What do you think?
Rate this book
The Empath
This book is also available in the LOST LOCKET OF LAHARI ANTHOLOGY. Save 50% versus buying the five books in the collection individually, plus receive an additional BONUS ORIGIN STORY!
In a Victorian society fascinated by spiritualists, something wicked sinks its claws in from the other side.
Odessa is a psychic; her mother, the Great Madame Elena, is a fraud. After a séance goes terribly wrong and a woman ends up dead, an evil force slips into the land of the living.
Though Odessa and her mother try to outpace the rumors spreading, they can't escape the danger that has taken residence within Odessa herself. When Odessa is shouldered with the responsibility of the Great Madame Elena’s business, she starts to lose control of the spirit world, and she can’t afford to make another mistake.
Asked to open the door to the other side again, Odessa witnesses a brutal murder that hints at black magic and is faced with a choice: risk her life for freedom from her mother, or go on living a life of servitude. If she goes into a trance again, will she be able to maintain control?
In a Victorian society fascinated by spiritualists, something wicked sinks its claws in from the other side.
Odessa is a psychic; her mother, the Great Madame Elena, is a fraud. After a séance goes terribly wrong and a woman ends up dead, an evil force slips into the land of the living.
Though Odessa and her mother try to outpace the rumors spreading, they can't escape the danger that has taken residence within Odessa herself. When Odessa is shouldered with the responsibility of the Great Madame Elena’s business, she starts to lose control of the spirit world, and she can’t afford to make another mistake.
Asked to open the door to the other side again, Odessa witnesses a brutal murder that hints at black magic and is faced with a choice: risk her life for freedom from her mother, or go on living a life of servitude. If she goes into a trance again, will she be able to maintain control?
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2014
41 people want to read
About the author
Erica Crouch
24 books241 followersErica Crouch is a fiction writer and genre hopper. She has co-founded two publishing collectives, Patchwork Press and Weapenry, and has produced nine novels and two screenplays. Originally from Ellicott City, Erica has since moved into the heart of Annapolis, Maryland where she continues to write while studying law.
Read more about her online at ericacrouch.com.
Read more about her online at ericacrouch.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 14, 2014
4.5/5
Sometimes you read a book and are so completely blown away by it that you can’t help but think, why have I not heard this title shouted from the rooftops or at least seen it in my Facebook feed? Then you go on Goodreads and it has so few ratings you’re floored. As a blogger, this pains me and hopefully, this review will piqué your interest enough to give it a try.
The Empath is an unsupecting and virtually hidden gem that deserves to be loved and cherished by fans of tarot, seances, magic, and things that are so spooky they make your skin crawl.
http://youngadultbookmadness.wordpres...
Sometimes you read a book and are so completely blown away by it that you can’t help but think, why have I not heard this title shouted from the rooftops or at least seen it in my Facebook feed? Then you go on Goodreads and it has so few ratings you’re floored. As a blogger, this pains me and hopefully, this review will piqué your interest enough to give it a try.
The Empath is an unsupecting and virtually hidden gem that deserves to be loved and cherished by fans of tarot, seances, magic, and things that are so spooky they make your skin crawl.
http://youngadultbookmadness.wordpres...
January 20, 2015
[4.5 stars]
This is another one of those books that by the time I got to actually read it, I'd forgotten what had made me want to request it on NetGalley. I quickly remembered, though, as the very first scene involves a tarot reading! Woohoo! At that point, I was sneaking quick reading sessions of this book whenever I possibly could, and for more than the tarot.
The Empath is an absolute gem, as far as I'm concerned. It has so many of the qualities that I love to encounter in a fantasy story. It reads somewhat like a fairytale mixed with a Victorian dark magic vibe, complete with fortune tellers who live and work out of their horse-drawn wagon, seances that scare the pants out of everyone, and alluring dark figures.
The main character, Odessa, is a girl I have a lot of feelings for. She knows how to make the best of troubling and uncomfortable situations, she has very real concerns and desires, and she's clever to boot! I very much enjoyed seeing how she would handle different situations, and she made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion.
The rest of the cast was quite well-developed -- especially for such a short book -- which made every single page of this story enjoyable to read. The story was intriguing, and it had that familiar-but-different feeling about it that I quite enjoy about fairytales. It was a wonderful take on magic and death, and provided many perspectives on what we don't know about people.
Also: plenty of tarot readings! I ate those up (and of course, I will be doing another post all about them)! Basically, this book was a recipe for success, prepared by a very skilled hand. If the rest of Erica Crouch's novels were of similar themes, I would be buying them all RIGHT NOW. Alas, they mostly seem to be about angels (not one of my favorite themes), so I might hold off for a while.
But MAN, did I love The Empath.
This is another one of those books that by the time I got to actually read it, I'd forgotten what had made me want to request it on NetGalley. I quickly remembered, though, as the very first scene involves a tarot reading! Woohoo! At that point, I was sneaking quick reading sessions of this book whenever I possibly could, and for more than the tarot.
The Empath is an absolute gem, as far as I'm concerned. It has so many of the qualities that I love to encounter in a fantasy story. It reads somewhat like a fairytale mixed with a Victorian dark magic vibe, complete with fortune tellers who live and work out of their horse-drawn wagon, seances that scare the pants out of everyone, and alluring dark figures.
The main character, Odessa, is a girl I have a lot of feelings for. She knows how to make the best of troubling and uncomfortable situations, she has very real concerns and desires, and she's clever to boot! I very much enjoyed seeing how she would handle different situations, and she made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion.
The rest of the cast was quite well-developed -- especially for such a short book -- which made every single page of this story enjoyable to read. The story was intriguing, and it had that familiar-but-different feeling about it that I quite enjoy about fairytales. It was a wonderful take on magic and death, and provided many perspectives on what we don't know about people.
Also: plenty of tarot readings! I ate those up (and of course, I will be doing another post all about them)! Basically, this book was a recipe for success, prepared by a very skilled hand. If the rest of Erica Crouch's novels were of similar themes, I would be buying them all RIGHT NOW. Alas, they mostly seem to be about angels (not one of my favorite themes), so I might hold off for a while.
But MAN, did I love The Empath.
June 1, 2015
Okay, it is official. I have never previously had a favourite author - only favourite books. But the time has come for that era to end. I have a favourite author, and lovelies - her name is Erica Crouch.
Every single time, and I mean every single time I read ANYTHING by Erica, I am completely and 100% captivated from start to finish. Her way with words is unparalleled, in my humble opinion - and what words those are. Every single one has a meaning and a place, and they are never useless. Each and every one is important to the storyline, and the way these words come together is beautiful. Erica was blessed by the word gods, I must say.
As for the story: again, wonderful. Again, a wonderful and kickass heroine. Again, sexy boys. Again, mystery. Again, AMAZINGNESS EVERYWHERE.
There is such an awesome cast of characters in The Empath, even though there aren't that many of them. Each and every one of them is complex, and their motives unclear. Every single character is questionable and leave you wondering what they really want with Odessa.
Which brings me to my thoughts on Odessa. Two words: hell yeah. Erica has this ability to write characters that are completely real. They have vulnerabilities and strengths - just like every person on earth. And Odessa was no different. She also grows so much as a character in a mere 100 or so pages! Character development in a novella? Never before seen.
There was one thing I didn't like about The Empath, and that was that it wasn't an entire novel. I want more of this story, and I want to know were life takes Odessa after the last page. I just want more of everything Erica writes, if I'm being entirely honest.
If you want a story that will completely captivate you with magic, mystery, and murder - The Empath is perfect for you. GO! BUY! NOW!
© 2014, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity . All rights reserved.
Every single time, and I mean every single time I read ANYTHING by Erica, I am completely and 100% captivated from start to finish. Her way with words is unparalleled, in my humble opinion - and what words those are. Every single one has a meaning and a place, and they are never useless. Each and every one is important to the storyline, and the way these words come together is beautiful. Erica was blessed by the word gods, I must say.
As for the story: again, wonderful. Again, a wonderful and kickass heroine. Again, sexy boy
There is such an awesome cast of characters in The Empath, even though there aren't that many of them. Each and every one of them is complex, and their motives unclear. Every single character is questionable and leave you wondering what they really want with Odessa.
Which brings me to my thoughts on Odessa. Two words: hell yeah. Erica has this ability to write characters that are completely real. They have vulnerabilities and strengths - just like every person on earth. And Odessa was no different. She also grows so much as a character in a mere 100 or so pages! Character development in a novella? Never before seen.
There was one thing I didn't like about The Empath, and that was that it wasn't an entire novel. I want more of this story, and I want to know were life takes Odessa after the last page. I just want more of everything Erica writes, if I'm being entirely honest.
If you want a story that will completely captivate you with magic, mystery, and murder - The Empath is perfect for you. GO! BUY! NOW!
© 2014, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity . All rights reserved.
July 23, 2017
READ THE ORIGINAL REVIEW ON MY WEBSITE: http://thebookaddictsblog.blogspot.pt...
This was such a great opportunity to read a book surrounded by fantasy and occult elements at the time that I did.
It's more of short story, but it didn't feel like it. It was like reading a full novel, with so much action, adventure and misunderstood characters.
The Empath was fast-paced and sad and beautiful and kind of amazing. It puts the reader under a spell, and I can't remember a single time when I felt bored. I honestly couldn't stop reading it until I had finished.
All the eerie, occult and fantasy parts were spot-on. Everything was done perfectly, or almost perfectly.
The only problem I kind of had with it was something I thought I wouldn't see in this story, but that I wasn't surprised to find - romance. I thought the romance as a whole was good, but the way it was handled left something to be desired. It was quite angsty, but I can't really blame anyone for that. I reckon it's something most authors have a problem with, creating realistic situations when there's a cute boy in the room with the female main character. I find authors try to make their conversation quirky and flirthy, even if they don't realise it. It can work, and it can become a really good romance. This one didn't, be it because of the time period it was set in, or because the characters had just met. Now, after all that, I must say, I can't really call this a problem. I was so enthralled by the story and the atmosphere, I didn't even care about the less fortunate part of the deal.
Finally, I think Erica Crouch nailed that ending. It left me there wanting more, and I reckon that, at the end of the day, that is a real win for an author.
Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed this and I will read anything by this author that I can get my hands on.
This was such a great opportunity to read a book surrounded by fantasy and occult elements at the time that I did.
It's more of short story, but it didn't feel like it. It was like reading a full novel, with so much action, adventure and misunderstood characters.
The Empath was fast-paced and sad and beautiful and kind of amazing. It puts the reader under a spell, and I can't remember a single time when I felt bored. I honestly couldn't stop reading it until I had finished.
All the eerie, occult and fantasy parts were spot-on. Everything was done perfectly, or almost perfectly.
The only problem I kind of had with it was something I thought I wouldn't see in this story, but that I wasn't surprised to find - romance. I thought the romance as a whole was good, but the way it was handled left something to be desired. It was quite angsty, but I can't really blame anyone for that. I reckon it's something most authors have a problem with, creating realistic situations when there's a cute boy in the room with the female main character. I find authors try to make their conversation quirky and flirthy, even if they don't realise it. It can work, and it can become a really good romance. This one didn't, be it because of the time period it was set in, or because the characters had just met. Now, after all that, I must say, I can't really call this a problem. I was so enthralled by the story and the atmosphere, I didn't even care about the less fortunate part of the deal.
Finally, I think Erica Crouch nailed that ending. It left me there wanting more, and I reckon that, at the end of the day, that is a real win for an author.
Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed this and I will read anything by this author that I can get my hands on.
July 7, 2015
Boricuan Bookworms- Book Reviews.
Okay, how is it that an 128 page e-book managed to be so completely awesome?!
I’ve convinced myself that Erica Crouch isn’t human. It’s completely impossible to write such amazing things EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. But she does! Every. Time. It’s like she crawls into your brain and writes exactly what you want to read.
I absolutely adored this novella. Everything about it was perfection . We have Odessa, a psychic badass. She can read tarot cards and palms, do séances, speak to spirits, and many more things! She’s awesome. I loved Odessa’s personality. She started off as a subdued and shy girl, and ended up becoming an independent, fierce, and amazing person.
In fact, all the characters here are wonderfully written. They all have a purpose in the story, and are all so individual, you never have a problem identifying them in the story.
My favorite part, however, was the paranormal part. It was so eerie! I absolutely loved reading all the details.
Why was it so short?! I reached the last page and wanted to read so much more! I wasn’t ready to let go of Odessa’s story!
This is a book filled with mystery, magic, supernatural elements, and even *whispers* murder. Pick this up. Seriously. It’s only 128 pages, but it’ll feel like so many more!
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Amazon Review.
Okay, how is it that an 128 page e-book managed to be so completely awesome?!
I’ve convinced myself that Erica Crouch isn’t human. It’s completely impossible to write such amazing things EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. But she does! Every. Time. It’s like she crawls into your brain and writes exactly what you want to read.
I absolutely adored this novella. Everything about it was perfection . We have Odessa, a psychic badass. She can read tarot cards and palms, do séances, speak to spirits, and many more things! She’s awesome. I loved Odessa’s personality. She started off as a subdued and shy girl, and ended up becoming an independent, fierce, and amazing person.
In fact, all the characters here are wonderfully written. They all have a purpose in the story, and are all so individual, you never have a problem identifying them in the story.
My favorite part, however, was the paranormal part. It was so eerie! I absolutely loved reading all the details.
It’s a demon […] It sings, it whispers in my ear. It touches my cheek, runs through my hair, takes hold of my waist.
Why was it so short?! I reached the last page and wanted to read so much more! I wasn’t ready to let go of Odessa’s story!
This is a book filled with mystery, magic, supernatural elements, and even *whispers* murder. Pick this up. Seriously. It’s only 128 pages, but it’ll feel like so many more!
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Amazon Review.
November 24, 2014
This was a great book! My only problem with it . . . I wish it was longer! Can you write a sequel and let us know what Odessa is up to now? Please! I do love the ending, but I can't stop thinking about this story. I want more!
Odessa is a psychic. She has a very controlling mom who won't let her leave. Odessa's mom, The Great Madame Elena, doesn't truly have the gift like Odessa does. So she keeps her around to "help" her, so she can keep making money. One night at a séance, something goes horribly wrong. The veil between the living and the dead was to thin. Odessa couldn't keep control and stop what was happening. As Odessa and her mom try to outrun all the rumors from that night, they finally find a nice town to stop in. After that night, Odessa wants to stick to only palm and tarot readings. Then an extremely wealthy family asks to have a séance. Odessa tries to protest, but her mother tells her that if she earns enough money, she will let her go. Reluctantly, she agrees, on hope that maybe she can finally be free to leave. She performs the séance, things don't go quite so badly this time. She even connects with the person the family was looking for. Benjamin, a skeptic, who was present at the séance, comes to find Odessa. She knew things that weren't published, now he wants her to find out more. Odessa reluctantly agrees to help Benjamin, partly because she's come to see him differently than she did before, she may even be beginning to like him.
I'm not going to write more, I don't want to give away the ending (which was great)! There are several stories that go together in this series. The others aren't written by Erica, but I am now intrigued. I want to see how they all tie together.
Odessa is a psychic. She has a very controlling mom who won't let her leave. Odessa's mom, The Great Madame Elena, doesn't truly have the gift like Odessa does. So she keeps her around to "help" her, so she can keep making money. One night at a séance, something goes horribly wrong. The veil between the living and the dead was to thin. Odessa couldn't keep control and stop what was happening. As Odessa and her mom try to outrun all the rumors from that night, they finally find a nice town to stop in. After that night, Odessa wants to stick to only palm and tarot readings. Then an extremely wealthy family asks to have a séance. Odessa tries to protest, but her mother tells her that if she earns enough money, she will let her go. Reluctantly, she agrees, on hope that maybe she can finally be free to leave. She performs the séance, things don't go quite so badly this time. She even connects with the person the family was looking for. Benjamin, a skeptic, who was present at the séance, comes to find Odessa. She knew things that weren't published, now he wants her to find out more. Odessa reluctantly agrees to help Benjamin, partly because she's come to see him differently than she did before, she may even be beginning to like him.
I'm not going to write more, I don't want to give away the ending (which was great)! There are several stories that go together in this series. The others aren't written by Erica, but I am now intrigued. I want to see how they all tie together.
December 4, 2014
What motivated me to request this book? Well, two things. The cover, the beautiful cover. And the summary that just seemed to interesting. So I requested the book, thanks to Patchwork Press.
The story begins with Odessa and we know her mother. So Odessa is a young girl who also is a psychic, an authentic one, not fake like her mother 'The great Madame Elena'. Who is really mean to his daughter.
The only concern of Odessa's mother is money. That's all she care for. Odessa wants to be free, she is really tired of being forced to read palms and do all the kind of stuff she is supposed to do. To help her mother, who isn't special like her.
And she knows that there are dangerous things around. During a séance, she experienced something really strong. And now she is afraid. One day, she recived an invitation to a séance. Warren is a handsome boy who is sent to deliver the invitation to a private séance. Odessa doubts about it. She will think about it. When she tells her mother about the invitation, Madame says it's a good offer and convince her daugther to go.
Odessa arrives for the séance. Warren, Theresa, Benjamin... She really wants to help them. But there is something really wrong that she can't see initially.
The story is very short. I wish it had more pages to read because the story is really interesting, mysterious and catching. I liked the characters. Specially how well Erica Crouch managed to hide some surprises for the reader. Great plot twist.
Other element that has a good use in the story: the tarot cards. The meaning is important for the story.
If you have the chance read The Empath. I enjoyed the book and I hope to read more about the author soon :)
The story begins with Odessa and we know her mother. So Odessa is a young girl who also is a psychic, an authentic one, not fake like her mother 'The great Madame Elena'. Who is really mean to his daughter.
The only concern of Odessa's mother is money. That's all she care for. Odessa wants to be free, she is really tired of being forced to read palms and do all the kind of stuff she is supposed to do. To help her mother, who isn't special like her.
And she knows that there are dangerous things around. During a séance, she experienced something really strong. And now she is afraid. One day, she recived an invitation to a séance. Warren is a handsome boy who is sent to deliver the invitation to a private séance. Odessa doubts about it. She will think about it. When she tells her mother about the invitation, Madame says it's a good offer and convince her daugther to go.
Odessa arrives for the séance. Warren, Theresa, Benjamin... She really wants to help them. But there is something really wrong that she can't see initially.
The story is very short. I wish it had more pages to read because the story is really interesting, mysterious and catching. I liked the characters. Specially how well Erica Crouch managed to hide some surprises for the reader. Great plot twist.
Other element that has a good use in the story: the tarot cards. The meaning is important for the story.
If you have the chance read The Empath. I enjoyed the book and I hope to read more about the author soon :)
December 15, 2014
This has been my favourite offering from Erica Crouch thus far. She writes with a passion for complex characters that make the reader want to know more about them and weaves stories that have a way of going a different direction than you expect them to. This is what makes me seek out her books, and one of the things that makes her such a fantastic author--the reader can always expect the unexpected.
In this particular book, although it was short and apparently part of a collection, the reader is taken on a journey into the unknown world of the psychic medium--both the falsified kind that one expects and the real abilities (real-fictional, but real) of the main character Odessa. She is an interesting character because although we know of a relationship between her and her deceased grandmother previous to this book, and mention is made of her connections there, not much is actually revealed about this character during the present. This may have been intentional on the part of the author, making the character ever more mysterious, but I also found that made me struggle a bit with feeling close to her. We know so little about where she came from that it was hard to bond.
Still, this was a fast paced story with a lot of excitement and made for a great morning of reading. Erica Crouch certainly has a talent at making her readers believe the unbelievable. I enjoyed getting to know the two main characters and look forward to seeing what else she has written of them.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy mysticism and a break from the mundane reality of every day life.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
In this particular book, although it was short and apparently part of a collection, the reader is taken on a journey into the unknown world of the psychic medium--both the falsified kind that one expects and the real abilities (real-fictional, but real) of the main character Odessa. She is an interesting character because although we know of a relationship between her and her deceased grandmother previous to this book, and mention is made of her connections there, not much is actually revealed about this character during the present. This may have been intentional on the part of the author, making the character ever more mysterious, but I also found that made me struggle a bit with feeling close to her. We know so little about where she came from that it was hard to bond.
Still, this was a fast paced story with a lot of excitement and made for a great morning of reading. Erica Crouch certainly has a talent at making her readers believe the unbelievable. I enjoyed getting to know the two main characters and look forward to seeing what else she has written of them.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy mysticism and a break from the mundane reality of every day life.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
November 26, 2014
I really liked this book. It might help that I have a minor fascination with the Tarot, and the occult to be honest. And this book handles these ancient practices perfectly. From sage to ward away evil spirits, to the descriptions of her tarot and palm readings. Erica really nailed it.
The characters are also extremely well developed. From the antagonist Madame Elena, and the sweet strength that is Odessa, to the sweet charming nature of Benjamin. She weaves them throughout the story to keep you attached, or to further the story.
All in all this book was wonderfully done and I look forward to reading more of the series.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review which I freely and honestly give.
The characters are also extremely well developed. From the antagonist Madame Elena, and the sweet strength that is Odessa, to the sweet charming nature of Benjamin. She weaves them throughout the story to keep you attached, or to further the story.
All in all this book was wonderfully done and I look forward to reading more of the series.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review which I freely and honestly give.
December 2, 2014
I was given this book as a review copy from Netgalley. Even though this book was short (only 93 pages!) it was so good! I was swept up in the gypsy lifestyle and the tricks of the trade. I loved Odessa and was rooting for her the whole time. Her name alone calls to mind magic and journeys. I will admit that this kind of thing freaks me out. The channeling of spirits is dangerous and very real and people get hurt all the time. As we saw with Odessa's mother,which in reality she definitely deserved what she got. I will definitely be reading the rest of these books! And you should too!
November 22, 2014
Ms. Crouch has an intriguing story going here, I feel it would have gotten 5 stars had it been a novel and not just a long short story. Overall the characters have breath of life in them and the romance within the book is very touching. Odessa, Ben, Madame Elena, they have solid bone structures that make the occult look interesting and pleasing to those who know not much about what it truly is. I loved reading this book, it has an element that I cannot explain but just wished it was longer. Ms. Crouch left me wanting more! Great writing style and work!!
December 20, 2014
gypsy girl with paranormal talent is used by her ungifted mother for scamming people wanting card or palm readings or seances. At the root of the story is the girl's desire and need to grow up and separate herself from her mother's way of life. In between is the struggle she puts up against a powerful demon, and how she deals with the outcome.
October 25, 2014
Erica Crouch has a masterful command of words as she weaves an eerie story that has you clutching the edge of your seat and screaming, "Don't open that door!"
October 30, 2019
Short but interesting story about a girl with psychic powers and her absolutely horrible mother.
May 29, 2015
http://librarytalker.blogspot.com/201...
Odessa's mother is a grifter who pretends to be a spiritualist in order to get all the fame and money that she can. Odessa is the real talent who feeds her mother the true information that is given to the customers.
Odessa can read palms, read cards, and see the dead, while her mother only acts like she can.
Despite Odessa's misgivings, her mother decides to conduct a seance on Samhain, It has the potential to be her biggest score yet.
It turns out to be her biggest mistake.
Now Odessa must step forward and take over the business with only her cards, her wits, and her grandmother's magical locket to protect her.
Because Odessa's mother let out a dangerous spirit and that spirit wants Odessa for himself.
Final thoughts: Quick read with very little detail. It's difficult to understand why Odessa stays after the attack, but it doesn't detract too much from the story. Everything happens so quickly that it's hard to pin down what's missing. Essentially, the story isn't really about Odessa as much as it is about the locket and that locket has more stories after this one. OK, but not great.
Odessa's mother is a grifter who pretends to be a spiritualist in order to get all the fame and money that she can. Odessa is the real talent who feeds her mother the true information that is given to the customers.
Odessa can read palms, read cards, and see the dead, while her mother only acts like she can.
Despite Odessa's misgivings, her mother decides to conduct a seance on Samhain, It has the potential to be her biggest score yet.
It turns out to be her biggest mistake.
Now Odessa must step forward and take over the business with only her cards, her wits, and her grandmother's magical locket to protect her.
Because Odessa's mother let out a dangerous spirit and that spirit wants Odessa for himself.
Final thoughts: Quick read with very little detail. It's difficult to understand why Odessa stays after the attack, but it doesn't detract too much from the story. Everything happens so quickly that it's hard to pin down what's missing. Essentially, the story isn't really about Odessa as much as it is about the locket and that locket has more stories after this one. OK, but not great.
May 2, 2015
I enjoyed this story. I had a couple niggles with it - the world wasn't as well built as I'd have liked and it was hard to pinpoint a time period - but overall it was pretty awesome. The main character was equal parts helpless and strong, I quite fancied the love interest, and the story was interesting. A unique short story of psychics, dark magic, and a girl who just wants to be free of the life her mother has trapped her in.
October 29, 2014
The Empath by Erica Crouch is a novella or long short story. Gypsies, tarot, seances, psychics genuine and fraudulent. And romance. I think this one would have been better as a novel--it had some great ingredients for a longer narrative.
NetGalley/Patchwork Press
YA. Oct. 7, 2014. Print length: 98 pages.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews