Since she was a child, Lucinda has been haunted by rabid dogs, suicidal crows, and the ghost of a woman in white. All are omens signaling someone’s imminent demise—except Lucinda’s friends and family are still breathing.
REVIEW
Does love conquer all? Or it destroys everything?
First, I was curious about the meaning the author wanted to give to the title. That because, next to the apparent meaning, the expression could have a deeper significance and in total harmony with the story (but it’s possible to be a little too much for today NA generation to perceive it - sorry, but I believe that).
So, having in mind the deeper significance of the title, I enjoyed the book better.
The key words of the story are love/hate, justice and choices. What is the true love and what love or the true love makes you do it? When in love, what are choices to make between your lover, revenge and your own survival? And could be love more powerful than hate insomuch that could break an old curse? Is the one who brought the curse able to accept redemption through another couple love? When can the justice be served and by the hand of whom? How fair is it to be the judge and the executioner? How fair is it to pay the supreme penalty for crimes you didn’t do it and how relevant is your own survival instinct? In the end, the important characters acted exactly how I didn’t like it, but understandable in the context. Too bad… (not for the story).
There are some aspects that it seems to me a bit forced… and without bigotry, those aspects should have been introduced, if necessary, in a different way. If the reasons of the events that happened in the past are well integrated and in accordance with the mores of that time, the contemporary ones (I refer strictly to Lucinda’s attitude to love) seems shallow and characterize the main character as a frivolous person and that is in a serious disagreement with the rest of her personality (except maybe for the drinking, but heavy drinking as a habit is so present even in “Adult books” that is really concerning!) even in the absence (or especially because) of the background that is to be found in other books of the author. In plus, this attitude of Lucinda makes her last choice to look more as a personal revenge than an act of justice and of grace for the next generations. And this is bad… but… like I said… Longing and the Lack…
So, try this interesting story, but among Irish curses, death omen, supernatural journeys, love relationships of the past and present, don't forget to look for a more meaningful sense of the mystery.
Enjoy!
Description:
Release Date: September 19th, 2017
Lucinda Hightower is no stranger to death.
Since she was a child, Lucinda has been haunted by rabid dogs, suicidal crows, and the ghost of a woman in white. All are omens signaling someone’s imminent demise—except Lucinda’s friends and family are still breathing.
The omens follow her to Ireland and the quiet university in her father’s hometown, increasing in strength and frequency once she meets Damien Reed. A handsome third year student, Damien thrusts himself into Lucinda’s life almost immediately and caresses away the unsavory reputation that shadows him.
It’s not until the ghost sinks her nails into Damien that he reveals his secret: the death omens are for him.
They’re the manifestations of a curse that claims the life of the eldest Reed son every generation. Damien’s time is nearly up. If Lucinda is to save him, she must solve the mystery of her family curse, and lay a spirit’s rage to rest.
A dark romance for fans of Diane Setterfield and the TV show Supernatural, The Longing and the Lack is a Gothic story for the modern age.
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About the author:
C.M. Spivey is a speculative fiction writer, author of high fantasy FROM UNDER THE MOUNTAIN and the paranormal series, “The Unliving”. His enduring love of fantasy started young. Now, he explores the rules and ramifications of magic in his own works—and as a trans, panromantic asexual, he’s committed to queering his favorite genres. In his spare time, he plans his next tattoo (there will always be a next tattoo) and watches too much Netflix. Anything left over is devoted to his tireless quest to make America read more. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his darling husband Matt and adorable dog Jay.
Author's Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
4 comments:
Thanks for being on the tour! :)
Somehow, after rabid dogs and kamikaze crows, I feel as if a ghostly woman in white would come as something of a relief.
@Richard
You'll be wrong this time :P
The book sounds great and I love the cover! Thank you
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