In Deep by Terra Elan McVoy Published by Simon Pulse on 8 July 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Pages: 304
Format: eARC
Source: Edelweiss
| 
Swim.
Push.
Breathe.
Swim.Nothing else matters to Brynn as she trains her body and mind to win. Not her mediocre grades and lack of real friends at school. Not the gnawing grief over her fallen hero father. Not the strained relationship with her absent mother and clueless stepdad. In the turquoise water, swimming is an escape and her ticket to somewhere—anywhere—else. And nothing will get in her way of claiming victory.
But when the competitive streak follows Brynn out of the pool in a wickedly seductive cat-and-mouse game between herself, her wild best friend, and a hot new college swimmer, Brynn’s single-mindedness gets her in over her head, with much more than a trophy to lose.
*I received a free ARC of In Deep from Simon Pulse via Edelweiss in exchange of an honest review*
In Deep is a contemporary YA novel in which the main character is a swimmer. The main storyline depicts friendship and betrayal, as well as obsession with results at all costs.
My In Deep review:
In Deep shows just how far someone might be able to go, just to be the best at something. Brynn strives to be the best at everything, apart from school work, and she has a competitive relationship with all of those around her. Swimming is the one big thing in Brynn’s life, or at least that’s what she told me in her story. I, however, got to know a young girl who was out partying quite a lot, who did not really take care of the body she needed to win swim competitions, and who wanted the boy who was looking at one of her friends.
I didn’t really enjoy Brynn or the other characters in In Deep, because I found them all the be very superficial and not very nice. The focus also was more on boys and parties than it was on the swimming, which I found really strange after having read the blurb. And when Brynn finally has her epiphany, it is kind of too little, too late for that.
The writing is in first person point of view, in present tense. This might be another reason why I had trouble connecting with the story, too. In Deep never managed to make me feel much of anything for Brynn, and so, when things became really difficult for her, I found I didn’t care what would happen to her one way or another.
Some of my favorite In Deep quotes:
Instead Grier thought I was funny. Different. She told me once that I’m the only other person who hates people more than she does. And if it works for her, I’m not gong to argue.
Tired, yes, but also like my body’s one of those dried-up vanilla beans with the juicy seeds all scraped out too hard.
For the last six years, I’ve been pushing so hard to prove how much better I am, how I don’t need anyone else. I’ve been mercilessly hard on myself, because I’ve thought I’m the only person I could count on to be strong. And the whole time, that’s exactly what it’s left me – alone.
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
It’s a shame you weren’t able to connect to the characters or the book Lexxie, it does sound like an interesting read though. I don’t usually mind 1st person POV’s. Nice review.
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Yeah, it’s never fun when that happens. If you read it, I hope you’ll love it, Naomi!
Thanks for stopping by.
Oh, this doesn’t sounds too good. I don’t think I’ll like the characters either. They do seem superficial and I’m tired of wannabe popular/party people. 😛 Great review though and I hope your next read will rock your socks off, Lexxie. ^^
Yeah, that’s why I said that it might very well be me… I’m not too much into those kinds of characters or stories these days either.
Thanks for stopping by, Lola 🙂
Twitter: talksupeblog
Sounds like there’s not much character growth for you to have failed to connect with Brynn. Superficiality at first is fine with me as long as she sort of redeems herself in the end. Sounds like that didn’t happen?
No, that really didn’t happen, and the whole thing really fell flat for me. Oh well…
Thanks for stopping by, Braine.
Uhmm, I can see the problem… If you don’t get a connection with the characters (and to the point where you really don’t care) is bad enough, let alone not really feeling the story. I’m sorry it didn’t work out as well as perhaps you would have hoped for, Lexxie.
Good thing my kindle is filled to the brim with stories to read, right? Thanks for stopping by, Silvia.
Aw, sorry to hear that you didn’t connect so much with the characters
Yeah, it’s no fun when that happens. Thanks for stopping by, Brandi.
Hmm, I have to say I’m always irritated when the book isn’t what the blurb promises. I totally understand your difficulty in connecting with the characters, especially Brynn, since the whole story was supposed to revolve around swimming and it seems that was not the case. I hope you did find something pleasurable about it, Lexxie. Great review, as always.
Hope your week started off well. 🙂 **BIG HUGS**
Yeah, I’m actually almost surprised that I finished reading this one… I have read several great stories after this one, so all is good 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, my friend! *BIG HUGS*
Sorry IN DEEP didn’t work for you Lexxie, but I appreciate the review! If it helps at all, Brynn and her friends are superficial on purpose–to show what an unpleasant way of life that is. I know that doesn’t work for everyone though. Keep up the good reading and reviewing!
Yuck, Lexxie. The further I got into your review, the more I knew that this book was not for me. I’m glad you were able to somewhat enjoy it, but mean, superficial characters are NOT my favorite, and I really (really, really) hate first person, present tense. I’ve DNF-ed books based on that alone. So THANKS 😉 Great review!
I usually don’t enjoy 1st person present tense, either, Jessica. It really has to be awesome for me to be able to like that.
Thanks for stopping by, Jessica 🙂