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A Sealed Fate
Upbeat and contemporary in style, this riveting narrative features an eclectic mix of characters awash with local color. To escape the pain of failed relationships and careers, both Valda and Larissa take themselves to the exotic locale of Dubai, seeking not only success but a general purpose in life. Valda does indeed find fulfillment and, to her astonishment, love but all is threatened when she is introduced to a billionaire Sheikh. Her clandestine relationship with the Sheikh propels her into a murky web of deceit, and she turns to her friend for help. As an astrologer, Larissa predicts that Valda and the Sheikh's destinies were decided from the moment of their first meeting, but she keeps the dire outcome foretold in the charts a secret. Together, the two women soon find themselves gambling in a game of cosmic Russian roulette where the stakes are their lives and their adversary is fate itself. Bravely merging genres and sensitively embracing personal relationships, this spiritual and gritty thriller illustrates the complex theme of choice versus chance.
226 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2009
4 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Gordon
17 books39 followersLisa won first place in the 9th American Gem Literary Awards
http://www.newswire.net/newsroom/pr/0...
An only child to a single Mum, Lisa was born and brought up in Johannesburg, South Africa. Despite a lifelong ambition to act, she enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand to do a BCom Law. She later moved to UK, where she achieved a BSc Industrial Economics Hons Degree from Warwick. Still wanting to be a star - her Mum encouraged her to study 'The Stars' and Lisa became an Astrologer. Lisa worked on hospital radio for many year, before becomming a regular Astrology guest on BBC local radio. As an Astrologer Lisa was always asked by her clients to make black and white definitive predictions about their futures: this made Lisa ponder the role of fate in our lives and how much freewill we really had. Hence the plot for her philosophical thriller, 'A Sealed Fate' was born. Choice versus chance - which prevails?
Lisa wrote her book while also writing the ACA Chartered Accountants exams. She hopes to become a successful writer, not an accountant! Lisa is grateful to the wonderful support of both strangers and friends and their inspiration. Lisa is also grateful for having a 'power-house' Mum; who is her biggest supporter and best buddie.
http://www.newswire.net/newsroom/pr/0...
An only child to a single Mum, Lisa was born and brought up in Johannesburg, South Africa. Despite a lifelong ambition to act, she enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand to do a BCom Law. She later moved to UK, where she achieved a BSc Industrial Economics Hons Degree from Warwick. Still wanting to be a star - her Mum encouraged her to study 'The Stars' and Lisa became an Astrologer. Lisa worked on hospital radio for many year, before becomming a regular Astrology guest on BBC local radio. As an Astrologer Lisa was always asked by her clients to make black and white definitive predictions about their futures: this made Lisa ponder the role of fate in our lives and how much freewill we really had. Hence the plot for her philosophical thriller, 'A Sealed Fate' was born. Choice versus chance - which prevails?
Lisa wrote her book while also writing the ACA Chartered Accountants exams. She hopes to become a successful writer, not an accountant! Lisa is grateful to the wonderful support of both strangers and friends and their inspiration. Lisa is also grateful for having a 'power-house' Mum; who is her biggest supporter and best buddie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 28, 2013
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
First of all I want to thank the author , Lisa Gordon, again for being so nice to send me a copy of her book for review.
A Sealed Fate, being a thriller, isn't my usual genre at all. I almost never read thrillers but I wanted to try it anyway because I liked the synopsis a lot and usually really like gritty books. Also every now and then I like to mix things up in reading books.
A Sealed Fate brings us to the exotic city of Dubai where we meet Valda who after going through a bad break-up left South Africa to accept a new job as singer in a club. One night she meets the rich Sheikh who also ownes the club. That's when Valda's real problems start.
I must say that I really love exotic settings like in this book, places where I have never been but dream about. However that is my only positive note on this book, unfortunately. Overall, I didn't like this book at all. I feel really bad about that because I wish I loved every book I read but sadly enough that's not always the case.
My major issues with this book were the poor writing, characters I couldn't connect with at all and the over-usage (is this even a word?) of exclamation points.
The writing didn't flow smoothly enough for my liking and the pace was very slow. I really dislike books that are like that. At times I had to force myself to continue reading. This is never a good thing.
I didn't feel a thing for any of the characters. Valda the least of all. I just couldn't connect with her or anyone else. It's sad because characters are pretty much the most important things in books mostly.
I know I'm not the only one saying this about this book but there was so much use of exclamation points even when it's a normal sentence. I felt like they were shouting at the freaking time in this book. Yes, it really bugged me. Le sigh.
All in all, A Sealed Fate was personally for me a no-go. Maybe thrillers aren't my thing but I just couldn't find anything I liked about it except for the gorgeous setting. I hope people won't be too discouraged by me because readers who love gritty thrillers might like it after all.
First of all I want to thank the author , Lisa Gordon, again for being so nice to send me a copy of her book for review.
A Sealed Fate, being a thriller, isn't my usual genre at all. I almost never read thrillers but I wanted to try it anyway because I liked the synopsis a lot and usually really like gritty books. Also every now and then I like to mix things up in reading books.
A Sealed Fate brings us to the exotic city of Dubai where we meet Valda who after going through a bad break-up left South Africa to accept a new job as singer in a club. One night she meets the rich Sheikh who also ownes the club. That's when Valda's real problems start.
I must say that I really love exotic settings like in this book, places where I have never been but dream about. However that is my only positive note on this book, unfortunately. Overall, I didn't like this book at all. I feel really bad about that because I wish I loved every book I read but sadly enough that's not always the case.
My major issues with this book were the poor writing, characters I couldn't connect with at all and the over-usage (is this even a word?) of exclamation points.
The writing didn't flow smoothly enough for my liking and the pace was very slow. I really dislike books that are like that. At times I had to force myself to continue reading. This is never a good thing.
I didn't feel a thing for any of the characters. Valda the least of all. I just couldn't connect with her or anyone else. It's sad because characters are pretty much the most important things in books mostly.
I know I'm not the only one saying this about this book but there was so much use of exclamation points even when it's a normal sentence. I felt like they were shouting at the freaking time in this book. Yes, it really bugged me. Le sigh.
All in all, A Sealed Fate was personally for me a no-go. Maybe thrillers aren't my thing but I just couldn't find anything I liked about it except for the gorgeous setting. I hope people won't be too discouraged by me because readers who love gritty thrillers might like it after all.
February 5, 2013
Thrillers can be so cookie cutter today, so it was nice to encounter one that clearly was not. A Sealed Fate draws readers in by setting a fantastic scene: an outsider's view of Dubai.
And setting, for thrillers, is so important. To really feel the tension, one must be able to really see the setting, to imagine oneself in it. It's no easy task, but Lisa Gordon does it well, painting for us a detailed picture of life in Dubai, providing us with a variety of creative, independent characters that make the plot pop even more.
Valda is a woman with a broken past, seeking a new start, a new life, in a new land. But as things seem to be turning in her favor, she meets a billionaire sheikh, and all bets are off. Her friend, Larissa, an astrologer, tells her that both she and the shadowy sheikh are sealed together (hence the title), but at the same time, she keeps some secrets back from Valda.
Gordon's novel is a short one, and that works in its favor. She keeps her plot moving at a quick pace which keeps the reader's attention, yet she doesn't quicken it enough to skirt around character depth or setting detail. It's the type of book that is easily read in a few sittings (or even one, if you're truly hooked!), but it stays with you as well. Gordon's writing style lends itself well to mystery and suspense. If she keeps it up (which I'm sure she will), she'll have plenty of more great stories coming our way!
And setting, for thrillers, is so important. To really feel the tension, one must be able to really see the setting, to imagine oneself in it. It's no easy task, but Lisa Gordon does it well, painting for us a detailed picture of life in Dubai, providing us with a variety of creative, independent characters that make the plot pop even more.
Valda is a woman with a broken past, seeking a new start, a new life, in a new land. But as things seem to be turning in her favor, she meets a billionaire sheikh, and all bets are off. Her friend, Larissa, an astrologer, tells her that both she and the shadowy sheikh are sealed together (hence the title), but at the same time, she keeps some secrets back from Valda.
Gordon's novel is a short one, and that works in its favor. She keeps her plot moving at a quick pace which keeps the reader's attention, yet she doesn't quicken it enough to skirt around character depth or setting detail. It's the type of book that is easily read in a few sittings (or even one, if you're truly hooked!), but it stays with you as well. Gordon's writing style lends itself well to mystery and suspense. If she keeps it up (which I'm sure she will), she'll have plenty of more great stories coming our way!
May 6, 2013
This was another free Prime book FAIL. This was a hot mess, just bad: badly written, badly developed, poorly plotted, no character development to speak of. Gordon uses a lot of exclamation points!!!!! The idea of having female friendship (rather than a romantic interest) be central to the story was a good one, but these two women seemed to have nothing in common, and the main character returns to Dubai to mend a broken heart. I am so tired of Amazon offering either this kind of poorly written crap or erotica or stuff everyone has read (Hunger Games, anyone?) on Prime; it makes Prime only good for the free two-day shipping.
March 28, 2009
Really loved this. Unusual in terms of its conception and style; it really hooked me. Although it is an action packed thriller there was something very personal and emotional about the story: I almost felt as if by reading it I had been let into a secret.
The chacacters are well drawn, especially Valda and the author weaves the theme of fate and freewill expertly through the book.
Lots of quirky characters add colour and there is the odd laugh as well.
The chacacters are well drawn, especially Valda and the author weaves the theme of fate and freewill expertly through the book.
Lots of quirky characters add colour and there is the odd laugh as well.
September 20, 2013
Overall, this book was ok - some of the plot points were a little weak, and a few times the switch of the point of view was confusingly laid out. It was moderately paced, and the main character was fairly interesting, but there was nothing in particular that stood out or made the book memorable. I didn't regret reading it, but I wasn't in love with it, either.
December 2, 2012
For everyone who believes in friendship at first sight, this book is a must read. The characters are well conceptualized and the author's knowledge of the settings, be it South Africa or even Dubai are excellent. I do believe settings also have a very important role to play in any novel.
Fate brings Valda, a singer - who has taken up a job in Dubai - to escape from a failed relationship and Larissa (Lara) - an astrologer who is perhaps searching for her own self, together. The client-astrologer relationship fades away in the very first meeting and a true, trusting friendship is born.
There are so many snippets of wisdom in this book. I quote two of my favourite paragraphs here:
In one scene, Lara tells Valda - Success is ephemeral and when it ceases to be, you cease to be with it. We are all more than our date of birth, our martial status, and our successes and failures. It's all ashes and dust, but the lessons we learn stay within our soul for eternity.
I've been a firm believer that we are in the driving seat of our life's chariot. True, unexpected painful things can happen. Not being able to find a soul mate, separation, illness, loss of a loved one, and so on. It is up to us how to handle such obstacles and overcome them, as we continue to drive on life's pathway. But then, does fate have a say in how things pan out? This is a question I've often asked myself and it was answered by Lara.
"When we can't decide or fail to choose, or if we believe we have no choice, fate chooses for us. I believe that we fail to decide or commit to something totally due to a battle raging between our conscious will and our spiritual will; this produces a frustrating stalement of depression and torment. We stumble along until our higher conscious and ego come into alignment, then anything is possible."
But, let me not digress. Valda is trapped in the web set down by a Sheikh who owns many hotels, including the one she works in as a singer. There is perhaps no escape. But then, Lara - comes to her rescue. While this Sheikh meets a justified end... the ending of the book is not perhaps what I had visualised.
Lara and Valda meet for one last time in New York, and Valda is eagerly anticipating a visit from Brett - perhaps this romance would blossom? There is an unexpected twist, even as both Lara and Valda are able to move on, albeit in different dimensional spheres (let me not say more, for this you have to read the book).
The last sentence in the novel, aptly is: The End, and The Beginning.
Fate brings Valda, a singer - who has taken up a job in Dubai - to escape from a failed relationship and Larissa (Lara) - an astrologer who is perhaps searching for her own self, together. The client-astrologer relationship fades away in the very first meeting and a true, trusting friendship is born.
There are so many snippets of wisdom in this book. I quote two of my favourite paragraphs here:
In one scene, Lara tells Valda - Success is ephemeral and when it ceases to be, you cease to be with it. We are all more than our date of birth, our martial status, and our successes and failures. It's all ashes and dust, but the lessons we learn stay within our soul for eternity.
I've been a firm believer that we are in the driving seat of our life's chariot. True, unexpected painful things can happen. Not being able to find a soul mate, separation, illness, loss of a loved one, and so on. It is up to us how to handle such obstacles and overcome them, as we continue to drive on life's pathway. But then, does fate have a say in how things pan out? This is a question I've often asked myself and it was answered by Lara.
"When we can't decide or fail to choose, or if we believe we have no choice, fate chooses for us. I believe that we fail to decide or commit to something totally due to a battle raging between our conscious will and our spiritual will; this produces a frustrating stalement of depression and torment. We stumble along until our higher conscious and ego come into alignment, then anything is possible."
But, let me not digress. Valda is trapped in the web set down by a Sheikh who owns many hotels, including the one she works in as a singer. There is perhaps no escape. But then, Lara - comes to her rescue. While this Sheikh meets a justified end... the ending of the book is not perhaps what I had visualised.
Lara and Valda meet for one last time in New York, and Valda is eagerly anticipating a visit from Brett - perhaps this romance would blossom? There is an unexpected twist, even as both Lara and Valda are able to move on, albeit in different dimensional spheres (let me not say more, for this you have to read the book).
The last sentence in the novel, aptly is: The End, and The Beginning.
April 6, 2013
“A Sealed Fate” by Lisa Gordon is a perfect blend of contemporary women’s fiction and a mystery thriller. Fate brings Valda, a woman running from a failed relationship and Larissa, an astrologer, together, forming a strong bond and friendship. Valda was an entertainer who becomes trapped in downward spiral of vice after unwisely accepting the proposal of a Sheikh she meets while working in Dubai. She finds Lara at a time when she is searching for the ‘whys’ of her life. Lara’s deep belief in fate and a person’s hand in determining their future help to guide and ground Valda, showing her that no matter what happens, it is what you take away from the experience that is important. When the two women set to righting wrongs and freeing Valda from the clutches of the sheikh, they make a formidable team. Will they each take something away from this that will help them on life’s journey? Will their friendship stand the test of time and other planes of existence?
Lisa Gordon has created characters so unique, yet so real I found myself, totally engaged, feeling their fear, frustration, joy and laughter! The relationship between Valda and Larissa ran beautifully deep, with the real give and take of true friends. Her descriptions of Dubai, complete with its nightlife, the sights and sounds, the smells of native cuisine, were vividly alive and enchanting. With a treacherously winding plot, the ending was, indeed, not easily arrived at or ferreted out early on! Well done! I highly recommend this book and this author!
Readers' Favorite Review
Lisa Gordon has created characters so unique, yet so real I found myself, totally engaged, feeling their fear, frustration, joy and laughter! The relationship between Valda and Larissa ran beautifully deep, with the real give and take of true friends. Her descriptions of Dubai, complete with its nightlife, the sights and sounds, the smells of native cuisine, were vividly alive and enchanting. With a treacherously winding plot, the ending was, indeed, not easily arrived at or ferreted out early on! Well done! I highly recommend this book and this author!
Readers' Favorite Review
January 3, 2013
I don’t know why I chose to buy A Sealed Fate, but I do know I ended up with a book that I now place high on my top all time best books - EVER.
Lisa Gordon is not just a talented writer with an amazing ability to create mind tingling prose. No, in A Sealed Fate she put on a full scale stage production with me sitting front row center. She took me on a whirlwind behind the scenes tour of the glitzy nightlife of Dubai, I tasted the culinary delights of its cafes and experienced the aromas and sounds of its exotic markets. I wondered the backstreets of Cape Town and listened in awe to the Cape Flats’ accents and I heard the wind rustle through the palms while watching waves crash on the white sandy beaches with Table Top Mountain hovering in the background.
Gordon painted a portrait of Valda, her lead character that captivated me from the start. Intense, adventurous, somewhat unsure of herself, yet seeking answers to inner questions, Valda set out on a journey that was packed with unknowns. Each page was filled with tempting tidbits that wove a deeper and deeper plot. I found myself leafing back through the pages to see if I was really on track with Valda’s intentions or was I being thrown a twist to derail my thoughts.
I bookmarked a number of pages while I was reading this story and I found myself going back several days later and rereading them. This really is one of those stories that you analyze time and time again after you’re done. And the ending? No way I saw that coming – simply brilliant.
All in all it was like reading the travels of Jack Kerouac wrapped with the suspense and thrills of Sydney Sheldon.
Lisa Gordon – if you read this review then please…please tell me when you’re coming out with your next story – you had me at page one - I’m hooked.
Lisa Gordon is not just a talented writer with an amazing ability to create mind tingling prose. No, in A Sealed Fate she put on a full scale stage production with me sitting front row center. She took me on a whirlwind behind the scenes tour of the glitzy nightlife of Dubai, I tasted the culinary delights of its cafes and experienced the aromas and sounds of its exotic markets. I wondered the backstreets of Cape Town and listened in awe to the Cape Flats’ accents and I heard the wind rustle through the palms while watching waves crash on the white sandy beaches with Table Top Mountain hovering in the background.
Gordon painted a portrait of Valda, her lead character that captivated me from the start. Intense, adventurous, somewhat unsure of herself, yet seeking answers to inner questions, Valda set out on a journey that was packed with unknowns. Each page was filled with tempting tidbits that wove a deeper and deeper plot. I found myself leafing back through the pages to see if I was really on track with Valda’s intentions or was I being thrown a twist to derail my thoughts.
I bookmarked a number of pages while I was reading this story and I found myself going back several days later and rereading them. This really is one of those stories that you analyze time and time again after you’re done. And the ending? No way I saw that coming – simply brilliant.
All in all it was like reading the travels of Jack Kerouac wrapped with the suspense and thrills of Sydney Sheldon.
Lisa Gordon – if you read this review then please…please tell me when you’re coming out with your next story – you had me at page one - I’m hooked.
June 24, 2013
For who?
I was issued a free copy for an honest review.
I’m still trying to figure out the excitement. It was lackluster at best. Starts our very well with our heroine, Valda leaving South Africa to Dubai for a new life. She’s leaving behind her long time boyfriend Richard and hopes to rebuild her flailing signing career. She accepts a job at Flannagans, which is owned by one Shiekh Abdullah bin RASHID Al Khaimah. He’s in the business of importing cocaine and heroin from contacts in SA. Valda becomes his new, unwitting carrier pigeon. The pay is handsome, but deep down, Valda fears this a tentative partnership at best. It is. Those who came before her, mysteriously met untimely deaths.
Okay, that’s a great premise for a thriller. Sadly, It isn’t the focal point of the story. In fact, there isn’t one main plot, but three. This was a disappointment.
We have the Shiekh/Valda, Valda/Richard, Valda/Brett and finally, Valda/Larissa. When the story veers off course addressing relationships, it really bogs down. Granted, the Author Lisa Gordon is a practicing Astrologer and Philosopher, but how is this relevant for a clandestine thriller? For me, chapters 6, 7 and 11 where nothing more than filler.
Punctuation: It would behoove the publisher/author to take another stab at it. The overuse of exclamation points diluted the character development; all of them. How can a reader develop feelings or empathy when everyone is constantly shouting?!
I listed the cons, but there are some pros. This book is obviously not for everyone, but for those who have a troubled soul and are looking for hope that all is not lost, with the help of friends, or a psychic, you won’t be disappointed.
For the rest of us, it’s a pass.
3 stars.
I was issued a free copy for an honest review.
I’m still trying to figure out the excitement. It was lackluster at best. Starts our very well with our heroine, Valda leaving South Africa to Dubai for a new life. She’s leaving behind her long time boyfriend Richard and hopes to rebuild her flailing signing career. She accepts a job at Flannagans, which is owned by one Shiekh Abdullah bin RASHID Al Khaimah. He’s in the business of importing cocaine and heroin from contacts in SA. Valda becomes his new, unwitting carrier pigeon. The pay is handsome, but deep down, Valda fears this a tentative partnership at best. It is. Those who came before her, mysteriously met untimely deaths.
Okay, that’s a great premise for a thriller. Sadly, It isn’t the focal point of the story. In fact, there isn’t one main plot, but three. This was a disappointment.
We have the Shiekh/Valda, Valda/Richard, Valda/Brett and finally, Valda/Larissa. When the story veers off course addressing relationships, it really bogs down. Granted, the Author Lisa Gordon is a practicing Astrologer and Philosopher, but how is this relevant for a clandestine thriller? For me, chapters 6, 7 and 11 where nothing more than filler.
Punctuation: It would behoove the publisher/author to take another stab at it. The overuse of exclamation points diluted the character development; all of them. How can a reader develop feelings or empathy when everyone is constantly shouting?!
I listed the cons, but there are some pros. This book is obviously not for everyone, but for those who have a troubled soul and are looking for hope that all is not lost, with the help of friends, or a psychic, you won’t be disappointed.
For the rest of us, it’s a pass.
3 stars.
December 26, 2012
The book is a unique blend of chick-lit and thriller in an unusual setting and with an unusual theme at the centre - the concept of sacrificial and compensatory karma. The author revs up the tension with her main character, the singer and wannabe rock star, Valda, who speeds through life in a sequence of emotional car crashes until she washes up on Dubai's shores at the feet of the mysterious Sheikh, who, whilst pretending to be her patron, has his own needs to satisfy. And boy does Valda satisfy them until she realises, when in very deep, that she has predecessors with the same experience. The only problem is she can't consult them because they are all dead - in suspicious circumstances. So what does a resourceful girl do when she needs her fortune telling? She consults an astrologer. Enter Lara, who has a name to come in this book. There are little oases of stillness when the author takes us on leisurely tours of the City State's night spots and its haute cuisine; we rub shoulders with the beautiful and rich but we never travel far from that naqging question of destiny and the price you have to pay to change it. The work builds up to a tense and truly novel conclusion and, if I had a beef, it would be that she takes the ending by storm instead of allowing us to savour it a little more. All in all a cracking debut with some very good stuff going on in there.
Want to read
March 8, 2012I won this book as a Goodreads First Read.
January 16, 2013
Valda is fleeing a broken life. On Table Mountain they took no notice of her scream of anguish but in the part of the Empty Quarter they call Dubai she finds it’s just the same old game of promises, promises, the good-hearted and generous of spirit invited not so much into the parlour as the Bedouin tent, and finding herself in the clutches of a devious predator. Scheherazade had to spin endless tales to stay alive; Lisa Gordon’s Valda has to feed a different habit and when the evil sheikh has had his fill of her she knows she will end up like her predecessors, buried under sands which consumed Ozymandias, the king of kings. It is then she has her chance meeting with Larissa. This practitioner of the ars mathematica damnabilis has a plan which might just enable Valda to escape her Arabian nightmare. These two women make a formidable team, each complementing the other’s strength and weaknesses. Instead of tales they spin their web to lure the spider from his lair…
I like my heroine hot; I like her to be a goddess. I want to hold her metaphorically in my arms and whisper not sweet nothings but the Eleusinian, the Andanian, the Dionysian, all the chthonic mysteries. I want to hold her taut body and tell her it’s no problem, it’ll all be right on the Arabian night. Valda does that for me and there’s the other thing about this book too: it reminds those who know it already and it tells all those poor s.ob’s who don’t that this ain’t it babe, it’s not all there is, there’s more out there, this is just the beginning of the adventure. It makes you want to exult in the joy of the physical world whilst staring longingly at the curtain which marks the entrance to the next. Enjoy
I like my heroine hot; I like her to be a goddess. I want to hold her metaphorically in my arms and whisper not sweet nothings but the Eleusinian, the Andanian, the Dionysian, all the chthonic mysteries. I want to hold her taut body and tell her it’s no problem, it’ll all be right on the Arabian night. Valda does that for me and there’s the other thing about this book too: it reminds those who know it already and it tells all those poor s.ob’s who don’t that this ain’t it babe, it’s not all there is, there’s more out there, this is just the beginning of the adventure. It makes you want to exult in the joy of the physical world whilst staring longingly at the curtain which marks the entrance to the next. Enjoy
June 6, 2013
A Sealed Fate
by
Lisa Gordon
Upbeat and contemporary in style, this riveting narrative features an eclectic mix of characters awash with local color. To escape the pain of failed relationships and careers, both Valda and Larissa take themselves to the exotic locale of Dubai, seeking not only success but a general purpose in life. Valda does indeed find fulfillment--and, to her astonishment, love--but all is threatened when she is introduced to a billionaire Sheikh. Her clandestine relationship with the Sheikh propels her into a murky web of deceit, and she turns to her friend for help. As an astrologer, Larissa predicts that Valda and the Sheikh's destinies were decided from the moment of their first meeting, but she keeps the dire outcome foretold in the charts a secret. Together, the two women soon find themselves gambling in a game of cosmic Russian roulette where the stakes are their lives and their adversary is fate itself. Bravely merging genres and sensitively embracing personal relationships, this spiritual and gritty thriller illustrates the complex theme of choice versus chance.
I loved this book! It took me a little bit to get into the setting since it was a totally different country than I'm used to. This is a great read. The ending was amazing. This is the first book I've read by this author, but I'd love to read more.
I rate this book 4 stars.
Jennifer W
complimentary book given for a free review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
by
Lisa Gordon
Upbeat and contemporary in style, this riveting narrative features an eclectic mix of characters awash with local color. To escape the pain of failed relationships and careers, both Valda and Larissa take themselves to the exotic locale of Dubai, seeking not only success but a general purpose in life. Valda does indeed find fulfillment--and, to her astonishment, love--but all is threatened when she is introduced to a billionaire Sheikh. Her clandestine relationship with the Sheikh propels her into a murky web of deceit, and she turns to her friend for help. As an astrologer, Larissa predicts that Valda and the Sheikh's destinies were decided from the moment of their first meeting, but she keeps the dire outcome foretold in the charts a secret. Together, the two women soon find themselves gambling in a game of cosmic Russian roulette where the stakes are their lives and their adversary is fate itself. Bravely merging genres and sensitively embracing personal relationships, this spiritual and gritty thriller illustrates the complex theme of choice versus chance.
I loved this book! It took me a little bit to get into the setting since it was a totally different country than I'm used to. This is a great read. The ending was amazing. This is the first book I've read by this author, but I'd love to read more.
I rate this book 4 stars.
Jennifer W
complimentary book given for a free review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
November 29, 2013
Valda just arrived in Dubai and is ready for a fresh start after a horrific breakup. She is ready to begin her new life as a singer in the nightclub, Flanagan’s. Things were going okay for her, until the night she met the club’s owner… Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khaimah. The Sheikh asks Valda for a favor, which she reluctantly agrees to and she is rewarded with a new car. Along the way, Valda realizes she may be too deep in the Sheikh’s business, so she consults a local astrologer. Larissa and Valda not only resemble each other, but they also form an immediate strong bond of friendship. Will Larissa be able to help Valda, before it is too late?
The author demonstrates how far friends will go to help one another in a time of need. She also uses her knowledge of astrology in this book to establish the connections between current relationships and the past. Unfortunately, the author uses a tremendous amount of exclamation points in her writing, which is quite distracting. For American readers, there are a few phrases and terms that are not as easily understood. The story is told mostly from Valda’s point of view, with an occasional short amount from Larissa which can be confusing at times. Overall the premise of this story is very intriguing, but the punctuation errors weaken the flow of the book.
Notes:
The author provided a copy of the book for me to review.
This review was originally posted on Ariesgrl Book Reviews.
The author demonstrates how far friends will go to help one another in a time of need. She also uses her knowledge of astrology in this book to establish the connections between current relationships and the past. Unfortunately, the author uses a tremendous amount of exclamation points in her writing, which is quite distracting. For American readers, there are a few phrases and terms that are not as easily understood. The story is told mostly from Valda’s point of view, with an occasional short amount from Larissa which can be confusing at times. Overall the premise of this story is very intriguing, but the punctuation errors weaken the flow of the book.
Notes:
The author provided a copy of the book for me to review.
This review was originally posted on Ariesgrl Book Reviews.
June 1, 2013
Upbeat and contemporary in style, this riveting narrative features an eclectic mix of characters awash with local color. To escape the pain of failed relationships and careers, both Valda and Larissa take themselves to the exotic locale of Dubai, seeking not only success but a general purpose in life. Valda does indeed find fulfillment--and, to her astonishment, love--but all is threatened when she is introduced to a billionaire Sheikh. Her clandestine relationship with the Sheikh propels her into a murky web of deceit, and she turns to her friend for help. As an astrologer, Larissa predicts that Valda and the Sheikh's destinies were decided from the moment of their first meeting, but she keeps the dire outcome foretold in the charts a secret. Together, the two women soon find themselves gambling in a game of cosmic Russian roulette where the stakes are their lives and their adversary is fate itself. Bravely merging genres and sensitively embracing personal relationships, this spiritual and gritty thriller illustrates the complex theme of choice versus chance.
I loved this book! It took me a little bit to get into the setting since it was a totally different country than I'm used to. This is a great read. The ending was amazing. This is the first book I've read by this author, but I'd love to read more.
I loved this book! It took me a little bit to get into the setting since it was a totally different country than I'm used to. This is a great read. The ending was amazing. This is the first book I've read by this author, but I'd love to read more.
May 14, 2013
Tasty cocktail of romance, intrigue and mystery!
One of the most endearing characters of this novel is its spunky heroine Valda, a young woman on the rebound from a failed relationship and consequent suicide attempt. Desperate to start a new chapter in her life, she leaves South Africa and lands a job as a singer for a band in one of Dubai's big hotels. There she finds favor and patronage from a somewhat dodgy sheikh who eventually manipulates her into transporting a few mysterious packages from Cape Town to Dubai.
After a chance encounter in transit with an attractive geologist launches her on a tentative new love affair, tugging her emotionally in new directions, she soon finds herself wondering exactly where her life is going. Enter ex-pat astrologer Larissa who, over the course of a couple of readings, credibly paints Valda a picture of her destiny and gives her just enough of a glimpse of her future to summon the courage to take more than one great leap of faith.
For readers who enjoy a cocktail of romance, intrigue and mystery set against the exotic locales of Cape Town and Dubai, this could be the perfect beverage. And if you like a twisted lemon peel in your drink, this one has a twist at the end too, but you'll have to read it to discover it.
One of the most endearing characters of this novel is its spunky heroine Valda, a young woman on the rebound from a failed relationship and consequent suicide attempt. Desperate to start a new chapter in her life, she leaves South Africa and lands a job as a singer for a band in one of Dubai's big hotels. There she finds favor and patronage from a somewhat dodgy sheikh who eventually manipulates her into transporting a few mysterious packages from Cape Town to Dubai.
After a chance encounter in transit with an attractive geologist launches her on a tentative new love affair, tugging her emotionally in new directions, she soon finds herself wondering exactly where her life is going. Enter ex-pat astrologer Larissa who, over the course of a couple of readings, credibly paints Valda a picture of her destiny and gives her just enough of a glimpse of her future to summon the courage to take more than one great leap of faith.
For readers who enjoy a cocktail of romance, intrigue and mystery set against the exotic locales of Cape Town and Dubai, this could be the perfect beverage. And if you like a twisted lemon peel in your drink, this one has a twist at the end too, but you'll have to read it to discover it.
June 9, 2013
This book was fun to read because it dealt with fate versus chance. I like characters that have inner battles and Valda is that type of character. Valda leaves her life and problems behind and she moves to Dubai. She was trying to start over, but as the book progressed I realized that the fates had other plans for her. I was a little upset that Larissa didn't tell Valda her prediction. I felt like she abusing her gift, and she didn't believe in her vision. I also wanted to read more of the future from her.
I couldn't believe that Valda let herself get caught up with the Sheikh. She had no idea how powerful he was and how far his reach is. I was proud of Valda towards the end of the book because she started to grow as a woman and a friend. She definitely get stronger. She could have never carried out her plan if she didn't at least get better self worth. I was rooting for her the whole time, and after she finished her plan I thought that fate does exist and people get exactly what they deserve.
However how much does it cost her?
I am giving this book a 5/5 I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own!
I couldn't believe that Valda let herself get caught up with the Sheikh. She had no idea how powerful he was and how far his reach is. I was proud of Valda towards the end of the book because she started to grow as a woman and a friend. She definitely get stronger. She could have never carried out her plan if she didn't at least get better self worth. I was rooting for her the whole time, and after she finished her plan I thought that fate does exist and people get exactly what they deserve.
However how much does it cost her?
I am giving this book a 5/5 I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own!
March 5, 2013
Just finished reading A Sealed Fate which is a really tense character driven psychological thriller. Very original in terms of style and conception and so I never knew where it was going, which was a pleasure. What I enjoyed about it was the fact that the novel did not centre around cops, detectives, PI's, forensic doctors etc. It's about a singer who stumbles onto a mystery and becomes trapped in downward spiral of vice after unwisely accepting the proposal of a Sheikh she meets while working in Dubai. A very atmospheric book with characters that are unusual literary figures yet remarkably relatable.
This is a thriller with plenty more going on for those of you who enjoy a mystery and some suspense, but want to really meet the characters, shout at them, warn them, feel their frustration and fear and in total: take something lasting from the book.
More than a fairground joyride this one - stays with you and engages all the emotions, the senses and the soul.
May 8, 2013
I went into this book with some reservations as it is not my normal style. But I am glad I picked it up and read it. This book is not a fast paced one but I found myself drawn into the story as it meanders its way through the pages. The characters were well developed and very easy to believe. This book for me delivered on numerous levels. There was the thriller aspect of the mysterious packages and the news clippings of seemingly accidental death being shoved under our main characters door. Then there was the relationship angle of the book that helped drive the story along. As for the ending all I can say is it was a well formulated and executed shift in the narrative of the book. To sum it up I was glad I took a chance with this book as I was well rewarded by a refreshing and entertaining read.
April 29, 2013
This is an interesting fast paced read with a complex premise that begins in Capetown Africa and is then set against the backdrop of Dubai, Arabia where the main character Valda hooks up with a Sheikh in a clandestine mix of mystery and suspense. Gordon uses karma as one of the stories main aspects, and I found this to be intriguing since I wanted to know what twists were in store. The appeal of the nightlife and an elaborate lifestyle are depicted in a stylistic way, and I wanted the main character to rise above the allure of it all; to get past it. Gordon is a very talented writer and expresses herself in a contemporary way. It is a thriller and mystery suspense that is an intelligent read. It leaves the reader with questions that go beyond just the story line. I would recommend it to others for sure!
May 3, 2013
This is a story of intrigue, diversity of cultures, and various plots at play. From the beginning the main character is in Africa, and ends up in a car crash and on the beach of Dubai. Valda, not only meets a Sheik who is up to his own devices, but she seeks out an astrologer in her time of need. She seems desperate to find answers and meaning in her life gone astray. The story line is different than some other novels I have read that were mysteries of suspense in that it uses karma to alter the direction it takes. I think that most people do believe in karma in one form or another, and it was enjoyable to see it manifested in a significant way, especially since there was so much turmoil in the beginning. I found the book very interesting. I would highly recommend it.
March 27, 2009
A really original and different read - it twisted and turned and I never quite knew where it was going. I found the protagonist Valda quite a character - she is so different to me and yet I could relate to her on a deeper level. Although it was a pacey thriller, there are tender moments, touching moments and moments of humour. It really felt like a true story and I was totally drawn in. This book does break the mould - it's contemporary and upbeat, yet moving and meaningful. I finished reading it a few weeks back and am still thinking about it. I would recommend it to any modern woman anywhere.
April 29, 2013
The novel is a suspenseful thriller in tone that takes the reader on a journey of deep mysteries, which involve astrology and karma. Valda, the main character and temptress of the story, is trying to gain success through music and the pop culture, but as events play out and as fate might have it, ends up on a different path altogether. I liked the way that the story transitioned and was amused in the play of the whole karma aspect. It didn't let me down and I wasn't disappointed. I would recommend it!
February 23, 2013
A modern novel, written entertainingly, a revealing tale of how fate tempts and fate deals. The author portrays an excellent description of Dubai life with an interesting plot that has some unexpected twists.
I received this book as a gift from the author and I enjoyed reading it very much but had difficulty empathising with Valda, the main character. Overall an encouraging debut from Lisa Gordon
I received this book as a gift from the author and I enjoyed reading it very much but had difficulty empathising with Valda, the main character. Overall an encouraging debut from Lisa Gordon
April 15, 2014
This is an intriguing novel that's well written. It's nicely conceived and executed and keeps the reader involved. The characters are developed pleasingly and are very believable. The diversity of the characters, locales and flavor of this mystery certainly draws the reader in and makes you feel like you're there. Your mind will be thinking of conclusions to the story but there's no way you will ever predict the ending. Nice job! Well worth reading.
November 19, 2013
An interesting book. I liked the international feel. I think there could have been a bit more suspense. I think I was more driven by current news that I've read about Dubai than the story itself. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads
December 5, 2016
Several deaths have occurred in Dubai for many years, so Valda decides to move from Cape Town to Dubai, There she finds love, s sheikh is interested in her, and not knowing what to do, she consults the astrologer Larissa. Sounds far-fetched? It is.
Want to read
April 27, 2013comment
May 2, 2013
If you like astro-detection, try these on smashwords - 'Ghosts' by R R Rusch and 'It's All In The Stars' by K C Powers. Alan Annand's 'Scorpio Rising' is also on there.
October 15, 2014
too many twists, not my cup of tea at this time
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