Hope Drowned

Deadly Earth #1

by L.B. Carter

The waters of chaos are rising. It’s time to sink or swim.

Sirena hasn’t spoken since the day she was found waterlogged on a riverbank. Her lips are sealed around a lone, horrific memory of her holding her father underwater and saying goodbye with a life-ending kiss. Now, Rena is treading water to fit in to a world in which she doesn’t belong. When a bully begins tormenting her, she fears it’s his life at stake.

Misreading the situation, mysterious new student, Norton, comes to Sirena’s defense, as if she’s the one that needs help navigating shark invested waters. Seeking clues about a fateful car accident, he believes she's a treasure chest he needs to pry open. But high school is more difficult than the home schooled undercover investigator anticipated.

When they discover links between her past and his missing friend, Nor and Rena fear foul play. The murky waters the past are churning in this small coastal town, dredging up dangerous truths that could put Rena’s life under a microscope and Norton in the line of fire.

Storms are rolling in from all sides, threatening family and friends. Can Nor find a way to keep them from drowning or will those antagonizing Rena be caught in a maelstrom of her defensive fury?

Genres: Fantasy

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2020

About the author

Multi-award-winning, internationally bestselling author of new adult and adult haunting paranormal urban fantasy with gritty mystery, dark humor, and a dash of light romance.

Follow L.B. and get your gift of a free novella by subscribing to her newsletter: https://linktr.ee/lbcarterauthor

Reviews

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set aside a day for this PG13 tale set in New England in the near future with two high school seniors: Rena, who doesn't speak, avoids touch, and lives with 'Grandfather' by the ocean, and
Nor, who is Canadian. I had an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining story with some unique elements, and I liked the mystery going on from multiple angles. Sirena has amnesia and doesn’t talk; she now lives with someone who took her in after she was found at a car accident because there’s no personal information found out about her. Sirena has some weird recollections about the car accident; things dealing with her being different and the sea. Norton/Nor and his brother, Reed, just moved to town because they have a mission to accomplish; they are part of some mysterious group. Sirena and Nor cross paths since they go to school together, but don’t necessarily get off on the right foot. There’s POVs from both Nor and Sirena, so that’s great. They both are kind of weird characters. Nor thinks about environmental issues a lot, and Sirena goes back and forth with being strong then weak. They probably seem weird because there’s a lot of mystery surrounding both of them. Both are interesting, likable characters; just a little odd. I enjoyed the story for the most part, but there were some things that slowed the story down; there were some training sessions that were described more than they needed to be, and other times, important events were just skimmed over and thought back on. I think if those scenes would’ve been done in real time in the book, it would’ve added some good action to the story and helped the story flow better. Overall, an entertaining and odd story; I’d say a 3.5 rating that I rounded up to a 4 because this series has a lot of potential. There’s a cliffhanger, so you’ll have to continue the series for more of the story. I’m looking forward to reading the next book.

[BlueBug · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a pleasant and exciting surprise read for me. I had no idea which direction it was going to go or what this fascinating creature was until the very end, and even then, I am unsure of her purpose in the larger scheme of things. How Rena's story began and the people affected by her presence was only given to us in pieces through the eyes of the heroine, Rena, and the hero, Nor, who arrives on the scene after she's transitioned into the small town population. He, along with his brother, are on a mission no one in town knows about, and we receive small clues throughout the story that refer to what they may be searching for. But it's his interaction with and attraction to the unique woman, Rena, that has him doing things he normally wouldn't. As we follow them through their days as high school seniors and see how they relate to each other and their "families," we gain small insights into the mysteries held inside this small coastal town.

This story was a puzzle throughout, to which we were given only a few pieces at a time, and the way they fit together turned into a completely different pattern than I expected. The way the characters engaged with each other and the connections they make takes us on an amazing adventure that not only tells a story of unexpected relationships, but it shows us what a world that is thrust into dealing with climate change could look like. It leaves us with questions that are relevant to the times in which we live. I am looking forward in anticipation to the next book in the series.

[Lloyd L Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so this was not what I would normally read, but on the flip side, once I started, it was very hard to put it down. Short story, there was very little about it not to like. The main character was unusual and hard to nail down, but the need to do so was almost frustrating. The supporting characters in the story developed well as it progressed and played nice with the main character. Well, mostly anyway. If you are looking for an entertaining read, I think this will fit the bill. I loved it and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Amber K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silent Siren by LB Carter was such a unique YA story! Very refreshing and I was hooked almost immediately! The characters are amazing and wonderful. Rena is so complicated to figure out and her mysteriousness!, you can't help but fall for this underdog. The storyline and writting style are both excellent and complex. Lots of mystery and twists, I couldnt turn the pages fast enough and was guessing till the end!
Just absolutely loved it and am looking forward to the next one!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This YA/NA book does not feel like a YA book. The plot line is filled with intricate complexities that rival all the books on my shelf. I definitely will be rereading this book as I feel I'll find something new to love about it every time. It's even better knowing that we had to do ALL the character development without Rena ever really talking to people. And I still couldn't put the book down! This story of Rena in her coastal town captured all the intricacies of high school drama, a little romance, some murder, and the elusive government involvement and still held my attention. It's a must read and we can't wait for another book.

[Isabella Tugman - Audiobook Narrator · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately taken to this book. The setting is a nautical town during the not-so-improbable dystopian future where rising levels have displaces many people around the world. Climate-change refugees have sought refuge in this small town, and others, like Rena, are contending with other traumas from their pasts. As if navigating the high school social hierarchy isn't hard enough already, the climate change and trauma add additional layers of complexity to the lives of the characters.

[Linda Knoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great book. So many twists and turns in this book has your mind going so many different directions trying to collect all the data that is going on in this book. I really enjoyed that you had too wait until towards the end of the book too find out everything. I can't wait too read book too. Thank you for writing a wonderful book.

[Stephanie Hassenplug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I really enjoyed this first book by LB! I loved Rina and Nor! This series has some awesome potential!!! I can’t wait for book 2!!!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the concept, and the writing kept me interested the entire book. There was a lot of mystery to keep me guessing. It had great characters, full of depth, that were very likable and relatable. My only complaint was the end seemed rushed. It skipped from scene to scene without much lead-up or explanation. It left me quite confused. I’m sure things will become clear in book 2, which I will definitely be reading soon.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Silent Siren” the first book in the Climatic Climacteric is unique, mysterious, with twists and turns you would not expect. For L. B. Carter’s debut novel it’s well written and very entertaining. I recommend this great read. And wow what an ending. I can’t wait for more.

[Genieinachanelbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to be swept away by a Sea of Mystery, Intrigue, Action, Thrills, Chills and Romance! Silent Siren is a Wicked awesome must read! I was totally hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down. This story had my heart and mind racing till the last page! L.B. Carter has masterfully crafted a unique world for readers to get lost in. I can't believe this is her first book, it's flipping amazing!

I absolutely adore Rena and Nor they crackle with chemistry and keep U hungry for more!

I'm dying for the next book need it like Nowwww!!! Lol hint hint 😉

[Tricia Copeland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This YA paranormal read had me guessing till the end. The plot line is unique and characters even more so. I'd never read a book about a spectre and found Carter's twisty plot engaging. Could you insert yourself in a high school to find solve a mysterious death and find the key to saving the earth from environmental ruin? Okay, when you put it that way, Definitely! Both lead characters are ones you root for even if you're not quite sure whose version of their past to believe. This book sets the stage for so much more to come!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.