Vicious Depths

by Madeline Stanford

Sixteen-year-old Alex Muir is dead. Dead, and furious.

The afterlife she’s been taught about doesn’t exist. There are only the hellish caverns of the Depths, deep underground, and the tightly controlled gates that protect the paradise of the Azure. The paranoid Azure leader is clinging to power, convinced he is about to be usurped by the overlord of the Depths. In his desperation to discover the truth, Alex is forced into the Depths as an Azure spy. If she fails to bring back evidence, she’ll be cast into the Outside – a place of nothingness where she’ll become but a shadow.

However, Alex soon discovers that the Depths aren’t quite the nightmare she anticipated. Among the memory-leeching monsters and vicious brawls, she manages to find friends in the chaos. Friends that introduce her to the mysterious Flynn Cooper – right-hand man to the overlord of the Depths.

A battle between the two leaders is looming, and Alex must decide whether to betray her friends, or face the threat of Azure exile. But when her friends reveal devastating secrets, she’s no longer sure which side is right… or if a right side exists at all.

Genres: Young Adult

438 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2014

About the author

Madeline Stanford is the winner of the 2014 Hot Key Books Young Writers Prize. Her winning novel, Vicious Depths, garnered millions of reads online as part of the worldwide competition. Born in Coventry, she now lives in Liverpool where she spends her time writing, snacking and petting other people’s dogs.

Official site: www.madelinestanford.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mstanfordbooks
Instagram:www.instagram.com/mstanfordbooks
Wattpad: www.wattpad.com/madelinestanford

Reviews

[Abi (The Knights Who Say Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this last year on wattpad (so not the newly retitled published version, but I believe it hasn't changed too much since I read it) and it was so refreshingly original! Unfortunately it's been too long since I read it to give a very detailed review, but I remember how it made me feel: completely interested and hooked on every new development (and that's coming from someone who usually can barely get past "uh, if they're already dead, how can i feel worried about what's going to happen to the characters? no thanks!"). I really recommend supporting this new author because it's clear they have many unique ideas up their sleeve and we could really use them shaking up our book choices right now!

[vicinthemeadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ This YA fantasy follows Alex after she wakes up dead in purgatory with the council deciding her fate. Being on the cusp of heaven (the Azure) or hell (the Depths), she’s given a deal to play double agent in the depths and if she brings evidence of Samuel (the keeper of the depths) breaching their agreement, she can gain entrance to the Azure. We follow Alex through her journey to the depths and deciding who is really good or evil. This book was amazing! I’m so glad my partner surprised me with book 2 and 3 for Christmas so I can continue reading!

[Hayley Anderton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to find YA fiction as good as this, especially in the fantasy genre. The idea behind Vicious Depths is both original and exciting, and it drew me in right away when I first saw this book on Wattpad. But no book can keep me hooked without good characters. The main character, Alex, is well rounded and fresh. I like that she's a little rough around the edges, and she speaks her mind freely. The supporting characters are some of my favourites in any YA novel, especially Megan. I like that none of them are anywhere near perfect - in fact, it's part of their charm. They're all in the Depths for a reason, and each character has a well-weaved backstory that rounds them off as a character. I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the books. 10/10 would recommend!

[Valerie Creeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicious Depths, by Madeline Stanford, tells the story of Alex Muir, who was made to spy on the overlord of hell, Samuel, by none other than his greatest rival, Attis, the ruler of heaven. Alex learned to live in Hell and accepted it as her new home. On her difficult journey to find a way to a better life, she even found herself a bunch of people she could call 'friends'. In the end, there was only one problem, and that is Samuel's right hand, the infamous, gorgeous Flynn Cooper.
This book is not just an ordinary book. You can't just read and put it on your shelf to be forgotten. It captivated me, gripped me with both hands, and clawed me, until I finished reading it. The story kept me guessing and wondering what could happen next.

The story itself was written in such passion, it left me wondering how the author could write such a phenomenal piece.

The only negative thing about this book is that it ends on a cliff-hanger. But whoever is reading this shouldn't worry, because this is the first book in a trilogy, so there is more to come.

All in all, I think Vicious Depths is a great book for people who like suspense and being thrilled, and it is suitable for all ages, especially for teens and young adults. It also includes a ton of other genres: romance, fantasy, fiction, paranormal and, later on, even war.

So, if you like any of these, I strongly recommend reading it. This book definitely scored a 10 out of 5 and it is, for sure, one of the best books I've ever read, as I still re-read it from the day I got the Advanced Reader Copy.
*
*
Ye, I’ve got the Advanced Reader Copy.

[Revekah Regalado · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ

I fell in love with Madeline Stanford's Vicious Depths novel, and its characters the second I began reading it. I hadn't been able to find any good books at that time, and was lucky to come across her novel as it is truly an amazing and unique story, with an entirely original plot. I would most definitely recommend this book to everyone out there. Vicious Depths is such an addictive and alluring book that it really draws the reader in and once you begin reading, it's impossible to put down. I myself finished it in three nights straight, staying up till two in the morning since I just loved it so much. This book takes readers on an adventure of fantasy, mystery, and love, and is not your average cliche book. Once again, I would recommend everyone to read Vicious Depths, as you would truly be missing out if you didn't. (I was given an ARC)

Vicious Depths
Madeline Stanford

[Anchita Shetty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found out about Madeline over Wattpad, when she was suggested to me whilst reading a book. It was rare to find one who had 10000+ followers on their profile. And that was how I found out about Like Hell, also known as Vicious Depths, a must-read for everyone who loves to have a fantasy about the afterlife.
Unlike many books I've found on Wattpad, Maddie was quite quick to develop the characters and the plot, making it a lot more intriguing than it already was. Books like such must become an international bestseller, as the author has an amazing rare talent to write books. Another reason why it must become so is that it is an entirely new idea that will take no time in growing into a trending topic.
Like Hell was one of the most beautiful books I've ever read, there were some really cool plot twists and the main lead Alex was greatly loved by me as I could relate well to her character.
Surely, had I not been a 14-year old, I would have definitely bought this book without any second thoughts. Thanks a lot for writing such an amazing book Maddie, it's because of authors like you that we are able to enjoy our lives ten times more.

With Regards
Anchita, A die-hard fan.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is most definitely one of my favorites, being such a young author she completely captures the characters in full detail and really makes them come alive. This is an immediate page turner if you love fantasy and action. While I would love for her to make another spin-off series, I can see why she hasn't. Reading this was very fresh and new, it is not some recycled story that you will read a million times over, Madeline is a very talented author, I would love to read more of her work. 10/10 Loved it.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a refreshingly new and, frankly, amazing plot.
Following the journey of Alex into the afterlife, we get to see how beautiful and horrendous the afterlife is.
From the monsters of The Depths to the beauty of the Azure, this book offers a jam packed journey, full of fangirling and plotwists which give you whiplash, to Hell and back.
Literally.
It will also give you a a very unique view on Hell and Heaven, like you've never heard of before.
I recommend reading this book if you have loads of free time on your hands, because once you pick this up, there is a 0.01% chance you'll put it down any time soon.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a few weeks ago and by the time I was finished with the series I had no words, I felt you could really connect to all the characters as they each had their own flaws. It's rare I can relate to the characters as much as I did. I though Alex was a really strong female character who took charge and did what she knew was right. The way it was written was in a way a reader could get to know each character to me on a personal level as we got to see each of their personalities.
All in all I really loved this book and would definitely recommend it!

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutley terrific!!!!

I absolutley loved reading Vicious Depths with the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC). The characters are so intriguing and the plot is beyond mesmerizing. It has become on of my favorites to read. The writer did a fantastic job of writing out the plot and developing the characters and their inner dialogue. It is easily an 11/10 rating.

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Alex Muir is dead. Since her soul is considered borderline, she gets a mission to prove herself. The young girl is sent in the Depths (Hell) to spy on Samuel, the leader and rapport to Azure (Heaven).

Alex make some new friends in the Depth, but they are all shabby in some ways: Megan the flirty girl, Seren the shy one, Patrick the party boy. The girl has a gift to get into trouble and catch the attention of Flynn, Samuel right hand’s man.

She doesn’t remember how she die and finding out was the most interesting part of the story.
I did not like the slut shaming part against Megan and the not subliminal message that keeping your virginity intact and giving it to “someone special” is important.

There was also the classic: I am not a good person; you are a liability & weakness.
Well Flynn is right since he is the one who killed Alex, even if this was an accident. I didn’t see this plot twist coming.

It was a ok book, got it for free on Kindle Unlimited so I will probably pick-up the next one.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

* I received this book from Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review*

3.5 stars. This was quite good, even better than I was thinking it would be (and Id already thought it would be good before I had began). Finally I got to read something different and I really enjoyed it! Its original and keeps you drawn into it the whole way through. Im so glad I got to read this and Id definitely recommend giving it a chance if it sounds like your type of story. Im crossing my fingers books 2 and 3 come out in paperback coz Id love to know how the story continues, (im not a kindle girl, I need actual books 😊).

Huge thank you to Madeline Stanford for a copy and for the lovely card you sent me.

[WeeWaa13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicious Depths, formerly Like Hell, is an amazing new look of the classic hell vs heaven fantasy. It has an amazingly clever plot with so many twists and turns, you won't be able to put it down. The characters are well-developed, and aren't stereotypical at all. I enjoyed every moment reading this book and can't wait to read it again!
(I got an advanced readers copy)

[PapaTrain · Rating 5 out of 5]

To help and back

It took me a while to decide if I liked this story, I decided I do, even though I often found myself wanting to reach in the story and slap the protagonist(?). The characters are interesting and the glimpses into their first lives are believable. So off I go to steal enough money to buy the next volume.

[Leticia · Rating 4 out of 5]

li essa história no wattpad há muitos anos atrás e gostei demais. reli agora a versão publicada e continuo com a mesma sensação boa de antes.

gosto demais dos personagens, da história e da forma diferente que a madeline retrata o céu e o inferno. é uma leitura leve, divertida e refrescante que vale muito a pena!!

recomendo muito

[Yolanda Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Vicious Depths/Like Hell. The book is very engaging and you will fall in love with the characters just like I have. This book will teach you everything isn't black and white. The best thing the book teaches is forgiveness. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Ayla Bossert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, the characters are engaging and feel real. I'd recommend it it.

[Alisha Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

A unique story with compelling characters. Best world building. I literally read this in one sitting! It was too good to put down.