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Amy: The First Revelation
Two sisters as equal as the two poles of the earth.
One benign and permanent victim, the other with a dark personality but with protective instincts. Melina - weak and submissive, Amy - a judge and punter in her own world in which God always showed his toughest face.
What separates madness from logic? God from the Devil? The good from evil? These questions ceased to concern Amy when she felt deep within her soul that there was space for everything.
And when the silence breaks and the secret is revealed, the sacrifice is one way...
One benign and permanent victim, the other with a dark personality but with protective instincts. Melina - weak and submissive, Amy - a judge and punter in her own world in which God always showed his toughest face.
What separates madness from logic? God from the Devil? The good from evil? These questions ceased to concern Amy when she felt deep within her soul that there was space for everything.
And when the silence breaks and the secret is revealed, the sacrifice is one way...
370 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2017
26 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Mario Karma
2 books20 followersMario KarMa is a contemporary Greek author. He was born on March 29, 1978 in Piraeus. Curiosity-driven from an early age,
he was always fascinated by the strange, inexplicable, and metaphysical element; he liked watching horror movies, do jugglery tricks, and write poems.
At the age of 13, he began to write his first work: a poetry collection where he described–always in his own personal way- his thoughts, worries, distress, as well as his personal experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant. Growing up, he never stopped writing, managing to significantly limit his dyslexia, even use it to his advantage by committing to paper all the images he had in his mind, no matter how difficult it was.
At the Panhellenic contest “Larry Niven Fantastic Literature Awards,” he received the third (3rd) position for writing a novel. At another Panhellenic contest, the “Silver Page 2015,” he received the first (1st) position with praise at the short-story category. At the first UNESCO Art Symposium in Greece, entitled “Made by Artist 4,” which included the awarding of four artists representing the arts of painting, sculpture, photography, and literature, he was awarded as the representative of literature (2017).
He is a member of the Panhellenic Union of Writers.
Finally on October 4, 2019 it was announced that he was chosen as one of the speakers at the TedX World Institute MaviliSquare which took place on December 7, 2019 in the city of Ioannina.
he was always fascinated by the strange, inexplicable, and metaphysical element; he liked watching horror movies, do jugglery tricks, and write poems.
At the age of 13, he began to write his first work: a poetry collection where he described–always in his own personal way- his thoughts, worries, distress, as well as his personal experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant. Growing up, he never stopped writing, managing to significantly limit his dyslexia, even use it to his advantage by committing to paper all the images he had in his mind, no matter how difficult it was.
At the Panhellenic contest “Larry Niven Fantastic Literature Awards,” he received the third (3rd) position for writing a novel. At another Panhellenic contest, the “Silver Page 2015,” he received the first (1st) position with praise at the short-story category. At the first UNESCO Art Symposium in Greece, entitled “Made by Artist 4,” which included the awarding of four artists representing the arts of painting, sculpture, photography, and literature, he was awarded as the representative of literature (2017).
He is a member of the Panhellenic Union of Writers.
Finally on October 4, 2019 it was announced that he was chosen as one of the speakers at the TedX World Institute MaviliSquare which took place on December 7, 2019 in the city of Ioannina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 18, 2020
Very interesting story.
The story essentially deals with two sisters who are very different from each other. Amy and Mellisa are sisters and as different as chalk and cheese. They go to their college and come back to their home for the summer vacation. The story narrates the events from there.
The workings of Amy’s mind – the darkness in it and way she is so – were brought out very well and it contrasts with how her sister approaches any events.
The ending was not an easy one and it left me thinking about it for some time.
Great writing.
The story essentially deals with two sisters who are very different from each other. Amy and Mellisa are sisters and as different as chalk and cheese. They go to their college and come back to their home for the summer vacation. The story narrates the events from there.
The workings of Amy’s mind – the darkness in it and way she is so – were brought out very well and it contrasts with how her sister approaches any events.
The ending was not an easy one and it left me thinking about it for some time.
Great writing.
June 1, 2020
The first official review from onlinebookclub by book reviewer Mrs. LinaJan (Give 3 of the 4 stars that is the maximum).
Official Review: AMY by Mario Karma
Post by LinaJan » 26 May 2020, 11:08
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "AMY" by Mario Karma.]
Book Cover
3 out of 4 stars
Amy by Marios Karakatsanis captured my attention by its cover and, from the very first page, had me glued to my seat until the very end. It is a story of two sisters – Amaryllis (who we later get to know as Amy) and Melina – who could not be more different but, simultaneously, could not be more intimate of friends. They grew up with their loving parents in the beautiful Greek island of Rhodes, where their dad nurtured them with never-ending stories about elves, fairies, and other mythical creatures. Both sisters grow up to be intelligent and beautiful women who then leave their home behind to go to universities in different parts of Athens. As many students do, the sisters decide to come home for summer vacation. They have missed the island air, the visits to ancient castles and ruins where their childhood fairy tales would come to life. They missed their parents and each other’s company. There is also something that Amy had been meaning to tell her dad for many years but never has. She plans to finally do so on this very vacation.
No one had any idea what this visit home will bring nor that it will be forever ingrained into the memory of many of the locals. Nor that it would be their last.
The book is mostly narrated from a third person’s perspective which usually focuses on Amy, with only a couple of brief exceptions, where the focus is Amy’s dad. Throughout the whole of the book, the present and the flashbacks from the past are closely interlaced. Sometimes it can present a challenge when trying to understand what is going on but, with time, the reader adjusts to the writing style and it becomes easier. It also becomes clear why such a writing style was adapted.
I liked the whole of the storyline, the gradual introduction into Amy’s mind’s both darkest and brightest corners. The author’s ability to depict the inner emotional states and inner battles is nothing short of masterful. But even with all of the above, what stuck with me the most were some of the aphorisms that the author introduces every new chapter with, such as:
‘If you’re losing your soul and you know it, then you’ve still got a soul left to lose.’ (Charles Bukowski)
‘It is important to have an enemy, so as to define our identity. That’s why we must construct an enemy when he or she does not exist.’ (Umberto Eco)
There are not many instances of profanities nor are there many gruesome scenes. Nevertheless, those several instances, one of which alluded into imminent danger of very violent rape, can be found to be distressing; therefore, I would advise caution. There are also quite a few references to faith (Christianity) but this should not feel offensive to those of different creed of no creed as this, in my opinion, was done to serve as an emphasis in depicting the inner battles of the mind rather than to preach a particular religion.
I loved Amy and Marios Karakatsanis' ability to convey – without giving too much away – the darkness of one's mind to such level of detail and intimacy. There were occasions when I almost felt like I was intruding something very personal when reading into the depths of Amy's soul. I have not met many authors who could make me feel that way. I am sure that this book, in its original language, is flawless.
And the ending… It has already been a few days that I have set the book down after turning the last page, but it still has me pondering. Did she? Could she have? Could that have been by design?... I have a reason to believe that these questions will stay with me for quite some time.
https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
Official Review: AMY by Mario Karma
Post by LinaJan » 26 May 2020, 11:08
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "AMY" by Mario Karma.]
Book Cover
3 out of 4 stars
Amy by Marios Karakatsanis captured my attention by its cover and, from the very first page, had me glued to my seat until the very end. It is a story of two sisters – Amaryllis (who we later get to know as Amy) and Melina – who could not be more different but, simultaneously, could not be more intimate of friends. They grew up with their loving parents in the beautiful Greek island of Rhodes, where their dad nurtured them with never-ending stories about elves, fairies, and other mythical creatures. Both sisters grow up to be intelligent and beautiful women who then leave their home behind to go to universities in different parts of Athens. As many students do, the sisters decide to come home for summer vacation. They have missed the island air, the visits to ancient castles and ruins where their childhood fairy tales would come to life. They missed their parents and each other’s company. There is also something that Amy had been meaning to tell her dad for many years but never has. She plans to finally do so on this very vacation.
No one had any idea what this visit home will bring nor that it will be forever ingrained into the memory of many of the locals. Nor that it would be their last.
The book is mostly narrated from a third person’s perspective which usually focuses on Amy, with only a couple of brief exceptions, where the focus is Amy’s dad. Throughout the whole of the book, the present and the flashbacks from the past are closely interlaced. Sometimes it can present a challenge when trying to understand what is going on but, with time, the reader adjusts to the writing style and it becomes easier. It also becomes clear why such a writing style was adapted.
I liked the whole of the storyline, the gradual introduction into Amy’s mind’s both darkest and brightest corners. The author’s ability to depict the inner emotional states and inner battles is nothing short of masterful. But even with all of the above, what stuck with me the most were some of the aphorisms that the author introduces every new chapter with, such as:
‘If you’re losing your soul and you know it, then you’ve still got a soul left to lose.’ (Charles Bukowski)
‘It is important to have an enemy, so as to define our identity. That’s why we must construct an enemy when he or she does not exist.’ (Umberto Eco)
There are not many instances of profanities nor are there many gruesome scenes. Nevertheless, those several instances, one of which alluded into imminent danger of very violent rape, can be found to be distressing; therefore, I would advise caution. There are also quite a few references to faith (Christianity) but this should not feel offensive to those of different creed of no creed as this, in my opinion, was done to serve as an emphasis in depicting the inner battles of the mind rather than to preach a particular religion.
I loved Amy and Marios Karakatsanis' ability to convey – without giving too much away – the darkness of one's mind to such level of detail and intimacy. There were occasions when I almost felt like I was intruding something very personal when reading into the depths of Amy's soul. I have not met many authors who could make me feel that way. I am sure that this book, in its original language, is flawless.
And the ending… It has already been a few days that I have set the book down after turning the last page, but it still has me pondering. Did she? Could she have? Could that have been by design?... I have a reason to believe that these questions will stay with me for quite some time.
https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2021
So proud that i am not only Greek but also born in the same city as Mario.
Amy is terrific but what is charming with this book is that there is a sensitivity rising from a seemingly darkly story foreshandowing a light side more powerful i could ever hoped.
Amy is terrific but what is charming with this book is that there is a sensitivity rising from a seemingly darkly story foreshandowing a light side more powerful i could ever hoped.
September 9, 2020
***If you enjoy a good thriller with a little mystery this book is for you.***
In ‘AMY: The First Revelation’ you are introduced to two sisters, Amy and Mario. They have come home for spring break to spend time as a family. On their first day home, the whole family went a family trip to tour around the Castle of the Archangel (it’s in Rome, and is a place I want to visit). On their drive there, Amy ends up seeing what may have been a ghost in the rearview mirror that very clearly only she saw. This only ends up being the first out of many more things that ends up causing a horrific situation to happen that changes the sisters’ life forever.
***My Review***
The things I really enjoyed about ‘AMY: The First Revelation’ is the author’s (Mario Karma) attention to detail (which I feel is also a flaw in the book), the way that you are able to experience what might be going on inside the head of someone who is dealing with a personality disorder, and I love the genuine sisterly love between the two girls; though I do feel that it may be an unhealthy relationship.
What ended up throwing me off about the book is the slow pace. I really had to push myself to continue reading. It had seemed to take a while before I got to the point where I really got into the book. I think the big cause of the slow pace is that some of the details the author gave may have been unnecessary.
Altogether though, I am glad that I had caused myself to keep reading because by the end of the book I was excited to read more of Mario Karma’s work.
In ‘AMY: The First Revelation’ you are introduced to two sisters, Amy and Mario. They have come home for spring break to spend time as a family. On their first day home, the whole family went a family trip to tour around the Castle of the Archangel (it’s in Rome, and is a place I want to visit). On their drive there, Amy ends up seeing what may have been a ghost in the rearview mirror that very clearly only she saw. This only ends up being the first out of many more things that ends up causing a horrific situation to happen that changes the sisters’ life forever.
***My Review***
The things I really enjoyed about ‘AMY: The First Revelation’ is the author’s (Mario Karma) attention to detail (which I feel is also a flaw in the book), the way that you are able to experience what might be going on inside the head of someone who is dealing with a personality disorder, and I love the genuine sisterly love between the two girls; though I do feel that it may be an unhealthy relationship.
What ended up throwing me off about the book is the slow pace. I really had to push myself to continue reading. It had seemed to take a while before I got to the point where I really got into the book. I think the big cause of the slow pace is that some of the details the author gave may have been unnecessary.
Altogether though, I am glad that I had caused myself to keep reading because by the end of the book I was excited to read more of Mario Karma’s work.
August 14, 2020
I am impressed with this book. First time I read Mario Karma, but I am sure it isn't the last one.
September 6, 2020
Nice book
November 24, 2020
Having finished now the final page of the book, I am thinking that it is nice to read books that leave you in the end wondering, thinking about the book you just read and being unable to decide who was the hero and who was the villain. I do not know if the book “AMY” is considered a “psychological thriller” book, wouldn’t consider it one myself, yet do not know in which category I should place it. It certainly had psychological effect on me, but wasn’t scary. It is not important though, it is a great book and any reader could place it in the category he or she wants, it doesn’t matter… Amy and Melina, two sisters with totally different personalities. Melina is sweet, calm, full of understanding – at a level that she can be considered boring. Amy has a stronger character – and takes the role of Melina’s protector. She believes she has to act like a judge and a punisher, reacting to all accusations people have against her and becoming the villain, that people believe she is. Those are the two main characters of the book, AMY is the leading character and Melina is the close second character. There are also the rest of the family members, who are extremely important for the plot due to their actions. I really liked the story. It convinced me and made me thinking about whether people with mental issues are responsible for their actions or not.
Read
November 19, 2020Two sisters, AMY and the two years younger Melina, are growing in a loving family with tight bonds, until the summer when they return to the island, having some time off their studies. Melina is vulnerable, calm, nice. She is always trying to avoid conflicts at any cost. She seems weak compared to AMY who is the exact opposite… AMY seems fearless, cant stand injustice and accepts no excuse… She judges and punishes people, resulting in her being alone, a lonely person. However, she is overprotective to her little sister, feeling that she is responsible to protect her, in a world full of injustice, believing that even God has left her sister alone.
June 15, 2020
An excellent book full of emotions and anguish.
November 18, 2020
Interesting read
There are quite a few twists and turns in this book and a very entertaining storyline. A few graphic parts seem to come out of nowhere and the character development has a rocky star but it improves as the story goes on. There is very good imagery throughout though and the end is definitely a cliffhanger that leaves me wanting to read the next book as soon as it comes out.
**I did receive this book in exchange for an honest review.**
There are quite a few twists and turns in this book and a very entertaining storyline. A few graphic parts seem to come out of nowhere and the character development has a rocky star but it improves as the story goes on. There is very good imagery throughout though and the end is definitely a cliffhanger that leaves me wanting to read the next book as soon as it comes out.
**I did receive this book in exchange for an honest review.**
November 19, 2020
And that is one of the characteristics of the author’s writing. Mario’s writing is simple and doesn’t tire the reader with needless details, like I have experienced many times in books of the same category or other categories..
November 17, 2020
This book stands out among many others that I have read. I recommend it. Every hero makes you love him but also hate him. The way that the author writes is so alive that I felt like I was watching a movie.I will remember this story and especially the end, that left me speechless, for a very long time.
November 18, 2020
This is in a few lines the story that Mario Karma presents us. I wouldn’t say I “read” the book, I prefer to say that I “watched” it..!! The intense presentations and writing got me thinking that I was watching a movie..!! I was that much into the story..
November 19, 2020
I enjoyed it, felt all the heat and adrenaline, the book keeps the reader’s interest at the highest level. It is one of the books that you just want to read again and again.
November 19, 2020
“I am AMY and I am here.. Judge and Punisher to every sin of yours” If that is not a success of a thriller author, to seduce the mind of the reader, I don’t know what should I call it…
November 19, 2020
Espeluznante película de suspenso
November 17, 2020
The autor has the ability to put you into the story. I was totally drawn by the plot.He has nothing to envy from Stephen King. He is such a gifted writer. May we will see Amy in a movie too,she deserves it!
November 17, 2020
This is in a few lines the story that Mario Karma presents us. I wouldn’t say I “read” the book, I prefer to say that I “watched” it..!! The intense presentations and writing got me thinking that I was watching a movie..!! I was that much into the story..
November 17, 2020
I just closed the last page. I feel incredibly shocked. It filled me with so many emotions that I still wonder, in the end, self-redress, how wrong can it be when we talk about specific situations?
November 17, 2020
Well done to Mr. Mario Carma who dared to write such a story. I would like to read his other books, too. Cinematographic writing, without unnecessary details that make you tired. I read it in 2 days and really enjoyed it.
November 18, 2020
I closed the book smiling, almost laughing. Not because I read something funny, but because I just met one more author, the work of whom I will follow in the future.
November 14, 2020
What can I say about AMY… A leading character that you cant easily realize that she can be two different personalities… A leading character who is so right… A leading character who you sympathise with… But… How injustice becomes justice… How justice becomes injustice… Will she be ever able to be redempted?.. Will she be able to live in a world without “ghosts” again? Hope we will find out in the second book, we are looking forward to it!!!
November 14, 2020
I really liked the way Mr. Karma is writing the story. The plot’s development is beautiful, using simple, everyday language and dialogues that could take place in real life, doesn’t get you bored. Especially the last pages are amazing, they changed everything I was thinking about up to that point, well done! The book helped me create intense pictures, the way it was written helped me create pictures in my head as if I was watching a movie.
November 19, 2020
It’s worth reading.. I am just waiting for the next one..
November 14, 2020
I am a psychological thriller fan and wanted to read a Greek author’s work. My choice did not disappoint me at all! The way it is written was very satisfying for me. Simple, does not tire the reader, with intense scenes and most importantly AT LAST a book that is exactly to the point! I will sure read the rest of the author’s books.
November 14, 2020
I surely didn’t regret my choice. Plot twists, changing scenes without needless details, characters so real. I really loved the intensity of feelings that each and every page gave me. I just read it in 3 days. Thank you Mario!
November 14, 2020
Another advantage of Mario Karma’s writing is that during reading violent scenes, I was feeling intense but certainly not disgusted. Which is a great advantage since his books can be easily read by people who are not fond of psychological thriller books.
November 14, 2020
I just read it and still thinking of the amazing finale! If there is something I loved about it is the absence of needless details and the cinema way of writing. A huge “Congratulations” from me.
November 14, 2020
Love between the two sisters is special, despite all their differences… None of them can suspect the secrets of their past and where were they hidden by their parents…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews