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Honey
Honey is a lovable, scatterbrained barista at a trendy indie beverage shop. All in one day, her job, her family, her future, her love-life, and her literal-life are all thrown into jeopardy by the furious haunting of a ghost who calls herself Pearl.
Then things go supernatural, paranormal, and everything in-between! Soon Honey is confronted by a colorful parade of ghosts, demons, karma, gods, gypsies, and time keepers.
Mythology fans will recognize new incarnations of well known legends as fantasy lovers are whisked away to surreal worlds along with Honey.
Then things go supernatural, paranormal, and everything in-between! Soon Honey is confronted by a colorful parade of ghosts, demons, karma, gods, gypsies, and time keepers.
Mythology fans will recognize new incarnations of well known legends as fantasy lovers are whisked away to surreal worlds along with Honey.
304 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2013
About the author
Alison Lyke
3 books39 followersAlison is a fantasy and science fiction author and professor with a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing. Her debut novel, a modern mythology titled Honey, was published in 2013.
She lives in Rochester, New York with her partner Jon-Paul and two sons, Jonah and Isaac. When not reading or writing, Alison enjoys spending time in nature, practicing meditation and yoga, and playing video games.
She lives in Rochester, New York with her partner Jon-Paul and two sons, Jonah and Isaac. When not reading or writing, Alison enjoys spending time in nature, practicing meditation and yoga, and playing video games.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 27, 2013
3.5 stars
I really wanted to love this book. Cover, just beautiful and a gem. Tea - I love tea, my favourite activity involving a drink - I like making chai tea every few days, with cardamom seeds, cinnamon sticks, and authentic Indian looseleaf tea that you can only find in specialty Indian grocery stores. Then, pour in milk and simmer. Plus, I love fantasy, especially the whimsical kind, just like Alice in Wonderland (a perennial favourite) and The Phantom Tollbooth (which I found to be quite imaginative, but "okay").
The solid part of the book for me was when Honey, the main character, arrived in the Room of Time and saw all these photographs on the wall, then escaped to a Gypsy camp where she found peace. And Matthew! That blond-haired, dreamy young male farmer who captures her heart! The villain, his aunt Corrine, that sinister, yet real life figure! Up to the point where she leaves this Gypsy camp.
The rest of the book, at the beginning and at the end, I struggled a little. Yes, brilliant observations about life, about meditation, about us having more power over our lives than the gods themselves. But to me, they weren't all connected together. There were jarring contrasts with her real life - her prim, upright and capable sister, along with her free-loading and lackadaisical brother (who also is a huge fan of pot, which sort of ruined the story for me, because I wanted the fantasy to be pure on its own, without the suggestion that the mood-altering substances just may be responsible for some of the earlier fantasies). These siblings disappear at the end of the story, when she comprehends the meaning of life.
I wasn't sure how Honey's real life tied in to her fantasy life. In Alice in Wonderland, and in The Phantom Tollbooth, the main characters where children, and we could identify with their dreams of fantasy, since they had but a care in the world. Here, Honey is an adult, and while adults certainly have every right to daydream too, or escape into fantasy, I wasn't sure what to make of Honey's car accident and her strained relations with her siblings, and her worries about going "mad."
The severe punishment for brewing tea, as handed down by a stern god, contrasted loudly with the serene scenes found in the rest of the book, where Honey found peace and contentment, and where time stood still, without worrying about reality.
I wasn't sure what Honey wanted - did she feel she had a problem with delusions? Or, like Alice in Wonderland, was she savouring the fantasy? Trying to juggle both is tricky. Was she trying to enjoy herself, or to cure herself? I couldn't tell most of the time. If the book came down hard on one side, either one - I would have found a theme to believe in.
The book is brilliant in many ways though. Hats off for creativity, originality, and excellent writing.
I really wanted to love this book. Cover, just beautiful and a gem. Tea - I love tea, my favourite activity involving a drink - I like making chai tea every few days, with cardamom seeds, cinnamon sticks, and authentic Indian looseleaf tea that you can only find in specialty Indian grocery stores. Then, pour in milk and simmer. Plus, I love fantasy, especially the whimsical kind, just like Alice in Wonderland (a perennial favourite) and The Phantom Tollbooth (which I found to be quite imaginative, but "okay").
The solid part of the book for me was when Honey, the main character, arrived in the Room of Time and saw all these photographs on the wall, then escaped to a Gypsy camp where she found peace. And Matthew! That blond-haired, dreamy young male farmer who captures her heart! The villain, his aunt Corrine, that sinister, yet real life figure! Up to the point where she leaves this Gypsy camp.
The rest of the book, at the beginning and at the end, I struggled a little. Yes, brilliant observations about life, about meditation, about us having more power over our lives than the gods themselves. But to me, they weren't all connected together. There were jarring contrasts with her real life - her prim, upright and capable sister, along with her free-loading and lackadaisical brother (who also is a huge fan of pot, which sort of ruined the story for me, because I wanted the fantasy to be pure on its own, without the suggestion that the mood-altering substances just may be responsible for some of the earlier fantasies). These siblings disappear at the end of the story, when she comprehends the meaning of life.
I wasn't sure how Honey's real life tied in to her fantasy life. In Alice in Wonderland, and in The Phantom Tollbooth, the main characters where children, and we could identify with their dreams of fantasy, since they had but a care in the world. Here, Honey is an adult, and while adults certainly have every right to daydream too, or escape into fantasy, I wasn't sure what to make of Honey's car accident and her strained relations with her siblings, and her worries about going "mad."
The severe punishment for brewing tea, as handed down by a stern god, contrasted loudly with the serene scenes found in the rest of the book, where Honey found peace and contentment, and where time stood still, without worrying about reality.
I wasn't sure what Honey wanted - did she feel she had a problem with delusions? Or, like Alice in Wonderland, was she savouring the fantasy? Trying to juggle both is tricky. Was she trying to enjoy herself, or to cure herself? I couldn't tell most of the time. If the book came down hard on one side, either one - I would have found a theme to believe in.
The book is brilliant in many ways though. Hats off for creativity, originality, and excellent writing.
September 1, 2013
Honey was a treasure to read. It has been a long time since an author has been able to pull me into higher mythical realms. Lyke has succeeded by artfully and poetically connecting higher philosophical concepts to create a tasteful, realistic fantasy story.
Honey’s passive attempt at life is interrupted abruptly by higher, spiritual entities that force her to make major choices that change the course of her life. Honey isn’t looking for anything, but becomes an essential player in a much larger mythical game. The author uses Honey’s journey to demonstrate timeless lessons and ask the questions we all face about our own mortality (and immortality) and choice vs. destiny.
Honey could be anyone at anytime. The villain Pearl is a ghost that haunts us all, she’s a physical manifestation of regret, demonstrating that choices are made in a split second that can change the course of your life. Things happen beyond our control and destiny combined with choice plays a major role in Honey’s interaction with the character the Time Keeper.
The ability of an author to combine many genres well is a true writer’s gift. To successfully write to such a large audience is a feet in and of itself.
Bravo Ms. Lyke! Honey was a great first novel. I was inspired, educated, and uplifted all in one book.
Honey’s passive attempt at life is interrupted abruptly by higher, spiritual entities that force her to make major choices that change the course of her life. Honey isn’t looking for anything, but becomes an essential player in a much larger mythical game. The author uses Honey’s journey to demonstrate timeless lessons and ask the questions we all face about our own mortality (and immortality) and choice vs. destiny.
Honey could be anyone at anytime. The villain Pearl is a ghost that haunts us all, she’s a physical manifestation of regret, demonstrating that choices are made in a split second that can change the course of your life. Things happen beyond our control and destiny combined with choice plays a major role in Honey’s interaction with the character the Time Keeper.
The ability of an author to combine many genres well is a true writer’s gift. To successfully write to such a large audience is a feet in and of itself.
Bravo Ms. Lyke! Honey was a great first novel. I was inspired, educated, and uplifted all in one book.
Read
July 30, 2013It's not fair for me to make a review without saying that I am the editor for this book. Having said that, I loved the entire concept from the moment I read the query, and it easily qualifies as one of my favorite books as a reader. Contemporary mythology is not a common find, and it was a refreshing alternate to the usual fantasy books.
Alison's passion on the subject of mythology is apparent in her note to the reader, "About Honey", included in the book:
"My father was an artist but mythology and religion were his favorite subjects. Growing up hearing all kinds of myths and stories, I came to realize that characters from different pantheons shared common traits because they represent the forces that are the building blocks of humanity – sexuality, communication, agriculture, etc. I wrote Honey to breathe some life into these sleeping gods because the powers that they represent still deeply influence our lives."
If these subjects interest you, I highly recommend Honey!
Alison's passion on the subject of mythology is apparent in her note to the reader, "About Honey", included in the book:
"My father was an artist but mythology and religion were his favorite subjects. Growing up hearing all kinds of myths and stories, I came to realize that characters from different pantheons shared common traits because they represent the forces that are the building blocks of humanity – sexuality, communication, agriculture, etc. I wrote Honey to breathe some life into these sleeping gods because the powers that they represent still deeply influence our lives."
If these subjects interest you, I highly recommend Honey!
August 6, 2013
A fan of mythology/fantasy/novels, I was fascinated and impressed with "Honey"'s concept. The author has come up with an original story with an interesting premise that dances between "real" and other worlds. My interest was held throughout as I wondered how the story would be resolved.
The author is talented, without question. The sticking points for me were character reactions that seemed out of place with the story's action, with plot points that seemed less-than-carefully placed and sometimes random and with abbreviated scenes that seemed to be cut to fit a word count. I don't like it when I have to stop in the middle of a chapter and ask, "Huh?"
That said, I still recommend the book for its unique premise, interesting characters, and a mostly satisfying story. I look forward to reading the author's next effort.
The author is talented, without question. The sticking points for me were character reactions that seemed out of place with the story's action, with plot points that seemed less-than-carefully placed and sometimes random and with abbreviated scenes that seemed to be cut to fit a word count. I don't like it when I have to stop in the middle of a chapter and ask, "Huh?"
That said, I still recommend the book for its unique premise, interesting characters, and a mostly satisfying story. I look forward to reading the author's next effort.
July 30, 2013
I must admit that I took undertook the reading of this book with a skeptical mindset. It has been many years since a story was able to garner my attention. Its not that i don't enjoy reading. I just lose interest around the second chapter, which is usually where i figure out the plot. That was defiantly NOT the case with "Honey". I could not put it down. Literally! I picked it up and did not put it down until I was done. The book was amazing. Alison Lyke shared just enough of her underlying theme to peak my interest and make me want to keep tagging along for the journey. And what an adventure it was. I hope this in not the only book this woman writes!
August 9, 2013
I really enjoyed Honey, I found it quite gripping. While mythology isn't my usual, preferred genre, this modern take on it was very interesting! I was never entirely sure what to expect and the mystery of it all kept me on my toes. Overall I think it was a great book.
October 4, 2013
good great book loved it the cover was good to
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews