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Constant Guests
How would you feel if you found out one day that your mother wasn't your mother and nobody had a clue who your father might be? This is what happens to Isa, a cynical party girl from Paris whose life is abruptly changed. When Mara, her real mother dies in front of her eyes without saying a word, Isa wants to find out what Mara was searching for in 1991, before she went into a coma. But Isa soon discovers that she is not the only one searching for answers, and that her life is in danger. What is the secret that people are prepared to kill for? As Isa is drawn into a dark labyrinth of mysteries, she uncovers four lost-and-found stories related to a tarot deck from 1389. Four stories have to be told, twenty-four tarot cards have to be united and one great secret has to be revealed. She was looking for her mother's secret. Instead, she found the world's greatest secret. This book is a hybrid adventure novel, swinging across Europe between history, mystery and fantasy. Not only that, you will gain historical knowledge about tarot and see the first tarot deck the book includes images of the twenty-four cards. It will leave you amazed at the possibilities it unfurls, intrigued by the history of the tarot and staggered at revelations you might develop a taste for.
515 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2016
31 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Nedelea
8 books81 followersMy name is Patricia Nedelea and I'm currently living in Transylvania. After lots of life changes, I decided to become a full-time fiction writer. Constant Guests is my first novel.
My childhood dream was to be on stage, and after years of hard work I became a professional actress. Then I wanted to do something different, so I became an academic: I've got four Master Degrees and two PhDs. One of my PhDs was mostly about deconstruction, a reading and writing method I'm in love with. I've deconstructed and reconstructed Shakespeare, and the result was the academic book Femina Ludens. The other PhD was on Medieval and Renaissance history, more specifically on Tarot history. Historians have agreed that the questions about tarot origins are to be left unanswered, but I did not want to accept that. My novel Constant Guests offers an alternative answer to those questions.
My childhood dream was to be on stage, and after years of hard work I became a professional actress. Then I wanted to do something different, so I became an academic: I've got four Master Degrees and two PhDs. One of my PhDs was mostly about deconstruction, a reading and writing method I'm in love with. I've deconstructed and reconstructed Shakespeare, and the result was the academic book Femina Ludens. The other PhD was on Medieval and Renaissance history, more specifically on Tarot history. Historians have agreed that the questions about tarot origins are to be left unanswered, but I did not want to accept that. My novel Constant Guests offers an alternative answer to those questions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 30, 2016
How else could one rate her or his own book? Every author writes a book she or he would like to read, right? So... I also did write a book I'd love to read on a summer holiday spent on a dreamy beach, while wearing a huge sun hat and holding a cold beer in my hand.
June 2, 2019
Patricia Nedelea surely knows how to craft a surprisingly thought-provoking and brutally intriguing novel that will leave you impressed and breathless on its brilliant idea.
This is a book with four unique stories that happened on a different timeline.
First, it happened at the present time where a girl named Isa, discovered that she was not the daughter of her mother but her mother’s sister, Mara. Unfortunately, before Isa had the chance to talk with her real mother, she instantly died in front of her. It makes her investigate what happened to Mara when she left in 1991, leaving anyone who knows her no idea where she went.
The next one was set in 1991, and it shows where Mara is during this time and what she was doing. Then by the year 1389, a story of an old man who later on reveals that he’s a fake bishop was told. Lastly, in the year 100, a dying man asked his two companions to write everything he will say.
I was literally jaw-dropped when I’ve discovered some knocking revelations here. I was so amazed by how everything was connected and how the concept or the logic here seemed believable. After I’ve finished reading this, I was on the edge of accepting that everything I’ve read was real! I’ve just can’t stop imagining what if it was really true. Then tarot cards were also used here, so that made me like this novel more.
It was written in a way that it will make you confused on the first few pages, but eventually, you will get used with the flow of it. The writing style was so good that you’ll never want to stop reading it. It really hooked me.
Many characters were also introduced here, and I’m telling you already that should pay attention to every detail because they were all important. Those will show you how those four stories were connected with one another.
Overall, this is a very good mind-blowing and riveting read. Very recommended!
Disclaimer: I received a reader copy from the author.
BLOG POST LINK: http://bit.ly/2eENUc9
This is a book with four unique stories that happened on a different timeline.
First, it happened at the present time where a girl named Isa, discovered that she was not the daughter of her mother but her mother’s sister, Mara. Unfortunately, before Isa had the chance to talk with her real mother, she instantly died in front of her. It makes her investigate what happened to Mara when she left in 1991, leaving anyone who knows her no idea where she went.
The next one was set in 1991, and it shows where Mara is during this time and what she was doing. Then by the year 1389, a story of an old man who later on reveals that he’s a fake bishop was told. Lastly, in the year 100, a dying man asked his two companions to write everything he will say.
I was literally jaw-dropped when I’ve discovered some knocking revelations here. I was so amazed by how everything was connected and how the concept or the logic here seemed believable. After I’ve finished reading this, I was on the edge of accepting that everything I’ve read was real! I’ve just can’t stop imagining what if it was really true. Then tarot cards were also used here, so that made me like this novel more.
It was written in a way that it will make you confused on the first few pages, but eventually, you will get used with the flow of it. The writing style was so good that you’ll never want to stop reading it. It really hooked me.
Many characters were also introduced here, and I’m telling you already that should pay attention to every detail because they were all important. Those will show you how those four stories were connected with one another.
Overall, this is a very good mind-blowing and riveting read. Very recommended!
Disclaimer: I received a reader copy from the author.
BLOG POST LINK: http://bit.ly/2eENUc9
October 8, 2016
I'm not an archeological thriller slash mystery-detective fan or even reader... in fact, the only book vaguely falling in this category I remember reading is the inevitable Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code". I'm more of a Borges fan myself, so you can imagine that at first I was put off by the brevity of phrases (sentences?), a certain superficiality of characters and stereotype situation. But the more I read the more I understood the key "Constant Guests" was written in - a choppy, scriptlike, self-mocking, comic-book style concealing hard-worked and frankly fascinating (and I hope true :) ) historical research in a shiny, palatable, Hollywood-ready packaging. The end (don't worry, no spoilers) reminded me, not necessarily justifiably, of Clive Baker's "Weaveworld". Genre-defying in more ways than one... actually I suspect the writer of intentionally applying many of the tropes and commonplaces we are exposed to on a daily basis - a technique well known in advertising - to create a best-selling if ironic book, if read "correctly".
July 24, 2016
Constant Guests was an absolute joy to read. Patricia Nedelea’s debut novel is full of interesting settings, imaginative characters, and thoroughly researched history. More than once I found myself amazed that this was not only her first novel, but an independently published one at that. Sooner, rather than later, a publisher has got to snap this one up and we will see Patricia ascending the best seller lists! Yes, it’s that good.
What the author has managed to do here is no small feat. She’s jumped into the crowded pool of historical mysteries and yet managed to create something totally unique and otherwise untouched in the genre. Her deep knowledge on the subject of tarot cards is evident on every page and displayed effortlessly in her highly readable prose. Start to finish…a masterstroke of brilliance!!
Even with characters that didn’t resonate with me, her skill is undeniable. Isa, the heroine and main character of the piece never really did it for me. I found her to be snobbish and off putting and yet…I couldn’t put the book down. Patricia created a character that wouldn’t be loved by everyone but wrote her in a way that was authentic and could be loved by everyone.
I won’t give away plot points here as I don’t believe in that, instead I will just say that the ending was unexpected and original and in the way of all great mysteries the slow build gradually reveals to the reader what was present all along. Pay attention good reader and pick this book up or you will miss a truly tremendous read. Five stars all the way!! Bring on your next book Patricia!!
What the author has managed to do here is no small feat. She’s jumped into the crowded pool of historical mysteries and yet managed to create something totally unique and otherwise untouched in the genre. Her deep knowledge on the subject of tarot cards is evident on every page and displayed effortlessly in her highly readable prose. Start to finish…a masterstroke of brilliance!!
Even with characters that didn’t resonate with me, her skill is undeniable. Isa, the heroine and main character of the piece never really did it for me. I found her to be snobbish and off putting and yet…I couldn’t put the book down. Patricia created a character that wouldn’t be loved by everyone but wrote her in a way that was authentic and could be loved by everyone.
I won’t give away plot points here as I don’t believe in that, instead I will just say that the ending was unexpected and original and in the way of all great mysteries the slow build gradually reveals to the reader what was present all along. Pay attention good reader and pick this book up or you will miss a truly tremendous read. Five stars all the way!! Bring on your next book Patricia!!
September 8, 2016
A great read if you liked the DaVinci Code
I gave this book four stars instead of five simply for all the ruminating the main character did imagining why this or that might have happened and how one of the other characters might have felt or done in the same situation.
The author did a great job otherwise with all the unexpected twists and turns and the ending was really unexpected. Everything was brought together and explained. This was one of the most unusual books I have ever read and I highly recommend it. It kept my interest all the way through. A real page turner. She has done a wonderful job of research and developing a great fictional story using real historical characters.
I gave this book four stars instead of five simply for all the ruminating the main character did imagining why this or that might have happened and how one of the other characters might have felt or done in the same situation.
The author did a great job otherwise with all the unexpected twists and turns and the ending was really unexpected. Everything was brought together and explained. This was one of the most unusual books I have ever read and I highly recommend it. It kept my interest all the way through. A real page turner. She has done a wonderful job of research and developing a great fictional story using real historical characters.
July 3, 2016
I'm not a history fan, but this book made my holiday!Waiting for a sequel.
July 7, 2016
I enjoyed every page of this book and and I was sorry when I had to read the final chapter. I felt like I have to say goodbye to a good friend.
Looking forward to enjoy the next book!
Looking forward to enjoy the next book!
July 11, 2016
This was exciting! I was with Isa all the way during her search. I could follow her during another trip, in another book.
February 5, 2017
Quite good if a bit inconsistent. The plot and larger moving pieces of the narrative are compelling, but the moment to moment interactions of characters feel a bit off. Still and interesting ride, I am glad I stuck with it as the back 25% is definitely the most interesting.
August 9, 2016
4 stars
Constant Guests by Patricia Nedelea was a pleasant surprise for me. This is what Goodreads is all about and why I love it so much, browsing, commenting, researching, and socializing here on a daily basis. It is simply a joy when a new author reaches out to us readers to say hey, here is my story, my novel, maybe it would interest you. It is even better when the author points out at her new novel is on Kindle unlimited at the moment.
Constant Guests is a historical fiction thriller. Many have already compared it to a Dan Brown novel and I think that for the most part that is fair. The biggest difference being that where Brown novels come out as thrillers steeped in historical goodness, Nedelea gives us a history lesson with a thrill ride to keep things moving forward. One will definitely learn something from this book.I confess that I normally do not read historical fiction. I have in the past read some Dan Brown novels and enjoyed them almost like a guilty pleasure.
Why I enjoyed this book.
First, the structure was well done, with 3 different timed storylines that were obviously connected. One took place in the 14th century, the second with a museum curator in 1981, and finally the present-day the main character Isa. I loved everything about the historical timeline, the characters, story, and even some of the action. The 1981 storyline offered the least to me but that really didn't even matter. Isa's story, turned out to be a history lesson and an adventure across the world. The switching between the timelines allowed for some fantastic world building. It was well done.
Second, it is hard not to appreciate the details and the settings of all three timelines. Nedelea teaches us through the creative use of world building. The settings were almost as important as the characters.
Third, Constant Guests covers many historical topics but spends quite a bit of time coming back to the Bible. I loved the interpretations and how they fit into the mystery of our main story line. The Bible gave this book other meanings to be drawn from.
Finally, I loved everything about the Tarot cards. Thankfully, Nedelea gives us a complete history lesson on the cards. Apparently, I was very ignorant to the meaning and the significance of them. I also enjoyed the actual pictures of them, a great touch. What a fascinating subject matter.
A quote that scratches the surface of the history of the Tarot Cards :
""There are always four cardinal moral virtues," he explained, "but in tarot just three of them are present. In Ancient Greece, it was considered that the perfect man must possess four qualities or virtues: prudence, justice, force and temperance. He was supposed to be prudent, to be just, to have strength of character and to be balanced. To these four qualities of the perfect man the Bible added another set of virtues, typical for a man of faith. The three theological virtues, or the moral qualities of a man of faith, are faith, hope and charity. All the virtues used to be allegorically represented as young women, like here."...
Constant Guests builds slowly. The mystery gets deeper before it is all finally brought together. I found the ending to be satisfying. I enjoyed this book and read in a genre that I normally steer clear of. Surely a great summer read.
Constant Guests by Patricia Nedelea was a pleasant surprise for me. This is what Goodreads is all about and why I love it so much, browsing, commenting, researching, and socializing here on a daily basis. It is simply a joy when a new author reaches out to us readers to say hey, here is my story, my novel, maybe it would interest you. It is even better when the author points out at her new novel is on Kindle unlimited at the moment.
Constant Guests is a historical fiction thriller. Many have already compared it to a Dan Brown novel and I think that for the most part that is fair. The biggest difference being that where Brown novels come out as thrillers steeped in historical goodness, Nedelea gives us a history lesson with a thrill ride to keep things moving forward. One will definitely learn something from this book.I confess that I normally do not read historical fiction. I have in the past read some Dan Brown novels and enjoyed them almost like a guilty pleasure.
Why I enjoyed this book.
First, the structure was well done, with 3 different timed storylines that were obviously connected. One took place in the 14th century, the second with a museum curator in 1981, and finally the present-day the main character Isa. I loved everything about the historical timeline, the characters, story, and even some of the action. The 1981 storyline offered the least to me but that really didn't even matter. Isa's story, turned out to be a history lesson and an adventure across the world. The switching between the timelines allowed for some fantastic world building. It was well done.
Second, it is hard not to appreciate the details and the settings of all three timelines. Nedelea teaches us through the creative use of world building. The settings were almost as important as the characters.
Third, Constant Guests covers many historical topics but spends quite a bit of time coming back to the Bible. I loved the interpretations and how they fit into the mystery of our main story line. The Bible gave this book other meanings to be drawn from.
Finally, I loved everything about the Tarot cards. Thankfully, Nedelea gives us a complete history lesson on the cards. Apparently, I was very ignorant to the meaning and the significance of them. I also enjoyed the actual pictures of them, a great touch. What a fascinating subject matter.
A quote that scratches the surface of the history of the Tarot Cards :
""There are always four cardinal moral virtues," he explained, "but in tarot just three of them are present. In Ancient Greece, it was considered that the perfect man must possess four qualities or virtues: prudence, justice, force and temperance. He was supposed to be prudent, to be just, to have strength of character and to be balanced. To these four qualities of the perfect man the Bible added another set of virtues, typical for a man of faith. The three theological virtues, or the moral qualities of a man of faith, are faith, hope and charity. All the virtues used to be allegorically represented as young women, like here."...
Constant Guests builds slowly. The mystery gets deeper before it is all finally brought together. I found the ending to be satisfying. I enjoyed this book and read in a genre that I normally steer clear of. Surely a great summer read.
October 24, 2016
Isabel “Isa” enjoyed clubbing with her friends Claude (aka iClaude the Breaker) & Julie (Claude's GF).
When Isa woke up in the morning she realized her & Julie had went home with a guy from the club Max Triple X (aka le Fax).
Isa went to visit Aunt Mara Gabrian (24, museum curator, mum, Transylvania) who was now recuperting in the hosptial.
Mark Zweifer (HS teacher, Zurich) had saved his Aunt from an intruder.
Victoria Gabrian (sister, mother, Paris Conservatoire, opera singer, Paris, France) had also come to visit.
Mara later died.
After the funeral Isa found a piece of paper with some names on it: 7/13/1991, Francesco Bellini, Will Hart, Dr. Charles F. Finn all in London.
She was now on a mission to find out who these men are.
1991 London, Charlie was giving a college lecture on The Tarot Cards as Ludic & Moral Tools of the 15th. Century.
Unbelivable the room was jam packed with students & faculty.
Tarot cards were originally designed & used for gambling, not the occult or magical purposes as of today.
History of them dates back to 1389.
Edward (Charle’s asst.) took Isa into the Manuscripts Hall to meet with Dr.Finn (British, PhD).
Who is Mara Teodorova? Or Mara Gabrian?
Francesco Bellini ended up in prison or murder.
Isa & Mark went to the Vegas Italian restaurant (Barcelona burb).
What did Jasmine Vegas reveal to them about Francesco?
Where did Ty go?
I don’t believe in the 24 Tarot cards, but do you?
I’m not real sure Quintin Tarantino would even understand this book.
So are you really a gorgeous vampiress?
Right up there with Jacob M. Appel.
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a fairly well written 14th. Century European historical fiction supernatural book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great very bizarre supernatural movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Must read to the very end, then it will all make sense. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; choosybookworm; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
When Isa woke up in the morning she realized her & Julie had went home with a guy from the club Max Triple X (aka le Fax).
Isa went to visit Aunt Mara Gabrian (24, museum curator, mum, Transylvania) who was now recuperting in the hosptial.
Mark Zweifer (HS teacher, Zurich) had saved his Aunt from an intruder.
Victoria Gabrian (sister, mother, Paris Conservatoire, opera singer, Paris, France) had also come to visit.
Mara later died.
After the funeral Isa found a piece of paper with some names on it: 7/13/1991, Francesco Bellini, Will Hart, Dr. Charles F. Finn all in London.
She was now on a mission to find out who these men are.
1991 London, Charlie was giving a college lecture on The Tarot Cards as Ludic & Moral Tools of the 15th. Century.
Unbelivable the room was jam packed with students & faculty.
Tarot cards were originally designed & used for gambling, not the occult or magical purposes as of today.
History of them dates back to 1389.
Edward (Charle’s asst.) took Isa into the Manuscripts Hall to meet with Dr.Finn (British, PhD).
Who is Mara Teodorova? Or Mara Gabrian?
Francesco Bellini ended up in prison or murder.
Isa & Mark went to the Vegas Italian restaurant (Barcelona burb).
What did Jasmine Vegas reveal to them about Francesco?
Where did Ty go?
I don’t believe in the 24 Tarot cards, but do you?
I’m not real sure Quintin Tarantino would even understand this book.
So are you really a gorgeous vampiress?
Right up there with Jacob M. Appel.
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a fairly well written 14th. Century European historical fiction supernatural book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great very bizarre supernatural movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Must read to the very end, then it will all make sense. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; choosybookworm; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 12, 2016
I am a big fan of historical fiction, and I am always hunting for the hidden treasures out there and I must say, there aren’t that many lately. They are all pretty much the same eye rolling, boring, pretentious Renaissance-mystery bullsh*t, over and over again.
When I stumbled on this recent addition to the genre, I wasn’t quite convinced it won’t be a waste of time, like the others, so I decided to do what I usually do in these cases. Read the very first page and decide whether I am letting digital dust settle on this one, or whether I keep reading.
It was after the first 2 chapters that I realised that I had actually kept reading :)) And although it was late at night, I carried on for a few hours, suddenly alive in my head, unable to decide when to say ‘Stop, I am gonna find what happens next, tomorrow !’ The tale (actually the tales) is so gripping, so catchy, so engulfing, and more than anything, so visual, that is swallows you completely into a world that is both familiar and foreign.
If you are a history afficionado, you will appreciate the craft with which the author builds settings and characters, specific to a number of different eras. If you like thrillers, well, boy ! You will be thrilled !!!! You will appreciate the art the author displays in inter-weaving different stories seamlessly, effortlessly. Towards the end, you will invariably place your bets on who’s who and what’s what, and kind of start guessing where the epic thread goes. Nevertheless, the outcome will pretty much come roaring over you, hit you in the head, spin your world around, answer some questions, reveal some truths, but more importantly, will absolutely leave you wanting, craving, for more !!!!
There is no feeling in the world, for an avid reader, like the satisfaction one has when reading the final words of a book that one grabbed with no expectations whatsoever. Like the grin on one’s face when realizing the ending was everything they wanted, and more. That it artistically tied all the loose ends but still left you some crumbles on the road to keep you guessing, imagining....and hoping.....that things don’t REALLY end here !!!
Oh, and did I tell you how incredible clever the whole plot is ? Well, the plot is incredibly clever. This whole book is witty and smart and playful. And hot, in unexplicable ways ! And yes, the plot is damn clever ! Not to mention so clever !
When I stumbled on this recent addition to the genre, I wasn’t quite convinced it won’t be a waste of time, like the others, so I decided to do what I usually do in these cases. Read the very first page and decide whether I am letting digital dust settle on this one, or whether I keep reading.
It was after the first 2 chapters that I realised that I had actually kept reading :)) And although it was late at night, I carried on for a few hours, suddenly alive in my head, unable to decide when to say ‘Stop, I am gonna find what happens next, tomorrow !’ The tale (actually the tales) is so gripping, so catchy, so engulfing, and more than anything, so visual, that is swallows you completely into a world that is both familiar and foreign.
If you are a history afficionado, you will appreciate the craft with which the author builds settings and characters, specific to a number of different eras. If you like thrillers, well, boy ! You will be thrilled !!!! You will appreciate the art the author displays in inter-weaving different stories seamlessly, effortlessly. Towards the end, you will invariably place your bets on who’s who and what’s what, and kind of start guessing where the epic thread goes. Nevertheless, the outcome will pretty much come roaring over you, hit you in the head, spin your world around, answer some questions, reveal some truths, but more importantly, will absolutely leave you wanting, craving, for more !!!!
There is no feeling in the world, for an avid reader, like the satisfaction one has when reading the final words of a book that one grabbed with no expectations whatsoever. Like the grin on one’s face when realizing the ending was everything they wanted, and more. That it artistically tied all the loose ends but still left you some crumbles on the road to keep you guessing, imagining....and hoping.....that things don’t REALLY end here !!!
Oh, and did I tell you how incredible clever the whole plot is ? Well, the plot is incredibly clever. This whole book is witty and smart and playful. And hot, in unexplicable ways ! And yes, the plot is damn clever ! Not to mention so clever !
July 2, 2016
Blown Away by the Thundering Plot and Imaginative Plot Twists
This thriller combines 14th century European history, an interesting interpretation of the Bible, the history of Tarot cards as well as the wonderful year 1981. Wrap the whole thing up in a Gordian knot of conspiracy theories, and you have the novel, Constant Guests. The plot is so Byzantine, you are not sure of the number of puppeteers, why they are playing the game, and who plays for each side. Just keeping score is half the fun.
The description talks about two women separated in time involved with the 1389 Tarot deck of cards, when there are really three. An Italian Principessa in the 14th century, a museum curator in 1981 and young, angry woman in the present. All of their stories run parallel in time and intertwine as one takes up where the other left off. There are male stories that are just as entangled with these three women's that make the story more romantic, violent, horrific and tragic.
Unfortunately characterization is not a strong suit of the author. While you really want to know what happens next, and turn pages quickly; when a major player gets taken out by an enemy, my reaction was, oh well, I guess we won't be seeing him again. Ho hum... The character I liked the most was the 70 year old ,fake Bishop in 14th century Italy. She characterized him just fine. The heroine, Isa is almost wafer thin.
But, I have to admit Ms. Nedelea lays down some serious tracks when it comes to both her research and the imaginative way she uses that research to create a truly thundering plot. Each time we can to one of her gobsmacking plot twists, I literally felt like the world had turned upside down. She did this not once, not twice, but all throughout the book. This story is a high tension, page turner. The pace is blistering.
I've seen this compared to Dan Brown. Ms. Nedelea's novel is far more sophisticated. This is more like Eco's Foucault's Pendulum in the intelligence and sophistication of the plot.
If you are looking for a good thumping read that won't rip your heart out, but will get your blood pumping - HERE IT IS!
Highly Recommended!
This thriller combines 14th century European history, an interesting interpretation of the Bible, the history of Tarot cards as well as the wonderful year 1981. Wrap the whole thing up in a Gordian knot of conspiracy theories, and you have the novel, Constant Guests. The plot is so Byzantine, you are not sure of the number of puppeteers, why they are playing the game, and who plays for each side. Just keeping score is half the fun.
The description talks about two women separated in time involved with the 1389 Tarot deck of cards, when there are really three. An Italian Principessa in the 14th century, a museum curator in 1981 and young, angry woman in the present. All of their stories run parallel in time and intertwine as one takes up where the other left off. There are male stories that are just as entangled with these three women's that make the story more romantic, violent, horrific and tragic.
Unfortunately characterization is not a strong suit of the author. While you really want to know what happens next, and turn pages quickly; when a major player gets taken out by an enemy, my reaction was, oh well, I guess we won't be seeing him again. Ho hum... The character I liked the most was the 70 year old ,fake Bishop in 14th century Italy. She characterized him just fine. The heroine, Isa is almost wafer thin.
But, I have to admit Ms. Nedelea lays down some serious tracks when it comes to both her research and the imaginative way she uses that research to create a truly thundering plot. Each time we can to one of her gobsmacking plot twists, I literally felt like the world had turned upside down. She did this not once, not twice, but all throughout the book. This story is a high tension, page turner. The pace is blistering.
I've seen this compared to Dan Brown. Ms. Nedelea's novel is far more sophisticated. This is more like Eco's Foucault's Pendulum in the intelligence and sophistication of the plot.
If you are looking for a good thumping read that won't rip your heart out, but will get your blood pumping - HERE IT IS!
Highly Recommended!
August 18, 2016
The author is apparently an academic, and this book is more a thinking person's book, which, I might add, I strongly approve. Besides writing such books, I am always on the lookout for them, and this does not disappoint, although it has the odd flaw. The start is a series of short chapters that really could be considered as elaborations of a single sentence. This one chapter could be summarized as, at the end of the first century an old man enters a cave with two scribes. You might guess now that the book has religious overtones, and you would not be wrong. Basically, the book comprises several interwoven stories, one of which, what the scribes in the cave wrote, we see very little. In fact, for most of the book I wondered why it was there at all. We see more of events in the 14th century that led to the first set of tarot cards. (Actually, the first set we know of apparently came much later, but that is beside the point.) This first set was more than a set of cards. The book is essentially a quest, but the quest morphs. We start with Isa (Isabel) learning her real mother is emerging from a coma. That she was not who she thought she was comes as a shock, but when she sees her mother, her mother tries to tell her something, and from then on Isa is pursued. Isa starts by wanting to know who her father was, but gradually the quest morphs into finding the tarot cards. This leads her to the clutches of two other groups also seeking them, and . . . The story is well written, once you get over the dislocated start, but I found that some of the characterization was either thin, or a little off in places. Thus Qwerty (an alias taken from a typewriter) does not really behave towards Isa as he is supposed to, and the opposition to Qwerty is, well, you will have to find that out for yourself. However, when a crisis is there, tension is required, characters should not lurch into long speeches explaining something that is irrelevant to the crisis. When reading, ignore thinking about free will, because the final parts do not make sense with regard to that. Still, this is an excellent effort, flawed only really through the extreme ambition, and well worth the read.
August 19, 2016
2016 reading challenge - a book set in Europe
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, I really enjoyed it!
On her quest to uncover her mother's secrets and discover who she really was, as well who she herself is now, Isa stumbles upon an even greater mystery. She gets sucked into a world of crime, murder and mediums, all over a deck of cards. But not just any cards - the world's oldest set of tarot cards is at play and there is little this odd, dangerous bunch of people wouldn't do to get their hands on it. Can Isa, a cynical party girl, stop the catastrophe before it happens?
What a book! 4 different stories, seemingly unconnected, waiting to be told. The book keeps you guessing until the very end, when all the pieces fall into their places and everything suddenly makes sense. As a history nut, I particularly enjoyed the bits about Valentina Viscont and the tarot cards. It's obvious that a lot of research has been done to make this book come alive.
It does seem that the book changes course about 20% before the the ending, almost switching genres, but if you pay attention to the plot, references and subtle hints, maybe it won't seem to come as such a surprise. In the book, there are a few lines that repeat themselves (as in, the same paragraph), which was quite puzzling but nothing that would be too much of a bother. The characters come alive on the pages and the settings are wonderfully vivid.
Highly recommend.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, I really enjoyed it!
On her quest to uncover her mother's secrets and discover who she really was, as well who she herself is now, Isa stumbles upon an even greater mystery. She gets sucked into a world of crime, murder and mediums, all over a deck of cards. But not just any cards - the world's oldest set of tarot cards is at play and there is little this odd, dangerous bunch of people wouldn't do to get their hands on it. Can Isa, a cynical party girl, stop the catastrophe before it happens?
What a book! 4 different stories, seemingly unconnected, waiting to be told. The book keeps you guessing until the very end, when all the pieces fall into their places and everything suddenly makes sense. As a history nut, I particularly enjoyed the bits about Valentina Viscont and the tarot cards. It's obvious that a lot of research has been done to make this book come alive.
It does seem that the book changes course about 20% before the the ending, almost switching genres, but if you pay attention to the plot, references and subtle hints, maybe it won't seem to come as such a surprise. In the book, there are a few lines that repeat themselves (as in, the same paragraph), which was quite puzzling but nothing that would be too much of a bother. The characters come alive on the pages and the settings are wonderfully vivid.
Highly recommend.
August 17, 2016
Constant Guests by Patricia Nedelea starts out with four seemingly unrelated stories and weaves centuries into the present. Then it takes tarot cards to tell the story of two worlds with twin images. Each person has a double, or binary. One world (on other side of the moon) has access to the “Latin Passage” that allows them to travel to our world. Each person’s double is exactly the opposite in behavior and talents.
The tarot cards were not designed as fortune telling. Each card mirrored its pair. It starts out with Isa, a spoiled girl who is wasting her life. She has no real attachment to those around her, except one friend. Then her mom is forced to tell her she was adopted because her real mother came out of coma. Isa was always told that her real mom was her aunt.
Isa’s hunt to find out about whom her real mom was, and who her dad is, sends her on a hunt to find all twenty-four tarot cards for the answers. This is a hunt that others had pursued and failed or died trying.
The tarot cards were not designed as fortune telling. Each card mirrored its pair. It starts out with Isa, a spoiled girl who is wasting her life. She has no real attachment to those around her, except one friend. Then her mom is forced to tell her she was adopted because her real mother came out of coma. Isa was always told that her real mom was her aunt.
Isa’s hunt to find out about whom her real mom was, and who her dad is, sends her on a hunt to find all twenty-four tarot cards for the answers. This is a hunt that others had pursued and failed or died trying.
August 19, 2016
Four stories connected by more than just tarot cards
It is complicated to categorize this book under one genre. It is primarily a thrilling mystery, but it is an adventure for a girl who is coming of age in the search of answers about her parents and her past. She starts as a shallow, spoiled little girl with no direction to a mature, thoughtful, and smart young woman who has a new perspective on her world in the three weeks that she searches for details about her birth mother. The historical connection to 14 century Tuscany and what may have been the first set of tarot cards caught my attention and curiosity. The story surrounding the cards regarding their purpose and the cursed connection over the centuries was good. The depth of the content reminded me of The Da Vinci Code. You don't have to be a Renaissance man to be able to follow this book, but you should have an open mind to the vast subjects and creativity to the world it creates.
It is complicated to categorize this book under one genre. It is primarily a thrilling mystery, but it is an adventure for a girl who is coming of age in the search of answers about her parents and her past. She starts as a shallow, spoiled little girl with no direction to a mature, thoughtful, and smart young woman who has a new perspective on her world in the three weeks that she searches for details about her birth mother. The historical connection to 14 century Tuscany and what may have been the first set of tarot cards caught my attention and curiosity. The story surrounding the cards regarding their purpose and the cursed connection over the centuries was good. The depth of the content reminded me of The Da Vinci Code. You don't have to be a Renaissance man to be able to follow this book, but you should have an open mind to the vast subjects and creativity to the world it creates.
August 3, 2016
If you fancy a fast paced fantasy story, full of mystery, adventure and a little romance, this book is for you. While reading it I was vividly imagining the movie in front of my eyes; it would certainly worth an adaptation for the big screen.
I'm giving it five stars being impressed with this first endeavor of the author, with even higher expectations from the next book. Looking forward to seeing deeper into the characters souls and relationships in the sequel.
I'm giving it five stars being impressed with this first endeavor of the author, with even higher expectations from the next book. Looking forward to seeing deeper into the characters souls and relationships in the sequel.
May 17, 2017
I'm so glad I'm not into tarot cards or religious scripts because the entire story was new to me n so many levels. This was novel was way over my head and boundaries when it comes to the subject and concept of the story. The story was very interesting and well put together nonetheless.
July 3, 2016
I just loved it! Could't stop reading ! Wonderful novel! Great!
February 27, 2017
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Constant Guests is the debut novel of Patricia Nedelea. It is a mixture of historical fiction, mystery and fantasy. It consists of four story-lines set in present-day France; Translyvania, 1991; Tuscany, 1389 and Patmos, c.100.
The main plot is centered around Isa when she discovers that she was adopted by her aunt and her real mother is someone she doesn’t know at all. She then goes on a journey to find out about her mother’s past.
All the story lines in the book are very different from each other. They are the essence of the book and what makes it so interesting. They make the plot very complex but ultimately have a connection with each other. There is constant suspense and mystery that just keeps on getting thicker. All revelations are extremely unexpected and shocking. There is also a lot to take in to keep up with the plot. However, about halfway through, things finally start to make sense.
The few moments of humor in the book didn’t fit at all. The plot kept on getting more and more twisted. I did enjoy that but it was getting too complicated to be fun and I just wanted to be done with it. Also, with such a complex story it is understandable that the book will be long but it still felt a bit dragged out to me. I thought that it was too much crammed into one book and I had the urge to give up on it.
The characters in this book are not very likable. I found the main character Isa to be ungrateful and self-absorbed. I thought that she was being too hard on her adoptive mother Victoria. Victoria did have her faults but she also seemed to genuinely care about Isa. I also found the things she said and her reactions annoying sometimes. However, I did feel bad for her towards the end.
This book is honestly a mind blowing read.It is the kind of book that is unique and we can take a lot from. It takes us to many places, many times and shows us different aspects of human beings. It was amazing how all the stories came together in the end and still there were new things revealed. I really appreciate this book as a work of literature. It is not only entertaining but very informational too.It contains a lot of history and we learn a lot from it.It is also very well written and we can see that a lot of research and effort has been put into it.
I highly recommend this book!
Constant Guests is the debut novel of Patricia Nedelea. It is a mixture of historical fiction, mystery and fantasy. It consists of four story-lines set in present-day France; Translyvania, 1991; Tuscany, 1389 and Patmos, c.100.
The main plot is centered around Isa when she discovers that she was adopted by her aunt and her real mother is someone she doesn’t know at all. She then goes on a journey to find out about her mother’s past.
All the story lines in the book are very different from each other. They are the essence of the book and what makes it so interesting. They make the plot very complex but ultimately have a connection with each other. There is constant suspense and mystery that just keeps on getting thicker. All revelations are extremely unexpected and shocking. There is also a lot to take in to keep up with the plot. However, about halfway through, things finally start to make sense.
The few moments of humor in the book didn’t fit at all. The plot kept on getting more and more twisted. I did enjoy that but it was getting too complicated to be fun and I just wanted to be done with it. Also, with such a complex story it is understandable that the book will be long but it still felt a bit dragged out to me. I thought that it was too much crammed into one book and I had the urge to give up on it.
The characters in this book are not very likable. I found the main character Isa to be ungrateful and self-absorbed. I thought that she was being too hard on her adoptive mother Victoria. Victoria did have her faults but she also seemed to genuinely care about Isa. I also found the things she said and her reactions annoying sometimes. However, I did feel bad for her towards the end.
This book is honestly a mind blowing read.It is the kind of book that is unique and we can take a lot from. It takes us to many places, many times and shows us different aspects of human beings. It was amazing how all the stories came together in the end and still there were new things revealed. I really appreciate this book as a work of literature. It is not only entertaining but very informational too.It contains a lot of history and we learn a lot from it.It is also very well written and we can see that a lot of research and effort has been put into it.
I highly recommend this book!
November 25, 2017
I don’t even know how to describe this book. Every time I think I had a handle on the plot twist, something new happened and it wasn’t what I thought at all. This book doesn’t fit in any genre, thriller? Historical fiction? Romance?
Highly recommend to anyone who wants to jump into a lengthy story. The title and cover do not do it justice.
I received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
Highly recommend to anyone who wants to jump into a lengthy story. The title and cover do not do it justice.
I received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
October 25, 2016
Good read, terrible heroine
I almost put down this book a couple times and stopped reading. The heroine Is a is such a pain in the ass,spoilt,sarcastic brat!
I wouldn't read a sequel if it featured her. Really a shame as it is a good story. What was the author thinking??
I almost put down this book a couple times and stopped reading. The heroine Is a is such a pain in the ass,spoilt,sarcastic brat!
I wouldn't read a sequel if it featured her. Really a shame as it is a good story. What was the author thinking??
July 22, 2017
Just wow.
This book has so many twists and turns...it keeps the pages turning and keeps you wondering if you ever actually knew what was going on. A great read and worth the time. So refreshingly different from most the stuff I read. Enjoy!
This book has so many twists and turns...it keeps the pages turning and keeps you wondering if you ever actually knew what was going on. A great read and worth the time. So refreshingly different from most the stuff I read. Enjoy!
November 4, 2016
The cover looked great, but the story was a tad of a disappointment for me.
Not what I usually read.
Not what I usually read.
October 12, 2017
cool book, is it gonna be a part 2?
August 16, 2016
Isa was a Parisian party girl who thought she had nothing in common with her parents. And then she finds out that she was adopted and that her mother, Mara, had just woken up from a coma. However, when Mara dies in front of her, Isa becomes determined to find out more about her and, most importantly, discover who her father was. Unintentionally, she also finds herself searching for twenty-four ancient tarot cards that hide the world’s greatest secret. Nevertheless, there are others looking for exactly the same thing. Suddenly, Isa finds herself in a dangerous quest that might cost her life and the life of those she cares about, but she won’t stop until she divulges four important stories.
“Constant Guests”, a debut novel by Patricia Nedelea, was an action-packed novel that kept me gripped to the pages. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next! One could get a bit lost in this book as the action is constantly jumping between characters, places and eras that appear to have nothing in common. There are new clues constantly showing up but, although it all seemed so confusing at first, little by little the pieces began fitting together and the puzzle was finally completed. And let me tell you – what a puzzle!
Nevertheless – and I most warn you that there are spoilers ahead – I just wasn’t expecting the “two worlds connected by a passage” thing. That was a major, unexpected plot twist! After following Isa and Mark as they travelled through Europe, retracing Mara’s steps and trying to make sense of the information they found, I expected the conclusion to be something more realistic. Not that the ending didn’t make sense! In fact, it seemed that there could be no other outcome, but I thought that a bit more foreshadowing should have been given throughout the book. The reader only learns of this other world in the last quarter of the book as if the information had just fallen from the sky. I wasn’t expecting it all, but maybe that was the writer’s goal – leave the reader absolutely speechless. It also annoyed me when Isa tried to imagine the actions of her mother and her feelings such as when Mara decided to smash her car against her pursuers. The way Isa described it as if she was really seeing it was a bit off-putting. Additionally, I was really tired of wondering who Ty and the nameless woman were and what the hell where they doing in the story. Glad that was all settled in the end though.
Despite these issues, I really liked “Constant Guests” and I absolutely recommend it. The constant suspense, the use of real historical characters and the images of the ancient tarot cards gave an entirely new depth to the story. This book was ingeniously planned out and I would definitely enjoy reading a next one. I was left with so many questions that need answering!
“Constant Guests”, a debut novel by Patricia Nedelea, was an action-packed novel that kept me gripped to the pages. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next! One could get a bit lost in this book as the action is constantly jumping between characters, places and eras that appear to have nothing in common. There are new clues constantly showing up but, although it all seemed so confusing at first, little by little the pieces began fitting together and the puzzle was finally completed. And let me tell you – what a puzzle!
Nevertheless – and I most warn you that there are spoilers ahead – I just wasn’t expecting the “two worlds connected by a passage” thing. That was a major, unexpected plot twist! After following Isa and Mark as they travelled through Europe, retracing Mara’s steps and trying to make sense of the information they found, I expected the conclusion to be something more realistic. Not that the ending didn’t make sense! In fact, it seemed that there could be no other outcome, but I thought that a bit more foreshadowing should have been given throughout the book. The reader only learns of this other world in the last quarter of the book as if the information had just fallen from the sky. I wasn’t expecting it all, but maybe that was the writer’s goal – leave the reader absolutely speechless. It also annoyed me when Isa tried to imagine the actions of her mother and her feelings such as when Mara decided to smash her car against her pursuers. The way Isa described it as if she was really seeing it was a bit off-putting. Additionally, I was really tired of wondering who Ty and the nameless woman were and what the hell where they doing in the story. Glad that was all settled in the end though.
Despite these issues, I really liked “Constant Guests” and I absolutely recommend it. The constant suspense, the use of real historical characters and the images of the ancient tarot cards gave an entirely new depth to the story. This book was ingeniously planned out and I would definitely enjoy reading a next one. I was left with so many questions that need answering!
August 20, 2016
Isa has just found out that her parents are not really her parents. Her birth mother has been in a coma for 20 years and has woken up, only to die just as Isa sees her for the first time. Then Isa is attacked in the hospital bathroom by an unknown assailant. When she discovers a picture hidden in her mother’s watch she can no longer resist the urge to find out everything she can about this mysterious woman. Her quest will take her all over Europe, to big cities and small towns, and put her life in danger. Along the way she will uncover deeply guarded secrets and her strength will be tested again and again.
This is a fast-paced book with lots of twists and turns. Isa and Mark are well developed characters, but Isa is not the most likeable person. She’s brash and harsh and doesn’t trust easily but as her story unfolds her personality begins to make sense. Mark, on the other hand, is very likeable. He defends Isa from the first moment he sees her and before the journey is over will put his life on the line for her. I think this book will appeal to young adults but history lovers may also enjoy this book because of the historical context of the story.
This is a fast-paced book with lots of twists and turns. Isa and Mark are well developed characters, but Isa is not the most likeable person. She’s brash and harsh and doesn’t trust easily but as her story unfolds her personality begins to make sense. Mark, on the other hand, is very likeable. He defends Isa from the first moment he sees her and before the journey is over will put his life on the line for her. I think this book will appeal to young adults but history lovers may also enjoy this book because of the historical context of the story.
August 15, 2016
If you are searching for a book that has ties to a thriller, suspense, romance and some history tossed in for good measure this my friend, is your book. You will not be disappointed. Reminiscent to 30 Pieces of Silver and the DaVinci Code, Constant Guests takes you on a wild ride.
Constant Guests is like a history lesson and a well written book. From the beginning you are embroiled in a plot that surrounds Isa and her mother. You move through time, from the far past to the future trying to figure out what is going on. This book is well written and engrossing. You are kept on your toes trying to figure out who is the puppet master pulling all the strings and who is the marionette.
The plot twists entertained me, but I will admit some of the characters, especially Isa fell thin. I hated her from the start and really wish, she would have been taken out. There was so much I wanted to know about her, but we only saw a slice of her and it wasn’t a good slice either.
Constant Guests is like a history lesson and a well written book. From the beginning you are embroiled in a plot that surrounds Isa and her mother. You move through time, from the far past to the future trying to figure out what is going on. This book is well written and engrossing. You are kept on your toes trying to figure out who is the puppet master pulling all the strings and who is the marionette.
The plot twists entertained me, but I will admit some of the characters, especially Isa fell thin. I hated her from the start and really wish, she would have been taken out. There was so much I wanted to know about her, but we only saw a slice of her and it wasn’t a good slice either.
February 8, 2017
3 stars!
Again, thank you to the author for sending me the PDF version of this book! You rock.
Okay, now to the review.
Honestly, I started this book without much thought (good or bad). I kind of just started reading it on my bed one day, and quickly came to the realization (around chapter 2) that I did not like the main character - which really threw me off for the rest of the story because I enjoyed pretty much everything else, except for her... Quite a bummer.
It wasn't the best book I've read, not by any means, but it was certainly creative and I would even say original, during some aspects.
I almost wanted to give this book 2.75 stars, from the sheer annoyance the main character caused me to feel - however, I weighted out the pro's and con's and figured 3 stars seemed more fair....or maybe I'm just being nice. Who knows?
Overall, it was an interesting read! Thank you again to the author.
Again, thank you to the author for sending me the PDF version of this book! You rock.
Okay, now to the review.
Honestly, I started this book without much thought (good or bad). I kind of just started reading it on my bed one day, and quickly came to the realization (around chapter 2) that I did not like the main character - which really threw me off for the rest of the story because I enjoyed pretty much everything else, except for her... Quite a bummer.
It wasn't the best book I've read, not by any means, but it was certainly creative and I would even say original, during some aspects.
I almost wanted to give this book 2.75 stars, from the sheer annoyance the main character caused me to feel - however, I weighted out the pro's and con's and figured 3 stars seemed more fair....or maybe I'm just being nice. Who knows?
Overall, it was an interesting read! Thank you again to the author.
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