A Step Past Darkness by Vera Kurian
Publication Date: February 20, 2024
Confession:
This was a very interesting book that unfortunately lacked the intensity that I usually associate with a thriller. But it was still a well written mystery that kept drawing me back in until the final truths came out. I still had a few questions at the end that didn’t feel answered, but I decided I was ok with that. A little left over mystery is sometimes a good thing.
The characters were great, mostly well fleshed out and some of them even showed some growth during the book. The book is split between the past and present with all of the characters having chapters in each section. The multiple points of view was interesting as we got to know all of the characters from when they were teenagers to the adults they became. But it also left me not feeling connected to any of them.
The plot was slow moving, but there were many twists and turns to the story. I had pretty much figured it all out pretty early on in the story, but it was still interesting as the details of what was going on was a bit more complex that what I initially thought. Even with the slow pacing it kept my attention.
Overall this was an interesting read that I do recommend, just don’t expect a an intense read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Endless Water, Starless Sky by Rosamund Hodge
Publication Date: July 24, 2018
Confession:
This was a solid ending to this duology, with nice character development and an interesting take on the afterlife. We also get more chapters by Romeo and Juliet which made the story more interesting that the first book, Bright Smoke, Cold Fire.
As a retelling this book diverged from the original play quite a bit. But that was the way it needed to go. This one is more about death and the politics of the world than the previous book. It was the politics that kept me invested in the story, as that was quite convoluted and intriguing. Also, there was the Ruining, which turns people into zombies, that was always on people’s minds. There was some intensity surrounding the walls that kept the ruining out collapsing, that kept me wondering if there was going to be a happy ending to this tale. I also enjoyed the relationships that developed between the characters in this book.
The journey that Romeo and Juliet take in the underworld was the most interesting part of this story. This was a very different take on what happens to people when they die. Although similar to other versions in that people find themselves in their own versions of hell. I enjoyed the part where Juliet meets Death and their conversation.
It is the writing and the descriptions that really makes this series worth reading. As always, Ms Hodge creates a beautiful world, inhabited by well rounded and complex characters that you might even fall in love with yourself. An interesting take on the Romeo and Juliet story that you should read if you are into stories that center around death.
Confessions of a Serial Reader 