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The Prophecy
Sarah lives a quiet life as a barista, full of routine and unremarkable days. Little does she know that her world is about to crumble.
When disturbing visions begin to haunt her, she is thrown into a series of terrifying and dangerous events. With a mysterious stalker lurking in the shadows, Sarah's once-ordinary world completely spirals into chaos.
Desperate for answers, she discovers that she is at the heart of an ancient prophecy tied to a distant world on the brink of destruction. The boundaries of reality begin to blur as she is forced to embark on a life-changing adventure that will force her to confront unimaginable threats to save not only herself but everyone she loves.
The Prophecy is a gripping urban fantasy that blends mystery, adventure, romance, and self-discovery. Prepare for a thrilling journey where nothing is as it seems, and every choice could mean the difference between salvation and ruin.
When disturbing visions begin to haunt her, she is thrown into a series of terrifying and dangerous events. With a mysterious stalker lurking in the shadows, Sarah's once-ordinary world completely spirals into chaos.
Desperate for answers, she discovers that she is at the heart of an ancient prophecy tied to a distant world on the brink of destruction. The boundaries of reality begin to blur as she is forced to embark on a life-changing adventure that will force her to confront unimaginable threats to save not only herself but everyone she loves.
The Prophecy is a gripping urban fantasy that blends mystery, adventure, romance, and self-discovery. Prepare for a thrilling journey where nothing is as it seems, and every choice could mean the difference between salvation and ruin.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2025
5 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 24, 2025
In a Nutshell: An urban fantasy with a mysterious prophecy being at the centre of the plot. The idea was great but the implementation was a bit basic. The writing style didn’t work for me, nor did the main characters who read younger than their age. Despite the shortcomings, I was still curious enough to know what happens. A good choice for those who care more about the story than the plot/character development.
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Plot Preview:
Bookish Yays:
🔮 The plot idea. Can’t go into spoilers, so no details. But I liked the core premise, even though it left many things unexplained.
🔮 The tempo. Quite fast-paced once you get used to the minimalist writing style.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
⚔️ The prologue was so impressive that I increased my expectations from the main story. Unfortunately, the ‘prologue’ was just a rehashed scene from further ahead. Granted, it’s not from the climactic clash but from the first half itself, which is still better, I suppose. But I hate it when prologues just copy scenes from in between and put them at the start. That’s not what a prologue is supposed to be!
⚔️ The story covers quite a few places and even offers some visuals from the locations. But the *vibe* is missing. Location descriptions are minimal, and the atmosphere is almost entirely non-existent. It’s like looking at the place from the other side of a glass window: you can see things but you cannot feel it at all.
⚔️ The same goes for the magical elements: what little is there is very interesting but it is hardly detailed and barely used. Most of the book reads like a normal adventure, with minimal fantastical content. Oddly, the magical content decreases as the plot goes ahead.
⚔️ All the secondary characters in Sarah’s circle are excellent. Charlotte, Steven, Grace, and Joe are the types of characters you want to know more and see more of. Unfortunately, they hardly get enough page space. They just walk in and out of the scene when they need to play their roles.
⚔️ The author’s first language isn't English but German, so hats off to this brave decision of penning her debut novel in a relatively unfamiliar tongue. It must be a tremendous task to write a full-length novel in another language. (I don’t even dare write a review in another language!) But as readers will obviously be comfortable with English, there can be only a certain leeway allowed for linguistic lacunae. To be clear, the author’s technical command over English is visible. But the flow of the conversations feels a bit stilted. The writing tilts more towards telling than showing.
⚔️ Despite my lack of satisfaction with the writing, I was still fairly invested in the plot and wanted to know how things would be resolved. However, the ending was disappointing to me. I actually rolled my eyes at the big reveal, and I disliked everything that happened post that scene.
Bookish Nays:
💣 There are only three main players in the whole plot, but the character development for each was lacking in some way or the other. In a strange contradiction, most of the scenes in the book focus on Sarah and William, and yet they feel the most distanced from us. Sarah’s family background barely gets any detailing, and despite her parents being a part of her life, we never see them be active in any scene, not even through a phone call, and not even when things get really wild. Even Sarah’s lack of ambition, though refreshing, isn’t clarified. Why is she happy to stay a barista when she isn't even happy with her job? William’s portrayal is grey, perhaps a bit more tilted towards the dark grey side, which is fine. But he is allowed to get away with a lot of problematic behaviour, which is NOT fine. I never understood why Sarah didn’t question him much even after some red flags started fluttering with gusto. The third main character is more like a caricature of a villain. For some reason I can’t figure out, I never felt the chills when he popped into a scene, even though he was barbaric.
💣 The lead characters are in their thirties, but at no point of the story do they sound or behave their age. For the most path, they feel like young adults caught in an adult war. I would have recommended this book to YAs, but the gory scenes and the intimate scenes immediately negate this possibility.
💣 The whole setting and build-up of the prophecy and the resultant quest is vague. A lot of the hows and whens stay hazy.
💣 Yet again, there is romance in a non-romance genre, and not even a convincing one at that. Things are too instant even though they aren’t actually based on physical attraction. I never understand how fictional characters stay focussed on their libido even when their lives are at stake.
💣 Many of Sarah’s thoughts are repetitive, so after a point, you start feeling the déjà vu quite strongly.
💣 The action goes in extremes. When it’s there, it is quite gory (at least to my taste), with blood not just dripping but gushing. When there’s no action, there’s literally no action. Nothing except walking and talking. The quest hence feels passive and boring.
All in all, I did like the plot idea, but I didn’t like the implementation at all. It’s a debut indie work and not in the author’s first language, so perhaps a strict round of editing (by an English-fluent editor) would have helped somewhat.
Mine seems to be an outlier review, so do read others readers’ thoughts and take a more informed call on this debut indie fantasy novel. It might work better for those not too fussy about writing styles. Might also help if they are fans of NA fantasy.
2 stars.
My thanks to the author and BAD PRESS iNK for a complimentary copy of “The Prophecy”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn’t work out better.
The digital version of this book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
|| My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Sarah, who is in her early thirties, lives a quiet life as a barista in an English town. When she suddenly starts getting strange hallucinations, she worries about her physical and mental health. Little does she know that a mysterious man named William, who is possibly stalking her, is connected to her visions. Soon, Sarah’s safe and predictable world is thrown into chaos, and the only solution can supposedly be found through a strange prophecy. But Sarah knows only half of the augury and no one knows where the other half is. As the danger escalates, Sarah is forced into a quest she never signed up for. Can an ordinary barista handle such life-changing perils?
The story comes to us in Sarah’s third-person perspective.
Bookish Yays:
🔮 The plot idea. Can’t go into spoilers, so no details. But I liked the core premise, even though it left many things unexplained.
🔮 The tempo. Quite fast-paced once you get used to the minimalist writing style.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
⚔️ The prologue was so impressive that I increased my expectations from the main story. Unfortunately, the ‘prologue’ was just a rehashed scene from further ahead. Granted, it’s not from the climactic clash but from the first half itself, which is still better, I suppose. But I hate it when prologues just copy scenes from in between and put them at the start. That’s not what a prologue is supposed to be!
⚔️ The story covers quite a few places and even offers some visuals from the locations. But the *vibe* is missing. Location descriptions are minimal, and the atmosphere is almost entirely non-existent. It’s like looking at the place from the other side of a glass window: you can see things but you cannot feel it at all.
⚔️ The same goes for the magical elements: what little is there is very interesting but it is hardly detailed and barely used. Most of the book reads like a normal adventure, with minimal fantastical content. Oddly, the magical content decreases as the plot goes ahead.
⚔️ All the secondary characters in Sarah’s circle are excellent. Charlotte, Steven, Grace, and Joe are the types of characters you want to know more and see more of. Unfortunately, they hardly get enough page space. They just walk in and out of the scene when they need to play their roles.
⚔️ The author’s first language isn't English but German, so hats off to this brave decision of penning her debut novel in a relatively unfamiliar tongue. It must be a tremendous task to write a full-length novel in another language. (I don’t even dare write a review in another language!) But as readers will obviously be comfortable with English, there can be only a certain leeway allowed for linguistic lacunae. To be clear, the author’s technical command over English is visible. But the flow of the conversations feels a bit stilted. The writing tilts more towards telling than showing.
⚔️ Despite my lack of satisfaction with the writing, I was still fairly invested in the plot and wanted to know how things would be resolved. However, the ending was disappointing to me. I actually rolled my eyes at the big reveal, and I disliked everything that happened post that scene.
Bookish Nays:
💣 There are only three main players in the whole plot, but the character development for each was lacking in some way or the other. In a strange contradiction, most of the scenes in the book focus on Sarah and William, and yet they feel the most distanced from us. Sarah’s family background barely gets any detailing, and despite her parents being a part of her life, we never see them be active in any scene, not even through a phone call, and not even when things get really wild. Even Sarah’s lack of ambition, though refreshing, isn’t clarified. Why is she happy to stay a barista when she isn't even happy with her job? William’s portrayal is grey, perhaps a bit more tilted towards the dark grey side, which is fine. But he is allowed to get away with a lot of problematic behaviour, which is NOT fine. I never understood why Sarah didn’t question him much even after some red flags started fluttering with gusto. The third main character is more like a caricature of a villain. For some reason I can’t figure out, I never felt the chills when he popped into a scene, even though he was barbaric.
💣 The lead characters are in their thirties, but at no point of the story do they sound or behave their age. For the most path, they feel like young adults caught in an adult war. I would have recommended this book to YAs, but the gory scenes and the intimate scenes immediately negate this possibility.
💣 The whole setting and build-up of the prophecy and the resultant quest is vague. A lot of the hows and whens stay hazy.
💣 Yet again, there is romance in a non-romance genre, and not even a convincing one at that. Things are too instant even though they aren’t actually based on physical attraction. I never understand how fictional characters stay focussed on their libido even when their lives are at stake.
💣 Many of Sarah’s thoughts are repetitive, so after a point, you start feeling the déjà vu quite strongly.
💣 The action goes in extremes. When it’s there, it is quite gory (at least to my taste), with blood not just dripping but gushing. When there’s no action, there’s literally no action. Nothing except walking and talking. The quest hence feels passive and boring.
All in all, I did like the plot idea, but I didn’t like the implementation at all. It’s a debut indie work and not in the author’s first language, so perhaps a strict round of editing (by an English-fluent editor) would have helped somewhat.
Mine seems to be an outlier review, so do read others readers’ thoughts and take a more informed call on this debut indie fantasy novel. It might work better for those not too fussy about writing styles. Might also help if they are fans of NA fantasy.
2 stars.
My thanks to the author and BAD PRESS iNK for a complimentary copy of “The Prophecy”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn’t work out better.
The digital version of this book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
|| My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
June 27, 2025
Thank you for the ARC link, I was glad to read it before the premiere! And of course, I'm sorry for not writing the review earlier, but I have an exam session currently, and because of that, I couldn't read everything on time, but I can see the idea of the book.
This review is kinda longish.
THE PROPHECY | LISA ZIMMERMANN
RATING: **** and a half
Let me start from the beginning - We have the main character, whose name is Sarah O'Donoghue. We're introduced to her world, which is just like ours, as she is a young woman working in a coffee shop. And then, her everyday life is disturbed by her... visions. Hallucinations. She sees old styled buildings, people.
In the prologue readers see the first hallucination coming from her. The author knows how to hook up the reader to read more. As I began, I thought that I couldn't just stop. Like I had to read more.
I like how the book is introduced via Sarah's eyes. Her everyday life vs the hallucinations is written really, really good, and the reader may see almost like going through the insanity trope (but as we later discover, it's not insanity, but the prophecy!). I love how the author showed Charlotte and Sarah's relationship that sounds almost like reality! And Sarah and William's relationship, at least at the very beginning.
What I didn't like was the fact, that the commas weren't working, especially in the beginning! some of them were placed randomly, whereas the rest was non-existent. And I think that Sarah's attraction to William was not exactly well written? Maybe it's just me, but I couldn't see the chemistry between them two. It was just like she saw him half-naked, and she was like 👀🥵😏.
I love the British language usage, as the book is set in England, and I don't know if the author is British, but I liked it.
This review is kinda longish.
THE PROPHECY | LISA ZIMMERMANN
RATING: **** and a half
Let me start from the beginning - We have the main character, whose name is Sarah O'Donoghue. We're introduced to her world, which is just like ours, as she is a young woman working in a coffee shop. And then, her everyday life is disturbed by her... visions. Hallucinations. She sees old styled buildings, people.
In the prologue readers see the first hallucination coming from her. The author knows how to hook up the reader to read more. As I began, I thought that I couldn't just stop. Like I had to read more.
I like how the book is introduced via Sarah's eyes. Her everyday life vs the hallucinations is written really, really good, and the reader may see almost like going through the insanity trope (but as we later discover, it's not insanity, but the prophecy!). I love how the author showed Charlotte and Sarah's relationship that sounds almost like reality! And Sarah and William's relationship, at least at the very beginning.
What I didn't like was the fact, that the commas weren't working, especially in the beginning! some of them were placed randomly, whereas the rest was non-existent. And I think that Sarah's attraction to William was not exactly well written? Maybe it's just me, but I couldn't see the chemistry between them two. It was just like she saw him half-naked, and she was like 👀🥵😏.
I love the British language usage, as the book is set in England, and I don't know if the author is British, but I liked it.
July 1, 2025
I read this story over the course of a week and really enjoyed it!
Fantasy as a genre, besides one famous series, scares me away due to excessive exposition and worlds which are unmanageable when you want a fun read.
This story blends relatable, ‘human’ characters with a unique fantastical premise, held together with snappy prose which is not bloated.
The outcome is a fast-paced journey which fits into a slim novel with no filler.
Without giving much away, Sarah’s ability to ‘change places’ is specific and unique in its application. I look forward to future instalments as I think this power could be used in funny, clever and clutch ways.
A strong recommend to anyone who wants an easy-to-read fantasy without a long investment.
Fantasy as a genre, besides one famous series, scares me away due to excessive exposition and worlds which are unmanageable when you want a fun read.
This story blends relatable, ‘human’ characters with a unique fantastical premise, held together with snappy prose which is not bloated.
The outcome is a fast-paced journey which fits into a slim novel with no filler.
Without giving much away, Sarah’s ability to ‘change places’ is specific and unique in its application. I look forward to future instalments as I think this power could be used in funny, clever and clutch ways.
A strong recommend to anyone who wants an easy-to-read fantasy without a long investment.
June 28, 2025
Sarah lives a quiet and dull life. She works in a cafe which just adds to the monotony. She starts to have peculiar visions relating to a parallel world and then finds herself being pursued by a mysterious man who is trying warn her of something. This leads her into a whirlwind of events and on an unusual quest.
This is an imaginative and compelling tale with some interesting characters. Although it isn’t really my genre I thought It had an intriguing and well paced plot. It kept me turning the pages, it’s a race against time type of story. It put me in mind of the film, The Terminator! There’s plenty of action and a smattering of romance, too. The only quibble I have is with the writing style. To me it reads like a young adult book and some of the dialogue feels a little stilted. However, it could simply be that English isn’t the author’s first language. Don’t let that put you off, though, just give it a go yourself! All in all it’s an engaging debut with a satisfying conclusion, leaving it open for a sequel. It takes you on quite the ride.
This is an imaginative and compelling tale with some interesting characters. Although it isn’t really my genre I thought It had an intriguing and well paced plot. It kept me turning the pages, it’s a race against time type of story. It put me in mind of the film, The Terminator! There’s plenty of action and a smattering of romance, too. The only quibble I have is with the writing style. To me it reads like a young adult book and some of the dialogue feels a little stilted. However, it could simply be that English isn’t the author’s first language. Don’t let that put you off, though, just give it a go yourself! All in all it’s an engaging debut with a satisfying conclusion, leaving it open for a sequel. It takes you on quite the ride.
July 1, 2025
A fairytale for adults
This is a captivating tale of Sarah, a woman who find herself inextricably linked to another world which she reaches through portals due to, she begins to learn, her extraordinary birthright. The narrative is engaging and a little idiosyncratic adding to the strong sense of legend.
This is a captivating tale of Sarah, a woman who find herself inextricably linked to another world which she reaches through portals due to, she begins to learn, her extraordinary birthright. The narrative is engaging and a little idiosyncratic adding to the strong sense of legend.
July 8, 2025
Sarah has a quiet life; she's a barista, she's often late, a bit scatty. Loves her friend Charlotte and gets on well with Steve, the coffee shop owner. Out of nowhere, she starts to have 'episodes', 'visions', whatever you want to call them. In these, she seems to slip into a different time, and after ruling out all medical options, she starts to wonder why exactly this is happening. Enter William; scruffy, intense, yet intriguing, a confusing chap, who seems obsessed with Sarah, and after a couple of awkward encounters, tells her exactly why this is. Initially Sarah thinks he's escaped from the funny farm, but after the strange few weeks she's had, there's something about the story he's telling her and elements of it - that she's linked to an ancient prophecy and may be the saviour of his world - that starts to ring disturbingly true. But that can't be true can it? She's just a barista with time management issues, not a bringer of peace.
After a series of happenings that see her life and that of those she loves put in danger more than once, she becomes more accepting of William's explanation of these events that are turning her life upside down, and accompanies him on a journey that will end up changing both of their lives completely.
This type of novel - the chosen one, different worlds, love/hate hints of romance between the main characters, and one big plot point that is too spoilery to mention at this point - isn't one I would really have gone for, however when I was offered the ARC by Bad Ink, I thought it sounded interesting so decided to go for it. Also I like to support debut authors when I can and this is Liza Zimmermans first novel. However, having finished The Prophecy, it has me in a bit of a conundrum.
First off, it's not really like any book I've read before. Well, it is, but at the same time, it isn't. I've enjoyed many a novel with a historical time slip where the protagonist can find themselves suddenly in the same place at a different time often linked to another character, or object from the past. Well, this book does the same thing except it's not a place in time Sarah is being 'transported' to, it's a place in a different world that (kind of) correlates to the geography in our world. I'm sure that there are books out there that do this, indeed it may be commonplace in the fantasy genre, but that isn't one that I frequent very often, so it was quite new to me. I suppose it's a bit like the CS Lewis books featuring Narnia in that respect, not so much a time-slip as a world-slip. I did think she was going back in time as the description of the other world (known as Afelia - also my Mum's favourite Greek disk), is very old timey to begin with.
The big question: Did I like it? Yes. I did. I felt Lisa's writing flowed really well, and avoided many of the annoying habits that authors fall into - overexplaining, making the character just too perfect and wholesome. Sarah doesn't know how the world slips work, or the portals, so neither do we. Sarah's a great character. I enjoyed her turn of phrase and some bits really made me chuckle. One criticism would be that at the start of the book the dialogue was stilted - contractions would help here - but I believe that English is not the author's first language, and so I cannot hold that against her. A little editing would sort that right out.
I feel like this book is a kind of safe entry point to the concept of other worlds for anyone who is a bit unsure about setting foot into a new genre. It's very much a modern female-led novel about a young woman just getting through each day and finding her way, that successfully connects two worlds and introduces them to each other. I've read a couple of debut novels that delve into the fantasy world space and if you're not famililar with world building, it can be a bit overwhelming and confusing and Lisa avoids this by putting us in the same boat as Sarah - she hasn't got a clue about this world, so we learn as she does - from William. I don't know if this is the first in a series, but I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about Afelia, and how Sarah fares in this new world.
After a series of happenings that see her life and that of those she loves put in danger more than once, she becomes more accepting of William's explanation of these events that are turning her life upside down, and accompanies him on a journey that will end up changing both of their lives completely.
This type of novel - the chosen one, different worlds, love/hate hints of romance between the main characters, and one big plot point that is too spoilery to mention at this point - isn't one I would really have gone for, however when I was offered the ARC by Bad Ink, I thought it sounded interesting so decided to go for it. Also I like to support debut authors when I can and this is Liza Zimmermans first novel. However, having finished The Prophecy, it has me in a bit of a conundrum.
First off, it's not really like any book I've read before. Well, it is, but at the same time, it isn't. I've enjoyed many a novel with a historical time slip where the protagonist can find themselves suddenly in the same place at a different time often linked to another character, or object from the past. Well, this book does the same thing except it's not a place in time Sarah is being 'transported' to, it's a place in a different world that (kind of) correlates to the geography in our world. I'm sure that there are books out there that do this, indeed it may be commonplace in the fantasy genre, but that isn't one that I frequent very often, so it was quite new to me. I suppose it's a bit like the CS Lewis books featuring Narnia in that respect, not so much a time-slip as a world-slip. I did think she was going back in time as the description of the other world (known as Afelia - also my Mum's favourite Greek disk), is very old timey to begin with.
The big question: Did I like it? Yes. I did. I felt Lisa's writing flowed really well, and avoided many of the annoying habits that authors fall into - overexplaining, making the character just too perfect and wholesome. Sarah doesn't know how the world slips work, or the portals, so neither do we. Sarah's a great character. I enjoyed her turn of phrase and some bits really made me chuckle. One criticism would be that at the start of the book the dialogue was stilted - contractions would help here - but I believe that English is not the author's first language, and so I cannot hold that against her. A little editing would sort that right out.
I feel like this book is a kind of safe entry point to the concept of other worlds for anyone who is a bit unsure about setting foot into a new genre. It's very much a modern female-led novel about a young woman just getting through each day and finding her way, that successfully connects two worlds and introduces them to each other. I've read a couple of debut novels that delve into the fantasy world space and if you're not famililar with world building, it can be a bit overwhelming and confusing and Lisa avoids this by putting us in the same boat as Sarah - she hasn't got a clue about this world, so we learn as she does - from William. I don't know if this is the first in a series, but I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about Afelia, and how Sarah fares in this new world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2025
Thanks to Bad Press Ink, I received an advanced copy of this. For various reasons, I was delayed reading it but was very pleasantly surprised when I managed to finish. Good story, easy to read, digestable chapters. My only criticism would be that it took a bit too long to get to the main crux of the story. Looking forward to seeing more from this author.
July 14, 2025
Thank you to BAD PRESS iNK and Lisa Zimmermann for this Advance Reader Copy of The Prophecy in exchange for an honest review. At 270 pages, this is a quite a quick read but it is well paced and although not my normal genre, it held my attention!
The Prophecy plunges ordinary barista Sarah into an extraordinary world of visions and secrets. The plot is a whirlwind, quickly escalating from frightening encounters to a desperate fight for survival; it kept me thoroughly engaged. Sarah is a relatable protagonist who is initially overwhelmed but growing into her unexpected role with believable determination. The supporting characters add layers of intrigue and tension each playing a vital part in unravelling The Prophecy. The writing style is direct and immersive, painting vivid scenes and propelling the narrative forward with a compelling pace. This urban fantasy debut is a thrilling ride for anyone seeking mystery adventure and a touch of the extraordinary.
This is the blurb: “Sarah lives a quiet life as a barista, full of routine and unremarkable days. Little does she know that her world is about to crumble.
When disturbing visions begin to haunt her, she is thrown into a series of terrifying and dangerous events. With a mysterious stalker lurking in the shadows, Sarah's once-ordinary world completely spirals into chaos.
Desperate for answers, she discovers that she is at the heart of an ancient prophecy tied to a distant world on the brink of destruction. The boundaries of reality begin to blur as she is forced to embark on a life-changing adventure that will force her to confront unimaginable threats to save not only herself but everyone she loves.
The Prophecy is a gripping urban fantasy that blends mystery, adventure, romance, and self-discovery. Prepare for a thrilling journey where nothing is as it seems, and every choice could mean the difference between salvation and ruin.”
The Prophecy plunges ordinary barista Sarah into an extraordinary world of visions and secrets. The plot is a whirlwind, quickly escalating from frightening encounters to a desperate fight for survival; it kept me thoroughly engaged. Sarah is a relatable protagonist who is initially overwhelmed but growing into her unexpected role with believable determination. The supporting characters add layers of intrigue and tension each playing a vital part in unravelling The Prophecy. The writing style is direct and immersive, painting vivid scenes and propelling the narrative forward with a compelling pace. This urban fantasy debut is a thrilling ride for anyone seeking mystery adventure and a touch of the extraordinary.
This is the blurb: “Sarah lives a quiet life as a barista, full of routine and unremarkable days. Little does she know that her world is about to crumble.
When disturbing visions begin to haunt her, she is thrown into a series of terrifying and dangerous events. With a mysterious stalker lurking in the shadows, Sarah's once-ordinary world completely spirals into chaos.
Desperate for answers, she discovers that she is at the heart of an ancient prophecy tied to a distant world on the brink of destruction. The boundaries of reality begin to blur as she is forced to embark on a life-changing adventure that will force her to confront unimaginable threats to save not only herself but everyone she loves.
The Prophecy is a gripping urban fantasy that blends mystery, adventure, romance, and self-discovery. Prepare for a thrilling journey where nothing is as it seems, and every choice could mean the difference between salvation and ruin.”
July 26, 2025
I'm a fan of fantasy, time travel and parallel universe stories so this book was just what I like.
The main character, Sarah, is well established from the start. When her disturbing visions were first described, I thought it was going to lead to time travel, and although the story developed into something different, I was not disappointed. Sarah's life is an ordinary one, working in a cafe, until she starts to have disturbing visions and becomes concerned she has a brain tumour. When she realises she is also being followed by a strange young man who's determined to talk to her, her normal life takes an unusual turn.
I enjoyed the depiction of her relationship with William as it developed into a partnership. The story of their quest to unravel a puzzle and 'save the world' was told in an absorbing and pacy way.
I found the sense of place quite vivid and the 2 main characters well developed and the plot was tied up neatly with various surprise and satisfactory ending.
It's a solid debut novel, of its genre, and I'm hoping for a sequel.
Thankyou to Lisa and Black Ink for the arc.
The main character, Sarah, is well established from the start. When her disturbing visions were first described, I thought it was going to lead to time travel, and although the story developed into something different, I was not disappointed. Sarah's life is an ordinary one, working in a cafe, until she starts to have disturbing visions and becomes concerned she has a brain tumour. When she realises she is also being followed by a strange young man who's determined to talk to her, her normal life takes an unusual turn.
I enjoyed the depiction of her relationship with William as it developed into a partnership. The story of their quest to unravel a puzzle and 'save the world' was told in an absorbing and pacy way.
I found the sense of place quite vivid and the 2 main characters well developed and the plot was tied up neatly with various surprise and satisfactory ending.
It's a solid debut novel, of its genre, and I'm hoping for a sequel.
Thankyou to Lisa and Black Ink for the arc.
July 26, 2025
Thanks to Bad Ink Books for contacting us ex-Pigeonhole readers to read some of their books - we've had a really good start in The Prophecy by Lisa Zimmerman.
Sarah is an ordinary Barista who is thrown into a life of danger, magic and world-jumping.
This is a really imaginative story that had me hooked from the first page. It's pacey, exciting and has an element of romance (eventually) as well - not a big concern for me, but I was relieved that it wasn't too central a topic and it wasn't too detailed (I know, I sound very prim and proper. I'm not, I just like what I like 🤷🏼♀️).
It all wraps up in a very satisfying ending - no cliffhangers here.
What amazes me the most, and I know it shouldn't because I've known enough Germans in my life to know this is no huge surprise, is that this book is written by Lisa Zimmerman in her second language. It really is excellent, and I wish my German was still as good as her English is now!
This is a really entertaining, exhilarating read, great for fans of parallel universes, magic and suspense.
Sarah is an ordinary Barista who is thrown into a life of danger, magic and world-jumping.
This is a really imaginative story that had me hooked from the first page. It's pacey, exciting and has an element of romance (eventually) as well - not a big concern for me, but I was relieved that it wasn't too central a topic and it wasn't too detailed (I know, I sound very prim and proper. I'm not, I just like what I like 🤷🏼♀️).
It all wraps up in a very satisfying ending - no cliffhangers here.
What amazes me the most, and I know it shouldn't because I've known enough Germans in my life to know this is no huge surprise, is that this book is written by Lisa Zimmerman in her second language. It really is excellent, and I wish my German was still as good as her English is now!
This is a really entertaining, exhilarating read, great for fans of parallel universes, magic and suspense.
July 20, 2025
Despite my usual resistance to reading - especially in English and especially in digital format, which I personally can’t stand - The Prophecy by Lisa Zimmermann is a pleasure to read. Unlike many others, reading Lisa’s book (or rather, the first dozen or so pages) didn’t feel like a chore at all 😉
Right from the first pages, this book pulls you in with fast-paced action and an eerie, almost suffocating atmosphere. The strange dreams, creeping hallucinations, and that persistent feeling that something is coming - it all builds a quiet, growing tension that really gets under your skin. Everyday life feels oddly fragile here, constantly brushing up against something unknown and unsettling. It's one of those stories where you can tell early on: this isn’t just surface-level suspense - there’s something deeper brewing beneath it all. A gripping and very promising start.
I’ll definitely come back to this book when the time is right - I’m very curious to see how the story unfolds.
July 13, 2025
(spoiler-free review) This debut novel is within the portal fantasy genre and, while I don’t usually read in this area, I enjoyed it and found it a good read.
The Protagonist, Sarah, is an ordinary woman, early thirties, with an ordinary job. Into her life comes a stranger, William, who reveals that he’s visiting Earth from the doomed utopian world of Aphelia. The society here has been set up by the Guardians. All was well until they were overthrown and murdered. The Antagonist here is Drake, a charming overlord but ruthless and evil.
The pace is good. Pleasingly, the author eschews lengthy descriptions and world building. Instead there’s plenty of action. Lots of stuff happens. The author effectively combines otherworld fantasy with the conflicts and tension of a mystery thriller.
But I couldn’t fathom the target readership. Is this important? Well, yes because it becomes very difficult to judge the story and the language used unless you can gauge the suitability. For example, the regular use of the f*** word and the realism of the violence seemed to preclude a YA readership. I concluded that the book is aimed at those who read Harry Potter 20 years ago and now, in adulthood, want to continue in the same vein.
Although the character of Sarah is warm and relatable, I found her underdeveloped. Occasionally, she has some good lines in ironic putdowns to the predicaments she faces. But it would have been great to have had a bigger character, full of wisecracks and sassy comments. Instead, she reminds us constantly that she is no more than a barista, selling coffees.
As the novel progresses, Sarah discovers that she has the power to migrate from Earth to Aphelia at will. No need for wardrobes or looking glasses here. This is beneficial for Sarah as she does indeed ‘magic’ herself out of tricky situations in Aphelia. But this is too easy a solution and misses out on the dramatic possibility and jeopardy of being trapped in Aphelia. I wondered why Sarah didn’t play this ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card more often.
The world of Aphelia is captivating and well presented, I couldn’t quite work out who the Guardians were or what they did. If we don’t know this, we can’t care about their work and curtailed lives. The biggest problem for me was The Prophecy. Finding it and making it happen is the crucial objective of Sarah’s mission. But in the end, I found it arbitrary and almost trite.
However, the developing relationship between Sarah and William is beautifully written, skilfully capturing the situations they encounter and overcome. The novel concludes on a satisfactory ending and keeps the door open for a second book and thus a series.
So if you enjoy fantasy writing that explores human relationships in challenging circumstances, then certainly give ‘The Prophecy’ a try.
My thanks go to Bad Ink Press for making a pre-publication copy available so that I might offer an honest review.
The Protagonist, Sarah, is an ordinary woman, early thirties, with an ordinary job. Into her life comes a stranger, William, who reveals that he’s visiting Earth from the doomed utopian world of Aphelia. The society here has been set up by the Guardians. All was well until they were overthrown and murdered. The Antagonist here is Drake, a charming overlord but ruthless and evil.
The pace is good. Pleasingly, the author eschews lengthy descriptions and world building. Instead there’s plenty of action. Lots of stuff happens. The author effectively combines otherworld fantasy with the conflicts and tension of a mystery thriller.
But I couldn’t fathom the target readership. Is this important? Well, yes because it becomes very difficult to judge the story and the language used unless you can gauge the suitability. For example, the regular use of the f*** word and the realism of the violence seemed to preclude a YA readership. I concluded that the book is aimed at those who read Harry Potter 20 years ago and now, in adulthood, want to continue in the same vein.
Although the character of Sarah is warm and relatable, I found her underdeveloped. Occasionally, she has some good lines in ironic putdowns to the predicaments she faces. But it would have been great to have had a bigger character, full of wisecracks and sassy comments. Instead, she reminds us constantly that she is no more than a barista, selling coffees.
As the novel progresses, Sarah discovers that she has the power to migrate from Earth to Aphelia at will. No need for wardrobes or looking glasses here. This is beneficial for Sarah as she does indeed ‘magic’ herself out of tricky situations in Aphelia. But this is too easy a solution and misses out on the dramatic possibility and jeopardy of being trapped in Aphelia. I wondered why Sarah didn’t play this ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card more often.
The world of Aphelia is captivating and well presented, I couldn’t quite work out who the Guardians were or what they did. If we don’t know this, we can’t care about their work and curtailed lives. The biggest problem for me was The Prophecy. Finding it and making it happen is the crucial objective of Sarah’s mission. But in the end, I found it arbitrary and almost trite.
However, the developing relationship between Sarah and William is beautifully written, skilfully capturing the situations they encounter and overcome. The novel concludes on a satisfactory ending and keeps the door open for a second book and thus a series.
So if you enjoy fantasy writing that explores human relationships in challenging circumstances, then certainly give ‘The Prophecy’ a try.
My thanks go to Bad Ink Press for making a pre-publication copy available so that I might offer an honest review.
July 18, 2025
Gripping, Atmospheric, and Utterly Addictive!
The Prophecy by Lisa Zimmermann is a spellbinding urban fantasy that hooks you from the explosive prologue and refuses to let go. At the heart of the story is Sarah O'Donoghue, a coffee shop worker whose life is suddenly disrupted by visions, inexplicable events, and a mysterious man who insists she’s in danger. What begins as a slow unraveling of reality quickly builds into a layered and suspenseful tale that expertly blends contemporary life with a rich, magical world on the brink of collapse.
Zimmermann has a gift for creating authentic, relatable characters. Sarah is wonderfully drawn - witty, vulnerable, and grounded in a way that makes her bizarre experiences all the more impactful. Her friendship with the irrepressible Charlotte adds warmth and levity, while the enigmatic William introduces tension and intrigue. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing tight, and the alternating moods - humor, dread, wonder - are masterfully balanced.
But it’s the atmosphere that truly shines. Whether it's a chaotic nightclub, a quiet soup kitchen, or an eerie vision of a parallel world, Zimmermann's prose vividly brings each scene to life. The supernatural elements unfold gradually, and the mystery behind Sarah’s visions is so compelling that it’s impossible not to keep turning the pages.
A must-read for fans of contemporary fantasy and slow-burn mysteries with a magical twist. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next!
The Prophecy by Lisa Zimmermann is a spellbinding urban fantasy that hooks you from the explosive prologue and refuses to let go. At the heart of the story is Sarah O'Donoghue, a coffee shop worker whose life is suddenly disrupted by visions, inexplicable events, and a mysterious man who insists she’s in danger. What begins as a slow unraveling of reality quickly builds into a layered and suspenseful tale that expertly blends contemporary life with a rich, magical world on the brink of collapse.
Zimmermann has a gift for creating authentic, relatable characters. Sarah is wonderfully drawn - witty, vulnerable, and grounded in a way that makes her bizarre experiences all the more impactful. Her friendship with the irrepressible Charlotte adds warmth and levity, while the enigmatic William introduces tension and intrigue. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing tight, and the alternating moods - humor, dread, wonder - are masterfully balanced.
But it’s the atmosphere that truly shines. Whether it's a chaotic nightclub, a quiet soup kitchen, or an eerie vision of a parallel world, Zimmermann's prose vividly brings each scene to life. The supernatural elements unfold gradually, and the mystery behind Sarah’s visions is so compelling that it’s impossible not to keep turning the pages.
A must-read for fans of contemporary fantasy and slow-burn mysteries with a magical twist. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next!
June 23, 2025
I love to read, but sometimes I have a problem staying focused. There are few authors who manage to keep me captivated for hours because they create a world for me that I can wander through in my mind, where I can empathize with the characters on their journey. Lisa Zimmermann is one of those authors.
'The Prophecy' drew me into the world of Sarah after a few sentences, who is just trying to live her life and is suddenly pulled into an adventure that shows her how much power she actually has. She has to make difficult decisions and adjust her moral compass several times. The employee in a café and volunteer in a homeless shelter suddenly becomes the chosen one to save a dying world.
A story of this length usually takes me up to a week to read - ‘The Prophecy’ took me two days. I'm tempted to start it all over again. It's a story of a quest, of building confidence, self-doubt and discovering inner strength. Lisa Zimmermann has succeeded in creating Sarah in such a way that it is easy to empathize with her. You want to protect her and cheer her on and when a character rushes to support her, it's not to help a weak woman, but to make her aware of her strength when she starts to doubt herself. I really recommend this story and this is the longest review I have ever written.
'The Prophecy' drew me into the world of Sarah after a few sentences, who is just trying to live her life and is suddenly pulled into an adventure that shows her how much power she actually has. She has to make difficult decisions and adjust her moral compass several times. The employee in a café and volunteer in a homeless shelter suddenly becomes the chosen one to save a dying world.
A story of this length usually takes me up to a week to read - ‘The Prophecy’ took me two days. I'm tempted to start it all over again. It's a story of a quest, of building confidence, self-doubt and discovering inner strength. Lisa Zimmermann has succeeded in creating Sarah in such a way that it is easy to empathize with her. You want to protect her and cheer her on and when a character rushes to support her, it's not to help a weak woman, but to make her aware of her strength when she starts to doubt herself. I really recommend this story and this is the longest review I have ever written.
June 30, 2025
First things first, handing me a book with a chosen one is a huge gamble. I generally detest that trope, and maybe even more so when the chosen one is a person from our world, the, um, "real" world, and apparently the only one who can save the parallel fantasy world because prophecy. Which is exactly what's happening in this book.
The fact that I liked the story anyway says a lot about the potential of the author to keep a reader engaged.
I'll be brutally honest - I got an ARC, so writing an honest review probably is my job at this point - I had a few quibbles with the book along the way. Where the old show vs tell thing is concerned, it's heavily on the tell side, with the occasional over-explanation of the MC's thoughts, feelings and motives, and there are instances of weird word order and random commas. I'm blaming all that on the fact that this is a debut novel, and the author has yet to overcome her insecurities and impostor syndrome (Trust yourself, Lisa! You got this!). None of that put me off either, the opposite is true - there were some very nice twists and challenges, and I would have wanted the story to be longer, to dive deeper into the background and history of the fantasy world and the people inhabiting it.
The fact that I liked the story anyway says a lot about the potential of the author to keep a reader engaged.
I'll be brutally honest - I got an ARC, so writing an honest review probably is my job at this point - I had a few quibbles with the book along the way. Where the old show vs tell thing is concerned, it's heavily on the tell side, with the occasional over-explanation of the MC's thoughts, feelings and motives, and there are instances of weird word order and random commas. I'm blaming all that on the fact that this is a debut novel, and the author has yet to overcome her insecurities and impostor syndrome (Trust yourself, Lisa! You got this!). None of that put me off either, the opposite is true - there were some very nice twists and challenges, and I would have wanted the story to be longer, to dive deeper into the background and history of the fantasy world and the people inhabiting it.
July 5, 2025
More of a 3.75
This isn't my usual read within the fantasy genre as it felt like it was leaning towards the romantasy end of things but I had the chance to read it as an ARC via the publisher (Bad Ink Press) and I thought I would try it as I have enjoyed several books published by them.
This was a good debut, it may be better suited in the YA/NA section due to being a shorter novel and simpler plot/fantasy world, etc.
The characters were well drawn, I could easily imagine them, and the writing on the whole was pretty good, keeping me engrossed in the story. The only issue I had with the writing was that the story in this world was set in the UK but there were a lot of Americanisms in the language that British characters would not have used & describing things which jarred my brain a little as it made the setting confusing . I understand that the author is writing in their second language, so if they plan in setting future books in the UK, maybe get someone to help adjust these.
As I said above those who enjoy (YA/NA) romantasy may enjoy this more than I did, especially if this is developed into a series, with slightly longer books so that more "world building" can be done.
With thanks to the author & Bad Ink press for the opportunity.
This isn't my usual read within the fantasy genre as it felt like it was leaning towards the romantasy end of things but I had the chance to read it as an ARC via the publisher (Bad Ink Press) and I thought I would try it as I have enjoyed several books published by them.
This was a good debut, it may be better suited in the YA/NA section due to being a shorter novel and simpler plot/fantasy world, etc.
The characters were well drawn, I could easily imagine them, and the writing on the whole was pretty good, keeping me engrossed in the story. The only issue I had with the writing was that the story in this world was set in the UK but there were a lot of Americanisms in the language that British characters would not have used & describing things which jarred my brain a little as it made the setting confusing . I understand that the author is writing in their second language, so if they plan in setting future books in the UK, maybe get someone to help adjust these.
As I said above those who enjoy (YA/NA) romantasy may enjoy this more than I did, especially if this is developed into a series, with slightly longer books so that more "world building" can be done.
With thanks to the author & Bad Ink press for the opportunity.
July 20, 2025
I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to read an ARC of this book by the publisher Bad Press ink in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading it and was invested in the main character Sarah right from the start. She is living a very normal life and working in a coffee shop as the story starts then she begins to notice strange changes. She has what she thinks are hallucinations of a different world. Sarah’s life dramatically changes and her life and the lives of her friends are in danger. What follows is an exciting fantasy tale filled with adventure and bravery. Sarah is a strong lead character who follows her heart into the unknown. It’s a well written debut novel filled with great characters and the warmth of strong friendships. I think it will have wide appeal and would also suit a young adult audience. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
June 29, 2025
This is not a genre that I normally read. I like time travel, but not so keen on magic. However I thought I'd give this a go and broaden my horizons a bit.
I like the premise of this book and could empathise with the main character when she thinks she may be going mad, or has a brain tumour. When she meets William and he delivers his story, I wondered if romance was on the cards. But the relationship seemed a little odd and I changed my mind as the book progressed, as I found William to be rather stiff and formal. Not a match for Sarah, who was much more fast and furious.
I felt that the second half of the book was a bit simple and naïve at times, and for me, the Americanisms jarred a little. However as this is a debut novel, written in a second language, I have rounded up from three and half stars to four.
Thanks to Lisa and Bad Ink for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I like the premise of this book and could empathise with the main character when she thinks she may be going mad, or has a brain tumour. When she meets William and he delivers his story, I wondered if romance was on the cards. But the relationship seemed a little odd and I changed my mind as the book progressed, as I found William to be rather stiff and formal. Not a match for Sarah, who was much more fast and furious.
I felt that the second half of the book was a bit simple and naïve at times, and for me, the Americanisms jarred a little. However as this is a debut novel, written in a second language, I have rounded up from three and half stars to four.
Thanks to Lisa and Bad Ink for the opportunity to read this ARC.
October 24, 2025
I really enjoyed The Prophecy - it's a parallel universe story with undertones of myth and legend in a contemporary setting.
That's not to say it's perfect though. It's hard to pin down why, but at the start I found some of the writing just a little clunky. When I discovered the author wasn't writing in her first language, it made sense. In fact once I knew that, I was astounded with how good it was - it only felt a bit stilted, and after a while I stopped noticing anything awry. Whether that's because the writing simply got better, or I got so engrossed in the story it no longer mattered, I couldn't say!
The plot is gripping and makes for a proper page turner. Sarah works in a coffee shop. She doesn't particularly like the job, but she needs the money and doesn't have any better idea what to do with her life. All very dull and uneventful, until a stranger shows up, insistent that she is somehow key to a prophecy that will save his land. William is intense and unsettling and Sarah is hesitant to believe in him, but his outlandish tale might just explain some of the strange things she has seen recently.
It's a quick read, although I would have liked it to be longer. That would have given an opportunity to develop some of the characters further. For example, it would have been interesting to see more of William's world, and I'd have loved to spend more time with Joe and Grace, two selfless and kind hearted characters with dark pasts that are only hinted at in the narrative.
All in all, The Prophecy is an immersive and gripping story that flies by.
That's not to say it's perfect though. It's hard to pin down why, but at the start I found some of the writing just a little clunky. When I discovered the author wasn't writing in her first language, it made sense. In fact once I knew that, I was astounded with how good it was - it only felt a bit stilted, and after a while I stopped noticing anything awry. Whether that's because the writing simply got better, or I got so engrossed in the story it no longer mattered, I couldn't say!
The plot is gripping and makes for a proper page turner. Sarah works in a coffee shop. She doesn't particularly like the job, but she needs the money and doesn't have any better idea what to do with her life. All very dull and uneventful, until a stranger shows up, insistent that she is somehow key to a prophecy that will save his land. William is intense and unsettling and Sarah is hesitant to believe in him, but his outlandish tale might just explain some of the strange things she has seen recently.
It's a quick read, although I would have liked it to be longer. That would have given an opportunity to develop some of the characters further. For example, it would have been interesting to see more of William's world, and I'd have loved to spend more time with Joe and Grace, two selfless and kind hearted characters with dark pasts that are only hinted at in the narrative.
All in all, The Prophecy is an immersive and gripping story that flies by.
July 17, 2025
“The Prophecy” by Lisa Zimmermann is a captivating urban fantasy novel. After the epilogue - the explosion in the café - I was very curious to find out how, when and why this destructive and somehow absurd scene in the story occurred.
From the very beginning, I felt very connected to Sarah, the protagonist. And I kept enjoying her thoughts, the irony and the unexpected plot twists.
Lisa Zimmermann conjures up fascinatingly beautiful, emotional but also cruelly dark scenes with her words. Her vivid sentences let me experience first-hand how Sarah personally grows from the sudden challenge that turns her life completely upside down and recognizes her strengths.
And couldn't we all use more attention to the magic, friendship and love in our lives?
From the very beginning, I felt very connected to Sarah, the protagonist. And I kept enjoying her thoughts, the irony and the unexpected plot twists.
Lisa Zimmermann conjures up fascinatingly beautiful, emotional but also cruelly dark scenes with her words. Her vivid sentences let me experience first-hand how Sarah personally grows from the sudden challenge that turns her life completely upside down and recognizes her strengths.
And couldn't we all use more attention to the magic, friendship and love in our lives?
July 20, 2025
I give 3 stars to this debut novel of a promising new author.
I'll start with some negatives and end with the good.
The language was at times a bit lacking and the narration sometimes confusing, often forgetting that Sarah is the POV. "Show, don't tell" is tossed aside a bit too often to my liking, sometimes overexplaining what is happening and thereby slowing down the pace.
However, the book makes up for it with a gripping mystery, fun side characters (we could all use a friend like Charlotte or Joe), and a second half that had me on the edge of my seat. I think the author's strongest suit besides her endless imagination is her humour, as the text often had me chuckling.
I would recommend to pick up this book yourself and experience the mystery of Sarah's strange visions unravel.
I'll start with some negatives and end with the good.
The language was at times a bit lacking and the narration sometimes confusing, often forgetting that Sarah is the POV. "Show, don't tell" is tossed aside a bit too often to my liking, sometimes overexplaining what is happening and thereby slowing down the pace.
However, the book makes up for it with a gripping mystery, fun side characters (we could all use a friend like Charlotte or Joe), and a second half that had me on the edge of my seat. I think the author's strongest suit besides her endless imagination is her humour, as the text often had me chuckling.
I would recommend to pick up this book yourself and experience the mystery of Sarah's strange visions unravel.
July 15, 2025
Not my normal read, but I did find it engaging and always wanted to read on; it is a very promising debut novel. The premise of a parallel world was interesting and well written, perhaps the end quarter was rather quickly wound up and some of the dialogue is a little stiff, but I did enjoy reading it. My adult son loves fantasy fiction and they are often lengthy to allow for lots of adventures and travelling, but this one is quite short. It does have quite a young adult feel to both the writing style and the narrative and because it is short it would certainly appeal to this age group. Thank you to the author and Bad Ink Press for the chance to read it.
July 19, 2025
A truly captivating read from start to finish. Even if this is not your normal type of book, once you start reading 'The Prophecy', the fast pace, and author's uncomplicated language will have you hooked.
Reading Sarah's story, you feel like you are alongside her, hearing her thoughts, feeling her emotions and giggling as she curses like you or I.
I would like to gush more about how this book made me feel, but you will have to read it in its entirety yourself. Definitely a book you will re-read; i patiently await more books from the creator, as her passion for storytelling is readily felt.
July 4, 2025
The Prophecy is a combination of time travel and fantasy and, though not my usual genre, I did enjoy reading it. The author's first language is German so writing a novel in English is no mean feat. A promising debut. Thanks to the author and Bad Ink for the opportunity of reading an advanced copy of this book.
July 26, 2025
I would categorize this book as YA. It is an easy read, wants to be read.
It is an interesting take of urban / portal fantasy and I generally like the world Lisa Zimmermann builds.
My critique points:
I don't feel like the potential in the world building is taken nearly far enough or thought through enough. There are a number of hints in the book that are never resolved or have a conclusion, some hints even make events in the story questionable. I see so much potential in the concept that gets not used, to the point that it feels like being avoided to keep the story simpler. A missed opportunity.
The second major critique is the language. It is obvious that English is not the author's first language. And while I commend for writing in a second language and know first hand what it means, foregoing a professional editing is a questionable decision. I also know that first hand. This book could relatively easily be levelled up with a good line edit.
In summary, it is an intriguing story with potential and a decent debut by an author with equal potential. Would be nice to see this potential realized.
It is an interesting take of urban / portal fantasy and I generally like the world Lisa Zimmermann builds.
My critique points:
I don't feel like the potential in the world building is taken nearly far enough or thought through enough. There are a number of hints in the book that are never resolved or have a conclusion, some hints even make events in the story questionable. I see so much potential in the concept that gets not used, to the point that it feels like being avoided to keep the story simpler. A missed opportunity.
The second major critique is the language. It is obvious that English is not the author's first language. And while I commend for writing in a second language and know first hand what it means, foregoing a professional editing is a questionable decision. I also know that first hand. This book could relatively easily be levelled up with a good line edit.
In summary, it is an intriguing story with potential and a decent debut by an author with equal potential. Would be nice to see this potential realized.
August 3, 2025
The Prophecy is a fabulous bit of escapism, with adventure, action, romance, mystery, an alternate world and a power-hungry villain all in the mix. It's a pretty quick and easy read, and the perfect way to pass a lazy afternoon.
The ending leaves itself open for a sequel, so I really hope this isn't the last we read of Sarah's forrays into Aphelia.
The ending leaves itself open for a sequel, so I really hope this isn't the last we read of Sarah's forrays into Aphelia.
September 7, 2025
Loved this book. The urban fantasy elements are potent, fantastical yet believable on their own terms. Similarly, the revelations and twists are surprising, yet make sense in the context of the story’s world. Sarah is a relatable and likable main character who you will find yourself empathizing with early on. Highly recommend this!
December 16, 2025
My favourite reads are ones that are different, stand out from the rest and take you on an unchartered journey. And The Prophecy ticked all the boxes for me.
Sarah and William’s troubled journey to find the prophecy kept me turning the action packed pages until the very last.
This was a well written and thoroughly enjoyable story.
Sarah and William’s troubled journey to find the prophecy kept me turning the action packed pages until the very last.
This was a well written and thoroughly enjoyable story.
July 21, 2025
A good story but I felt that it went on too long. The story could have been completed earlier with no detriment. The writing was good and the characters interesting but it felt more like a novella length plot to me.
July 4, 2025
This is an ok book if you like this genre and the very 2025 style. The story flows naturally. An easy read.
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