What do you think?
All That Will Burn
From the ashes, a legend will rise. Amidst an eternal war between good and evil, headstrong Sofia explores the afterlife in search of her lost past in this illustrated dark fantasy epic. . . . Washed ashore on a desolate beach, Sofia arrives in the afterlife with no memories—only nightmares, and a darkness within her she cannot explain. As Sofia wanders the timeless world of the Orvida in search of answers, she discovers it is no eternal of paradise. Within the shadows of sprawling vistas amass the imuertes, the lost souls of the damned. After a chance encounter with the Ebrahym, a mysterious, winged Sanguinir warrior, Sofia is drawn into a conflict a millennium in the making. Now, caught between the wary eye of the angelic Host, and the growing threat of the imuertes driven to war by a newly ascended lord, Sofia must find the strength to face the enemy at the gates—and the demons that lurk within.
377 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2017
About the author
Judd Mercer
1 book8 followersJudd Mercer is a painter, writer, designer and all-around creative who doesn't know the meaning of the word "bored." Afflicted early-on with a severe case of hero worship, Judd spent his suburban childhood as most nerdy kids do: pretending he was Batman, watching 80s movies on repeat, playing games and reading. Some things never change.
Today, as a co-owner and Creative Director at a digital advertising agency, Elevated Third, Judd spends his days in the real world tackling tough business problems. But on nights and weekends, he escapes to an imaginary world, spending time in the studio making up entirely new problems (like how to write a novel) and slowly, painfully learning how to solve them. Judd lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife, Katie.
Today, as a co-owner and Creative Director at a digital advertising agency, Elevated Third, Judd spends his days in the real world tackling tough business problems. But on nights and weekends, he escapes to an imaginary world, spending time in the studio making up entirely new problems (like how to write a novel) and slowly, painfully learning how to solve them. Judd lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife, Katie.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 15, 2019
All That Will Burn is an interesting story. Essentially, it's good against evil, and it's in the afterlife. The premise is unique. For the most part, I liked the story, and it held my interest. At times, I was a little lost, and I felt the ending was rather flat and lacking substance and drama. I found the characters engaging and likeable. The illustrations are lovely. It's a good read overall. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2017
Ethereal story with beautiful paintings.
October 23, 2018
This book hooked me right from the beginning and was not at all what I expected from the description. The illustrations are gorgeous and I was fascinated by the protagonist, Sofia.
Sofia awakens naked, alone, swimming in the ocean, with no memories beyond her own name. She decides to swim, looking for shore. Eventually she meets others, who awoke like her, naked and alone, but finds she is the only one who has the memory of her name. The book follows Sofia's journey as she continuously searches for answers. Who is Sofia? Where is she? What does it mean that she has a memory?
I had a few very minor quibbles with the story - the ending felt rushed, and the ending for the antagonist fell a bit flat. I expected there to be more substance to the last scenes of the story after I had come to be so interested in Sofia, her emotions, and her past.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Judd Mercer for letting me read and review this book!
Sofia awakens naked, alone, swimming in the ocean, with no memories beyond her own name. She decides to swim, looking for shore. Eventually she meets others, who awoke like her, naked and alone, but finds she is the only one who has the memory of her name. The book follows Sofia's journey as she continuously searches for answers. Who is Sofia? Where is she? What does it mean that she has a memory?
I had a few very minor quibbles with the story - the ending felt rushed, and the ending for the antagonist fell a bit flat. I expected there to be more substance to the last scenes of the story after I had come to be so interested in Sofia, her emotions, and her past.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Judd Mercer for letting me read and review this book!
August 15, 2018
A wonderful surprise
I couldn't put this book down. Well crafted and engaging, the characters are three dimensional. The plot is intelligent, and the setting is rich.
I couldn't put this book down. Well crafted and engaging, the characters are three dimensional. The plot is intelligent, and the setting is rich.
October 21, 2018
Language is important to me. I expect an author to have a basic grasp of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. I find that a writer who uses 'whom' improperly does so because it sounds posh, or intellectual and thus comes off as neither. I have been told that it is now permissible to end a sentence with a preposition; however, sticking a meaningless preposition at the end of a sentence indicates to me that the writer needs to read his or her own work before dumping it on an unsuspecting public. Put eyes on your work - friends, family, beta readers - and get a good editor.
I don't generally read the blurb of a book I am about to read. I really want to start cold and work my way into the story. ALL THAT WILL BURN made so little sense that I had to go back to the blurb before giving up.
Sorry, but this one goes on my DNF (did not finish) shelf.
I don't generally read the blurb of a book I am about to read. I really want to start cold and work my way into the story. ALL THAT WILL BURN made so little sense that I had to go back to the blurb before giving up.
Sorry, but this one goes on my DNF (did not finish) shelf.
July 3, 2018
Sofia is a powerful character in this story. This is a unique storyline and intriguing exploration of another world. The story jumps a bit too quickly for me towards the end and the terms of the Afore were hard to keep track of. If you like a story where the main character goes through many transformations, this story is for you. If you like deeply connected characters with complex relationships, this story may not fulfill that need. The illustrations are breathtaking. The first 50 pages were by far my favorite.
September 3, 2018
All that will burn by Judd Mercer - Let me begin by saying that I was more intrigued by author's name than the blurb *Yep! No kidding* and that was my only reason for choosing the book.
So I opened the first page without any pre-conceived notion on how the book will be or turn out to be. All That Will Burn by Judd Mercer opens with a predictable plot line - of a zealot discovering a forbidden secret and of his over weening desire to use it for his own purpose. He even commits murder towards this end!! Such is the mundane beginning of an unforgettable novel!
All That Will Burn takes us to a dystopian place that's set neither here or there. It was clever of Judd Mercer not to set it as a planet or turn it into a midgard or whatever .. The city or the capital is gloomy, its trees turned into gaunt skeletons, silence reigns in this world broken by occasional cries of unseen creatures
Sofia, our heroine of the novel enters this bleak, barren, land treading the cold water of the ocean with fires of anger raging in her heart. She is stark naked but cloaked in wariness and confusion. Like a homing pigeon she walks towards the looming city. Sofia is startled to find the city deserted, the bright, vibrant paints peeling from buildings of what appears to be a wealthy city. All senses on alert, she wanders through the streets looking for food and clothing or people. Night falls, The city comes awake! Fleeing for her life, Sofia runs into a group of people huddled outside the the city.
The 'lost' people continue to live in that ramshackle building counting the days off and waiting for the proverbial 'D-Day'. Things take a drastic turn when some of the lost people attack Sofia and try to immolate her. But the fires instead of harming her, strengthen Sofia which terrifies others. Unable to bear the fear of others towards her, seized by restlessness, Sofia decides to strike out on her own to discover her identity.
After few twists and turns, Sofia comes across a winged warrior engaged in mortal combat with a wild boar like thing. Sofia rushes to protect the winged warrior whose name is Ebrahym. Once the immediate danger ceases, Sofia pesters Ebrahym with her questions- which are met with vaguness, enigmatic silences and cryptic answers!! All of which does not address the questions of Sofia.
Somehow a bond develops between Sofia and Ebrahym, both embark on a journey - sometimes together, sometimes alone with the novel culminating in Sofia finding the answers to her questions and dousing the raging fire within her heart!
Views:
Love is all powerful; it can make an angel out of a criminal or make a criminal out of angel. This dual faces of Love has been portrayed subtly but emphatically by the author. While we are aware of such kind of love, Judd Mercer showcases another kind of love; a love that burns within you, neither turning you into an angel nor into a monster . This love embedded within burns you, sustains you, nourishes you yet drains you.
Sofia whose objective (driven by love) is like a fire is burned and sustained by this love. It consumes her but is also her shield. But a shield serves two purpose, doesn't it? While it prevents wound or mortal injuries from occurring, it also prevents healing by allowing the lingering wounds to fester. Sometimes this festering wounds can turn deadly, how to avert it? by letting go of the shield of course. True!! the chances of you getting hurt has increased dramatically but so has the chances of healing. Will Sofia who seems to have fire as her shield, let her guard down, enough to heal herself?
What can be the salve that can heal the wound caused by Love? Forgiveness & acceptance are two powerful ointments that can heal the battered heart, that can soothe the fire.
Sofia who has been battling the fire as long as she could remember is met with the challenge of succumbing to the fire or healing herself - What will be her choice?
This is a novel that compels you to think, to reflect. Ordinary, when a writer sets his plot in a dystopian world, he usually sticks to template that's known to the readers. But All That Will Burn surprises you with its template, Of course there are biblical references but the surprising factor is in how it has been interpreted!
Coming to the characters, Sofia, the heroine is a complex character! Starting off as a vague, badass selfish, clammed up girlintent only on her quest, she gradually changes, sheds the mantle of fear, learns to GIVE !! & finally to ACCEPT!
Ebrahym, starts off as a confusing character, One does not understand why he is fascinated by a bratty, rude, standoffish Sofia- Things begin to get clearer towards climax and it will leave you surprised despite the clue offered by the author during the introduction of the character.
Coming to the climax, I wish he had taken it a bit slowly, the sudden change in antagonist did not deliver the promised impact. On the other hand, the ' breaking down' of Sofia in the prison could have been "speeded" up!
There was another character in the novel, which deserved few more sketches or further evolutions, I hope Judd Mercer focuses on Anayah. I would love to know her journey.
http://quotepedia.fiction247.com/revi...
So I opened the first page without any pre-conceived notion on how the book will be or turn out to be. All That Will Burn by Judd Mercer opens with a predictable plot line - of a zealot discovering a forbidden secret and of his over weening desire to use it for his own purpose. He even commits murder towards this end!! Such is the mundane beginning of an unforgettable novel!
All That Will Burn takes us to a dystopian place that's set neither here or there. It was clever of Judd Mercer not to set it as a planet or turn it into a midgard or whatever .. The city or the capital is gloomy, its trees turned into gaunt skeletons, silence reigns in this world broken by occasional cries of unseen creatures
Sofia, our heroine of the novel enters this bleak, barren, land treading the cold water of the ocean with fires of anger raging in her heart. She is stark naked but cloaked in wariness and confusion. Like a homing pigeon she walks towards the looming city. Sofia is startled to find the city deserted, the bright, vibrant paints peeling from buildings of what appears to be a wealthy city. All senses on alert, she wanders through the streets looking for food and clothing or people. Night falls, The city comes awake! Fleeing for her life, Sofia runs into a group of people huddled outside the the city.
The 'lost' people continue to live in that ramshackle building counting the days off and waiting for the proverbial 'D-Day'. Things take a drastic turn when some of the lost people attack Sofia and try to immolate her. But the fires instead of harming her, strengthen Sofia which terrifies others. Unable to bear the fear of others towards her, seized by restlessness, Sofia decides to strike out on her own to discover her identity.
After few twists and turns, Sofia comes across a winged warrior engaged in mortal combat with a wild boar like thing. Sofia rushes to protect the winged warrior whose name is Ebrahym. Once the immediate danger ceases, Sofia pesters Ebrahym with her questions- which are met with vaguness, enigmatic silences and cryptic answers!! All of which does not address the questions of Sofia.
Somehow a bond develops between Sofia and Ebrahym, both embark on a journey - sometimes together, sometimes alone with the novel culminating in Sofia finding the answers to her questions and dousing the raging fire within her heart!
Views:
Love is all powerful; it can make an angel out of a criminal or make a criminal out of angel. This dual faces of Love has been portrayed subtly but emphatically by the author. While we are aware of such kind of love, Judd Mercer showcases another kind of love; a love that burns within you, neither turning you into an angel nor into a monster . This love embedded within burns you, sustains you, nourishes you yet drains you.
Sofia whose objective (driven by love) is like a fire is burned and sustained by this love. It consumes her but is also her shield. But a shield serves two purpose, doesn't it? While it prevents wound or mortal injuries from occurring, it also prevents healing by allowing the lingering wounds to fester. Sometimes this festering wounds can turn deadly, how to avert it? by letting go of the shield of course. True!! the chances of you getting hurt has increased dramatically but so has the chances of healing. Will Sofia who seems to have fire as her shield, let her guard down, enough to heal herself?
What can be the salve that can heal the wound caused by Love? Forgiveness & acceptance are two powerful ointments that can heal the battered heart, that can soothe the fire.
Sofia who has been battling the fire as long as she could remember is met with the challenge of succumbing to the fire or healing herself - What will be her choice?
This is a novel that compels you to think, to reflect. Ordinary, when a writer sets his plot in a dystopian world, he usually sticks to template that's known to the readers. But All That Will Burn surprises you with its template, Of course there are biblical references but the surprising factor is in how it has been interpreted!
Coming to the characters, Sofia, the heroine is a complex character! Starting off as a vague, badass selfish, clammed up girlintent only on her quest, she gradually changes, sheds the mantle of fear, learns to GIVE !! & finally to ACCEPT!
Ebrahym, starts off as a confusing character, One does not understand why he is fascinated by a bratty, rude, standoffish Sofia- Things begin to get clearer towards climax and it will leave you surprised despite the clue offered by the author during the introduction of the character.
Coming to the climax, I wish he had taken it a bit slowly, the sudden change in antagonist did not deliver the promised impact. On the other hand, the ' breaking down' of Sofia in the prison could have been "speeded" up!
There was another character in the novel, which deserved few more sketches or further evolutions, I hope Judd Mercer focuses on Anayah. I would love to know her journey.
http://quotepedia.fiction247.com/revi...
September 6, 2018
3.5*
'From the ashes, a legend will rise.
Amidst an eternal war between good and evil, headstrong Sofia explores the afterlife in search of her lost past in this illustrated dark fantasy epic.'
Mercer succeeds in creating and ethereal, mysterious atmosphere.
I like the authors imagining of an afterlife that isn't 'sunshine-and-daisies' but rather 'a-lot-of-blood-and-violence.'
My biggest issue was a feeling of never quite comprehending how it came to be or what Sofias backstory was. I understand that it's meant to be mysterious, like I said, that is one of this novels strengths, however, I personally have a preference for character driven stories and there wasn't enough information to remain fully invested in Sofia as a character throughout.
Regardless, this is a very well written novel and I'd recommend 'All That Will Burn' for fantasy fans who are interested in angels and demons with a twist (And some truly stunning artwork to accompany it.)
~ Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this title ~
'From the ashes, a legend will rise.
Amidst an eternal war between good and evil, headstrong Sofia explores the afterlife in search of her lost past in this illustrated dark fantasy epic.'
Mercer succeeds in creating and ethereal, mysterious atmosphere.
I like the authors imagining of an afterlife that isn't 'sunshine-and-daisies' but rather 'a-lot-of-blood-and-violence.'
My biggest issue was a feeling of never quite comprehending how it came to be or what Sofias backstory was. I understand that it's meant to be mysterious, like I said, that is one of this novels strengths, however, I personally have a preference for character driven stories and there wasn't enough information to remain fully invested in Sofia as a character throughout.
Regardless, this is a very well written novel and I'd recommend 'All That Will Burn' for fantasy fans who are interested in angels and demons with a twist (And some truly stunning artwork to accompany it.)
~ Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this title ~
October 15, 2018
I don't think I'll ever been less interested in a book. From page one I felt very lost, because we were just dumped into the main character's life and I had no clue what was happening. Nothing was ever explained and that caused me to lose interest pretty quick.
Also, nothing significant was really happening and I've never felt more bored while reading something. At no point during this book was I interested or feeling for Sofia because we never really got to know her so I didn't end up calling if something happened to her.
This wasn't the book for me and I was disappointed.
Also, nothing significant was really happening and I've never felt more bored while reading something. At no point during this book was I interested or feeling for Sofia because we never really got to know her so I didn't end up calling if something happened to her.
This wasn't the book for me and I was disappointed.
August 21, 2019
What a spectacular surprise! I have no idea how I stumbled upon this book but I’m glad I did. It was absolutely beautiful. This is a truly unique representation of angels/demons, battle of good/evil in an original story that i couldn’t help but fall in love with. It’s an allegory for the battle within ourselves and the choice we can make to create a heaven or a hell. This is dark fantasy at its finest. This is also an illustrated novel that includes several stunning pieces of art depicting the characters and settings.
November 3, 2018
i am not a huge fan of super natural.
Rather bizarre tale
Rather bizarre tale
November 17, 2018
Excellent story. Entirely different take on the afterlife. This is one of those books that will stay with you
September 3, 2018
"From The Ashes A Legend Will Rise".
I mean between that, the title and the book cover I was like okay let's do this.
Its got great suspense. Loved Sofia as a character and the world building is amazing. Would definitely recommend!!
4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I mean between that, the title and the book cover I was like okay let's do this.
Its got great suspense. Loved Sofia as a character and the world building is amazing. Would definitely recommend!!
4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 25, 2018
Thankyou to NetGalley and the author, Judd Mercer, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of All That Will Burn in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I found the storyline to be well written and interesting. I liked the character build with Sofia. Overall, it was a good story but for me, I felt something was missing.
Worth a read for fans of the genre.
I found the storyline to be well written and interesting. I liked the character build with Sofia. Overall, it was a good story but for me, I felt something was missing.
Worth a read for fans of the genre.
December 15, 2018
Sofia washes ashore on a desolate beach with no memories other than her name. She soon stumbles upon a group of people just like her, but she's the only one who knows her name. In the wake of their growing distrust of her because of this, she leaves the group to wander the unknown world. Before long, she comes across an angelic figure, falls back in with the group she had initially stumbled across, and discovers she is in the afterlife. But because she is one of the named few, there are many who call for her exile from the city. However, those who see the potential in her allow her to train for the chance to become a Sanguinir, an angelic being, only to be drawn into the middle of the battle between the angelic beings and the darker, more demonic immuertes who seek to destroy the light.
Initially, I was drawn to this book because it was listed as being an illustrated novel. I've never come across an illustrated novel before, so I was curious about what it would look like and how illustrated it would be. While the illustrations were beautiful and a nice touch to the book, I don't feel they actually added anything to the story. There also weren't that many; at least, not as many as I would have expected in a book billed as an illustrated novel. Honestly, I could have done without them and it wouldn't have impacted my enjoyment or understanding of the novel.
This is a basic good vs. evil type of story that just happens to take place in the afterlife. Honestly, I think the idea was interesting, but the execution was a little lacking. It was absolutely an interesting take on what might happen after death, but any fantasy world could stand in for the afterlife in this book. Simply put, it was a unique idea, but I didn't feel it was any different from any other world in any other fantasy book. Besides, outside of the angels and demons and mentions of limited immortality, I often forgot it took place in the afterlife. The world building was actually quite adequate, but I still only came away with hazy images. In a sense, the world is rich, detailed, and interesting, but descriptions felt a little lacking.
This is dark fantasy. It explores characters with a darker nature and the deformation of souls to form the monstrous immuertes. The beginning chapters were so graphic and horrific that I thought it was actually a horror book. However, as I read on, and definitely nowhere near nighttime as I scare very easily, the horror elements almost completely vanished and it turned into little more than a standard fantasy novel. By the end, even though the horror elements had returned, it was not quite as horrific as the beginning and I struggled to see this as dark fantasy.
During the last quarter, the story really came together and made sense. There were hints of Sofia's life before death and her family throughout the story, but it never made a lot of sense until the end. I did find the family connections a little too convenient, and a little absurd that so much of the story hung on them when this was supposed to be a battle greater than Sofia. But it did tie the story together and the end was actually rather satisfying. The prologue (that I had completely forgotten about during most of the book) finally made sense. I hate when the prologues have little to do with the meat of the story, so was glad to be able to ruminate and realize it was a nice piece.
To be honest, this book took me weeks to finish. I was intrigued by the illustrated dark fantasy nature of this book, but it really turned into a slow read for me. It's not that it was bad; it just wasn't my cup of tea. I contemplated abandoning it several times, but am glad I finished it as I really enjoyed how it ended. Unfortunately, though it may have been explained somewhere, I still don't understand why Sofia could not be burned.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Post date: 1/18/19
Blog: thelilycafe.wordpress.com
Initially, I was drawn to this book because it was listed as being an illustrated novel. I've never come across an illustrated novel before, so I was curious about what it would look like and how illustrated it would be. While the illustrations were beautiful and a nice touch to the book, I don't feel they actually added anything to the story. There also weren't that many; at least, not as many as I would have expected in a book billed as an illustrated novel. Honestly, I could have done without them and it wouldn't have impacted my enjoyment or understanding of the novel.
This is a basic good vs. evil type of story that just happens to take place in the afterlife. Honestly, I think the idea was interesting, but the execution was a little lacking. It was absolutely an interesting take on what might happen after death, but any fantasy world could stand in for the afterlife in this book. Simply put, it was a unique idea, but I didn't feel it was any different from any other world in any other fantasy book. Besides, outside of the angels and demons and mentions of limited immortality, I often forgot it took place in the afterlife. The world building was actually quite adequate, but I still only came away with hazy images. In a sense, the world is rich, detailed, and interesting, but descriptions felt a little lacking.
This is dark fantasy. It explores characters with a darker nature and the deformation of souls to form the monstrous immuertes. The beginning chapters were so graphic and horrific that I thought it was actually a horror book. However, as I read on, and definitely nowhere near nighttime as I scare very easily, the horror elements almost completely vanished and it turned into little more than a standard fantasy novel. By the end, even though the horror elements had returned, it was not quite as horrific as the beginning and I struggled to see this as dark fantasy.
During the last quarter, the story really came together and made sense. There were hints of Sofia's life before death and her family throughout the story, but it never made a lot of sense until the end. I did find the family connections a little too convenient, and a little absurd that so much of the story hung on them when this was supposed to be a battle greater than Sofia. But it did tie the story together and the end was actually rather satisfying. The prologue (that I had completely forgotten about during most of the book) finally made sense. I hate when the prologues have little to do with the meat of the story, so was glad to be able to ruminate and realize it was a nice piece.
To be honest, this book took me weeks to finish. I was intrigued by the illustrated dark fantasy nature of this book, but it really turned into a slow read for me. It's not that it was bad; it just wasn't my cup of tea. I contemplated abandoning it several times, but am glad I finished it as I really enjoyed how it ended. Unfortunately, though it may have been explained somewhere, I still don't understand why Sofia could not be burned.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Post date: 1/18/19
Blog: thelilycafe.wordpress.com
January 17, 2019
I don't even know what to saw. It hooks you in thats for sure and it is way different from any other book. If you don't like to just jump in to the main character with no background dont read it.
January 30, 2019
REVIEW~
All I can say is that this book is nothing short of amazing. Epic? Absolutely! It is not your typical dark fantasy. Set in the afterlife, our protagonist, Sofia, traverses between good and evil in a story arc that takes her, and the reader, through a midst of emotions. I felt her longing to find answers, her fear, her expectations and wishes. She was truly a dynamic and perplexing MC. I loved her internal struggles and the development of her character!
I am getting ahead of myself. I am just so excited about this novel. The word building and quality of writing is wonderful. The author paints pictures of worlds, both literally and figuratively, that you can become submersed in. There is a talent here that is solid and the author is truly gifted.
The pacing was consistent and cogent. In fact, it was perfect and time elapsed quickly as I read. I hate cliché terms but I literally could not put this book down. (I burned dinner because of it.) The characters were so vivid and convincing, I believe this may be a new favorite book for me. I can hardly wait to read more from this author.
I could go on and on about the premise of the book, but the blurb surmises it well. The plotline is uncommon and exceptionally cultivated. The afterlife presented is sui generis and unexpected. It is good vs evil, but so much more. It explores the journey of Sofia from lost and unsure, to confidant and assertive.
I’ve already touched on the character development, which was phenomenal, IMHO. Thusly, suffice it to say that the characters were quite detailed. The setting was rich and spectacular. The author’s watercolor illustrations lend themselves well to the telling of the tale. And they are beautiful!
This was escapism at it’s best and such a joy to read. The subject matter, though caliginous, was so intriguing that I found myself visualizing and speculating myself, what it must be like. This story took the MC and the reader on a journey and it was brilliant.
5/5 stars for this imaginative and unorthodox novel.
I was given this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review, or portions thereof, will be posted (when able) on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, Kobo, IG, FB, Pinterest, Litsy, and my own blog.
Unfortunately, I am unable to provide links to all sites as I am using my phone.
On various sites I am:
Pinterest~ Pinterest.com/katskraps
Barnes & Noble~ Karyl-Ahn-white_7
Litsy~ Karylahn or Karyl White
All I can say is that this book is nothing short of amazing. Epic? Absolutely! It is not your typical dark fantasy. Set in the afterlife, our protagonist, Sofia, traverses between good and evil in a story arc that takes her, and the reader, through a midst of emotions. I felt her longing to find answers, her fear, her expectations and wishes. She was truly a dynamic and perplexing MC. I loved her internal struggles and the development of her character!
I am getting ahead of myself. I am just so excited about this novel. The word building and quality of writing is wonderful. The author paints pictures of worlds, both literally and figuratively, that you can become submersed in. There is a talent here that is solid and the author is truly gifted.
The pacing was consistent and cogent. In fact, it was perfect and time elapsed quickly as I read. I hate cliché terms but I literally could not put this book down. (I burned dinner because of it.) The characters were so vivid and convincing, I believe this may be a new favorite book for me. I can hardly wait to read more from this author.
I could go on and on about the premise of the book, but the blurb surmises it well. The plotline is uncommon and exceptionally cultivated. The afterlife presented is sui generis and unexpected. It is good vs evil, but so much more. It explores the journey of Sofia from lost and unsure, to confidant and assertive.
I’ve already touched on the character development, which was phenomenal, IMHO. Thusly, suffice it to say that the characters were quite detailed. The setting was rich and spectacular. The author’s watercolor illustrations lend themselves well to the telling of the tale. And they are beautiful!
This was escapism at it’s best and such a joy to read. The subject matter, though caliginous, was so intriguing that I found myself visualizing and speculating myself, what it must be like. This story took the MC and the reader on a journey and it was brilliant.
5/5 stars for this imaginative and unorthodox novel.
I was given this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review, or portions thereof, will be posted (when able) on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, Kobo, IG, FB, Pinterest, Litsy, and my own blog.
Unfortunately, I am unable to provide links to all sites as I am using my phone.
On various sites I am:
Pinterest~ Pinterest.com/katskraps
Barnes & Noble~ Karyl-Ahn-white_7
Litsy~ Karylahn or Karyl White
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews