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Castings #2
Deep Water
Centuries ago, Acton and his people displaced the Travellers, the original inhabitants of the Eleven Domains. Now, Saker the enchanter is driven by this ancient rage. With the bones of his fallen ancestors and the blood from his own veins, he will raise armies of the dead to slake his revenge.
But what really happened when Acton came through DeathPass a millennium ago? To find out, Bramble agrees to risk her life - and perhaps her soul - on a voyage of discovery. Will she find the simple answer she needs, or will her experiences shatter her deepest beliefs?
Meanwhile, Ash, tormented by his past, must return to the Deep to find his father and uncover the Travellers' secret songs. He thought he had learnt all the ancient music. What has his father kept from him - and why?
The truth, like all their destinies, is hidden in time and lies in deep water.
But what really happened when Acton came through DeathPass a millennium ago? To find out, Bramble agrees to risk her life - and perhaps her soul - on a voyage of discovery. Will she find the simple answer she needs, or will her experiences shatter her deepest beliefs?
Meanwhile, Ash, tormented by his past, must return to the Deep to find his father and uncover the Travellers' secret songs. He thought he had learnt all the ancient music. What has his father kept from him - and why?
The truth, like all their destinies, is hidden in time and lies in deep water.
467 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
20 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Freeman
47 books144 followersPamela Freeman is an Australian author of books for both adults and children. Most of her work is fantasy but she has also written mystery stories, science fiction, family dramas and non-fiction. Her first adult series, the Castings Trilogy (Blood Ties, Deep Water and Full Circle) is published globally by Orbit books. She is best known in Australia for the junior novel Victor’s Quest and an associated series, the Floramonde books, and for The Black Dress: Mary MacKillop’s Early Years, which won the NSW Premier’s History Prize in 2006.
As of 2015, she will also be publishing historical novels under the name Pamela Hart.
As of 2015, she will also be publishing historical novels under the name Pamela Hart.
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November 25, 2018
3.5 stars
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https://edwardsghostengine.wordpress....
I found the writing and the setting especially beautiful in this second instalment and it was really interesting getting the chance to learn more about the history of this world and more about the characters. I know I found the first book in the series a bit strange in terms of writing and characterisations but even then I couldn’t argue of how beautiful the setting of this world is and how vividly described it all was.
One thing I don’t think I mentioned last time was how there were short chapters here and there that told about the history of side characters the main characters met. Many I notice found these side chapters annoying and pointless but I found them really interesting and enjoyed reading about the histories of other characters and while I must agree these passages sometimes don’t really contribute to the overall story, they were really entertaining for me.
As a lot of this book is about looking at the past and finding out how to stop the growing evil, not a lot happened in terms of action like in the last book, but I felt I got on better with this book because the characters were more well fleshed out and the story moved along at a nice relaxing pace. The author has certainly managed to set up the scene for a grand finale in the last book as this book more or less ended with a kind of cliffhanger which I normally don’t like, but this one is one that still leaves the reader intrigued to find out what happens next, but also doesn’t cut things off too abruptly. I haven’t mentioned this before but after reading this book I’m kind of gutted there aren’t more books in the series set in this amazingly crafted world. I know the author will probably tie things off really nicely, but I’ll say now I don’t want to leave :/ While I did find this book very slow going in some parts and it did take me a lot longer to finish than I hoped, I still wish the author would write more books of this type…
So overall, a very well described fantasy world with interesting world descriptions and history and characters that I found easier to connect with this time. It took me longer to finish than I thought and that was a bit of a disappointment but I would still like to recommend this series to those who like beautifully written traditional fantasy with a relaxing prose. I strongly look forward to seeing how things will end for this world and characters 🙂
Reviews and more
https://edwardsghostengine.wordpress....
I found the writing and the setting especially beautiful in this second instalment and it was really interesting getting the chance to learn more about the history of this world and more about the characters. I know I found the first book in the series a bit strange in terms of writing and characterisations but even then I couldn’t argue of how beautiful the setting of this world is and how vividly described it all was.
One thing I don’t think I mentioned last time was how there were short chapters here and there that told about the history of side characters the main characters met. Many I notice found these side chapters annoying and pointless but I found them really interesting and enjoyed reading about the histories of other characters and while I must agree these passages sometimes don’t really contribute to the overall story, they were really entertaining for me.
As a lot of this book is about looking at the past and finding out how to stop the growing evil, not a lot happened in terms of action like in the last book, but I felt I got on better with this book because the characters were more well fleshed out and the story moved along at a nice relaxing pace. The author has certainly managed to set up the scene for a grand finale in the last book as this book more or less ended with a kind of cliffhanger which I normally don’t like, but this one is one that still leaves the reader intrigued to find out what happens next, but also doesn’t cut things off too abruptly. I haven’t mentioned this before but after reading this book I’m kind of gutted there aren’t more books in the series set in this amazingly crafted world. I know the author will probably tie things off really nicely, but I’ll say now I don’t want to leave :/ While I did find this book very slow going in some parts and it did take me a lot longer to finish than I hoped, I still wish the author would write more books of this type…
So overall, a very well described fantasy world with interesting world descriptions and history and characters that I found easier to connect with this time. It took me longer to finish than I thought and that was a bit of a disappointment but I would still like to recommend this series to those who like beautifully written traditional fantasy with a relaxing prose. I strongly look forward to seeing how things will end for this world and characters 🙂
July 1, 2020
Stars: 4 / 5
Recommendation: Well-written with a balance between ongoing tale and the parallel stories of other characters without missing a step. Keeping readers intrigued to keep going on, keeping the mystique and reality just in equal parts for any kind of reader to enjoy.
Deep Water is the second book in The Castings Trilogy by Pamela Freeman first published in November of 2008. The story continues with Bramble and Ash who reached the Well of Secrets,, while Saker is succeeding in his plan of revenge and the warlord Thegan trying to bring the world back to where he wants.
A thousand years ago Eleven Domains were invaded and the inhabitants forced to go on road as travellers, and welcome no where. Now these Eleven Domains are rules by the Warlords.
However, larger elements like fire, earth, water and air, that the Warlords cannot control play their part, perhaps may become the end of the Warlords era. Some involved are sprites, fairies, and some are just human. This series covers their stories and how they impact the Warlords rulings.
Bramble, the Kill Reborn; Ash, a safeguarder; and Martine, a stonecaster; all reach the Well of Secrets in Oakmere, in Last Domain at the same time although from different directions and for different reasons. The story begins from there in this book leading the readers from Well of Secrets to starting of a battle of dominance and revenge.
The confusion of life and death continues for one protagonist while the other one is still figuring out what is their purpose and use in the world; and the third one turned into an antagonist still raged with the injustice and slaughter from the past, a 1000 years past.
Freeman takes this journey into more supernatural and fantasy world than the first one. One not only gets to see spirits, but also experience their lives. Yet, she also gives the hard life for Travellers, the cruelty of warlords and their men, and above all she shows that women were treated less than their animals in many places, more like an object than a person. She also shows how much women work while men raid the domains or simply enjoy the women's labor. Surprisingly women take it in stride. Sadly there are places in this world where things havent changed much for women even in this very modern world.
It always amazes me when one kingdom moves on to another kingdom because they have problems in their kingdom and cannot handle it. But instead of living peacefully with the other kingdom, they try to attack them, steal from them and make those inhabitants desolate and orphans and thrown out of their own world.
On the flip side Freeman also shows that how one kingdom takes advantage of another land's people who came to their land for help; how they betray the immigrants; how their women and children abused; and in the end hunted till death. Wouldn’t it be easy to meld the cultures and live in harmony rather than creating a hate that would go one for centuries?
One thing has been constant through centuries in real and fiction though. There are always men and women who fight for the absolute rights; for equality; for women; for children; for the defenseless; and for humanity in general.
I always wondered many times about a few facts of the history and mythology that are read in schools or novelized and filmized from my birth country; if the story was being told correctly; was it being just told from one side of the coin; what does it look like from the other side. Freeman gives the readers perspective of history of domains from two different angles thus leaving the protagonists to decide which way they need to weigh; or carve a new path. I liked what she did even though she had used it through fantasy and paranormal elements.
Freeman again veers off from the primary characters, giving more meat to some of the supporting ones, and tying their tales to the primary tales expertly. Most of her plot is written in the usual manner, however some of her off-shoot chapters continue to be written in first person narration.
The three main protagonists that she portrays in the first book, change to three protagonists and one antagonist. Each have their own reason to go against the antagonist and against the warlords ruling. However in the end Freeman brings their purposes together.
In the fantasy world that we are taken around, some of the customs or traditions sound so weird, but could have been practiced at some point of time on this earth - for instance Traveller women having ritual with the Fire God while the Traveller men having a ritual with the Deep, a the Dancing River.
Well-written with a balance between ongoing tale and the parallel stories of other characters without missing a step. Keeping readers intrigued to keep going on, even if the reader doesn’t believe in myths, spirits and hearing gods everywhere. She keeps the mystique and reality just in equal parts for any kind of reader to enjoy.
Looking forward to read the final book in the series.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot reveals:
a. We read that Osyth, Gorham's wife dies. But in this we see that their daughter Zel murders in defense when Osyth tries to kill her brother Flax.
b. Finally Ash realizes his purpose. He has ability to become a stonecaster apart from making ghosts talk. The River aka Deep selects him for her next lover.
c. Lady Sorn talks about griddle cakes with strawberries for dessert in one of the chapters. I was curious to see what are griddle cakes and came across a simple recipe that I am going to try soon.
d. Leof and Lady Sorn have sparks flying between each other, dangerous for both of them.
e. In the first book, we saw that an enchanter had placed a curse on Acton before she jumped from the cliff when Acton had invaded Turvite and taken over. In this book it is revealed to be a woman named Tern and her story is told briefly.
f. Last Domain's Warlord Arvid shows keen interest in Martine, the stonecaster; and the feelings are mutual although Martine doesn’t act on them yet.
2. Sub-Plots:
a. The Eleven Domains are:
i. Far South Domain
ii. South Domain - ruled by the Warlord Ceouf with his fort at Thornhill; Beck is second-in-command;
iii. Three Rivers Domain - Otter, the stonecaster;
iv. Central Domain - ruled by Warlord Thegan, married to Lady Sorn. His people - Lefric "Leof"; Horst, the archer; Sully; Sig, the Sergeant; Faina, Lady Sorn's personal maid, and her lover Alston; Hodge; Bandy, Leof's groom; Affo, the chief blacksmith; Ael, the cook; Wil; Sirin, a merchant; Gard;
v. Western Mountains Domain
vi. North Domain
vii. Lake Domain
viii. Far North Domain
ix. Cliff Domain - ruled by one of Thegan's sons, Gabra.
x. Northern Mountains Domain
xi. Last Domain - ruled by Arvid. His people - Apple & her son Snow; Holly, a guard; Almond, Arvid's ,mother; Skua; Fox;
b. The Domains are bordered by:
i. Ice King's Country in the North West
ii. Foreverfroze in the North East
iii. Death Pass in the West
iv. Wind Cities in the South West
c. Bramble's family - mother, father, grandfather. Her sister Maryrose & her husband Merrick are killed in this book.
d. Ash's family - mother Swallow, father Rowan; Cypress, the drummer; all Travellers on Road.
e. Acton was the first war leader who had waged wars against the inhabitants before the world was divided into eleven domains. His parents were mother Asa; father; Uncle Gris (father's brother) & his two sons Tal & Garlock; Harlad, mother's father and their chieftain;
f. Safred, well of secrets, is daughter of a warlord, Masil, & Perian, Cael's sister. Which domain was Masil warlord of is unclear.
g. More of Acton's people - Ragni; Elric Elricsson & his son Baluch; Gret; Marte; Asgarn; Eddil; Oddi; Wili; Red;
h. Lake People - Eel; Salamander; Steersman; Listener; Vi;
i. Villagers from Oakmere - Well of Secrets aka Safred; Cael, Safred's uncle; Mullet; Little Vole; Heron;
j. Other people Ash, Bramble & others meet: Twins Ber & Eldwin, Ber & their mother Aldith their mother; Gorham's kids Hazel "Zel" & Flax; Elva, Martine's god daughter, her husband Mabry & an infant boy named Ash; Gytha & Drema, Mabry's sisters; The Hunter; Auroch, the stonemaker, his wife Cricket & their daughter Grass; Piper & her daughter Searose; Snapper; Crab; Vine; Skink; Snake; Sami, the mine boss; Medric; Fursey;
3. Grammatical / Factual / Location / Historical / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 9, Line 17, it should be "…listening and watching…"
b. On Pg. 147, Freeman has Ash planning to ride far east into Far North Domain and swing around to come the Baluchston. But on Pg. 171, she has Ash going towards the pass into the North Domain, which could not be possible geographically according to the map in the book.
c. On Pg. 167, Line 8, shouldn’t it be "…could cadge some of the…"
d. The Drummer that accompanies Ash's parents on The Road was named Cypress in the first book, Blood Ties. They still had him when Saker was Travelled along with them for months. However, in this book when Saker reminisces about his time with Ash's parents, he names the drummer as Cedar. There was no between the to incidents does Freeman show that Ash's parents had changed their drummer.
e. In the appendix section, Freeman has a few pages with the topic "why I hate the olden times". He first paragraph is repeated in he second paragraph too.
Recommendation: Well-written with a balance between ongoing tale and the parallel stories of other characters without missing a step. Keeping readers intrigued to keep going on, keeping the mystique and reality just in equal parts for any kind of reader to enjoy.
Deep Water is the second book in The Castings Trilogy by Pamela Freeman first published in November of 2008. The story continues with Bramble and Ash who reached the Well of Secrets,, while Saker is succeeding in his plan of revenge and the warlord Thegan trying to bring the world back to where he wants.
A thousand years ago Eleven Domains were invaded and the inhabitants forced to go on road as travellers, and welcome no where. Now these Eleven Domains are rules by the Warlords.
However, larger elements like fire, earth, water and air, that the Warlords cannot control play their part, perhaps may become the end of the Warlords era. Some involved are sprites, fairies, and some are just human. This series covers their stories and how they impact the Warlords rulings.
Bramble, the Kill Reborn; Ash, a safeguarder; and Martine, a stonecaster; all reach the Well of Secrets in Oakmere, in Last Domain at the same time although from different directions and for different reasons. The story begins from there in this book leading the readers from Well of Secrets to starting of a battle of dominance and revenge.
The confusion of life and death continues for one protagonist while the other one is still figuring out what is their purpose and use in the world; and the third one turned into an antagonist still raged with the injustice and slaughter from the past, a 1000 years past.
Freeman takes this journey into more supernatural and fantasy world than the first one. One not only gets to see spirits, but also experience their lives. Yet, she also gives the hard life for Travellers, the cruelty of warlords and their men, and above all she shows that women were treated less than their animals in many places, more like an object than a person. She also shows how much women work while men raid the domains or simply enjoy the women's labor. Surprisingly women take it in stride. Sadly there are places in this world where things havent changed much for women even in this very modern world.
It always amazes me when one kingdom moves on to another kingdom because they have problems in their kingdom and cannot handle it. But instead of living peacefully with the other kingdom, they try to attack them, steal from them and make those inhabitants desolate and orphans and thrown out of their own world.
On the flip side Freeman also shows that how one kingdom takes advantage of another land's people who came to their land for help; how they betray the immigrants; how their women and children abused; and in the end hunted till death. Wouldn’t it be easy to meld the cultures and live in harmony rather than creating a hate that would go one for centuries?
One thing has been constant through centuries in real and fiction though. There are always men and women who fight for the absolute rights; for equality; for women; for children; for the defenseless; and for humanity in general.
I always wondered many times about a few facts of the history and mythology that are read in schools or novelized and filmized from my birth country; if the story was being told correctly; was it being just told from one side of the coin; what does it look like from the other side. Freeman gives the readers perspective of history of domains from two different angles thus leaving the protagonists to decide which way they need to weigh; or carve a new path. I liked what she did even though she had used it through fantasy and paranormal elements.
Freeman again veers off from the primary characters, giving more meat to some of the supporting ones, and tying their tales to the primary tales expertly. Most of her plot is written in the usual manner, however some of her off-shoot chapters continue to be written in first person narration.
The three main protagonists that she portrays in the first book, change to three protagonists and one antagonist. Each have their own reason to go against the antagonist and against the warlords ruling. However in the end Freeman brings their purposes together.
In the fantasy world that we are taken around, some of the customs or traditions sound so weird, but could have been practiced at some point of time on this earth - for instance Traveller women having ritual with the Fire God while the Traveller men having a ritual with the Deep, a the Dancing River.
Well-written with a balance between ongoing tale and the parallel stories of other characters without missing a step. Keeping readers intrigued to keep going on, even if the reader doesn’t believe in myths, spirits and hearing gods everywhere. She keeps the mystique and reality just in equal parts for any kind of reader to enjoy.
Looking forward to read the final book in the series.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot reveals:
a. We read that Osyth, Gorham's wife dies. But in this we see that their daughter Zel murders in defense when Osyth tries to kill her brother Flax.
b. Finally Ash realizes his purpose. He has ability to become a stonecaster apart from making ghosts talk. The River aka Deep selects him for her next lover.
c. Lady Sorn talks about griddle cakes with strawberries for dessert in one of the chapters. I was curious to see what are griddle cakes and came across a simple recipe that I am going to try soon.
d. Leof and Lady Sorn have sparks flying between each other, dangerous for both of them.
e. In the first book, we saw that an enchanter had placed a curse on Acton before she jumped from the cliff when Acton had invaded Turvite and taken over. In this book it is revealed to be a woman named Tern and her story is told briefly.
f. Last Domain's Warlord Arvid shows keen interest in Martine, the stonecaster; and the feelings are mutual although Martine doesn’t act on them yet.
2. Sub-Plots:
a. The Eleven Domains are:
i. Far South Domain
ii. South Domain - ruled by the Warlord Ceouf with his fort at Thornhill; Beck is second-in-command;
iii. Three Rivers Domain - Otter, the stonecaster;
iv. Central Domain - ruled by Warlord Thegan, married to Lady Sorn. His people - Lefric "Leof"; Horst, the archer; Sully; Sig, the Sergeant; Faina, Lady Sorn's personal maid, and her lover Alston; Hodge; Bandy, Leof's groom; Affo, the chief blacksmith; Ael, the cook; Wil; Sirin, a merchant; Gard;
v. Western Mountains Domain
vi. North Domain
vii. Lake Domain
viii. Far North Domain
ix. Cliff Domain - ruled by one of Thegan's sons, Gabra.
x. Northern Mountains Domain
xi. Last Domain - ruled by Arvid. His people - Apple & her son Snow; Holly, a guard; Almond, Arvid's ,mother; Skua; Fox;
b. The Domains are bordered by:
i. Ice King's Country in the North West
ii. Foreverfroze in the North East
iii. Death Pass in the West
iv. Wind Cities in the South West
c. Bramble's family - mother, father, grandfather. Her sister Maryrose & her husband Merrick are killed in this book.
d. Ash's family - mother Swallow, father Rowan; Cypress, the drummer; all Travellers on Road.
e. Acton was the first war leader who had waged wars against the inhabitants before the world was divided into eleven domains. His parents were mother Asa; father; Uncle Gris (father's brother) & his two sons Tal & Garlock; Harlad, mother's father and their chieftain;
f. Safred, well of secrets, is daughter of a warlord, Masil, & Perian, Cael's sister. Which domain was Masil warlord of is unclear.
g. More of Acton's people - Ragni; Elric Elricsson & his son Baluch; Gret; Marte; Asgarn; Eddil; Oddi; Wili; Red;
h. Lake People - Eel; Salamander; Steersman; Listener; Vi;
i. Villagers from Oakmere - Well of Secrets aka Safred; Cael, Safred's uncle; Mullet; Little Vole; Heron;
j. Other people Ash, Bramble & others meet: Twins Ber & Eldwin, Ber & their mother Aldith their mother; Gorham's kids Hazel "Zel" & Flax; Elva, Martine's god daughter, her husband Mabry & an infant boy named Ash; Gytha & Drema, Mabry's sisters; The Hunter; Auroch, the stonemaker, his wife Cricket & their daughter Grass; Piper & her daughter Searose; Snapper; Crab; Vine; Skink; Snake; Sami, the mine boss; Medric; Fursey;
3. Grammatical / Factual / Location / Historical / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 9, Line 17, it should be "…listening and watching…"
b. On Pg. 147, Freeman has Ash planning to ride far east into Far North Domain and swing around to come the Baluchston. But on Pg. 171, she has Ash going towards the pass into the North Domain, which could not be possible geographically according to the map in the book.
c. On Pg. 167, Line 8, shouldn’t it be "…could cadge some of the…"
d. The Drummer that accompanies Ash's parents on The Road was named Cypress in the first book, Blood Ties. They still had him when Saker was Travelled along with them for months. However, in this book when Saker reminisces about his time with Ash's parents, he names the drummer as Cedar. There was no between the to incidents does Freeman show that Ash's parents had changed their drummer.
e. In the appendix section, Freeman has a few pages with the topic "why I hate the olden times". He first paragraph is repeated in he second paragraph too.
July 23, 2014
Superb sequel to Blood Ties, Deep Water takes the trilogy to another level by delving in the mysteries of the richly imagined Eleven Domains.
We follow our heroes Ash, Martine, Bramble, Leof as well as seeing vignettes from occasional characters that add to the rich woven tapestry.
Bramble witnesses the past and the life of Acton, Ash needs to find his true image in the secret Deep that is open only to Traveler men and get the secret spells to help stop Saker, Martine follows Safred the prophetess as well as delving deeper in the Traveler's women secrets, while Leof struggles to balance his sense of right with loyalty to the Warlord Thegan.
The book ends as the first one at a natural stopping point setting the stage for the grand finale in Full Circle.
Beautiful prose and well rendered characters, A+ world building and intricate plot make this a great fantasy.
Highly, highly recommended.
March 31, 2009
After about 1000 pages in this series, I must admit I got tired of all the side stories of everyone our main characters came in contact with-- Other than that I enjoyed the plot. Looking forward to the release of book three.
January 28, 2017
I am enjoying this trilogy. I needed something entertaining and engaging, and these books provided. I especially like the theme explored in these books that there is no true good or evil. Any character perceived as evil has motivations with which the reader can relate and even support, and any character perceived as good has done regrettable, sometimes "evil" things. I especially like the storyline exploring Acton's history and how he is revealed not to be the monster that some of the characters assumed him to be in the first book. I also really like the idea of the ghosts and the subtle underlying machinations of the "gods" and the supernatural. You get the sense that the characters are living out only one layer of a larger story, yet the reader is only given hints as to what the larger story might be, if there really is one.
July 14, 2019
This book was everything I expected from the sequel to 'Blood Ties' and more. Even more vividly written than its predecessor, the story went through the history of the Eleven Domains and explained everything that led to the creation of the world as we know from the first book. Acton's story was told beautifully through the journey of Bramble's mind and just like the previous book, the subplots and minor side-stories about characters were a reserve for your mind to take a small break from the emotional main story.
I love the world that Pamela has created. It's fresh, beautiful and full of interesting things that always amazes me. Deserving of more than five stars!
I love the world that Pamela has created. It's fresh, beautiful and full of interesting things that always amazes me. Deserving of more than five stars!
March 13, 2018
Things did get a little darker in this sequel, but it was written with depth, complexity and compassion. I found the interwoven narration fascinating and really enjoyed the plot and characters.
January 18, 2019
Compelling and intimate
Great story told very well from multiple pics. Usually that doesn't work for me. This does. This is the second in a great trilogy.
Great story told very well from multiple pics. Usually that doesn't work for me. This does. This is the second in a great trilogy.
June 13, 2019
10/10 Stars
I can’t even explain how much I loved this.
I can’t even explain how much I loved this.
September 25, 2021
The slow middle with time traveling backstory and weaving the story of the three main characters together.
See my review of the omnibus Castings trilogy edition
See my review of the omnibus Castings trilogy edition
February 3, 2024
Just bcs I rated it 3 stars doesn't mean that this was bad. I enjoyed it. It's just that the pacing fell off mid way through.
October 2, 2024
I'm on my second reading. I love this so much.
February 12, 2015
"Blood Ties", the opening part of Pamela Freeman's "Castings" trilogy was a decent opening, but darted between characters with all the feeling of a chick lit style novel and, for me, interrupted the flow of things. The story was entertaining enough, but the writing style detracted a little from it and one of the main characters seemed pushed into the background.
Following on directly from the events of that book, "Deep Water" starts with Bramble, Ash and Martine on their way to see Safred, the Well of Secrets; someone who hears the voices of the gods better than most people. As well as Bramble needing healing, they are seeking advice on how best to stop Saker from raising ghosts to take revenge on the invaders who took over the country a thousand years previously. Bramble's desire to do stop him gains extra motivation after the ghosts attack on Carlion costing the lives of her sister and brother-in-law.
Through Safred, the gods tell them that the best way to stop Saker's enchanted ghost army is to raise the ghost of the invader, Acton. These ghosts were the result of his invasion and if he has killed them all once, maybe he can kill them again. However, in order to raise the ghost of Acton they need the appropriate songs and to find Acton's bones. This splits the party, as Ash goes to find his father, a singer and musician, to learn the songs that he was never taught before, but which he will need now. Bramble is taken by the gods to observe Acton's life through the eyes of some of his companions to find out where the bones are.
The style of "Deep Water" matches that of "Blood Ties", in that it's written in that same chick lit style; switching between characters with each chapter. This time out, it's even more confusing than before, as for much of the story, Bramble inhabits the bodies of various people from Acton's time, which means her sections are constantly switching focus in themselves. This also results in the time frame altering between her parts and those of the others, some of whom are a thousand years in the future looking after her body. However, this also provides some entertainment, as most of the characters she inhabits are men and there are some funny moments as she adjusts to the physical differences between the genders.
This consistency of style did mean that a couple of the things I thought let "Blood Ties" down a little were again present. Once more, Saker's story was pushed very much into the background, although as his preparation for what may prove to be the final encounter was the easiest of them all, following him for too long would have been a little boring and he did get a brief but exciting cameo late on. The other issue was that Freeman occasionally dips into the stories of the minor characters which, because they rarely reappear, act only as a diversion and seem to be there to fill space. They do add a little bit of extra colour, but they don't always seem entirely necessary.
If the weaknesses of "Blood Ties" are still apparent, its' strengths are also here. Freeman has created a very distinctive cast of characters, each with entirely separate personalities, from the straight forward and grounded Cael, to the enthusiastic and flighty Flax. Once more, you rarely get a feel for how the characters look, but their personalities are so well drawn that you don't need appearances to tell them apart. Even the new additions to the party in this book are given their own personalities so swiftly that it soon seems hard to imagine that they haven't always been involved in the tale.
What makes "Deep Water" the better of the two books in the trilogy so far is that the story moves along a lot better. You get a sense of things coming to a climax, even though that climax may yet be some way off. Middle parts of trilogies can so often seem like their only purpose is to bridge the gap between the opening and the ending, but here it really feels like Freeman is laying the foundations for the ending. There is always something happening and whereas the opening book felt like they were just trying to get somewhere, this feels like they have arrived and they're getting ready for some major event. The characters themselves are still travelling, but it doesn't seem as if they are just moving for the sake of it, they seem to have a lot more purpose than before.
At the end of "Blood Ties", I wasn't too concerned whether or not I ever finished reading the trilogy. Quite a way before the end of "Deep Water", I knew I have to see how things turn out when it all comes together. It is rare for me that I am more excited by the second part of a trilogy than I am with the first, so Freeman has accomplished something unusual here. If you've enjoyed the first part of the series, this one is even better and if the final part is this good, or even raises the bar once again, it's going to be an incredible read.
This review may also appear, in whole or in part, under my name at any or all of www.ciao.co.uk, www.thebookbag.co.uk, www.goodreads.com, www.amazon.co.uk and www.dooyoo.co.uk
Following on directly from the events of that book, "Deep Water" starts with Bramble, Ash and Martine on their way to see Safred, the Well of Secrets; someone who hears the voices of the gods better than most people. As well as Bramble needing healing, they are seeking advice on how best to stop Saker from raising ghosts to take revenge on the invaders who took over the country a thousand years previously. Bramble's desire to do stop him gains extra motivation after the ghosts attack on Carlion costing the lives of her sister and brother-in-law.
Through Safred, the gods tell them that the best way to stop Saker's enchanted ghost army is to raise the ghost of the invader, Acton. These ghosts were the result of his invasion and if he has killed them all once, maybe he can kill them again. However, in order to raise the ghost of Acton they need the appropriate songs and to find Acton's bones. This splits the party, as Ash goes to find his father, a singer and musician, to learn the songs that he was never taught before, but which he will need now. Bramble is taken by the gods to observe Acton's life through the eyes of some of his companions to find out where the bones are.
The style of "Deep Water" matches that of "Blood Ties", in that it's written in that same chick lit style; switching between characters with each chapter. This time out, it's even more confusing than before, as for much of the story, Bramble inhabits the bodies of various people from Acton's time, which means her sections are constantly switching focus in themselves. This also results in the time frame altering between her parts and those of the others, some of whom are a thousand years in the future looking after her body. However, this also provides some entertainment, as most of the characters she inhabits are men and there are some funny moments as she adjusts to the physical differences between the genders.
This consistency of style did mean that a couple of the things I thought let "Blood Ties" down a little were again present. Once more, Saker's story was pushed very much into the background, although as his preparation for what may prove to be the final encounter was the easiest of them all, following him for too long would have been a little boring and he did get a brief but exciting cameo late on. The other issue was that Freeman occasionally dips into the stories of the minor characters which, because they rarely reappear, act only as a diversion and seem to be there to fill space. They do add a little bit of extra colour, but they don't always seem entirely necessary.
If the weaknesses of "Blood Ties" are still apparent, its' strengths are also here. Freeman has created a very distinctive cast of characters, each with entirely separate personalities, from the straight forward and grounded Cael, to the enthusiastic and flighty Flax. Once more, you rarely get a feel for how the characters look, but their personalities are so well drawn that you don't need appearances to tell them apart. Even the new additions to the party in this book are given their own personalities so swiftly that it soon seems hard to imagine that they haven't always been involved in the tale.
What makes "Deep Water" the better of the two books in the trilogy so far is that the story moves along a lot better. You get a sense of things coming to a climax, even though that climax may yet be some way off. Middle parts of trilogies can so often seem like their only purpose is to bridge the gap between the opening and the ending, but here it really feels like Freeman is laying the foundations for the ending. There is always something happening and whereas the opening book felt like they were just trying to get somewhere, this feels like they have arrived and they're getting ready for some major event. The characters themselves are still travelling, but it doesn't seem as if they are just moving for the sake of it, they seem to have a lot more purpose than before.
At the end of "Blood Ties", I wasn't too concerned whether or not I ever finished reading the trilogy. Quite a way before the end of "Deep Water", I knew I have to see how things turn out when it all comes together. It is rare for me that I am more excited by the second part of a trilogy than I am with the first, so Freeman has accomplished something unusual here. If you've enjoyed the first part of the series, this one is even better and if the final part is this good, or even raises the bar once again, it's going to be an incredible read.
This review may also appear, in whole or in part, under my name at any or all of www.ciao.co.uk, www.thebookbag.co.uk, www.goodreads.com, www.amazon.co.uk and www.dooyoo.co.uk
March 12, 2011
As a reader, I found that the first two books of the trilogy spoke to me. I enjoyed the characters, especially their depth, and I related to their stories. I also enjoyed finding out what made them tick by reading their “mini stories”. Often we accept traits of characters on face value, but the author of these books offered reasons and circumstances that made me feel sorry for even the nasty characters. As I said in my review of Blood Ties (Book 1), this trilogy is the best adult writing I’ve read in a while.
As a writer, I found the “mini stories” worked well in captivating my interest, yet we are told time and time again that flashbacks should be kept to a minimum. I believe these books prove that rules are meant to be broken, if it is done well. I also took note that the flow of the writing was easy to follow. There were no strange words that stopped me in my tracks because I didn’t know what they meant. The character names and the names of places were easily pronounced, which again didn’t divert my attention away from the storyline. And…there were no long descriptions and no weather reports, which are two of my pet hates.
I think the only real criticism I have about this trilogy is the fact that the story is continuous from one book to the next. I’ve never like books that do that – especially when I have to wait almost a year before the next book is available to continue to read – as my memory isn’t the best anymore. But even when my memory was great, I didn’t like it. I prefer each book of a trilogy to have a main story that starts and ends in that book, even if there is a thread that stretches over all three books (which there should always be, in my opinion).
I enjoyed both books a great deal and they are highly recommended.
As a writer, I found the “mini stories” worked well in captivating my interest, yet we are told time and time again that flashbacks should be kept to a minimum. I believe these books prove that rules are meant to be broken, if it is done well. I also took note that the flow of the writing was easy to follow. There were no strange words that stopped me in my tracks because I didn’t know what they meant. The character names and the names of places were easily pronounced, which again didn’t divert my attention away from the storyline. And…there were no long descriptions and no weather reports, which are two of my pet hates.
I think the only real criticism I have about this trilogy is the fact that the story is continuous from one book to the next. I’ve never like books that do that – especially when I have to wait almost a year before the next book is available to continue to read – as my memory isn’t the best anymore. But even when my memory was great, I didn’t like it. I prefer each book of a trilogy to have a main story that starts and ends in that book, even if there is a thread that stretches over all three books (which there should always be, in my opinion).
I enjoyed both books a great deal and they are highly recommended.
August 28, 2014
My hopes for the second book of the trilogy were not disappointed. The characters are further developed and the story takes off, making the sequel more interesting than the first book. The format is still the same. Freeman alternatingly devotes each chapter to one of the main characters or tells the story of a shortly appearing supporting character. Besides Bramble, Ash, and Saker, the stonecaster Martine and the warlord's man Leof are now also main characters, widening the perspective of the plot.
The story develops on two time levels. While the plot continues on the one hand in the present time of the characters, we also learn much more of the past - about Acton's life - through Bramble on the other hand. Similar to Harry Potter learning more about Voldemort through the Pensieve, Bramble is thrown through the waters of a pond into the bodies of time-witnesses of the past, where she experiences important moments of Acton's life through them by quasi occupying their mind and senses. She also experiences time-traveling moments with the Hunter.
What I really liked about all the characters is that none of them are painted in black and white. While some characters are obviously the good heroes, the ones that easily could be the plain evil villains are not. Depending on one's point of view, their actions are to a certain degree understandable, leaving one pondering what is the best way for people to live together. I'm very excited to see where the story is going from here and how it ends, and just hope that Freeman can keep it at this high level.
The story develops on two time levels. While the plot continues on the one hand in the present time of the characters, we also learn much more of the past - about Acton's life - through Bramble on the other hand. Similar to Harry Potter learning more about Voldemort through the Pensieve, Bramble is thrown through the waters of a pond into the bodies of time-witnesses of the past, where she experiences important moments of Acton's life through them by quasi occupying their mind and senses. She also experiences time-traveling moments with the Hunter.
What I really liked about all the characters is that none of them are painted in black and white. While some characters are obviously the good heroes, the ones that easily could be the plain evil villains are not. Depending on one's point of view, their actions are to a certain degree understandable, leaving one pondering what is the best way for people to live together. I'm very excited to see where the story is going from here and how it ends, and just hope that Freeman can keep it at this high level.
May 9, 2011
The Eleven Domains is a land haunted by its past—literally. Ghosts are everywhere although most people only see them on the day of their Quickening. That is changing—Saker is raising ghosts from the distant past and giving them substance—as well as purpose.
Having come together at the end of Blood Ties, Bramble and Ash now part ways—Bramble to look for Acton’s burial place and Ash to learn the secret songs. If the Well of Secrets is correct, both are needed if Saker is to be stopped.
I cannot put these books down! The characters are intriguing and I love that we are given multiple points of view throughout the story. Not only is it interesting to have glimpses of each character’s perspective, it also reinforces the idea that people are much more complicated than “good” or “bad”.
My favorite characters so far are Bramble and Ash. Bramble is free spirited but caring, sensible and strong. Ash feels separated from others because of his lack of any marketable skill other than as a protector—but he wants to belong. His desire to belong has led him to the brink of taking the wrong path more than once but his innate goodness usually pulls him back.
Freeman throws us a twist in this second installment of the trilogy and I loved it! I’m forcing myself to wait until the weekend to begin Full Circle because otherwise I will spend the whole night reading and won’t be at my best for work tomorrow.
Having come together at the end of Blood Ties, Bramble and Ash now part ways—Bramble to look for Acton’s burial place and Ash to learn the secret songs. If the Well of Secrets is correct, both are needed if Saker is to be stopped.
I cannot put these books down! The characters are intriguing and I love that we are given multiple points of view throughout the story. Not only is it interesting to have glimpses of each character’s perspective, it also reinforces the idea that people are much more complicated than “good” or “bad”.
My favorite characters so far are Bramble and Ash. Bramble is free spirited but caring, sensible and strong. Ash feels separated from others because of his lack of any marketable skill other than as a protector—but he wants to belong. His desire to belong has led him to the brink of taking the wrong path more than once but his innate goodness usually pulls him back.
Freeman throws us a twist in this second installment of the trilogy and I loved it! I’m forcing myself to wait until the weekend to begin Full Circle because otherwise I will spend the whole night reading and won’t be at my best for work tomorrow.
August 7, 2011
c2008: For a second book of a presumed trilogy -this was really good. I did battle for the first paragraph or two until my memory started to activate. The pace was great and the characters of Ash (captures the essence of those who wish they could do things but overlook their own particular talent), Bramble (who is really kick ass in this book), Saker (evil knielvel) and Leof (think olf fashioned loyalty and chivalry) develop even further. I love the plot device of random POVs that help with the worldbuilding. The theme to me seems to be one of not only the victors write history and that sometimes history as you know it did not really happen the way that it is popularly depicted. This is a theme close to my heart! No blurb on the cover for this particular novel but blurb there was for the first book in the series "Freeman shies away from simplistic morality, building elegantly well-rounded characters" Publishers Weekly. I agree with first part of the statement but the second part is true in relation to the "elegant" but the well-rounded characters - um, my thoughts are that they are growing through out the series. Roll on the next one!. "Cael grimaced. "They cut down the oaks to build the town, then someone brought a willow up from the south and they just took over."/Bramble pursed her lips. "Yes, incomers do that."
July 30, 2011
Volume 2 of the Casting trilogy has Bramble agreeing to go back in time to view the life and decisions of Acton and his men, so that she can counter the wicked Enchanter, Saker, who is raising ghosts to slaughter his descendants.
While she is engaged in this, Ash journeys to the Deep to meet his father and to discover the old songs, which may also help overthrow Saker. Martine and her band help protect Bramble while she is under the time spell and then journey to Foreverfroze to take ship to Sanctuary which holds part of the solution.
It is a time of change for all - Ash finds his true self, which is himself and learns that he is a stonecaster, Bramble realises that the history of Acton as an evil murderer is not the true story, Martine meets Arvid, warlord of the north, and against her will, feels attracted to him, and Leof realises that he is in love with Sord, the
wife of his Warlord, Thegan.
The novel ends with the story poised for the final volume.
While she is engaged in this, Ash journeys to the Deep to meet his father and to discover the old songs, which may also help overthrow Saker. Martine and her band help protect Bramble while she is under the time spell and then journey to Foreverfroze to take ship to Sanctuary which holds part of the solution.
It is a time of change for all - Ash finds his true self, which is himself and learns that he is a stonecaster, Bramble realises that the history of Acton as an evil murderer is not the true story, Martine meets Arvid, warlord of the north, and against her will, feels attracted to him, and Leof realises that he is in love with Sord, the
wife of his Warlord, Thegan.
The novel ends with the story poised for the final volume.
September 5, 2012
Just as good as the first book.
I liked the inventive way the author had us learn about Acton's life, an important figure who died 1000 years ago. Again, the different POV, enriching the story in a first person setting.
The quest, the magic, the stonecasting...impressive. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Being left in the middle of the store, I'll continue immediately with Full Circle.
I'm anxious to get started...
I liked the inventive way the author had us learn about Acton's life, an important figure who died 1000 years ago. Again, the different POV, enriching the story in a first person setting.
The quest, the magic, the stonecasting...impressive. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Being left in the middle of the store, I'll continue immediately with Full Circle.
I'm anxious to get started...
April 16, 2011
Very fine second book in the series. More plot driven than the first, but still has a number of small vignettes of passing characters. Seems like fewer than the first though, although some of that is replaced by another device the author uses (not gonna spoil it :) ). Guess the world is mostly built by now, although actually there *were* surprises that way throughout even this second book. Very well done.
February 24, 2014
excellent! not always easy to sustain a reader's interest and keep the story gripping through the middle volume of a trilogy, but this worked brilliantly for me, with several familiar (and some new) characters' stories interwoven, as in the first book, plus Bramble undergoing an involuntary journey through the minds (and bodies) of people from what to her is the distant past.
rich, complex and beautifully woven.
rich, complex and beautifully woven.
June 21, 2009
I loved the first book in this series and the second was not a disappointment. I was heartbroken to leave the characters behind when I finished the book and just can't wait until book 3 comes out later this year. I well written, heartfelt story which enfolds you a world you don't want to leave. Simply wonderful
May 10, 2011
These books just keep getting better. Solid world-building, excellent characterisation, an intriguing plot; there is nothing here not to love. I especially like the way that even "walk-on" characters get to have their say here, I think it gives the books a depth that is lacking in a lot of modern fantasy fiction.
Keep up the good work, Pamela Freeman!
Keep up the good work, Pamela Freeman!
August 3, 2009
Pamela Freeman is very creative and the world she has built is "Fellowship of the Rings" good. Can't wait for the final installment although I do not think it will turn out well for the main characters. The way things are going, they are all going to die or come very close.
June 30, 2010
I'm just loving Pamela Freeman's fantasy series so far! Book 1 was absolutely brilliant - so beautifully written and very fresh & unusual in its structure and focus on the stories behind even the most minor character. Book 2 is a little slower but still filled with light and brilliance. Loving it!
June 30, 2015
I'm so glad to finally finish this up!!! started it ages ago. the 2nd "in-progress" book within a month's time to get finished up!!!! so glad!!!!
I'll have to look for the 3rd one & read it. may as well finish the trilogy. =)
I'll have to look for the 3rd one & read it. may as well finish the trilogy. =)
April 14, 2013
See my review on the first book.
As a second book, good enough filler. I did feel the minor character stories a little choresome in this one though. Regardless, could not stop reading, finished the book in a day.
As a second book, good enough filler. I did feel the minor character stories a little choresome in this one though. Regardless, could not stop reading, finished the book in a day.
February 19, 2015
I just devoured this second installment. It perfectly matched the first story and continued to tell its story beautifully.
There were times were I got a little confused by the sudden change of voice but overall this book is very well done.
I was left wanting to know what happens next.
There were times were I got a little confused by the sudden change of voice but overall this book is very well done.
I was left wanting to know what happens next.
January 4, 2009
continues the story with enough complexity to keep me interested - wishing the 3rd one was already available
October 18, 2009
Great high fantasy with an unusual world. Includes some unusual character sketches and a pretty hard look (for a fantasy book) at the relationship between a conquered people and their conquerors.
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