Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Author: April Genevieve Tucholke
Series: Between #1
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Horror
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Publisher: Dial
Summary:
River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery…who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.
Blending faded decadence and the thrilling dread of gothic horror, April Genevieve Tucholke weaves a dreamy, twisting contemporary romance, as gorgeously told as it is terrifying.
First Sentence: “You stop fearing the Devil when you’re holding his hand.”
My Review:
I was excited for Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea ever since I saw it on goodreads and heard about it from the ever-growing hype. I was so very excited for Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea that I bothered a Strandbooks employee to put the book into the system so I can buy it. She got very annoyed, but hey, it was worth it, just to get the lovely in my hands one week early before its release date. However, I honestly didn’t know what to expect from Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea since I saw some mixed reviews for it – I only hoped that it would be good or even better than I expected. In the end, I guess it depends on which part of the book you look at: the boring beginning or the fast paced oh my goodness is this really happening ending.
“There’s truths and then there’s truths, Violet. And some damn truths should be spoken out loud, or the Devil will hear, and then he’ll come for you. Amen.” (4)
The beginning of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea started off pretty good, until after a while, when everything just fell flat for me. I could care less about Violet and River visiting town and going shopping, I could less about Violet’s brother Luke and her “best friend” Sunshine flirting with each other non-stop, I just wanted to see some major creepiness happening. Sure, some creepy events did happen in the first half of the bok, but they were not so creepy that it left me spooked and wanting more answers now. I just waved everything weird away, wanting some real spooky things to happen that can keep me invested in the book. The first half of the book was rapidly approached DNF territory for me, but I trudged on (because one, I am stubborn because I spent money on the book and two, tons of you guys wanted to know if Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea was a worthwhile read), and boy, do I not regret doing so.
The second half of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, however, was a whole another story. Right from the point where River revealed who he really is and what he could do, things started picking up. I was starting to care about things that were happening because things had finally gotten interesting and I was writing down a ton of different theories. (I’m happy to say that one of my theories were correct. Yay!) The second half of the book definitely did not disappoint. It was definitely worth reading the first half of the book to get to the second half.
“Does this mean what I think it means?” Sunshine and I had walked back to my bedroom in silence. Now we were sitting on the bed, the letters handed back and forth between us as we read them over and over and over. (228)
As for the main character Violet, she kind of rubbed me the wrong way and continued to do so throughout the book. No, it isn’t because she likes to wear her dead relatives’ clothes and thinks it’s perfectly normal to do so, so perfectly normal that she bugs her brother Luke to do that too; she rubs me the wrong way because she curses a lot, specifically using the word “damn.” (Yes, I personally do consider the word “damn” to be a curse word, especially if you use it a lot.) Luckily, Violet doesn’t use the word “damn” a lot, but when she does, I notice it and it stops the flow of the book. I’m immediately taken back into reality, shaking my head, instead of being invested and into the book.
As for River, I pretty much disliked him for the entire book, even in the beginning when he didn’t reveal who he really is and what he could really do yet. He just rubbed me the wrong way somehow. When I finally figured out what River could do, I hated him with a passion.
[HUGE] SPOILER: I mean, killing someone for being nasty to someone else? Killing someone just because you don’t like them? Killing people just because you could? And most of all, the most huge no no for me is: Controlling someone and playing with their emotions all the time? No, just no.
As for the sort-of insta-love in Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, it didn’t bother me at all because Violet and River had a valid reason for it. (No, they were not long-lost lovers in the past life.) I don’t like the reason for it, but I do accept it, if that makes any sense. (It’ll make sense to you when you read the book. Trust me.)
River still sat in the booth. He saw me, and smiled, like it was nothing. Like it was all nothing. (189)
Was Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea as good as people say? I say that it really depends on which part you look at, the first half of the book or the second half. Do I recommend it? Yes, especially once you get to the second half of the book. You really won’t regret it. Trudging through the first half was so worth it. I even plan to read the sequel.
I’ve seen mixed reviews for this book but I’m still really excited for it! I do hope I like the characters more than you did because they can certainly make or break a book for me >_< Lovely review!
Kazhy recently posted…Book Review: Hover – Melissa West
I hope you’ll like the characters more than I did Kazhy! They’re not that terrible (except for River of course).
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea – April Genevieve Tucholke
I will definitely be reading this book now. I’m hoping I can make it through the first half to get to the awesome part though! But I have been waiting all week for you to post this review. :)
❤Crystal
Crystal @ Crystal in Bookland recently posted…Tuesday Tours (1)
I hope you’ll also get to the good part too Crystal! The first part is definitely worth trudging through in my opinion. ;D
I’m glad my review is worth the wait! :D<3
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea – April Genevieve Tucholke
I am sooo excited to get this one in my hands!!! I have heard so many amazing things about it. Too bad you couldn’t get into the characters. But hopefully I’ll fair much better with this book. I really don’t want to be disappointed. lol ;p I’m glad you enjoyed this overall! I am really looking forward to that second half now! Great review! :D
~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
Maida @ Literary Love Affair recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday (36)
I hope you won’t be disappointed with this one Maida! -crosses my fingers for you-
Thanks! (:
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea – April Genevieve Tucholke
Gahhh, I skimmed your review. I don’t want to get spoiled or be influenced by it when I actually read it. I am really hoping I like it, but I’m afraid I’ll feel the exact say way. *cross my fingers*
Just tell me, is there uber creepiness (the kind that makes your spine tingle, the hair on the back of your neck stand up, and makes you afraid to turn off the lights for fear of seeing something there) in this?
Cee recently posted…WAITING ON WEDNESDAY | Untold (The Lynburn Legacy #2) by Sarah Rees Brennan
-crosses my fingers for you too- I hope you’ll love it!
I didn’t feel creeped out at all, but then again, I’m REALLY hard to scare. Like, I watched The Grudge in the dark and wasn’t scared AT ALL. You’ll probably think that I’m nuts. :P
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [46]
Lol. Yup, you are nuts. ;D When I watched The Grudge, I was hiding behind my fingers. I don’t like it when things suddenly pop into the screen or when blood or flesh is shown. Groossss.
I liked it a lot. :D
In fact, I was basically talking to the ghosts (aka the screen and looking crazy) on better ways to kill the family. The ghosts didn’t take my advice. :P
And I’m a more scarred from The Ring than from The Grudge for some reason.
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [46]
Geeeeeeeez.
Note to self: Never get on Kelly’s bad side.
The Ring was scarier. I still get scared when the TV goes blank (with that black and white fuzziness) and has that white noise. OH DAMN. I just googled “The Ring Samara” because I couldn’t remember if that was the girl’s name, and that was an incredibly bad idea. Those pictures, gahhhh. THE WORST. I AM SCARED NOW.
Didnt highlight the spoiler, really want to read this soon u.u like this kind of genre, love the sensation while reading it. Btw nice review Kelly^^
—Elee
I really hope you’ll love this one Elee! (:
Thanks! :D
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [46]
I’ve read a lot of up and down reviews for this and I’m so glad you stuck with it. I’ve come across a few books where it started out really slow and I almost walked away just to have it finally pick up and get good. Great review! Can’t wait to read this and see where I stand on it
Yeah, I’ve seen tons of mixed reviews for this one. I’m with the “it was okay” majority.
Thanks! (:
I hope you’ll like this one Jolene!
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [46]
I haven’t seen any bad reviews on the blogs I follow, in fact, this is the closest to a bad review I have seen. I am always hesitant about books like that though – it seems like the more hype there is, the less I tend to enjoy it! And it’s always hard for me when I have to wait for halfway through the book to start enjoying it. I’m just not sure about this one…
Hmm, it sounds like this book may not be the one for you Rachel. But who knows, maybe you’ll enjoy the beginning of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea more than I did.
I’m also weary about books that come with A LOT of hype. 90% of the time, the hype lies to me. ):
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [46]
I’m in the camp that really loved the book. I think it hit me so well because it was so very different from what I normally read. I thought the writing was beautifully done and flowed very well. I didn’t notice the common use of ‘damn’ I can see this book being a very mixed bag for many readers. I think a lot of people will really not enjoy it while others will. Great, honest review!
My Friends Are Fiction
Kristen@My Friends Are Fiction recently posted…ARC August Week 2
I’m really happy you really loved this book Kristen! The writing was unique, but I wasn’t really interested in the writing; I was more interested with the story itself.
Ha ha, my notes are full of the pages “damn” was used. I couldn’t help but notice it. :P
Thanks! (:
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [46]
This isn’t something I’d ‘normally’ read, but I’m definitely going to give it a shot. I’ve seen so many mixed reviews, so I hope I like it. Thanks for the review!
Jess @ Such A Novel Idea
Jess Chiles recently posted…Hot Deals on Amazon — YA E-books
I hope you’ll like this one too Jess! -crosses my fingers for you-
Kelly recently posted…The Last Hurrah Giveaway Hop
Great review! This book has been getting some hype. I don’t think it is my cup of tea, but I do like Gothic style books. <3
Yeah, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea has been getting some hype. I’m so happy that I didn’t dislike it though; I already dislike too many hyped-up books.
Kelly recently posted…The Last Hurrah Giveaway Hop
Hi Kelly,
Lovely review, however I have to confess that I closed my eyes when I read spoilers lol
I really want to read this book and it was on my to-read shelf. Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to read it before, but I’m waiting anxiously to have it in my hands, always checking my mailbox and the bookdepository site haha
Thank you so much! I think, after reading this post, I want to read it even more!
Cross my fingers to have it soon! ^^
Patri
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club recently posted…Steel Lily (The Periodic # 1) by Megan Curd
Hi! :D
LOL, you don’t have to read the spoiler. You have to highlight it to see it. :P
Ha ha, The Book Depository takes SO long to get the book out to you, but it does have free shipping so… =3=
I hope you’ll like this one Patri & I hope it’ll arrive on your doorstep soon! (:
Kelly recently posted…Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop
I’m actually planning on reading this book soon. I personally hate books with slow beginnings, but if I feel the same way that you do, I’ll stick around for the second half. Are you saying that there’s no major creepiness in the beginning? I thought Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea was a creepiness all over kind of book. Can’t say I’m not disappointed.
I hope you can get to the second half of the book Christine!
It’s just that I’m REALLY hard to scare Christine. I watched The Grudge in the dark and wasn’t scared at all, so it’s REALLY hard to creep me or scare me.
Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Things That Make Your Life As A Reader/Book Blogger Easier
oh goodness, I was looking forward to this so much! But I’m absolutely terrible with slow books or annoying characters, I DNF pretty quickly. Disappointed there wasn’t much creepiness, with a cover and blurb like that, would not expect long bits about shopping -_-
Chantelle recently posted…Book Discussion: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma
If you DNF pretty quickly, this might not be the book for you Chantelle. D:
Also, I dunno, tons of people said that they felt creeped out while reading. I’m just REALLY hard to scare/creep out.
The shopping bits lasted for awhile, like 1/5 of the beginning I guess?
Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Things That Make Your Life As A Reader/Book Blogger Easier
There is so much hype about this book and I’m so glad that most of it is checking out! Thanks for your review!
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence recently posted…Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop – August 2013
I hope you’ll like this one Jeann! (:
Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Things That Make Your Life As A Reader/Book Blogger Easier
Hmm. I think I will have to check this one out. Even if the first half of the book sounds like it will be a chore, I like the premise. :)
KimGM recently posted…Snowbound now has a Goodreads page
I hope you’ll like this one Kim! Hopefully you’ll get through the first half easier than I did.
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [47]
Ugh, PLEASE don’t let this be a bust for me. I’ve been disappointed so many times this year and this is one of my MOST anticipated reads! I’m supposed to read it next weekend! Fingers crossed I like it!
Vivian recently posted…I Haven’t Read It Yet [3]
Eep, I hope you’ll like this one too! -crosses fingers for you-
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [47]
Woah, what a mixed feel for the book! I also want to check this out because of the hype, and hopefully I get to do so soon. I hope it would be better for me. Very insightful review. :)
Kyle Magistrado recently posted…Intriguing and Engaging: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
I hope you’ll like this book a lot more than I did Kyle. The hype did okay with this one. :P
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [47]
I’ve seen this book everywhere but I haven’t checked on it until now. I’m not a big reader of creepy books but if I decide to do so, the book should be really creepy. Your review made me decide to place this on my “least-likely” TBR books. Thanks for the heads up! Great review!
Karina A. recently posted…BOOK REVIEW: Firelight by Sophie Jordan (Firelight #1)
Other people said that Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea was creepy, so maybe it’s just me. Either way, if you ever read this book, I hope you’ll like it! (:
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Pushing the Limits – Katie McGarry
This is in my TBR and I’m actually spiked to read it. Its interesting that you liked the book without loving its characters. This proves that its a much more deeper and sensible kind of a book. Thanks for the review Kelly!!! I love your honest opinion :D
Jules recently posted…Book Review: Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A Tucker
Ha ha, yeah, I rarely like a book when I don’t really like the characters in the book. :P
Aww, thanks Jules! I love it when you love my honest opinion. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [48]
You got me more curious about this book now, since I never had a mixed review about it before, I know what to expect and will not be so under the hype so maybe this book will be loved by me. The premise is really awesome and it’s already on my birthday’s wish list =] Thank you for sharing your opinions about it! ^^
Ana Death Duarte recently posted…My impressions on the mangas of Wolf’s Rain – Minhas impressões sobre os mangás de Wolf’s Rain
Yeah, it seems like tons of other people loved this one while I’m the lonely one who thought it was just meh.
Who knows, maybe going into the book with lower expectations would make you like this book a lot more than I did. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop
Sounds like a cool read! Haven’t read anything like this book in a while :) thanks for the lovely review :)
I hope you’ll enjoy this one once you read it Fatma! (:
And no problem! ;D
Kelly recently posted…Blogoversary Day 2: Cover Guessing Game
I’ve heard so many freat things about this book I can’t wait to read it! It’s creepy and it sounds interesting, it’s gonna be fun :P
I hope you’ll enjoy this one Frannie! The cover looks creepy fun too. ;D<3
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [52]
Very disappointing, but I have to say I am still looking forward to it. It is one of those books that has been on my TBR ASAP list for so long, I can’t stop wanting to read it so badly! And the cover doesn’t hurt! But I will go into it with a little bit of reservation. Hopefully, that will help!
Who knows, a lot of other people really loved this one Jaime. Maybe you’ll be one of those people.
And I totally get you about the cover – it’s absolutely GORGEOUS. <3
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [52]
Ahhh this sounds very interesting! I love gothic style books and the cover is stunning! (yeah, I’m a sucker for book covers lol). Just added it on my TBR list and I hope to read it very soon!
thanks for the review! =D
You’re not the only sucker for book covers. I buy books based on their covers sometimes. ;D
I hope you’ll enjoy this one Kassi & no problem!
Kelly recently posted…Judge A Book By Its Signature: Just One Day – Gayle Forman
I haven’t read this book, although it attracts my attention so much. I think I’ll give it a try now that I know the second half is going to be so much better. Thanks for the review, definetely this book comes to my tbr.
I hope you’ll enjoy this one Frida! :D
Who knows, maybe you’ll also enjoy the first part of the book better than I did.
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [53]
Great job! Gotta read this
Thanks! (:
I hope you’ll enjoy this one Monty!
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [54]
Nice honest review; book doesn’t sound that interesting to me
Thanks!
Ha ha, everyone has their own personal preference on everything. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins
I’m so excited to read this book again for your review, in goodreads only discouraged me, not enough good reviews, I’ll finally be able to read, I enjoy paranormal romance. enjoy good paranormal, I hope not disappoint me in this part, the cover is beautiful, thank you!
Yeah, for some reason Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea doesn’t have a lot of good reviews. Before the actual book came out, people were raving about this one. o:
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins
I’ve been debating frequently about whether to add this to my to-read list. First because it has such a beautiful cover and I have a hard time saying no to things that look that pretty. Second because it sounds like an interesting novel and I am always looking for something interesting to read, of course. Your review both made me debate and decide about the fate of the book as I waffled on what to do with it. I think I am going to test it out and see if it is worth my adoration or if like you say, the first half falls somewhat flat but the second half picks up all that it lacks and makes reading it all worth while.
You’re not the only one that has a hard time saying no to books that look pretty. ;D<3
I hope you'll like this one better than I did Bailee! Who knows, maybe Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea would be your type of book.
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins
I still really want to read this! It sounds like it picks up a lot and i love the concept. I really want to give it a a try ;)
Ashleigh Swerdfeger recently posted…Miscarriage
Ha ha, then you should give it a try Ashleigh! Hopefully you’ll love it! (:
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins
I’ve seen so many mixed reviews about this book. I have mixed feelings about it as well. I liked it at lot, and I didn’t at the same time.
Dena recently posted…Chapter Book Review: Amelia Bedelia Means Business
Yeah, I get what you mean. I’ve read tons of books that made me feel that way, I was impressed with it, but at the same time, not so much.
Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins
I’ve been seeing some mixed reviews of this, too. But yours is definitely reassuring(: I’ll pick it up from the library when I see it. I could totally use a creepy/spooky read, so I’ll trudge on through the weird beginning stuff. Hopefully I’ll like it alright. I won’t get my hopes too high! Negative reviews can traumatize an eager reader. I don’t know if it’s just me o.o
Joanna Velez recently posted…Life of a Blogger (1)
This book was so refreshing for me when I read it. The gothic feel is one of my favorite genres!! I know it wasn’t amazing for everyone, but I can’t help but love it!
This book surprises me and I wonder if there will be more to it.
already put on my TBR list..i am waiting for my book is coming from amazon..
so thx for ur review ^^