What do you think?
Rate this book
Breath #1
Breath
Two souls. Infinite lives. A quest across history.
In the spirit of The Time Traveler’s Wife, comes this epic new romance filled with passion, mystery, and reincarnation.
In the ancient past, in the now lost Kingdom of Rah’a, a young woman named Sherin finds herself in mortal peril after her family succumbs to a deadly contagion to which she is immune. Alone and afraid, she is cast out into the desert in search of a safe haven.
But the plague continues to ravage her region, forcing survivors to band together. Some form haphazard tribes, others violent gangs. Through her wits and courage, Sherin captures the attention of two very different Nif, a desert warrior who leads a nomadic tribe, and Roon, a powerful soldier for the crumbling sultanry.
As cannibalism, torture, thievery and war blight the region, alliances shift and terror reigns. Despite all of this, Sherin finds herself falling deeply in love with one of her suitors, sensing a mystical energy between herself and the man to whom she is so passionately devoting herself.
The forces of destruction enveloping them, an extraordinary destiny begins to unfold before the lovers, ensnaring them in a fate that traps them in an endless cycle of death and rebirth. It will propel them through history, from the earliest of civilizations to the present day, where they must struggle to save humanity from the same fate that befell their ancient civilization, or risk losing one another forever.
In the spirit of The Time Traveler’s Wife, comes this epic new romance filled with passion, mystery, and reincarnation.
In the ancient past, in the now lost Kingdom of Rah’a, a young woman named Sherin finds herself in mortal peril after her family succumbs to a deadly contagion to which she is immune. Alone and afraid, she is cast out into the desert in search of a safe haven.
But the plague continues to ravage her region, forcing survivors to band together. Some form haphazard tribes, others violent gangs. Through her wits and courage, Sherin captures the attention of two very different Nif, a desert warrior who leads a nomadic tribe, and Roon, a powerful soldier for the crumbling sultanry.
As cannibalism, torture, thievery and war blight the region, alliances shift and terror reigns. Despite all of this, Sherin finds herself falling deeply in love with one of her suitors, sensing a mystical energy between herself and the man to whom she is so passionately devoting herself.
The forces of destruction enveloping them, an extraordinary destiny begins to unfold before the lovers, ensnaring them in a fate that traps them in an endless cycle of death and rebirth. It will propel them through history, from the earliest of civilizations to the present day, where they must struggle to save humanity from the same fate that befell their ancient civilization, or risk losing one another forever.
- GenresFantasy
373 pages, ebook
First published May 18, 2020
43 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Dougherty
15 books610 followersVictoria Dougherty crafts stories that blur the lines between what was, what is, and what might be. Her Cold War thrillers—THE BONE CHURCH, THE HUNGARIAN, and WELCOME TO THE HOTEL YALTA—captivated readers with their breathtaking plots and genre-defying magic. Her epic historical fantasy series, including BREATH, OF SAND AND BONE, and SAVAGE ISLAND, proves she’s equally at home with spies and sorcery. Now, with her latest novel NIGHT OF THE MOON WITCH, she weaves Appalachian folklore into a haunting tale of memory, magic, and reclaiming one’s true power.
Her work has graced the pages of the New York Times, USA Today, and The International Herald Tribune, while her blog COLD earned recognition from WordPress as one of the Top 50 Recommended Blogs by writers.
An immigrant kid from the Chicago suburbs who grew up believing stories could reshape the world, Victoria writes for those who understand that the most powerful magic happens when yesterday’s secrets meet tomorrow’s possibilities. Her tales are invitations to wander through worlds where history whispers its hidden truths and every character carries the weight of their own mysterious journey.
When she’s not conjuring worlds that keep readers awake until dawn, she’s exploring the cultural threads that connect us all—one story at a time.
Her work has graced the pages of the New York Times, USA Today, and The International Herald Tribune, while her blog COLD earned recognition from WordPress as one of the Top 50 Recommended Blogs by writers.
An immigrant kid from the Chicago suburbs who grew up believing stories could reshape the world, Victoria writes for those who understand that the most powerful magic happens when yesterday’s secrets meet tomorrow’s possibilities. Her tales are invitations to wander through worlds where history whispers its hidden truths and every character carries the weight of their own mysterious journey.
When she’s not conjuring worlds that keep readers awake until dawn, she’s exploring the cultural threads that connect us all—one story at a time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 6, 2020
Love💘 in Time⏳
Fantastic ADULT Ancient Historical Romance💕 and Adventure🔪with paranormal elements.
Ever felt like you had lived before? Do you believe in reincarnation?
This is a wonderfully written epic of a young woman💃 from antiquity in northern Africa who only lives until she is seventeen, and then she is reborn as a different person. Down through time Seran💃 must seek out Nif, the 💘Love of her life, also reborn in various bodies.
The book is beautifully written with wonderful world building. Most of the book takes place in the far past, with some glimpses into the future.
There is a lot of grotesque violence in the book. There are Scenes of extreme cruelty🔪, torture and cannibalism throughout this realistic story of a small group of people trying to survive on the outskirts of a vast desert🌵🌴.
The few survivors leave their homes in villages, after the Sultan sends men with the plague to infect and kill💀 most of them, thus leaving their goods and riches for him to take without a fight.
There is a lot of loss and sadness💔. It's a kill🔪 or be killed 🌎world the author has created. It's a hard desert🌵🌴 🌎world where people with almost nothing are preyed upon by soldiers🔪 for what little they have, and slaughtered💀🔪 for no reason.
The story is poetically and skillfully woven by Author Dougherty📚.
If you love 💘historical romances💕 of any kind, you will love this unique and unusual epic novel.
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems.
I also got this ebook with KU
Fantastic ADULT Ancient Historical Romance💕 and Adventure🔪with paranormal elements.
Ever felt like you had lived before? Do you believe in reincarnation?
This is a wonderfully written epic of a young woman💃 from antiquity in northern Africa who only lives until she is seventeen, and then she is reborn as a different person. Down through time Seran💃 must seek out Nif, the 💘Love of her life, also reborn in various bodies.
The book is beautifully written with wonderful world building. Most of the book takes place in the far past, with some glimpses into the future.
There is a lot of grotesque violence in the book. There are Scenes of extreme cruelty🔪, torture and cannibalism throughout this realistic story of a small group of people trying to survive on the outskirts of a vast desert🌵🌴.
The few survivors leave their homes in villages, after the Sultan sends men with the plague to infect and kill💀 most of them, thus leaving their goods and riches for him to take without a fight.
There is a lot of loss and sadness💔. It's a kill🔪 or be killed 🌎world the author has created. It's a hard desert🌵🌴 🌎world where people with almost nothing are preyed upon by soldiers🔪 for what little they have, and slaughtered💀🔪 for no reason.
The story is poetically and skillfully woven by Author Dougherty📚.
If you love 💘historical romances💕 of any kind, you will love this unique and unusual epic novel.
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems.
I also got this ebook with KU
June 9, 2020
Two Stories in One
This book is narrated by an old soul. She tells her beginning story as she observes the story of the present. An archeologist uncovers the remains of her early city as she describes her life and the beginning of her connection to the man who would be her love through all time as they die and are reborn. The story has action, adventure, suspense and great imagery of time long ago. The writing is clear and easy to read. The characters are deep and realistic. I hated to see the book end.
This book is narrated by an old soul. She tells her beginning story as she observes the story of the present. An archeologist uncovers the remains of her early city as she describes her life and the beginning of her connection to the man who would be her love through all time as they die and are reborn. The story has action, adventure, suspense and great imagery of time long ago. The writing is clear and easy to read. The characters are deep and realistic. I hated to see the book end.
November 28, 2020
“Do you know that I will die in your arms and search for you throughout eternity?”
Sherin’s fate is one of eternal recurrence. She is not immortal in the sense that she cannot die, but rather that she can never stop being reborn – and her time between death and rebirth is spent in a Bardot state where she can sometimes witness events in the human world without actually being ‘present’.
And, in each incarnation, she will forever search for Nif, her soulmate.
Victoria Dougherty’s novel ‘Breath’ defies easy categorisation. Part mystery, part romance and all action, the book showcases Dougherty at her Scheherazade best. The writing is evocative, but with a deep underpinning of darkness and tension. And although there is a romance element, the author never descends into sentimentality. On occasion, it is brutal and shocking – but in all the best ways – and the device of running parallel narratives set in the distant past and the unfolding present makes it almost like a time-travel novel.
Skillfully done, and highly recommended.
Sherin’s fate is one of eternal recurrence. She is not immortal in the sense that she cannot die, but rather that she can never stop being reborn – and her time between death and rebirth is spent in a Bardot state where she can sometimes witness events in the human world without actually being ‘present’.
And, in each incarnation, she will forever search for Nif, her soulmate.
Victoria Dougherty’s novel ‘Breath’ defies easy categorisation. Part mystery, part romance and all action, the book showcases Dougherty at her Scheherazade best. The writing is evocative, but with a deep underpinning of darkness and tension. And although there is a romance element, the author never descends into sentimentality. On occasion, it is brutal and shocking – but in all the best ways – and the device of running parallel narratives set in the distant past and the unfolding present makes it almost like a time-travel novel.
Skillfully done, and highly recommended.
February 21, 2023
This book was outstanding! I was completely blown away by every aspect of this book. The story was gripping, the characters were well developed, the story itself was rich and layered, and the world building was as good as it gets. Do yourself a favor and check this one out!
June 5, 2020
Breath - a review by Rosemary Kenny
The series opener, Breath, by the amazing Victoria Dougherty, works on many levels, giving it a broad appeal that's sure to quickly make it a best-seller.
*slight spoilers*
Set in the desert regions of a Sultanate over two convoluted time-lines - distant past and present-day - in a tragic coming-of-age mini-epic (at 444 pages), where the young heroine, Sherin, is orphaned by a mysterious Armageddon-like viral pandemic which brutally wipes out her entire family and many, many more of the world's inhabitants.
Next we learn how Sherin is seemingly cursed to die then be reincarnated, as soon as she reaches the tender age of only 17, while trying each time to halt the dreadful virus' attack on humanity.
Other themes are how quickly society breaks down once law and order are weakened or removed entirely, (making it completely relevant in our troubled times); a love triangle between Sherin and two very different suitors; her rites-of-passage journey through time, as she faces almost insurmountable odds as she tries each time to warn and advise those she meets every time of how death will come, living through the same tragic struggle over and over; plus the strength of true and timeless love among the shifting desert sands with their silent secrets.
Don't forget to get a copy of Breath as soon as possible - it'll take your breath away - but in a good way!
The series opener, Breath, by the amazing Victoria Dougherty, works on many levels, giving it a broad appeal that's sure to quickly make it a best-seller.
*slight spoilers*
Set in the desert regions of a Sultanate over two convoluted time-lines - distant past and present-day - in a tragic coming-of-age mini-epic (at 444 pages), where the young heroine, Sherin, is orphaned by a mysterious Armageddon-like viral pandemic which brutally wipes out her entire family and many, many more of the world's inhabitants.
Next we learn how Sherin is seemingly cursed to die then be reincarnated, as soon as she reaches the tender age of only 17, while trying each time to halt the dreadful virus' attack on humanity.
Other themes are how quickly society breaks down once law and order are weakened or removed entirely, (making it completely relevant in our troubled times); a love triangle between Sherin and two very different suitors; her rites-of-passage journey through time, as she faces almost insurmountable odds as she tries each time to warn and advise those she meets every time of how death will come, living through the same tragic struggle over and over; plus the strength of true and timeless love among the shifting desert sands with their silent secrets.
Don't forget to get a copy of Breath as soon as possible - it'll take your breath away - but in a good way!
September 27, 2020
This is a stunning story. Beautifully written and created, I highly recommend it! I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was very good. As most of the book is set in ancient Sumeria, there is some incredible violence, described in great detail, and could definitely be disturbing to sensitive people. But the story remains breathtaking!
September 6, 2020
Beautifully Written, Poignant, Profound
I listened to the Audible version. The beautiful prose had me visiting the kindle version to read and savor with my own inner voice. The seamless manner in which two different eras and a spiritual presence weave the intricate brocade that is Breath.
The textiles, the foods, the cultures, come alive.
There is happiness, love, sadness and pain. The violence is palpable, and it taps into the story in a visceral manner, that makes this world, created by Victoria Dougherty painfully real.
As you read or listen, be prepared, to feel deeply. This is an extraordinary novel.
I listened to the Audible version. The beautiful prose had me visiting the kindle version to read and savor with my own inner voice. The seamless manner in which two different eras and a spiritual presence weave the intricate brocade that is Breath.
The textiles, the foods, the cultures, come alive.
There is happiness, love, sadness and pain. The violence is palpable, and it taps into the story in a visceral manner, that makes this world, created by Victoria Dougherty painfully real.
As you read or listen, be prepared, to feel deeply. This is an extraordinary novel.
July 31, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author and it definitely won't be the last! The story is so incredible and intertwined yet not hard to follow. I found myself in love with some of the characters and truly hating others! I am so eager to find out what happens next in this series as these characters continue to meet again and again in different people and situations! Victoria is amazing at painting a picture and one great thing she did in her newsletter was introduce Sting's "Desert Rose" as fitting for the main character - I'd say it's spot on, a perfect fit! Sherin is a beautiful Desert Rose for sure. I really can't wait to read more about her.
July 2, 2021
This was a story beautifully written and with a plot that leaves you with questions (in a good way - the way when you want to know more, to understand more, to keep reading to find out). The narrator fit the character perfectly and made the story so much better (5 stars for the narrator). This was a different book from what I usually read, but it was definitely still a good experience.
May 26, 2024
Incredible world building with vivid imagery. Such a beautifully and intricately written tale.
I swear I read trigger warnings somewhere, but now can't find them. This book does have scenes where intense violence is detailed. The review by Space Cowgirl provides more detail that you may want to consider before cracking open this book. It's well with the read.
I swear I read trigger warnings somewhere, but now can't find them. This book does have scenes where intense violence is detailed. The review by Space Cowgirl provides more detail that you may want to consider before cracking open this book. It's well with the read.
February 2, 2021
A true story teller.
A beautifully written breathtaking novel. Even though I knew the ending, I couldn't help but become emotional once I read it. This author does magic with her words.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
A beautifully written breathtaking novel. Even though I knew the ending, I couldn't help but become emotional once I read it. This author does magic with her words.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
February 9, 2023
Loved this; so unusual, and in such an interesting place, early prehistory. Great love story, full of adventure and pain and heartache.
February 28, 2023
The story started a bit slow for me, but when it picked up, it really picked up.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews