This urban fantasy has a lot of potential. It centers on the need for an individual to be the force that puts an end to a war between the bad Conduits (beings with supernatural powers) who seek to destroy the others who want only peace. The protagonist, Ophelia, has the special powers of an empath. However, at the beginning of the novel, she is not aware of this; she just finds it annoying that people constantly tell her their lives' stories and that she often feels the emotions of others. She learns otherwise, and that she is also “the one” who is needed to overcome the evil and the war.
Unfortunately, for me, the potential was not realized. This fairly long book is a looooong drawn-out story of the competing loves of two Conduits – Elias and Lucas --for Ophelia, who is already, within her supernatural role, fated to be with one of them. (When two destined Conduits consummate a relationship, they become immortal and their powers are enhanced.) This over-worked, supposedly suspenseful narrative device of the two males yearning for the one special female did not work for me. Done that – Twilight, True Blood, etc.
Essentially the whole novel is about Ophelia meeting and living (in a castle) with many supernatural Conduits, including, of course, Elias and Lucas. Really too much female wish fulfillment. If the writing style or characterizations had been superb, that would have saved this novel – for me. I realize this is only my perspective.
I received a copy of the novel from the publisher. This is an honest review.
Unfortunately, for me, the potential was not realized. This fairly long book is a looooong drawn-out story of the competing loves of two Conduits – Elias and Lucas --for Ophelia, who is already, within her supernatural role, fated to be with one of them. (When two destined Conduits consummate a relationship, they become immortal and their powers are enhanced.) This over-worked, supposedly suspenseful narrative device of the two males yearning for the one special female did not work for me. Done that – Twilight, True Blood, etc.
Essentially the whole novel is about Ophelia meeting and living (in a castle) with many supernatural Conduits, including, of course, Elias and Lucas. Really too much female wish fulfillment. If the writing style or characterizations had been superb, that would have saved this novel – for me. I realize this is only my perspective.
I received a copy of the novel from the publisher. This is an honest review.