Review: Gathering Deep by Lisa Maxwell

Gathering Deep by Lisa Maxwell
Publisher- Flux
Released- Oct 8th 2015
Purchase- Amazon / B & N

When Chloe Sabourin wakes in a dark, New Orleans cemetery with no memory of the previous days, she can hardly believe the story her friends tell her. They say Chloe was possessed by a witch named Thisbe, who had used the darkest magic to keep herself alive for over a century. They tell her that the witch is the one responsible for the unspeakable murders that nearly claimed the life of Chloe's friend, Lucy. Most unbelievable of all, they say that Thisbe is Chloe’s own mother. As she struggles with this devastating revelation and tries to rebuilt her life, Chloe wants nothing to do with the magic that corrupted her mother…especially since she feels drawn to it. Now, a new series of ritualistic killings suggests that Thisbe is plotting again, and Chloe is drawn unwillingly back into the mystical underworld of the French Quarter. To stop Thisbe before she kills again, Chloe and her friends must learn what they can from the mysterious Mama Legba. But when her boyfriend Piers vanishes, Chloe will have to risk everything and embrace her own power to save the one person she has left… even if that means bringing down her mother.

My Thoughts:

Honestly? I wasn't sure if I'd love this book more then the first one. See, Sweet Unrest was one of those reads where not only did the words haunt me, but so did the characters, in the best way possible. I've always been a romantic sap, and well, Alex and Lucy had such a bittersweet love that I craved more the minute the story was over. So when I found out this book was a companion and not the sequel I was secretly hoping for, I had my doubts but they were quickly at ease only after reading the first chapter. Gathering Deep in Chloe's story and it's filled with just as much mystery, suspense and intrigue that I fell in love with in the first book, but this book felt different, more dangerous more sinister and I loved every minute of it!

Man, I really just adore Maxwell's fantastic storytelling. It's so crisp that I could feel and see everything play out in my mind so vividly. The atmosphere crackles with torment, power and charm and I love the way she clues in the reader with history, visions and dreams to connect us to that right moment or memory from past to present. I also love that this is set in New Orleans and that it's woven in deep voodoo magic, tortured love and an inevitable destiny. It's creepy mind you and gave me some chills, but it was so captivating I couldn't wait to see how everything plays out.

My heart really goes out to Chloe, she's been through some crazy stuff and it's not everyday you learn you mamma is an all powerful voodoo witch out for blood and took over her own daughter for her wicked plans. Literally. To say that Chloe was a bit unhinged would be an understatement and yet, I have to say I'm impressed with how she handled it. Scared, yes, haunted, sure, but extremely determined to try to fix her unconscious-mistakes and own up to her part, even if she wasn't the ones who pulled the strings. I thought Chloe was fascinating even in her resentment and doubts, I applaud her dedication to put a stop to Thisbe, even if it means the end to her own mother. 

Piers, I think, will be misunderstood for this book. When he we first meet him in Sweet Unrest, he plays the part of Chloe's charming love interest and I enjoyed what he brought to the story, but he didn't come out of Sweet Unrest, unscratched and what he had to face, what he had to almost do still haunts him. Saying that, I think I get why Piers was so overbearingly protective and even controlling and I even get why Chloe was so irritated and upset with him, but through it all, I liked Piers unwavering love and support. It just felt, realistic and I was nervous for this very thin-as-ice relationship's future. And as always I loved seeing Lucy and Mama Legba, such amazing characters that add the perfect charm to this magical story.

Bottom line, I really loved this one. Gathering Deep has a great twisty plot, remarkable writing and unforgettable characters and it make me crave more stories about voodoo witches and forbidden love. While this left us on a satisfying note, I think there is room for one more. I'm simply not done with these characters yet or this captivating world. Great read and fun escape. Can't wait for more from Maxwell!

Find the author:
Goodreads/ Website                                4.5 snowflakes

Review: Sweet Unrest b y Lisa Maxwell

Sweet Unrest by Lisa Maxwell

Publisher- Flux

Released- Oct 8th 2014

Purchase- Amazon / B & N

Lucy Aimes has always been practical. But try as she might, she can’t come up with a logical explanation for the recurring dreams that have always haunted her. Dark dreams. Dreams of a long-ago place filled with people she shouldn’t know…but does.When her family moves to a New Orleans plantation, Lucy’s dreams become more intense, and her search for answers draws her reluctantly into the old city’s world of Voodoo and mysticism. There, Lucy finds Alex, a mysterious boy who behaves as if they’ve known each other forever. Lucy knows Alex is hiding something, and her rational side doesn’t want to be drawn to him. But she is.As she tries to uncover Alex’s secrets, a killer strikes close to home, and Lucy finds herself ensnared in a century-old vendetta. With the lives of everyone she loves in danger, Lucy will have to unravel the mystery of her dreams before it all comes to a deadly finish.

My Thoughts:

Wow, now this was an impressive debut! I'm really surprised how much I enjoyed  Sweet Unrest.  I always knew I wanted to read this, but I didn't think I'd be this mesmerized by everything this book had to offer.

Lisa Maxwell is a fantastic writer. The storyline has a little bit of everything I crave in a good escape. Voodoo magic, reincarnations, ghost stories, dreams, mystery, suspense and a fierce all consuming love. I also really loved all these characters and felt instantly connected to their stories. Past and present. I was instantly charmed by Maxwell's smooth writing style, absorbing plot and engaging characters. The writing is very smart and sharp and always kept me interested and invested chapter after chapter. To some, the pacing may seem a tad slow, but I rather enjoyed the steady rhythm of intrigue and suspense. I loved the way Maxwell connected us to the past and present by linking us through Lucy while bleeding her dreams into reality. I also really got a kick out of the voodoo element. I can't say that I've read this particular lore in other books before and I've learned that I quite enjoyed the readings, ceremony and dark magical history that comes with it, or at least in Maxwell's world. It was completely fascinating and hands down freak-worthy. Combine all that with the beauty of New Orleans and the mystery of the plantations and you have yourself an irresistible read.

Lucy is an amazing fiery protagonist. She's an ever practical person who doesn't exactly believe in all this voodoo business, but I like that she doesn't flat out reject the idea and keeps an open mind, especially considering  what she's been seeing in her dreams and then seeing it re-enact in her own life. I think that was one of my favorite parts, seeing the dreams, nightmares and visions unfold and watch the mystery play out with thrilling anticipation.

Alexandre is a very alluring character, he's definitely intense in that dark almost threatening mysterious way but also has a playful kindness and charm that you can't resist. His story is haunting and heartbreaking and I couldn't seem to get enough. I absolutely adored the love story. It's a beautiful fierce endless  love that you just want to squeeze and hold close. It may feel like insta-love to some, but I think given the circumstances between Lucy and Alex and their tortured past lives together, this felt more fated then instant and it definitely goes on the list of swoon-worthy goodness.

I also liked the rest of the character, everyone played their parts well and at one point of the story I wasn't sure who I could trust. One of my favorites though was Mama Legba. She gets a huge round of applause. She's the local Voodoo Queen and written with an otherworldly uniqueness that brought in such a perfect tone and flavor to the entire length of the story.  

All in all, I really enjoyed this book so much. It's been a long time since a story as captivated me in a way that I simply could not put the book down at any given point. It's the kind of story that you can just relax and sink into and let the escape take you way. The ending was pretty bittersweet and apart of me - the hopeless sap part - wished for something more, but in it's own way it was kinda perfect. I'm thinking this is a stand-alone, but you wouldn't hear me complain one bit if we get a sequel. I'm simply not ready to let this world go. An amazing and incredibly entertaining debut novel  by Maxwell.  I greatly look forward to see what she comes up with next! 

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                               4.5 Snowflakes