What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sorcerer's Garden
Recently fired and residing with her sweetly overbearing mother, Madlyn needs a job—bad. In a moment of desperation, she accepts a part-time position reading at the bedside of adventurer and amateur writer Cody Lofton. A near-drowning accident left the young man in a vegetative state, and his chances of recovery wane with each passing day.
Cody’s older brother, Dustin, and eccentric grandmother aren’t prepared to give up on the youngest son of Portland, Oregon’s royalty.
Dustin’s a personable guy, bordering on naïve, and overwhelmed by familial corporate duties and cutthroat partners. Grandmother Lillian’s a meddler with an eye for the esoteric, dabbling in Dustin’s life and dealing out wisdom like a card shark. One innocent conversation at a time, she sucks Madlyn into the Lofton story, dubbing her the princess and bestowing on her the responsibility of both grandsons’ destinies.
And all Madlyn wanted was a simple reading job.
Uninspired by her self-imposed stack of literary selections, Madlyn opts for Cody’s work-in-progress. Fantasy isn’t her favorite, but with only four chapters completed, reading The Sorcerer’s Garden should be no sweat, right?
Little does she realize, the story will begin writing itself and, by the hand of destiny, become her own.
Cody’s older brother, Dustin, and eccentric grandmother aren’t prepared to give up on the youngest son of Portland, Oregon’s royalty.
Dustin’s a personable guy, bordering on naïve, and overwhelmed by familial corporate duties and cutthroat partners. Grandmother Lillian’s a meddler with an eye for the esoteric, dabbling in Dustin’s life and dealing out wisdom like a card shark. One innocent conversation at a time, she sucks Madlyn into the Lofton story, dubbing her the princess and bestowing on her the responsibility of both grandsons’ destinies.
And all Madlyn wanted was a simple reading job.
Uninspired by her self-imposed stack of literary selections, Madlyn opts for Cody’s work-in-progress. Fantasy isn’t her favorite, but with only four chapters completed, reading The Sorcerer’s Garden should be no sweat, right?
Little does she realize, the story will begin writing itself and, by the hand of destiny, become her own.
- GenresFantasy
316 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2015
58 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
D. Wallace Peach
24 books176 followersI didn’t care for reading as a child – I preferred Bonanza and Beverly Hillbillies reruns, Saturday morning cartoons and the Ed Sullivan show. Then one day, I opened a book titled The Hobbit.
Tolkien … literally changed my life.
I love to write. It’s a luxury I never expected I’d have time for – life got in the way. You know how that goes – kids, work, chores… sleep. I worked for 18 years in business where amassing coin was the all-consuming objective. It required huge amounts of time and mental energy. And for me personally, it was soul-slaying.
Then on September 11, 2001 two planes flew into the World Trade Center. I was working in Connecticut, about 2 hours from ground zero, and remember sitting in a conference room, watching the second tower fall.
That tragedy initiated a process of redefinition for me, an evaluation of what was vital and important. Life felt short and precarious, and I started to wonder if it was time to do something that actually mattered. I began to write.
Tolkien … literally changed my life.
I love to write. It’s a luxury I never expected I’d have time for – life got in the way. You know how that goes – kids, work, chores… sleep. I worked for 18 years in business where amassing coin was the all-consuming objective. It required huge amounts of time and mental energy. And for me personally, it was soul-slaying.
Then on September 11, 2001 two planes flew into the World Trade Center. I was working in Connecticut, about 2 hours from ground zero, and remember sitting in a conference room, watching the second tower fall.
That tragedy initiated a process of redefinition for me, an evaluation of what was vital and important. Life felt short and precarious, and I started to wonder if it was time to do something that actually mattered. I began to write.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 6, 2025
The Sorcerer's Garden, a fantasy novel written by D. Wallace Peach, explores the boundaries of reality in a book-within-a-book approach that's filled with wonderful creativity and dynamic scenery. Brothers Cody and Dustin have a formidable sibling bond, but they have suffered through a great deal of trauma. Raised by the grandmother after both parents passed away, they took different paths. Cody's writing a fantasy novel; Dustin's running the family company. But he's trapped with 7 ruthless partners who maintain control for another year, then he can inherit the place fully on his own. They go for an adventure together to escape their daily lives, and unfortunately, something goes awry.
Around the same time, Madlyn unexpectedly finds herself fired from a job, and a friend convinces her to apply for a new one that just happens to turn out to be connected to Cody and Dustin. I won't explain why, as it's a shocker of a surprise... but once she arrives and meets the grandmother, everything begins to spin out of control. Peach immediately captured my attention, and I'm typically not a fantasy lover. The book is split in terms of plotting, where a good third is based in reality and the rest is the fantasy world from Cody's in-progress book... the problem is, when Madlyn arrives, there's only 5 chapters written. Each day, a new chapter appears, and it's virtually impossible that the events happening in the chapter could have been written by Cody. What's really going on behind the scenes?
This crafty tale offers beautiful imagery and magical scenes where readers can't quite tell what's imaginary or real. The characters are wonderful, offering both sides of the coin - kind, friendly and smart vs. cunning and vengeful. The confines of the 7-member board that's impacting Dustin's reality appear in the book, but they have a very different motive in mind than he understood. Madlyn begins to understand what's happening, just that it happens almost too late. Peach always brings an amalgam of memorable events and creative plotting to her tales. Because they are based in reality, it easily appeals to me, and I find myself intrigued by the possibilities of a world we do not yet comprehend. Weaving between the explicit structure of the book's written and unwritten pages are the boundaries of reality, where these characters live two different lives that merge in several strong and important scenes. In the end, the grandmother's role in everything that's been happening is revealed, and the concept of family and honor is fully tested. Recommended for family drama, fantasy, and suspense lovers.
Around the same time, Madlyn unexpectedly finds herself fired from a job, and a friend convinces her to apply for a new one that just happens to turn out to be connected to Cody and Dustin. I won't explain why, as it's a shocker of a surprise... but once she arrives and meets the grandmother, everything begins to spin out of control. Peach immediately captured my attention, and I'm typically not a fantasy lover. The book is split in terms of plotting, where a good third is based in reality and the rest is the fantasy world from Cody's in-progress book... the problem is, when Madlyn arrives, there's only 5 chapters written. Each day, a new chapter appears, and it's virtually impossible that the events happening in the chapter could have been written by Cody. What's really going on behind the scenes?
This crafty tale offers beautiful imagery and magical scenes where readers can't quite tell what's imaginary or real. The characters are wonderful, offering both sides of the coin - kind, friendly and smart vs. cunning and vengeful. The confines of the 7-member board that's impacting Dustin's reality appear in the book, but they have a very different motive in mind than he understood. Madlyn begins to understand what's happening, just that it happens almost too late. Peach always brings an amalgam of memorable events and creative plotting to her tales. Because they are based in reality, it easily appeals to me, and I find myself intrigued by the possibilities of a world we do not yet comprehend. Weaving between the explicit structure of the book's written and unwritten pages are the boundaries of reality, where these characters live two different lives that merge in several strong and important scenes. In the end, the grandmother's role in everything that's been happening is revealed, and the concept of family and honor is fully tested. Recommended for family drama, fantasy, and suspense lovers.
April 23, 2022
What a clever concept drives this 'fantasy meets reality' novel. At the very start the reader is thrown into a fabulous fantasy world in which a bloody battle rages between brothers Cody and Dustin, and a fearsome dragon that threatens to destroy their kingdom. The scene ends on a cliff-hanger, then the storyline abruptly switches to the mundane modern day, and we learn that we've been reading the book which younger brother Cody is currently writing.
Next, we are introduced to Mady who has just been fired from her job at the giant corporation which happens to be headed up by Dustin. Mady, desperate for a new job, takes the first thing that comes along: a part-time position reading to Cody, who we now learn has been seriously injured in a near-drowning accident that has left him in a persistent vegetative state with almost no hope of recovery.
From this point onwards the real intrigue begins as Mady begins to read Cody's partly completed manuscript featuring himself, his friends and family. The narrative now switches between the fantasy story that Mady is reading and Mady's reality outside the story. The manuscript which had originally been just a few chapters long, mysteriously expands and Mady becomes one of the key players in a terrifying fantasy world, where bloody battles, eviscerations and beheadings are vividly described. The two worlds intertwine as we head with increasing momentum towards an ultimately satisfying end.
I didn't much care for the real-world Mady and I wasn't much invested in her fantasy-world character, but the cleverly conceived story-lines and the attachment I formed for her co-players more than made up for this. The fight scenes certainly aren't for the faint-hearted, but are justified in the context of the frightening fantasy world in which the reader is immersed.
There is also a further, deeper dimension to the book, which tacitly explores the forces of good and evil, greed and generosity, conflict, power, love and forgiveness, and their importance to human lives.
Strongly recommended to readers of fantasy and adventure stories.
Next, we are introduced to Mady who has just been fired from her job at the giant corporation which happens to be headed up by Dustin. Mady, desperate for a new job, takes the first thing that comes along: a part-time position reading to Cody, who we now learn has been seriously injured in a near-drowning accident that has left him in a persistent vegetative state with almost no hope of recovery.
From this point onwards the real intrigue begins as Mady begins to read Cody's partly completed manuscript featuring himself, his friends and family. The narrative now switches between the fantasy story that Mady is reading and Mady's reality outside the story. The manuscript which had originally been just a few chapters long, mysteriously expands and Mady becomes one of the key players in a terrifying fantasy world, where bloody battles, eviscerations and beheadings are vividly described. The two worlds intertwine as we head with increasing momentum towards an ultimately satisfying end.
I didn't much care for the real-world Mady and I wasn't much invested in her fantasy-world character, but the cleverly conceived story-lines and the attachment I formed for her co-players more than made up for this. The fight scenes certainly aren't for the faint-hearted, but are justified in the context of the frightening fantasy world in which the reader is immersed.
There is also a further, deeper dimension to the book, which tacitly explores the forces of good and evil, greed and generosity, conflict, power, love and forgiveness, and their importance to human lives.
Strongly recommended to readers of fantasy and adventure stories.
May 12, 2019
Romance and Setting the World to Rights - with a Dash of Fantasy
Madlyn lost her job and her boyfriend on the same day. Forced to move back in with her mother, who only valued her daughter only as a broodmare - she told Madlyn she would only love her if she produces grandchildren. Not surprisingly, Madlyn took the first job on offer in the hope of being able to move out quickly - reading to a young man in a vegetative state following an accident, Cody Lofton. The man just happened to be the brother of Dustin Lofton, the man who owned the company Madlyn was fired from. Then she found out that Cody had been writing a fantasy book featuring himself and all his family and friends. She started reading the book to him, only to be drawn into its pages herself.
What I really liked:
This book is a cool twist on the portal fantasy idea. I guess I’d call it ‘Life on Mars’ meets ‘Neverending Story’ as a concept, except much of the action - and the romance which is at the heart of the story - takes place in the real world. Or does it…?
I enjoyed the way the author played with the concept of fantasy taking over reality and how scary it is when someone can’t draw a line between the two. The progress in the fantasy and the progress in the real world becoming interdependent.
The way the characters all shape into the two stories is very clever, their growth - especially Madlyn’s mother - and the reflection of one world in the other is artfully managed.
What I struggled with:
I found the book a bit too preachy. There are mini-lectures here and there which to me came over as just a little patronising.
The writing ran into rather purple patches in the fantasy sections.
Overall:
This is a book which will appeal to anyone who enjoys fantasy and is looking for a very different kind of romance. I read it through KU. A solid four stars.
Madlyn lost her job and her boyfriend on the same day. Forced to move back in with her mother, who only valued her daughter only as a broodmare - she told Madlyn she would only love her if she produces grandchildren. Not surprisingly, Madlyn took the first job on offer in the hope of being able to move out quickly - reading to a young man in a vegetative state following an accident, Cody Lofton. The man just happened to be the brother of Dustin Lofton, the man who owned the company Madlyn was fired from. Then she found out that Cody had been writing a fantasy book featuring himself and all his family and friends. She started reading the book to him, only to be drawn into its pages herself.
What I really liked:
This book is a cool twist on the portal fantasy idea. I guess I’d call it ‘Life on Mars’ meets ‘Neverending Story’ as a concept, except much of the action - and the romance which is at the heart of the story - takes place in the real world. Or does it…?
I enjoyed the way the author played with the concept of fantasy taking over reality and how scary it is when someone can’t draw a line between the two. The progress in the fantasy and the progress in the real world becoming interdependent.
The way the characters all shape into the two stories is very clever, their growth - especially Madlyn’s mother - and the reflection of one world in the other is artfully managed.
What I struggled with:
I found the book a bit too preachy. There are mini-lectures here and there which to me came over as just a little patronising.
The writing ran into rather purple patches in the fantasy sections.
Overall:
This is a book which will appeal to anyone who enjoys fantasy and is looking for a very different kind of romance. I read it through KU. A solid four stars.
February 14, 2018
I approached The Sorcerer’s Garden by D. Wallace Peach with a sense of trepidation, knowing well that I was wading into deep waters where I might flounder for breath as dark fantasies scare me. Each time I have tried to read this genre, I have dropped the book halfway. I resisted the urge this time mainly because of the magnificent language Peach uses and the story does return to the real aspects of life. At places I felt very much like Madlyn.. “determined to get to the bottom of the creepy book or quit the Loftons.”I tried to search the deeper idea, the real one behind this fantasy.
This book is a subtle comment on modern life though Peach banks on an imaginative world to convey it. It is a brilliant portrayal of shrieks that never get heard. When Madlyn who has been fired by Dustin’s company is employed by his grandmother at home, that gives you the first cue that she is no ordinary character. In no time she hogs the limelight and even gives ethical advice to Dustin against his partner who manipulates the sales for financial gains. It is a battle against “high principles and virtue” as pointed out by Alexandra. It is an attack on Warson and his cronies “for their callous betrayal of dreams.” It is just a nightmare of Madlyn to deal with conspiracy theorists, bigots, racists, polluters and our own fears!
It is not just a breezy or adventurous story that can be read within a day or two. The flow of the book is slow due to the focus on the creation of lilting prose, which seems to be the forte of Peach besides the serious theme that she handles dexterously.
This book is a subtle comment on modern life though Peach banks on an imaginative world to convey it. It is a brilliant portrayal of shrieks that never get heard. When Madlyn who has been fired by Dustin’s company is employed by his grandmother at home, that gives you the first cue that she is no ordinary character. In no time she hogs the limelight and even gives ethical advice to Dustin against his partner who manipulates the sales for financial gains. It is a battle against “high principles and virtue” as pointed out by Alexandra. It is an attack on Warson and his cronies “for their callous betrayal of dreams.” It is just a nightmare of Madlyn to deal with conspiracy theorists, bigots, racists, polluters and our own fears!
It is not just a breezy or adventurous story that can be read within a day or two. The flow of the book is slow due to the focus on the creation of lilting prose, which seems to be the forte of Peach besides the serious theme that she handles dexterously.
August 25, 2015
Peach is one of my favorite authors. Having read - and loved - her Sunwielder, I was looking forward to The Sorcerer's Garden. I'm happy to say that it was all that I expected - and more.
Romance meets fantasy in the Garden, and fantasy and "reality" mix unexpectedly. In a sense, Peach has created a modern-day fairy tale, even if it's in the darker tradition of the Grimm brothers rather than Disney's. As in Sunwielder, her characters are caught up in fate's web (a recurring theme in her books, it seems). No matter how hard they struggle, they find escape impossible. Only when they finally surrender can they move on.
Peach skillfully pulls the rug under our feet, to poke holes at perceived reality. I'm sure she was chuckling a number of times at the reader's wooziness, when we (along her heroine) struggled to tell fantasy from reality. I can't say more without revealing too much - just that you're in for quite the unique experience.
Romance meets fantasy in the Garden, and fantasy and "reality" mix unexpectedly. In a sense, Peach has created a modern-day fairy tale, even if it's in the darker tradition of the Grimm brothers rather than Disney's. As in Sunwielder, her characters are caught up in fate's web (a recurring theme in her books, it seems). No matter how hard they struggle, they find escape impossible. Only when they finally surrender can they move on.
Peach skillfully pulls the rug under our feet, to poke holes at perceived reality. I'm sure she was chuckling a number of times at the reader's wooziness, when we (along her heroine) struggled to tell fantasy from reality. I can't say more without revealing too much - just that you're in for quite the unique experience.
May 10, 2019
A very intriguing and original plot.
I really like this story. The gradual build up to the middle and the end kept me invested in the tale. Here we have the fantasy world and modern world linked in an odd way that I at first thought was familiar until I realized it was something else entirely different and it kept me wondering what it all meant until the end . This captured my attention . Each character had a part to play and the growth of the main players was well thought out , so was the world building of both realms which was just enough without drowning the story. I really enjoyed this book.
I really like this story. The gradual build up to the middle and the end kept me invested in the tale. Here we have the fantasy world and modern world linked in an odd way that I at first thought was familiar until I realized it was something else entirely different and it kept me wondering what it all meant until the end . This captured my attention . Each character had a part to play and the growth of the main players was well thought out , so was the world building of both realms which was just enough without drowning the story. I really enjoyed this book.
November 27, 2017
In the story of The Sorcerer’s Garden by D. Wallace Peach, we see the overall story as fascinating and rich in details that excite our need for fantasy and storytelling. At first glimpse, it is a story about dragons, courage, adventure, war, soul-thieves, and the good verse the bad in people.
The story is really two stories, that in the end, become one where fantasy and reality merge. The main characters, Madlyn, Cody, Dustin, and Lillian, each have different world views that conflict with each other, but all are necessary for everyone to cope with the approaching sense of loss that is meaningful to each one, a natural human response to things out of our control.
Yet, if one draws back the curtain of this story, it is a unique telling of how fantasy interplays with tragedy, grief, and loss, in the real world. We are often changed by the realization that we live both in the real world and our perceptions of that world are often a fantasy from a deep psychological need to believe that things are better or worse, than they are.
The author, in my opinion, is telling us something about ourselves and that makes this story so much more than what is first appears to be. The Sorcerer’s Garden is a study of human behavior and how to fight human urges of greed, scarcity, power, war, and cruelty that must be continually fought to create a more caring world through the realization that there is no need for greed, power, and cruelty, because there is no scarcity, there is only a perception of scarcity that leads to greed, power, war, and cruelty, that steals our souls, formed out of fear. In the end, it is fear alone, that causes all the pain and suffering in the world. I highly recommend this truly unique and powerful story.
The story is really two stories, that in the end, become one where fantasy and reality merge. The main characters, Madlyn, Cody, Dustin, and Lillian, each have different world views that conflict with each other, but all are necessary for everyone to cope with the approaching sense of loss that is meaningful to each one, a natural human response to things out of our control.
Yet, if one draws back the curtain of this story, it is a unique telling of how fantasy interplays with tragedy, grief, and loss, in the real world. We are often changed by the realization that we live both in the real world and our perceptions of that world are often a fantasy from a deep psychological need to believe that things are better or worse, than they are.
The author, in my opinion, is telling us something about ourselves and that makes this story so much more than what is first appears to be. The Sorcerer’s Garden is a study of human behavior and how to fight human urges of greed, scarcity, power, war, and cruelty that must be continually fought to create a more caring world through the realization that there is no need for greed, power, and cruelty, because there is no scarcity, there is only a perception of scarcity that leads to greed, power, war, and cruelty, that steals our souls, formed out of fear. In the end, it is fear alone, that causes all the pain and suffering in the world. I highly recommend this truly unique and powerful story.
May 27, 2017
Two brothers Cody and Dustin. Volunteer to save their people by slaying a dragon who lives In a far cave. Their weapons: a sword and a crossbow. Their plan: basically outsmart it. But that's only part of the story. Things are not always as they seem. With a clever twist peach blends the fantasy story of a writer into his real life world and takes readers on an amazing adventure. Along the way the author shows remarkable insight into the human condition. An understanding of who we are and why. Read this
"Some believe in chaos, dear, that the details of life are utterly random, without a grand cosmic plan. Others, with whom I agree, believe that, over time, chaos can’t help but fall into a cohesive pattern. The universe isn’t arbitrary; it is, in fact, sublimely precise.”
"Actually, I’m nobody; a bit of a loser, in truth. I can’t keep a job or a relationship beyond a few years, unless you count my cat. At twenty-eight, I still live with my mother. I own nothing, drive a junk car. I found another gray hair.” She sighed. “I would love to be your princess if I could, really, but I can’t. I’m sorry.”
Besides being a gifted storyteller peach is a wordsmith with compare. Her ability to string words and phrases together to create a mental picture is addictive. Consider these:
That humankind had rent the world and unleashed a potent evil upon the land, there remained little doubt. They’d all seen the omens in the quivering earth, spoilt waterways, and failed crops. Yet, rather than heed the warnings
And the touch of humor that infuses the story is a perfect way to keep everyone reading. Excellent story. Well recommended for fantasy lovers everywhere.
"Some believe in chaos, dear, that the details of life are utterly random, without a grand cosmic plan. Others, with whom I agree, believe that, over time, chaos can’t help but fall into a cohesive pattern. The universe isn’t arbitrary; it is, in fact, sublimely precise.”
"Actually, I’m nobody; a bit of a loser, in truth. I can’t keep a job or a relationship beyond a few years, unless you count my cat. At twenty-eight, I still live with my mother. I own nothing, drive a junk car. I found another gray hair.” She sighed. “I would love to be your princess if I could, really, but I can’t. I’m sorry.”
Besides being a gifted storyteller peach is a wordsmith with compare. Her ability to string words and phrases together to create a mental picture is addictive. Consider these:
That humankind had rent the world and unleashed a potent evil upon the land, there remained little doubt. They’d all seen the omens in the quivering earth, spoilt waterways, and failed crops. Yet, rather than heed the warnings
And the touch of humor that infuses the story is a perfect way to keep everyone reading. Excellent story. Well recommended for fantasy lovers everywhere.
August 12, 2017
A Good Read For Bubble Bath and Wine Night
I have mixed feelings about this book. While I enjoyed this book, there are several things that I didn’t like.
Let’s start with what did make this a good book.
For as many fantasy novels as I’ve read, The Sorcerers Garden is less cliché than most. It’s basis is a sound concept, but it’s the details that gives this book a unique feeling. The dual story line is interesting as both entwine to make the story more interesting, and enjoyable.
Now, about what I had a hard time with.
Madlyn is bitchy, judgmental, and a prime example of what gives feminists a bad reputation. Also, time, and time again I had to skip paragraphs because of droning and unnecessary repetition. I went back after I finished the book to read the parts that I’d skipped to find that my original assumption was correct. The parts that I skipped added nothing to the overall story. This was filler that really should be trimmed from the book because the only reason for its existence is to increase the number of pages of the story, and to repeat points of interest to the type of reader that isn’t smart enough to figure it out.
While there were aspects of The Sorcerers Garden that I didn’t like, I find that these aspects come down to personal taste. I still enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to a friend or my book club.
I have mixed feelings about this book. While I enjoyed this book, there are several things that I didn’t like.
Let’s start with what did make this a good book.
For as many fantasy novels as I’ve read, The Sorcerers Garden is less cliché than most. It’s basis is a sound concept, but it’s the details that gives this book a unique feeling. The dual story line is interesting as both entwine to make the story more interesting, and enjoyable.
Now, about what I had a hard time with.
Madlyn is bitchy, judgmental, and a prime example of what gives feminists a bad reputation. Also, time, and time again I had to skip paragraphs because of droning and unnecessary repetition. I went back after I finished the book to read the parts that I’d skipped to find that my original assumption was correct. The parts that I skipped added nothing to the overall story. This was filler that really should be trimmed from the book because the only reason for its existence is to increase the number of pages of the story, and to repeat points of interest to the type of reader that isn’t smart enough to figure it out.
While there were aspects of The Sorcerers Garden that I didn’t like, I find that these aspects come down to personal taste. I still enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to a friend or my book club.
July 31, 2019
It’s difficult to review The Sorcerer’s Garden without introducing spoilers. The novel is a clever mélange of two stories which, apparently, run in parallel - at least in the beginning. With each passing chapter, the reader starts to find links that move slowly between them until everything becomes a spider web of facts and characters.
The whole thing is fascinating and rich in details, creating a true fantasy world. We start with adventure, war, dragons, soul-thieves, and the classic good versus bad. We move then in the corporate world that we know so well. After a while, there is a dream-like realization -induced by the clever writing - that we live both in the real world and our perceptions of that world, and many times what we dream can influence what we live.
There is a good story and a touch of humor. There are also villains who are to clearly evil, and a young heroine who tries too much to be clever.
In the end, an interesting and creative novel, filled with a lot of imagination.
The whole thing is fascinating and rich in details, creating a true fantasy world. We start with adventure, war, dragons, soul-thieves, and the classic good versus bad. We move then in the corporate world that we know so well. After a while, there is a dream-like realization -induced by the clever writing - that we live both in the real world and our perceptions of that world, and many times what we dream can influence what we live.
There is a good story and a touch of humor. There are also villains who are to clearly evil, and a young heroine who tries too much to be clever.
In the end, an interesting and creative novel, filled with a lot of imagination.
June 4, 2016
A wonderfully written book with all the elements of good storytelling.
Peach takes us into the adventures of two brothers Dustin and Cody, and introduces us to Mady, a young woman who finds her life falling apart until she takes on a job as a reader for one of the brothers after an accident leaves him in a comatose state. As the story unfolds, we find ourselves in a different realm where real life drama meets fantasy. Peach does a magnificent job of combining two genres in one adventurous story, keeping us captivated in anticipation until the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, despite the fact that fantasy is not my favourite genre, I was hooked. The author has a wonderfully illustrative way of storytelling with some great plot twists.
Peach takes us into the adventures of two brothers Dustin and Cody, and introduces us to Mady, a young woman who finds her life falling apart until she takes on a job as a reader for one of the brothers after an accident leaves him in a comatose state. As the story unfolds, we find ourselves in a different realm where real life drama meets fantasy. Peach does a magnificent job of combining two genres in one adventurous story, keeping us captivated in anticipation until the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, despite the fact that fantasy is not my favourite genre, I was hooked. The author has a wonderfully illustrative way of storytelling with some great plot twists.
August 30, 2015
What a wonderful book. I agree with some of the others people this book reminds me a little of a modern-day fairy tale as well. I enjoyed the characters and I am a big fan of Grimm brothers which this book kind of reminds me of as well. I enjoyed my trip into The Sorcerer's Garden for sure and I would gladly read more from this author. I encourage anyone who is looking for a new author to read to try out some of D. Wallace Peach's books! * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
January 28, 2023
The Sorcerer’s Garden by Diane Wallace Peach is a fun read, full of twists and turns. Ms. Peach does an excellent job of world building, which is critical to fantasy novels. The characters are well developed and interesting. Tension builds and brings on the unexpected.
The plot is unique, but I will not say too much about it because that could serve as a spoiler. And with its twists and turns, I don’t want to give too much away. I love the way Ms. Peach weaves this fantasy with issues such as loyalty, power, greed, integrity, and brutality, all issues our society currently faces and has failed to resolve. I recommend it even if you are not usually a fantasy reader.
I recommend this novel for both young and older adults. There is much to enjoy about this story. --Pat Spencer, author of Story of a Stolen Girl.
The plot is unique, but I will not say too much about it because that could serve as a spoiler. And with its twists and turns, I don’t want to give too much away. I love the way Ms. Peach weaves this fantasy with issues such as loyalty, power, greed, integrity, and brutality, all issues our society currently faces and has failed to resolve. I recommend it even if you are not usually a fantasy reader.
I recommend this novel for both young and older adults. There is much to enjoy about this story. --Pat Spencer, author of Story of a Stolen Girl.
October 26, 2023
Madlyn loses her job, but quickly finds one where she reads to a young man, Cody, who is in a vegetative state after an accident. After running out of things to read to him, she finds a fantasy book he’d been working on and starts reading that. This is where reality and fantasy blur. I could relate to Madlyn and her confusion with what was happening, plus all the strange hints the grandma threw at her. Both beautiful and dark settings, along with poetic images, drew me deep into this story. I loved Madlyn’s developing relationship with not only Cody but his brother Dustin. My favorite parts were when the book was being read. Greed, evil, and power crossed both worlds and mirrored many current issues. This was a clever intertwining of fantasy within reality that took Madlyn, and others, on a journey that came out in a place that made sense. A fantasy story that I can easily recommend.
June 20, 2023
It seems I start my reviews of all of Diana Peach's books by stating that I'm not typically a fantasy reader, yet here I am again. This author has won me over. Peach begins with an engaging fantasy scene in which two brothers are battling a serpent of darkness named the Soul-Thief. We quickly learn that the two brothers are quite different from each other. Cody, the younger of the two, is all about adventure and the thrill of the risk. Dustin tends to be more practical and hard-working.
The reader finds out shortly that the first scene was written in modern times by Cody. He has completed the first four chapters of his manuscript, but the novel may never come to fruition because tragedy has struck him in the form of a kayak accident that has left him in a vegetative state. Ironically, the one hired to read to Cody is Madi, a young woman who recently lost her job working at Global Recapture for "unsatisfactory performance," the same family business Dustin oversees now. Madi thinks this is absurd and wouldn't consider taking the job, except that she is desperate to land on her feet again and get away from her mother, who seems more interested in helping Madi find a man than a job.
Madi comes across Cody's manuscript and begins reading it to him. Oddly, Cody's novels' characters are the same in the modern world. Madi finds this interesting until it becomes disturbing. She discovers that she's cast in the novel as the princess. She thinks someone might be playing a trick on her because how could Cody have included her in his book when he didn't know she existed when he first started writing it? Stranger yet, new chapters in the manuscript appear over time as Madi begins to question her sanity.
There are several important themes in the book, with the overarching one about the power of forgiveness. There were several character arcs throughout Peach's novel, with many unexpected twists and turns. Greed from some of the employees at Global Recapture bleeds over into the fantasy world as they are villains in both worlds.
While this novel is labeled as dark fantasy and has some violent scenes, many humorous events take a little of the edge off. I was engaged from start to finish.
The reader finds out shortly that the first scene was written in modern times by Cody. He has completed the first four chapters of his manuscript, but the novel may never come to fruition because tragedy has struck him in the form of a kayak accident that has left him in a vegetative state. Ironically, the one hired to read to Cody is Madi, a young woman who recently lost her job working at Global Recapture for "unsatisfactory performance," the same family business Dustin oversees now. Madi thinks this is absurd and wouldn't consider taking the job, except that she is desperate to land on her feet again and get away from her mother, who seems more interested in helping Madi find a man than a job.
Madi comes across Cody's manuscript and begins reading it to him. Oddly, Cody's novels' characters are the same in the modern world. Madi finds this interesting until it becomes disturbing. She discovers that she's cast in the novel as the princess. She thinks someone might be playing a trick on her because how could Cody have included her in his book when he didn't know she existed when he first started writing it? Stranger yet, new chapters in the manuscript appear over time as Madi begins to question her sanity.
There are several important themes in the book, with the overarching one about the power of forgiveness. There were several character arcs throughout Peach's novel, with many unexpected twists and turns. Greed from some of the employees at Global Recapture bleeds over into the fantasy world as they are villains in both worlds.
While this novel is labeled as dark fantasy and has some violent scenes, many humorous events take a little of the edge off. I was engaged from start to finish.
November 17, 2016
I have a new belief.
The word "entrails" should not be used more often than necessary, possibly never and certainly not more than once a book.
I'm not sure how often "entrails" was mentioned in The Sorcerer's Garden but it was, per my new belief, too many times.
I am well aware that not everyone has the same beliefs as me (My own husband, for instance, can not seem to grasp the fact that sheets should never be tucked into the bottom of the bed when you go to sleep or your feet will suffocate in the confined space). To each his own. If you are of the type that does like such things, I have a book here for you that is chock full of amazingly detailed, exciting, graphic fight scenes, complete with gushing blood, rolling heads and... entrails.
If you have a similar belief system as I do, I have a book here that is hard to put down. There is a story within the story and when the main character starts showing up in the story within the story, well even a bit of entrails couldn't stop me finding out what happened next. And if that sentence confused you a little bit, I understand, it was a little bit confusing, but in a good muddled-for-a-purpose sort of way.
Would I recommend it?
Here's the thing, entrails aside, I didn't love the wrapping up of the plot. Not the actual ending, that was great, but the part that would have been the Clue master proclaiming "It was Mr Green in the conservatory with the lead pipe!" Which was sad because the rest of the book was engaging with likable characters and sprinkled with humor. But who knows, maybe it was just me. I always was more of a Colonel Mustard type, perhaps you'll like it, just watch out for those entrails!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I discovered this book because I’m a proud member of Rosie’s Book Review Team!
The word "entrails" should not be used more often than necessary, possibly never and certainly not more than once a book.
I'm not sure how often "entrails" was mentioned in The Sorcerer's Garden but it was, per my new belief, too many times.
I am well aware that not everyone has the same beliefs as me (My own husband, for instance, can not seem to grasp the fact that sheets should never be tucked into the bottom of the bed when you go to sleep or your feet will suffocate in the confined space). To each his own. If you are of the type that does like such things, I have a book here for you that is chock full of amazingly detailed, exciting, graphic fight scenes, complete with gushing blood, rolling heads and... entrails.
If you have a similar belief system as I do, I have a book here that is hard to put down. There is a story within the story and when the main character starts showing up in the story within the story, well even a bit of entrails couldn't stop me finding out what happened next. And if that sentence confused you a little bit, I understand, it was a little bit confusing, but in a good muddled-for-a-purpose sort of way.
Would I recommend it?
Here's the thing, entrails aside, I didn't love the wrapping up of the plot. Not the actual ending, that was great, but the part that would have been the Clue master proclaiming "It was Mr Green in the conservatory with the lead pipe!" Which was sad because the rest of the book was engaging with likable characters and sprinkled with humor. But who knows, maybe it was just me. I always was more of a Colonel Mustard type, perhaps you'll like it, just watch out for those entrails!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I discovered this book because I’m a proud member of Rosie’s Book Review Team!
June 13, 2017
I really like Madlyn and her struggle to fit into modern life. When she gets the job, I also like the fact that she finds the setup in the Lofton household a bit weird, if not creepy. But it was a refreshing change to have an elderly woman at the helm of the household and keeping control by an unnerving knack of knowing what is happening before anyone else. What kicks this story into the realm of fantasy is when Madlyn starts reading Cody’s unfinished fantasy novel to him.
We are then whisked away into a different world – or are we? At one point an event occurs and we have some kind of explanation for what happens as Madlyn, Dustin, Cody, Lillian and other members of the household find themselves running for their lives from bloated monsters intent on killing them. The captains of this terrifying army are none other than the greedy board members making Dustin’s life misery at the family firm where Madlyn once worked, before being unfairly fired.
So there are two main storylines running alongside each other – I liked them both and found the fantasy tale whipped along at a fair lick with plenty of danger and excitement to keep the pages turning. I also very much enjoyed the setup in the contemporary real world – Cody steadily fading away with the household and family mourning his loss and Dustin struggling to cope with the responsibility of running the company in the face of a hostile board.
However, right at the end where the two worlds came together, I was not wholly convinced that it was handled as effectively as it might be. If the writing or storytelling along the way had been less skilful, this would have been a dealbreaker, but I think this is a good read rather than the potentially great book it could have been.
7/10
We are then whisked away into a different world – or are we? At one point an event occurs and we have some kind of explanation for what happens as Madlyn, Dustin, Cody, Lillian and other members of the household find themselves running for their lives from bloated monsters intent on killing them. The captains of this terrifying army are none other than the greedy board members making Dustin’s life misery at the family firm where Madlyn once worked, before being unfairly fired.
So there are two main storylines running alongside each other – I liked them both and found the fantasy tale whipped along at a fair lick with plenty of danger and excitement to keep the pages turning. I also very much enjoyed the setup in the contemporary real world – Cody steadily fading away with the household and family mourning his loss and Dustin struggling to cope with the responsibility of running the company in the face of a hostile board.
However, right at the end where the two worlds came together, I was not wholly convinced that it was handled as effectively as it might be. If the writing or storytelling along the way had been less skilful, this would have been a dealbreaker, but I think this is a good read rather than the potentially great book it could have been.
7/10
October 8, 2021
The quality of the writing is superb. Anyone who intends to write medieval era type combat scenes should study the incredibly detailed descriptions of such in this book. The brutal murder and horrible death of one character is played out in technicolor. Vivid descriptions of spaces and landscapes also enrich the reading experience. I note in particular the catacombs beneath the palace in the fantasy part of the book.
When it comes to the story as a whole, I have reservations. The present-day premise of a corporation taken over by evil executives is somewhat thin compared to the parallel world of a kingdom foundering under the influence of something called the Soul-Thief, that turns people into soulless, murdering monsters. Much of that thread consists of extensive and detailed scenes of combat, as a few characters loyal to a doomed king fight their way from palace to river and back again.
Of the characters, brothers Dustin and Cody are the most sympathetic. Twenty-first century Madlyn is relatable, but her fantasy persona (the princess) does little besides witness horror and run for her life, until a crisis scene near the end. Grandmother Lillian (a.k.a. "the dreamer") is primarily an oracle who delivers lectures and prophecies at crucial moments.
I found the present-day story intriguing, but felt there wasn't enough explanation as to how the corporation comes under the influence of a group of unscrupulous people. The corresponding characters in the fantasy story are also monolithically evil, but I never did understand how the doomed king ends up at their mercy, other than that is his fate. I would have appreciated less hewing and thrusting, rolling heads and spewing guts, and a bit more backstory.
Altogether, though, this is certainly a richly imagined and vividly rendered novel, with an unusual element of metafiction.
When it comes to the story as a whole, I have reservations. The present-day premise of a corporation taken over by evil executives is somewhat thin compared to the parallel world of a kingdom foundering under the influence of something called the Soul-Thief, that turns people into soulless, murdering monsters. Much of that thread consists of extensive and detailed scenes of combat, as a few characters loyal to a doomed king fight their way from palace to river and back again.
Of the characters, brothers Dustin and Cody are the most sympathetic. Twenty-first century Madlyn is relatable, but her fantasy persona (the princess) does little besides witness horror and run for her life, until a crisis scene near the end. Grandmother Lillian (a.k.a. "the dreamer") is primarily an oracle who delivers lectures and prophecies at crucial moments.
I found the present-day story intriguing, but felt there wasn't enough explanation as to how the corporation comes under the influence of a group of unscrupulous people. The corresponding characters in the fantasy story are also monolithically evil, but I never did understand how the doomed king ends up at their mercy, other than that is his fate. I would have appreciated less hewing and thrusting, rolling heads and spewing guts, and a bit more backstory.
Altogether, though, this is certainly a richly imagined and vividly rendered novel, with an unusual element of metafiction.
December 13, 2016
Wow, this was a breath-taking adventure that barely stood still.
I was intrigued by the title and the blurb really stood out for me, anything to do with writing and writers and I'm sold! As I started reading, possibilities whirled through my mind...
The start of the story felt a little over the top in the action sense. I didn't know what I was getting into, but then I realised this was the start of Cody's story - his tale of slaying the dragon with his brother. I thought this was very cleverly done by the author. This larger than life action helped to distinguish between Madlyn's real world and Cody's work in progress. However, as the story developed everything becomes more complicated for Madalyn and soon the two worlds are colliding and you have no idea what is real and what is part of the world within Cody's story. I was as confused as Madlyn, but that wasn't an issue, it made the reading experience more exciting. The only complaint I have is that the action was so full on and constant, sometimes I just needed a breather.
I liked Madlyn, but I really liked the two brothers, Cody and Dustin, and their mysterious grandmother, Lillian.
I loved the end. Everything came together and not as I was expecting it too. I was very happy with the conclusion, and the fact this was a standalone novel. But there could easily be more to this story and these characters.
My final thought - The author showed great skill weaving this tale. It was a very enjoyable read, if not a little exhausting!
I recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy and loves a story with relentless pace.
I was intrigued by the title and the blurb really stood out for me, anything to do with writing and writers and I'm sold! As I started reading, possibilities whirled through my mind...
The start of the story felt a little over the top in the action sense. I didn't know what I was getting into, but then I realised this was the start of Cody's story - his tale of slaying the dragon with his brother. I thought this was very cleverly done by the author. This larger than life action helped to distinguish between Madlyn's real world and Cody's work in progress. However, as the story developed everything becomes more complicated for Madalyn and soon the two worlds are colliding and you have no idea what is real and what is part of the world within Cody's story. I was as confused as Madlyn, but that wasn't an issue, it made the reading experience more exciting. The only complaint I have is that the action was so full on and constant, sometimes I just needed a breather.
I liked Madlyn, but I really liked the two brothers, Cody and Dustin, and their mysterious grandmother, Lillian.
I loved the end. Everything came together and not as I was expecting it too. I was very happy with the conclusion, and the fact this was a standalone novel. But there could easily be more to this story and these characters.
My final thought - The author showed great skill weaving this tale. It was a very enjoyable read, if not a little exhausting!
I recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy and loves a story with relentless pace.
March 19, 2023
Reality and fantasy collide in this imaginative story of a young woman (Madlyn) who accepts a temporary position as a reading companion to her ex-boss’s-awkward? yes!-younger comatose brother.
Thanks to the unfair dismissal, Madlyn needs the position offered by the rather strange, but sweet, grandmother of the corporate mogul who ruined her life. The mansion is everything she expects, but the staff within it is not. They are fiercely loyal to their employers and figure largely in the fantasy novel adventurer Cody was writing before the accident that left him in a vegetative state.
When Madlyn begins the tale there are only four chapters written, but somehow it grows, one page after another. And that isn’t the strangest thing, Mady is in the book, and so are the weird dreams she’s been having- how is that possible?
The fantasy novel is an action-packed suspense and is eerie with its many parallels in the Lofton’s business world. There’s obviously something strange going on, but will Mady figure it out before someone else gets hurt?
One of the reasons I love this writer’s work is the underlying messages she incorporates into her storylines. In this case, it’s one of family loyalty, trust, and generosity- valuable goals we should all embrace.
Thanks to the unfair dismissal, Madlyn needs the position offered by the rather strange, but sweet, grandmother of the corporate mogul who ruined her life. The mansion is everything she expects, but the staff within it is not. They are fiercely loyal to their employers and figure largely in the fantasy novel adventurer Cody was writing before the accident that left him in a vegetative state.
When Madlyn begins the tale there are only four chapters written, but somehow it grows, one page after another. And that isn’t the strangest thing, Mady is in the book, and so are the weird dreams she’s been having- how is that possible?
The fantasy novel is an action-packed suspense and is eerie with its many parallels in the Lofton’s business world. There’s obviously something strange going on, but will Mady figure it out before someone else gets hurt?
One of the reasons I love this writer’s work is the underlying messages she incorporates into her storylines. In this case, it’s one of family loyalty, trust, and generosity- valuable goals we should all embrace.
August 18, 2021
THE SORCERER’S GARDEN by D. Wallace Peach
Told in Peach’s sirenic style, this story takes on a life of its own when an unfinished story begins to write itself.
Madlyn is hired as a reader for Cody, a young man in a vegetative state. Deciding he wouldn’t be interested in romance stories, she begins reading the unfinished manuscript that Cody was writing before his accident. Entertainment turns to intrigue and intrigue to terror when she discovers herself in the story and the pages in the book take on an energy of their own. Her life begins to twist and turn between the present and past, and in both lives she finds herself in danger.
Rich in imagery, this story is a must read for Peach and/or fantasy fans.
Told in Peach’s sirenic style, this story takes on a life of its own when an unfinished story begins to write itself.
Madlyn is hired as a reader for Cody, a young man in a vegetative state. Deciding he wouldn’t be interested in romance stories, she begins reading the unfinished manuscript that Cody was writing before his accident. Entertainment turns to intrigue and intrigue to terror when she discovers herself in the story and the pages in the book take on an energy of their own. Her life begins to twist and turn between the present and past, and in both lives she finds herself in danger.
Rich in imagery, this story is a must read for Peach and/or fantasy fans.
December 13, 2021
I didn’t know what to expect when I began reading The Sorcerer’s Garden. Fantasy is not my usual choice for my evening reads. That said, within a few sentences, I was pulled into the story and didn’t want to stop reading. Peach’s writing dexterity is alluring, but the plot of one story within another story and then evolving into three stories made it irresistible to me. I loved it!
Real-life and fantasy intertwine in this book through a mysterious manuscript. Chapters appear from nowhere, and characters real and not real mirror one another. All the while, the reader is seeing life through another lens.
This was a wild ride; one I won’t soon forget. I highly recommend it to anyone ready for an adventure.
Real-life and fantasy intertwine in this book through a mysterious manuscript. Chapters appear from nowhere, and characters real and not real mirror one another. All the while, the reader is seeing life through another lens.
This was a wild ride; one I won’t soon forget. I highly recommend it to anyone ready for an adventure.
October 22, 2017
This was a very clever switch from reality to fantasy and back again. The characters are engaging and likable, and most importantly very real. I particularly enjoyed the way Madlyn became the story, really enjoyable read.
The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is personal to me ie not general and most people would think I'm nuts, however, as I am not the brightest spark... I found the first 'third' of the book to be too descriptive, it detracted from a really good story by adding too much detail.
The best bit of the book is the moral... the importance of forgiveness, for this reason alone I would recommend you read this book, besides it being an interesting fantasy :)
The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is personal to me ie not general and most people would think I'm nuts, however, as I am not the brightest spark... I found the first 'third' of the book to be too descriptive, it detracted from a really good story by adding too much detail.
The best bit of the book is the moral... the importance of forgiveness, for this reason alone I would recommend you read this book, besides it being an interesting fantasy :)
July 14, 2017
It was unusual and interesting, but the ending and solution were too simplistic compared to the rest of the story. Low 3 star. But parallels to current affairs and the reign of fear make it terrifying
November 19, 2019
Diana Wallace Peach does not disappoint. I got this on my Kindle recently, and I finally found a moment to open it. I can tell you that it did not disappoint. Diana is an amazing talent with "high" fantasy, easily as good as Terry Brooks or Robert Jordan (my long-time favorites). Her world-building and prose are superb in this and everything I've read from her. And so many books! Just pick one and see if you can stop. (As the old potato chip commercial used to dare us. You can't eat (read) just one.)
May 2, 2022
I dislike political agendas in fiction. That being said, the story was good, it just dragged far too much.
For my clean readers: language, including 2 or more f-bombs, violence, kidnapping, murder, descriptive gore, and at least one description of female anatomy.
For my clean readers: language, including 2 or more f-bombs, violence, kidnapping, murder, descriptive gore, and at least one description of female anatomy.
December 23, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I'm generally not of fan of "flashback" type situations, but Peach does a superb job of making the adventure flow. This is a really unique story!
December 29, 2017
MK. I love a book that leads me around by my nose and then suddenly surprises me at the end. BUT, that just didn't work here.
Madlyn is a recently-fired, recently-dumped, back-home-with Mom, young adult. She takes a job as a reader with a wealthy family, and then something quite unexpected starts to happen with a boy and a novel and a quest to save the world.
It's a wonderful premise. I love the idea of The Sorcerer's Garden, I'm just afraid it missed a little on the execution. There is a lot of back and forth between the here-and-now, and the world in the novel Madlyn is reading. Then, things start to unravel. Are we in the novel or are we not in the novel? I just could not figure out where I was for the majority of this book.
If you note my status updates, you'll see I was incredibly confused. I'm pretty sure that's because Madlyn was confused, but that shouldn't spill over into the reader's mind. Even if the MC doesn't have a clue, I want to at least have an idea of where I'm at in a book.
Things did become clear at the end, for which I was very grateful. Without that, my rating would have been much lower. Now, let's highlight some of the positive. The writing is well done, I got a very clear picture of who the characters were as people and what was motivating them throughout the story. However, I have some real issues with Caleb-in-the-novel's characterization. Can one be both fearless and reckless and yet also afraid of small, dark spaces??? I dunno. I found that a bit odd.
The whole thing left me feeling a little like throwing my hands up in the air.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Madlyn is a recently-fired, recently-dumped, back-home-with Mom, young adult. She takes a job as a reader with a wealthy family, and then something quite unexpected starts to happen with a boy and a novel and a quest to save the world.
It's a wonderful premise. I love the idea of The Sorcerer's Garden, I'm just afraid it missed a little on the execution. There is a lot of back and forth between the here-and-now, and the world in the novel Madlyn is reading. Then, things start to unravel. Are we in the novel or are we not in the novel? I just could not figure out where I was for the majority of this book.
If you note my status updates, you'll see I was incredibly confused. I'm pretty sure that's because Madlyn was confused, but that shouldn't spill over into the reader's mind. Even if the MC doesn't have a clue, I want to at least have an idea of where I'm at in a book.
Things did become clear at the end, for which I was very grateful. Without that, my rating would have been much lower. Now, let's highlight some of the positive. The writing is well done, I got a very clear picture of who the characters were as people and what was motivating them throughout the story. However, I have some real issues with Caleb-in-the-novel's characterization. Can one be both fearless and reckless and yet also afraid of small, dark spaces??? I dunno. I found that a bit odd.
The whole thing left me feeling a little like throwing my hands up in the air.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2019
Loved It
I enjoyed reading and being involved in two different stories. This book was well written. I certainly would recommend it to anyone.
I enjoyed reading and being involved in two different stories. This book was well written. I certainly would recommend it to anyone.
August 27, 2025
Head Scratching!
Okay I get the idea that this was a dual time line thing but could somebody flag the shifts? I kept trying to unscramble this when centuries flew by.
Okay I get the idea that this was a dual time line thing but could somebody flag the shifts? I kept trying to unscramble this when centuries flew by.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews