What do you think?
Rate this book
Wanderlust
Raine can't remember it.
Only Flashes.
The knife in her hands.
The crunch of the blade puncturing his spine.
His ragged, dying breath on her face. Raine can't remember killing her husband.... Or so she claims....
Detained in a mental health facility and awaiting trial on charge of murder, Raine Black tells an unbelievable tale to her psychologists: that she was visited by a monster who took her into a parallel universe-- the dark and twisted world of Wanderlust. There she encountered both unimaginable terrors and wonders beyond her wildest dreams.
As the clock ticks down to her sentencing, Raine finds herself in a race against time to tell those watching what really took place the night she was arrested-- But who is really behind her husband's death? And what became of Nicholas, the creature who had ultimately changed the course of her life?
When the investigation takes a turn, the truth about Raine's marriage comes to light, and that everyone involved, including her psychologists are keeping secrets.
The lines between fantasy and reality are blurring. And two worlds are about to collide.
'I loved this book!!! so gripping that I read it in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'An epic read, I honestly couldn't put it down.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
The knife in her hands.
The crunch of the blade puncturing his spine.
His ragged, dying breath on her face. Raine can't remember killing her husband.... Or so she claims....
Detained in a mental health facility and awaiting trial on charge of murder, Raine Black tells an unbelievable tale to her psychologists: that she was visited by a monster who took her into a parallel universe-- the dark and twisted world of Wanderlust. There she encountered both unimaginable terrors and wonders beyond her wildest dreams.
As the clock ticks down to her sentencing, Raine finds herself in a race against time to tell those watching what really took place the night she was arrested-- But who is really behind her husband's death? And what became of Nicholas, the creature who had ultimately changed the course of her life?
When the investigation takes a turn, the truth about Raine's marriage comes to light, and that everyone involved, including her psychologists are keeping secrets.
The lines between fantasy and reality are blurring. And two worlds are about to collide.
'I loved this book!!! so gripping that I read it in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
'An epic read, I honestly couldn't put it down.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
- GenresFantasy
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2019
16 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
L. Costevelos
1 book53 followersAbout L.Costevelos
L lives in Birmingham, England with her cat who believes he’s a dog, Charlie.
When she’s not writing or reading psychological and romantic thrillers, L loves solo backpacking across the globe and exploring new and exciting cultures or sipping a glass of red wine while thinking up new stores.
Since she was a little girl, L dreamt of what mystery awaited around the corner, she always went in search of adventures and when she wasn’t looking for an adventure, one always seemed to find to her. Now she spends her time writing those adventures into her stories!
Wanderlust is L’s debut novel packed with mystery, thriller, fantasy, romance and startling twists and turns suitable for readers across all genres. She is currently working on a psychological thriller which is set to be released in early 2020.
One of L’s favourite things about writing is hearing from her readers. If you would like to contact the author or receive information on giveaways and book releases please follow her on twitter @L.Costevelos alternatively, if you would like to check out upcoming events, visit her website
L lives in Birmingham, England with her cat who believes he’s a dog, Charlie.
When she’s not writing or reading psychological and romantic thrillers, L loves solo backpacking across the globe and exploring new and exciting cultures or sipping a glass of red wine while thinking up new stores.
Since she was a little girl, L dreamt of what mystery awaited around the corner, she always went in search of adventures and when she wasn’t looking for an adventure, one always seemed to find to her. Now she spends her time writing those adventures into her stories!
Wanderlust is L’s debut novel packed with mystery, thriller, fantasy, romance and startling twists and turns suitable for readers across all genres. She is currently working on a psychological thriller which is set to be released in early 2020.
One of L’s favourite things about writing is hearing from her readers. If you would like to contact the author or receive information on giveaways and book releases please follow her on twitter @L.Costevelos alternatively, if you would like to check out upcoming events, visit her website
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 25, 2019
A thrilling fantastic read, that will keep you saying, "One more chapter, one more chapter!" Wanderlust is a fantasy murder thriller that has the essence of The Woman in the Window mixed with The Chronicles of Narnia, and a dash of Alice in Wonderland. The layers and twists will keep you on the edge of your seat! The prose is beautifully written, and I enjoyed this book very much.
April 21, 2019
After not having any spare time for many years to involve myself with any form of literature, I was fortunate to be recommended this book by a friend of mine who is an avid reader, and a genuine follower of L. Costevelos. I am so glad that this book was bought into my life! From the offset, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, as the genre(s) of this book are explained to be of the fantasy, thriller, romance nature. However, with a long weekend off work, I thought I would treat myself to a nice bubble bath and a “light” read of this book. Well 2 hours later, the bath water was less than tepid and I refused to get out the tub, let alone put the book down! I was pleasantly surprised that, albeit the book does deliver its promise of a concoction of numerous genres, by no means is this book non-relatable. I love how there are certain themes that are so relatable to the modern day person; in prticular mental health. Without delving into the story too much, and without spoiling the plot, I would like to add that the lead “protagonist”, if you like, reminds me of my younger self. As I became more engulfed into the pages, I found myself knowing Raine as a real life person, as opposed to just another character in a book. The story in itself is original, and a real page-turner!
To conclude, although I am left wondering whether a prequel or perhaps, a sequel to Wanderlust will ever be released and I am unsure on whether L. costevelos is female or male, I know one thing for certain... regardless of how little time I have, Wanderlust has restored my faith in literature and nevertheless has returned my enthusiasm and love of reading.
P.s. to you; L. Costevelos, thank you for the journey and self-exploration you have led me on from reading this book!
To conclude, although I am left wondering whether a prequel or perhaps, a sequel to Wanderlust will ever be released and I am unsure on whether L. costevelos is female or male, I know one thing for certain... regardless of how little time I have, Wanderlust has restored my faith in literature and nevertheless has returned my enthusiasm and love of reading.
P.s. to you; L. Costevelos, thank you for the journey and self-exploration you have led me on from reading this book!
January 22, 2022
4.7/4.8
This book really was something.
The only genre listed is an understatement for this book, not only is it fantasy it is: psychological/ mental health, romance, bit of mystery and thriller.
To say I knew what tf was going on throughout this story is a lie- it was just so random but at the same time structured and overall great. The beginning gives Eleanor oliphant vibes, the wanderlust world gives off Alice in wonderland world where everything is random and creatures from all sorts of areas of fantasy and the imagination are bought to life. In the beginning when the fantasy world is introduced I just thought it would be random event after random and I would get bored of it as there will be no clear plot- but glad to say it wasn’t.
This was a very dark and twisted spin of both these storie’s vibes combined and so much more and I loved it. It was also very magical and unique.
I loved the way the author jumps between time and builds up the suspense and the mystery and the characters and the world little by little.
Reason for lack of 5 stars is that some bits were kinda boring and I wasn’t that invested to the story in those bits.
This book with everything- plot, was amazing and needs to be experienced by many more people in my opinion.
This book really was something.
The only genre listed is an understatement for this book, not only is it fantasy it is: psychological/ mental health, romance, bit of mystery and thriller.
To say I knew what tf was going on throughout this story is a lie- it was just so random but at the same time structured and overall great. The beginning gives Eleanor oliphant vibes, the wanderlust world gives off Alice in wonderland world where everything is random and creatures from all sorts of areas of fantasy and the imagination are bought to life. In the beginning when the fantasy world is introduced I just thought it would be random event after random and I would get bored of it as there will be no clear plot- but glad to say it wasn’t.
This was a very dark and twisted spin of both these storie’s vibes combined and so much more and I loved it. It was also very magical and unique.
I loved the way the author jumps between time and builds up the suspense and the mystery and the characters and the world little by little.
Reason for lack of 5 stars is that some bits were kinda boring and I wasn’t that invested to the story in those bits.
This book with everything- plot, was amazing and needs to be experienced by many more people in my opinion.
April 22, 2019
I am not one to read books more than once, I’m just not that person. I want to read this book again. The author does a wonderful job of getting you to truly empathize with the plight of the MC. She deals with mental illness and how it manifests in a really authentic way, the research she put into this story shows and I truly appreciate it. Whether you like crime procedurals, fantasy, or thrillers there’s something in this story you’ll connect with. If you need a read for a rainy day, or you’re looking for something for your next beach vacation I’d highly recommend this to you. It would also make a great adaptation, Wanderlust has a very What Dreams May Come vibe to it that I love.
April 20, 2019
Wow!
What a journey! I usually read strict psychological thrillers but this book has taught me to read outside of my genre. It has everything. Romance, murder, mystery, shocking twists and of course the delightful and enchanting world of Wanderlust. I can’t tell you how many times I tried to put this book down. Currently waiting for the paperback to be released so I can have another read.
What a journey! I usually read strict psychological thrillers but this book has taught me to read outside of my genre. It has everything. Romance, murder, mystery, shocking twists and of course the delightful and enchanting world of Wanderlust. I can’t tell you how many times I tried to put this book down. Currently waiting for the paperback to be released so I can have another read.
April 24, 2019
Wanderlust was a truly wonderful book. The mix of psychological thriller with fantasy was perfect balanced and interwoven with a beautiful romance. Raine's emotional and mental state are described so well as to evoke a sympathetic response multiple times through out the well paced story. The fantasy land of Wanderlust is terrifying and alien at first and slowly grows familiar as the we learn more about that world and the creatures that inhabit it. Overall an amazing read full of well rounded and deep characters, with evocative prose that run the edge between artistry and poetry.
September 20, 2019
Loved this so, so much!
Thrills. Mystery. Magic. A Beauty and the Beast love story twisted with a fantastically dark Wonderland/ Narnia vibe.
How could I not?
Recommend this to everyone and all their friends!
It's an absolute must-read.
***Many thanks to the author, L. Costevelos, for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
Thrills. Mystery. Magic. A Beauty and the Beast love story twisted with a fantastically dark Wonderland/ Narnia vibe.
How could I not?
Recommend this to everyone and all their friends!
It's an absolute must-read.
***Many thanks to the author, L. Costevelos, for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
April 20, 2019
spectacular!
Wanderlust is a combination of real life, fantasy, love and thriller, this book has everything you could want from an epic read!
I received an advanced readers copy of this book and I couldn’t be happier. This is honestly one of the best books I’ve read in ages and I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next!
I don’t usually read fantasy but this had a huge psychological twist and thrilling undertones that kept me hooked from the start. It was unputdownable and the twists had me gasping on the train to work!
I’m an artist, so being as the main character in the story is an artist, I felt especially connected with the story. Parts were heart wrenching, and others were light and entertaining.
The thing that really got me about Wanderlust though, was the pacing, every chapter had me wanting more!
Wanderlust is a combination of real life, fantasy, love and thriller, this book has everything you could want from an epic read!
I received an advanced readers copy of this book and I couldn’t be happier. This is honestly one of the best books I’ve read in ages and I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next!
I don’t usually read fantasy but this had a huge psychological twist and thrilling undertones that kept me hooked from the start. It was unputdownable and the twists had me gasping on the train to work!
I’m an artist, so being as the main character in the story is an artist, I felt especially connected with the story. Parts were heart wrenching, and others were light and entertaining.
The thing that really got me about Wanderlust though, was the pacing, every chapter had me wanting more!
April 20, 2019
Wanderlust is a book I highly recommended, regardless of your age, sex or favourite genre. The twists and turns constantly have you feeling intrigued, with the suspense urging you to carry on reading!
Wanderlust is beautifully written and has great consistency throughout. The storyline is cleverly pieced together and well thought-out, making it a real joy to read.
The mix between reality and fantasy is blended to perfection, and I love the fact that there are many elements to the book, including the good and the bad of romance, making it a very moving storyline and one that brought out emotions in me I didn’t realise words on paper could!
I look forward to reading more books from L. Costevelos, who is a very talented writer to say the least.
Wanderlust is beautifully written and has great consistency throughout. The storyline is cleverly pieced together and well thought-out, making it a real joy to read.
The mix between reality and fantasy is blended to perfection, and I love the fact that there are many elements to the book, including the good and the bad of romance, making it a very moving storyline and one that brought out emotions in me I didn’t realise words on paper could!
I look forward to reading more books from L. Costevelos, who is a very talented writer to say the least.
May 16, 2019
Not for me. Too goofy and a little gimmicky. Sorry, friend.
April 24, 2019
This book is amazing!
It blurs the line between fantasy and reality and leaves you wondering; can you really trust your mind?
The characters were so real I felt like I knew them and was moved with every act of kindness or desperation that befell them. The writing was full of great imagery and really pulled me into the book which in my opinion is the sign of a well told story. L.Costevelos had me guessing through the entire tale which made it so hard to put the book down! I kept devising all the possibilities as to who did it and got it completely wrong (which is a rarity for me) and was left completely shocked at the end. I love a book that can do that to me, it just leaves me in awe at the end and like I've been on an adventure. I can't wait to put this on my read shelf!
This book will make you cry, laugh, despair, hope and it will stay with you forever.
THIS IS A MUST READ FOR 2019!
Thanks L.Costevelos for a brilliant piece of work :)
It blurs the line between fantasy and reality and leaves you wondering; can you really trust your mind?
The characters were so real I felt like I knew them and was moved with every act of kindness or desperation that befell them. The writing was full of great imagery and really pulled me into the book which in my opinion is the sign of a well told story. L.Costevelos had me guessing through the entire tale which made it so hard to put the book down! I kept devising all the possibilities as to who did it and got it completely wrong (which is a rarity for me) and was left completely shocked at the end. I love a book that can do that to me, it just leaves me in awe at the end and like I've been on an adventure. I can't wait to put this on my read shelf!
This book will make you cry, laugh, despair, hope and it will stay with you forever.
THIS IS A MUST READ FOR 2019!
Thanks L.Costevelos for a brilliant piece of work :)
April 25, 2019
Gripping and magical.
The only issue I had with this book is that it ended. Wanderlust follows Raine, a failed artist being evaluated for suffering with schizophrenia after she insists she was travelling through a mirror in her studio into the alternate land of Wanderlust. From page one I was completely absorbed into the demise of Raine’s relationship and the fast pacing of the story as she stumbles through Wanderlust, and then there was Nicholas! Oh my!! I don’t want to give too much away but this book really pulled at my heartstrings and I was left wanting more and more after every chapter. I can’t wait for a sequel!
The only issue I had with this book is that it ended. Wanderlust follows Raine, a failed artist being evaluated for suffering with schizophrenia after she insists she was travelling through a mirror in her studio into the alternate land of Wanderlust. From page one I was completely absorbed into the demise of Raine’s relationship and the fast pacing of the story as she stumbles through Wanderlust, and then there was Nicholas! Oh my!! I don’t want to give too much away but this book really pulled at my heartstrings and I was left wanting more and more after every chapter. I can’t wait for a sequel!
April 22, 2019
Let yourself get transported to the fantastical world of Wanderlust.
Raine Black has put an end to her miserable marriage by putting an end to her husband's life. But is she an abused wife who has murdered the husband she hates, or is she a woman who has become a part of a bizarre world called Wanderlust?
If you love fantasy novels or psychological fiction or even a good horror story, you will love Wanderlust. The author, L. Costevelos has expertly combined the three genres into one captivating, must-read novel that is hard to put down.
Raine Black has put an end to her miserable marriage by putting an end to her husband's life. But is she an abused wife who has murdered the husband she hates, or is she a woman who has become a part of a bizarre world called Wanderlust?
If you love fantasy novels or psychological fiction or even a good horror story, you will love Wanderlust. The author, L. Costevelos has expertly combined the three genres into one captivating, must-read novel that is hard to put down.
April 22, 2019
An epic read.
My friend suggested this book and told me there was romance (not my thing at all) she under sold this book on so many levels. Wanderlust is so much more than a romance novel. There are serious issues regarding mental health, a modern day look at society, and relationships that serve no purpose in life. I learnt a lot from this book and that’s the mark of any great novel. Truly amazing!
My friend suggested this book and told me there was romance (not my thing at all) she under sold this book on so many levels. Wanderlust is so much more than a romance novel. There are serious issues regarding mental health, a modern day look at society, and relationships that serve no purpose in life. I learnt a lot from this book and that’s the mark of any great novel. Truly amazing!
July 15, 2019
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time! It was one of those books you don’t want to end because you just want to stay with the characters in their world forever! I went into it not knowing a lot, as I don’t like reading too much of a blurb.
All I knew was that it was about a woman admitted to a psychiatric hospital, accused of stabbing her husband to death.
I was expecting a psychological thriller, but what I didn’t expect was for it to turn into a fantasy novel full of magic, elves, talking trees, pixies and loads more. Don’t be fooled though, this isn’t a kids book, and isn’t a light-hearted read. It’s very much targeted towards adults, combining loads of genres and tackling the subject of mental health head on.
This book evoked so many emotions in me, I became super invested in the characters and couldn’t put it down. I definitely recommend!
All I knew was that it was about a woman admitted to a psychiatric hospital, accused of stabbing her husband to death.
I was expecting a psychological thriller, but what I didn’t expect was for it to turn into a fantasy novel full of magic, elves, talking trees, pixies and loads more. Don’t be fooled though, this isn’t a kids book, and isn’t a light-hearted read. It’s very much targeted towards adults, combining loads of genres and tackling the subject of mental health head on.
This book evoked so many emotions in me, I became super invested in the characters and couldn’t put it down. I definitely recommend!
January 11, 2022
If you like fantasy, then you will most likely enjoy this journey the author takes you on. No spoilers, you'll have to read it yourself, but I will say the author has quite the imagination. Quite well written but with some editorial issues which resulted in a four instead of five star review.
June 15, 2019
**Mild Spoilers ahead**
Honestly, I’m not quite sure how I feel. This story wrenched my emotions in ways I didn’t expect. I give four stars for execution and storyline. How the story unfolds, the events, the truths needing to be uncovered—the mystical and mysterious tone—it’s all engaging for sure. But I’m also really sad how Raine’s relationship turned out. It really was so bittersweet. I understand why it had to happen for the message to get across, but I’m such a hopeless romantic that I wish there had been a way for things to turn out happily with Nicholas. If things had turned out better with Nicholas, I would have felt a little more happy at the end.
Honestly, I’m not quite sure how I feel. This story wrenched my emotions in ways I didn’t expect. I give four stars for execution and storyline. How the story unfolds, the events, the truths needing to be uncovered—the mystical and mysterious tone—it’s all engaging for sure. But I’m also really sad how Raine’s relationship turned out. It really was so bittersweet. I understand why it had to happen for the message to get across, but I’m such a hopeless romantic that I wish there had been a way for things to turn out happily with Nicholas. If things had turned out better with Nicholas, I would have felt a little more happy at the end.
September 12, 2020
It's the kind of book that makes you forget the world. Like seriously! Thank you so much for writing such an amazing masterpiece! It's filled with mystery, romance and adventure. Things I was craving the most.
June 17, 2020
A convoluted psychological thriller that had me wondering who was real, what was real and what was fantasy, the whole way through! Well written, terrific descriptions, mind bending!
August 8, 2019
I very much enjoyed this book.
It surprised me in how well it managed to grow more thrilling; the structure of most chapters is fairly simple ( a scene in the present, followed by a flashback to her prior relationship with her husband, followed by a journey back into Wanderlust from which she returns at the end ) and that structure doesn't necessarily lend itself toward a thrilling ( that is, page-turning ) narrative, but the author pulls it off really well - I was not prepared for, particularly after the halfway mark, how exciting the story gets at the end of each chapter, spurring my interest and desire to read on. I'd also like to praise how well the author maintained that structure even in the last few chapters, when it might've been easier ( although not as good ) to just drop it and focus on the present sections.
I also appreciated how well the author blended genres. I understood the genre of dark contemporary fantasy from the first few chapters, but I also didn't even notice until part-way through that it was also a romance ( and a good one at that ).
On the whole it was a good read and I recommend it.
It surprised me in how well it managed to grow more thrilling; the structure of most chapters is fairly simple ( a scene in the present, followed by a flashback to her prior relationship with her husband, followed by a journey back into Wanderlust from which she returns at the end ) and that structure doesn't necessarily lend itself toward a thrilling ( that is, page-turning ) narrative, but the author pulls it off really well - I was not prepared for, particularly after the halfway mark, how exciting the story gets at the end of each chapter, spurring my interest and desire to read on. I'd also like to praise how well the author maintained that structure even in the last few chapters, when it might've been easier ( although not as good ) to just drop it and focus on the present sections.
I also appreciated how well the author blended genres. I understood the genre of dark contemporary fantasy from the first few chapters, but I also didn't even notice until part-way through that it was also a romance ( and a good one at that ).
On the whole it was a good read and I recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2019
A magical world through a mirror? Welcome to Wanderlust!! Wow, L.Costevelos has managed to completely transport the reader into a new world with headless people, talking moles and lion headed princes. I was so eager to learn more and more about this strange world and its customs and traditions. The story itself is full of surprises and intrigue. A whodunit, with a good helping of magic, betrayal, love, lust and all the messy emotions human come with. Raine, is a complex character, cynical, hopeless and at times defeated, yet she speaks with so much love and hope when relating the story to the mysterious “Mia”, you can’t help rooting for her though she is being held for murder! I found myself hoping she was the heroine I felt she could be. I absolutely loved this book, I can’t remember the last time a book managed to create an entire new world for the reader to enjoy, there are so many elements to it which make it so enjoyable. I ordered this book yesterday and read it in one sitting, I can’t recommend it enough!
January 23, 2023
The best adventure and fantasy crime thriller book out there, the story of Raine is one of love, adventure and mistery, filled with plot twists at every corner it keeps you gripped and hungry for more and more. The intertwining of two worlds one filled with magic, love and discovery and the cold reality one filled with betrayal, is it all imagination? is it all just an escape or is it more ? You'll only find out by devouring through the books pages unravelling clues and twists that will leave you breathless. A book that stimulates every bit of your imagination with characters that feel so real full of flaws and passion that take you on a fantastic journey.
It gives a different look to mental health with a complete unique approach.
It leaves you with a lust of future adventures and you would wish the book would never end, I trully recomend this book and can't wait to read more work from the author. Thank you for an amazing journey.
It gives a different look to mental health with a complete unique approach.
It leaves you with a lust of future adventures and you would wish the book would never end, I trully recomend this book and can't wait to read more work from the author. Thank you for an amazing journey.
March 18, 2022
This story grabbed me and kept me! It has a richly imagined world/great worldbuilding, a strong theme/point, powerful lines regarding the theme/point that fully connect the reader to the character, and the important/revealing scene at the end is emotionally deep and well executed.
The book could have benefited from line-editing, and I found clarity issues, the greatest one being "who is the narrator telling the story to?"--I go into detail about that in my video review.
Watch my full video review here (the video contains spoilers): https://www.itsyourbookcoaching.com/p...
The book could have benefited from line-editing, and I found clarity issues, the greatest one being "who is the narrator telling the story to?"--I go into detail about that in my video review.
Watch my full video review here (the video contains spoilers): https://www.itsyourbookcoaching.com/p...
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews