The Other Side of Eve by Paul Ikin

     Every person needs a form of escape from life.  For Eveline Boots, she actually creates a life1  Full of magic, adventure and the craziest of situations, The Other Side of Eve, by Paul Ikin, is a book of stories of two different people- but the same person, finding self and a cure for what bothers one the most.  

     I found the novel while causing Youtube.  The book's trailer was so amazing, I reached out to Ikin, via Goodreads.com.  He sent me to book and I began a journey, akin to Alice in Wonderland, but so much more in originality.      This story was a simple, yet complicated read for obvious reasons.  You don't understand that Eveline is both herself and Princess Belleny until you're into the story a bit, but you find the worlds bleed into one another. You're dealing with depression and anxiety, and knowing without knowing, but when you see the fragments come together, it's fantastic!  There's literally two genres going on in this tale and they work in a sort of synchronicity, allowing each to flow separately, then mesh with control of the reader's mind- into a superb ending.

     Eveline suffers anxiety and Princess Belleny Vera has a version of agoraphobia.   Both have to go on their own journey's, finding a way to come out of their shells.  Eveline, in the real world, finds herself through a friend/boss, who's a curious character, while the Princess has an evil witch to conquer and a quest that has her traveling with a variety of friend-like things.  In the end, they find out who they are- who Eveline is and how the world can be taken on, without losing yourself.

     I liked The Other Side of Eve, though it was a bit slow to read.  If found myself engulfed in Belleny's tale- because there was so much more going on.  I understood Eveline- especially since it was her story, but there was more meat in the fantastical side.  The illustrations were phenom and made the story even more beautiful.  OH and I can't forget the awesome map!

Map of Mare-Marie
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​     The Map of Mare-Marie shows the mysterious world in, black and white.  It's a great job for an SAHD.  Ikin does it all, while juggling life with his toddler son, Vincent.  The guy is totally talented, doing all of it, but editing.  From cover to cover, he writes, illustrates, formats, etc.  He's even in the process of writing the prequel to TOSOE.  Can't wait to read that one too!  

     So go check out the book and his website.  I think you'll enjoy it.  I'm off to the next read! The Other Side of Eve
Paul Skin
Independent Publisher
March 2015