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Paracosm
When the last expected death in her life brings the relief she had always longed for, Marzanna settles into a new reality after she moves back to a city full of memories and misery. Haunted by her past, the ghosts of a new life consume Marzanna's reality as she desperately struggles to find peace. If destiny should grant it, and if the fates will allow it, can Marzanna ever be set free from her life's mortal curse?
- GenresHorror
Paperback
Published May 7, 2020
2 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Dowell
4 books84 followersJust a writer that reads, and a reader that writes. An author that's inspired by other incredible authors, and who hopes to inspire through her stories because it's other stories that have inspired her.
A wife, a mother, and an old-soul that feeds off fiction.
A wife, a mother, and an old-soul that feeds off fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 21, 2021
“Because I could not stop for death, he kindly stopped for me.” -Emily Dickinson
The quote by Dickinson can be found at the beginning of Paracosm and encapsulates the sheer brilliance of this story, fully. Dowell introduces us to the MC, Marzanna, and takes us on an emotive and thought-provoking journey through the light and darkness within us all and reveals to us an alternative perception for our inevitable ends. How beautiful and alluring it can be.
Dowell’s writing style is clever, poignant, and decisively introspective.
For me, I’ve never related to a MC so much and in the worst possible ways. Which is an absolute compliment to the writer. At times I forgot that I was even reading a fantasy, as the realistic nature of the trials and tribulations that Zanna went through were incredibly tangible, and for some, a parallel to your own experiences. I was captivated by the personification of death and tolerance among the characters and stunned by the unexpectedly satisfying ending.
I will caution, this book does have some triggering content, however, it is presented respectfully raw to further emphasise the layered themes throughout the story.
I would highly recommend giving this book a read. It will be a story that sticks with me for a long time and one that I will revisit to contemplate the philosophical layers woven throughout.
The quote by Dickinson can be found at the beginning of Paracosm and encapsulates the sheer brilliance of this story, fully. Dowell introduces us to the MC, Marzanna, and takes us on an emotive and thought-provoking journey through the light and darkness within us all and reveals to us an alternative perception for our inevitable ends. How beautiful and alluring it can be.
Dowell’s writing style is clever, poignant, and decisively introspective.
For me, I’ve never related to a MC so much and in the worst possible ways. Which is an absolute compliment to the writer. At times I forgot that I was even reading a fantasy, as the realistic nature of the trials and tribulations that Zanna went through were incredibly tangible, and for some, a parallel to your own experiences. I was captivated by the personification of death and tolerance among the characters and stunned by the unexpectedly satisfying ending.
I will caution, this book does have some triggering content, however, it is presented respectfully raw to further emphasise the layered themes throughout the story.
I would highly recommend giving this book a read. It will be a story that sticks with me for a long time and one that I will revisit to contemplate the philosophical layers woven throughout.
August 12, 2022
"Death was the easy part. It was the change it left behind for the ones still living that was hard."
Marzanna has lived the majority of her life isolated. Since childhood she has been surrounded by the death of those she cares for. Convinced she carries the burden of a death curse, Marzanna has accepted her life of solitude by choice. After the passing of her last family member, the beautiful and stoic Zanna returns home. Confronted by the demons of her past and an unexpected new acquaintance, control of her emotions and peace slowly begin to deplete.
Some of the best stories are the ones that are left open to interpretation. In truth, everyone will take something different. After reflecting and dissecting for a few days, I still may not have it right but that's the beauty of stories written such as this one. I love Gillian's style of writing. Her words and cast of characters have a way of drawing me in and bringing a variety of emotions to the surface. The genre is described as a gothic romance, but it is so much more than that. Haunting, mysterious, shocking and certainly thought provoking. I have to express; Gillian has a talent for making darkness utterly sexy. This was a story that lingers in the best kind of way.
Marzanna has lived the majority of her life isolated. Since childhood she has been surrounded by the death of those she cares for. Convinced she carries the burden of a death curse, Marzanna has accepted her life of solitude by choice. After the passing of her last family member, the beautiful and stoic Zanna returns home. Confronted by the demons of her past and an unexpected new acquaintance, control of her emotions and peace slowly begin to deplete.
Some of the best stories are the ones that are left open to interpretation. In truth, everyone will take something different. After reflecting and dissecting for a few days, I still may not have it right but that's the beauty of stories written such as this one. I love Gillian's style of writing. Her words and cast of characters have a way of drawing me in and bringing a variety of emotions to the surface. The genre is described as a gothic romance, but it is so much more than that. Haunting, mysterious, shocking and certainly thought provoking. I have to express; Gillian has a talent for making darkness utterly sexy. This was a story that lingers in the best kind of way.
November 4, 2025
Each and every one of Paracosm’s 197 pages is rife with emotion and bittersweet depth.
Death follows Marzanna wherever she goes. Gillian Dowell masterfully captures the haunting emotions of grief, the cage of vulnerability, the treacherous lure of love, and the horrors our own minds can conjure.
Coupled with an unsettling ex-lover in Lance, who bleeds discomfort from the moment he’s introduced, a tender and caring soul in Dexter, haunted by his own mind, and an intriguing, mysterious stranger who may or may not be real; Gillian Dowell cultivates a disquieting atmosphere of discontent that tenderly holds your hand as it leads you into the darkness.
Zanna is aptly attuned to those around her, even as she struggles with her own descent into madness. Her story is written in a way that is so visceral that you feel it in your chest as though it is you experiencing it first hand – and for certain elements that the reader may relate to in their own lives, is a balm of recognition and understanding. I cannot downplay the significance and symbolism Gillian Dowell has woven throughout her magnetic tale.
This is a dark gothic novel, so as always check content warnings if needed. 🖤
Death follows Marzanna wherever she goes. Gillian Dowell masterfully captures the haunting emotions of grief, the cage of vulnerability, the treacherous lure of love, and the horrors our own minds can conjure.
Coupled with an unsettling ex-lover in Lance, who bleeds discomfort from the moment he’s introduced, a tender and caring soul in Dexter, haunted by his own mind, and an intriguing, mysterious stranger who may or may not be real; Gillian Dowell cultivates a disquieting atmosphere of discontent that tenderly holds your hand as it leads you into the darkness.
Zanna is aptly attuned to those around her, even as she struggles with her own descent into madness. Her story is written in a way that is so visceral that you feel it in your chest as though it is you experiencing it first hand – and for certain elements that the reader may relate to in their own lives, is a balm of recognition and understanding. I cannot downplay the significance and symbolism Gillian Dowell has woven throughout her magnetic tale.
This is a dark gothic novel, so as always check content warnings if needed. 🖤
November 20, 2022
A story that lingers... Infinite stars once again.
Gillian Dowell is my favorite author, she deserves all the hype in the universe for her magnetic storytelling. This is a haunting and beautiful tale that will leave you guessing until the end. Her mind is a beautiful place, I urge you to read her books. She is also such a sweetheart and I'm happy I got to know her a bit. 🖤
This one holds all the significance in the world to me. Ever heard of synchronicity💫
Gillian Dowell is my favorite author, she deserves all the hype in the universe for her magnetic storytelling. This is a haunting and beautiful tale that will leave you guessing until the end. Her mind is a beautiful place, I urge you to read her books. She is also such a sweetheart and I'm happy I got to know her a bit. 🖤
This one holds all the significance in the world to me. Ever heard of synchronicity💫
October 18, 2021
Paracosm features a house that’s on the surface—haunted. But is it really the house? Or is it the woman within?
Rife with allegory and metaphor, Paracosm is a unique tale of a woman plagued by death and cursed with loss. Surreal is definitely an accurate descriptor for the writing in Paracosm. Dowell does a brilliantly in creating this claustrophobic sense of inescapable death, twisting Marzanna’s reality to breaking point and back, and again and again until the line between reality and delusion is indistinguishable.
The first reading will give you all the pleasure of a slow burn, but the mystery that belies it all will have you turning pages until you reach that beautiful, bittersweet ending. The second you finish, the desire to re-read is REAL.
One of the most powerful themes the story imparts you with, is the power of one’s own mind. It has the power to create and destroy; the power to believe and deny. I love the questions this story raises, especially in the fact that it allows you the chance to ruminate on the answer yourself. As a big fan of interpretation, this tale leaves ample room for it, which gives it an almost timeless quality. Like death itself, Paracosm is different and personal to us all.
What I love the story for is its unapologetic embrace of the dark and all the emotions it fosters—love, hate, sorrow and red-raw anger; you feel it all with Marzanna right up until that satisfying last page…
Don’t wait up to read this—it’s a story that sticks.
Rife with allegory and metaphor, Paracosm is a unique tale of a woman plagued by death and cursed with loss. Surreal is definitely an accurate descriptor for the writing in Paracosm. Dowell does a brilliantly in creating this claustrophobic sense of inescapable death, twisting Marzanna’s reality to breaking point and back, and again and again until the line between reality and delusion is indistinguishable.
The first reading will give you all the pleasure of a slow burn, but the mystery that belies it all will have you turning pages until you reach that beautiful, bittersweet ending. The second you finish, the desire to re-read is REAL.
One of the most powerful themes the story imparts you with, is the power of one’s own mind. It has the power to create and destroy; the power to believe and deny. I love the questions this story raises, especially in the fact that it allows you the chance to ruminate on the answer yourself. As a big fan of interpretation, this tale leaves ample room for it, which gives it an almost timeless quality. Like death itself, Paracosm is different and personal to us all.
What I love the story for is its unapologetic embrace of the dark and all the emotions it fosters—love, hate, sorrow and red-raw anger; you feel it all with Marzanna right up until that satisfying last page…
Don’t wait up to read this—it’s a story that sticks.
December 28, 2024
A gothic love triangle
This had a great sense of pace and the book flew along.
I liked the protagonist a considerable amount, she was strong but vulnerable.
The love triangle aspect i wanted to go on longer as I liked the interplay between Dex and Lance.
As it was it still reached a satisfying yet melancholy conclusion. In fact the last chapter was really well done, there was hope in there, not quite a happy ending but it left you with a feeling of optimism. I don't think I'm doing it justice but this was great and the setting as well played a big part in the narrative.
Dowell has a confidence in her writing that evokes a time and place that drips with a vulgar sexuality that entices you in. Interview with the vampire with shades of Basic Instinct via the Fall of the House of Usher, if that makes sense.
This had a great sense of pace and the book flew along.
I liked the protagonist a considerable amount, she was strong but vulnerable.
The love triangle aspect i wanted to go on longer as I liked the interplay between Dex and Lance.
As it was it still reached a satisfying yet melancholy conclusion. In fact the last chapter was really well done, there was hope in there, not quite a happy ending but it left you with a feeling of optimism. I don't think I'm doing it justice but this was great and the setting as well played a big part in the narrative.
Dowell has a confidence in her writing that evokes a time and place that drips with a vulgar sexuality that entices you in. Interview with the vampire with shades of Basic Instinct via the Fall of the House of Usher, if that makes sense.
January 13, 2021
Wow!
Okay, the end! I mean, I shouldn’t start a review with the end of the book but I did just finish it and all I can say is WOW. OMG. WHAT. It is not at all what I expected but it is a satisfying conclusion to a great story.
Paracosm is definitely a must-read. Gillian Dowell has a fantastic way with words! She is descriptive, painting beautiful scenes and characters fluidly, giving us enough to remain utterly intrigued but never giving away the many secrets in Marzanna’s world.
Zanna. Oh, I very much like Zanna. She’s a complex character for certain and just when you think you’ve got her pinpointed, she reminds you that she’s a fully realized person and you NEVER can pinpoint real people.
Her motives are understandable but sad which creates a poignant message within her tale. Dowell definitely has important things to say and they come through very well, but don’t expect to spoon-fed. This is a thinker, but that doesn’t take the enjoyment away one bit! In fact, I’d say it adds to the entertainment of the book.
The story itself and the characters are more certainly enough to keep you turning the page, but the themes underlying their actions and thoughts are there to consider more deeply if you want to take the time to, and I definitely think you should.
Paracosm gets 5 stars from me! A+++
I can’t wait to dive into the author’s other work!
Okay, the end! I mean, I shouldn’t start a review with the end of the book but I did just finish it and all I can say is WOW. OMG. WHAT. It is not at all what I expected but it is a satisfying conclusion to a great story.
Paracosm is definitely a must-read. Gillian Dowell has a fantastic way with words! She is descriptive, painting beautiful scenes and characters fluidly, giving us enough to remain utterly intrigued but never giving away the many secrets in Marzanna’s world.
Zanna. Oh, I very much like Zanna. She’s a complex character for certain and just when you think you’ve got her pinpointed, she reminds you that she’s a fully realized person and you NEVER can pinpoint real people.
Her motives are understandable but sad which creates a poignant message within her tale. Dowell definitely has important things to say and they come through very well, but don’t expect to spoon-fed. This is a thinker, but that doesn’t take the enjoyment away one bit! In fact, I’d say it adds to the entertainment of the book.
The story itself and the characters are more certainly enough to keep you turning the page, but the themes underlying their actions and thoughts are there to consider more deeply if you want to take the time to, and I definitely think you should.
Paracosm gets 5 stars from me! A+++
I can’t wait to dive into the author’s other work!
September 6, 2020
Like the rhythmic beat of a heart, Dowell’s Paracosm has a steady pace, a haunting theme and a superbly descriptive narrative.
Zanna feels temporary relief with the passing of her last living family member. Plagued with the notion that everyone meets their maker because they’ve been touched by her presence, she is soon surrounded by three individuals—an old flame from her past, an old acquaintance and a new love interest.
True to it’s gothic theme, Zanna is mysteriously visited by a fourth character, who’s presence is ambiguous and constant.
With her surmounting fear of losing her friends, Zanna craves the solitude that only the eternal life can bring. Will she be able to find it, or will fate intervene?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and how well written and developed it was. Don’t let the page count of ~150 fool you—Dowell has managed to successfully expose a vulnerability, created characters that are easy to love and hate, all while keeping you drawn to the central question of the novel: what is Zanna’s fate?
Zanna feels temporary relief with the passing of her last living family member. Plagued with the notion that everyone meets their maker because they’ve been touched by her presence, she is soon surrounded by three individuals—an old flame from her past, an old acquaintance and a new love interest.
True to it’s gothic theme, Zanna is mysteriously visited by a fourth character, who’s presence is ambiguous and constant.
With her surmounting fear of losing her friends, Zanna craves the solitude that only the eternal life can bring. Will she be able to find it, or will fate intervene?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and how well written and developed it was. Don’t let the page count of ~150 fool you—Dowell has managed to successfully expose a vulnerability, created characters that are easy to love and hate, all while keeping you drawn to the central question of the novel: what is Zanna’s fate?
January 20, 2021
I'll be honest, I didn't know what to expect from this book. Was it a romance with horror elements, horror with romance elements? I honestly didn't know. And that was to my benefit, I think.
Without truly spoiling anything, Paracosm is a modern gothic, perhaps a sort of surreal style story telling. Dowell takes the time to build her characters and mystery, adding a morose and dread filled atmosphere to everything the main character touches, while keeping the reader charmed with the story.
The author manages through the tropes with ease, avoiding making it feel cliche. The dour and self-isolated main character, the abrasive, cocky, arrogant, piece of- I hated this character, I'm sorry. Add the mystery man, the gentle understanding man, and of course, the large house that attracts misfortune. or is it the house....
This is a well written story, that hits my love for the Gothic in a way that only a handful of other modern authors have managed to tickle my fancy with. I absolutely look forward to more from her.
Without truly spoiling anything, Paracosm is a modern gothic, perhaps a sort of surreal style story telling. Dowell takes the time to build her characters and mystery, adding a morose and dread filled atmosphere to everything the main character touches, while keeping the reader charmed with the story.
The author manages through the tropes with ease, avoiding making it feel cliche. The dour and self-isolated main character, the abrasive, cocky, arrogant, piece of- I hated this character, I'm sorry. Add the mystery man, the gentle understanding man, and of course, the large house that attracts misfortune. or is it the house....
This is a well written story, that hits my love for the Gothic in a way that only a handful of other modern authors have managed to tickle my fancy with. I absolutely look forward to more from her.
November 11, 2021
Not only did Gillian Dowell nail a modern gothic/horror/dark romance setting but her characters, damn. I absolutely love the way Gillian Dowell writes her characters. You grow and spiral with them. You feel their anguish and trauma. The pacing in this book is steady and flows wonderfully. It is very easy to become enthralled in Zanna's life. I devoured this book. Seriously, I kept trying to turn the last page because I wasn't ready for this story to be over (even if it was finished perfectly--I just wasn't ready). She built this gripping life in under 200 pages.
I recommend reading and then spending time researching the title, she is a clever one.
I recommend reading and then spending time researching the title, she is a clever one.
May 22, 2021
Wonderful dark fantasy romance novel. I adored the concept of the main character and the the fantasy element attached to them. The author describes it as a gothic romance and in regard to the protagonist I can't help but be reminded of stories like those of Poe where you can't tell if preternatual powers are really at play or if its just the work of the character's mind. Also the writing is wonderfully well done, coming across as professional as any traditionally published book. Loved it all 🖤 You simply must go get yourself a copy !
October 14, 2022
Haunting and alluring, dangerous and deadly, Paracosm begins at a funeral and things only deteriorate and darken from there. It was a book I dove into blindly guided by my devotion to Dowell's other works, and that is the only way to read it. The twists and turns had me constantly on edge. Any time I thought I could predict what would happen or was lulled into the false belief that this story would turn in a predictable direction would vanish at the next turned page. Marzanna was utterly convincing in her realism and written with such a deft and thoughtful touch. Like lovingly applied oil paints, each layer carefully added, allowed to dry, and then another layer added again. The spectral figure of the man in black was both symbolically archetypal and thoroughly real. That balance was particularly well done. I found myself questioning what was reality, how time was constructed, and whether madness or the slow decay of life was the culprit to all Marzanna's woes. Paracosm has crept under my skin, and I plan on re-reading it very soon.
April 19, 2022
Gillian Dowell’s PARACOSM has echoes of the Brontës and Oscar Wilde harmoniously reverberating though Jackson’s Hill House. It’s a hauntingly beautiful and timeless story, and if you pay attention, the title, along with the titular character’s name will give you all you need to know.
Because of the medium, and because some of you will nitpick the shit out of it because you have nothing better to do, I’ll say this: yes, there are errors, and yes, it’s a debut novel and some technical things could have been better. I don’t give a shit that those facets are part of what I read, and in this case, none of it detracted from its beauty.
Because of the medium, and because some of you will nitpick the shit out of it because you have nothing better to do, I’ll say this: yes, there are errors, and yes, it’s a debut novel and some technical things could have been better. I don’t give a shit that those facets are part of what I read, and in this case, none of it detracted from its beauty.
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August 20, 2021A read that kept escalating to the very last sentence. The characters also gave me… emotions! Accessible writing style, and another reviewer’s tip to look up the meaning of the title and the characters’ names once you’ve finished it was a good one! I’m looking forward to reading another of Dowell’s books— once I’ve processed this one! A solid Halloween, dark, sexual (some triggering material) read.
December 9, 2020
Paracosm is a book you will definitely want, and need, to read twice.
The first time you read it, you devour it, unable to stop reading. It draws you in with the allure of mystery. The entire time I read, I desperately sought out answers.
Marzanna's morbid history slowly unravels, while the present still guides you along to the finale. Answers are fleeting, yet there, when you look close enough. Upon finishing, I had questions, but still felt satisfied with what I read. When I was able to get answers to those questions, it opened Pandora's box; there is so much more to this book than what is on the surface. My thoughts on certain characters differed from the intended, yet still fit within the spectrum of what was intended. I think people can make inferences based on their own thoughts while reading, and like any tale, the meaning can differ for each person.
I highly recommend doing some research on the title and the characters names after reading, then read the book again with these new insights.
I look forward to reading Gillian's other novel!
The first time you read it, you devour it, unable to stop reading. It draws you in with the allure of mystery. The entire time I read, I desperately sought out answers.
Marzanna's morbid history slowly unravels, while the present still guides you along to the finale. Answers are fleeting, yet there, when you look close enough. Upon finishing, I had questions, but still felt satisfied with what I read. When I was able to get answers to those questions, it opened Pandora's box; there is so much more to this book than what is on the surface. My thoughts on certain characters differed from the intended, yet still fit within the spectrum of what was intended. I think people can make inferences based on their own thoughts while reading, and like any tale, the meaning can differ for each person.
I highly recommend doing some research on the title and the characters names after reading, then read the book again with these new insights.
I look forward to reading Gillian's other novel!
January 25, 2021
“The pain in my head throbbed to a countdown as my vision faded, my body taking over as I reluctantly gave in to the consuming darkness.”
—Gillian Dowell
PARACOSM by Gillian Dowell is deeply-rich with raw emotion that leaves readers reeling long after the last line has been read. By the wretched hands of fate, Marzanna’s entire existence is plagued with a death curse. As the story opens, she returns to her inherited childhood home after the funeral of her final family member.
With everyone she loved gone, she’s given a chance to start anew, or so it seems. In spite of her affliction, her wanton heart is in constant turmoil with her troubled mind as she’s faced with prospects: an old flame whom she pushed away and a beautiful stranger that sets her soul on fire, so much so that she dare not get close.
However, no matter how she tries to reconcile her deepest desires, darkness plagues her life, leaving her constantly questioning reality and ultimately, her sanity. Dowell’s ability to create complex, layered characters will make you ache for their plight and keep you pulled in until the bitter end. This gothic romance is absolutely enjoyable and highly recommended. The novel will continue to haunt you in the best, darkest way possible.
—Gillian Dowell
PARACOSM by Gillian Dowell is deeply-rich with raw emotion that leaves readers reeling long after the last line has been read. By the wretched hands of fate, Marzanna’s entire existence is plagued with a death curse. As the story opens, she returns to her inherited childhood home after the funeral of her final family member.
With everyone she loved gone, she’s given a chance to start anew, or so it seems. In spite of her affliction, her wanton heart is in constant turmoil with her troubled mind as she’s faced with prospects: an old flame whom she pushed away and a beautiful stranger that sets her soul on fire, so much so that she dare not get close.
However, no matter how she tries to reconcile her deepest desires, darkness plagues her life, leaving her constantly questioning reality and ultimately, her sanity. Dowell’s ability to create complex, layered characters will make you ache for their plight and keep you pulled in until the bitter end. This gothic romance is absolutely enjoyable and highly recommended. The novel will continue to haunt you in the best, darkest way possible.
May 11, 2021
Marzanna is a young woman who returns to her home town after the death of her grandmother. She stays in the house she grew up in - the house she experienced happy times, briefly, so long ago. Before darkness crept into her life. Before she pulled herself away from everyone she ever loved.
Marzanna believes there is a curse on her. She isolated herself for years for the fact she believes people she cares about die suddenly. This desire to remain hidden from the world turns out to be a hard task, with friends and lovers from her past wanting greatly - at times obsessively - to be part of her life. Take Lance, her ex lover. His attention balances between overbearing and downright abusive.
Lance does not take kindly to a new love interest in Zanna's life, a young man named Dexter. Zanna is torn between these connections in her life, in addition to the attentions of a mysterious and ghostly stranger who begins to follow her through the halls of her grandmother's house, urging her to kill. To bring death.
But there is more than meets the eye here. The lingering trauma of a past horror lies beneath everything. Gillian Dowell brings this to the forefront in a shocking scene near the end, masterfully written. This is a dark tale, and if you like the paranormal, have a read!
Marzanna believes there is a curse on her. She isolated herself for years for the fact she believes people she cares about die suddenly. This desire to remain hidden from the world turns out to be a hard task, with friends and lovers from her past wanting greatly - at times obsessively - to be part of her life. Take Lance, her ex lover. His attention balances between overbearing and downright abusive.
Lance does not take kindly to a new love interest in Zanna's life, a young man named Dexter. Zanna is torn between these connections in her life, in addition to the attentions of a mysterious and ghostly stranger who begins to follow her through the halls of her grandmother's house, urging her to kill. To bring death.
But there is more than meets the eye here. The lingering trauma of a past horror lies beneath everything. Gillian Dowell brings this to the forefront in a shocking scene near the end, masterfully written. This is a dark tale, and if you like the paranormal, have a read!
September 1, 2020
Gillian Dowell conjures up a pitch-perfect Gothic romance with Paracosm. A shadowy presence from Zanna's childhood returns after she buries her last living relative. Zanna fights off her worst fears as she begins her new life back in New Orleans. A budding romance, a new friend, and an old lover pull her in one direction while death always lingers close with the curse Zanna carries. Reality blends with Zanna's dark mind and plays out like a haunting nightmare. Paracosm lingers deep in your bones long after the shocking ending.
November 8, 2020
I'm normally not a romance person and I won't lie, goth is not my style, but this book is amazing!
Marzanna's stubborn passion drew me to her instantly. I love how she's always confidant in whatever she's doing.
And Lance... well I wanted to punch him in the face.
And Dexter, I fell for him instantly! (I have a crush on a fictional character in case anyone was wondering.)
The way Gillian uses description and body langue in the story is amazing also! You can always visualize exactly what the characters are doing. I loved it!
Marzanna's stubborn passion drew me to her instantly. I love how she's always confidant in whatever she's doing.
And Lance... well I wanted to punch him in the face.
And Dexter, I fell for him instantly! (I have a crush on a fictional character in case anyone was wondering.)
The way Gillian uses description and body langue in the story is amazing also! You can always visualize exactly what the characters are doing. I loved it!
February 4, 2021
I was intrigued by the premise of the book and really had no idea what to expect. Dowell tosses you head first into the mania that is Marzanna's world. She's troubled and plagued with death that nips at her heels until the very last words, leaving the reader desperate to escape the tomb her life has become. Paracosm was an exploration into the vast darkness which can both live within us, and, as with 'Zanna, can be projected outward, bringing our inner demons to life.
December 16, 2018
A strikingly confused novel with layers of dark revelation and brokenness. A story of love lost and life's eventual demise. A provokingly sexual tease with a taste of romance. Paracosm will have you quietly shrieking within the quiet darkness that it is and will keep you guessing until the very end.
March 23, 2021
I was blown away by Gillian’s writing and gripped by Marzanna’s story. Dowell spun an edgy tale of death and obsession that had me cringing and crying. I’m not even ashamed to admit that I read through an entire day—I couldn’t put it down. By the time I looked up from the last page I was sitting in an empty room catching glimpses of a dark figure in every corner.
August 9, 2020
I devoured this story much like death does the living. Gillian’s writing style is entirely unique, powerful, and a breath of fresh air in the dark romance genre. Big things are on the way from this new talent. Highly recommend!
September 14, 2020
Dowell’s writing style is captivating and poetic. She creates a connection between readers and her main character, Marzanna, through emotional and psychological elements and scenes throughout the story.
December 28, 2018
Excellent book
I like the story line. I also like how everything was so descriptive. I could actually visualize everything very clearly. Well written!! Hope for another soon.
I like the story line. I also like how everything was so descriptive. I could actually visualize everything very clearly. Well written!! Hope for another soon.
October 30, 2019
Great reading material. Highly recommend. Hope to see more from this talented author!
November 17, 2019
Great book! Lots of surprises!!
September 17, 2023
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥
From the author of Hello, Dove, 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗼𝘀𝗺, is her debut novel, 150-ish pages and is beautifully left open to interpretation that will be different with each person that reads it.
Marzanna is coming back home after having been gone for a decade. She left home because she felt she was the cause of death for those who she let get close to her. Darkness follows her or maybe is in her. Why?
There's so many layers to this story and I feel it's hard to say much without giving anything away, (Gillian has amazing notes and tidbits on some of the meanings that piece everything together more so if you are someone who would like to know those things after reasong I encourage you to reach out to her) but know it'd be the perfect book to slip in this fall.
It's dark but not grotesque. The subtly is there and depends again on how you wish to read or dig into it.
If you've never believed that darkness and death can be written as velvety or sexy, I urge you to pick up one of Gillians' books.
From the author of Hello, Dove, 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗼𝘀𝗺, is her debut novel, 150-ish pages and is beautifully left open to interpretation that will be different with each person that reads it.
Marzanna is coming back home after having been gone for a decade. She left home because she felt she was the cause of death for those who she let get close to her. Darkness follows her or maybe is in her. Why?
There's so many layers to this story and I feel it's hard to say much without giving anything away, (Gillian has amazing notes and tidbits on some of the meanings that piece everything together more so if you are someone who would like to know those things after reasong I encourage you to reach out to her) but know it'd be the perfect book to slip in this fall.
It's dark but not grotesque. The subtly is there and depends again on how you wish to read or dig into it.
If you've never believed that darkness and death can be written as velvety or sexy, I urge you to pick up one of Gillians' books.
November 28, 2022
Gillian Dowell's debut novel, Paracosm, is equal parts haunting, terrifying, tragic, heartbreaking, and riveting. As the reader gets further into the story and discovers the tragic curse surrounding main character Zanna, we hope for some sort of healing to all of the hardships that have been forced upon her throughout her life. She is a well drawn out character, as are the other members of the novel, and the story is brilliantly told from beginning to end.
February 12, 2019
wow, a new paradigm in stories with a twist.. a must read for those who dont like being "spoon fed" their story lines. this one will make you think or will be "out of your league"..
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