This was the last book I finished reading in 2015. I tried to get the review out before the end of the year, but alas! This was book number 50 for the year, which is kind of awesome.

Daughter of Deep Silence

by Carrie Ryan

Published 2015

Format: eBook
Genre: YA, Mystery, Revenge story
Rating:  3.75/5 Moose

Synopsis

Frances Mace is one of three survivors after the boat Persephone went down, and the other two are lying about what happened. Unfortunately for the two lying survivors, Frances lost her parents and her friend Libby to a mysterious group that violently attacked and murdered everyone on board. France and Libby managed to escape, but Libby died while waiting to be saved.

The other two survivors — Senator Wells and his son Grey, Frances’ pseudo boyfriend on the cruise — claim  a storm caused the ship to overturn. Afraid that the attackers will come after her, Libby’s dad asks her to step into Libby’s life in order to keep her safe.

Four years later, Frances is out for revenge and has had time to make a plan.

Characters

Frances – a 14 year old survivor of the horrific luxury cruise ship accident. She was lost at sea for 7 days after the accident, until she was picked up. After this, she steps into Libby’s life in order to keep herself safe. She is thirsty for revenge against Senator Wells and Grey. She is also in love with Grey.

Libby – Elizabeth “Libby” was a survivor of the Persephone, but died hours before she and Frances were discovered. She was from a rich family, and in love with her adopted brother Shepherd.

Grey – The son of a senator, one of the three survivors. After he claims that a tidal wave and a storm, he disappears from the public eye for a few years. He was in love with France who he thinks died on the ship.

Senator Wells – Survivor of the Persephone, claims that the boat capsized. Using the survivor angle to run for office. Does not like that Libby is back in the states, living near his family.

Shepherd – Libby’s adoptive brother. Acts as sort of a caretaker after Cecil dies. Heartbroken that Libby has been cold and distant, he eventually comes to realize that Frances is not Libby. He offers to help her with revenge, but as long as no one gets hurt.

Rant, Raves, General Thoughts

Count of Monte Cristo is one of my top ten favorite books, even though I’ve only read it once and it’s been over 10 years. (It’s a long ass book y’all.) I also loved Revenge, until it got super soap opera-y. In other words, I am always down for a revenge story that involves pretending to be someone else and years of planning.

This book reminded me more of Revenge than Monte Cristo, which is fine. I’m always down for a teen version of something I enjoy. And a violent boating accident with vicious murderers? Twist my arm why don’t you? (But next time, a gay best friend like Nolan Ross, k?)

I think I liked this book more so because it was a quick read, especially after a book that took me so long to read before it. I like Carrie Ryan’s writing style, and I really enjoyed her zombie series. But the ending left so much lacking, especially for a stand-alone novel. The reasons for the ship accident was very anti-climatic, but at the same time, very realistic.

I am also not a huge fan of the love story in this book. I’ve met some guys on vacation, but if I met them four years ago, I don’t think I’d still be fawning.

I like the torment Frances goes through — the torn between Frances and Libby. But it’s a bit overbearing and repetitive. I’m not sure how else to show and not tell these overwhelming emotions… The book could have had another 100 pages to clean up the ending and the reason for the ship massacre, and I would have been much happier.

Final Verdict

If you are like me and love a good revenge story, add this to your list. If you liked Carrie Ryan’s other books, give this a read. It is a decent revenge story. It’s fortunate that so many people seeking revenge find money to support their addition. Anyways, if revenge drama is your cup of tea, give this book a go.