[3.5/5 stars]
Tabatha Zeng is the apprentice of Julian Solomon, the most notorious fortune teller. When Solomon predicts his own murder - that he will die at the hands of his best beloved - and it happens in fact, Tabatha is forced to solve a crime alongside Callum Solomon (her murdered boss’s youngest son) in order to prove her innocence.
Firstly, the craft of prophecy is such a spellbinding concept - the way the fortune-telling affects even the strongest mind, with its occult vibes. It is a narrative in which Tabatha, with her witty voice, often speaks to the reader, giving a dynamic tone. With captivating prose, the narrator's internal monologues are balanced by fun banter, moments that make the reader attached to the story. I am always intrigued by the whodunnit and I found it well-done; the deductive reasoning was able to catch one's attention throughout the book. Even though the last pages rush for a neat ending, the twists play with one's expectations.
It was interesting to learn about the magical members of sorcerer Solomon’s family - the characters are distinct, each dealing with their own flaws. This book is about finding your own confidence while Tang also covers legacy, loyalty and fate. The pop culture and classics references add enjoyment to the narrative. The romance is light and I wouldn't have minded reading more of it. I had expected Tabatha's magic to be further developed, in regards to the focus on her inheritance.
THESE DEADLY PROPHECIES is an entertaining and fast-paced YA fantasy. If you enjoy an amateur sleuth murder mystery with diverse cast of characters and engaging magic, read this book.
Tabatha Zeng is the apprentice of Julian Solomon, the most notorious fortune teller. When Solomon predicts his own murder - that he will die at the hands of his best beloved - and it happens in fact, Tabatha is forced to solve a crime alongside Callum Solomon (her murdered boss’s youngest son) in order to prove her innocence.
Firstly, the craft of prophecy is such a spellbinding concept - the way the fortune-telling affects even the strongest mind, with its occult vibes. It is a narrative in which Tabatha, with her witty voice, often speaks to the reader, giving a dynamic tone. With captivating prose, the narrator's internal monologues are balanced by fun banter, moments that make the reader attached to the story. I am always intrigued by the whodunnit and I found it well-done; the deductive reasoning was able to catch one's attention throughout the book. Even though the last pages rush for a neat ending, the twists play with one's expectations.
It was interesting to learn about the magical members of sorcerer Solomon’s family - the characters are distinct, each dealing with their own flaws. This book is about finding your own confidence while Tang also covers legacy, loyalty and fate. The pop culture and classics references add enjoyment to the narrative. The romance is light and I wouldn't have minded reading more of it. I had expected Tabatha's magic to be further developed, in regards to the focus on her inheritance.
THESE DEADLY PROPHECIES is an entertaining and fast-paced YA fantasy. If you enjoy an amateur sleuth murder mystery with diverse cast of characters and engaging magic, read this book.