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

And Then You Were Gone: A raw and emotional read

 Ivy Logan’s And Then You Were Gone is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of trauma, mental health, and the complicated bond between mother and daughter. Nina, the mother, carries the scars of psychological abuse and abandonment by her narcissistic husband. Her daughter, Sophie, becomes her everything, but then Sophie faces relentless bullying and emotional turmoil.

 

Sophie’s struggles with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem shape her view of the world, affecting her intimate relationships and sense of self. As Nina desperately tries to help, she creates a fictional narrative to control Sophie’s fate, blurring the line between reality and fiction.

The novel powerfully captures the emotional toll of trauma but offers little hope or resolution, making it an unsettling read for those seeking closure. It challenges readers to consider how the past shapes our present and how the stories we tell ourselves can both protect and harm us. A raw and emotional read, And Then You Were Gone is deeply affecting and, at times, a difficult story.

I give And Then You Were Gone by Ivy Logan a solid 4 out of 5 stars. The novel is powerful and emotionally charged, offering an insightful exploration of trauma, mental health, and the complex dynamics between mother and daughter. Logan’s writing is haunting, and the depth of the characters, particularly Nina and Sophie, draws you in from the start.

However, while the story is beautifully crafted, its lack of hope or resolution left me feeling unsettled. The emotional intensity of the book might be difficult for readers seeking closure or a more optimistic ending. Despite this, the book’s thought-provoking themes about trauma and self-perception make it a compelling and deeply affecting read.

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As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free advance review copy of this book from BookTasters 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.

 

Jurrasic Jemma & the Trail of Evil: A blend of intrigue, heart, and clever storytelling

Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil is the final installment in this series by John J. Delaney, and having had the pleasure of reading all three books, I can confidently say it’s a fitting conclusion. This one picks up with Jemma Thorne—a fossil hunter, mother, grandmother, and wife—eager to settle into a peaceful life in the seaside town of Lulcombe, England, alongside her husband and young son. Her grown daughter, Ellie, and granddaughter live next door. All seems set for a quiet, happy life, but peace is quickly disrupted when Jemma becomes the target of a vengeful plot.

BookHookup Review: Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil

Delaney excels at creating relatable, well-developed characters that feel like family, each adding depth to the story and enriching the relationships, motivations, and drama. The female antagonist stands out as particularly memorable—someone you love to hate—adding an exciting layer of tension to the plot.

The pacing is spot-on, with plenty of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. Delaney offers neatly packaged clues throughout, leading to a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends and leaves you with a sense of fulfillment.

Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil is a delightful blend of intrigue, heart, and clever storytelling, making it a must-read for fans of the mystery-suspense genre. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the entire series to fully appreciate the depth and richness of Jemma's journey. A solid 5-star recommendation from me.

False Impressions: a fast-paced, dramatic romance novel

Ace Bryann’s False Impressions is a gripping blend of political intrigue, family drama, and romance set in the microstate of Calina. The story follows Derek Landino, a young monarch navigating the complexities of rebuilding his country while managing political opposition and personal conflicts. His progressive push for Calina’s EU entry divides the nation, with some seeing it as a path to freedom and others as a threat to the monarchy.

 

Derek's personal life is equally complicated. His engagement to Christine, an American who saved his life, is met with mixed reactions—some admire her bravery, while others view her as a foreign influence. Their relationship, forged through trauma, is emotional and poignant. Meanwhile, the developing bond between Derek’s younger brother, Nic, and Tanya, a member of parliament, adds further layers of tension. Their secret connection, complicated by political danger and the weight of royal expectations, threatens both the monarchy and the stability of the country.

The novel’s antagonist, Enzo DiGrassi, works behind the scenes to destabilize Derek’s reign, fueling political unrest and creating a constant sense of danger. Bryann masterfully balances political drama with deeply emotional and personal storylines. The emotional depth of Derek and Christine’s relationship, along with the evolving connection between Nic and Tanya, adds richness to the narrative, complementing the political drama without overshadowing it.

False Impressions is a fast-paced, dramatic romance novel, with a well-crafted plot that keeps readers invested in the complex relationships and political machinations. The personal stakes—love, loyalty, betrayal—intertwine with the broader political conflict, making this a compelling and unmissable read.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Adult Content Warning: This novel contains one scene involving explicit sexual content