Thanks to NetGalley for this arc, and thanks to CG Drews for doing it again, playing with my emotions!!!
Scorpion Deep By CG Drews 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The way that I’m still in that frozen state after finishing this book, the Book Hangover that has taken me. I’m in tears!
‘This is the truth he lives with under his skin, how the ocean has left salted thumbprints all up his throat and marked him for drowning.”’ First freaking sentence, had us off to the races.
The lore behind the ocean and its creatures has been done so well. Between Selkie, Kraken and the others. The artwork is stunning as always. I don’t know if this is my favorite set of works or Don’t Let The Forest In. But out of all of them the Kelpie artwork is my favorite and I wish I had a print of it.
This book covers the grounds of mental illness, depression, friendship heartbreak. Please remember to check ⚠️ ⚠️⚠️Trigger Warnings ⚠️⚠️⚠️
... Read moreReading Scorpion Deep felt like submerging myself into a deep, dark ocean filled with both beauty and danger. The vivid depictions of ocean creatures like the kelpie and kraken made the mythology come alive in a way that deeply resonated with me. Personally, I found the metaphor of water and drowning incredibly powerful, symbolizing struggles with mental health that often feel overwhelming and isolating.
The exploration of mental illness, including depression and heartbreak, adds layers of emotional complexity that elevate this graphic novel beyond just fantasy. It’s rare to see such honest and raw portrayals in illustrated storytelling, and it sparked a lot of reflection on how invisible battles leave marks "under the skin," much like the salted thumbprints described.
As someone who appreciates art, the kelpie artwork stood out as a favorite—its haunting beauty stayed with me long after reading. I can understand why the author wishes for a print; it’s a piece that could transform any space with its evocative energy.
For fellow readers cautious of sensitive themes, this book’s candid approach to difficult topics is both a warning and a comfort: it doesn’t shy away from pain but handles it with care. In my experience, this balance made the story feel authentic and deeply relatable.
If you’re drawn to stories that intertwine folklore with emotional truth, Scorpion Deep offers a unique and immersive journey. It’s a reminder that sometimes, confronting the monsters we can’t drown requires acknowledging the depths within ourselves and the scars we carry.