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Wildalone Sagas #1
Wildalone
In this darkly imaginative debut novel full of myth, magic, romance, and mystery, a Princeton freshman is drawn into a love triangle with two enigmatic brothers, and discovers terrifying secrets about her family and herself—a bewitching blend of Twilight, The Secret History, Jane Eyre, and A Discovery of Witches.
Arriving at Princeton for her freshman year, Thea Slavin finds herself alone, a stranger in a strange land. Away from her family and her Eastern European homeland for the first time, she struggles to adapt to unfamiliar American ways and the challenges of college life—including an enigmatic young man whose brooding good looks and murky past intrigue her. Drawn to the elusive Rhys and his equally handsome and mysterious brother, Jake, she ventures into a sensual mythic underworld as irresistible as it is dangerous.
In this shadow world that seems to mimic Greek mythology and the Bulgarian legends of the samodivi or “wildalones”—forest witches who beguile and entrap men—Thea will discover a family secret bound to transform her forever . . . if she can accept that dead doesn't always mean gone, and love doesn't always distinguish between the two.
Arriving at Princeton for her freshman year, Thea Slavin finds herself alone, a stranger in a strange land. Away from her family and her Eastern European homeland for the first time, she struggles to adapt to unfamiliar American ways and the challenges of college life—including an enigmatic young man whose brooding good looks and murky past intrigue her. Drawn to the elusive Rhys and his equally handsome and mysterious brother, Jake, she ventures into a sensual mythic underworld as irresistible as it is dangerous.
In this shadow world that seems to mimic Greek mythology and the Bulgarian legends of the samodivi or “wildalones”—forest witches who beguile and entrap men—Thea will discover a family secret bound to transform her forever . . . if she can accept that dead doesn't always mean gone, and love doesn't always distinguish between the two.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 6, 2015
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5289 people want to read
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September 26, 2018
i was drawn to this book because 1) pretty cover and 2) The Secret History comp. which gets me every time.
and i understand that this book was described as a BLEND of Twilight, The Secret History, Jane Eyre, and A Discovery of Witches, but people have got to stop using The Secret History as a readalike; it generally does more harm than good unless the match is spot on (and it never is). yes, it'll attract readers to the book, but they won't be the right readers if the book is, say, a supernatural romance, and they probably won't like it, even if it's a very literary supernatural romance. are there common factors? yes. both of these books take place on the campus of a college in new england, where many people are wealthy and the POV character is not. also, classical mythology and ancient rituals/ceremonies come into play. but the way these things are treated is completely different and maintaining that the two books are similar because they share locale is like saying an omelet is the same thing as a chocolate chip cookie because both have eggs in them. they don't serve the same purpose, or scratch the same itch. sometimes you crave an omelet and sometimes you crave a cookie.
that is a blanket complaint for all books being compared to The Secret History, because it is one of those oft-invoked books that is trotted out anytime someone writes a college novel, and it doesn't always work. the same way that every psychological suspense book is now marketed as the new Gone Girl. Gone Girl is a very specific kind of psych suspense novel, and its frequent misapplication as a readalike is maddening to anyone with a passion for readers' advisory. like me.
that rant aside, i definitely feel that this book has a huge readership; it's just not the same one as The Secret History. this is an easy sell to fans of Twilight, Fifty Shades of Grey, or the new adult genre. the writing is better than Twilight or Fifty Shades of Grey, and it has supernatural and mystery elements that Fifty Shades of Grey and new adult do not, but the romantic entanglements mirror the kinds found in those books, and are the driving force behind their success.
the writing is very lush, and there is a feeling of the fairytale to this story, but it's a very modern and erotic version of a traditional fairytale, and the "happily ever after" is not guaranteed.
thea is a first-year student at princeton, an accomplished pianist coming all the way from bulgaria to study at the same university her older sister elza attended fifteen years ago. elza was an enigmatic, ethereal, and dynamic young woman, who had a profound effect on all who knew her until she died under mysterious circumstances and her body disappeared from the morgue in even more mysterious circumstances. thea plans to solve these mysteries to give her parents closure, and to try to understand the legacy of the sister she never knew.
but then she meets a boy. or two.
after a mistaken-identity secret admirer fiasco, thea finds herself involved with two brothers, also pianists: jake and rhys. they are both older, immeasurably wealthy, and equally attractive/attracted to thea. rhys is the older and more dominant of the two, and he claims her immediately, while jake stands down and pines on the sidelines, occasionally given encouragingly romantic scenes with the confused thea. rhys immediately insinuates himself into all aspects of thea's life, arranging her time, wardrobe, and living arrangements - telling her who she can and cannot spend time with while retaining his own autonomy, declaring that he can never be a one-woman man. he is as mysterious as elza, with a haunted past and a tragic family story, which thea attempts to unravel, while all the while trying to discover what happened to her sister.
so, despite the supernatural elements that will eventually reveal themselves, this seems to be a relationship completely in line with those found in the new adult genre - a damaged male lead with violent possessive tendencies and the only woman who can save him from his worst impulses. ditto this for the Fifty Shades of Grey comp, and add to it the financial angle, and the fact that thea is a virgin seduced by a man with an unusual and prolific sexual history.
i think people who are fans of romance will definitely like this book. for me, it didn't appeal to me because this just doesn't speak to my own personal fantasies. wealth isn't a panty-dropper for me, especially when it's inherited money and not earned. i can understand and appreciate the way money makes life easier in certain aspects, and it opens doors to experiences and opportunities foreign to someone who has not come from that background, but unless the suitor has other qualities that are attractive, it's not enough to make me say "yes, this appears to be a good match." and rhys is a nightmare character. i know that this is the new trend of male characters, from the limited experience i have with new adult, but i would have punched both jake and rhys in the face within moments of our meeting. do not approach me, stranger, in the dark deserted room of a museum and stand close enough that i can feel the heat from your chest on my chest. do not tell me that the elegant gown i have put on is "too prim for (your) taste." and do NOT do this, when i am hesitant about consummating our relationship in a fairly public place, when i am a cautious virgin.
"Because… you don't even know me."
"I don't need to know you." His stunning eyes were ruthless. "I need to have you."
He pressed me back against the tree with an insistence that he was unable - or unwilling - to control.
yeah, that doesn't work for me. that's how you get maced, frankly. i am not personally into this kind of fantasy that has so much violence simmering under the surface. i don't want to be "had." i want to be "known."
but i get it, for other readers. it's a romance painted in broad strokes, and the fantasy of being swept off of one's feet by a man unaccustomed to hearing the word "no" is a common trope in the genre. plus, in this world which is porous enough to let in all different kinds of monsters, this isn't even the worst thing that can happen to someone, romantically speaking.
the writing is at its best when it is focused on music. which is impressive enough, considering how difficult it is to pin down the transcendent effects of music in mere words. it is also fantastic when it discusses bulgarian vs. u.s. values, and in one of those passages, it managed to dismiss one of my criticisms as simply a product of my own cultural perspective:
…she loved worrying about me. Still, there were worse things than being "stalked" or "claimed" by a guy like Rhys. And what was this American obsession with stalking anyway? We had no such word in Bulgarian - people expressed their emotions in all kinds of ways, and to pursue a woman was expected of men; it didn't automatically mean crossing criminal lines.
which i found illuminating. my ideas of courtship do not include statements like
"I'm guessing there are many things you think you don't want. But we'll have to change that."
and i cannot relate to this sentiment:
There was something intoxicating in his jealousy, even in his rage. It left him vulnerable and gave me a strange sense of power.
"Rhys, you are crushing me. I can't even breathe…"
He pulled back just enough to let me catch my breath, but his grip around my wrists tightened. "I said that I'm not going to share you. Which part didn't you understand?"
but maybe that's just my americanness poking through.
thea's no prize either as far as heroines go. there's a selfishness to her, a cruelty, as she keeps rhys and jake on strings, vacillating between them indecisively, while keeping a third man on the side for those times when the estlin brothers are both off sulking somewhere. she's presented as an ingénue, so it's meant to be forgivable instead of heartless, but no one is that naïve. she consistently brings jake up to a certain point and then scurries away, and he just retreats and waits and yearns for her with unwavering devotion even though they barely know each other. there's a lot more patience and forgiveness in this book than is realistic. but again - this is a romance, this is a fantasy.
and just because i don't like being pushed and pulled and pressed up against walls and told where to go and whom i cannot see, and just because i have no applause for a thirty-year-old man treating a teenaged girl like a kept woman with expensive gifts whose response to her telling him she will be going home to bulgaria for christmas to see her parents is "They don't own you" and "It's your life. Nobody should tell you how to live it" even though that is what she WANTS to do and pot/kettle and all that, doesn't mean this isn't an enjoyable romance novel for people who actually enjoy romance novels and aren't stupid finger-wagging killjoys like me who have to examine and dissect the fantasy like people don't understand that what's acceptable in fantasy isn't always acceptable in real life.
so, yeah - while i find the romantic elements of this book irritating, that's just me and my pretty standard reaction to the kind of dangerous relationships idealized in popular romance novels these days. because i am an old curmudgeon with personal space/freedom issues. but i did like the music, the mythology, the parts where people weren't saying things like
"You make me come just with your breath, Thea…I can come just from feeling your breath on my mouth."
so, while i think the suggested readalikes are iffy (i still don't understand the Jane Eyre comp at all but otherwise, thea is the exact opposite of jane, who is way into romantic self-denial and not taking shit from rich guys) this book is definitely going to please folks who like bad boys and literary paranormal romances with a new and interesting spin on the typical supernatural elements.
come to my blog!
and i understand that this book was described as a BLEND of Twilight, The Secret History, Jane Eyre, and A Discovery of Witches, but people have got to stop using The Secret History as a readalike; it generally does more harm than good unless the match is spot on (and it never is). yes, it'll attract readers to the book, but they won't be the right readers if the book is, say, a supernatural romance, and they probably won't like it, even if it's a very literary supernatural romance. are there common factors? yes. both of these books take place on the campus of a college in new england, where many people are wealthy and the POV character is not. also, classical mythology and ancient rituals/ceremonies come into play. but the way these things are treated is completely different and maintaining that the two books are similar because they share locale is like saying an omelet is the same thing as a chocolate chip cookie because both have eggs in them. they don't serve the same purpose, or scratch the same itch. sometimes you crave an omelet and sometimes you crave a cookie.
that is a blanket complaint for all books being compared to The Secret History, because it is one of those oft-invoked books that is trotted out anytime someone writes a college novel, and it doesn't always work. the same way that every psychological suspense book is now marketed as the new Gone Girl. Gone Girl is a very specific kind of psych suspense novel, and its frequent misapplication as a readalike is maddening to anyone with a passion for readers' advisory. like me.
that rant aside, i definitely feel that this book has a huge readership; it's just not the same one as The Secret History. this is an easy sell to fans of Twilight, Fifty Shades of Grey, or the new adult genre. the writing is better than Twilight or Fifty Shades of Grey, and it has supernatural and mystery elements that Fifty Shades of Grey and new adult do not, but the romantic entanglements mirror the kinds found in those books, and are the driving force behind their success.
the writing is very lush, and there is a feeling of the fairytale to this story, but it's a very modern and erotic version of a traditional fairytale, and the "happily ever after" is not guaranteed.
thea is a first-year student at princeton, an accomplished pianist coming all the way from bulgaria to study at the same university her older sister elza attended fifteen years ago. elza was an enigmatic, ethereal, and dynamic young woman, who had a profound effect on all who knew her until she died under mysterious circumstances and her body disappeared from the morgue in even more mysterious circumstances. thea plans to solve these mysteries to give her parents closure, and to try to understand the legacy of the sister she never knew.
but then she meets a boy. or two.
after a mistaken-identity secret admirer fiasco, thea finds herself involved with two brothers, also pianists: jake and rhys. they are both older, immeasurably wealthy, and equally attractive/attracted to thea. rhys is the older and more dominant of the two, and he claims her immediately, while jake stands down and pines on the sidelines, occasionally given encouragingly romantic scenes with the confused thea. rhys immediately insinuates himself into all aspects of thea's life, arranging her time, wardrobe, and living arrangements - telling her who she can and cannot spend time with while retaining his own autonomy, declaring that he can never be a one-woman man. he is as mysterious as elza, with a haunted past and a tragic family story, which thea attempts to unravel, while all the while trying to discover what happened to her sister.
so, despite the supernatural elements that will eventually reveal themselves, this seems to be a relationship completely in line with those found in the new adult genre - a damaged male lead with violent possessive tendencies and the only woman who can save him from his worst impulses. ditto this for the Fifty Shades of Grey comp, and add to it the financial angle, and the fact that thea is a virgin seduced by a man with an unusual and prolific sexual history.
i think people who are fans of romance will definitely like this book. for me, it didn't appeal to me because this just doesn't speak to my own personal fantasies. wealth isn't a panty-dropper for me, especially when it's inherited money and not earned. i can understand and appreciate the way money makes life easier in certain aspects, and it opens doors to experiences and opportunities foreign to someone who has not come from that background, but unless the suitor has other qualities that are attractive, it's not enough to make me say "yes, this appears to be a good match." and rhys is a nightmare character. i know that this is the new trend of male characters, from the limited experience i have with new adult, but i would have punched both jake and rhys in the face within moments of our meeting. do not approach me, stranger, in the dark deserted room of a museum and stand close enough that i can feel the heat from your chest on my chest. do not tell me that the elegant gown i have put on is "too prim for (your) taste." and do NOT do this, when i am hesitant about consummating our relationship in a fairly public place, when i am a cautious virgin.
"Because… you don't even know me."
"I don't need to know you." His stunning eyes were ruthless. "I need to have you."
He pressed me back against the tree with an insistence that he was unable - or unwilling - to control.
yeah, that doesn't work for me. that's how you get maced, frankly. i am not personally into this kind of fantasy that has so much violence simmering under the surface. i don't want to be "had." i want to be "known."
but i get it, for other readers. it's a romance painted in broad strokes, and the fantasy of being swept off of one's feet by a man unaccustomed to hearing the word "no" is a common trope in the genre. plus, in this world which is porous enough to let in all different kinds of monsters, this isn't even the worst thing that can happen to someone, romantically speaking.
the writing is at its best when it is focused on music. which is impressive enough, considering how difficult it is to pin down the transcendent effects of music in mere words. it is also fantastic when it discusses bulgarian vs. u.s. values, and in one of those passages, it managed to dismiss one of my criticisms as simply a product of my own cultural perspective:
…she loved worrying about me. Still, there were worse things than being "stalked" or "claimed" by a guy like Rhys. And what was this American obsession with stalking anyway? We had no such word in Bulgarian - people expressed their emotions in all kinds of ways, and to pursue a woman was expected of men; it didn't automatically mean crossing criminal lines.
which i found illuminating. my ideas of courtship do not include statements like
"I'm guessing there are many things you think you don't want. But we'll have to change that."
and i cannot relate to this sentiment:
There was something intoxicating in his jealousy, even in his rage. It left him vulnerable and gave me a strange sense of power.
"Rhys, you are crushing me. I can't even breathe…"
He pulled back just enough to let me catch my breath, but his grip around my wrists tightened. "I said that I'm not going to share you. Which part didn't you understand?"
but maybe that's just my americanness poking through.
thea's no prize either as far as heroines go. there's a selfishness to her, a cruelty, as she keeps rhys and jake on strings, vacillating between them indecisively, while keeping a third man on the side for those times when the estlin brothers are both off sulking somewhere. she's presented as an ingénue, so it's meant to be forgivable instead of heartless, but no one is that naïve. she consistently brings jake up to a certain point and then scurries away, and he just retreats and waits and yearns for her with unwavering devotion even though they barely know each other. there's a lot more patience and forgiveness in this book than is realistic. but again - this is a romance, this is a fantasy.
and just because i don't like being pushed and pulled and pressed up against walls and told where to go and whom i cannot see, and just because i have no applause for a thirty-year-old man treating a teenaged girl like a kept woman with expensive gifts whose response to her telling him she will be going home to bulgaria for christmas to see her parents is "They don't own you" and "It's your life. Nobody should tell you how to live it" even though that is what she WANTS to do and pot/kettle and all that, doesn't mean this isn't an enjoyable romance novel for people who actually enjoy romance novels and aren't stupid finger-wagging killjoys like me who have to examine and dissect the fantasy like people don't understand that what's acceptable in fantasy isn't always acceptable in real life.
so, yeah - while i find the romantic elements of this book irritating, that's just me and my pretty standard reaction to the kind of dangerous relationships idealized in popular romance novels these days. because i am an old curmudgeon with personal space/freedom issues. but i did like the music, the mythology, the parts where people weren't saying things like
"You make me come just with your breath, Thea…I can come just from feeling your breath on my mouth."
so, while i think the suggested readalikes are iffy (i still don't understand the Jane Eyre comp at all but otherwise, thea is the exact opposite of jane, who is way into romantic self-denial and not taking shit from rich guys) this book is definitely going to please folks who like bad boys and literary paranormal romances with a new and interesting spin on the typical supernatural elements.
come to my blog!
Read
March 28, 2015I'm walking away from this one. I'm not rating it either.
Why?
First the good:
The writing in this book is really good. There is a blend with Greek mythology and Bulgarian folklore involving the samodivi or wildalone that were some of the best I've read. Fascinating. I actually hate that I'm not going to stick around to see where that part plays out.
In the legends of my country, no creature is more beautiful or more cruel than the samodiva; the young witch of the forest who dances under a full moon, lures men with promises of love, then takes their lives. Folk superstitions claim the samodiva powers run in certain families, but I never believed this. Or at least tried not to.
Now the bad:
The main character to me is reminiscent of Bella Swann.
I didn't worry that he would keep stalking me. I worried he wouldn't.
"No, you don't. We weren't here yesterday and you still acted this way. Why?"
"Because...you don't even know me."
"I don't need to know you." His stunning eyes were ruthless. "I need to have you."
You need a restraining order against his ass is what he needs.
As my RCA, she loved worrying about me. Still, there were worse things than being "stalked" or "claimed" by a guy like Rhys. And what was the American obsession with stalking anyway? We had no such word in Bulgarian-people expressed their emotions in all kinds of ways, and to pursue a woman was expected of men; it didn't automatically mean crossing criminal lines.
I don't know if this is true. I'm skeered.
There was something intoxicating in his jealousy, even in his rage. It left him vulnerable and gave me a strange sense of power.
"Rhys, you are crushing me. I can't even breathe.."
He pulled back just enough to let me catch my breath, but his grip around my wrists tightened. "I said that I'm not going to share you. Which part didn't you understand?"
"I thought we agreed on the sharing when you told me you were not a one-woman guy."
The love triangle in this book is also between brothers. I just can't. I'm stepping away so that I don't completely hate the book for these reasons. I will read something else by this author though, because the good parts were good.
Why?
First the good:
The writing in this book is really good. There is a blend with Greek mythology and Bulgarian folklore involving the samodivi or wildalone that were some of the best I've read. Fascinating. I actually hate that I'm not going to stick around to see where that part plays out.
In the legends of my country, no creature is more beautiful or more cruel than the samodiva; the young witch of the forest who dances under a full moon, lures men with promises of love, then takes their lives. Folk superstitions claim the samodiva powers run in certain families, but I never believed this. Or at least tried not to.
Now the bad:
The main character to me is reminiscent of Bella Swann.
I didn't worry that he would keep stalking me. I worried he wouldn't.
"No, you don't. We weren't here yesterday and you still acted this way. Why?"
"Because...you don't even know me."
"I don't need to know you." His stunning eyes were ruthless. "I need to have you."
You need a restraining order against his ass is what he needs.
As my RCA, she loved worrying about me. Still, there were worse things than being "stalked" or "claimed" by a guy like Rhys. And what was the American obsession with stalking anyway? We had no such word in Bulgarian-people expressed their emotions in all kinds of ways, and to pursue a woman was expected of men; it didn't automatically mean crossing criminal lines.
I don't know if this is true. I'm skeered.
There was something intoxicating in his jealousy, even in his rage. It left him vulnerable and gave me a strange sense of power.
"Rhys, you are crushing me. I can't even breathe.."
He pulled back just enough to let me catch my breath, but his grip around my wrists tightened. "I said that I'm not going to share you. Which part didn't you understand?"
"I thought we agreed on the sharing when you told me you were not a one-woman guy."
The love triangle in this book is also between brothers. I just can't. I'm stepping away so that I don't completely hate the book for these reasons. I will read something else by this author though, because the good parts were good.
May 27, 2016
Ще бъда кратка и брутална - започвам с едно от най-безумните изречения от книгата (не, не съм го споделяла в предишните статуси), което дава представа за "любовната" история:
"Мога да свърша само от дъха ти, Теа!"
Ето така се раждат нереалните тийн очаквания :)) Трябва да призная, че нямаше любовна сцена, на която да не се хиля с глас, като определено не това е била целта на авторката.
Литературната стойност на "Самодива" е нулева, но ще обясня защо давам цели 2 звезди - първата е заради гореспоменатото бурно забавление, което ми осигури. Втората е за продажби и маркетинг. Щом подобно малоумие може да бъде продавано добре, то рекламата му заслужава адмирации.
Ще има и втора част, която няма да си причиня.
"Мога да свърша само от дъха ти, Теа!"
Ето така се раждат нереалните тийн очаквания :)) Трябва да призная, че нямаше любовна сцена, на която да не се хиля с глас, като определено не това е била целта на авторката.
Литературната стойност на "Самодива" е нулева, но ще обясня защо давам цели 2 звезди - първата е заради гореспоменатото бурно забавление, което ми осигури. Втората е за продажби и маркетинг. Щом подобно малоумие може да бъде продавано добре, то рекламата му заслужава адмирации.
Ще има и втора част, която няма да си причиня.
October 11, 2014
The premise of this book sounded SO good and totally in my wheelhouse, but ultimately there was nothing I enjoyed about it whatsoever. In fact, I resented the time I spent reading it, as I found nothing to redeem it. The writing was awkward and made it clear that Zourkova is not a native English speaker, the main heroine is spineless and a drip, and the two romantic interests are not compelling or alluring and mostly boss Thea around. The central mystery regarding her family's past is largely a snore, and the big reveals are so unsurprising and obvious. Given the strong, feminist legend the novel revolves around, it was so disappointing to have most of the "tension" of the novel revolve around which of two overbearing alpha male brothers Thea would fuck. I can only assume Zourkova is a fan of the Twilight and 50 Shades of Grey nonsense, and if you're a fan of those books too, then I guess you will like this.
My feelings about all of this, however, can pretty much be summarized by the following BtVS exchange:
Cordelia: "I'd say we've hit bottom."
Xander: "I have a plan."
Cordelia: "Oh, no, here's a lower place."
On behalf of Jane Eyre, which egregiously gets name dropped in the blurb about this book, I am offended.
Best of all (by which I mean "worst): Wildalone can't even contain its terribleness to a single volume. Like its ignoble predecessors, it too is the beginning of a series, the rest of which I most certainly won't be reading.
My feelings about all of this, however, can pretty much be summarized by the following BtVS exchange:
Cordelia: "I'd say we've hit bottom."
Xander: "I have a plan."
Cordelia: "Oh, no, here's a lower place."
On behalf of Jane Eyre, which egregiously gets name dropped in the blurb about this book, I am offended.
Best of all (by which I mean "worst): Wildalone can't even contain its terribleness to a single volume. Like its ignoble predecessors, it too is the beginning of a series, the rest of which I most certainly won't be reading.
November 29, 2014
This book is amazing guys, it really is. When I first read the tittle I was confused, because I didn’t know what it meant but as I read I understood. This book has a lot of Greek mythology and I just couldn’t stop reading. If you love Greek mythology, read this book. If you don’t like Greek mythology: still, read it. You’ll like it anway. Zourkova describes everything perfectly. Her way of writing is so rich, so pure and so open, I fell in love with it instantly. Zourkova has a wonderful story in her hands and she knows it. She made magic with it and she lures you right into it. The author creates a perfect balance with this book; it has just the right amount of everything, nothing more and nothing less. Sure it has a love triangle but it’s not a soppy one. Jake and Rhys complement one another. I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do. You’ll love one brother more than the other (trust me, I do.) but you will still need them both. Thea is wise beyond her age, she doesn’t let anyone stop her and even though she isn’t American, she fits right in. And this 3 make a perfect team. Even though it seems disturbing this love triangle has its own way of working. Not many authors know how to work a love triangle, but Zourkova surely did.
February 11, 2015
I actually don't know what to think about this book. I feel like I really shouldn't have liked it, because there were so many things wrong with it - which I will expand upon below - but for some reason, I still did kind of like it. So, it gets the somewhat meaningless, stuck-in-limbo rating of 3 stars.
I'm saying this to myself for the thousandth time: I NEED TO STOP LISTENING TO COMPARISONS BOOKS MAKE TO OTHER BOOKS IN THEIR BLURBS. This particular one made the bold claim of "a bewitching blend of Twilight, The Secret History, Jane Eyre, and A Discovery of Witches". Now, I haven't read Jane Eyre but have heard it's one of the most readable classics, and I love love loved The Secret History, and found both Twilight and A Discovery of Witches to be enjoyable but ultimately silly. But the combination of all of these sounded intriguing, and who doesn't want something silly and mind-numbing every once in a while? However, to even mention this as being in a similar league to Donna Tartt is a great injustice to her - Wildalone is 100% on the Twilight end of the scale, with supernatural creatures and angsty love triangles to boot.
Let's back up and do a brief summary: Thea Slavin is a Bulgarian native who comes to America to attend Princeton (I've since read that the author actually travelled this exact same path herself, which explains why the lovely descriptions of the Princeton campus are so compelling and atmospheric). She's stunning as well as a piano prodigy (so much so that she gets invited to play at Carnegie Hall...), and so naturally soon attracts the attention of the two most attractive and mysterious males within range of campus (Rhys and Jake), who also happen to be brothers. Thea has lived most of her life without knowing about her deceased sister, Elza, whom her grief-stricken parents kept a secret due to the circumstances of her passing, and when she discovers her sister's identity and the fact that she also attended Princeton, she is drawn to the campus while also hoping to solve the mystery of Elza's life there. There's also a whole lot of Greek and Bulgarian mythology thrown in there, with many parallels to Thea's own life, which I'm not going to go into detail on both because the myths are fairly intricate, and because it would get a little spoilery.
The good stuff includes the writing, which is very pretty, particularly when Thea is contemplating her music or listening to one of the boys play (oh yes, they're also both basically piano prodigies), and the setting, which as I already mentioned is well drawn. The exception to this would be the dialogue, which felt somewhat formal and unrealistic, but maybe that's to be expected for Thea, who doesn't have a full grasp of English yet? The whole novel is also just somehow addictive - fast-moving, with a good mix of romance and plot, a few twists thrown in - even as I was frustrated or rolling my eyes, I kept turning the pages and needing to know how it all turned out.
But the biggest problem is with the romance itself - the dreaded love triangle. The even MORE dreaded girl in love with two brothers love triangle. Rhys, the more aggressive older brother, is just an awful, awful character - he's possessive and borderline abusive, including such typical alpha male traits as refusing to allow Thea to spend any time with platonic male friends, pushing her to go farther physically than she's ready for, and forcing her to skip school, piano practice, and whatever else she has planned in order to hang out with him with no advance warning - but his money and charm and sex appeal are just supposed to make up for this. Jake is a little better, but is still far from perfect. And Thea makes all of this so much worse! She swings back and forth between the two of them whenever she feels like it, which is just unfair to both of them (she's cheating on one and leading on the other for pretty much the entire book) no matter how unpleasant I found them. She lets Rhys force her to abandon everything she previously found important...I mean, she's supposed to be playing at Carnegie Hall, for Pete's sake! Honestly, I could on and on, but I'm not usually too much of a ranter and I think it's time to stop. And my ranting comes with a little caveat: I'm not saying I didn't find some of the love scenes sexy, because I'll admit that I did (shame, shame).
The long and short of it is that you may enjoy this book if you're a fan of mythology with large helpings of romance, or if you especially enjoy a very prominent love triangle, or if you like stories set on moody college campuses (I'm two for three here). I'm pretty sure this is going to be a series, and I will probably read the next book, and I will probably still hate-love it. Ah, well.
I'm saying this to myself for the thousandth time: I NEED TO STOP LISTENING TO COMPARISONS BOOKS MAKE TO OTHER BOOKS IN THEIR BLURBS. This particular one made the bold claim of "a bewitching blend of Twilight, The Secret History, Jane Eyre, and A Discovery of Witches". Now, I haven't read Jane Eyre but have heard it's one of the most readable classics, and I love love loved The Secret History, and found both Twilight and A Discovery of Witches to be enjoyable but ultimately silly. But the combination of all of these sounded intriguing, and who doesn't want something silly and mind-numbing every once in a while? However, to even mention this as being in a similar league to Donna Tartt is a great injustice to her - Wildalone is 100% on the Twilight end of the scale, with supernatural creatures and angsty love triangles to boot.
Let's back up and do a brief summary: Thea Slavin is a Bulgarian native who comes to America to attend Princeton (I've since read that the author actually travelled this exact same path herself, which explains why the lovely descriptions of the Princeton campus are so compelling and atmospheric). She's stunning as well as a piano prodigy (so much so that she gets invited to play at Carnegie Hall...), and so naturally soon attracts the attention of the two most attractive and mysterious males within range of campus (Rhys and Jake), who also happen to be brothers. Thea has lived most of her life without knowing about her deceased sister, Elza, whom her grief-stricken parents kept a secret due to the circumstances of her passing, and when she discovers her sister's identity and the fact that she also attended Princeton, she is drawn to the campus while also hoping to solve the mystery of Elza's life there. There's also a whole lot of Greek and Bulgarian mythology thrown in there, with many parallels to Thea's own life, which I'm not going to go into detail on both because the myths are fairly intricate, and because it would get a little spoilery.
The good stuff includes the writing, which is very pretty, particularly when Thea is contemplating her music or listening to one of the boys play (oh yes, they're also both basically piano prodigies), and the setting, which as I already mentioned is well drawn. The exception to this would be the dialogue, which felt somewhat formal and unrealistic, but maybe that's to be expected for Thea, who doesn't have a full grasp of English yet? The whole novel is also just somehow addictive - fast-moving, with a good mix of romance and plot, a few twists thrown in - even as I was frustrated or rolling my eyes, I kept turning the pages and needing to know how it all turned out.
But the biggest problem is with the romance itself - the dreaded love triangle. The even MORE dreaded girl in love with two brothers love triangle. Rhys, the more aggressive older brother, is just an awful, awful character - he's possessive and borderline abusive, including such typical alpha male traits as refusing to allow Thea to spend any time with platonic male friends, pushing her to go farther physically than she's ready for, and forcing her to skip school, piano practice, and whatever else she has planned in order to hang out with him with no advance warning - but his money and charm and sex appeal are just supposed to make up for this. Jake is a little better, but is still far from perfect. And Thea makes all of this so much worse! She swings back and forth between the two of them whenever she feels like it, which is just unfair to both of them (she's cheating on one and leading on the other for pretty much the entire book) no matter how unpleasant I found them. She lets Rhys force her to abandon everything she previously found important...I mean, she's supposed to be playing at Carnegie Hall, for Pete's sake! Honestly, I could on and on, but I'm not usually too much of a ranter and I think it's time to stop. And my ranting comes with a little caveat: I'm not saying I didn't find some of the love scenes sexy, because I'll admit that I did (shame, shame).
The long and short of it is that you may enjoy this book if you're a fan of mythology with large helpings of romance, or if you especially enjoy a very prominent love triangle, or if you like stories set on moody college campuses (I'm two for three here). I'm pretty sure this is going to be a series, and I will probably read the next book, and I will probably still hate-love it. Ah, well.
March 20, 2015
☆ I was gifted a copy of this title by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
Wow, this book was extremely complicated and complex! No joke!
Wildalone mixes an innovative yet uncanny mixture of Greek and Bulgarian mythology while implementing a modern day twist to it.
It follows Thea Slavin-- a piano prodigy, who travels from her home country of Bulgaria to study in America at Princetown University.
From there, she experiences a chain of events tinged in heavy secrets, unforeseen twists, turns and revelations… the fate of three (or four if you consider that selfish, heartless creature named Elza!) hearts on her hands. As well, an alternate reality of what’s real versus myth…the delicate balance of life and death...love and sacrifice... And ultimately taking control of your own destiny.
Author Krassi Zourkova is honestly one of those authors I actually would say to be on the lookout for! Her writing is crafty, deep, and weaves outside of the borders or “norm” that people would find acceptable or try to mold themselves into.
As one of those readers who are fascinated with the supernatural and ancient mythology and folklore, I think many of you who fall into this category will be entranced and bewildered with how everything plays out. It is slowly, but intricately unfolded, with nothing rushed and no sort of annoying ploys or characters that will irk and get on your nerves.
Krassi does a fantastic job in teaching readers like me about Bulgarian tales of the samodivi; while also interweaving it with infamous well-known Greek figures such as-- the god Dionysys, his female followers the maenad, the daemon, the Satyr, and even the tragic fate of the legendary musician, Orpheus.
It was like a rush of old and new for me as I was more familiar with Greek mythology but not Bulgarian whatsoever. It was definitely a learning process of “googling” ‘Bulgarian myths’ and looking up what a ‘samodivi’ was and what they could do! Haha. Literally had me pausing and double reading a lot of the story content and researching them on the net! Lol
I genuinely ate this novel up as it puzzled me, riddled me, and kept me thinking and guessing! Normally, I hate anything to do with love triangles but this one just aroused me and kept me on my toes.
I mean, what is Thea going to do? Who is she going to choose, if she does? How is she possibly going to win back Rhys’ heart and favor after that betrayal? And if there is any "them" left to salvage?
Wah...I'm really busting at the seams on this one, as Rhys has literally hit his point of no return and no longer trusts anyone nor holds onto any fathoms of hope in regards to his set future.
I wonder the what cards will hold for him in the end? And if he can be saved from his dreadful doom?
Gosh, Krassi! I need bk 2 like now!! Omigah!
#TEAM RHYS4theWin!
#SorryNOTSORRYJake~you "coward"!!
Wow, this book was extremely complicated and complex! No joke!
Wildalone mixes an innovative yet uncanny mixture of Greek and Bulgarian mythology while implementing a modern day twist to it.
It follows Thea Slavin-- a piano prodigy, who travels from her home country of Bulgaria to study in America at Princetown University.
From there, she experiences a chain of events tinged in heavy secrets, unforeseen twists, turns and revelations… the fate of three (or four if you consider that selfish, heartless creature named Elza!) hearts on her hands. As well, an alternate reality of what’s real versus myth…the delicate balance of life and death...love and sacrifice... And ultimately taking control of your own destiny.
Author Krassi Zourkova is honestly one of those authors I actually would say to be on the lookout for! Her writing is crafty, deep, and weaves outside of the borders or “norm” that people would find acceptable or try to mold themselves into.
As one of those readers who are fascinated with the supernatural and ancient mythology and folklore, I think many of you who fall into this category will be entranced and bewildered with how everything plays out. It is slowly, but intricately unfolded, with nothing rushed and no sort of annoying ploys or characters that will irk and get on your nerves.
Krassi does a fantastic job in teaching readers like me about Bulgarian tales of the samodivi; while also interweaving it with infamous well-known Greek figures such as-- the god Dionysys, his female followers the maenad, the daemon, the Satyr, and even the tragic fate of the legendary musician, Orpheus.
It was like a rush of old and new for me as I was more familiar with Greek mythology but not Bulgarian whatsoever. It was definitely a learning process of “googling” ‘Bulgarian myths’ and looking up what a ‘samodivi’ was and what they could do! Haha. Literally had me pausing and double reading a lot of the story content and researching them on the net! Lol
I genuinely ate this novel up as it puzzled me, riddled me, and kept me thinking and guessing! Normally, I hate anything to do with love triangles but this one just aroused me and kept me on my toes.
I mean, what is Thea going to do? Who is she going to choose, if she does? How is she possibly going to win back Rhys’ heart and favor after that betrayal? And if there is any "them" left to salvage?
Wah...I'm really busting at the seams on this one, as Rhys has literally hit his point of no return and no longer trusts anyone nor holds onto any fathoms of hope in regards to his set future.
I wonder the what cards will hold for him in the end? And if he can be saved from his dreadful doom?
Gosh, Krassi! I need bk 2 like now!! Omigah!
#TEAM RHYS4theWin!
#SorryNOTSORRYJake~you "coward"!!
April 21, 2020
[2nd Reading] Five years after, I still agree with my first impressions of this ultra-cool novel, but found myself irritated with Thea this time around. Seriously reed-in-the-wind: grow a backbone! Other than that, what a great novel. Rhys is still the best part.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a modern Gothic (in a contemporary setting) as enthralling as Wildalone. Reminiscent of novels such as The Secret History and Lake of Dead Languages, Wildalone is a flawless blend of myth, fated love, and Gothic suspense.
Among the many things that I loved about this novel was the way in which Zourkova interweaves Greek and Bulgarian myth, finding the commonalities between the two and creating her own, unique brand of myth. It was wild and harsh and carried the story through its entirety. One of my favorite chapters in the book involved Thea’s memory of visiting her estranged family in far-away town in Bulgaria; it had beautiful, subtle elements of suspense. I also loved the way in which the mysterious, vanished sister ultimately factors into the conflict. Elsa’s story is relayed to the reader in a gentle unfolding that leaves you just enough time to wish that it weren’t so, but to be horrifically fascinated when you realize that it is (I’m being vague here as to avoid too many spoilers).
The other truly defining element of this story (for me) was Rhys. He is a resplendent, emotional-roller coaster of a character. Part “Alpha Male”, part tortured soul; his story (like Elsa’s) was executed brilliantly, showing just enough of what we needed to know at just the right moments. I loved the fact that I was enraged with him one moment and saying “…….Ooooh” the next.
I also enjoyed the exploration into the triangular relationship between Rhys, Jake, and Thea. Upon reading the book’s blurb, I falsely assumed that it would be a consensual relationship and was surprised when it wasn’t. I struggled with the validity of Thea’s feelings towards Jake; in fact, I could make a really good argument for why Thea’s feelings for Jake are ri-donk-ulous. However, I enjoyed being so caught up in my feelings over a character, or group of characters. And the side-lining conflict of Rhys/Thea/ and (insert spoiler here): aching, devastating, and so well rendered.
If there was anything dissatisfying about Wildalone, it was my desire for more when it ended. I appreciated the ambiguity of the end, though I would L-O-V-E a sequel or even a prequel; I think a prequel which focused on-ahem-“other” characters would be super!
Regardless, this was a spectacular first effort by Zourkova and I impatiently await her next novel.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a modern Gothic (in a contemporary setting) as enthralling as Wildalone. Reminiscent of novels such as The Secret History and Lake of Dead Languages, Wildalone is a flawless blend of myth, fated love, and Gothic suspense.
Among the many things that I loved about this novel was the way in which Zourkova interweaves Greek and Bulgarian myth, finding the commonalities between the two and creating her own, unique brand of myth. It was wild and harsh and carried the story through its entirety. One of my favorite chapters in the book involved Thea’s memory of visiting her estranged family in far-away town in Bulgaria; it had beautiful, subtle elements of suspense. I also loved the way in which the mysterious, vanished sister ultimately factors into the conflict. Elsa’s story is relayed to the reader in a gentle unfolding that leaves you just enough time to wish that it weren’t so, but to be horrifically fascinated when you realize that it is (I’m being vague here as to avoid too many spoilers).
The other truly defining element of this story (for me) was Rhys. He is a resplendent, emotional-roller coaster of a character. Part “Alpha Male”, part tortured soul; his story (like Elsa’s) was executed brilliantly, showing just enough of what we needed to know at just the right moments. I loved the fact that I was enraged with him one moment and saying “…….Ooooh” the next.
I also enjoyed the exploration into the triangular relationship between Rhys, Jake, and Thea. Upon reading the book’s blurb, I falsely assumed that it would be a consensual relationship and was surprised when it wasn’t. I struggled with the validity of Thea’s feelings towards Jake; in fact, I could make a really good argument for why Thea’s feelings for Jake are ri-donk-ulous. However, I enjoyed being so caught up in my feelings over a character, or group of characters. And the side-lining conflict of Rhys/Thea/ and (insert spoiler here): aching, devastating, and so well rendered.
If there was anything dissatisfying about Wildalone, it was my desire for more when it ended. I appreciated the ambiguity of the end, though I would L-O-V-E a sequel or even a prequel; I think a prequel which focused on-ahem-“other” characters would be super!
Regardless, this was a spectacular first effort by Zourkova and I impatiently await her next novel.
March 3, 2015
Library Journal starred review:
Zourkova, Krassi. Wildalone. Morrow. Jan. 2015. 384p. ISBN 9780062328021. $25.99; ebk. ISBN 9780062328045. F
Zourkova infuses her first novel with atmosphere, lyrical language, Greek mythology, Bulgarian folklore, and the sharp stab of first love. Thea is a piano prodigy from Bulgaria beginning her freshman year at Princeton University. After a public concert performance, she draws the attention of several men on campus, A first-person point of view and a sense of the surreal places the reader firmly in Thea’s head as she tries to navigate an unfamiliar culture steeped in tradition: from dressing the part of a Princeton coed to the school’s exclusive eating clubs. She is also thrown by the unexpected intricacies and intimacies of American relationships; her feelings for two mysterious men are complicated by family secrets on all sides. Fantastical creatures, forest witches known as Samodivi, or Wildalones, weave a thread through the entire novel, leading Thea to a decision that has consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined.
VERDICT: Zourkova pulls off a balancing act that few debut authors manage: a clever, dark romance steeped in mystery, with a bittersweet thread of melancholy and keen sense of place. Fantasy and romance lovers, as well as those who liked Donna Tartt’s The Secret History or Pamela Dean’s Tam Lin should enjoy this. [See Prepub Alert, 3/3/14.]—Charli Osborne, Oxford P.L., MI
Zourkova, Krassi. Wildalone. Morrow. Jan. 2015. 384p. ISBN 9780062328021. $25.99; ebk. ISBN 9780062328045. F
Zourkova infuses her first novel with atmosphere, lyrical language, Greek mythology, Bulgarian folklore, and the sharp stab of first love. Thea is a piano prodigy from Bulgaria beginning her freshman year at Princeton University. After a public concert performance, she draws the attention of several men on campus, A first-person point of view and a sense of the surreal places the reader firmly in Thea’s head as she tries to navigate an unfamiliar culture steeped in tradition: from dressing the part of a Princeton coed to the school’s exclusive eating clubs. She is also thrown by the unexpected intricacies and intimacies of American relationships; her feelings for two mysterious men are complicated by family secrets on all sides. Fantastical creatures, forest witches known as Samodivi, or Wildalones, weave a thread through the entire novel, leading Thea to a decision that has consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined.
VERDICT: Zourkova pulls off a balancing act that few debut authors manage: a clever, dark romance steeped in mystery, with a bittersweet thread of melancholy and keen sense of place. Fantasy and romance lovers, as well as those who liked Donna Tartt’s The Secret History or Pamela Dean’s Tam Lin should enjoy this. [See Prepub Alert, 3/3/14.]—Charli Osborne, Oxford P.L., MI
July 8, 2015
OH MY GOD
SOMEONE EXPLAIN THE ENDING
BUT DAMN
STILL A FIVE STAR AFTER A RE READ!
SOMEONE EXPLAIN THE ENDING
BUT DAMN
STILL A FIVE STAR AFTER A RE READ!
January 1, 2015
I have some good news and bad news for readers of Wildalone by Krassi Zourkova. The good news is that I cannot tell you clearly enough how unique and refreshing this book is! The bad news is that I am not sure how many reasons to give you without spoiling the plot.
As an author and avid reader myself I wasn't expecting the contents of this story. What truly blows me away is that this is Zourkova's debut novel. It's beautifully written and the plot is well executed. She is a written illustrator of unparalleled talent. Seriously. You don't just see red poppies. You smell them. You can feel the warmth of the petals between your fingers after you pluck one from the sunny fields. It's incredible.
On to the plot. How many times have you read a book with the tired dynamic of "girl loves one boy and his brother too?" I can think of five titles with that general plot without trying. However, throw in the mystical Bulgarian folklore waifs called "samodivi" and the dynamic changes. Just like that. Add in a god from Greek mythology and the dynamic turns again. For good measure, lets throw in an older sister of our main character who died on an elite college campus fifteen years prior but was never talked about. Interested yet? You should be.
In a tragic tale of death/disappearance, carnal longing for one brother you cannot have, and a sense of obligation to the brother who reached you first. You cannot tell which direction Thea, our Bulgarian piano prodigy, will choose to lean until the very last page. Knowing her older sister, Elza, was found dead on campus, Thea already feels that there are facts she must know. Thrown headfirst into a professional concert atmosphere she sees a shadow drop a rose and nothing more. A short time later she gets her first assignment and meets the mystery shadow in another dark corner. No name. Not even a good look at him. He promises to find her. Instead his equally attractive brother Rhys finds in a morning fog. By the time she realizes her mistake it's too late to change it. Now Thea is torn between tragic Rhys and his self sacrificing younger brother, Jake. Both men have good qualities but she feels pulled toward both and cannot decide. Then, the shoe drops. To go into more detail would be to spoil your reading pleasure so I'll stop there.
Suffice it to say that have never read a book with this story line. Zourkova gives fabulous descriptions of her native Bulgaria without spending long periods of time there. She introduces and explains her countries folklore and the stunning differences to our own. She then seamlessly weaves them into a tale in America in a way that makes the reader why they hadn't looked at these things before. It's truly engrossing.
This is an absolute five star read and I highly recommend it to readers of all genres. There is something in here for everyone.
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
As an author and avid reader myself I wasn't expecting the contents of this story. What truly blows me away is that this is Zourkova's debut novel. It's beautifully written and the plot is well executed. She is a written illustrator of unparalleled talent. Seriously. You don't just see red poppies. You smell them. You can feel the warmth of the petals between your fingers after you pluck one from the sunny fields. It's incredible.
On to the plot. How many times have you read a book with the tired dynamic of "girl loves one boy and his brother too?" I can think of five titles with that general plot without trying. However, throw in the mystical Bulgarian folklore waifs called "samodivi" and the dynamic changes. Just like that. Add in a god from Greek mythology and the dynamic turns again. For good measure, lets throw in an older sister of our main character who died on an elite college campus fifteen years prior but was never talked about. Interested yet? You should be.
In a tragic tale of death/disappearance, carnal longing for one brother you cannot have, and a sense of obligation to the brother who reached you first. You cannot tell which direction Thea, our Bulgarian piano prodigy, will choose to lean until the very last page. Knowing her older sister, Elza, was found dead on campus, Thea already feels that there are facts she must know. Thrown headfirst into a professional concert atmosphere she sees a shadow drop a rose and nothing more. A short time later she gets her first assignment and meets the mystery shadow in another dark corner. No name. Not even a good look at him. He promises to find her. Instead his equally attractive brother Rhys finds in a morning fog. By the time she realizes her mistake it's too late to change it. Now Thea is torn between tragic Rhys and his self sacrificing younger brother, Jake. Both men have good qualities but she feels pulled toward both and cannot decide. Then, the shoe drops. To go into more detail would be to spoil your reading pleasure so I'll stop there.
Suffice it to say that have never read a book with this story line. Zourkova gives fabulous descriptions of her native Bulgaria without spending long periods of time there. She introduces and explains her countries folklore and the stunning differences to our own. She then seamlessly weaves them into a tale in America in a way that makes the reader why they hadn't looked at these things before. It's truly engrossing.
This is an absolute five star read and I highly recommend it to readers of all genres. There is something in here for everyone.
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
April 21, 2015
First of all, this book is nothing like any of the books it is being compared to in the Goodreads descriptive blurb.
Second - Wow - just WOW! It went slowly for the first two days - and then I could not put this book down for two days! I checked this out from the library, but I will be buying it because I need to read this again.
I can't say more because I need a brief mourning period over finishing this book. Or I need to read it again. And if there isn't a sequel I will write numerous letters to Krassi Zourkova demanding one.
Oh thank goodness there is a sequel coming. http://qwillery.blogspot.com/2015/01/...
Most engrossing book I have read since the Queen of the Tearling.
Update - I bought it - kindle version on sale at Amazon!
Second - Wow - just WOW! It went slowly for the first two days - and then I could not put this book down for two days! I checked this out from the library, but I will be buying it because I need to read this again.
I can't say more because I need a brief mourning period over finishing this book. Or I need to read it again. And if there isn't a sequel I will write numerous letters to Krassi Zourkova demanding one.
Oh thank goodness there is a sequel coming. http://qwillery.blogspot.com/2015/01/...
Most engrossing book I have read since the Queen of the Tearling.
Update - I bought it - kindle version on sale at Amazon!
February 13, 2015
"Wildalone" by Krassi Zourkova- a book, which barely left my hands as I submerged in an unexpected journey through the magical labyrinths of mythology and folk tale, all crowned by lush poetic language and mind-invigorating details bearing the breath of hypnotic suspense. My encounter with it occurred in the most unexpected place ever-one of Boston Logan Airport's newsstands. It was a drop of mystery but as soon as I spot it, I was stuck to the title and moreover, the words about the author...a Bulgarian woman who studied art history in Princeton and thereafter graduated Harvard Law School...One gets stuck to the pages like dew to fresh green grass on a crispy spring morning. I have devoured the novel with inexplicable hunger and anticipation. The story evolves around a legend: one of Bulgaria's most enchanting and most beautiful tales...the one about "samodivi" or wildalones (I love this word!). This, intricately blended with the main character's (a girl from Bulgaria, her name being Thea Slavin) puzzling experience as a freshman at Princeton...What more can I say...? Dare take the journey yourself!
October 23, 2014
Krassi Zourkova’s genial first novel “Wildalone” seamlessly fuses several genres of fiction, both popular and academic. If your tastes run to either or both you’re in for a bonanza of deep and delicious references. Without great effort, her work paves a crossroads between the separate universes of young adult, female erotica, mythology, crime/mystery, fantasy and memoir. I could easily see her material making the jump to television or the big screen. It just has that feel, with deep plot lines that lead the imagination in many directions.
Her writing maintains an intelligence and vulnerability that conjures Anaïs Nin and the deftly interwoven mysticism of Mikhail Bulgakov. It is at once seductive and inspiring. I found myself peeling away layers of reality in my mind’s eye to see the fantastic potentials in the everyday. I can't wait to see what she conjures next!
Her writing maintains an intelligence and vulnerability that conjures Anaïs Nin and the deftly interwoven mysticism of Mikhail Bulgakov. It is at once seductive and inspiring. I found myself peeling away layers of reality in my mind’s eye to see the fantastic potentials in the everyday. I can't wait to see what she conjures next!
January 8, 2016
Intoxicating characters and beautiful prose. Absolutely one of my new favorites!
February 5, 2015
Sometimes being a book reviewer is really difficult. On one hand, you will inevitably get really terrible books and you have to write about them, being fully honest on what you didn't like, but word it carefully so that a person wouldn't automatically dismiss it, maybe try it for themselves and form their own opinion. On the other hand, sometimes you get books that are so incredibly great that you aren't sure you can even make a convincing argument why a person should read this book other than, "it's so great and it'll move you". Because ultimately, as a book reviewer, you hope that what you write convinces someone to go purchase the book, get it from the library, do something with it beyond adding it the to "to-read" list we all have and likely will never finish in our lifetime. Because some books? Some books are worth bumping to the top.
This is absolutely one of them.
I feel so unequipped to give this a worthy review, but I'm going to really try. After reading the book it really is a mix of Twilight (Jake and Rhys both vying for Thea is very much like Edward and Jacob), it's so very much like Discovery of Witches (lots of Greek mythology, art history, magic, witchery, etc), but I also felt it was a little like Angelology (with Thea uncovering a mystery in her past and the ending... the ending is so much like the ending of Angelology that I had a little gasp). This book is the absolute perfect blend of thriller, mystery, paranormal, romance, magic and even a little chick lit because you can't help but be endeared by Thea, a Bulgarian trying to make it in America and understand culture here.
But what sets this book apart is that no matter how you feel about Greek mythology, whether you have no idea about much of it and could care less (me), or you are an avid fan, you find yourself interested and learning. Your heart hurts for Thea who lost her sister (literally) at Princeton 15 years earlier under mysterious circumstances. She died and her body was found... but then disappeared from the funeral home and nobody has any clue why or where it went. And that's not good enough for Thea, who can't help but feel like there was far more to her sister's mystery than what meets the eye. It doesn't help that seemingly everyone who knew her sister Elza speaks to Thea in riddles and she's having to figure it all out on her own. It feels like her death is somehow connected to strange rituals thought long forgotten but that surely doesn't make sense, does it?
Enter Rhys. Mysterious, definitely brooding, enigmatic, alluring, everything you want in a bad boy. Something is very off with him though Thea can't place it and she's not even sure she wants to because what she does know is that she can't be without him. Thoughts of him consume her and though her friends think he's a bit much, a little over bearing and definitely possessive, she doesn't care. Then she meets Jake, his almost identical looking brother who she finds out is who she thought Rhys was (sounds weird, but I can't explain it further otherwise it ruins a good part of the book for you) and here we begin the battle between brothers. One is the safe choice, one is definitely not but she doesn't know why. She doesn't know the strings that comes with the one brother, until the end, and when she makes a decision- it's almost too late.
Because with every great book comes an ending. And the ending isn't always what it should be. What you want it to be. Angelology is one of my favorite books because I felt all of the torment and the struggle the main character had once she learned what she really was. And she had to make a choice at the end and I don't think she made the right one. Not at all. But in Wildalone, as we're getting to the end, and I feel my heartbreak coming on because one of the brothers loves Thea so much that he is willing to die for her, Thea makes a desperate visit to the Underworld and... we learn so much while she's there. She does as well. We learn how flawed her sister was, how nothing was really as it seemed and.. we cut to her seemingly on her way to a decision. But that's it. So it's almost like... a build your own ending but not really. I don't always say this and I might regret it as I did with Angelology because the sequel to that books was TERRIBLE and made me hate everything I loved about the first one, but I kind of hope Wildalone has a sequel. Just to indulge me, not because one is needed. This is the type of book I don't want to part with the characters, I feel like I know too much of the story and I still want more. Does that make sense? But I'll leave you with this- it is my absolute hope that the unsaid ending is not like Orpheus essentially giving up and letting the maenads kill him because he lost the love of his life, Eurydice. (Which is the Greek myth heavily referenced in this book, so stay with me, I'm not talking crazy.) I hope the brother, the one so madly in love with Thea, doesn't end this way because I don't know if I could bear it. I just couldn't. Because what Thea feels for the safe brother isn't the kind of thing that lasts a lifetime, or even beyond. It's not. It's safe and secure. But the other brother... that's happiness beyond what she could hope for. Even with the strings attached.
And with that, I leave you. Please add this to your to-read list, go and buy the book (Amazon or Barnes & Noble) and then let me know what you think. I said it last night on Facebook that though this is only January, this is a contender for book of the year for me. I cannot get enough of the writing, the characters, the cover (God this cover is gorgeous and now I want a bouquet of poppies. I need a guy to give me a vase of poppies, and my husband said poppies are stupid.), just the amount of research that goes into putting such a great novel together blows my mind and truly. It's so great. I can't say how great this is enough.
This is absolutely one of them.
I feel so unequipped to give this a worthy review, but I'm going to really try. After reading the book it really is a mix of Twilight (Jake and Rhys both vying for Thea is very much like Edward and Jacob), it's so very much like Discovery of Witches (lots of Greek mythology, art history, magic, witchery, etc), but I also felt it was a little like Angelology (with Thea uncovering a mystery in her past and the ending... the ending is so much like the ending of Angelology that I had a little gasp). This book is the absolute perfect blend of thriller, mystery, paranormal, romance, magic and even a little chick lit because you can't help but be endeared by Thea, a Bulgarian trying to make it in America and understand culture here.
But what sets this book apart is that no matter how you feel about Greek mythology, whether you have no idea about much of it and could care less (me), or you are an avid fan, you find yourself interested and learning. Your heart hurts for Thea who lost her sister (literally) at Princeton 15 years earlier under mysterious circumstances. She died and her body was found... but then disappeared from the funeral home and nobody has any clue why or where it went. And that's not good enough for Thea, who can't help but feel like there was far more to her sister's mystery than what meets the eye. It doesn't help that seemingly everyone who knew her sister Elza speaks to Thea in riddles and she's having to figure it all out on her own. It feels like her death is somehow connected to strange rituals thought long forgotten but that surely doesn't make sense, does it?
Enter Rhys. Mysterious, definitely brooding, enigmatic, alluring, everything you want in a bad boy. Something is very off with him though Thea can't place it and she's not even sure she wants to because what she does know is that she can't be without him. Thoughts of him consume her and though her friends think he's a bit much, a little over bearing and definitely possessive, she doesn't care. Then she meets Jake, his almost identical looking brother who she finds out is who she thought Rhys was (sounds weird, but I can't explain it further otherwise it ruins a good part of the book for you) and here we begin the battle between brothers. One is the safe choice, one is definitely not but she doesn't know why. She doesn't know the strings that comes with the one brother, until the end, and when she makes a decision- it's almost too late.
Because with every great book comes an ending. And the ending isn't always what it should be. What you want it to be. Angelology is one of my favorite books because I felt all of the torment and the struggle the main character had once she learned what she really was. And she had to make a choice at the end and I don't think she made the right one. Not at all. But in Wildalone, as we're getting to the end, and I feel my heartbreak coming on because one of the brothers loves Thea so much that he is willing to die for her, Thea makes a desperate visit to the Underworld and... we learn so much while she's there. She does as well. We learn how flawed her sister was, how nothing was really as it seemed and.. we cut to her seemingly on her way to a decision. But that's it. So it's almost like... a build your own ending but not really. I don't always say this and I might regret it as I did with Angelology because the sequel to that books was TERRIBLE and made me hate everything I loved about the first one, but I kind of hope Wildalone has a sequel. Just to indulge me, not because one is needed. This is the type of book I don't want to part with the characters, I feel like I know too much of the story and I still want more. Does that make sense? But I'll leave you with this- it is my absolute hope that the unsaid ending is not like Orpheus essentially giving up and letting the maenads kill him because he lost the love of his life, Eurydice. (Which is the Greek myth heavily referenced in this book, so stay with me, I'm not talking crazy.) I hope the brother, the one so madly in love with Thea, doesn't end this way because I don't know if I could bear it. I just couldn't. Because what Thea feels for the safe brother isn't the kind of thing that lasts a lifetime, or even beyond. It's not. It's safe and secure. But the other brother... that's happiness beyond what she could hope for. Even with the strings attached.
And with that, I leave you. Please add this to your to-read list, go and buy the book (Amazon or Barnes & Noble) and then let me know what you think. I said it last night on Facebook that though this is only January, this is a contender for book of the year for me. I cannot get enough of the writing, the characters, the cover (God this cover is gorgeous and now I want a bouquet of poppies. I need a guy to give me a vase of poppies, and my husband said poppies are stupid.), just the amount of research that goes into putting such a great novel together blows my mind and truly. It's so great. I can't say how great this is enough.
October 11, 2014
This is a remarkable first novel, beautifully written and insightful. The initial chapters read true and are -- largely autobiographical. Krassi Zourkova immigrated to the USA to enter Princeton on scholarship. The story of her experience is both highly personal and also a jolting inside view of the culture at this Ivy League college and its eating clubs and academic experience. The main character is a brilliant musician, we follow her to Carnegie Hall while only a freshman, catapulted by the immediate deep appreciation of her talent by well connected Princeton faculty. Interlaced is an engaging mystery that leads her to delve into witchcraft in an identity search for her sister who died under mysterious circumstances, also at Princeton.
February 18, 2015
This was just magical. A totally magical book that pulls you into a poetic and complicated world (the good kind of complicated, the kind every girl wishes for). Now that I've finished reading it, I miss the story and its eerie, gothic atmosphere, but above all I find myself daydreaming compulsively about what it would be like to meet those hot Estlin boys (or at least one of them -- either one would do for me, thanks!). And I don't mean that the boys are rich, or go to an ivy league school. I mean they know how to win and keep winning a woman -- slowly, persistently, with imagination... Next project: figure out a way to convince my boyfriend to read this book, or at least a scene or two ;)
October 5, 2014
This stunning debut novel is the embodiment of what every "good reader" wants - page-turning mystery, dark romance, Greek mythology, a bit of history about parts of the world few know much about, all set on the campus of the prestigious Princeton University. This hypnotic tale centers around the love (and loss) triangle of two privileged but deeply conflicted brothers and a talented Bulgarian freshman and the journey the three protagonists embark on would not let you put the book down. Or want to leave their world for that matter. I can't wait for the sequel!
January 31, 2015
From the very beginning, Krassi Zourkova draws you into a world that is at once vivid and dreamy, stunning and mysterious. With a beautiful writing style that I liken to painting with words, she introduces us to places and characters that we can see as clearly as if we were watching a movie. We're introduced to ancient myths and creatures against the backdrop of present day. There's romance, intrigue, and elements of the supernatural - an incredible read from start to finish. I highly recommend this book!!!
May 2, 2016
Целият хейт към тази книга произлиза от две неща:
Първото, естествено, е Коя е тая неизвестната, дето е пробила в САЩ, а ние тука ътвърдени автори...
Второто е тоталното неразбиране на книгата от българите. Това е книга писана за американци, за определен таргет и никога не е имала някакви художествени претенции (ако авторката наистина се е взела насериозно да почвам и аз хейта!).
Това си е любовен роман, до голяма степен повлиян от "Дневници на вампира" и до голяма степен има прехвърляне между успеха на красивата Нина Добрев и успеха на книгата (пак екзотична българка).
За успеха на книгата в САЩ се говорят легенди разтягащи се между двете крайности - 2 в Амазон по св. Валентин след Нюансите и близо 100 000 позиция в класициите на Books.
Не знам къде е истината, кнгиата е издадена от авторитетно издателство, с твърди корици и явно се е продавала прилично. Всъщност тя е готова за сериал, липсва и само добавка на още малко мистичност.
Ако трябва да посоча големия недостатък на книгата, то е точно тоя - под ръка с мощната тракийска митология (е в книгата е гръцка, кой там е чувал за траките), авторката почти не вкарва мистичност в любовната история.
Текстът е написан грамотно, с разбиране на това към кого е насочен и на какъв език трябва да се напише. За първи роман е наистина учудващо.
И не може да се отрече, че запознава американците с една много древна страна, но почти неизвестна за тях.
Ако ви се чете любовна история за тийнеджърки - това е вашата книга. Но не очаквайте новата българска класика. Не мисля и че някой е имал подобна цел.
Първото, естествено, е Коя е тая неизвестната, дето е пробила в САЩ, а ние тука ътвърдени автори...
Второто е тоталното неразбиране на книгата от българите. Това е книга писана за американци, за определен таргет и никога не е имала някакви художествени претенции (ако авторката наистина се е взела насериозно да почвам и аз хейта!).
Това си е любовен роман, до голяма степен повлиян от "Дневници на вампира" и до голяма степен има прехвърляне между успеха на красивата Нина Добрев и успеха на книгата (пак екзотична българка).
За успеха на книгата в САЩ се говорят легенди разтягащи се между двете крайности - 2 в Амазон по св. Валентин след Нюансите и близо 100 000 позиция в класициите на Books.
Не знам къде е истината, кнгиата е издадена от авторитетно издателство, с твърди корици и явно се е продавала прилично. Всъщност тя е готова за сериал, липсва и само добавка на още малко мистичност.
Ако трябва да посоча големия недостатък на книгата, то е точно тоя - под ръка с мощната тракийска митология (е в книгата е гръцка, кой там е чувал за траките), авторката почти не вкарва мистичност в любовната история.
Текстът е написан грамотно, с разбиране на това към кого е насочен и на какъв език трябва да се напише. За първи роман е наистина учудващо.
И не може да се отрече, че запознава американците с една много древна страна, но почти неизвестна за тях.
Ако ви се чете любовна история за тийнеджърки - това е вашата книга. Но не очаквайте новата българска класика. Не мисля и че някой е имал подобна цел.
February 23, 2015
Much deeper book than I expected. Must say, it's refreshing to see so much achieved with such sparingness of expression - the book is 384 pages, but doesn't feel long and the writing has a poetic immediacy I rarely find in fiction. I loved everything about Wildalone: the mystery, the interwoven myths, the mystic feel, the paranormal elements, the doomed love story... Out of curiosity, I did check out some of the 1-star reviews and now am a bit vexed. Stalking and rape? Really?? I think that's an absurd (not to mention simplistic) reading of this beautifully complex story. But I'll skip the spoilers and let others read Wildalone and judge for themselves. For me, the book was a welcome reminder just how profoundly nuanced human relationships can be. If you want formulaic and simple, don't read this one.
February 18, 2015
This was a brilliantly conceived portrayal of the Bulgarian myth of the Samodivi played out in modern life. The book is well written, poetic, and has lovely descriptions of places and people alike.
"What needed pruning—badly—was his head. Mane, eyebrows, beard, all merged in a cloud of cotton candy spun out of tar instead of sugar."
Having researched and written a book about Samodivi, I was drawn to this book. The basic story itself is not what interested me, by I was fascinated by how the author entwined the Orphic mysteries into the legends about Samodivi. Orpheus came from Thrace, and since these people did not have a written language, what is known about him comes from the Greeks. This book gives a new perspective. Perhaps one that the Thracians themselves might have written. There were even subtle things that the average reader would not understand who was not familiar with the ways of the Samodivi--how they arrive on a torrential force, a whirlwind.
On a cultural note, it brought back memories of my own time spent at an ivy league college, a poor person among the extremely wealthy. Add to this the cultural differences someone from another country would experience and you have a glimpse into college life that not all students would normally see.
It is well worth the time to read this book and get a glimpse into the myths of another culture.
"What needed pruning—badly—was his head. Mane, eyebrows, beard, all merged in a cloud of cotton candy spun out of tar instead of sugar."
Having researched and written a book about Samodivi, I was drawn to this book. The basic story itself is not what interested me, by I was fascinated by how the author entwined the Orphic mysteries into the legends about Samodivi. Orpheus came from Thrace, and since these people did not have a written language, what is known about him comes from the Greeks. This book gives a new perspective. Perhaps one that the Thracians themselves might have written. There were even subtle things that the average reader would not understand who was not familiar with the ways of the Samodivi--how they arrive on a torrential force, a whirlwind.
On a cultural note, it brought back memories of my own time spent at an ivy league college, a poor person among the extremely wealthy. Add to this the cultural differences someone from another country would experience and you have a glimpse into college life that not all students would normally see.
It is well worth the time to read this book and get a glimpse into the myths of another culture.
January 8, 2015
Omg! I want more.... Please tell me there will be a book 2.
This book captured me from the blurb, it is riveting, fast paced, mystical, mythical and blooming fantastic. This book was not predictable at all, I actually thought I had it sussed half way through but I was totally wrong. The characters were great, even the stock characters like Rita and Dev had their own story. The fantasy elements had a perfect blend with reality. Only problem is that I want more!
I really can't believe this is Krassi Zourkova's first book. Brilliant!
I won an advanced copy of this book as part of goodreads first-reads programme and I am absolutly thrilled with it.
This book captured me from the blurb, it is riveting, fast paced, mystical, mythical and blooming fantastic. This book was not predictable at all, I actually thought I had it sussed half way through but I was totally wrong. The characters were great, even the stock characters like Rita and Dev had their own story. The fantasy elements had a perfect blend with reality. Only problem is that I want more!
I really can't believe this is Krassi Zourkova's first book. Brilliant!
I won an advanced copy of this book as part of goodreads first-reads programme and I am absolutly thrilled with it.
November 13, 2014
Wildalone, brilliant, beautifully written novel by talented Krassi Zourkova is by far my top favourite read.
I can't wait for her next clever, intelligent masterpiece.
I can't wait for her next clever, intelligent masterpiece.
March 11, 2024
Very sad I am done reading this book, leaving me wanting for more. This book deserves more than five stars. It is absolutely enchanting from the very beginning. Each character left me wild, untamed, and trapped. This book had an urban/Greek myth. I finished this book in about three days straight and couldn't take my eyes away from it. Each character had their own secret, which made it very interesting. As you read, you assume that certain characters were involved with Elza's disappearance. The love that Thea has for Jake and Rhys is unexplainable. Too love a man who you don't know, other than seeing him from afar and then start dating a man you assume is the same person would make any person confused and frustrated. Rhys is a character who rubbed off the wrong way. Felt like he was the man I would stay away from because he could harm me. Jake is smart, quiet, and loyal to his brother even when he is taking his happiness away. I was in complete shock when I discovered who Rhys was and what actually happened to Elza. I grew frustrated as I read because I really felt that Jake is her one true love, and a future life couldn't be dealt with Rhys because of his commitment. Krassi did an amazing job in writing a book that kept me interested from the beginning, had mystery and secrets to be told. This story was written naturally just as a pianist touches each key without thought but with passion. Can't wait to see what Thea decides for her future on the next novel. Thanks so much for letting me read such an amazing book. I highly recommend you read it.
September 19, 2016
Реална оценка 3,5 по доста причини. Ужасно много ми хареса преплитането на фолклор и реалност и това как може да се поставиш на мястото на едно момиче изправило се срещу себе си, за прехода и животът в Америка , ето тази част на книгата ме грабна...Но имам проблем с геройте , Теа просто не е ми допада, не знае какво иска и през повечето време си пропилява възможноста, Рис го разбирам, но не го харесвам, а Джейк просто...от двамата ми е по -симпатичен, но за мен се държеше страхливо. Мнението ми е смесено ,заради любовната история, която просто не ме грабна, но митологията и магията компенсират. Определено е доста различна особено за някой ,който никога не е чувал за самодиви.
December 22, 2014
This book was addictive - once I picked it up I had a hard time leaving "book world" and putting it down! It was well written and compelling. The author has obvious knowledge of Princeton and its society and that, interwoven with the Greek mythology made this I fabulous read! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I look forward to more from this author!
September 27, 2014
I couldn't put the book down; stayed up late reading, got up early to finish. Zourkova's writing has a very rhythmic flow to it as she weaves many layers together providing the reader with both knowledge and anticipation.
February 23, 2015
Very cool and sexy. I gave this a try because some friends were talking about it. Not much for fantasy myself, but I actually ended up liking the myths and the supernatural spin of the story. I am also surprised that the publisher's blurb doesn't compare it to Paulo Coelho. It had the same overall feel of mysticism and philosophy packaged up with fast plot and superb, accessible writing.
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