Eve Koguce's Blog, page 10

Book Review / "Your Pick" by V.S. Kemanis

Your Pick: Selected Stories by V.S. Kemanis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A good story either breaks the reader’s heart or makes it sing. An excellent story has the power to do both.

“Dust of the Universe”, a story from the short story collection “Your Pick: Selected Stories” by V.S. Kemanis, made my heart break into a million pieces, but it filled with light again by the time I finished reading it.

Demonstrating a profound knowledge of human nature – and various professions – the author doesn’t spare details to make us completely invested in every story.

Reading “Pianissimo, Fortissimo”, I mused again why I had left playing the piano behind. I got my answer. “Whether alone or with an orchestra, I have no separate existence. My body should not be seen. I’m no more than an instrument of the voice speaking through me.” I’d never felt this way when playing. I’d always been conscious about my performance and worried about making mistakes. When music is your true calling, the pull of the melody and the instrument overshadows any worries. The feeling of complete immersion is beautifully described in this heart-wrenching and at the same time uplifting short story.

“Rosemary and Reuben” is a surprising dive into the inner life of the couple – let’s say, that doesn’t fit into the traditional expectations of how lovers arrive at the “happily-ever-after” station. Have you heard about hyperosmia and hypergeusia before? Even if you had, I doubt you can imagine how these unpleasant conditions can help find one’s true love.

“He’s learned to remain quiet. Honesty doesn’t require more, and self-explanation is useless when the recipient will never really understand.” Some say that other people are like open books. Others that they are a mystery. Arthur in “Reckoning” believes that he will never be understood by others. So, he stopped trying to make them see beyond his shell. “Arthur learned this hard lesson years ago, when his youthful exuberance fell on deaf ears and his colors met blindness and his ideas were received with blank smiles and speechlessness. Gradually, over time, he’s been shaped on the outside to resemble anyone else, a creeping crumble into grayness, while he continues to live on the inside, sending out tendrils of hope.” And what a life it is! Moderately successful and pedantic, Arthur doesn’t attract attention. But what if someone who lives in a similar shell manages to peek through the outer grey wall?

Each story from this collection is like a micro-universe, multi-layered and deep, hiding the lives ‘before’ and ‘after’, at the same time submerging the reader into the present with vivid descriptions and details that make each character real. Every story, selected from the highly acclaimed and literary award-winning story collections, reveals a moment in time for a person, a family, or a team of colleagues with a somewhat painful clarity. And because of this uncompromising exposure, we become participants - rather than readers - in each character’s life journey.



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Your Pick: Selected Stories

Book Review / "Hunted" by Kat Kinney

Hunted by Kat Kinney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I am not a paranormal romance fan. I never cared about vampires – or werewolves, for that matter. I don’t think I’ve even seen the iconic “Interview with the Vampire”. I did have a connection of sorts with the Twilight books – stop throwing those tomatoes at me; I admit the weakness when I have one – despite realising all the faults in the plotline and the characters. I guess the thing that spoke to me in Bella and Edward’s (both absolutely unbearable) is the “until death shall us part” bit. I believe in all-life-long commitment and love that can’t be explained, so the story of two people who have grown into each other and stayed faithful to their love no matter what touched some hidden strings in my soul. I also loved the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Garriger. I bought the first book by accident, not looking for a vampiric-themed read, but immediately fell in love with gloriously magnificent Alexa and read all five books. Apart from that, paranormal stories seldom stirred my bookish soul.

Until I read “Dark”, the first book of the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series by Kat Kinney.

The Caldwells have irrevocably stolen my heart. And I anticipate with dread the moment when all seven brothers’ stories will be written, and I’ll be left with nothing to wait for.

“The Caldwells argued, even brawled in the backyard, but when it counted, they were there for each other without question”. That’s what I like about them, the loud, gifted, stand-from-the-crowd family of shapeshifters from Blood Moon, Texas. They remind me of my parental family, our jolly gatherings in my aunt’s summer house with outrageous amounts of delicious food and yes, an occasional argument or misunderstanding. Still, as long as they lived, they were always there to support each other, and not in just “do you want to talk about it” capacity.

“Hunted” is the fifth book of the series, and it tells the story of the most complicated relationship any of the Caldwell brothers had – and each of them had to go through a number of seemingly unsurmountable difficulties to be with their fated mates.

River and Ellie are also the most unlikely people to become romantically involved with each other. He erased her memories, making her life, already marred by anxiety born from earlier trauma, even more complicated. "Memory was a fragile thing, spun of twisted threads of hopes and dreams. It was the scent of the air just before a thunderstorm. The taste of a first kiss." With this fragility crushed and distorted, Ellie isn’t sure what’s real and what’s not anymore. But she has to be strong. Not only for her own and her sister Hayden’s sake – who is River’s brother’s wife and hates River with all her ferocious soul – but for the whole paranormal world to have a chance to lead a happier life.

Ellie is a scientist, and, in her hands, is the future of vampires and werewolves. Will she be able to find a cure for the disease that destroys the chances of vampires from the lower castes to have normal lives? She knows that too much is at stake. If she fails, so many will have to continue to die young, leaving their loved ones behind.

“The world can still hold joy, even in the face of great loss”. The Caldwells prove this simple truth again and again. Every one of them had to face their demons at some point. Every one of them had to go through something they would be glad not to experience. People they trusted betrayed them. Unexpected news all the time threatens to knock them off their feet. And still, they don’t plan to give up anytime soon.

Packed with political intrigues of the paranormal world, family secrets, heart-warming moments, and steamy scenes – yes, be prepared that River and Ellie are very VERY hot in all possible senses – “Hunted” is a treat for the reader who wants to get immersed in the story completely.

P.S. Yes, and Matteo Rossi is a perfect villain – the one you have no sympathy for whatsoever.



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Hunted

Book Review / "Redemption" by Ivy Logan

Redemption by Ivy Logan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


“Just because a belief is held by many doesn’t make it right”

Just because almost everyone in the magical realm of Htrae believes that Siobhan, the ruler of the Heichi sorceress clan, is almighty, does it make her such? She certainly believes there is no one above her, and this belief gradually strips her of any human feelings she might have had.

"Redemption", the finale of The Breach Chronicles by Ivy Logan, is an intricately woven story with all the right ingredients to keep the reader hooked. Magical creatures with powers above human possibilities, intrigues, and conspiracies involving both supernatural and human, and a brooding quest between good and evil that will change the history of both worlds. And on top of all that, there is young love, with jealousy and self-doubt, bitter disappointments and uplifting discoveries.

Amelia, a “diamond princess”, a symbol of Peradora’s rebellion against its dictator, a girl who shares a bloodline with the most powerful sorceress of the magical realm. This girl is not even at the crossroads, she is in the middle of an intersection where countless roads meet. And with people and events rushing past her in all directions, how can she make the right decision, knowing that the world’s fate, not only her own, is at stake?

Amelia doesn’t have to fight alone. She can count on Adrian who has returned to fight by her side. But, as in every good story, it never can be so easy. Adrian has feelings for Amelia that she can’t reciprocate. Her heart belongs to Noah, whose life is even more complicated.

As more sorceresses within the Heichi clan start realising that Siobhan got absorbed by power so that it threatens to drown the whole supernatural world, some start helping Amelia. Alas, they also reveal the horrible truth that might make Amelia waver and overthrow the balance between the magical and the human realms.

“You don’t have to know someone for them to matter.” All the characters in “Redemption” have difficult pasts. Everyone knows what it is to lose someone you love. And all of them know that you don’t have to spend an eternity with those who truly loved you for your heart to know them. Grief breaks people. It also makes some stronger. Painful experiences can spoil one’s soul so it will remain forever rotten, marred with hate and wish for vengeance. But while always leaving scars, hardships can lead you through a winding road, where you’ll stumble and fall, many times, but at the end of that road, you will find redemption.

My favourite character is definitely Thirio. Raised in captivity, with no recollection of his family and never knowing love, care, and kindness except from books, he doesn’t follow the devious plan powerful Siobhan had crafted for him. Having written Thirio the way the author has done is a remarkable example of overthrowing accepted patterns and giving hope, without erasing all the blemishes.

Dark and insightful, "Redemption" is a perfect finale to the series. All the threads from previous books are weaved together. Not everyone got their happy ending. Not everyone got their redemption – not everyone deserved it. Those who did get a chance for a happier life received a handful of questions and unknowns with it. And we readers were rewarded with a delicious taste of a story masterfully told and graciously finalised. With possibilities of returning to the characters’ lives in the future.







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Redemption : A Quest : From Vengeance To Redemption

Book Review / "Spindrifts" by A-M Mawhiney

Spindrifts by A-M Mawhiney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What if the series of plagues wiped out the majority of the population? What if all the technological progress and advanced research couldn’t help find the cure? Which path would people choose?

According to A-M Mawhiney, people would turn back to nature and try to help the Earth heal. “Spindrifts” is a fascinating exploration of the effects dramatic events can have on the established lifestyle.

After it becomes clear that pandemics won’t stop, and one devastating wave will follow another, until humans go extinct, a group of people gather to search for a solution to stop the plagues and give the inhabitants of our planet a chance to survive. And thus, the Earth Project begins. Its aim is to return to the roots when people hadn’t yet started polluting the air, the soil, and themselves by producing more and more goods and spreading hate based on individual characteristics.

Fania and Nuna were born after the rage of the plagues had already subsided to an occasional outbreak here and there. Still, they know no other way to live other than in the shadow of acknowledging the risk of getting infected. All their everyday routines are designed around preventing getting sick. Decontamination protocols are still in place. Entering not only public places but even your own home, you have to go through the decontamination procedures. Moreover, interactions with people outside your own household are strictly limited.

I loved the way the author immerses readers in the everyday life of people living in the Land of Hope. The readers are led through the decontamination procedures, greeting visitors protocols, family meals, and walks in the wilderness – and it makes one feel as if transported right into the heart of the Land of Hope. I also enjoyed the family dynamics between the members of the extended family who are the main characters of the story. I found the concept of four generations living under one roof extremely intriguing. It made me remember my own family back when I was little. We didn’t live together, but my mom’s sisters’ families travelled to each other often and stayed for weeks. It was a wonderful time I always remember with warmth. Mom’s sisters were very close and not only in terms of sharing secrets with each other. They always supported each other in practical matters as well. I realise that not every family is like this; still, I believe that the model of sticking together works better than breaking down into tiny family units. The ties between strong families are often what help their members stay afloat during harsher times.

In the Land of Hope, everyone is required to contribute to the Earth Project. The stress is put on helping you find your true calling by uncovering your talents during the process called Immersion. Teenagers spend two years away from their families in an environment that is supposed to help them unleash their potential. Both Fania and Nuna don’t fit in the established pattern. Besides, Fania returns from Immersion with a warning she doesn’t know how to share with her younger sister. Some things she saw during Immersion made her doubt that everything is as the Earth Project leaders present it. Considering that her own family is at the very top of the project, it makes the girl’s life even more complicated.

Fania’s thoughts upon her return home are in disarray. Unlike everyone else, who gets a placement somewhere else to practice their talent discovered during Immersion, she is supposed to spend this time at home, under the supervision of her own grandmother. Even though Alicia is a true matriarch of the big family, it isn’t what Fania imagined her life would be after Immersion. Besides, she finds out that her heroic granny, who has spent her whole life trying to save Earth and its people, has some sinister secrets she kept from almost everyone.

“Spindrifts” by A-M Mawhiney is a book that sweeps the readers away and places them into a completely different reality. It makes you muse about vital things, doubt what is considered right, and with incredulity discover that quite a few things generally viewed as wrong are an integral part of a happy life.





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Spindrifts

Book Review / "The Ice Widow" Anne M. Smith-Nochasak

The Ice Widow: A Story of Love and Redemption by Anne M. Smith-Nochasak

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


“Humans are the ones who construct love with walls around it”

Anna Caine has been building walls all her life. And the highest fence she has constructed is the one around her heart. Once she gave her heart away, she didn’t let anyone make even the tiniest crack in the wall she’d built around it.

Reading “The Ice Widow: A Story of Love and Redemption” by Anne M. Smith-Nochasak felt cathartic to me. As I dived deeper into the story, it became clearer that I could have been Anna Caine.

Our fates depend on the circumstance in the same measure as they depend on our own will and determination. A woman can be strong and persistent in her attempts not to succumb to a love story not meant to have a happy ending, but she cannot completely overrule fate. If fate – or circumstances if you prefer to keep away from the mythical - doesn’t let her meet a man who is better than the hero of her doomed-to-failure love story, there is little she can do not to turn into Anna Caine.

Who is Anna Caine? To me, she is a collective figure, an embodiment of all the women who experienced deep love but couldn’t fulfil it. I’ve met such women in real life, and surprisingly, most of them have succeeded in building a decent life for themselves in terms of professional fulfilment and earning a decent living to lead a comfortable life. I know a woman with a tragically romantic story in her past that involved an extreme sports enthusiast who died pursuing his hobby. The man was married. A pure family bliss with kids and homecooked dinners was never on the agenda for the lovers. Still, the woman never married after her romantic hero died. She says no man she met afterward was even remotely like him. She, though, didn’t spend her life, fading away quietly remembering rare nights of passion. She earned a decent retirement, dresses elegantly, travels around the world, and doesn’t look like someone who regrets their life choices.

It isn’t so light and airy for Anna Caine. Having raised the son of the man with whom she wasn’t meant to be, she stayed connected with her love. And that, in my opinion, didn’t let her ever break the ties, which to some may seem feeble, but in reality, are as strong as legally binding contracts. You can’t pursue them, but it is also impossible to break them.

While reading, I was wondering, what if Joshua had turned out “an ordinary man” who leaves their children when he leaves a woman he had a relationship with. The fact that he didn’t do it, without a doubt, makes him a decent man. Still, at the same time, it makes him the one who ruined Anna’s life, having bound her by his regular presence in her life.

Anna Caine couldn’t love mousy but kind and intelligent Terrence after she experienced loving expressive and full of rugged vitality but engaged to another Joshua. Anna’s biggest misfortune was that after she had finished the relationships with both she didn’t meet a “Terrence/Joshua” hybrid whom she could love without restraints, knowing that he loved her. Love alone couldn’t have torn her apart from the vision she had of Joshua. She didn’t see him clearly simply because it is impossible to see a human being as they truly are if you’ve had only short encounters with them. Leah, Joshua’s wife, who was strong enough not to give up on her love because of Anna, was the one who knew him. Maybe that is why she didn’t object to his communication with his and Anna’s son.

I could write a book about the thoughts and emotions Anna’s story in “The Ice Widow” has evoked, but a review probably isn’t a proper place to do so. It feels important to add, though, that the author draws an incredibly vivid picture of the Inuit culture. Not for the first time, reading about the struggles of the native population during the times of dramatic changes people from other places bring together with their arrival to new lands made me think how versatile and at the same time, disappointingly repetitive the behaviour of people throughout history is. I did some research after stumbling upon the term “residential school” in the book. It was clear what purpose these institutions had from the context provided, but I felt the need to know more. Again, the conclusion I’ve come to after I read about the residential schools system in Canada, put a damper on my optimism that people are capable of learning from their mistakes. I realise that the system was abolished – not so long ago, though – but what makes me sad is that I see the pattern repeating in other places and with other nations involved. It doesn’t cease to upset me that the slogans ‘you can’t compare these things’ and ‘this is something completely different’ have tamed us into accepting whatever is being told to us by ‘authoritative sources’.

Since it is already impossible to make this long story – review – short, I’d like to add that “The Ice Widow” is a multi-layered portrayal of the path we take in life. Just like people in real life, fictional characters in this story don’t always make it right. They stumble and fall. They see and do indecent, ugly things. They suffer. And they die. But also, like every one of us, if they don’t drive themselves down the precipice, they continue looking for an anchor. And for some, the sun rays sneaking through between the branches of the tree tops show them the way. Not necessarily to a perfect happily-ever-after with all the ingredients served neatly on a plate. But always to a sanctuary, designed especially for them. Simply because they have carved its walls themselves – by living.






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The Ice Widow: A Story of Love and Redemption

Book Review / "Earth of Another Kind" by Steven Decker

Earth of Another Kind by Steven Decker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What if people were offered a solution to every global problem? Would they accept this generosity with joy or look for a nasty catch?

In “Earth of Another Kind”, the sequel to “Child of Another Kind”, Steven Decker takes the reader on a head-spinning journey. You take a breath when you start reading Chapter 1 and exhale only when you finish the book. The action begins right away, and the pace doesn’t slow down. Things keep happening, and the readers keep wondering what’s next.

I was charmed by the first book of the series “Child of Another Kind”. I loved the way the story unfolded gradually, with secrets getting revealed, all revelations fresh and unexpected. I liked the gentle focus on Cynthia’s doubts about her faith and her search for an anchor that would let her get her beliefs back. It was also fascinating to follow Maddie’s character development as she discovered the truth about her origins and learnt to live with it. This theme continues in book two.

In “Earth of Another Kind”, the veil of secrecy is thrown off from World 2A, the Makers, and the Imprints. At least for the readers. Are the people of Earth ready to find out the truth about what’s going on after some of them die? I won’t spoil it for you; read the book and you will find out.

Earth is about to change. Life as we know it will never be the same. However, the nature of the upcoming changes is still unclear. As usual, politicians play their games, rarely aimed at the well-being of the masses. In the meantime, ordinary people are being kept in the dark about what is about to happen. Still, this time, it might be different…

Along with making the reader plunge into the non-stop action rich in political intrigues, decisions with high stakes, and characters travelling across the globe and beyond, the author poses controversial questions. What makes us human? Is it solely about certain physical characteristics, or is there more to the true human nature? Are sacrifices for the sake of all worth making if mankind will not thank you for them?

And the most burning question for the people in “Earth of Another Kind”: can aliens be trusted?
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. “Gods of Another Kind” comes out next month, and I am sure the author has prepared another story packed with secrets, adventure, and issues to ponder for us.





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Earth of Another Kind

Book Review / "Alice and Her Grand Bell" by Will Tinkham

Alice and Her Grand Bell by Will Tinkham

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


After reading this book, I am at a loss for words. And those who know me are aware that it doesn’t happen often. It happens only when I loved the book so much that it is extremely – exaggeratingly even – important for me to share my admiration with the world. And to find the right words so the world would believe me.

“Alice and Her Grand Bell” by Will Tinkham is a piece of literature that deserves to be included in American literature university programmes. I wanted to say “school programmes”, but since there are sensitive themes and plotlines, it is probably more suitable for a more mature audience.

What makes this book more than a collection of stories about separate people is the over-arching feeling it gives you while reading. Reading the seemingly unconnected stories set in different timelines, I had a feeling that I am delving into the history of America. The author has managed to draw a wide canvas of American life through the stories of ordinary people.

In 1990, Brock is eighteen and knows little about life. But he is about to learn and learn quickly. Before the first Gulf War, the possibility of the draft’s return hangs like a sword of Damocles over American families. And in Brock’s family, the Vietnam War has left unhealing scars, slicing his two older brothers off. Besides, Brock is eager to finally find out the secrets behind the fates of the brothers he’d never met.

As a side note, I can’t but mention that the author has created one of the most infuriatingly annoying characters I’ve encountered in the countless books I’ve read. It is truly fascinating how I wanted to strangle that character with my bare hands. And I am an extremely peaceful person. Bravo, Mr Tinkham, masterfully done!

In 1865, a different war changes the life of Grace’s mother forever. Not on the battlefield, but at the hand of a bastard who forces the woman to flee her home and start a dangerous journey in search of a new place she and her two daughters could call home.

In 1990 Brock moves to Canada. His life as an adult begins with uncovering family secrets, old and new. Navigating through the tumult of his home country and personal discoveries, Brock has to find his place geographically and emotionally.

In the final decades of the 1800s, Grace also rides her coming-of-age wave. The stakes are similarly high. The country is in transition, dealing with issues the Civil War uncovered.

And then, both time- and plotlines intertwine in the most unexpected manner.

“Alice and Her Grand Bell” is the kind of book you can’t put down even long past your bedtime hour. The author twists the tale, not leaving the readers without the answers they crave for, but also igniting their interest to know more.

Needless to say that I’ll continue reading the Americana series by Will Tinkham. Storytelling at its best!








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Alice and Her Grand Bell

Book Review / "South of Home" by Rebecca Amiss

South of Home by Rebecca Amiss

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


How can someone be so infuriatingly frustrating? That was the thought that pulsated in my head while I was reading the first chapters. Maggie is one of those main characters who make the reader’s blood boil – mainly, with indignation. But as you read on, you feel the deepest satisfaction of how the person – whom you already don’t see as fictional – evolves along with what happens to them.

Maggie O’Hanlon has it all. While her parents are busy building a grocery store empire, she spends her time dancing and browsing expensive shops. Maggie doesn’t have to think about the realities of life. She doesn’t have to work or to study, and frankly, she doesn’t have the slightest inclination to burden herself with either. She despises her parents for being so success- and profit-driven, but it doesn’t stop her from taking full advantage of the lifestyle it provides.

And then, Maggie crosses the line. Her laziness, lack of interest for anything substantial, and even disrespect for her parents weren’t enough to motivate her father to do something so his daughter could make something worthy with her life. Still, when her carelessness leads her into a situation that puts the grocery store empire at risk, Maggie’s dad wakes up and makes a decision that threatens to change Maggie’s life dramatically.

After Boston’s busy streets with sharply-dressed people going about their business, Maggie finds herself on the dusty plantation in Savannah, Georgia. No more clothes shopping, cocktail drinking, or dancing. From now on and for the unforeseeable future, her life will consist of working on a pecan farm and cleaning a huge house. Maggie is so outraged by being sent into exile that she doesn’t notice how special the person she has to live with is. But this is about to change.
I applaud the author for creating one of the most lovable and kind characters. Flora Alcott is someone you’d be over the moon to have around in real life. Her unwavering kindness and the ability to see through people to their very core made me want to find myself in her kitchen or on the porch, drinking tea and eating her trademark pecan bread.

Although overall the book has a cosy, wrapping-you-in-a-soft-blanket feel, there are moments that will make the readers’ eyes water. The devastating news she receives from home helps Maggie start the process of turning into a better person. And later on, she has to face the realities of life after all.

“South of Home” by Rebecca Amiss is a wonderful feel-good story with all the right ingredients. It will make you smile, shed a tear or two, remember your own experiences – and at times, want to take the main character by the shoulders and shake her. How can someone be so… But I’d better not spoil the pleasure for you. Read Maggie’s story, and you’ll see everything yourself.






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South of Home

Book Review / "Cicatrice: New Eyes and Brave" by Jo Boyle

Cicatrice: New Eyes and Brave by Jo Boyle

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is not for the faint-hearted. But it is harrowing and uplifting in equal measure. “Cicatrice: New Eyes and Brave” by Jo Boyle is the kind of book that won’t leave any reader indifferent. And is there a better prerequisite for a great story?

This book is about love and hatred, two opposite orbs of human essence. What love makes strong, hate tries to destroy. Sometimes it works. What outcome does destiny have in store for Mel who’s gotten tangled in the net of family, religious, and criminal intrigues?

We meet Mel when she is on the run. She is a hunter and prey. She is resilient and weak. It seems there is armour around both her body and her heart. Still, that armour has soft spots Mel is trying hard to seal.

Jamie is Mel’s weakness. But she is also the source of her strength. Mel’s love for Jamie has helped her to endure unimaginable hardships. And that’s the part of the book I found challenging to read. Mel gets caught in the middle of an ugly revenge mission. Her physical and emotional reserves get tested to the limits far beyond even the toughest men’s endurance. There are scenes of shocking violence and abuse that are integral to the plot, but it doesn’t make it easier to read them.

I found fascinating the way the author leads the reader through Mel’s journey, masterfully steering us into understanding how what is supposed to be a weakness turned out to be Mel’s greatest strength.

“Cicatrice” is also a beautiful love story. Two best friends, both strong but vulnerable, have to overcome too many obstacles to be together. And the biggest obstacle is Mel’s belief that her love is a curse for Jamie rather than a blessing.

The author portrays two young women with poignant detail and depth. Mel and Jamie are so different, but at the same time, the connection between them is incredibly strong. And still, the reader inevitably stumbles upon a question: “How far can you go to be with a person you love?” And most importantly, how many sacrifices you can make for love before it becomes too much, so even the most profound feelings can’t outweigh the pain.

The story will take you on a gut-wrenching journey across the dusty roads of India and Pakistan, all the way to the bright and cheerful streets of Melbourne in Australia. Will Mel, sitting in a cosy café, drinking a latte, surrounded by smiling carefree people be able to shake off the dark memories of Alsunduq prison? The place that haunts Mel in her dreams and doesn’t ease its grip even when she is awake.

“Cicatrice: New Eyes and Brave” by Jo Boyle is a read like no other you can find on the endless bookshelves, both digital and physical. Prepare for a wild emotional ride you will not regret!






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Cicatrice: New Eyes and Brave

Book Review / "Split Therapy" by E.P. Stavs

Split Therapy by E.P. Stavs

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Jane is a shy college student you won’t meet in the city dancing away until dawn. Jae is a bar scene regular. Jane would rather run a few extra miles at her morning run than talk to a man. Jae does everything to attract male attention. They are opposites and still, have a lot in common. In fact, they are the same person.

“Split Therapy” by E.P. Stavs is an exciting exploration of the coping mechanisms our psyche can come up with at times of crisis. Having fallen victim to a person who was supposed to be protective and not abusive, Jane shuts off from the world, trying to cope with the consequences of the traumatic event. Still, subconsciously she knows that hiding won’t help. Unable to deal with trauma the ordinary way, Jane’s personality splits and her other self starts to act as a vigilante, punishing men who mistreat women. The book opens with a scene of such punishment, and some might find it unsettling.

While reading, I was thinking about the motives behind Jane’s abuser’s behaviour. It is always hard for me to accept that a person is simply rotten and doesn’t need any additional motivation except for their sociopathic nature to want to hurt another human being.

I think that “Split Therapy” would make an excellent TV series. It is stylish and fast-paced, with edgy characters whose adventures viewers would love to follow. I can visualise an actress playing Jane/Jae, changed completely by makeup and drastically different dressing styles. The whole setting is cinematic, as are the minor characters. The romantic plot line adds a sweet note to the story, blending harmoniously into the main character’s journey to revenge and healing.




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Split Therapy