The Deepest Roots

The Deepest Roots was a fun and fast read. Although, when I say “fun”, I definitely don't mean lighthearted. Rome, Lux, and Mercy are three best friends with magical talents. This isn't “sparkles, in your face” magic, but understated. One can fix things, another is a land-siren, able to seduce men, and the last of their group always manages to have enough of whatever it is she needs. To the girls, these gifts are a curse, but as they read the diary of the woman who cursed them, they learn that hadn't been in the intention at all.

This book deals with some heavy situations: sexual abuse, creepy old men, poverty, weak-willed women. To me, they made the story come to life. Asebedo is so good at writing flawed people. I was seriously creeped out by Garrett, really mad at Stella and Tina's life decisions, and though I disagreed with some of Rome's actions, I understood her choices. They fit within the frame of her personality, if that makes sense.

I loved the bond between the girls, I loved the Montoyas' and Red, I loved the setting, and I even liked Jett. But though I'm giving this five stars, there were some things I felt weakened this book. It would've been stronger without the romantic subplots, for one, and I'm usually a SUCKER for those. So even though I liked Jett, I couldn't really help but feel like he shouldn't have been in it at all.

There's also supposed to be a crossover character from A Constellation of Roses, but I didn't recognize who!!! I want to know so badly.