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White Clay
After a horrific car crash which kills her aunt and uncle, Kossara discovers that she has a brother! Tormented by questions, she sets out to find the truth about her family. The search leads her to a secret much bigger than her personal problems. In a race against time, she struggles to decipher the instructions left by her father. Will she be able to carry out the task which has been entrusted to her or will the blind seer's terrible prophecy come true?
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2017
64 people are currently reading
1583 people want to read
About the author
Dora Ilieva
7 books164 followersI am a Bulgarian-Canadian author. My first novel is "The Devil's Gorge" - a tale of mystery, love and betrayal. I grew up in Sofia, Bulgaria and moved to Canada with my family when I was twenty-eight. Reading is what I love best. I often read several books at a time. My time is split between reading, writing, family and work. Travelling, watching crime shows and observing people are also things that I like. My second book, the short story collection "Faces", deals with the all too human problems city dwellers encounter on a daily basis. In August, 2016, I published my third book "The Master" which takes the reader on a roller-coaster journey in search of an artefact that could change the fate of the world.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 12, 2018
Characters
I liked Kossara. She can be a little fool-hearty but given the circumstances I don't blame her. Some of the supporting characters are very vivid while others just feel washed out and plain. Her grandfather is a very vivid and nasty character. Andre is one of those fence people, I don't know how I feel about him and he doesn't know which path to take. Don't worry it turns out well. Toughest part of this book was the stilted conversations and the POV shifts. There was a narrative feel with lots of head hoping between characters with no clear transition. I loved the flashbacks with the Doctor and Venera.
Plot
At first I was just somewhat interested but I quickly was sucked in. I just had to know where it was going and how all the pieces fit together. That was as important as how the present mattered so much to the past. I cannot write anything but Kossara is a very resourceful woman who I really loved following around on her adventures.
There is a romance aspect near the end but it is super flat and lackluster. I'm hoping it has long reaching effects and that there is more meaning to it, but as it was not very exciting. I also felt the supernatural aspect was a little convenient as well - the blind seer - but since I was warned of it in the blurb it wasn't as strange as it could have been.
Overall
I really liked this plot. It had this zigzag feel that the past having impact on the present. I felt a few times that this book was as much about what was said as what wasn't. A few times you had to take leaps of faith with where the author was going, and fill in context or even movement of characters. It wasn't as distracting as the POV switching but far warning you'll have to fill in some gaps. Perhaps the gaps are filled in the first two books? Although I do feel like this book can mostly standalone.
I liked the nice little twist at the end. Well one of the two twists, the first one was very abrupt and more than a little disappointing but I applaud the author for doing the twist near the end, just when you think it is all over, I didn't see it coming. I wondered if it would happen but thought it wouldn't happen yet. Nice surprise! I do love a good twist. Not to mention the core idea behind the story - the subtle meaning behind the title and what the whole point was. Very thought provoking.
Rating
3.5 (Rounded up and down)
I was super torn on this book - I liked it so that's what I'm going to mark on each. The plot was such so catching and I was quickly sucked in. However, with every POV shift and shaky dialogue I was shook out of my revery. WIth a few fixes this could easily be a solid 4 star book.
This is a voluntary review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
I liked Kossara. She can be a little fool-hearty but given the circumstances I don't blame her. Some of the supporting characters are very vivid while others just feel washed out and plain. Her grandfather is a very vivid and nasty character. Andre is one of those fence people, I don't know how I feel about him and he doesn't know which path to take. Don't worry it turns out well. Toughest part of this book was the stilted conversations and the POV shifts. There was a narrative feel with lots of head hoping between characters with no clear transition. I loved the flashbacks with the Doctor and Venera.
Plot
At first I was just somewhat interested but I quickly was sucked in. I just had to know where it was going and how all the pieces fit together. That was as important as how the present mattered so much to the past. I cannot write anything but Kossara is a very resourceful woman who I really loved following around on her adventures.
There is a romance aspect near the end but it is super flat and lackluster. I'm hoping it has long reaching effects and that there is more meaning to it, but as it was not very exciting. I also felt the supernatural aspect was a little convenient as well - the blind seer - but since I was warned of it in the blurb it wasn't as strange as it could have been.
Overall
I really liked this plot. It had this zigzag feel that the past having impact on the present. I felt a few times that this book was as much about what was said as what wasn't. A few times you had to take leaps of faith with where the author was going, and fill in context or even movement of characters. It wasn't as distracting as the POV switching but far warning you'll have to fill in some gaps. Perhaps the gaps are filled in the first two books? Although I do feel like this book can mostly standalone.
I liked the nice little twist at the end. Well one of the two twists, the first one was very abrupt and more than a little disappointing but I applaud the author for doing the twist near the end, just when you think it is all over, I didn't see it coming. I wondered if it would happen but thought it wouldn't happen yet. Nice surprise! I do love a good twist. Not to mention the core idea behind the story - the subtle meaning behind the title and what the whole point was. Very thought provoking.
Rating
3.5 (Rounded up and down)
I was super torn on this book - I liked it so that's what I'm going to mark on each. The plot was such so catching and I was quickly sucked in. However, with every POV shift and shaky dialogue I was shook out of my revery. WIth a few fixes this could easily be a solid 4 star book.
This is a voluntary review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
January 1, 2018
White Clay is a gripping psychological thriller that will appeal to those interested in history, artifacts, cultural heritage or cutting edge technology. I love the setting, set up, way the characters interact and the plot. I also enjoyed how the author explores the moral dilemmas inherent to the experimental research central to the plot. (I don’t want to say more for fear of ruining a major plot twist.)
It’s a great continuation of book two, with a few new faces and further development of the series' core cast of characters. Though it is not necessary to read this series in order, it does add more depth to the story if you do. The subject matter and style of writing makes it appropriate for teenagers as well as adults.
Bulgaria is again lovingly described; this time I also learned more about the country’s relationship and political ties to Russia.
This series has quickly become one of my favorites. I read this book in one weekend because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next and am already looking forward to book four.
I highly recommend this series to fans of mysteries and thrillers. I can almost guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
It’s a great continuation of book two, with a few new faces and further development of the series' core cast of characters. Though it is not necessary to read this series in order, it does add more depth to the story if you do. The subject matter and style of writing makes it appropriate for teenagers as well as adults.
Bulgaria is again lovingly described; this time I also learned more about the country’s relationship and political ties to Russia.
This series has quickly become one of my favorites. I read this book in one weekend because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next and am already looking forward to book four.
I highly recommend this series to fans of mysteries and thrillers. I can almost guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
June 26, 2018
The title, White Clay, caught my attention. The meaning didn’t surface until 2/3 of the way through the story. The central character, Kossara, loses her aunt and uncle in an auto accident. In the same car was her badly injured cousin, who she is surprised to learn is really her half-brother. Kossara discovers more mysteries in her past, so she departs Canada and heads to Europe following cryptic clues left by her father.
She visits her maternal grandparents who have never liked Kossara’s father. While visiting, her grandfather is mysteriously poisoned, leading Kossara to believe the secrets her father harbored may be more mysterious and valuable than she anticipated.
From this point, the novel ramps up into a full-fledged spy novel with Kossara deciphering more clues, picking up a blue-eyed male partner, and staying one step ahead of powerful people wanting the same information she is seeking.
I give the book high marks for intrigue and suspense. The development and interweaving of characters was well done, and the plot was sophisticated. I thought it a shame that minor editing issues continued to surface, detracting at times from the quality of the story and the writing.
Having not read the first two books in the series, I felt early on that I was catching up. By the middle of the novel, I was up to speed and engrossed in the suspenseful plot.
Overall, White Clay was an entertaining read, and I am in agreement with the four and five star ratings.
She visits her maternal grandparents who have never liked Kossara’s father. While visiting, her grandfather is mysteriously poisoned, leading Kossara to believe the secrets her father harbored may be more mysterious and valuable than she anticipated.
From this point, the novel ramps up into a full-fledged spy novel with Kossara deciphering more clues, picking up a blue-eyed male partner, and staying one step ahead of powerful people wanting the same information she is seeking.
I give the book high marks for intrigue and suspense. The development and interweaving of characters was well done, and the plot was sophisticated. I thought it a shame that minor editing issues continued to surface, detracting at times from the quality of the story and the writing.
Having not read the first two books in the series, I felt early on that I was catching up. By the middle of the novel, I was up to speed and engrossed in the suspenseful plot.
Overall, White Clay was an entertaining read, and I am in agreement with the four and five star ratings.
May 8, 2018
Kossara is shocked to hear that her Uncle, Aunt and her Cousin have been involved in a car accident. Her Aunt and Uncle are dead and Sam, her cousin, is seriously injured. The accident leads to a shocking revelation. Sam is not Kossara's cousin but is actually her half brother.
Determined to uncover the truth about Sam's mother, Aunt Maria, Kossara travels to her native Bulgaria where she visits her Grandparents in an effort to find answers and uncover some of the mysteries of her own family.
In a series of flashbacks the author skilfully transports the reader back into 1980's Soviet Union where it soon becomes clear that Aunt Maria was living a false life. The menacing atmosphere of Cold War Russia, complete with spies and top secret missions is very well conveyed with danger lurking around every corner. Who can be trusted?
This book is filled with interesting characters. I particularly liked Kamena, an elderly blind lady with special powers, and without giving anything away, the concept of The Mother Goose Group is especially intriguing.
This book has a fast moving and intricate plot. There are plenty of twists and turns and the characters often behave in surprising and unpredictable ways.
A very enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
Determined to uncover the truth about Sam's mother, Aunt Maria, Kossara travels to her native Bulgaria where she visits her Grandparents in an effort to find answers and uncover some of the mysteries of her own family.
In a series of flashbacks the author skilfully transports the reader back into 1980's Soviet Union where it soon becomes clear that Aunt Maria was living a false life. The menacing atmosphere of Cold War Russia, complete with spies and top secret missions is very well conveyed with danger lurking around every corner. Who can be trusted?
This book is filled with interesting characters. I particularly liked Kamena, an elderly blind lady with special powers, and without giving anything away, the concept of The Mother Goose Group is especially intriguing.
This book has a fast moving and intricate plot. There are plenty of twists and turns and the characters often behave in surprising and unpredictable ways.
A very enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
April 4, 2018
White Clay (Across the Ocean Book 3)
Written by Dora llieva
Such an interesting story! Don't put this book down; read the story through to the end. What a Great Ending! In my opinion this story should be made into a movie.
Written by Dora llieva
Such an interesting story! Don't put this book down; read the story through to the end. What a Great Ending! In my opinion this story should be made into a movie.
March 7, 2018
White Clay begins with the reader’s introduction to Kossara, a young Bulgarian woman now living in Canada who has just lost her beloved aunt and uncle in a car crash. Her male cousin was also in the accident and is in surgery fighting for his life. The story didn’t make an impact on me at first—interesting, but I wasn’t wholly invested—until the story moved to Siberia twenty-eight years in the past. At that point it became an exciting spy thriller for me. I really enjoyed it from that point on, as it told the story from both points in time, gradually bringing them together.
Some of the dialogue (but not all) sounded a little stilted to me. There were some minor editing issues, although not enough to dampen my enjoyment of the story and I’m picky about editing. One of the best things about White Clay is its “feel.” It felt like a spy story set in Europe. I don’t know what it is, but spy movies set in Europe just have more atmosphere than ones set in the U.S., and White Clay had that atmosphere for me. I’d recommend the book to anyone who enjoys spy thrillers.
Some of the dialogue (but not all) sounded a little stilted to me. There were some minor editing issues, although not enough to dampen my enjoyment of the story and I’m picky about editing. One of the best things about White Clay is its “feel.” It felt like a spy story set in Europe. I don’t know what it is, but spy movies set in Europe just have more atmosphere than ones set in the U.S., and White Clay had that atmosphere for me. I’d recommend the book to anyone who enjoys spy thrillers.
Want to read
April 11, 2018Placeholder
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
September 24, 2018
Solid spy thriller that can stand on its own as part of the Across the Ocean series
While the car accident has been mentioned in amazon reviews, it takes a backstage to the intricate James Bond-esque story that unfolds throughout the pages of this novel, filled with more than a few savvy spies, agents, and scientists. The title, "White Clay" involves a virus mobilized by digital technological devices, so the question remains, with the Cold War over, who is going to benefit? The Russians? Americans? Chinese? The book postulates that the richest people in the world would unite to create a global government and that only they and their families would remain virus-free.
Characters like Kosara, Venera, Pavel, Kamena, Magda, Kutznetsov, Mara, and Brother Slav are all well-drawn as they cope with cat-and-mouse events that are depicted in scenes like nightclubs, where whispered information can only be exchanged in noisy environments to avoid being overheard. Throughout the book, you feel others looking over Kossara Kirilova's shoulder as the plot thickens. She is a tough woman who copes with loss and steels herself for conflict admirably but she also has a heart.
The occasionally awkwardly phrased sentence causes one to pause as they're reading, but then the reader is rewarded with a beautifully depicted scene with touching details and nuances, so the urge to suggest an editor who can fix the odd phrasing here and there is strong. But, nonetheless, this book, the third in a series is stand-alone strong.
While the car accident has been mentioned in amazon reviews, it takes a backstage to the intricate James Bond-esque story that unfolds throughout the pages of this novel, filled with more than a few savvy spies, agents, and scientists. The title, "White Clay" involves a virus mobilized by digital technological devices, so the question remains, with the Cold War over, who is going to benefit? The Russians? Americans? Chinese? The book postulates that the richest people in the world would unite to create a global government and that only they and their families would remain virus-free.
Characters like Kosara, Venera, Pavel, Kamena, Magda, Kutznetsov, Mara, and Brother Slav are all well-drawn as they cope with cat-and-mouse events that are depicted in scenes like nightclubs, where whispered information can only be exchanged in noisy environments to avoid being overheard. Throughout the book, you feel others looking over Kossara Kirilova's shoulder as the plot thickens. She is a tough woman who copes with loss and steels herself for conflict admirably but she also has a heart.
The occasionally awkwardly phrased sentence causes one to pause as they're reading, but then the reader is rewarded with a beautifully depicted scene with touching details and nuances, so the urge to suggest an editor who can fix the odd phrasing here and there is strong. But, nonetheless, this book, the third in a series is stand-alone strong.
February 11, 2019
Read this book a while ago. It was my favorite of the series. The first chapter of the book instantly captivated my attention and kept me hungry for more. I absolutely loved the feeling of suspense throughout the book, it kept me on edge and eager to read the lines as well as what's in between them.
My favorite parts of the book were the flashbacks between Kiril and Vanera. I could almost sense their emotions as I was reading each chapter. I would very much love to read a spinoff of their story :)
My favorite parts of the book were the flashbacks between Kiril and Vanera. I could almost sense their emotions as I was reading each chapter. I would very much love to read a spinoff of their story :)
May 6, 2018
This was my favourite book of the trilogy! Personally, I really like psychological thrillers so I got really into the story and found myself whipping through the pages to find out what happened next. I also enjoyed how the two stories - the story of the past and the story of the present - intertwined with one another. Would highly recommend!
May 26, 2018
This book is just okay in my opinion. Can't give a half star point or I would have rated it 2 1/2 stars.
An idea of "what if", plus the evil Russians, victimized Bulgarians and some take off on The Illuminati to fabricate a techno virus thriller with tons of snow. A good example of why I don't like science fiction.
An idea of "what if", plus the evil Russians, victimized Bulgarians and some take off on The Illuminati to fabricate a techno virus thriller with tons of snow. A good example of why I don't like science fiction.
Want to read
June 30, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
Want to read
August 5, 2025I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
May 2, 2018
Didn’t know it was a book 3
Think I was a giveaway winner for this book, it was ok. I wish I had read the first two so I understood more.
Think I was a giveaway winner for this book, it was ok. I wish I had read the first two so I understood more.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews