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Siduri
After her mother’s death, Siduri’s search for her missing father reveals a shocking truth – she belongs to an ancient eldritch race being hunted to extinction. Forced to flee with a foul-mouthed spirit, her ex and an orphaned ghost boy, Siduri meets treachery at every turn. With her enemies closing in, can Siduri survive the genocidal crusade?
Siduri is a tale of fate and family secrets in a world where the line between the living and the dead is blurred.
Siduri is a tale of fate and family secrets in a world where the line between the living and the dead is blurred.
- GenresFantasy
360 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2024
10 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Vason
1 book3 followersJ J Vason was born and educated in Edinburgh, Scotland, before relocating to England’s New Forest with JJ’s partner and forever-hungry cat.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 16, 2024
Compelling to the last page
Siduri by J J Vason has created an intriguing tale that is bound to become a favourite of its genre. This supernatural story has everything a reader wants. It is compelling, engaging and the author is a true wordsmith.
Our protagonist, Lilith is thrown into a series of events that test her knowledge and understanding of her world but of herself too. She has to come to terms with a world where the living and the dead exist alongside each other, and where the Fedhyow cult looms suspiciously throughout.
Lilith is no shrinking violet. She has attitude and enough common sense to navigate her way through the often-surprising twists and turns of this book. She is left to try to discover more about her past and connect with her enigmatic aunt.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable story that will keep you captivated from the onset. The author creates vivid, realistic scenes and characters, all of which are believable even though they are set in an intense and surreal setting.
I found the level of suspense and intrigue truly compelling and would encourage all adult readers to add this book to their reading list. They won’t be disappointed.
Siduri by J J Vason has created an intriguing tale that is bound to become a favourite of its genre. This supernatural story has everything a reader wants. It is compelling, engaging and the author is a true wordsmith.
Our protagonist, Lilith is thrown into a series of events that test her knowledge and understanding of her world but of herself too. She has to come to terms with a world where the living and the dead exist alongside each other, and where the Fedhyow cult looms suspiciously throughout.
Lilith is no shrinking violet. She has attitude and enough common sense to navigate her way through the often-surprising twists and turns of this book. She is left to try to discover more about her past and connect with her enigmatic aunt.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable story that will keep you captivated from the onset. The author creates vivid, realistic scenes and characters, all of which are believable even though they are set in an intense and surreal setting.
I found the level of suspense and intrigue truly compelling and would encourage all adult readers to add this book to their reading list. They won’t be disappointed.
August 10, 2024
a ghostly stew
Most books I read are full of good ideas but the writing often weighs them down. In Siduri by J. J. Vason, the writing is superb but the story never fires for me. It is filled with strong, opinionated characters of all shapes and sizes, ghosts for the most part. Our leading lady, the girl Siduri becomes one such shimmering (dead) soul after a train derailment somewhere in a land of small towns and lakes. With two mentor ghosts Lillith and Dumus to alternately torment and guide her through the world of ghosts and witches towards her missing father and the truth about her past, this reader expected the story to grow into something fun and fast paced but the expectations kept getting derailed as the author chases down back stories about the neighborhood, the history of the local ghost population and the behavior of ghosts in general. Meanwhile, a stew pot full of ghosts and living keep bumping into each other. Such a large cast of characters floods the pages, it is difficult at times to keep them separate. The talk is endless and confusion sometimes reigns as Siduri and friends run to hide from or avoid the overly avid church folk Fedhyow who see them as evil witches and burn them at the stake when they can. Halfway through, the story begins to tighten up. Siduri, Lillith and the rest of the strange crew get on a train bound for Sulis where Siduri ‘s Aunt Eanna resides. Spoiler alerts here. We soon find out that Aunt Eanna is actually the Lillith who has been guiding Siduri from the start (a ghost can reside in several bodies at once) and that this Lilith/Eanna is really Siduri’s mother, not Iresh as we have been led to believe. We learn about her father as well, a rich, mean spirited deviant named Izdubar and of his ‘romantic’ interest in a younger Lillith. These two soon spawn Siduri’s half-brother Kitten. As reveals, these are welcome bits of information but they don’t really surprise us. Anything and everything seem possible by now in this stew of ghosts and family. There are magic amulets, teddy bears and a talking cat to spur our interest as well but for the most part, the characters are such squirrely, untrustworthy, talking, farting, annoying folks it is difficult to find anyone to trust and to root for in the end. Even at the finish line, with Fedhyow going in for the kill, the author seems less interested in the fate of his band of characters than he is in stirring up more questions for them to ask and surprises to ponder. Disappointed, but four stars for the polished writing and the overused but edgy dialogue.
Most books I read are full of good ideas but the writing often weighs them down. In Siduri by J. J. Vason, the writing is superb but the story never fires for me. It is filled with strong, opinionated characters of all shapes and sizes, ghosts for the most part. Our leading lady, the girl Siduri becomes one such shimmering (dead) soul after a train derailment somewhere in a land of small towns and lakes. With two mentor ghosts Lillith and Dumus to alternately torment and guide her through the world of ghosts and witches towards her missing father and the truth about her past, this reader expected the story to grow into something fun and fast paced but the expectations kept getting derailed as the author chases down back stories about the neighborhood, the history of the local ghost population and the behavior of ghosts in general. Meanwhile, a stew pot full of ghosts and living keep bumping into each other. Such a large cast of characters floods the pages, it is difficult at times to keep them separate. The talk is endless and confusion sometimes reigns as Siduri and friends run to hide from or avoid the overly avid church folk Fedhyow who see them as evil witches and burn them at the stake when they can. Halfway through, the story begins to tighten up. Siduri, Lillith and the rest of the strange crew get on a train bound for Sulis where Siduri ‘s Aunt Eanna resides. Spoiler alerts here. We soon find out that Aunt Eanna is actually the Lillith who has been guiding Siduri from the start (a ghost can reside in several bodies at once) and that this Lilith/Eanna is really Siduri’s mother, not Iresh as we have been led to believe. We learn about her father as well, a rich, mean spirited deviant named Izdubar and of his ‘romantic’ interest in a younger Lillith. These two soon spawn Siduri’s half-brother Kitten. As reveals, these are welcome bits of information but they don’t really surprise us. Anything and everything seem possible by now in this stew of ghosts and family. There are magic amulets, teddy bears and a talking cat to spur our interest as well but for the most part, the characters are such squirrely, untrustworthy, talking, farting, annoying folks it is difficult to find anyone to trust and to root for in the end. Even at the finish line, with Fedhyow going in for the kill, the author seems less interested in the fate of his band of characters than he is in stirring up more questions for them to ask and surprises to ponder. Disappointed, but four stars for the polished writing and the overused but edgy dialogue.
October 23, 2024
When death claims you, it seeks to cleave your essence from the mortal plane and cast it into the infinite other. Without an anchor, all that is you should dissipate. The cold you feel is the pull of the multiverse on your soul and when chaos finally claims you, there will be utterly nothing left.
Morality, it would seem, is nothing but a concept of the moment.
The story that unfolds from there is one I'll leave other readers to uncover for themselves, but I will say that this was one of my favorite reads of 2024. What a deliciously twisty, turny, and unexpected story! Lilith's quips never missed a beat, and Siduri's initial skepticism allowed us readers to truly embark on a story of discovery with her as she discovers that the boundaries between life and death are disturbingly thin. I recommend this book for its nuanced characters, unexpected twists, and richly developed world. And it's a perfect Spooky Season read!
Morality, it would seem, is nothing but a concept of the moment.
The story that unfolds from there is one I'll leave other readers to uncover for themselves, but I will say that this was one of my favorite reads of 2024. What a deliciously twisty, turny, and unexpected story! Lilith's quips never missed a beat, and Siduri's initial skepticism allowed us readers to truly embark on a story of discovery with her as she discovers that the boundaries between life and death are disturbingly thin. I recommend this book for its nuanced characters, unexpected twists, and richly developed world. And it's a perfect Spooky Season read!
November 2, 2024
Siduri by J.J. Vason is an intriguing journey into a hauntingly crafted world where boundaries between life and death blur, and reality itself feels fragile. Siduri, a strong-willed protagonist with a razor-sharp tongue and relentless determination, finds herself unwittingly thrust into a supernatural conflict that forces her to confront secrets buried in the past and grapple with her heritage as part of an ancient, nearly extinct eldritch race. As she searches for answers about her missing father, Siduri discovers that her lineage connects her to enigmatic powers and responsibilities she could never have anticipated, even as she contends with relentless adversaries, including the fanatical Fedhyow cult. This tale isn’t just about survival; it’s a quest for identity, forcing Siduri to question who she truly is and where she belongs in a world ruled by dark forces and family mysteries.
Vason’s world-building is mesmerizing, rich in ancient lore and eerie landscapes that feel alive with supernatural energy. Each character in Siduri’s eclectic crew—from the acid-tongued spirit who guides her to the orphaned ghost boy who becomes her unlikely companion—feels fully fleshed out, with distinct voices that bring depth and humor to the story. These relationships give the book an emotional resonance, especially as Siduri's journey leads her to her mysterious Aunt Eanna, who holds pieces of the truth Siduri so desperately seeks. One standout aspect is the slow but steady revelation of Siduri’s complicated family history, which unfolds with a skillful blend of suspense and unexpected twists, creating a reading experience that is deeply immersive and layered. Vason expertly maintains a balance between philosophical introspection and bursts of gripping action, leading readers through moments of profound discovery and harrowing danger that make the book a true page-turner.
While fans of fast-paced adventure novels may find the philosophical underpinnings and complex character dynamics challenging, Siduri will deeply satisfy readers who appreciate intricate storytelling reminiscent of Neil Gaiman's darkly imaginative worlds. It’s an unforgettable blend of suspense, supernatural mystery, and introspection, with a protagonist who is as flawed as she is fearless. Like an ancient mirror reflecting shadows and memories, Siduri invites readers to peer into the darker depths of human nature and ponder the blurred line between fate and free will.
Vason’s world-building is mesmerizing, rich in ancient lore and eerie landscapes that feel alive with supernatural energy. Each character in Siduri’s eclectic crew—from the acid-tongued spirit who guides her to the orphaned ghost boy who becomes her unlikely companion—feels fully fleshed out, with distinct voices that bring depth and humor to the story. These relationships give the book an emotional resonance, especially as Siduri's journey leads her to her mysterious Aunt Eanna, who holds pieces of the truth Siduri so desperately seeks. One standout aspect is the slow but steady revelation of Siduri’s complicated family history, which unfolds with a skillful blend of suspense and unexpected twists, creating a reading experience that is deeply immersive and layered. Vason expertly maintains a balance between philosophical introspection and bursts of gripping action, leading readers through moments of profound discovery and harrowing danger that make the book a true page-turner.
While fans of fast-paced adventure novels may find the philosophical underpinnings and complex character dynamics challenging, Siduri will deeply satisfy readers who appreciate intricate storytelling reminiscent of Neil Gaiman's darkly imaginative worlds. It’s an unforgettable blend of suspense, supernatural mystery, and introspection, with a protagonist who is as flawed as she is fearless. Like an ancient mirror reflecting shadows and memories, Siduri invites readers to peer into the darker depths of human nature and ponder the blurred line between fate and free will.
August 1, 2024
"Siduri" is an engrossing supernatural tale that masterfully blends elements of mystery, self-discovery, and ancient lore. Vason's standalone novel follows the titular character's journey as she searches for her missing father, only to find herself immersed in a world where the boundaries between life and death blur.
The story's greatest strength lies in its well-crafted characters. From the sharp-tongued Lilith to the enigmatic Eanna and the elusive Izdubar, each persona feels richly developed and adds depth to the narrative. Siduri herself is a compelling protagonist, her headstrong nature driving the plot forward as she grapples with profound questions of identity and fate.
Vason's prose is both witty and evocative, painting vivid scenes of ancient settings that serve as a backdrop to the unfolding drama. The plot is punctuated by unexpected twists and bursts of action, keeping readers on their toes. The looming threat of the Fedhyow cult adds a layer of tension that propels the story forward.
While some readers may occasionally find the narrative lacking in substance, the overall experience is captivating. The author skillfully balances darker elements with moments of humor, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable read. The ending, in particular, has been praised for its satisfying conclusion.
"Siduri" offers a unique take on the supernatural genre, delving into philosophical themes while maintaining an engaging plot. It's a story that will appeal to those who appreciate nuanced characters, unexpected plot turns, and explorations of human potential in extraordinary circumstances.
The story's greatest strength lies in its well-crafted characters. From the sharp-tongued Lilith to the enigmatic Eanna and the elusive Izdubar, each persona feels richly developed and adds depth to the narrative. Siduri herself is a compelling protagonist, her headstrong nature driving the plot forward as she grapples with profound questions of identity and fate.
Vason's prose is both witty and evocative, painting vivid scenes of ancient settings that serve as a backdrop to the unfolding drama. The plot is punctuated by unexpected twists and bursts of action, keeping readers on their toes. The looming threat of the Fedhyow cult adds a layer of tension that propels the story forward.
While some readers may occasionally find the narrative lacking in substance, the overall experience is captivating. The author skillfully balances darker elements with moments of humor, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable read. The ending, in particular, has been praised for its satisfying conclusion.
"Siduri" offers a unique take on the supernatural genre, delving into philosophical themes while maintaining an engaging plot. It's a story that will appeal to those who appreciate nuanced characters, unexpected plot turns, and explorations of human potential in extraordinary circumstances.
December 18, 2024
Overall Analysis:
Siduri by J.J. Vason is not your average ghost story. Set in a world where ghosts are not impervious to harm and are descendants of an ancient, eldritch race, it offers a fresh take on the genre. The story follows Siduri, who suffers a tragic fate aboard a train while en route to deliver news to her aunt of her mother’s passing. At the outset, the reader is provided with little information about the rules of the world, but ambiguity serves as an essential part of the unfolding mystery.
Siduri starts off at a swift pace, and if you are not buckled, it can be easy to lose your focus of the plot and the intricacies of the interesting world Vason built. However, when it comes to the second act, the story slows down quite a bit as Siduri familiarizes herself with the workings of the ethereal plane, but some readers may appreciate the opportunity to catch their breath and collect their thoughts. The middle of the book did seem to meander a bit, but the author admits later on in the book that that is a feature of gothic literature, so it can be forgiven. Though, I found the ending to be quite satisfying and neatly wraps up the plot points.
The characters are quite colorful in this book—both in their makeup and their choice of vocabulary. The dialogue is full of crass language. For me, I am not distracted by such things, but some may be taken aback by some of the more descriptive insults. Personally, I do not think it detracts from the story whatsoever and helps maintain the reader’s focus. However, some of the character’s personalities mirror each other to some degree, but with such an expansive cast, that is a risk.
One thing I must applaud Vason on is their ability to navigate complicated relationships. There is a rich and intertwining history between many of the characters along with a fairly complex family tree. Vason does an impeccable job at maintaining these interwoven threads throughout the story, which I can’t imagine was an easy task.
While, like any story, there are clever twists, Vason is masterful at laying the groundwork for these reveals by leaving breadcrumbs for the reader to pick up on along the way. I never felt that the author relied on cheap plot devices to try to shock the reader.
Final Thoughts:
Siduri by J.J. Vason provides a unique perspective on the gothic genre. I felt a connection to Siduri that did not feel forced due to Vason’s smooth transitions between dialogue and her inner monologues. Despite the heavy themes, often described in vulgar terms, I feel the author handled them with grace. Furthermore, despite the antagonist, The Fedyhow, initially being vaguely presented at the beginning of the novel, the author morphed them into a substantial threat by the end, featuring a notorious figurehead linked to Siduri’s past. Siduri is an interesting read akin to The Most Dangerous Game meets Corpse Bride. Perhaps that’s not the most accurate comparison, but for fans of gothic dramas and thrillers, Siduri is the book for you.
Siduri by J.J. Vason is not your average ghost story. Set in a world where ghosts are not impervious to harm and are descendants of an ancient, eldritch race, it offers a fresh take on the genre. The story follows Siduri, who suffers a tragic fate aboard a train while en route to deliver news to her aunt of her mother’s passing. At the outset, the reader is provided with little information about the rules of the world, but ambiguity serves as an essential part of the unfolding mystery.
Siduri starts off at a swift pace, and if you are not buckled, it can be easy to lose your focus of the plot and the intricacies of the interesting world Vason built. However, when it comes to the second act, the story slows down quite a bit as Siduri familiarizes herself with the workings of the ethereal plane, but some readers may appreciate the opportunity to catch their breath and collect their thoughts. The middle of the book did seem to meander a bit, but the author admits later on in the book that that is a feature of gothic literature, so it can be forgiven. Though, I found the ending to be quite satisfying and neatly wraps up the plot points.
The characters are quite colorful in this book—both in their makeup and their choice of vocabulary. The dialogue is full of crass language. For me, I am not distracted by such things, but some may be taken aback by some of the more descriptive insults. Personally, I do not think it detracts from the story whatsoever and helps maintain the reader’s focus. However, some of the character’s personalities mirror each other to some degree, but with such an expansive cast, that is a risk.
One thing I must applaud Vason on is their ability to navigate complicated relationships. There is a rich and intertwining history between many of the characters along with a fairly complex family tree. Vason does an impeccable job at maintaining these interwoven threads throughout the story, which I can’t imagine was an easy task.
While, like any story, there are clever twists, Vason is masterful at laying the groundwork for these reveals by leaving breadcrumbs for the reader to pick up on along the way. I never felt that the author relied on cheap plot devices to try to shock the reader.
Final Thoughts:
Siduri by J.J. Vason provides a unique perspective on the gothic genre. I felt a connection to Siduri that did not feel forced due to Vason’s smooth transitions between dialogue and her inner monologues. Despite the heavy themes, often described in vulgar terms, I feel the author handled them with grace. Furthermore, despite the antagonist, The Fedyhow, initially being vaguely presented at the beginning of the novel, the author morphed them into a substantial threat by the end, featuring a notorious figurehead linked to Siduri’s past. Siduri is an interesting read akin to The Most Dangerous Game meets Corpse Bride. Perhaps that’s not the most accurate comparison, but for fans of gothic dramas and thrillers, Siduri is the book for you.
January 20, 2025
Siduri by JJ Vason is a captivating and unique novel that blends mythology, personal growth, and human experience in an unforgettable way. The book explores the journey of Siduri, a character rooted in ancient myth, who faces trials and transformations that resonate with readers on a deep, emotional level.
Vason’s writing is lyrical and rich in detail, weaving a tapestry of vivid imagery that brings Siduri’s world to life. The prose is both poetic and accessible, making it easy to get lost in the pages while reflecting on the deeper themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of choices.
What sets this book apart is its strong emotional undercurrent. Each chapter is filled with moments of introspection, where Siduri confronts her past, her desires, and the complexities of relationships. The character development is masterful—by the end of the novel, readers feel as though they’ve grown alongside Siduri, experiencing her struggles and triumphs as their own.
The pacing is steady, and the narrative unfolds in a way that keeps you engaged without overwhelming you with unnecessary details. The balance between action, dialogue, and introspective moments is perfectly done, allowing for a well-rounded reading experience.
If you're a fan of stories that merge mythology with modern sensibilities, or if you simply enjoy deeply emotional, thought-provoking reads, Siduri is definitely worth your time. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
Vason’s writing is lyrical and rich in detail, weaving a tapestry of vivid imagery that brings Siduri’s world to life. The prose is both poetic and accessible, making it easy to get lost in the pages while reflecting on the deeper themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of choices.
What sets this book apart is its strong emotional undercurrent. Each chapter is filled with moments of introspection, where Siduri confronts her past, her desires, and the complexities of relationships. The character development is masterful—by the end of the novel, readers feel as though they’ve grown alongside Siduri, experiencing her struggles and triumphs as their own.
The pacing is steady, and the narrative unfolds in a way that keeps you engaged without overwhelming you with unnecessary details. The balance between action, dialogue, and introspective moments is perfectly done, allowing for a well-rounded reading experience.
If you're a fan of stories that merge mythology with modern sensibilities, or if you simply enjoy deeply emotional, thought-provoking reads, Siduri is definitely worth your time. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
September 9, 2024
This book was fast-paced and full of surprises. Siduri is a gripping dark fantasy that skillfully weaves together themes of family secrets, survival, and the supernatural. The story centers on Siduri, a young woman who, after her mother’s tragic death, embarks on a dangerous quest to find her missing father. Along the way, she encounters strange forces, hidden truths, and otherworldly dangers that challenge her perception of reality. The world Vason builds is both eerie and captivating, where the boundary between life and death feels disturbingly thin, and every shadow seems to hide a threat. The pacing of the novel is relentless, packed with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. At times, it feels almost too fast, with action sequences that leave little room for deeper character exploration. However, the themes of fate, identity, and the complexities of family are woven strongly throughout, grounding Siduri’s journey with emotional depth. As Siduri battles her inner demons as well as external threats, her character arc is both exciting and relatable. Overall, Siduri is a solid dark fantasy adventure that fans of supernatural and action-packed tales will surely enjoy. It’s a story about discovering who you truly are while trying to survive in a world determined to defeat you.
January 15, 2025
Siduri is an enchanting and immersive standalone tale that weaves supernatural elements into the fabric of reality. It follows the journey of a young woman who embarks on a desperate quest to unravel the mystery of her missing father. As she delves deeper into her search, she finds herself thrust into a mesmerising realm where the deceased's living and spirits coexist in an intricate dance of shadows and light.
The narrative is enriched by vibrant characters, notably the quick-witted Lilith, whose sharp tongue and clever insights keep readers on their toes, and the enigmatic Aunt Eanna, whose secrets hint at deeper connections to the mystical world around them. At its core, Siduri is a profound exploration of self-discovery, woven with themes of identity, destiny, and the choices that shape our paths. The story deftly balances reflective moments with exhilarating bursts of action as the menacing Fedhyow cult looms ominously, adding an undercurrent of tension that propels the protagonist forward on her quest. Through this compelling journey, Siduri invites readers to ponder the delicate interplay between fate and free will, all while delivering a richly layered and captivating reading experience.
The narrative is enriched by vibrant characters, notably the quick-witted Lilith, whose sharp tongue and clever insights keep readers on their toes, and the enigmatic Aunt Eanna, whose secrets hint at deeper connections to the mystical world around them. At its core, Siduri is a profound exploration of self-discovery, woven with themes of identity, destiny, and the choices that shape our paths. The story deftly balances reflective moments with exhilarating bursts of action as the menacing Fedhyow cult looms ominously, adding an undercurrent of tension that propels the protagonist forward on her quest. Through this compelling journey, Siduri invites readers to ponder the delicate interplay between fate and free will, all while delivering a richly layered and captivating reading experience.
July 28, 2024
"Siduri" by J J Vason is a great and carefully crafted supernatural tale with a good portion of suspense and humor. It digs deep into the realms of fate, family secrets, and self-discovery – throw in some cats in the mix, and you get a good flavor of its character. When her mother dies, Siduri searches for her missing father. That is when she uncovers her shocking heritage as part of an ancient, almost extinct eldritch race. The gradual knowledge she gains, makes her embarking onto a dangerous journey, accompanied by a foul-mouthed spirit, her ex, and an orphaned ghost boy. The characters are richly developed, and each of them has their own manner of speech, which adds depth and credibility to them. Vason's debut novel provides a good mix of fast-paced action with profound philosophical insights and explores the blurred lines between the living and the dead. The emotional depth, ancient settings, and witty prose (though mostly in a fairly modern-day style) make "Siduri" a great reading experience. Fans of the supernatural who look for nuanced characters and a thought-out and thought-provoking story will highly appreciate "Siduri".
September 15, 2024
Written in first person, I found this enjoyable, but slow paced.
In this ghost tale, a young woman named Siduri enters a dark world after her untimely death. As a newly awakened ghost, she embarks on a perilous journey, uncovering secrets about her family, her killer, and the ancient Wycche. Guided by the enigmatic Lilith and Dumuz, Siduri faces the malevolent Fedhyow and confronts her own father's sinister ambitions. Through her trials, Siduri discovers the power of choice, the complexities of love, and the true meaning of sacrifice.
I found this a page flipper that seamlessly blends elements of horror, and fantasy. The author drawS readers into a richly imagined world filled with danger and intrigue. As Siduri unravels the mysteries surrounding her past and navigates the treacherous landscape of the afterlife, readers will find themselves enthralled by her journey of self-discovery and redemption. A must-read for fans of Gothic fiction, offering a fresh and compelling take.
In this ghost tale, a young woman named Siduri enters a dark world after her untimely death. As a newly awakened ghost, she embarks on a perilous journey, uncovering secrets about her family, her killer, and the ancient Wycche. Guided by the enigmatic Lilith and Dumuz, Siduri faces the malevolent Fedhyow and confronts her own father's sinister ambitions. Through her trials, Siduri discovers the power of choice, the complexities of love, and the true meaning of sacrifice.
I found this a page flipper that seamlessly blends elements of horror, and fantasy. The author drawS readers into a richly imagined world filled with danger and intrigue. As Siduri unravels the mysteries surrounding her past and navigates the treacherous landscape of the afterlife, readers will find themselves enthralled by her journey of self-discovery and redemption. A must-read for fans of Gothic fiction, offering a fresh and compelling take.
December 6, 2024
What a refreshing and engaging read!
Siduri is a tale that is sure to become a staple book in this genre. I absolutely love our reluctant here, Lilith, as she navigates a new world. We are introduced to a variety of world-building elements, including a cult (I love this!), the dead living alongside the living, and incredible concepts that make this story feel unique.
What I appreciate (and think this genre needs more of) is the character with common sense, which Lilith has. Her character is relatable, at times curious, and never has a dull moment. We often stumble on awesome stories with characters who fail to have any quizzical nature, which ends up becoming a frustrating read (simply put, use your head!). But not here. Lilith is refreshing in all the ways a main character should be, which elevated this story.
Vason is a talented author with a knack for creating vivid scenes that will keep you thinking long after the book is done. Well done!
Siduri is a tale that is sure to become a staple book in this genre. I absolutely love our reluctant here, Lilith, as she navigates a new world. We are introduced to a variety of world-building elements, including a cult (I love this!), the dead living alongside the living, and incredible concepts that make this story feel unique.
What I appreciate (and think this genre needs more of) is the character with common sense, which Lilith has. Her character is relatable, at times curious, and never has a dull moment. We often stumble on awesome stories with characters who fail to have any quizzical nature, which ends up becoming a frustrating read (simply put, use your head!). But not here. Lilith is refreshing in all the ways a main character should be, which elevated this story.
Vason is a talented author with a knack for creating vivid scenes that will keep you thinking long after the book is done. Well done!
December 22, 2024
Oh my. I'm at a loss for words, aren't I?
It's something else.
As the author drew inspiration, apparently, from the epic of Gilgamesh, you're not really going to get that here. Instead, what you'll get is J.J. Vason's Siduri – a girl that almost seems lost in a world where she perhaps needs to find a way to belong.
From the very start, the story flows brilliantly. The best thing is, it's the type of writing style that I wouldn't care if it's supernatural, horror, romance, action, or fantasy, or whatever genre. I'd just read it. It's captivating as when I start reading the words just flow and I keep shifting the pages with ease, unaware how fast I'm actually going through this book!
Siduri will grapple with her charming way of unveiling her story and you'll finish this book in two or three sittings.
If you like nicely paced stories with well layered characters, then this is your next read. Go for it.
It's something else.
As the author drew inspiration, apparently, from the epic of Gilgamesh, you're not really going to get that here. Instead, what you'll get is J.J. Vason's Siduri – a girl that almost seems lost in a world where she perhaps needs to find a way to belong.
From the very start, the story flows brilliantly. The best thing is, it's the type of writing style that I wouldn't care if it's supernatural, horror, romance, action, or fantasy, or whatever genre. I'd just read it. It's captivating as when I start reading the words just flow and I keep shifting the pages with ease, unaware how fast I'm actually going through this book!
Siduri will grapple with her charming way of unveiling her story and you'll finish this book in two or three sittings.
If you like nicely paced stories with well layered characters, then this is your next read. Go for it.
January 16, 2025
This review is for my own memory purposes. If you think you might want to read this book then do so and form your own opinions.
I found the book very confusing at times. It was either very hard or overly simplistic to determine why people were doing what they were doing. It was hard to tell if the ghosts were immortal or could be vanquished forever with salt water. Considering the number of characters introduced it felt like most of them had had sex with each other in the past or were currently doing it.
We find out the motives of the head evil guy, main character’s father, of course, and then everything gets resolved super quickly afterwards. The main character seemed slightly off throughout the whole story and I could not decide if I liked her or not. I am not sure that I grew to care about any of the characters really.
I found the book very confusing at times. It was either very hard or overly simplistic to determine why people were doing what they were doing. It was hard to tell if the ghosts were immortal or could be vanquished forever with salt water. Considering the number of characters introduced it felt like most of them had had sex with each other in the past or were currently doing it.
We find out the motives of the head evil guy, main character’s father, of course, and then everything gets resolved super quickly afterwards. The main character seemed slightly off throughout the whole story and I could not decide if I liked her or not. I am not sure that I grew to care about any of the characters really.
April 15, 2025
Siduri is a supernatural tale with many appealing elements. The main character Lilith is challenged by a number of events that make her see herself and the world she lives in through a different lens. Lilith becomes used to a world where the living and the dead co exist side by side and where the Fedhyow cult looms ominously.
Lilith is sassy with a no nonsense approach which assists her to make her way through life in a pragmatic manner. Lilith connects with her quirky aunt and discovers more about the past. The author's strength is in creating vivid scenes and characters, who are believable despite the unbelievable aspects of what they face. There is just the right balance of suspense and intrigue and has a satisfying conclusion. Overall a quirky and imaginative read that showcases the author's unique style.
Lilith is sassy with a no nonsense approach which assists her to make her way through life in a pragmatic manner. Lilith connects with her quirky aunt and discovers more about the past. The author's strength is in creating vivid scenes and characters, who are believable despite the unbelievable aspects of what they face. There is just the right balance of suspense and intrigue and has a satisfying conclusion. Overall a quirky and imaginative read that showcases the author's unique style.
June 13, 2024
A very intriguing and compelling story
The characters were well written which is always the first thing I look for in a book ( nothing worse than boring sub par characters)
Had a few unexpected moments which Is always great I did feel at times though it did lack substance but that is just a personal opinion.
Overall an enjoyable read that I feel many will like and possibly love more than what I did (don’t get me wrong was still a great book)
Overall 4 stars xx
The characters were well written which is always the first thing I look for in a book ( nothing worse than boring sub par characters)
Had a few unexpected moments which Is always great I did feel at times though it did lack substance but that is just a personal opinion.
Overall an enjoyable read that I feel many will like and possibly love more than what I did (don’t get me wrong was still a great book)
Overall 4 stars xx
August 18, 2024
This book is an intriguing tale of the supernatural. The lines between life and death are blurred beyond recognition. And Siduri must figure it out. This story is fun to read with many twists and turns making it tough to put the book down.
May 30, 2024
This book has it all - some great characters and an intriguing plot, with plenty of unexpected turns. There are some dark elements, but this is balanced with humour, making for a very enjoyable read. I loved the ending too.
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