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Symbols Duet #1
Symbol of Treason
I am a ghost.
Nothing more than the emptiness of a shadow.
But when it comes to murder, my body says differently, as I carry the scars from a life best forgotten.
I wear many faces, a technique derived from being born prey. Many of us are victims of circumstance, our shackles wound tight from birth. My fellow victims of injustice will see all that is already so devastatingly familiar. For those more fortunate, you may wonder if such horrors exist at all.
My very existence is forbidden and everyone I loved is dead. Yet I cling to this life which has brought me little more than the sharp point of a blade. I never made plans for growing old. I couldn’t afford to set myself up for such hopes, and I thought I was content with that burden—until I met him.
But everything comes at a price. And as I weave through this maze of thorns in hopes of reaching salvation, I fall down, bleed and dare to try again. For this man is more than an ache I cannot sooth, and whether I can admit it or not, he’s changed me; and the masks I so carefully wear, will no longer be enough.
Authors Note: This story deals with heavy subject matter such as rape, murder, and slavery, and requires the reader to accept the fact that despite this fictional set, real life is fare graver than the words written on these pages. The relationships of these characters are built on sacrifice, forgiveness, and vulnerability to the very core. This is not a work of erotica, but it is also not intended for an audience under the age of 18. This is the first book in a Duet series with a semi-cliffhanger. Please be advised. For your interest I am deeply grateful. Wishing you a meaningful journey of discovery and an abundance of joy.
Nothing more than the emptiness of a shadow.
But when it comes to murder, my body says differently, as I carry the scars from a life best forgotten.
I wear many faces, a technique derived from being born prey. Many of us are victims of circumstance, our shackles wound tight from birth. My fellow victims of injustice will see all that is already so devastatingly familiar. For those more fortunate, you may wonder if such horrors exist at all.
My very existence is forbidden and everyone I loved is dead. Yet I cling to this life which has brought me little more than the sharp point of a blade. I never made plans for growing old. I couldn’t afford to set myself up for such hopes, and I thought I was content with that burden—until I met him.
But everything comes at a price. And as I weave through this maze of thorns in hopes of reaching salvation, I fall down, bleed and dare to try again. For this man is more than an ache I cannot sooth, and whether I can admit it or not, he’s changed me; and the masks I so carefully wear, will no longer be enough.
Authors Note: This story deals with heavy subject matter such as rape, murder, and slavery, and requires the reader to accept the fact that despite this fictional set, real life is fare graver than the words written on these pages. The relationships of these characters are built on sacrifice, forgiveness, and vulnerability to the very core. This is not a work of erotica, but it is also not intended for an audience under the age of 18. This is the first book in a Duet series with a semi-cliffhanger. Please be advised. For your interest I am deeply grateful. Wishing you a meaningful journey of discovery and an abundance of joy.
- GenresSuspense
498 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2015
584 people want to read
About the author
Natalya Orekhov
2 books14 followersAs a Russian refugee Natalya Orekhov at a very young age learned that life is anything but fair. If her toys and clothing were not donations from a charity or a kind soul then they were acquired by a technique called Dumpster Diving—a skill she was rather good at despite her petite stature. What she lacked in height she compensated for with animal-like climbing abilities that seem to be written into her DNA. As the fourth of five children Natalya was well versed in the dynamics of big families. Yet despite the bickering and slamming of doors, everyone knew that with this family blood would always be thicker than water; their screams always took second place to their cheers for one another.
Today Natalya lives in a cozy home in South West Littleton, Colorado, with her husband and two young children. She’s known in her neighborhood as an excellent baker and enjoys surprising friends with mouthwatering desserts. Though moderately young, Natalya has earned several degrees in various disciplines of life—in hardship, heartache, and forgiveness when it’s the last thing you want to give. Yet in the midst of such a grueling education, Natalya has also had the great privilege to meet countless individuals with hearts larger than life and spirits that rival the best of them. To such individuals she will be eternally grateful.
In early 2012, with much encouragement from her irreplaceable husband, Natalya set off on a journey to do what she’s always loved: to write. Through the lines of her fictional characters Natalya continues to grow as a daughter, sister, friend, wife and mother. Though her stories are fictional, they embody a truth: that life is far harsher than any fiction she could ever compose; yet the very essence of life remains sacred and worth fighting for. Natalya loves every footprint of her existence, every crooked, splintered and even broken footprint. For between the trenches of injustice stand the pillars of hope.
Today Natalya lives in a cozy home in South West Littleton, Colorado, with her husband and two young children. She’s known in her neighborhood as an excellent baker and enjoys surprising friends with mouthwatering desserts. Though moderately young, Natalya has earned several degrees in various disciplines of life—in hardship, heartache, and forgiveness when it’s the last thing you want to give. Yet in the midst of such a grueling education, Natalya has also had the great privilege to meet countless individuals with hearts larger than life and spirits that rival the best of them. To such individuals she will be eternally grateful.
In early 2012, with much encouragement from her irreplaceable husband, Natalya set off on a journey to do what she’s always loved: to write. Through the lines of her fictional characters Natalya continues to grow as a daughter, sister, friend, wife and mother. Though her stories are fictional, they embody a truth: that life is far harsher than any fiction she could ever compose; yet the very essence of life remains sacred and worth fighting for. Natalya loves every footprint of her existence, every crooked, splintered and even broken footprint. For between the trenches of injustice stand the pillars of hope.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 17, 2016
3.5 stars
Symbol of Treason is Natalya Orekhov's debut, and it's truly promising!
Symbol of Treason narrates the story of Allison and Logan, two people seemingly different, marked by tragedies that haunted them in a different way. After a horrible childhood in the hands of the Mafia, and an escape that cost her everything, Allison led her life hiding, praying that the monsters from her nighmares would never find her. Logan, on the other hand, chose the path of revenge. He became a force to be reckoned with, fearsome, cruel and distant, with only one purpose in mind; destroy them. But when he crossed paths with Allison, something changed. They both wanted more, more than merely existing. Something they never dared dream before. But their past caught up to their present, and threats are not eliminated on wishful thinking alone. They demand blood.
Allison and Logan's story was powerful. Raw, since there were numerous occassions, especially when Allison's past came to surface, when I clenched my jaw and wanted to erase what I read from my brain. It affected me deeply, I was shaken, disgusted, desparate, angry and sad. Because of the vicious nature of the villains, their lack of morality that made them dangerous as well as despicable. And the worst thing is, stories like this actually occur in real life. That's what made my heart ache.
But Natalya Orekhov's gripping writing also showed that the clouds can be dispersed, that light can warm even the darkest souls, when you are fortunate enough to meet true love. The salve to all wounds. Logan and Allison's connection ran deep, sometimes beyond reason, and led them to paths they never thought they would cross.
However, there were some flaws I can't help but mention. There were many editing problems, like words missing and wrong punctuation marks that could make reading tiresome, but that's something easily amendable. What bothered me slightly more, was the occasional lack of coherence. Sometimes I felt like I missed a paragraph or even a page that would better explain this or that particular course of thoughts or actions. And the same happened with the development of Logan and Allison's relationship. I could feel their connection, I could really feel it in my bones, but I did not understand how it was established.
Setting these issues aside, Natalya Orekhov's debut was a remarkable, thought-provoking work. She raised her voice for those who can't, she painted the cruelty of our society, the cruelty we show every time we fake a smile and avert our eyes at the injustice and the pain right before us. I am eager to find out how this journey of love and revenge will conclude!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
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Symbol of Treason is Natalya Orekhov's debut, and it's truly promising!
Symbol of Treason narrates the story of Allison and Logan, two people seemingly different, marked by tragedies that haunted them in a different way. After a horrible childhood in the hands of the Mafia, and an escape that cost her everything, Allison led her life hiding, praying that the monsters from her nighmares would never find her. Logan, on the other hand, chose the path of revenge. He became a force to be reckoned with, fearsome, cruel and distant, with only one purpose in mind; destroy them. But when he crossed paths with Allison, something changed. They both wanted more, more than merely existing. Something they never dared dream before. But their past caught up to their present, and threats are not eliminated on wishful thinking alone. They demand blood.
“You betrayed me without knowing-stripped me raw. I wanted to punish you. Hurt you in an attempt to prove you hadn't made me weak and pathetic. But God help me-I loved you more.”
Allison and Logan's story was powerful. Raw, since there were numerous occassions, especially when Allison's past came to surface, when I clenched my jaw and wanted to erase what I read from my brain. It affected me deeply, I was shaken, disgusted, desparate, angry and sad. Because of the vicious nature of the villains, their lack of morality that made them dangerous as well as despicable. And the worst thing is, stories like this actually occur in real life. That's what made my heart ache.
“I loved Logan and I hated him. He manipulated me, used me punished me; his life was full of anger and deceit; but despite all his darkness, I couldn't ignore the beam of light at his very core.”
But Natalya Orekhov's gripping writing also showed that the clouds can be dispersed, that light can warm even the darkest souls, when you are fortunate enough to meet true love. The salve to all wounds. Logan and Allison's connection ran deep, sometimes beyond reason, and led them to paths they never thought they would cross.
However, there were some flaws I can't help but mention. There were many editing problems, like words missing and wrong punctuation marks that could make reading tiresome, but that's something easily amendable. What bothered me slightly more, was the occasional lack of coherence. Sometimes I felt like I missed a paragraph or even a page that would better explain this or that particular course of thoughts or actions. And the same happened with the development of Logan and Allison's relationship. I could feel their connection, I could really feel it in my bones, but I did not understand how it was established.
Setting these issues aside, Natalya Orekhov's debut was a remarkable, thought-provoking work. She raised her voice for those who can't, she painted the cruelty of our society, the cruelty we show every time we fake a smile and avert our eyes at the injustice and the pain right before us. I am eager to find out how this journey of love and revenge will conclude!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
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September 13, 2016
4.75 "overwhelming" stars
This was my first book ever by this author and I have to say I am very intrigued after I have finished reading it...
the blurb definitely pulled me in, then the number of pages stopped me in tracks for a tiny bit but then I started to read and I was instantly swept away...
I was emerged in the storyline, that were actually two parallele stories of two separate lives that were linked by pain, revenge, and destiny and the very same will try to bring them apart.
This is the story of Nadia Rumikov, a young woman who lived through horrors of her childhood and young adulthood life by the hands of the Russian mafia family's section called The Red Brotherhood. She belonged to the Russia's most powerful mafia family by blood, being the granddaughter of the boss, but she was punished, enslaved, beaten and molested, for being her mother's bastard child, for being a product of love that was regarded as treason. She was the spawn, she was the symbol of treason.
It would take seven years for a resemblance of another life, she owns a cafe shop, her own little business of baked goods, she has a friend, co-workers that love and respect her, she has a family that took her in, and she lives in a fake marriage to keep pretences for protection sake.
She has a stolen identity. She's Allison „Alice“ Red. Her „husband“ is Seth Red, the mafia assassin who made a choice of saving her life, instead of ending it all those years ago...
she has it all lined up, organized and scheduled...leading careful, watchful, low profile life cause
Panic however led to mistakes, to miscalculations, and potentially to complete destruction
Then one day, it all changed. Out of the blue, one chance, accidental collison in front of her cafe shop will set things in motion that she could not stop even if she wanted to.
And he just stormed in, demanding attention, the pull was so strong she couldn't even blink to disconnect the twine they both felt pulling them toward each other.
Logan Snow the businessman who lurred with power and mystery and danger and inspite of all the „run“ words screaming in her head Alice couldn't move, and she could sense it all...
The heat of his touch, the static, the thunder and its insistent pulse.
He's aware of it, a bit stunned by it but he's adamant in not letting it run through him completely, but he won't settle for no either...
You feel it. This pull. This ravaging sensation whenever we're together.
since he has his own secret agenda to fulfill. The one that haunted him for years, the revenge, the hatred, the need to avenge the wrongful deed set upon his family made by one single man responsible, the same man Alice was hiding from. Logan's waiting came to an abrupt end seven years ago, and he knew, from the very first time he saw her....
What they feel can not be explained in mere words, it's like a divine force leading them towards each other, an eroticized, sensual tingles that touch them on a higher level of existence...
We were in a dance without sound led only by the cues of our bodies. We never touched, not even a fingertip made contact with the other, and it was weirdly erotic. I was aware of him, all my senses sabotaged solely by his presence and nothing more; leaving me to wonder how much further could I fall if he reached out?
And fall they both do. Undeniably, unescapably destined for the crash of epic proportions,
...this thing you have with Logan in wild, an untamed animal that's been caged up and has finally broken free at the sight of its mate.“
You revived the person I buried years ago. A person – not meant to come back.
...we were a current of a beautiful chaos.
Inspite of the hidden truth that comes out in the open directly from Logan BUT even that being scaringly intense for both of them,
it turned out to be only a needle in a stack of hay, when all they have is insecurity of emerging danger, lies, secrets, menace and devious, malicious plotting from unlikey source, only to have it set the primary problem of revealing the Alice's wereabouts to The Red Brotherhood.
Life's a sinister game.
The cards in the sinister game of poker called life dealt to them won't show the prosperity in any way...the odds are against them all...
“You have a future, Logan. With me, you never will. If you truly love me then please...go.“
Yet Logan has only one blind mission on his mind...
But can he...
Powerful things weren't meant for capture, our love would ultimately destroy us and we'd burn, dissolving into nothing more than a mountain of cosmic dust not meant for this world.
There were several points that brought my rating to 4.75 instead of pure 5...
I'll try to explain the best I can...
first of all, the writing style is phenomenal, it's poetic and descriptive and the way Ms. Orekhov combines words into the scene is ilustratively vivid and palpable, it gives you goosebumps while you re-live each scene after another...that is especially intensified while bringing the chemistry and tension between the main characters, even though none of the loving scenes are explicit, it's the way it's written that brings out the passion, sensuality and endearment...it's like moving pictures in front of you bringing you every single emotion into your very core.
On the other hand, that same descriptive and poetic way of combining the words had almost opposite effect when presenting different sceneries, situations where secondary characters had the role of deepening the „atmosphere“, instead I had a feeling it was accidentally prolongued and therefore it slowed me down in tempering my own pace decreasing the general rhythm of the storyline.
And at times it felt like the author abrubtly cut one scene and continued with the other but then it mellowed you into the explanation using the already praised descriptive way of writing...
BUT inspite of it all, Symbol of Treason is a refreshment and quite a surprise in contemporary romance... and I will most definitely have further future books written by Natalya Orekhov in my sight, from now on.
“Almost Paradise“
I thought that dreams belonged to other men
Cause each time I got close
They'd fall apart again
I feared my heart would beat in secrecy
I faced the nights alone
Oh, how could I have known
That all my life I only needed you
Almost paradise
We're knocking on Heaven's door
Almost paradise
How could we ask for more?
I swear that I can see forever in your eyes
Paradise
Yeah, it's paradise
It seems like perfect love's so hard to find
I'd almost given up
You must've read my mind
And all these dreams I saved for a rainy day
They're finally comin' true
You know I'll share them all with you
Cause now we hold the future in our hands
Almost paradise
We're knocking on Heaven's door
Almost paradise
How could we ask for more?
I swear that I can see forever in your eyes
Paradise
It's paradise
And in your arms salvation's not so far away
We're getting closer, closer every day
Almost paradise
We're knocking on Heaven's door
Almost paradise
How could we ask for more?...
By Mike Reno & Ann Wilson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn1Xt...
***COPY provided by the AUTHOR in exchange for an honest REVIEW***
For more info and reviews visit
February 5, 2016
Link: http://wp.me/p5GNrB-3MP
I can think of myself only as lucky/ as I’m writing this review. It’s been a few hours since I finished this extraordinaire book and I still can’t believe it’s over.
At first, I have to admit, that I was going with a quite slow pace. But, soon enough, that pace was long forgotten and, in its place, got the I-am-not-putting-this-book-down-no-matter-what pace. I was totally swallowed by this story which can only be described as amazing, spellbounding and different. I couldn’t get enough of it. Each time that I said that I would stop after the end of the chapter, each one of those times I threw my intentions in the trash. I was reading it literally EVERYWHERE and WHENEVER! It had that something, which some books have, that makes you starve for more words. Its blurb made me immediately intrigued, curious and determined to read this story because it woke an instinct in me that was saying “you’re not going to regret it”. And it was right! I didn’t and am never going to regret reading this story, whose next part I can’t wait for.
Symbol of Treason - the first volume out of the two of the Symbols series - tells the story of a woman, Alice, whose only goal in her now life is to continue live as normal as possible while remaining a ghost. Which is absolutely necessary if she doesn’t want to go down for good. Her past is harsh, painful, horrible beyond any measure. And that’s what she fights daily to remain “thin air” from. Although, things are about to change drastically very soon. And one Logan Snow is the trigger of that change. But, behind his sudden appearance in Alice’s life, are hiding some truths and secrets that have formed the beginning of another 180-degrees change.
The enormous fact-truth of this story’s first part is that, although it’s full of darkness, it contains moments of such light that everything dark succumbs. It has such strength, power and determination that leaves no choice to the darkness but to crawl back to the horrendous cave it came out from. Even if that victory has a deadline and soon the cruelty will surface its ugly head again with the intention of recovering everything with its back veil. But without that, Symbol of Treason wouldn’t be the gem that it is and Alice & Logan wouldn’t share that special, really deep and powerful love that I adored reading about.
"Nothing will stop me from having you Alice, for even an army would fail against my will to claim you."
After this book, Natalya Orekhov became an author dear to my heart and one that I will always keep an on for new books. Her writing left me thoroughly satisfied and totally addicted. I was hanging from her every word that her pen have created. She took me on an unforgettable journey - independently if she left me hanging a bit in the end - which undoubtedly will stay with me all my life. Symbol of Redemption - the second volume in Symbols - can’t come soon enough so I can continue and finally, reach the conclusion of Alice and Logan’s story.
March 10, 2016
I tried really hard to like this book. I really wanted too. But, it just never grabbed me.
A young woman is thrust into hiding after running away from a horrible past. She lies to everyone and keeps her past a secret.
This has the makings of a good book, but it took me till about half way through before I even knew what was going on. There are so many people and so much going on, but little information about whats ACTUALLY going on. It was confusing to me. It had its good parts, but it just wasn't what I was expecting....Stormi
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A young woman is thrust into hiding after running away from a horrible past. She lies to everyone and keeps her past a secret.
This has the makings of a good book, but it took me till about half way through before I even knew what was going on. There are so many people and so much going on, but little information about whats ACTUALLY going on. It was confusing to me. It had its good parts, but it just wasn't what I was expecting....Stormi
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
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January 9, 2017
I received this copy from the author in exchange for a fair review.
4.5
The only reason that I'm giving this a 4.5 and not a 5 was due to poor editing. This book is incredible! It did end on a cliffhanger, but it didn't detract too much. The sex scenes weren't very graphic. Neither were the more violent scenes, to which I am eternally grateful. I was captivated from the beginning, and never lost interest. I definitely recommend this book. It's dark, but you still get your HEA.... even if you have to wait until book #2 to get the whole picture. You can see it coming. When you read this, get ready for an emotional roller coaster.
4.5
The only reason that I'm giving this a 4.5 and not a 5 was due to poor editing. This book is incredible! It did end on a cliffhanger, but it didn't detract too much. The sex scenes weren't very graphic. Neither were the more violent scenes, to which I am eternally grateful. I was captivated from the beginning, and never lost interest. I definitely recommend this book. It's dark, but you still get your HEA.... even if you have to wait until book #2 to get the whole picture. You can see it coming. When you read this, get ready for an emotional roller coaster.
July 1, 2016
*Giveaway winner*
First of all; many thanks needs to be said to Natalya for being gracious enough to personally sign the copy that was sent to me. This alone reflects on the passion she has for her work and how it's perceived.
Symbol of Treason is a story about emerging from the wreckage and ashes of your past in search of finding redemption. It's a story about running from your past ghosts into the arms of more secrets; secrets hidden behind the possibility of new hope. Through lyrical and descriptive writing, Natalya Orekhov has created a unique novel that delves into the dark truths of life.
Overall, Symbol of Treason was an interesting read. Once I got past the slow start, I was most eager to see how the story would progress. It may not have been the most exceptional read, but it was enjoyable at most.
First of all; many thanks needs to be said to Natalya for being gracious enough to personally sign the copy that was sent to me. This alone reflects on the passion she has for her work and how it's perceived.
Symbol of Treason is a story about emerging from the wreckage and ashes of your past in search of finding redemption. It's a story about running from your past ghosts into the arms of more secrets; secrets hidden behind the possibility of new hope. Through lyrical and descriptive writing, Natalya Orekhov has created a unique novel that delves into the dark truths of life.
... but in real life you could not write an alternate ending if unhappy with the way the story was headed. The hero was not bulletproof and bombs didn't get disarmed three seconds to detonation. In real life people cried, bled, died and love could not cure evil.Despite having a very slow pace at the beginning, I found that there was a sense of promise waiting. However; although I found myself growing impatient as the story started to evolve, once secrets started to become revealed and questions answered; the pages started to turn themselves. The plot itself had me intrigued from the opening chapter and held my interest thoroughly, but the execution of it was somewhat draining. Orekhov is a very descriptive writer - poetic even - but I personally prefer a faster paced story that's constantly evolving. I wouldn't go as far to say that her writing style was unreadable or tiring as I do in fact enjoy lyrical writers, but at times it did feel as if the execution was dulling the story.
Overall, Symbol of Treason was an interesting read. Once I got past the slow start, I was most eager to see how the story would progress. It may not have been the most exceptional read, but it was enjoyable at most.
February 1, 2016
Originally reviewed at http://prufreads.blogspot.com/
My rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars
***Please note, ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
Symbol of Treason is Alice's story. Her past, present, and future all coming to a head leaving her in a tailspin. This debut novel comes out swinging with a powerful prologue that really sets the tone for all of the demons Alice faces at every turn. She's an abomination and there are some who will not stop until they see her dead. She only begins to allow herself to truly feel when she comes face to face with an alluring stranger named Logan Snow.
I found myself yet again, torn on how to review this book. On one hand, the storytelling was vivid, the characters and storyline interesting and held my attention. Then on the other hand I felt like this book should have been split into two with more build up added to the love story and the threat they faced. Even though, for the most part, I enjoyed how the story unraveled, I felt there were sizable pieces missing. I couldn't fully invest in the love story and still have more questions than answers.
With that being said, Ms. Orekhov has a unique writing style and even though it can get a bit too 'lyrical' at times, I always appreciate an author that is able to show me, verses tell me. While there is a love story element here, it carries more of a 'fade to black' tone. The heat factor is, for the lack of a better word, limited. I personally prefer a little more, especially when the leading male is written with a dominant personality.
The follow up is due to release in July of this year and I'm very curious as to what Logan has up his sleeve!
My rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars
***Please note, ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
Symbol of Treason is Alice's story. Her past, present, and future all coming to a head leaving her in a tailspin. This debut novel comes out swinging with a powerful prologue that really sets the tone for all of the demons Alice faces at every turn. She's an abomination and there are some who will not stop until they see her dead. She only begins to allow herself to truly feel when she comes face to face with an alluring stranger named Logan Snow.
I found myself yet again, torn on how to review this book. On one hand, the storytelling was vivid, the characters and storyline interesting and held my attention. Then on the other hand I felt like this book should have been split into two with more build up added to the love story and the threat they faced. Even though, for the most part, I enjoyed how the story unraveled, I felt there were sizable pieces missing. I couldn't fully invest in the love story and still have more questions than answers.
With that being said, Ms. Orekhov has a unique writing style and even though it can get a bit too 'lyrical' at times, I always appreciate an author that is able to show me, verses tell me. While there is a love story element here, it carries more of a 'fade to black' tone. The heat factor is, for the lack of a better word, limited. I personally prefer a little more, especially when the leading male is written with a dominant personality.
The follow up is due to release in July of this year and I'm very curious as to what Logan has up his sleeve!
unfinished
February 11, 2016**I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**
DNF'd Review @46%:
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but I admit that the premise was intriguing enough to let me give it a shot.
This book starts of very slowly as you get acclimatized to Alice's world. It's a very descriptive read and I am not one for copious amounts of detail. The detail that is there is beautifully written but also distracting for someone who likes getting to the nitty-gritty like I do. Despite the complex layers to the plot, I felt like nothing was really happening and because of that, I wasn't able to become as immersed in the story as I had hoped.
If you like books that move at a slower pace and like contemporary books with a darker edge that set up the world around you, this is a book for you to pick up!
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
DNF'd Review @46%:
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but I admit that the premise was intriguing enough to let me give it a shot.
This book starts of very slowly as you get acclimatized to Alice's world. It's a very descriptive read and I am not one for copious amounts of detail. The detail that is there is beautifully written but also distracting for someone who likes getting to the nitty-gritty like I do. Despite the complex layers to the plot, I felt like nothing was really happening and because of that, I wasn't able to become as immersed in the story as I had hoped.
If you like books that move at a slower pace and like contemporary books with a darker edge that set up the world around you, this is a book for you to pick up!
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
September 3, 2016
Symbol of Treason is the first installment of the Symbols Duet by Natalya Orekhov.
A young woman named Alice is forced into hiding. Not only is she runs from her dark past, but those who are hunting her. Their out for blood…specifically hers and they won’t stop until she’s six feet under. Until she comes face to face with Logan Snow. Her one weakness.
Will she be able to figure out if he’s an foe or ally before it’s too late?
Natalya Orekhov is a new author to me. The prologue certainly grabs the readers attention as it sets the tone for what Alice has to face. I enjoyed the suspense and mystery Ms. Orekhov brought to the surface. However, the mystery seemed to fade away around 50% in. Even though the suspense wasn’t as strong as it was in the beginning of the book, I still enjoyed the romance that kept building up between our two main characters as they ventured into danger.
Reviewed on Behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
**ARC for Honest Review**
A young woman named Alice is forced into hiding. Not only is she runs from her dark past, but those who are hunting her. Their out for blood…specifically hers and they won’t stop until she’s six feet under. Until she comes face to face with Logan Snow. Her one weakness.
Will she be able to figure out if he’s an foe or ally before it’s too late?
Natalya Orekhov is a new author to me. The prologue certainly grabs the readers attention as it sets the tone for what Alice has to face. I enjoyed the suspense and mystery Ms. Orekhov brought to the surface. However, the mystery seemed to fade away around 50% in. Even though the suspense wasn’t as strong as it was in the beginning of the book, I still enjoyed the romance that kept building up between our two main characters as they ventured into danger.
Reviewed on Behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
**ARC for Honest Review**
March 28, 2016
My girlfriend wanted me to read this book along with her, and I bought a physical copy. We typically don’t read the same genre but we went through this one together and I got to say we both liked it a lot! The romance build-up and character development is done really well, and there is enough thrill and mystery in the book that it is not your typical Fabio romance story. We both had a good time reading this one. When’s the second one coming out?
November 10, 2016
Hold on!
This book is like you start out in neutral... you are rolling slowly along, gaining momentum, then hold on!! You won't slow down until you reach the end, and even then, it is staying with me. Oh my gosh, Ms. Orekhov, I need volume 2 asap, please?!? This is volume one of two... No regrets!! I just need to be patient while waiting for Symbol of Redemption.
This book is like you start out in neutral... you are rolling slowly along, gaining momentum, then hold on!! You won't slow down until you reach the end, and even then, it is staying with me. Oh my gosh, Ms. Orekhov, I need volume 2 asap, please?!? This is volume one of two... No regrets!! I just need to be patient while waiting for Symbol of Redemption.
June 11, 2021
About the book: It's a self-published book with mature themes. Allison Red's goal is to leave behind the life she escaped, and she starts over in Colorado. She meets Logan Snow who seems to have it all, but all he cares about is revenge. I received a copy of it from a Goodreads giveaway that sends copies of new books to readers.
First impressions: I didn't know what to expect. But the blurb on the back seemed interesting enough. I started reading and found the story surprisingly easy to get into. The book opens with a glimpse into the main character's unfortunate upbringing.
Summary: A girl with a terrible past meets a guy with a different but also terrible past. They fall in love almost immediately. But people want her dead.
Characters: I'm not the biggest fan of either character. I don't hate them, but I don't love them. I liked Nadia who now goes by Alice because people want her dead until she fell in love with Logan, which happened super early and super quickly. Then she becomes a different person entirely. Logan became less likeable the more dominant and controlling he grew.
You deserve happiness, this world owes you that much.
Writing: The book contains lots of spelling and formatting errors. The dialogue wasn't realistic to me. It was formal, professional. Even poetic at times. Logan speaks like a romantic poet in love. It felt hard to follow at times. One character would speak and then the next sentence is a different character doing something. So it was confusing and unclear. The book more like a romantic novel than conversations between people in real life.
Final thoughts: Overlooking the errors, it's not that bad of a book. I wouldn't recommend if you don't enjoy romantic scenes or heavy themes.
First impressions: I didn't know what to expect. But the blurb on the back seemed interesting enough. I started reading and found the story surprisingly easy to get into. The book opens with a glimpse into the main character's unfortunate upbringing.
Summary: A girl with a terrible past meets a guy with a different but also terrible past. They fall in love almost immediately. But people want her dead.
Characters: I'm not the biggest fan of either character. I don't hate them, but I don't love them. I liked Nadia who now goes by Alice because people want her dead until she fell in love with Logan, which happened super early and super quickly. Then she becomes a different person entirely. Logan became less likeable the more dominant and controlling he grew.
You deserve happiness, this world owes you that much.
Writing: The book contains lots of spelling and formatting errors. The dialogue wasn't realistic to me. It was formal, professional. Even poetic at times. Logan speaks like a romantic poet in love. It felt hard to follow at times. One character would speak and then the next sentence is a different character doing something. So it was confusing and unclear. The book more like a romantic novel than conversations between people in real life.
Final thoughts: Overlooking the errors, it's not that bad of a book. I wouldn't recommend if you don't enjoy romantic scenes or heavy themes.
March 30, 2016
Frightfully meaningful and gripping
This is not a story for the weary. Read the prologue, and it shows the impending details of a torturous death, and knowing what happens to the body after death. This is Alice's story. Her hopes is to live her life as a ghost. Some of the story is fast-paced, but the connections of the characters, especially Alice's story with her own past, her own present, her death and her life, present a well-written story. It truly shows the depths of pain, self-heartache, and hope. I cannot wait to read the next story.
This is not a story for the weary. Read the prologue, and it shows the impending details of a torturous death, and knowing what happens to the body after death. This is Alice's story. Her hopes is to live her life as a ghost. Some of the story is fast-paced, but the connections of the characters, especially Alice's story with her own past, her own present, her death and her life, present a well-written story. It truly shows the depths of pain, self-heartache, and hope. I cannot wait to read the next story.
September 8, 2016
Symbol of Treason is a story centered around Allison Red who is trying to leave behind her painful past and live a normal anonymous life.
It did start off quite slow but it didn’t take long to pick up. Then I was hooked. I love books that take turns this way and that way as they keep me on the edge of my seat.
I found this book heart wrenching and quite dark and at time quite confronting. There are some triggers in here that could make some readers quite uncomfortable.
I cannot wait to read book 2.
It did start off quite slow but it didn’t take long to pick up. Then I was hooked. I love books that take turns this way and that way as they keep me on the edge of my seat.
I found this book heart wrenching and quite dark and at time quite confronting. There are some triggers in here that could make some readers quite uncomfortable.
I cannot wait to read book 2.
February 1, 2016
Symbol of Treason is now live!
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