Desulti Review: A Journey of Empowerment and Intrigue

Ross Hightower and Deb Heim have crafted a world that feels both vast and intimately personal, skillfully interwoven with themes of history, politics, art, and the stark contrasts of wealth and power. At the heart of this world is Tove, whose face bears a brutal scar—a constant reminder of the Vollen Empire’s tyranny. A chance encounter with Brie, a Desulti assassin, awakens a hunger in Tove to rise above the limitations of her past and prove herself. When Brie offers her a chance to join the secretive order of women known as the Desulti, Tove believes she’s found an opportunity for empowerment. Yet, as she becomes further entangled in the order, she begins to question whether she is truly in control of her fate or merely a pawn in a dangerous scheme that could end her life and destroy the Alle'oss rebellion.

Tove’s emotional growth is the heartbeat of the story, lending it a depth and resonance that lingers. At the beginning, her spirit bears the invisible scars of abuse, leaving her vulnerable and cautious. But beneath her fragility lies a quiet defiance, a spark of strength waiting to emerge. As the journey unfolds, she reclaims her voice and confidence, transforming from a shattered woman into one who learns to fight for herself. The challenges and conflicts she faces force her to confront her flaws, broaden her perspective, and make difficult decisions. Through these hardships and moments of self-discovery, Tove unearths a steady, quiet determination—a strength that, once hidden, now refuses to be ignored. This inner resilience allows her to weather any storm, rising from the ashes of her past and embracing the force she was always meant to become.

 

 BookHookup Review: Desulti

While the world-building can initially feel overwhelming, it eventually unfolds into a richly textured landscape that draws the reader deeper into the story. The layers of political intrigue, personal ambition, and shifting allegiances create a constantly evolving narrative, keeping the reader engaged and guessing what will come next. As Tove grows, so too does the world around her, intertwining her personal evolution with the shifting tides of a complex society on the brink of change.

Although there are moments where the complexity of the world-building, multiple plot threads, and large cast of characters might feel overwhelming, the emotional and character-driven core of the story—especially Tove’s transformation—keeps the reader engaged. This is a story that thrives on depth and growth, making it a rewarding read, even with its intricate layers.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

 

As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from Black Phoenix Book Tours and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites

Thrilling second installment of Earthcore series

Volcano City by Grace Bridges is the thrilling second installment of the captivating Earthcore series. The narrative picks up Anira's journey and takes a gripping turn as she returns to Auckland, where the stakes are higher than ever. She has lost the supernatural abilities she gained in Rotovegas: Earthccore Book 1 after leaving the magical thermal springs of Rotorua, For this story, she faces the challenge of regaining not only her powers but also her memories of the events and friendships that defined her summer.

 

About the book: Volcano City

The story kicks off with a powerful sense of disorientation as Anira struggles to reconnect with her Earthcore team—Tiger, Graeme, and Bethany—each grappling with insecurities and challenges in the urban landscape. The author skillfully develops these characters, making their individual journeys as compelling as Anira’s, and the tension of their reunion adds depth to the narrative.

The antagonist—a maniac wielding mind control—serves as a formidable threat, his motivations steeped in revenge and a desire for chaos. His arrival in Auckland sets off a chain of events that leads to brilliantly orchestrated mayhem, with the earth itself becoming restless and heightening the urgency of Anira’s quest. As the city faces the threat of disaster, readers are drawn into a whirlwind of action and suspense.

BookHookup Review: Volcano City

The pacing is relentless, with thrilling sequences that blend urban adventure and mythical elements. Anira’s struggle to remember her gifts and summon the ancient taniwha adds an exciting layer of folklore to the plot, enriching the story's setting and stakes.

Volcano City not only builds on the excitement of the first book but also deepens character dynamics and expands the world. Anira’s journey of self-discovery, courage, and teamwork resonates, making this a must-read for fans of YA fantasy. With its mix of heart-pounding action, brilliantly orchestrated mayhem, and compelling friendships, this installment deserves a solid 5 stars and leaves this reader eagerly anticipating Anira’s next adventure.

Poignant journey from abusive childhood to self-discovery

Lillian Brummet’s Towards Understanding is a powerful collection of free-form confessional poetry poignantly capturing her journey from an abusive childhood to self-discovery. Written with a contemplative tone, the collection weaves personal struggles, emotional depth, and a path toward healing, balancing heavy themes with moments of clarity and hope.

BookHookup review: Towards Understanding

Brummet’s willingness to delve into her raw emotions fosters a genuine connection with readers, making her experiences resonate deeply. Her grappling with feelings of guilt and shame adds layers of complexity, prompting important questions about the validity of these emotions.

This is an emotional read. While the imagery is subtle, the weight of her experiences draws you into her world. A palpable sense of vulnerability evokes feelings of isolation and a profound longing for connection and love. Brummet’s word choices reflect growth and transition, illuminating the lingering hope even amid her struggles.

The interplay of personal and universal themes invites readers to empathize with Brummet’s past while reflecting on their own experiences. This poetry will resonate with many, particularly those seeking healing from their own challenges. I highly recommend Towards Understanding to anyone navigating the complexities of their past, as Brummet’s reflections on growing up in a broken home, enduring her mother’s multiple marriages, and surviving sexual abuse create a poignant backdrop that informs her emotional landscape. I give this collection of poetry 5 out of 5 stars.

 

About the author: Lillian Brummet

Lillian Brummet has been professionally involved in the realm of writing since 19999. She began writing poetry as a teenager, which allowed her to express the issues and emotions from broken, abusive homes and being on her own at 13-years old. Through poetry, she learned how to see beyond these hurts and discover a world outside of herself, where she discovered her life had value and a purpose to fulfill.

Lillian’s award-winning poetry has appeared in five hardcover anthology books and continues to appear in magazines and newsletters across the globe. She has had the honor of attaining the Editor’s Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry – not once, but twice. Her published books include the two-part series titled: Trash Talk (Books 1 & 2), a guide for authors titled: Purple Snowflake Marketing, and her recently released Poetic Wanderings: A Lifetime Of Memories (Playing With Words). She also hosts the Conscious Discussions Talk Radio show and manages Brummet’s Conscious Blog.

Lillian is passionate about poetry and continues to write in this genre between marketing her books and working on new manuscripts for future books. In those few stolen moments when she is not in the office she spends time with her husband gardening, indulging in nature, camping, and walking the many trails in British Columbia’s (Canada) wilderness.