hopeful and with a complete sense of understanding. Especially when finding out the real story behind The Fallen. All along I believed; just as Scarlett that The Fallen were outcasts because they had decided to use their healing power to take lives instead of heal them. But that may not be the case. The real reason behind what they have done may be something different entirely. This adds a completely and totally unexpected twist to this journey.

Luke is completely loving and understanding in this book. Making me care for him even more than previous books. His patience with Scarlett and understanding knows no bounds. Luke is completely committed to the relationship he shares with Scarlett. And even though she is keeping things from him, I truly believe nothing will ever change the way he feels for her. The way that he brings love and even his own light to everyone around him makes him a pleasure to read. He is completely selfless and unwavering.

I still continue to love the secondary characters of Cara (Luke’s sister) and Si. They are both fun and always uplifting. Jude proves to be more of a friend to Scarlett in this book, and I truly love how he is always there for Scarlett. Michael has stepped forward in this book and I find him quite intriguing as a character. I am hoping to find out more about him in the fifth book. I even enjoyed Evangeline in this book, which I did not in previous books. Evangeline reveals more to Scarlett and seems to be open to a new way of being Cerulean, which I hope for everyone’s sake is the case. The ending of course was the ultimate cliff hanger – one of those –scream at the page ones. Where you can not believe it has ended this way – but leaving you wanting more and more. I will – although not easily – patiently wait for book five.

[Beth Cutwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contains spoilers. READ AT OWN RISK!

Devil and the Deep certainly defines where Scarlett finds herself in book 4 of the Cerulean series. She is caught between two worlds, Cerulean and the Fallen, two loves, Luke and her family, two temptations, to heal or to avenge. Frankly, she's not sure who or what she is anymore. I would, hate to be walking in her shoes. Yet realistically, we all do. We all are accountable for the choices we make daily. Will we choose to do the right thing or fulfill that dark part of ourselves by consciously deciding to do evil?

This series has provided me with much to think about as we journeyed with Scarlett. Her character displayed well defined thoughtfulness and intelligence, a sense of responsibility and goodness. Yet she also displays human frailty and vulnerability. We loved with her as she fell for her boyfriend, Luke. We suffered with her as she fell ill. We mourned at her death and rejoiced that she lived on as Cerulean. We triumphed as she learned truths and how to use her Cerulean powers. We especially rejoiced as she and Luke were reunited. And finally it has come to the brink of crossing that line where she will make the decision to make the ultimate choice....to kill or not to kill.

Author Megan Tayte promises to deliver answers to all we want to know and then some in the last and final installment of the Cerulean series, Darkly, Deeply, Beautifully . I am so ready to have the questions answered and tie the books tied together and yet, I will miss these wonderful and totally different characters when the book concludes. I no longer know if I can't wait or I want to push it's release day back for a good while.

[Lori Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my review on my blog at http://www.palmerspageturners.blogspo...

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know I LOVE this author and this series, and this book is no exception! With every book in the series we learn a little more about the Cerulean life and the challenges Scarlett is facing. What I love so much about these books is that although her situation is certainly not realistic in our life, her struggles are definitely real--her struggles with her Mom and her sister, her feelings for Luke--all real emotions we've all dealt with at some point. It is easy to relate to Scarlett and her feelings. In this book we learn that the Fallen may not be all that they seem, and Scarlett is caught between two worlds in a struggle to understand who she is and her purpose as Cerulean.

I loved her interactions with Evangeline in this book and love the relationship that they have--each time Scarlett meets with her she learns a little bit more about herself, yet at the same time understand why Evangeline is not telling her everything at once. One character I wanted to see more of in the book was Jude, as he is one of my favorites. Due to the storyline of this book I understand why he didn't have as much of a role, but I still missed him!

The writing is fantastic. I was immediately immersed in this book and couldn't put it down. I HAD to know what happened next. As usual, the author ended with a cliffhanger ending that leaves me itching for the fifth and final book. I have so many unanswered questions, and I can't wait to read more! I can't recommend this series enough! It is everything I love about Young Adult fiction!

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil and the Deep picks up from the last book - Scarlett is back at home with Luke, Cara, Si and co. She is learning to live her life as a Cerulean in the human world. Although she is exceedingly happy to be back, there is a price to be paid. As a Cerulean, she can't be around humans for too long without them draining her. Unfortunately, this also includes Luke. Luckily for her, Luke acknowledges the problem and does his best to help. It doesn't help that Luke is struggling himself, trying to come to terms with everything that's going on.

There is so much to this book, I loved it. Scarlett is prepared to go back to the Island and speak with Evangeline. More cryptic-ness ensues and both the reader and Scarlett are left more confused over certain things than ever. However, this is all in the wonderful writing of Megan Tayte as she draws you into her story, revealing answers only as and when necessary instead of all at once.

One thing that made me laugh was the Author's Note after the cliffhanger ending! So true, what was written, and it was nice to read.

Exceptionally well-written, and with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this book is an excellent read - although I would recommend reading it as part of the Ceruleans series, rather than a standalone. With more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at, this book has something for everyone. Highly recommended by me.

* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 6, 2016

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series that has never left my mind. From the very first book, Death Wish, to this book I have been anxious for more of these characters. Scarlett, Luke, Jude… I cannot pick my favorite. Then add in the secondary character of Si and Cara and you have met my new best book friends.

I love the unknown. The mystery of other worlds, the secrets of special beings, and the relationships that come between humans and these beings are all wonderful. Megan Tayte does amazing things with these. She makes the unknown known and explainable (somewhat), the secrets that are shared are what makes the story flow together, and the relationships are my favorite. Even with the differences in Scarlett, Luke, and Jude their relationships are real. The feelings are true and their reactions are real. I am still torn who as to whom Scarlett should be with. Luke who loves her even with her differences. Jude who understands her differences and is helping her come to terms with them. I just can’t decide.

This is a series that you have to read in order. If you pick up this book before the first three it will not make sense to you. I think you can still enjoy it because Megan Tayte is that amazing of an author but you will not get the whole story. Each book hinges on the happenings in the books before. There is one more book in this series and I will impatiently wait for its release.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth brilliant book in Megan Tayte's 'Ceruleans' series didn't disappoint. Each of the previous three books has finished on a climatic point of great suspense, the one to follow providing the answer and continuing the story of Scarlett, Luke and Jude.
'Devil and the Deep' carries on with Scarlett's return to Luke from the dead as one of The Ceruleans, having escaped a life on the island with which she was so unhappy. We learn of Scarlett's ancestry and her inextricable family link with the Ceruleans, and their life from which she was so keen to run, and her determination to maintain a very difficult relationship with Luke, who is still alive and very much of the earth. The problem is that just being among living humans drains her of energy, and unless she takes great care in their company, including Luke, her contact with him could ultimately prove fatal.
Scarlett questions herself and the choices she makes constantly through 'Devil and the Deep,' including her relationship with Luke which doesn't appear to be a fulfilling as she had hoped it would be. The ties with her family are also challenged and tested, and nothing remains the same by the end of the story - except the fact that Megan Tayte once again leaves us shouting 'no, not here' as she ends on a frustratingly cliffhanging, suspense filled ending!
Put us out of our misery and bring on the next book - please!!!!
I give 'Between the Devil and the Deep' four out of five stars!

[kenzie ♫ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book. Was. Madness. And I mean that in the absolute best way possible because while it was madness, it was also incredible and beautiful and had me even more intrigued and on the edge of my seat than the previous book, Wild Blue Yonder, which I didn't think was possible.

There were so so many new things that happened in this book that I have so so many questions about, things I can't talk about considering the events of this book have lots to do with those of Wild Blue Yonder. But the things that remained the same were the amazing lovable characters, the stunning writing and imagery, and the incredible and heart-breaking world I've come to love so much. I absolutely adore this series and its amazing author, and I can't wait to dive into Darkly, Deeply, Beautifully right now; who needs school? as soon as I possibly can.

My full review can be found at A Belle's Tales and on my Tumblr.

[Nayuleska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beware of the cliffhanger ending in this penultimate read - be sure to have book 5 at the ready! & warning, mega fangirl love from me! I forever adore Scarlett, she has so much to deal with and, like me, tends to push herself a bit too far physically and emotionally. Luke is a constant pillar of support, although he has his own struggles too. This review is short, but the series is so good that you have experience it for yourself. There's a lot of family and friendship issues explored, and figuring out what do when life stops being black and white, which is all the time for Scarlett. The truth is still being witheld from her, but I promise there are a few answers before the book ends. Everything else is in book 5!

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...

[Kristine Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when it seems Scarlett has made peace with the choices she's made for her life as a Cerulean, she begins to see time and again that what she believed as truths were lies. As Scarlett's very foundations seem to be crumbling and her decision to be with Luke is draining her, will Scarlett have the strength to save herself from new temptations and promising rewards? Release Day Party, Excerpt, Giveaways, and Review Link on Hall Ways http://kristinehallways.blogspot.com/...

[Danika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The ending was a cliff-hanger and there’s still some unanswered questions, I can’t wait to see how things play out in the final installment Darkly, Deeply, Beautifully. I would recommend the Cerulean series.

Read Full Review Here: http://goo.gl/25rMce

[Heather McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find my review at www.readinglark.blogspot.com on 7 June 2016