Reviews

Sea of Secrets by Amanda DeWees

sarah_moynihan's review

3.0

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.

ajenkins979's review

5.0

Once I started reading this, I got hooked. Very hooked. This book has so much going for it: Romance, historical setting, mystery, murder, a little touch of Gothic, and of course scandal!
I won't ruin anything for you. So I will tell you my thoughts.
I loved how the Duchess could overcome and stay calm in all the situations. Amazing.
Oriel, she was tougher, smarter, and prettier than she thought
Herron: learned a lot at the end and made peace with everyone.
Oriel's father: got what he deserved.
Claude: weak, but loving
Charles: strong, quiet and dependable
The story is well written and will draw the reader in.

For longer review please visit: http://eskimoprincess.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-sea-of-secrets.html

thegothiclibrary's review

5.0

Sea of Secrets begins after Oriel’s beloved brother and only protector is killed in the Crimean War. After the funeral, her father—who has hated Oriel since her mother’s death—throws her out of his house to make her own way in the world. Luckily, Oriel learns that she is related to a glamorous yet somewhat unconventional duchess who invites her to come live at the seaside estate of Ellsmere. Though she knows that Ellsmere was the site of her mother’s suicide, and that the duchess’s family is steeped in scandal after she married her late husband’s brother almost immediately after the duke’s death, Oriel can’t help but feel that she has finally found a home. But her feelings of peace and security are soon shattered by Herron, who paces the rooftops hoping to catch a glimpse of his father’s ghost.

See my full review here: http://www.thegothiclibrary.com/sea-of-secrets-review-a-gothic-romance-spin-on-hamlet/

vesper1931's review

3.0

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.