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The Wanshiqi Trilogy #1
Remember Pompeii
“In the exciting series-opening fantasy novel Remember Pompeii, a powerful teenager resists coming of age through multiple reincarnations for reasons that she keeps secret from those she loves.”—Foreword Clarion Reviews
She's lived 200 lifetimes. And never turned 17.
Kali Brewster isn’t like other teenage girls. She can’t be because her qi, her immortal soul, is 3623 years old. It’s what makes her a wanshiqi, part of an immortal race who can reincarnate into any form. But Kali’s different, even among her kind.
She’s serving her sentence for what happened in Pompeii. As punishment, she and her family are forced to reincarnate into human bodies, shackling their existence to one life form.
Reaching her 17th human birthday will end her sentence and return her family to their full wanshiqi existence. Once that happens, all her ties to them will be broken. She will come of age. Nothing will ever be like it was again.
Her one goal for the past 200 lifetimes? To die before her 17th human birthday. She has yet to fail. The trick is making her family think her death is an accident. Because none of them are pleased to be a part of her punishment and all of them want it to be over. But it’s not up to them. It’s up to her.
She doesn’t want everything to change. She doesn’t want to lose who she is. She doesn’t want to let go of her family. She’s about to learn that this is the lifetime where every decision counts. And living might be the only way to protect what really matters to her.
Remember Pompeii is a YA contemporary fantasy that is sure to delight fans of Shereen Vedam’s Outside the Circle Mysteries with its complicated heroine, buried secrets, and mythical beings.
This book has all of the family drama and historical moments of The Originals with none of the blood drinking.
She's lived 200 lifetimes. And never turned 17.
Kali Brewster isn’t like other teenage girls. She can’t be because her qi, her immortal soul, is 3623 years old. It’s what makes her a wanshiqi, part of an immortal race who can reincarnate into any form. But Kali’s different, even among her kind.
She’s serving her sentence for what happened in Pompeii. As punishment, she and her family are forced to reincarnate into human bodies, shackling their existence to one life form.
Reaching her 17th human birthday will end her sentence and return her family to their full wanshiqi existence. Once that happens, all her ties to them will be broken. She will come of age. Nothing will ever be like it was again.
Her one goal for the past 200 lifetimes? To die before her 17th human birthday. She has yet to fail. The trick is making her family think her death is an accident. Because none of them are pleased to be a part of her punishment and all of them want it to be over. But it’s not up to them. It’s up to her.
She doesn’t want everything to change. She doesn’t want to lose who she is. She doesn’t want to let go of her family. She’s about to learn that this is the lifetime where every decision counts. And living might be the only way to protect what really matters to her.
Remember Pompeii is a YA contemporary fantasy that is sure to delight fans of Shereen Vedam’s Outside the Circle Mysteries with its complicated heroine, buried secrets, and mythical beings.
This book has all of the family drama and historical moments of The Originals with none of the blood drinking.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 23, 2024
“Remember Pompeii" by Kika Emers is an exceptional book that I absolutely loved. The characters, especially Wanshiqi, were remarkable, and the angst portrayed in the story was captivating. The plot follows Kali, who is living as a human in one of her multiple lives as a punishment for something that happened in Pompeii. Her parents were forced to join her, but her grandparents, Grams and Gramps, who were my favourite characters in the book, and her Tonggan Hunter chose to join her in her punishment. However, Kali can never make it past her 17th birthday.
The book sets up the series beautifully, and I am eagerly waiting for the second one to come out. One of the things that make the book so special is the compassion that Kali shows towards those in her life.
The book sets up the series beautifully, and I am eagerly waiting for the second one to come out. One of the things that make the book so special is the compassion that Kali shows towards those in her life.
June 20, 2024
Captivating start to a new series!
Set in an alternate universe, straddling the immortal and human realms with a surprising Eastern influence, Remember Pompeii is YA Author, Kika Emers’, debut Wanshiqi Trilogy release. From the get go this book ticked a lot of my boxes. It’s a fantasy novel, the cover art and colour palette is appealing, and most of all the name immediately drew the history buff in me. Throw in a species of immortal beings and reincarnation and I’m a happy book nerd!
When the synopsis mentioned the MFC’s name was Kali I immediately questioned if there was a symbolic connection to the Hindu Goddess Kali Ma - destroyer of evil in defence of the innocent amongst other badassery - and could this be why Pompeii fell in this sci-fi-esque thrilling retelling?
Even if my imagination had gone off on its own irrelevant tangent, I was hooked!
Emers sure delivers a rich well layered fantasy-verse. Yes, getting your head around the new lexicon and concepts is a tad complex to begin with, but what’s been offered up leaves so much room for future plot growth, world and character building and I’m so here for it!
Are there imperfections - persevere to beyond chapter five - and potential tweaks to be made going forward in the series, well of course, but lets support this writer and watch them create something really special!
Our MC, Kali - a 3623-year-old immature immortal soul has yet to make it to age seventeen despite living 200 life cycles. Unbeknownst to everyone else however, she is the one flicking the kill-switch each and every time.
And why’s that you ask?
You’ll just have to jump on the bandwagon and Remember Pompeii along with the rest of us.
Oh, and did I mention there’s a potential love triangle!
Set in an alternate universe, straddling the immortal and human realms with a surprising Eastern influence, Remember Pompeii is YA Author, Kika Emers’, debut Wanshiqi Trilogy release. From the get go this book ticked a lot of my boxes. It’s a fantasy novel, the cover art and colour palette is appealing, and most of all the name immediately drew the history buff in me. Throw in a species of immortal beings and reincarnation and I’m a happy book nerd!
When the synopsis mentioned the MFC’s name was Kali I immediately questioned if there was a symbolic connection to the Hindu Goddess Kali Ma - destroyer of evil in defence of the innocent amongst other badassery - and could this be why Pompeii fell in this sci-fi-esque thrilling retelling?
Even if my imagination had gone off on its own irrelevant tangent, I was hooked!
Emers sure delivers a rich well layered fantasy-verse. Yes, getting your head around the new lexicon and concepts is a tad complex to begin with, but what’s been offered up leaves so much room for future plot growth, world and character building and I’m so here for it!
Are there imperfections - persevere to beyond chapter five - and potential tweaks to be made going forward in the series, well of course, but lets support this writer and watch them create something really special!
Our MC, Kali - a 3623-year-old immature immortal soul has yet to make it to age seventeen despite living 200 life cycles. Unbeknownst to everyone else however, she is the one flicking the kill-switch each and every time.
And why’s that you ask?
You’ll just have to jump on the bandwagon and Remember Pompeii along with the rest of us.
Oh, and did I mention there’s a potential love triangle!
April 30, 2024
Three and a half
This was an entertaining idea with an Immortal society that could reincarnate as anything being involved in what happened all those years ago in Pompeii. Kali was found guilty of the devastating eruption and punished to be reborn alongside her parents until she can reach her seventeenth birthday. Having felt unloved by her parents in her first life Kali contrives to always die before that milestone but those with her are beyond desperate for the punishment to be over.
I couldn’t quite get over how immature Kali felt in spite of many lifetimes to evolve and mature so sadly that did colour my thoughts of this story. There’s not a lot particularly going on during the first half of this book but a whole lot of explaining occurs as things hurtle to the end. It appears Kali has enemies and when flashbacks come they are truly horrendous. These Immortals can be vile but it looks like a very powerful one is missing so hmm I’m imagining all sorts of things but my lips are sealed. Final thoughts are this was very different and the last third definitely had me sitting up and paying attention !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This was an entertaining idea with an Immortal society that could reincarnate as anything being involved in what happened all those years ago in Pompeii. Kali was found guilty of the devastating eruption and punished to be reborn alongside her parents until she can reach her seventeenth birthday. Having felt unloved by her parents in her first life Kali contrives to always die before that milestone but those with her are beyond desperate for the punishment to be over.
I couldn’t quite get over how immature Kali felt in spite of many lifetimes to evolve and mature so sadly that did colour my thoughts of this story. There’s not a lot particularly going on during the first half of this book but a whole lot of explaining occurs as things hurtle to the end. It appears Kali has enemies and when flashbacks come they are truly horrendous. These Immortals can be vile but it looks like a very powerful one is missing so hmm I’m imagining all sorts of things but my lips are sealed. Final thoughts are this was very different and the last third definitely had me sitting up and paying attention !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
December 29, 2023
This is a good start to a new series. I think that if you generally like Entangled Teen's Fantasy books, you'll really enjoy this one too.
First, love the setting! Didn't realize this was San Diego County, so I love that.
Kali has lived a lot of lives. Not always as human though. Her Qi (soul) transfers and she can remember all her past lives. She also has a soulmate. Something bad happened to Kali in Pompeii and she destroyed it. Part of her punishment was that her parents don't remember loving her. If she doesn't make it to her 17th birthday, she is reborn and her parents and grandparents are still with her. If she lives, they will be separated. Her parents barely tolerate her now, but her grandparents are amazing. Kali even makes some human friends that she cares about. But as her seventeenth birthday is approaching, she is essentially blackmailed into making a deal to live. But there are others that don't want to see that happen.
I read the first chapter of book two and it sounds like it will be good too. I'm looking forward to reading it.
I gave this book 4 stars.
Thank you to the author for gifting me with an earc for review.
First, love the setting! Didn't realize this was San Diego County, so I love that.
Kali has lived a lot of lives. Not always as human though. Her Qi (soul) transfers and she can remember all her past lives. She also has a soulmate. Something bad happened to Kali in Pompeii and she destroyed it. Part of her punishment was that her parents don't remember loving her. If she doesn't make it to her 17th birthday, she is reborn and her parents and grandparents are still with her. If she lives, they will be separated. Her parents barely tolerate her now, but her grandparents are amazing. Kali even makes some human friends that she cares about. But as her seventeenth birthday is approaching, she is essentially blackmailed into making a deal to live. But there are others that don't want to see that happen.
I read the first chapter of book two and it sounds like it will be good too. I'm looking forward to reading it.
I gave this book 4 stars.
Thank you to the author for gifting me with an earc for review.
May 3, 2024
I was fortunate to receive an ARC for Remember Pompeii from the author and am so glad to be able to review this. This book is an amazing piece, it starts off a little slow, some teenage stuff and just the regular shenanigans. But once chapter 5 hits, the book takes off very well.
The Wanshiqi realm has definitely gotten me in a chokehold, their ways, traditions and what not. I think Kali is a great MC and has some important lessons she learns in this book, which I like. The book only gets more and more interesting as the ending draws close. The ending is definitely more on the predictable side, but after about chapter 13, I believe, the amount of secrets revealed definitely put me into a rollercoaster that lasted till the very end of the book.
I love the book, but can't figure out with all the power dynamics, is Kali really just a pawn, or is she the chosen one. Really anticipating the next books in the series. Would definitely recommend giving it a read.
The Wanshiqi realm has definitely gotten me in a chokehold, their ways, traditions and what not. I think Kali is a great MC and has some important lessons she learns in this book, which I like. The book only gets more and more interesting as the ending draws close. The ending is definitely more on the predictable side, but after about chapter 13, I believe, the amount of secrets revealed definitely put me into a rollercoaster that lasted till the very end of the book.
I love the book, but can't figure out with all the power dynamics, is Kali really just a pawn, or is she the chosen one. Really anticipating the next books in the series. Would definitely recommend giving it a read.
February 26, 2024
(Many thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this work.)
Spoilers after synopsis.
Kali is an eternal being punished to living a human life to age 17 so she can atone for the tragedy that is the eruption of Mt Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii. Her parents and grandparents are serving the punishment with her. The only problem is, for reasons she can’t reveal, Kali doesn’t want the punishment to end. She makes sure to die before age 17 every lifetime forcing her family to wait for her to be reborn and start the 17 year cycle all over again.
I’d rate it a 2.5-3. The story was entertaining and I was invested in the outcome. I read most of this in one sitting. I see a lot of opportunity for amazing storytelling in the subsequent books in the series.
The reasons I didn’t give a 5 was mainly due to character development. Mandy fell flat to me. I understand she was a side character, but she felt one-dimensional. I wanted more than she was a nice cheerleader. I also couldn’t get past Mandy making it out of a burning building moments before numerous people were burned alive and it seemed to not phase her whatsoever.
And Bess having a single dream and just accepting Kali was eternal was like, “Wait. What?” Feels like she would need more than that to just accept there are eternal beings that can put cancer in remission and her son’s new friend happens to be one.
I did love Gram & Gramps. Low-key wanted her with Tav over Hunter. Tav just felt more real. Maybe I just identify with humans more.
All in all, I’d gladly read the rest of the series. It was fun.
Spoilers after synopsis.
Kali is an eternal being punished to living a human life to age 17 so she can atone for the tragedy that is the eruption of Mt Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii. Her parents and grandparents are serving the punishment with her. The only problem is, for reasons she can’t reveal, Kali doesn’t want the punishment to end. She makes sure to die before age 17 every lifetime forcing her family to wait for her to be reborn and start the 17 year cycle all over again.
I’d rate it a 2.5-3. The story was entertaining and I was invested in the outcome. I read most of this in one sitting. I see a lot of opportunity for amazing storytelling in the subsequent books in the series.
The reasons I didn’t give a 5 was mainly due to character development. Mandy fell flat to me. I understand she was a side character, but she felt one-dimensional. I wanted more than she was a nice cheerleader. I also couldn’t get past Mandy making it out of a burning building moments before numerous people were burned alive and it seemed to not phase her whatsoever.
And Bess having a single dream and just accepting Kali was eternal was like, “Wait. What?” Feels like she would need more than that to just accept there are eternal beings that can put cancer in remission and her son’s new friend happens to be one.
I did love Gram & Gramps. Low-key wanted her with Tav over Hunter. Tav just felt more real. Maybe I just identify with humans more.
All in all, I’d gladly read the rest of the series. It was fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review.
I was sold by the description, but the book was AMAZING! Absolutely loved the concept of the story and haven’t read something like this! Immortals reincarnated as humans that cause catastrophic events oohhh I was hooked from the start! A great way to start the series. I loved the characters and learning their histories. Can’t wait to see more of this series!
I was sold by the description, but the book was AMAZING! Absolutely loved the concept of the story and haven’t read something like this! Immortals reincarnated as humans that cause catastrophic events oohhh I was hooked from the start! A great way to start the series. I loved the characters and learning their histories. Can’t wait to see more of this series!
April 30, 2024
Remember Pompeii by Kika Emers offers up a new and exciting version of immortality and reincarnation. Centered around the main character Kali, who is part of an immortal race called the wanshiqi. Kali has lived over 200 lifetimes but has never made it to 17.
I found this book to be a very interesting concept and a gripping read. I found Kali’s character development riveting. Following her journey and cheering her on at every hurdle she faces. I’m looking forward to the next books in the series
Thank you to Netgalley and Beckett Publishing Group for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book to be a very interesting concept and a gripping read. I found Kali’s character development riveting. Following her journey and cheering her on at every hurdle she faces. I’m looking forward to the next books in the series
Thank you to Netgalley and Beckett Publishing Group for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2024
Thank you Beckett Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC of this book.
The first book in the Wanshiki trilogy - Kika Emers takes us on a harrowing journey of Kali, a "young" Wanshiki who is serving punishment in the human world until she proves she is worthy of redemption.
First things first, I appreciated the glossary of terms and pronunciations- not being familiar with the Mandarin Chinese, it was incredibly helpful not to have to work out how to pronounce everything on my own.
The plot moved fluidly with meaningful conflict and character development. I did not find the main character, Kali, to be likeable, but I think that's intentional and leaves room for improvement in the next two books of the series. She comes off as very self-centered, but it does seem more understandable as the story progresses.
This book is very heavy with metaphors and similes, most of which are enjoyable, however, some were lost on me.
Emers does a good job of creating a fantastical world that encompasses the real emotion and struggles of adolescence. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to book two.
The first book in the Wanshiki trilogy - Kika Emers takes us on a harrowing journey of Kali, a "young" Wanshiki who is serving punishment in the human world until she proves she is worthy of redemption.
First things first, I appreciated the glossary of terms and pronunciations- not being familiar with the Mandarin Chinese, it was incredibly helpful not to have to work out how to pronounce everything on my own.
The plot moved fluidly with meaningful conflict and character development. I did not find the main character, Kali, to be likeable, but I think that's intentional and leaves room for improvement in the next two books of the series. She comes off as very self-centered, but it does seem more understandable as the story progresses.
This book is very heavy with metaphors and similes, most of which are enjoyable, however, some were lost on me.
Emers does a good job of creating a fantastical world that encompasses the real emotion and struggles of adolescence. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to book two.
April 30, 2024
CW: death, cancer, possession. Closed door (implied sex)
Kali is a wanshiqi, an immortal being, punished to live as a human until she passes her 17th (human) birthday and atones for her crimes against another wanshiqi in Pompeii. Due to the events of Pompeii, which tore her family apart, Kali refuses to turn 17, and commits instead to die over and over again until her family unit is restored. This time, though, is her last human lifetime, as events are spinning outside of her control and require her to make a decision - live and return to life as a wanshiqi and all that entails, or die as a human and be imprisoned for eternity.
This is a complicated story. It starts off slow, but soon picks up the pace as we explore the many lives of Kali, what happened to her in Pompeii and the complex hierarchies of the Wanshiqi. Set very much in the human world, but full of mythology and features a MC character very much torn between her destiny and her humanity.
We have teen angst, we have highschool dramas, we have the ancients possessing people because they can, we have secrets that span across the aeons, and much much more. It does start out slowly, but from the last quarter of the book I couldn't put it down.
The mythology has its roots in Mandarin, and there is a pronunciation guide/glossary at the end of the book for those unfamiliar with the language. (Note: I cannot say how authentic the language/mythology is).
There were plot holes, yes, and I didn't care for the character of Hunter, Kali's destined soul mate (or tongguan) or the romance aspect, but overall this was a solid, readable upper-YA fantasy that is *different* to the rest of the offerings out there.
~Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
Kali is a wanshiqi, an immortal being, punished to live as a human until she passes her 17th (human) birthday and atones for her crimes against another wanshiqi in Pompeii. Due to the events of Pompeii, which tore her family apart, Kali refuses to turn 17, and commits instead to die over and over again until her family unit is restored. This time, though, is her last human lifetime, as events are spinning outside of her control and require her to make a decision - live and return to life as a wanshiqi and all that entails, or die as a human and be imprisoned for eternity.
This is a complicated story. It starts off slow, but soon picks up the pace as we explore the many lives of Kali, what happened to her in Pompeii and the complex hierarchies of the Wanshiqi. Set very much in the human world, but full of mythology and features a MC character very much torn between her destiny and her humanity.
We have teen angst, we have highschool dramas, we have the ancients possessing people because they can, we have secrets that span across the aeons, and much much more. It does start out slowly, but from the last quarter of the book I couldn't put it down.
The mythology has its roots in Mandarin, and there is a pronunciation guide/glossary at the end of the book for those unfamiliar with the language. (Note: I cannot say how authentic the language/mythology is).
There were plot holes, yes, and I didn't care for the character of Hunter, Kali's destined soul mate (or tongguan) or the romance aspect, but overall this was a solid, readable upper-YA fantasy that is *different* to the rest of the offerings out there.
~Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
February 24, 2024
This book was a surprise!
I would almost have scrolled by it because if the book cover, but the title intruiged me - as well as the description.
I'm mostly positively surprised by this book! It is a very unusual plot that was refreshing and exciting to read. There is not a lot of hand-holding and explaining of the fantasy part of the story - when I started reading I had so many questions I wanted to mention in this review, but a lot of them slowly got answered. On one hand, I liked that as it felt very natural and authentic.
On the other hand, the "normal" and "not fantasy" part of the story is very Young Adult with teen drama, misunderstandings and even the hint of a triangle lovestory (luckily not all too much). Sometimes I felt the vastness of the washinqi world clashed with the young adult theme. As if too complicated a concept was tried to be explained by a too simple language. Actually a quite good representation of the vibe of the book.
Some of the washinqi lore still feels a bit loopholey to me. Like how they look down on humans but many of their ways are very human-based (taking hand, lowering yourself, etc). Also, how are all the important figures in families with each other?
The language is pretty easy, some of the topics are tough, though. There is a lot of emotional tomult going on that got a bit frustrating in the end.
The least enjoyable part in my eyes was the main characters' relationship to her parents and the relationship among them - that felt too chaotic and like wanting too much. However, this was apparently only a first book in the series so maybe that will get explained better.
I would almost have scrolled by it because if the book cover, but the title intruiged me - as well as the description.
I'm mostly positively surprised by this book! It is a very unusual plot that was refreshing and exciting to read. There is not a lot of hand-holding and explaining of the fantasy part of the story - when I started reading I had so many questions I wanted to mention in this review, but a lot of them slowly got answered. On one hand, I liked that as it felt very natural and authentic.
On the other hand, the "normal" and "not fantasy" part of the story is very Young Adult with teen drama, misunderstandings and even the hint of a triangle lovestory (luckily not all too much). Sometimes I felt the vastness of the washinqi world clashed with the young adult theme. As if too complicated a concept was tried to be explained by a too simple language. Actually a quite good representation of the vibe of the book.
Some of the washinqi lore still feels a bit loopholey to me. Like how they look down on humans but many of their ways are very human-based (taking hand, lowering yourself, etc). Also, how are all the important figures in families with each other?
The language is pretty easy, some of the topics are tough, though. There is a lot of emotional tomult going on that got a bit frustrating in the end.
The least enjoyable part in my eyes was the main characters' relationship to her parents and the relationship among them - that felt too chaotic and like wanting too much. However, this was apparently only a first book in the series so maybe that will get explained better.
March 18, 2024
3.75 stars rounded up to 4 Stars. “Remember Pompeii" by Kika Emers is an exciting beginning of a new series. It opens up with our main girl Kali hurrying home to appease her grandparents and mother and morphs into an intriguing fantasy adventure. Kali is growing up in our modern world, but it isn't her first life, she has lived several, and yet never makes it past 17. She is cursed to continue cycling through life as a human with her parents and grandparents until she can control her magic to make it past 17.
As readers we get to journey along with Kali as she navigates her upcoming birthday and if she will make it to 17 or even if she actually wants to. This writer weaves a complex story with a unique magic system and slowly opens up the story of political intrigue going on in the background that is affected by Kali's choices. We get to watch Kali grow and learn and make utterly human mistakes as she tries to navigate her own desires and what is best for those around her.
If you love modern fantasy's with complicated romantic relationships and intriguing plotlines I would highly recommend you picking this up. It was a great start to a new series and I will definitely be reading book two when it comes out.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As readers we get to journey along with Kali as she navigates her upcoming birthday and if she will make it to 17 or even if she actually wants to. This writer weaves a complex story with a unique magic system and slowly opens up the story of political intrigue going on in the background that is affected by Kali's choices. We get to watch Kali grow and learn and make utterly human mistakes as she tries to navigate her own desires and what is best for those around her.
If you love modern fantasy's with complicated romantic relationships and intriguing plotlines I would highly recommend you picking this up. It was a great start to a new series and I will definitely be reading book two when it comes out.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2024
This was an interesting novel, involving mythology I wasn't familiar with, largely inspired by Chinese mythology. Kali (short for Kalifornia) is an immortal being, who, as a teen, caused the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that led to the destruction of Pompeii - which isn't actually what she is being punished for; the deaths of human beings are not relevant to the immortal race she belongs to. What is relevant is that another immortal vanished during the destruction, which was a misuse of her powers. The ruling council determined that she was immature in her actions, and sentenced her to be reborn over and over again, until she matures enough to be trusted with the full powers of an adult, obtained after one's 17th birthday - and since teaching her the necessary maturity is her parents' responsibility, they are reborn with her every time she fails to reach her 17th birthday. Several thousand years later, she still hasn't made it to that all-important birthday.
Kali has been sabotaging her atonement since it began. Her reasons are complex, and not fully known to those involved - her parents, her grandparents, the council, and her tonggan, her partner. Unlike her parents, who are required to participate in her punishment, Kali's grandparents and her tonggan participate voluntarily, and each knows part of what happened, but not all. This novel uses an unusual premise to explore the complex relationships that exist between family members, as well as those between friends. The story was interesting and engaging, and I look forward to the sequel I hope the author will write. Recommended for teen and adult readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kali has been sabotaging her atonement since it began. Her reasons are complex, and not fully known to those involved - her parents, her grandparents, the council, and her tonggan, her partner. Unlike her parents, who are required to participate in her punishment, Kali's grandparents and her tonggan participate voluntarily, and each knows part of what happened, but not all. This novel uses an unusual premise to explore the complex relationships that exist between family members, as well as those between friends. The story was interesting and engaging, and I look forward to the sequel I hope the author will write. Recommended for teen and adult readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 26, 2024
I had an incredible time reading this book. The plot itself was so fresh and unique and the magic/power system was so unlike any others that I’ve read before. I also really enjoyed the way Kika described emotions - it was visceral and I could perfectly picture and understand the emotions she was trying to convey.
I particularly liked Kali. She is a very well written character who has such a bleeding heart for her loved ones and will do anything to keep them safe. At the same time, she is able to make very difficult decisions without a care for the impact it has on her own soul.
I am very excited to read the next book as I can’t wait to see where this story goes! I am especially excited to see what this means for Kali and Tav’s relationship (as I honestly had a big soft spot for him) and what that means for Kali and Hunter’s relationship, this may actually be one of the first times in a while I’m a bit excited for a love triangle.
*Thank you to NetGalley who made it possible for me
to read and review an ARC of this book!
I particularly liked Kali. She is a very well written character who has such a bleeding heart for her loved ones and will do anything to keep them safe. At the same time, she is able to make very difficult decisions without a care for the impact it has on her own soul.
I am very excited to read the next book as I can’t wait to see where this story goes! I am especially excited to see what this means for Kali and Tav’s relationship (as I honestly had a big soft spot for him) and what that means for Kali and Hunter’s relationship, this may actually be one of the first times in a while I’m a bit excited for a love triangle.
*Thank you to NetGalley who made it possible for me
to read and review an ARC of this book!
May 10, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. I remained intrigued throughout and found myself rather invested in the characters. The plot flowed easily and kept me engaged from the beginning until the end. The story was not quite what I thought it would be. Kali, Hunter and a Kali’s family are beings from another dimension (is what I gathered) and as a punishment they must live as humans until Kali turns 17. The problem, she keeps dying before her 17th birthday. The reason why is made pretty clear early on, but we find out that there are so many other factors at play - and this is one of the reasons the story was intriguing. Discovering what happened in Pompeii many many years ago seems to be an ongoing process - I feel like we will learn even more in the books to come. The side characters were good - I feel like I could have done with even more of them, but they may yet play a larger role in the series, or at least I hope they will.
The ending of the book was good, and I thought what they did to resolve one of the main issues was pretty cool. My only complaint is that I felt things happened a little too fast. While it made for a quick read, I would not have minded a slower build to the fantasy/sci-fi world the author created.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The ending of the book was good, and I thought what they did to resolve one of the main issues was pretty cool. My only complaint is that I felt things happened a little too fast. While it made for a quick read, I would not have minded a slower build to the fantasy/sci-fi world the author created.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 11, 2024
ARC REVIEW:
"Remember Pompeii," is the debut contemporary fantasy of Kika Emers Wanshiqi Trilogy. Focused on main character Kali, a wanshiqi heroine serving her sentence for what happened in Pompeii and reincarnated as a human teenager who resists coming of age.. but coming of age may be the only way to save the ones she loves.
The story introduces us to characters like Grams & Gramps, who bring a familial warmth, and the beautiful Hunter, who I really think deserves more of the spotlight! 💝 There were also some characters I just didn’t care for 🤷🏽♀️
One aspect that I slightly struggled with was the intricacies of the Wanshiqi realm, at times leaving me slightly confused.. despite this, the overall plot was captivating.
I will definitely be reading the sequels and can’t wait to delve deeper into this world!
"Remember Pompeii," is the debut contemporary fantasy of Kika Emers Wanshiqi Trilogy. Focused on main character Kali, a wanshiqi heroine serving her sentence for what happened in Pompeii and reincarnated as a human teenager who resists coming of age.. but coming of age may be the only way to save the ones she loves.
The story introduces us to characters like Grams & Gramps, who bring a familial warmth, and the beautiful Hunter, who I really think deserves more of the spotlight! 💝 There were also some characters I just didn’t care for 🤷🏽♀️
One aspect that I slightly struggled with was the intricacies of the Wanshiqi realm, at times leaving me slightly confused.. despite this, the overall plot was captivating.
I will definitely be reading the sequels and can’t wait to delve deeper into this world!
May 23, 2024
I got this eArc from Netgalley. When I chose this book I did so based on the description. Living thousands of lifetimes that sounds like a great book. When I was 15% in I thought I would not like it but I always give a book 25%. I'm so glad I did what I originally thought were basic teenage issues turned out to be complex issues. You see kali go through teenage and immortal issues. I have theories about the big bad that I hope the author dives into in the second book. I'll definitely read the next one in the series. My favorite character is her gramps, he is like the all knowing comfort character.
January 10, 2024
I could not put this book down and can’t wait to read what comes next. The twist and turns made you feel for everyone. I was transported into Kali’s life and felt what she felt. It made you want to see if she was powerful enough to want to know more yet made you feel how scared one could be to know how powerful they could be, and if that would bring balance or not.
I’m looking forward to see what happens to everyone next. The pacing was perfect and the hubby is glad I’ve finished it since it took two nights away from him, it is this great.
I’m looking forward to see what happens to everyone next. The pacing was perfect and the hubby is glad I’ve finished it since it took two nights away from him, it is this great.
April 28, 2024
I really love this book! You never really knew what was coming next. From beginning to end it was just like this ultimate mystery and when you figure it out, something else comes and make sure rethink again like you really felt like you were in her head trying to put this all together feeling the emotions, the feelings of uncertainty lurking around every corner. Then the aspect of humanity and wanting to care for everyone around you and how even the most genuine things can have a bad reaction. I’m so excited for Next book.
January 10, 2024
Remembering Pompeii by #KikaEmers was quite an enjoyable read! It’s was a new type of supernatural beings that had me fully engaged in the story! I quickly began rooting for Kali as her story unfolded! Can’t wait to read the other two in the trilogy! Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this great book!
June 2, 2024
Tying together a true historic event, a magical society and immortal beings is This is an intriguing and interesting story.
As punishment for the burning of Pompeii, immortals Kali and her family must live in mortal bodies. If Kali can refrain from using her magic until turns 17 they are released and can return to normal.
Determined to be a family, Kali has secretly purposefully refrained from reaching 17.
But now she is being blackmailed and she has run out of time.
A riveting journey, unique concept, relatable characters and a complex myth based society set amongst teen drama and family dysfunction.
This is an original fantasy series starter and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley.
As punishment for the burning of Pompeii, immortals Kali and her family must live in mortal bodies. If Kali can refrain from using her magic until turns 17 they are released and can return to normal.
Determined to be a family, Kali has secretly purposefully refrained from reaching 17.
But now she is being blackmailed and she has run out of time.
A riveting journey, unique concept, relatable characters and a complex myth based society set amongst teen drama and family dysfunction.
This is an original fantasy series starter and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley.
January 10, 2024
Finally finished my first read of 2024. And I'm glad it was this one.
Incredibly unique with a mandarin stylised magic and belief system. Incredible folklore, believable characters and plot, with lots of twists and turns that you won't see coming.
I can't wait for book two!
Incredibly unique with a mandarin stylised magic and belief system. Incredible folklore, believable characters and plot, with lots of twists and turns that you won't see coming.
I can't wait for book two!
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December 28, 2023Thanks to netgalley for providing an ARC so that I could give an honest review for this upcoming title.
I enjoyed this story (would rate 3.5 if I could) and it's exploration of qi and an immortal race called wanshiqi. The main character, Kali, is an almost seventeen year old girl who has to stay alive until her birthday in order to break a generations long curse. Easier said than done.
I was a little disappointed that this book did not have more resolution. Certain details were held back and a sneak peek indicates that the story will continue in additional books.
Give it a read if you like teen angst, reincarnation, and reimaginings of history.
I enjoyed this story (would rate 3.5 if I could) and it's exploration of qi and an immortal race called wanshiqi. The main character, Kali, is an almost seventeen year old girl who has to stay alive until her birthday in order to break a generations long curse. Easier said than done.
I was a little disappointed that this book did not have more resolution. Certain details were held back and a sneak peek indicates that the story will continue in additional books.
Give it a read if you like teen angst, reincarnation, and reimaginings of history.
February 20, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me this eARC.
Kali is a 3623 years old immortal soul, living in a teenager body that needs to turn 17 to break a curse that’s been put on her and on her family.
I was hooked from the first page all the way to the end of the book, I just couldn’t stop reading . An amazing story with a plot full of turns and twists. If your a fan of fantasy and history then this book is for you.
I definitely recommend this book.
I cannot wait to read the next books.
Kali is a 3623 years old immortal soul, living in a teenager body that needs to turn 17 to break a curse that’s been put on her and on her family.
I was hooked from the first page all the way to the end of the book, I just couldn’t stop reading . An amazing story with a plot full of turns and twists. If your a fan of fantasy and history then this book is for you.
I definitely recommend this book.
I cannot wait to read the next books.
April 15, 2024
This. Book. Oh my goodness!! I started it, and life kept getting in the way, so it took me over a month to read it. BUT. Every time I picked it back up, I was drawn back in just as fast as the first chapter. Kali is such an amazing character to follow. Her emotions are so strong, yet frustrating at the same time because she is ALWAYS trying to fix things on her own. When she is finally willing and able to allow other in, you almost cry from relief! He parents….Well. Her parents are the worst. Her grandparents more than make up for it. I loved this book and I was so sad when it was over! I’m really looking forward to book two!
April 16, 2024
To be honest I made an assumption, based off the cover, that this was going to be some popcorn quick romantasy type read... Please do NOT sleep on this book! I thoroughly enjoyed so much about this book. The Mandarin words/lore was new to me and really interesting, coupled with the reincarnation aspect, which I haven't read much of, I found this story truly riveting. There is some romance, of course, but it didn't feel over bearing. I loved the friends, heart ache, loss, drama, and love represented here.
April 3, 2024
Remember Pompeii by Kika Emers was an exciting book about a new type of immortal, the Wanshiqi. It focuses around Kali who is being punished for what happened in Pompeii and forced to be reincarnated over and over until she can reach the age of 17. However, she has a bit of a temper and keeps cursing those around her, which drains her lifeforce and causes her to die.
I really enjoyed this story as it was different than expected, however I did find Kali to be a bit whiny at times and definitely self-absorbed. Her boyfriend (and tonggan aka life partner) is trying to support her while living both his human and Wanshiqi lives until she can finally join him forever once she reaches qifa (like adulthood).
This book definitely touches on some deeper family issues and trauma and the author did a good job keeping the reader from spiraling with Kali. Part of that is the YA aspect, but also just the life experiences Kali has had over the past lifetimes she has lived. I am looking forward to reading more from this series in the future.
Special thanks to Beckett Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with this Advanced Reader Copy. These opinions are mine and and all thoughts my own.
I really enjoyed this story as it was different than expected, however I did find Kali to be a bit whiny at times and definitely self-absorbed. Her boyfriend (and tonggan aka life partner) is trying to support her while living both his human and Wanshiqi lives until she can finally join him forever once she reaches qifa (like adulthood).
This book definitely touches on some deeper family issues and trauma and the author did a good job keeping the reader from spiraling with Kali. Part of that is the YA aspect, but also just the life experiences Kali has had over the past lifetimes she has lived. I am looking forward to reading more from this series in the future.
Special thanks to Beckett Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with this Advanced Reader Copy. These opinions are mine and and all thoughts my own.
February 12, 2024
This is a YA novel. It is for a younger audience, but I really liked it. I enjoyed the growth Kali went through. She went from a very immature teenager to a girl who had to learn through a lot of trials how to mature. She went through a lot of painful situations. I'm excited to see what the next installment holds!
April 1, 2024
An advance complimentary copy of this book was supplied by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Kali is immortal and has spent thousands of years reincarnating into different forms. She is serving a punishment that her family shares with her. She has spent each new life not wanting to turn 17 with the help of another immortal Hunter.
The beginning of this novel is promising. I liked that Kali was already destined to be with Hunter. This was different than the typical story where the main character finds out later that they are destined to be with someone. It was refreshing.
Yet, the plot fell short. I didn’t understand their background in the first few chapters and not much more in the whole storyline. There were so many concepts to take in and so many rules that felt unimportant. As much as I liked that Kali and Hunter were meant to be, further into the novel, I didn’t believe their toggan connection.
I think this novel had potential but it felt short for me.
Kali is immortal and has spent thousands of years reincarnating into different forms. She is serving a punishment that her family shares with her. She has spent each new life not wanting to turn 17 with the help of another immortal Hunter.
The beginning of this novel is promising. I liked that Kali was already destined to be with Hunter. This was different than the typical story where the main character finds out later that they are destined to be with someone. It was refreshing.
Yet, the plot fell short. I didn’t understand their background in the first few chapters and not much more in the whole storyline. There were so many concepts to take in and so many rules that felt unimportant. As much as I liked that Kali and Hunter were meant to be, further into the novel, I didn’t believe their toggan connection.
I think this novel had potential but it felt short for me.
March 25, 2024
This was a great start to a new series. This book was pretty different from most of the books I read. I enjoyed learning about Wanshiqi. I loved all the main characters (except Kali's parents. They were just mean) but especially Grams and Gramps. They just reminded me of my own grandparents that I miss so much. I liked the Hunter and Kali romance, but I also liked what she had with Tav. I was a little confused about the whole concept of how their Qi worked, but I trust the process. I'm excited to see where the next book takes us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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