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Beyond the Garden
Life as an immortal is never easy. For Lilith, its become almost intolerable. Her only goal now, to find a way to die. Her quest takes her across the globe and back again. When she meets master scuba diver Dana Reed, her goal is turned upside down. Dana offers her a breathtaking romance, as long as destiny cooperates. Hell hounds, archeological booby traps and self-appointed fanatics serve as a backdrop for this romantic adventure. The results could be disastrous or more wondrous than she ever imagined. It's up to Lilith to decide her path and fight through to realize her dreams
342 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2015
3 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
S.Y. Thompson
14 books36 followersBorn in California but raised in Texas, Susan joined the United States Marine Corps straight out of High School. After ten years and a lot of travel, she left the military and became a San Diego Deputy Sheriff. Retired from an on the job injury, Susan returned to Texas and began writing Star Trek Voyager fan fiction in 2002, but her imagination insisted on creating scenarios outside that genre. Today she still resides in North Texas with her two dogs and the five stray cats that adopted her. Her previous works, all seventy-two stories, can be found on her website. (from the publisher's website)
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 7, 2015
“I am the first woman. I am sorrow. I am Lilith.” (pg 4)
Beyond the Garden is a cinematic masterpiece. I can’t remember when I have been transported so completely into a story. I am not even sure how to classify this novel. Magical realism? Fantasy? Lesbian love story? Action/Adventure? It’s all these wrapped together in an entertaining quest.
Lillian Primus (Lilith) is immortal. She had the audacity to refuse to be subservient to Adam in the Garden of Eden and was cast out and forced to live countless lives. The opening scenes when she is burned at the stake during the Salem witch trials are chilling, graphic and effective. Her weariness of mankind (emphasis on man) has left her isolated and alone. Trying to make the most of her immortality, she finds a purpose in life by imparting strength on young women who have the potential to make a difference in the lives of those around them.
It is during one of these moments when she has the opportunity to shape a young woman’s life that she meets Dana Reed, a certified diver, oceanographer and someone who warms Lil’s cold hard heart. Both women are attracted to each other but Lilith does not want to get involved once more with a mortal only to lose her while she is forced to walk the earth forever.
Everything changes when Lil is presented with an opportunity to end her immortality. She needs Dana’s diving skills to complete her quest. In the midst of battles fought against real and imagined foes, can these two women resolve their differences and somehow forge a life together? If Lilith ( Lillian) is successful in her quest will she die leaving Dana alone?
I was impressed with the pace and quality of writing in Beyond the Garden. It was easy to see how much research went into such a broad story covering centuries of time yet the information shared never felt like an info dump. Instead the historical aspects added to the characters and the conflict. In the tradition of all great quests, action scenes were followed by moments of rest and reconnection. The bond which develops between Lil and Dana builds quickly as relationships in stressful situations often do. The author gives the reader ample opportunity to explore the challenges faced by both women as they struggle to understand how Lil’s quest will shape their relationship.
What impressed me the most was how well the author described her settings and scenes. From Salem to Maine to the Middle East, the reader is transported along with Lil and Dana. You can picture the glee on the Salem pastor’s face as Lillian melts in the flames. You can feel the bullets flying over and through the characters as the evil Hamia try to prevent Lilith from completing her quest for mortality.
Beyond the Garden is a great story which doesn’t try to moralize, only to inform and entertain.
Ebook received from Sapphire Books in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Sapphire. This book was a pleasure to read.
Beyond the Garden is a cinematic masterpiece. I can’t remember when I have been transported so completely into a story. I am not even sure how to classify this novel. Magical realism? Fantasy? Lesbian love story? Action/Adventure? It’s all these wrapped together in an entertaining quest.
Lillian Primus (Lilith) is immortal. She had the audacity to refuse to be subservient to Adam in the Garden of Eden and was cast out and forced to live countless lives. The opening scenes when she is burned at the stake during the Salem witch trials are chilling, graphic and effective. Her weariness of mankind (emphasis on man) has left her isolated and alone. Trying to make the most of her immortality, she finds a purpose in life by imparting strength on young women who have the potential to make a difference in the lives of those around them.
It is during one of these moments when she has the opportunity to shape a young woman’s life that she meets Dana Reed, a certified diver, oceanographer and someone who warms Lil’s cold hard heart. Both women are attracted to each other but Lilith does not want to get involved once more with a mortal only to lose her while she is forced to walk the earth forever.
Everything changes when Lil is presented with an opportunity to end her immortality. She needs Dana’s diving skills to complete her quest. In the midst of battles fought against real and imagined foes, can these two women resolve their differences and somehow forge a life together? If Lilith ( Lillian) is successful in her quest will she die leaving Dana alone?
I was impressed with the pace and quality of writing in Beyond the Garden. It was easy to see how much research went into such a broad story covering centuries of time yet the information shared never felt like an info dump. Instead the historical aspects added to the characters and the conflict. In the tradition of all great quests, action scenes were followed by moments of rest and reconnection. The bond which develops between Lil and Dana builds quickly as relationships in stressful situations often do. The author gives the reader ample opportunity to explore the challenges faced by both women as they struggle to understand how Lil’s quest will shape their relationship.
What impressed me the most was how well the author described her settings and scenes. From Salem to Maine to the Middle East, the reader is transported along with Lil and Dana. You can picture the glee on the Salem pastor’s face as Lillian melts in the flames. You can feel the bullets flying over and through the characters as the evil Hamia try to prevent Lilith from completing her quest for mortality.
Beyond the Garden is a great story which doesn’t try to moralize, only to inform and entertain.
Ebook received from Sapphire Books in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Sapphire. This book was a pleasure to read.
March 21, 2017
This book here is the second in a row that involved a character named Lilith. I mean, the same Lilith who was the first female. Different author, different character level (as in main vs barely there side character), different interpretation (one’s an evil woman who is the mother of succubus and other demons (I’ve heard/seen other descriptions that list her as the mother of vampires, but I am uncertain if that was included in the prior book), while the other version is . . . well, less evil, though not necessarily good).
So, this Lilith, the one in this book here, is one of the two main characters. Her and a ‘Dana’. The two first meet when Lilith teleports (yes this version of Lilith is also magical) to Istanbul from Maine. To kiss a little girl. After kissing the sleeping little girl, Lilith runs into a confrontation in an alley. She doesn’t particularly desire to get involved, but notices that it appears to be men attacking women. And she doesn’t like that. So she gets involved. And easily kills them (this version is also super strong and a martial artist type). One of the two women being attacked, though, is dead. The other is Dana. Lilith helps Dana arrange to get back to the states.
The book then proceeds to show some scenes from both of their prospective before returning them together again – on the hunt for the Garden of Eden (though all Dana knows is that the woman who helped her wants a diver, and since Dana is both an advanced diving instructor and a scientist, she agrees to help Lilith). The hunt takes place in the Middle East.
Lilith/Lillian (she goes by Lillian at the moment – or during the course of the book) has a personality that is quite off-putting. But then something clicked in me and I actually decided to add 0.25 stars to the book. For Lilith really is like a different intelligent species in a way, first female human, but she’s also immortal and, while there are people in the Bible who are said to have lived hundreds of years (I think 600 might have been the max), all of them are dead now. But for Lilith. Who continues on. Alive. So she really is like an alien creature living amongst us.
I should probably remove that 0.25 for other issues though. Things in the book that seem vaguely . . . off. Like – she has the power to have her helpers basically remain immortal – at least so far that’s been the case. Yet she keeps going on and on about how she can’t allow herself to love because ‘they will die’. Um. What? She has the bloody power to grant a certain level of immortality to another – see her ‘helper’ women. So . . . what exactly is she belly-aching about? Hell, one or more of these women even used to be ex-girlfriends (well, one at least), so it’s not like there is some issue with dating your help and/or granting this ‘power’.
Right, whatever. The point of the book is that two women meet – one is searching desperately for a way to kill herself (hence the hunt for the Garden of Eden, which apparently has some artifact that will allow her to kill herself); while the other is attempting to get over the fact that her best friend – from childhood – died during their vacation. Oh, and both have a certain lust for the other. A vaguely odd and unexplainable (and unexplained) spark between them (re: unexplained – unlike everyone else on Earth, Lilith/Lillian can’t ‘read’ Dana – sense her emotions; no explanation was ever given for this issue).
Interesting enough book. Certain issues here and there. Kind of dry and stiff. Even while exciting things are done/found, like excavations; finding their convoy caught in a cross-fire during war; etc.
As a side note – why are the Goddesses always depicted as being, on some level, insane? Like here. Or in that Hot Damned series. And elsewhere. Granted, Gods and the like can be depicted that way as well, but it seems near 100% of the time, the female creator types are depicted as some level of insane. Just a random thought in passing.
ETA: oh, one last thought that I was going to quickly mention. I like the other cover of this book more than this cover here - 'this cover here' being the one with the woman dangling off the front of a boat in a bikini (in case the cover gets changed on me). While there are at least two different occasions that 'boating' occurs, I do not believe either included anyone in bikinis and . . . the cover gives the wrong impression of what this book is about.
Rating: 3.50
March 21 2017
So, this Lilith, the one in this book here, is one of the two main characters. Her and a ‘Dana’. The two first meet when Lilith teleports (yes this version of Lilith is also magical) to Istanbul from Maine. To kiss a little girl. After kissing the sleeping little girl, Lilith runs into a confrontation in an alley. She doesn’t particularly desire to get involved, but notices that it appears to be men attacking women. And she doesn’t like that. So she gets involved. And easily kills them (this version is also super strong and a martial artist type). One of the two women being attacked, though, is dead. The other is Dana. Lilith helps Dana arrange to get back to the states.
The book then proceeds to show some scenes from both of their prospective before returning them together again – on the hunt for the Garden of Eden (though all Dana knows is that the woman who helped her wants a diver, and since Dana is both an advanced diving instructor and a scientist, she agrees to help Lilith). The hunt takes place in the Middle East.
Lilith/Lillian (she goes by Lillian at the moment – or during the course of the book) has a personality that is quite off-putting. But then something clicked in me and I actually decided to add 0.25 stars to the book. For Lilith really is like a different intelligent species in a way, first female human, but she’s also immortal and, while there are people in the Bible who are said to have lived hundreds of years (I think 600 might have been the max), all of them are dead now. But for Lilith. Who continues on. Alive. So she really is like an alien creature living amongst us.
I should probably remove that 0.25 for other issues though. Things in the book that seem vaguely . . . off. Like – she has the power to have her helpers basically remain immortal – at least so far that’s been the case. Yet she keeps going on and on about how she can’t allow herself to love because ‘they will die’. Um. What? She has the bloody power to grant a certain level of immortality to another – see her ‘helper’ women. So . . . what exactly is she belly-aching about? Hell, one or more of these women even used to be ex-girlfriends (well, one at least), so it’s not like there is some issue with dating your help and/or granting this ‘power’.
Right, whatever. The point of the book is that two women meet – one is searching desperately for a way to kill herself (hence the hunt for the Garden of Eden, which apparently has some artifact that will allow her to kill herself); while the other is attempting to get over the fact that her best friend – from childhood – died during their vacation. Oh, and both have a certain lust for the other. A vaguely odd and unexplainable (and unexplained) spark between them (re: unexplained – unlike everyone else on Earth, Lilith/Lillian can’t ‘read’ Dana – sense her emotions; no explanation was ever given for this issue).
Interesting enough book. Certain issues here and there. Kind of dry and stiff. Even while exciting things are done/found, like excavations; finding their convoy caught in a cross-fire during war; etc.
As a side note – why are the Goddesses always depicted as being, on some level, insane? Like here. Or in that Hot Damned series. And elsewhere. Granted, Gods and the like can be depicted that way as well, but it seems near 100% of the time, the female creator types are depicted as some level of insane. Just a random thought in passing.
ETA: oh, one last thought that I was going to quickly mention. I like the other cover of this book more than this cover here - 'this cover here' being the one with the woman dangling off the front of a boat in a bikini (in case the cover gets changed on me). While there are at least two different occasions that 'boating' occurs, I do not believe either included anyone in bikinis and . . . the cover gives the wrong impression of what this book is about.
27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.- Genesis 1:27 New King James Version - this, it is noted in a Wiki article on Lilith, is implying that Lilith was made at the same time as Adam from the same materials - and later Eve was created from bits of Adam. (Not exactly that Lilith was, but that a woman was - since there are two mentions of creation, and the first, the one above, already makes mention of both a man and a woman before mention of creating Eve from Adam - implication being that there was a woman made at the same time as Adam's creation).
Rating: 3.50
March 21 2017
July 10, 2016
3.5 stars
This story’s most certainly unique. It contains many elements that will appeal to a wide audience. Fast paced action and adventure, immortals, mortals, hellhounds, evil versus good, life changing decisions to be made, and amongst it all a budding romance.
The story begins with Lil having a vision of a girl, Eli, who could pave the world as a better place for women. She teleports to the girl’s bedside in Istanbul, and while there she stumbles across Dana and saves her from some thugs, and thus begins their story and a page turning account of their expedition. For some reason while reading this story I kept thinking of the movie Indiana Jones.
There’s talk of Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden, and beyond. Which in hindsight the title should’ve clued me into. I’m far from a fan of religious talk or conjecture, so thankfully the mention of such was relatively sparse and didn’t bog the plot down. A great deal of the story is set in Baghdad so it’s far from plain sailing, bad things happen, people die.
The heroines are wonderful. The writing style is vivid, bringing the characters and world to life. I think Owls are beautiful creatures, so the few appearances of Pravade, Lil’s pet owl, were a delight to read.
My one quibble, as I turned the pages I kept expected to read an update on Eli, the wee girl from the start of the story, however she’s never mentioned again. With so much going on, the romance is more backstory. There are a few ‘adult’ scenes but far from what I’d call explicit.
All in all, this was a fun adventure and I learned a thing or two about scuba diving. I’m sure many readers will enjoy this well written and well edited story.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
This story’s most certainly unique. It contains many elements that will appeal to a wide audience. Fast paced action and adventure, immortals, mortals, hellhounds, evil versus good, life changing decisions to be made, and amongst it all a budding romance.
The story begins with Lil having a vision of a girl, Eli, who could pave the world as a better place for women. She teleports to the girl’s bedside in Istanbul, and while there she stumbles across Dana and saves her from some thugs, and thus begins their story and a page turning account of their expedition. For some reason while reading this story I kept thinking of the movie Indiana Jones.
There’s talk of Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden, and beyond. Which in hindsight the title should’ve clued me into. I’m far from a fan of religious talk or conjecture, so thankfully the mention of such was relatively sparse and didn’t bog the plot down. A great deal of the story is set in Baghdad so it’s far from plain sailing, bad things happen, people die.
The heroines are wonderful. The writing style is vivid, bringing the characters and world to life. I think Owls are beautiful creatures, so the few appearances of Pravade, Lil’s pet owl, were a delight to read.
My one quibble, as I turned the pages I kept expected to read an update on Eli, the wee girl from the start of the story, however she’s never mentioned again. With so much going on, the romance is more backstory. There are a few ‘adult’ scenes but far from what I’d call explicit.
All in all, this was a fun adventure and I learned a thing or two about scuba diving. I’m sure many readers will enjoy this well written and well edited story.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2015
Imagine this book as the TV series "Once Upon a Time" but with characters from the Biblical Genesis instead of fairy tales. It uses story elements we are all familiar with (Garden of Eden, Yahweh, archangels, hellhounds, Adam and Eve) and spins a love story amidst an exciting and dangerous quest for mortality (it's not a typo, the MC wants to die...really!)
The book is about the very first woman ever created--Lilith. Just to be clear, she is not Eve, who is apparently the second woman ever created. I've never heard of this myth before, but it does exist in Jewish and Babylonian folklore, and Lilith seems to be a fairly popular creature in modern paranormal fiction (something I'm woefully unfamiliar with), albeit as some minor demon. So, until my confusion with Eve/Lilith was cleared up around the 50% mark, I thought the author re-imagined the Genesis story. Turns out that I'm the one who is under-informed. :)
The author has created a fascinating tale around the myth of Lilith, including a fairly credible backstory of why she is just a myth nowadays instead of being enshrined in the Bible like Eve. Not only is Lilith the first woman ever, she is also the oldest, as she still walks the earth to this day. Being banished from the garden of Eden for insubordination rather than eating the forbidden fruit has apparently allowed her to retain her immortality. What's wrong with that, you might ask? Well, it has to do with the fact that Lilith is also the very first feminist, having been kicked out for her refusal to submit to Adam. And sitting through millennia of mostly male-instigated cruelty to other humans has left her sick and tired of the human race. So she is in an ongoing quest to end her own life. Which has proven pretty elusive so far. In the meantime, she has acquired quite the arsenal of nifty tricks up her sleeve, and has found a calling on the side: empowering budding feminists everywhere. We first encounter Lilith in the middle of one of her interventions, where she accidentally crosses paths with Dana, who later joins Lilith on her quest to end her immortality.
Despite the dark themes, this is a surprisingly light read. I would have preferred the opposite actually, as there are so many aspects the author could have explored in the universe she created. But, this is essentially a romance. The mythology comprising the Lilith's backstory and the quest themselves are sufficiently detailed and engaging, but there are many other fascinating aspects brought up, all of which combined could have served as a solid foundation for a nice paranormal fantasy series. Some examples: Lilith's storied past, her space travels, her side-calling of empowering 'baby' feminists, her coterie of assistants, her animal familiar, how she did over the millennia, why Lilith is also known as a child-killer, the Haimia, etc, etc. All these elements are nice touches to the story and enrich the tale immensely, but imagine how awesome it would be if they were better realized instead of just given passing treatment or simply used as aids or hindrances to her quest.
Much better done is the relationship between Lilith and Dana. Although the romance starts up a little too abruptly, it gets a lot of development time as the couple embark on their quest. The conumdrum that Lilith faces--her quest for death vs a lifetime with Dana--the central conflict in the book, is perfectly done. I also really liked how the author reconciled Dana's scientific and logical belief system with what she was witnessing. Shades of the other famous Dana (Scully), perhaps? Best of all, I loved how she fit the various ancient Judaeo-Christian elements into her narrative, and how she subverted the male-dominant traditions into a pro-feminist slant.
I love these kinds of stories as they're rarely done well in lesfic, and would have gladly bumped up the rating but for some issues, aside from the one I mentioned above. Some of the action scenes are a little too derivative (like, straight out of Indy/Mummy/Abyss movies!). Some of the plot elements the author introduced raised more questions than answers. Some of the intriguing concepts she introduced were quickly forgotten, not expounded on, or too easily dismissed. And some of the moral issues, plus the ultimate resolution, are a little too pat and simplistic. But these are minor issues and should not deter those seeking a good lesfic romance that is a little more daring and different than the usual formula.
4.4 stars
The book is about the very first woman ever created--Lilith. Just to be clear, she is not Eve, who is apparently the second woman ever created. I've never heard of this myth before, but it does exist in Jewish and Babylonian folklore, and Lilith seems to be a fairly popular creature in modern paranormal fiction (something I'm woefully unfamiliar with), albeit as some minor demon. So, until my confusion with Eve/Lilith was cleared up around the 50% mark, I thought the author re-imagined the Genesis story. Turns out that I'm the one who is under-informed. :)
The author has created a fascinating tale around the myth of Lilith, including a fairly credible backstory of why she is just a myth nowadays instead of being enshrined in the Bible like Eve. Not only is Lilith the first woman ever, she is also the oldest, as she still walks the earth to this day. Being banished from the garden of Eden for insubordination rather than eating the forbidden fruit has apparently allowed her to retain her immortality. What's wrong with that, you might ask? Well, it has to do with the fact that Lilith is also the very first feminist, having been kicked out for her refusal to submit to Adam. And sitting through millennia of mostly male-instigated cruelty to other humans has left her sick and tired of the human race. So she is in an ongoing quest to end her own life. Which has proven pretty elusive so far. In the meantime, she has acquired quite the arsenal of nifty tricks up her sleeve, and has found a calling on the side: empowering budding feminists everywhere. We first encounter Lilith in the middle of one of her interventions, where she accidentally crosses paths with Dana, who later joins Lilith on her quest to end her immortality.
Despite the dark themes, this is a surprisingly light read. I would have preferred the opposite actually, as there are so many aspects the author could have explored in the universe she created. But, this is essentially a romance. The mythology comprising the Lilith's backstory and the quest themselves are sufficiently detailed and engaging, but there are many other fascinating aspects brought up, all of which combined could have served as a solid foundation for a nice paranormal fantasy series. Some examples: Lilith's storied past, her space travels, her side-calling of empowering 'baby' feminists, her coterie of assistants, her animal familiar, how she did over the millennia, why Lilith is also known as a child-killer, the Haimia, etc, etc. All these elements are nice touches to the story and enrich the tale immensely, but imagine how awesome it would be if they were better realized instead of just given passing treatment or simply used as aids or hindrances to her quest.
Much better done is the relationship between Lilith and Dana. Although the romance starts up a little too abruptly, it gets a lot of development time as the couple embark on their quest. The conumdrum that Lilith faces--her quest for death vs a lifetime with Dana--the central conflict in the book, is perfectly done. I also really liked how the author reconciled Dana's scientific and logical belief system with what she was witnessing. Shades of the other famous Dana (Scully), perhaps? Best of all, I loved how she fit the various ancient Judaeo-Christian elements into her narrative, and how she subverted the male-dominant traditions into a pro-feminist slant.
I love these kinds of stories as they're rarely done well in lesfic, and would have gladly bumped up the rating but for some issues, aside from the one I mentioned above. Some of the action scenes are a little too derivative (like, straight out of Indy/Mummy/Abyss movies!). Some of the plot elements the author introduced raised more questions than answers. Some of the intriguing concepts she introduced were quickly forgotten, not expounded on, or too easily dismissed. And some of the moral issues, plus the ultimate resolution, are a little too pat and simplistic. But these are minor issues and should not deter those seeking a good lesfic romance that is a little more daring and different than the usual formula.
4.4 stars
May 1, 2017
I finally got through this book and I'm keeping with my original impression that it felt hollow and disjointed. It's not often I read a story and get to a point where I start skimming but I did that here after hitting the 60% mark.
Technically, the book is not badly written. There are clear characters, plot, editing is good, etc. But, story wise for me, it was groan-worthy. I got the hint that all was not well when the characters responded to a severe situation in a way that I felt was disconnected from how people really would react. I think Lilith's character was meant to be that way since she was so numbed to humanity but I saw it with Dana, the typical human, and others too. The transition of how the characters felt at any given time seemed jarring.
When it comes down to it, there was too much telling instead of showing and the book was plot driven instead of character driven. Personally, I dislike reading stories where something happens due to the needs of the plot instead of the character. A certain amount of cheese factor and insta-love was also present.
There's a lot of action in this book involving a journey through the Middle East, diving, saving lives, gun fights and so on so, if that's your thing, you may have a better experience. This read had a similar feeling for me as when I read 'Sharpshooter' by Leslie Murray, which I also wasn't a big fan of and had to skim...so, if you liked that one, you may like this. If not, well...
2.75 stars.
Technically, the book is not badly written. There are clear characters, plot, editing is good, etc. But, story wise for me, it was groan-worthy. I got the hint that all was not well when the characters responded to a severe situation in a way that I felt was disconnected from how people really would react. I think Lilith's character was meant to be that way since she was so numbed to humanity but I saw it with Dana, the typical human, and others too. The transition of how the characters felt at any given time seemed jarring.
When it comes down to it, there was too much telling instead of showing and the book was plot driven instead of character driven. Personally, I dislike reading stories where something happens due to the needs of the plot instead of the character. A certain amount of cheese factor and insta-love was also present.
There's a lot of action in this book involving a journey through the Middle East, diving, saving lives, gun fights and so on so, if that's your thing, you may have a better experience. This read had a similar feeling for me as when I read 'Sharpshooter' by Leslie Murray, which I also wasn't a big fan of and had to skim...so, if you liked that one, you may like this. If not, well...
2.75 stars.
October 21, 2016
I'm not really a fan of stories depiccting Lillith, or other biblical characters. But this one had it's own twist on the 'legend' which made it doable for me. It's wasn't a great story, but it was an OK read. It could've been better.
Since it's been a few days since i've read this book my lasting impression was that the twists and turns which shaped Lillith's personality was a bit haotic and that the novel had a quirky feel to it.
I've rated it as between 2.5 - 3 star. But while i'm writing this i'm not sure if the 2.5 is justifiable or if i should just put it in as a solid 3 star.
Oh well. I'll just keep the rating as it stands now.
Since it's been a few days since i've read this book my lasting impression was that the twists and turns which shaped Lillith's personality was a bit haotic and that the novel had a quirky feel to it.
I've rated it as between 2.5 - 3 star. But while i'm writing this i'm not sure if the 2.5 is justifiable or if i should just put it in as a solid 3 star.
Oh well. I'll just keep the rating as it stands now.
July 17, 2015
A real page turner!
Romance and the Bible, those two I would never mentioned in one breath. Until the moment when I began to read this book. It is a strange story but no less beautiful. You recognize pieces from the Bible, places from the Bible and this intertwined with an exciting story. Knowledge of the Bible is absolutely not necessary to enjoy this story. Lil and Dana, their meeting, their adventure, their way to happiness and love, that makes this story so amazing. This book I will definitely re-read.
Romance and the Bible, those two I would never mentioned in one breath. Until the moment when I began to read this book. It is a strange story but no less beautiful. You recognize pieces from the Bible, places from the Bible and this intertwined with an exciting story. Knowledge of the Bible is absolutely not necessary to enjoy this story. Lil and Dana, their meeting, their adventure, their way to happiness and love, that makes this story so amazing. This book I will definitely re-read.
October 4, 2015
GCLS Award 2016 Fantasy/SciFi Nominee
Lilith, the first person voted out of the Garden of Eden wants little more in life than to find a permeate way to die. Dana is a woman I mortal danger when Lilith, AKA Lil, comes to her rescue. Later their paths will cross again, this time it will be Dana to rescue Lil. Together the two set off on a journey of a lifetime.
While this is a story about Lilith and her search for the Garden and the religious fanatics who vow to stop her at any cost, it is not a religious book. It is the tale of two women on a quest. I have PTSD in part due to religion etc and this book did not hit any of my triggers.
This story is AMAZING!!! Technically sound, a good flow wonderful character development, and a fantastic and fascinating story line are what makes this book so unforgettable. (reading it with Evanescence's Fallen in the background is a great choice BTW) I was truly blown away by this epic saga, I have never used the word epic before...WOW, OK, just OMG WOW! There is action and adventure, mystery and mayhem, murder, attempted murder. There is also love and romance, understanding and peace and a sense of closure. It was a really huge roller coaster ride of emotion, darn it was good!! I am not going to say anything else, no, don't beg, you need to experience this for yourself. If you like lesbian stories I have Faith (lol)that you will love this one!!
Lilith, the first person voted out of the Garden of Eden wants little more in life than to find a permeate way to die. Dana is a woman I mortal danger when Lilith, AKA Lil, comes to her rescue. Later their paths will cross again, this time it will be Dana to rescue Lil. Together the two set off on a journey of a lifetime.
While this is a story about Lilith and her search for the Garden and the religious fanatics who vow to stop her at any cost, it is not a religious book. It is the tale of two women on a quest. I have PTSD in part due to religion etc and this book did not hit any of my triggers.
This story is AMAZING!!! Technically sound, a good flow wonderful character development, and a fantastic and fascinating story line are what makes this book so unforgettable. (reading it with Evanescence's Fallen in the background is a great choice BTW) I was truly blown away by this epic saga, I have never used the word epic before...WOW, OK, just OMG WOW! There is action and adventure, mystery and mayhem, murder, attempted murder. There is also love and romance, understanding and peace and a sense of closure. It was a really huge roller coaster ride of emotion, darn it was good!! I am not going to say anything else, no, don't beg, you need to experience this for yourself. If you like lesbian stories I have Faith (lol)that you will love this one!!
June 30, 2015
Refreshing
It was nice to read a story where Lilith was not portrayed as a succubus or vampire but as a woman looking for what we all truly seek, happiness and love, a winning combination.
It was nice to read a story where Lilith was not portrayed as a succubus or vampire but as a woman looking for what we all truly seek, happiness and love, a winning combination.
October 16, 2015
Loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to reading her next book. A must read
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