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The Perfect Revenge: The Dragonfly Rises
Please check the 2022 edition.
262 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2020
2 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
WilD
199 books159 followersAward-winning author WilD is a storyteller and longtime philanthropist who's dedicated generous amounts of time and money to organizations that aid women with troubled pasts. The drastic transformations he's witnessed have proven to him what is possible when people are given the right support system. Today, he's an ardent champion of female empowerment, driven to create a lasting legacy by furthering the cause even more.
However, WilD realized early on he was not the ideal "face" of the women's movement. And so, with the goal of keeping the attention on Zoey and her message, WilD has chosen to remain anonymous. But the impetus for his commitment to this project need not be a mystery.
Like Zoey, WilD overcame heartbreaking adversity; in fact, many story scenes are based directly on his and his mother's distressing experiences. But after being told he would never amount to anything, he became the first in his family to attend college, went on to earn a graduate degree, and most importantly, found personal fulfillment.
Crafting Zoey's story is WilD's first step toward inspiring women to reach their highest goals, even when faced with the steepest odds. He hopes that exposing the plight of girls like Zoey will help more women find their own voices and will encourage others to join the mission.
However, WilD realized early on he was not the ideal "face" of the women's movement. And so, with the goal of keeping the attention on Zoey and her message, WilD has chosen to remain anonymous. But the impetus for his commitment to this project need not be a mystery.
Like Zoey, WilD overcame heartbreaking adversity; in fact, many story scenes are based directly on his and his mother's distressing experiences. But after being told he would never amount to anything, he became the first in his family to attend college, went on to earn a graduate degree, and most importantly, found personal fulfillment.
Crafting Zoey's story is WilD's first step toward inspiring women to reach their highest goals, even when faced with the steepest odds. He hopes that exposing the plight of girls like Zoey will help more women find their own voices and will encourage others to join the mission.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 27, 2021
I got this eARC from Netgalley in exhange for a honest review
As others has pointed out it was so many 5 star reviews, so i was hopefull this was going to be interesting and the main character was going to rise and find herself, becoming badass. I feel that i was wrong. It was somewhat interesting the few first chapters...but then we got a whole lot of chunck of Max and his... "story" wich left me sick to my stomach and Zoey meeting Leah, talking about therapists and what not felt rushed and not finished? I was left feeling like something was missing. It was sort of interesting to see it from Zoey`s pov but sometimes it also felt like she rambled on about things that wasn`t important? Plus the whole part with Max`s obsession and whatnot i could have done without.
As others has pointed out it was so many 5 star reviews, so i was hopefull this was going to be interesting and the main character was going to rise and find herself, becoming badass. I feel that i was wrong. It was somewhat interesting the few first chapters...but then we got a whole lot of chunck of Max and his... "story" wich left me sick to my stomach and Zoey meeting Leah, talking about therapists and what not felt rushed and not finished? I was left feeling like something was missing. It was sort of interesting to see it from Zoey`s pov but sometimes it also felt like she rambled on about things that wasn`t important? Plus the whole part with Max`s obsession and whatnot i could have done without.
November 4, 2020
When I first picked this up I figured it would be a solid read ... It had a catchy blurb and that cover spoke to me.
This started as I was expecting, I was still easily able to adult and read. Then suddenly a little after the first chapter, all chaos broke loose and I was submersed in the drama.
The author flies through the plot in a great way in which it keeps the pacing up.
The characters are well developed and just complex enough.
There are underlying themes throughout, but overall it was just a great read.
This started as I was expecting, I was still easily able to adult and read. Then suddenly a little after the first chapter, all chaos broke loose and I was submersed in the drama.
The author flies through the plot in a great way in which it keeps the pacing up.
The characters are well developed and just complex enough.
There are underlying themes throughout, but overall it was just a great read.
November 5, 2020
This was a terrific book. My attention was captured immediately and after that I could barely put the story down. There were several plot twists I didn’t see coming, but the groundwork for them was expertly laid, and in hindsight they made perfect sense. The intricacies of the plot and the twist and turns of the characters held my interest from start to finish. I highly recommended this book to anyone looking for an engaging and compelling mystery story.
October 28, 2020
This is a wonderful mix of so many different genres/aspects. They all meld together quite well to bring you a well rounded story.
A story full of suspense, but more than that, it is the characters which keep you riveted…
Zoey is a fabulous Lead – far from perfect, clever, curious, frustratingly not always in control of herself; and yet very engaging, I’d like her as one of my girl friends!
The plot is nicely complex –Power. Lust. Betrayal. Murder. ……no wonder I couldn’t put it down.
A story full of suspense, but more than that, it is the characters which keep you riveted…
Zoey is a fabulous Lead – far from perfect, clever, curious, frustratingly not always in control of herself; and yet very engaging, I’d like her as one of my girl friends!
The plot is nicely complex –Power. Lust. Betrayal. Murder. ……no wonder I couldn’t put it down.
October 30, 2020
I finished the book in one day and really enjoyed the read! I love Zoey and think she is so strong. She makes me want to be a stronger person and to kick some butt if necessary. I think a lot of women will feel the same way. I can’t wait for the next book to see what she does next!
October 3, 2020
After seeing several 5-star reviews for this book, I was looking forward to reading it. It is described as a story of a woman’s triumph over adversity, so I was hoping for an exciting and inspiring read. But once I started, I kept waiting for the excitement and inspiration to show up. Unfortunately, they never did.
The writing is tedious and choppy at the same time. The characters are cartoonish, in particular the villain, who is too evil to be believable. Rather than scatter his faults throughout a narrative that shows the reader how malevolent he is, the author devotes an entire section of the story to describing how awful he is. And each horrible characteristic is followed by yet another, just in case the previous flaws weren’t revolting enough. It all added up to a caricature of a villain that made me wonder how anyone with his combination of outrageous flaws could possibly be a successful, world-traveling businessman.
After half of the book being devoted to the heroine’s childhood trauma, her struggles with homelessness and addiction are quickly skimmed over, as are her recovery and redemption. Her time at Mid-Town Martial Arts with Leah was where the meat of the story should have taken place – a chance to show how a woman can overcome the horrors of an abusive and traumatic childhood. But other than one quick fight scene, the rest is only obliquely referred to.
I finished the book because I kept hoping I would find what had made others give it such a good review, but I just could not find anything likable about the story or the characters. This is a one and done for me.
I received a free advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The writing is tedious and choppy at the same time. The characters are cartoonish, in particular the villain, who is too evil to be believable. Rather than scatter his faults throughout a narrative that shows the reader how malevolent he is, the author devotes an entire section of the story to describing how awful he is. And each horrible characteristic is followed by yet another, just in case the previous flaws weren’t revolting enough. It all added up to a caricature of a villain that made me wonder how anyone with his combination of outrageous flaws could possibly be a successful, world-traveling businessman.
After half of the book being devoted to the heroine’s childhood trauma, her struggles with homelessness and addiction are quickly skimmed over, as are her recovery and redemption. Her time at Mid-Town Martial Arts with Leah was where the meat of the story should have taken place – a chance to show how a woman can overcome the horrors of an abusive and traumatic childhood. But other than one quick fight scene, the rest is only obliquely referred to.
I finished the book because I kept hoping I would find what had made others give it such a good review, but I just could not find anything likable about the story or the characters. This is a one and done for me.
I received a free advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 29, 2022
The Perfect Revenge The Dragonfly Rises is a great story of a girl by the name of Zoey who is overcoming a traumatic childhood and unfortunate life curves. Well written story that you can get into and feel as you read.
Zoey has had more tragedy than any child should endure but it doesn't get much better as she grows up, then she decides to change everything and get the revenge she deserves.
It isn't a fast read but it's a good read. The story’s end ties up mPost lose ends but not every one of them this gives you the desire to get into the series that is coming but doesn't leave you frustrated. I will definitely be watching for the next book.
I do recommend this read you will enjoy the will, strength, and perseverance to get the best revenge ever.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers Wild Dragonfly Press for this eARC for my honest review.
Zoey has had more tragedy than any child should endure but it doesn't get much better as she grows up, then she decides to change everything and get the revenge she deserves.
It isn't a fast read but it's a good read. The story’s end ties up mPost lose ends but not every one of them this gives you the desire to get into the series that is coming but doesn't leave you frustrated. I will definitely be watching for the next book.
I do recommend this read you will enjoy the will, strength, and perseverance to get the best revenge ever.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers Wild Dragonfly Press for this eARC for my honest review.
October 5, 2023
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
This novel weaves a tale that involves several of the deadly sins: lust, greed, and gluttony to list a few.
Zoey Tirado becomes an orphan at a young age after losing her father to a horrific traffic accident and then her mother several years later due to the same accident. She mother's sister and husband convince the state that they will take her to keep her out of the system. However, this will change Zoey forever. Not only is it not a stable home, her uncle is a monster.
The book weaves from her childhood to age twenty-five and ends on a cliffhanger that had me thinking - WHAT?? when it ended.
This novel weaves a tale that involves several of the deadly sins: lust, greed, and gluttony to list a few.
Zoey Tirado becomes an orphan at a young age after losing her father to a horrific traffic accident and then her mother several years later due to the same accident. She mother's sister and husband convince the state that they will take her to keep her out of the system. However, this will change Zoey forever. Not only is it not a stable home, her uncle is a monster.
The book weaves from her childhood to age twenty-five and ends on a cliffhanger that had me thinking - WHAT?? when it ended.
October 22, 2020
A young woman who was taught as a child that her worth was dependent on her acceptance of the abuse she received from her uncle, will learn to rise above and overcome her miserable childhood. Blamed for her parents' death, she will eventually learn what truly happened and plot to revenge her mistreatment.
While the writing style could use a little refinement, the basic story is sound and interesting. This is promoted as the first book in a continuing series. We should see the writer mature as the characters do, too.
While the writing style could use a little refinement, the basic story is sound and interesting. This is promoted as the first book in a continuing series. We should see the writer mature as the characters do, too.
November 12, 2022
This is the most amazing story I have read all year! It is inspiring and has made me think of things that happened recently where I should have been stronger and said no instead of responding as was expected. Zoey was so lucky to have found Leah and become strong enough to let go of some of the guilt. The story made me mad too, because of Uncle Max who is truly evil and how he convinced Zoey that she was the cause of her parents death. I cannot wait to read more of this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 4, 2020
3.5 stars
My review is on my blog... https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
My review is on my blog... https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
May 31, 2025
The author did weave a fantastic tale and I loved the idea that it wasn’t just one protagonist but a cartel trying to manipulate the economies of the world for their gain but that’s where it ends, I enjoyed this book but I didn’t love it like I feel I should have. If I had to pick just one genre to read it would be romantic suspense so this book would automatically be something I would gravitate to and while I loved the story and found it gripping, with all its twists and turns as Zoey and Mark worked to save the world and I really enjoyed the dynamics and banter between them, Zoey was just a little too serious but Mark balanced her out. Possibly the reason I feel this way is that I didn’t realise that this was the second book in a series and right from the start I felt I landed in the middle of the story as Zoey is about to start a new stage in her life. There were mentions of what had brought her to that stage, but they were disjointed. I should’ve stopped reading at that point, gone and downloaded the first book and then read them in the correct sequence but I hate not finishing a book so I persevered. I have now downloaded The Dragonfly Rises so there is every possibility this review will change.
October 5, 2023
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
This novel weaves a tale that involves several of the deadly sins: lust, greed, and gluttony to list a few.
Zoey Tirado becomes an orphan at a young age after losing her father to a horrific traffic accident and then her mother several years later due to the same accident. She mother's sister and husband convince the state that they will take her to keep her out of the system. However, this will change Zoey forever. Not only is it not a stable home, her uncle is a monster.
The book weaves from her childhood to age twenty-five and ends on a cliffhanger that had me thinking - WHAT?? when it ended.
This novel weaves a tale that involves several of the deadly sins: lust, greed, and gluttony to list a few.
Zoey Tirado becomes an orphan at a young age after losing her father to a horrific traffic accident and then her mother several years later due to the same accident. She mother's sister and husband convince the state that they will take her to keep her out of the system. However, this will change Zoey forever. Not only is it not a stable home, her uncle is a monster.
The book weaves from her childhood to age twenty-five and ends on a cliffhanger that had me thinking - WHAT?? when it ended.
September 19, 2025
Having survived a painful childhood myself, I really related to Zoey’s suffering. And while her early journey is filled with trauma, the book as a whole is powerful and uplifting. Zoey is an inspiring character you’ll instantly love, while Max is a creepy, twisted villain you’ll hate with passion but fascination. You are drawn into finding out how she will overcome his evil machinations, and admire her more and more with each transformative step she takes. The ending did leave me wanting more, but in a good way! I can’t wait for the second book!
May 24, 2024
So glad I discovered this book at the Los Angeles Festival of Books. An intense opener to The Perfect Revenge Series, Dragonfly Rises is a thrilling introduction to Zoey Triado and her quest to transform her life and right some of the egregious wrongs done to her in the past. With a strong message of female empowerment, the story is fast-paced and captivating. Perfect for anyone who loves stories of avenging adventure.
February 29, 2024
A page-turner you want to never end. I can’t wait for the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews