AUTHOR: Olivia Wildenstein
PUBLISHING DATE: March 29, 2017
FROM GOODREADS: Ancient secrets cannot remain buried forever.
Founded two centuries ago by a powerful tribe of Gottwa Indians, Rowan was a quiet town, so quiet that I fled after graduation. Staying away was the plan, but Mom died suddenly.
Dad said she suffered a stroke after she dug up one of the ancient graves in our backyard, which happens to be the town cemetery. Creepy, I know. Creepier still, there was no corpse inside the old coffin, only fresh rose petals.
As we made preparations for Mom’s burial, new people began arriving in Rowan, unnervingly handsome and odd people. I begged them to leave, but they stayed, because their enemies—my ancestors—were beginning to awaken.
MY THOUGHTS: I first have to admit I was drawn to this book because of the cover and I still think it's gorgeous. Secondly, it was tagged as "Pocahontas meets A Court of Thorns and Roses" and that intrigued me. While I admit it did fall flat for me in some aspects, overall it was an entertaining read. Catori (or Cat) returns home from college following her mother's mysterious death. She uncovers some information and discovers she is from an ancient Native American line of fae hunters. Also, her hometown has suddenly become a magnet for fae. I liked the mixture of Native American and fantasy elements. Wildenstein has created her own tribal name and legends and it was interesting to learn about some of their fictional lineage and heritage. Also, Cat was very impulsive at times and chose to believe people she just met, but considering all the recent trauma in her life, I could definitely understand her confusion. The plot maintained a steady pace and while there seems to be a love triangle developing and some elements of insta-love, it isn't forced. In addition, at one point Cat even tells her friends she doesn't love someone because she just met him.
The ending leaves Wildenstein some options for future installments and it's quite possible I will continue on with this series. She is an author with a lot of promise and I can certainly appreciate the work she put into this endeavor. If you are looking for a easy read with fantastical elements, then you might consider picking up "Rose Petal Graves."
I received this book as part of a book tour in exchange for an honest review.
MY RATING: 3 PAWS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Olivia Wildenstein grew up in New York City, the daughter of a French father with a great sense of humor, and a Swedish mother whom she speaks to at least three times a day. She chose Brown University to complete her undergraduate studies and earned a bachelor’s in comparative literature. After designing jewelry for a few years, Wildenstein traded in her tools for a laptop computer and a very comfortable chair. This line of work made more sense, considering her college degree.
When she’s not writing, she’s psychoanalyzing everyone she meets (Yes. Everyone), eavesdropping on conversations to gather material for her next book, baking up a storm (that she actually eats), going to the gym (because she eats), and attempting not to be late at her children’s school (like she is 4 out of 5 mornings, on good weeks).
Wildenstein lives with her husband and three children in Geneva, Switzerland, where she’s an active member of the writing community.
Glad you want to continue this series Barb. I love to support promising authors. OMG THAT COVER!
ReplyDeleteYea, the cover is definitely awesome.
DeleteI read this back when it was just the first part I think as I remember getting an email that the book was out again but it was longer. Then I forgot about it, I liked what I had read but that was last year and I don't remember a lot.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a decent read.
DeleteI've read mixed reviews about this one and that always makes me more curious. Plus, a new author to try:)
ReplyDeleteI think it's a decent start to a new series. There are a few things I really like about it and even though the Native American aspect is fictional (no real tribe), it's a unique take.
DeleteI wish my hometown would become a hotbed for the fae, might make things more interesting around here ;)
ReplyDeleteHaha. You almost made me choke on my Cherry Pepsi!
DeleteThe cover is pretty awesome :) I do like the idea of fantasy and Native American elements. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThe Native American stuff made it pretty interesting at times.
DeleteSame thing for me! The cover attracted me to this as well (and because I've read her other books). The triangle puts me off a bit I'm really hoping for #teamKajika to happen. hahaha. I also like the fact that while insta-love might be there, Cat herself stops herself from going to the wrong direction and just jumping into things. Great review, Barb!
ReplyDeleteI'm #teamKajika too.
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