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Seven Loves
When two travelers meet on a flight, they choose on a whim to spend a few days together on a Micronesian island. What follows is a slow, transformative journey through the quiet beauty of the Pacific: forest trails, coral reefs, shared silences, and the subtle gravity between two people learning to be present with each other while carrying the wounds of the past. Around them, the island breathes and tells its own story, where forests shift, and memories blur.
Set across seven days, each shaped by a different form of love, Seven Loves is a novel about intimacy, memory, healing, and the shadows love sometimes leaves behind — a meditation on how encounters can transform us in ways that last beyond time.
Set across seven days, each shaped by a different form of love, Seven Loves is a novel about intimacy, memory, healing, and the shadows love sometimes leaves behind — a meditation on how encounters can transform us in ways that last beyond time.
188 pages, ebook
Published September 15, 2025
9 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Sandor Karacsony
1 bookSandor Karacsony writes about connection, memory, time, and the spaces between people and places. His work blends realism with the lyrical and metaphysical, often unfolding in liminal settings shaped by travel, distance, and interior reflection. Set against the quiet vastness of undiscovered worlds—both on our planet and within the human soul—his stories explore how fleeting encounters leave lasting imprints.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 25, 2025
This review is of an ARC. Final book may be subject to change!
This was an interesting book, but not what I would personally call a very strong one. While the location was beautiful and the descriptions stood out, there were a lot of problems. Our main character, while privileged, is funny enough to like. The love interest on the other hand is a joke. I found the dialogue to be a bit stilted and poor, but hopefully a good edit before release will smooth that out. I am concerned that this was done on purpose to differentiate our two characters, but it did not work as a stylistic choice if so. The POV also switches back and forth constantly, sometimes without good reason. If the reason is to read into both characters heads, there’s better ways to do it. The resulting thoughts are often one line sentences that feel awkward and inconsequential. This is a case of showing, not telling. Show us how enamored they are, don’t just tell me the character is thinking “I love how funny you are”. I think perhaps this book isn’t for me, but instead for people who enjoy romances where two characters are attracted to each other for no good reason. This is apparently a beautiful girl and a bumbling man who comes on too strong, and drinks too much. A man who self admits to assaulting his previous girlfriend? There is also a very descriptive scene of domestic violence which was hard to read and then to make matters worse, both myself and the FMCs mother immediately notice DV traits in our main man. I’m not a fan.
The only pros of this book for me are the micronesia environment and information, I did love experiencing a place that’s a solid 3 day plane ride from me. I also enjoyed when the story took its more spiritual or magical turn, and the cultural discussions we got with locals. At the halfway point things get really weird, and I actually liked it. Shared hallucinations and weird island magic? Sign me up. But the subpar writing and bad character development made this book not very enjoyable to read. The concept is there and interesting, I just wish it was happening to different characters. The epilogue also kind of ruined any good will I had for this interesting weird plot.
This was an interesting book, but not what I would personally call a very strong one. While the location was beautiful and the descriptions stood out, there were a lot of problems. Our main character, while privileged, is funny enough to like. The love interest on the other hand is a joke. I found the dialogue to be a bit stilted and poor, but hopefully a good edit before release will smooth that out. I am concerned that this was done on purpose to differentiate our two characters, but it did not work as a stylistic choice if so. The POV also switches back and forth constantly, sometimes without good reason. If the reason is to read into both characters heads, there’s better ways to do it. The resulting thoughts are often one line sentences that feel awkward and inconsequential. This is a case of showing, not telling. Show us how enamored they are, don’t just tell me the character is thinking “I love how funny you are”. I think perhaps this book isn’t for me, but instead for people who enjoy romances where two characters are attracted to each other for no good reason. This is apparently a beautiful girl and a bumbling man who comes on too strong, and drinks too much. A man who self admits to assaulting his previous girlfriend? There is also a very descriptive scene of domestic violence which was hard to read and then to make matters worse, both myself and the FMCs mother immediately notice DV traits in our main man. I’m not a fan.
The only pros of this book for me are the micronesia environment and information, I did love experiencing a place that’s a solid 3 day plane ride from me. I also enjoyed when the story took its more spiritual or magical turn, and the cultural discussions we got with locals. At the halfway point things get really weird, and I actually liked it. Shared hallucinations and weird island magic? Sign me up. But the subpar writing and bad character development made this book not very enjoyable to read. The concept is there and interesting, I just wish it was happening to different characters. The epilogue also kind of ruined any good will I had for this interesting weird plot.
September 8, 2025
"The forest keeps changing, the trail keeps changing, the river rocks keep changing. We never walk the same path twice."
Sandor Karacsony's Seven Loves is a debut indie novel set against the lush backdrop of Micronesia, and it’s clear that the author has a love for the setting. The environment and cultural details stood out for me. On a personal level, I especially enjoyed the moments where the story leaned into spirituality and island magic. Those elements were customary to me as someone from the South Pacific, though I expect this might be less appealing to those less familiar with Pacific-thinking and culture.
Where the book faltered for me was in its characters and writing. While the main character had moments of humour and relatability, the dialogue often felt stilted, and the point of view shifts sometimes broke the flow. I struggled with the love interest, whose behaviour made the romance difficult to invest in. There are also scenes of domestic violence that were uncomfortable to read, and I felt the resolution of those threads didn’t quite work.
That said, I do think Seven Loves will resonate with readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, dark romances, and stories that take unexpected turns. The concept is intriguing, the setting was gorgeous, and I’ll be interested to see how the author’s work develops in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sandor Karacsony for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sandor Karacsony's Seven Loves is a debut indie novel set against the lush backdrop of Micronesia, and it’s clear that the author has a love for the setting. The environment and cultural details stood out for me. On a personal level, I especially enjoyed the moments where the story leaned into spirituality and island magic. Those elements were customary to me as someone from the South Pacific, though I expect this might be less appealing to those less familiar with Pacific-thinking and culture.
Where the book faltered for me was in its characters and writing. While the main character had moments of humour and relatability, the dialogue often felt stilted, and the point of view shifts sometimes broke the flow. I struggled with the love interest, whose behaviour made the romance difficult to invest in. There are also scenes of domestic violence that were uncomfortable to read, and I felt the resolution of those threads didn’t quite work.
That said, I do think Seven Loves will resonate with readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, dark romances, and stories that take unexpected turns. The concept is intriguing, the setting was gorgeous, and I’ll be interested to see how the author’s work develops in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sandor Karacsony for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2025
Highly recommended
Sandor Karacsony’s Seven Loves is a wonderfully written novel that explores the many dimensions of love, weaving together memories, past traumas, and the promise of new beginnings. With careful attention to detail, the story unfolds against the mystical backdrop of the beautiful Pacific island, where inner voices, poetic reflections, and lyrical prose guide the reader through a journey of the heart. It is more than just a novel—it is a meditation on feelings, memory, healing and self-discovery.
Sandor Karacsony’s Seven Loves is a wonderfully written novel that explores the many dimensions of love, weaving together memories, past traumas, and the promise of new beginnings. With careful attention to detail, the story unfolds against the mystical backdrop of the beautiful Pacific island, where inner voices, poetic reflections, and lyrical prose guide the reader through a journey of the heart. It is more than just a novel—it is a meditation on feelings, memory, healing and self-discovery.
September 10, 2025
A chance meeting on a plane leads to a week together on a beautiful island, what’s not to like? This is a character-driven novel where each day brings revelations about the characters and moments of connection between them. The author creates an inviting setting that adds real atmosphere to the story. I also found the dialogue refreshingly natural and often quite witty. If you enjoyed the film Before Sunrise, there's a good chance you will like this book.
September 15, 2025
Seven Loves by Sandor Karacsony is a contemplative and lyrical piece of writing with some beautiful and truly evocative descriptions that bring the setting of a Micronesian island wonderfully to live and clearly demonstrates the author's love and appreciation for that part of the world.
The premise is seemingly simple, two strangers meet on a flight and feel an immediate connection and over the course of the next seven days we see how their relationship plays out in light of the previous traumas they have each experienced. The book also has a mystical element that I found intriguing, especially since it was linked to the culture of the region, something I know virtually nothing about but am now curious to explore further. The book does tackle some difficult topics, and I did find some of the graphic descriptions of domestic violence in particular to be hard hitting, it definitely worked if the intent was to abruptly pull me out of the beauty and calm of the island. In terms of the characters, Zoe, the main character was easy to understand and relate to, even if she was not always the most likeable, but Martin, the male main character was almost repulsive in his attitude and his actions so I did have to suspend my disbelief to roll with the idea of their relationship. I also found the ending a little confusing, I cannot say too much without spoilers but either it lacked some much needed clarity or it made the rest of the book seem irrelevant.
While I did not absolutely love the book, I am not sorry I picked it up, it definitely left me with things to ponder, especially the idea that our maps are not made of coordinates but rather of relationships, a lovely idea that really resonated with me and is definitely something that I will take with me.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
The premise is seemingly simple, two strangers meet on a flight and feel an immediate connection and over the course of the next seven days we see how their relationship plays out in light of the previous traumas they have each experienced. The book also has a mystical element that I found intriguing, especially since it was linked to the culture of the region, something I know virtually nothing about but am now curious to explore further. The book does tackle some difficult topics, and I did find some of the graphic descriptions of domestic violence in particular to be hard hitting, it definitely worked if the intent was to abruptly pull me out of the beauty and calm of the island. In terms of the characters, Zoe, the main character was easy to understand and relate to, even if she was not always the most likeable, but Martin, the male main character was almost repulsive in his attitude and his actions so I did have to suspend my disbelief to roll with the idea of their relationship. I also found the ending a little confusing, I cannot say too much without spoilers but either it lacked some much needed clarity or it made the rest of the book seem irrelevant.
While I did not absolutely love the book, I am not sorry I picked it up, it definitely left me with things to ponder, especially the idea that our maps are not made of coordinates but rather of relationships, a lovely idea that really resonated with me and is definitely something that I will take with me.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
September 4, 2025
I thought this book was lovely. I especially enjoyed the connection between Zoe and Martin, including their own thoughts as they would look at the other – it's a relatable feeling if you've ever experienced an immediate and inexplicable connection with a stranger. The descriptions of the island are poetic and not overwritten, I definitely felt as though I were on a lush remote island where time means something different.
Is fair to describe parts of this book as magical realism? Usually this is not my vibe, however it really worked for me in Seven Loves, I think perhaps because nothing quite makes sense when you're in the heady fog of a new crush – add to that the haze of being in a very different place to your own norm and yes, I'm totally on board with forest-floating manta rays and people who may or may not have actually been present.
I appreciated that the story didn't end the way I necessarily would have expected; it was a gentle reminder that sometimes people come into our lives temporarily and that time together serves its own purpose. I didn't love the DV backstories specifically, but understand there needed to be something more complex for these characters than just the usual romantic woes of free spirits. Those storylines though made it challening to understand the endings – was it meant to be a sliding doors scenario where those things could have happened but didn't? Or did happen but forgiveness prevailed? In any case, I really enjoyed this book, the writing style, the setting, the dynamic between the two main characters. Well done, Sandor!
*This is a review of an ARC ebook via BookSirens*
Is fair to describe parts of this book as magical realism? Usually this is not my vibe, however it really worked for me in Seven Loves, I think perhaps because nothing quite makes sense when you're in the heady fog of a new crush – add to that the haze of being in a very different place to your own norm and yes, I'm totally on board with forest-floating manta rays and people who may or may not have actually been present.
I appreciated that the story didn't end the way I necessarily would have expected; it was a gentle reminder that sometimes people come into our lives temporarily and that time together serves its own purpose. I didn't love the DV backstories specifically, but understand there needed to be something more complex for these characters than just the usual romantic woes of free spirits. Those storylines though made it challening to understand the endings – was it meant to be a sliding doors scenario where those things could have happened but didn't? Or did happen but forgiveness prevailed? In any case, I really enjoyed this book, the writing style, the setting, the dynamic between the two main characters. Well done, Sandor!
*This is a review of an ARC ebook via BookSirens*
November 9, 2025
📚Seven Loves
✍🏻Sandor Karacsony
Blurb:
When two travelers meet on a flight, they choose on a whim to spend a few days together on a Micronesian island. What follows is a slow, transformative journey through the quiet beauty of the forest trails, coral reefs, shared silences, and the subtle gravity between two people learning to be present with each other while carrying the wounds of the past. Around them, the island breathes and tells its own story, where forests shift, and memories blur.
Set across seven days, each shaped by a different form of love, Seven Loves is a novel about intimacy, memory, healing, and the shadows love sometimes leaves behind — a meditation on how encounters can transform us in ways that last beyond time.
My Thoughts:
Sandor Karacsony's Seven Loves is a debut indie novel set against the lush backdrop of Micronesia, and it’s clear that the author has a love for the setting. explores the many dimensions of love, weaving together memories, past traumas, and the promise of new beginnings. With careful attention to detail, the story unfolds against the mystical backdrop of the beautiful Pacific island, where inner voices, poetic reflections, and lyrical prose guide the reader through a journey of the heart. I appreciated that the story didn't end the way I necessarily would have expected; it was a gentle reminder that sometimes people come into our lives temporarily and that time together serves its own purpose.
Thanks NetGalley, and Sandor Karacsony for the complimentary copy of "Seven Loves" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
⚠️Trigger Warning. Domestic Violence
#NetGalley
#SandorKaracsony
#SevenLoves
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Sandor Karacsony
Blurb:
When two travelers meet on a flight, they choose on a whim to spend a few days together on a Micronesian island. What follows is a slow, transformative journey through the quiet beauty of the forest trails, coral reefs, shared silences, and the subtle gravity between two people learning to be present with each other while carrying the wounds of the past. Around them, the island breathes and tells its own story, where forests shift, and memories blur.
Set across seven days, each shaped by a different form of love, Seven Loves is a novel about intimacy, memory, healing, and the shadows love sometimes leaves behind — a meditation on how encounters can transform us in ways that last beyond time.
My Thoughts:
Sandor Karacsony's Seven Loves is a debut indie novel set against the lush backdrop of Micronesia, and it’s clear that the author has a love for the setting. explores the many dimensions of love, weaving together memories, past traumas, and the promise of new beginnings. With careful attention to detail, the story unfolds against the mystical backdrop of the beautiful Pacific island, where inner voices, poetic reflections, and lyrical prose guide the reader through a journey of the heart. I appreciated that the story didn't end the way I necessarily would have expected; it was a gentle reminder that sometimes people come into our lives temporarily and that time together serves its own purpose.
Thanks NetGalley, and Sandor Karacsony for the complimentary copy of "Seven Loves" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
⚠️Trigger Warning. Domestic Violence
#NetGalley
#SandorKaracsony
#SevenLoves
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 16, 2025
I’m sorry but I DNF’d this one halfway through. I lost interest in it after a while. Don’t get me wrong, the description of the island and everything was good and written well. I’ll give the author that. However, to me this couple’s dynamic was just weird from the start. I mean… these two strangers meet each other for the first time and they end up making out in their airplane seats after talking for what, an hour and a half?? I guess maybe shit like that really happens but I just couldn’t relate to them from the start. Weird, but hey, to each their own. The weird, magical, woo-woo events that happen on the island just didn’t sit well with me either. Fantasy is one of my favorite genres too so it was rather disappointing, I guess.
I received an ARC of this book and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book and all opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
Without too much spoiler: this book is actually much deeper than it might appear at first. I think it is a metaphor of our lives, our world, and of the entire universe around us. The characters are merely puppets, paper figures who are there to convey the message to make the incomprehensible somehow tangible and understandable. If you read into it only an unlikely love affair of some goofy strangers meeting up on a plane and making out for a week - I think the joke's on you!
With that said this is not a book for anyone and one might need to give it some time and thought before tossing it in the corner half way saying "man no way this is real". A very interesting and promising debut, looking forward to further works from this author!
With that said this is not a book for anyone and one might need to give it some time and thought before tossing it in the corner half way saying "man no way this is real". A very interesting and promising debut, looking forward to further works from this author!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews