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Sadness and Serendipity: A Red Resilience Story
Mina Chekov, the illegitimate daughter of the notorious terrorist leader Sergei Jaeger. She believes she was born weak, useless, a burden to those around her. So desperate for her father’s validation, she will do whatever she deems necessary to obtaining his favor, even if it means committing heinous atrocities. Insidious forces within her fractured subconscious subtly persuade her to fully embrace her primal impulses. However, there is a man across the ocean, an unnatural phenomena of mysterious origin, maybe more insidious than what already pervades her subconscious. The man with the devil's smile, Kazuma Flynn who has his eyes set on Mina Chekov. Will she achieve her goal for her father’s approval or will the fangs of Kazuma Flynn bare into her instead?
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2023
28 people want to read
About the author
Manny Iggy
6 books39 followersPurveyor of dark humor and twisted characters, my name is Manny Iggy.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 28, 2023
Loved this book. It is a thrill ride for sure. The characters are not likeable in a love to hate them way. The plot is full of intrigue! Read this!!!
December 3, 2022
This book is more of a prequel story for the characters Mina and Kaz, who appear in Manny’s novel Red Resilience: The Story of Stalla. It gives some great insight on their backgrounds and further adds to their character development. All in all, I would say this is an entertaining read, especially if you’re into espionage with a little twist of sci-fi and a touch of violence. 🤓
When I first read this novel, however, I had not yet read the first book in the The Red Resilience Saga. The first half of this novel is focused on Mina’s story, then suddenly jumps to Kaz’s, which confused me at first - I started to think of this as a collection of short stories. I didn’t realize they were characters from his previous novel until reading the Letter from the Author! After finishing this novel, I then went back and read the Mina and Kaz storyline in the first Red Resilience Saga novel and it all made sense! So long story short, I highly suggest reading Red Resilience: The Story of Stalla first if you have not yet done so; not just for better understanding of the characters, but because it was a very entertaining read as well!
I’m looking forward to more adventures with Mina and Kaz, as well as the other characters in the Red Resilience Saga!
When I first read this novel, however, I had not yet read the first book in the The Red Resilience Saga. The first half of this novel is focused on Mina’s story, then suddenly jumps to Kaz’s, which confused me at first - I started to think of this as a collection of short stories. I didn’t realize they were characters from his previous novel until reading the Letter from the Author! After finishing this novel, I then went back and read the Mina and Kaz storyline in the first Red Resilience Saga novel and it all made sense! So long story short, I highly suggest reading Red Resilience: The Story of Stalla first if you have not yet done so; not just for better understanding of the characters, but because it was a very entertaining read as well!
I’m looking forward to more adventures with Mina and Kaz, as well as the other characters in the Red Resilience Saga!
December 6, 2022
I received a digital ARC PDF of “Sadness and Serendipity” from the author, Manny Iggy, in exchange for an honest review before the publication date. My review is my thoughts, my opinions, and my point of view and was not influenced in any way by anyone or anything other than myself.
Trigger/Content warnings may be considered spoilers about certain themes or plot twists in the story
TW/CW: Skin mutilation; Death of an animal; Mentions/themes of rape including being drugged, being intoxicated, being sold; Arson; Murder; Parental abuse; Death of a loved one
Mina is the daughter of a notorious terrorist leader, who she desperately seeks the approval of. At the same time, a mysterious entity across the world has his eyes set on Mina.
Full disclosure: I have not read Red Resilience, which is in the same universe but I was advised by the author that I didn't need to read the first book in order to understand and enjoy the second book. This novel takes us on a journey of pain. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. It was truly a rollercoaster from start to finish. I was fascinated by Mina. Her inner workings and how she is so clearly a product of her environment. She so desperately wants her fathers approval she will do almost anything to get it. That mindset I can painfully relate to.
My biggest issue with Sadness and Serendipity is the pacing. It’s almost the length of a novella, but with the information of a full duology. We move at such a fast pace that there’s a new character on almost every other page. I believe this really prevents the reader from connecting with any of the characters. There’s so many “major” plot points that they get dulled down by the end because they keep happening. I think S&S would benefit from being fleshed out.
In summary, Sadness and Serendipity lives up to its name. This is not a happily ever after story by any means. The plot itself is amazing, but it should be fleshed out more so as to not feel like the book is trying to put on a pair of pants that’s two sizes too small. Do I recommend this book? If you like short, get to the point, thriller/mild horror, then yes.
Trigger/Content warnings may be considered spoilers about certain themes or plot twists in the story
TW/CW: Skin mutilation; Death of an animal; Mentions/themes of rape including being drugged, being intoxicated, being sold; Arson; Murder; Parental abuse; Death of a loved one
Mina is the daughter of a notorious terrorist leader, who she desperately seeks the approval of. At the same time, a mysterious entity across the world has his eyes set on Mina.
Full disclosure: I have not read Red Resilience, which is in the same universe but I was advised by the author that I didn't need to read the first book in order to understand and enjoy the second book. This novel takes us on a journey of pain. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. It was truly a rollercoaster from start to finish. I was fascinated by Mina. Her inner workings and how she is so clearly a product of her environment. She so desperately wants her fathers approval she will do almost anything to get it. That mindset I can painfully relate to.
My biggest issue with Sadness and Serendipity is the pacing. It’s almost the length of a novella, but with the information of a full duology. We move at such a fast pace that there’s a new character on almost every other page. I believe this really prevents the reader from connecting with any of the characters. There’s so many “major” plot points that they get dulled down by the end because they keep happening. I think S&S would benefit from being fleshed out.
In summary, Sadness and Serendipity lives up to its name. This is not a happily ever after story by any means. The plot itself is amazing, but it should be fleshed out more so as to not feel like the book is trying to put on a pair of pants that’s two sizes too small. Do I recommend this book? If you like short, get to the point, thriller/mild horror, then yes.
December 5, 2022
I loved the characters, the story was intriguing and the book well written.
Now for the critique, I felt there was more information on all the characters needed, it left me wanting to know more, so much more..about the story, the characters, the setting..it is a great story about the quintessential tough chick, if not a little mentally disturbed, the sexy dude/villain, and the very nasty bad man bent on fury and hellfire.
I just really need more, the setup needed more details, the story needed more disclosure and details...sometimes you are sort of left floundering for a few until it pulls together...however it does pull together and creates a dynamic tale..I'm am truly interested to see where this goes and how..I hope this gifted artist/author keeps the story going.
Thank you.
Now for the critique, I felt there was more information on all the characters needed, it left me wanting to know more, so much more..about the story, the characters, the setting..it is a great story about the quintessential tough chick, if not a little mentally disturbed, the sexy dude/villain, and the very nasty bad man bent on fury and hellfire.
I just really need more, the setup needed more details, the story needed more disclosure and details...sometimes you are sort of left floundering for a few until it pulls together...however it does pull together and creates a dynamic tale..I'm am truly interested to see where this goes and how..I hope this gifted artist/author keeps the story going.
Thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2022
This novel is about a girl named Mina. She is born of a powerful man, one that she idolizes. Mina is desperate of her fathers attention. Her father pays her no mind, not even a simple hello or even acknowledges her as a daughter. Mina will do whatever it takes to win her fathers attention. She finds herself and a person she creates in her mind to allow her to do heinous acts. Mina believes these acts are what will win over his attention.
I enjoyed this book! Was a fast and easy read. And the plot was just what I was looking for during that time. There was even a bit of lovey feels, which I believe for Mina was unexpected. I feel many readers can relate to the feeling Mina had to wanting her fathers attention.
I enjoyed this book! Was a fast and easy read. And the plot was just what I was looking for during that time. There was even a bit of lovey feels, which I believe for Mina was unexpected. I feel many readers can relate to the feeling Mina had to wanting her fathers attention.
December 18, 2022
Mina is a young girl who desperately wants approval and love from her father and is willing to do whatever it takes to get that attention.
I throughly enjoyed this read, it was quick pace short novel.
I throughly enjoyed this read, it was quick pace short novel.
December 6, 2022
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and entertaining.
December 27, 2022
I was given this book as an arc. I went in completely blind with this book because id followed Manny for his reviews of other books and had just learned he was an author so id never read his work before. That being said, i absolutely loved this book. I found a few spots difficult to follow at first but once i learned his writing style it was no problem. This book took turns that i, who’s very good at calling books and some twists, couldn’t even figure out. It kept me interested and when I wasn’t reading id wonder to myself what the characters were up to and what was happening. I was very impressed with his writing. This book did not disappoint and im very impatiently awaiting his next book! While I wait I’ll be reading his other book Red Resilience which from my understanding has a connection to this book. I can’t wait!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews