Heyylloo Blogger World! It has been a hot
minute since we have talked books on this blog! I am an avid reader as I
basically grew up with a library down the street as a child. Ever since College
came into my life the only reading being done is chapters and chapters of
monotonous textbooks. I finally picked up a book I came across and here is
the review! I came across a book called "WildAlone" by Krassi
Zourkova, a Bulgarian author. This was her debut novel. No book has ever
conflicted my opinions till this one. I loved this book and disliked it all at
once. Let me explain the premise of the story, it is a rather unique concept.
The book follows the story of Thea, a Bulgarian Piano Prodigy who gets accepted
into Princeton University for her Musical Talents. Her over protective parents
agree to send her off to America to pursue her dreams. This book keeps
unwrapping as you read it.
Sounds pretty basic right? But then it is revealed that Thea used to have an
older sister 15 years ago who was also a Piano Prodigy and Princeton student.
She was found dead on Campus by some woods. Her funeral was conducted and a
little while later her body disappeared. No one knows to this day what happened
to her.
Thea's parents sheltered her of the truth her whole life, as she discovered it
after she had enrolled into Princeton. The story deals with her adjusting to an
American lifestyle, satisfying her Music teachers, and solving the case behind
her sister's death. Now I loved the concept of all of this. People even
had theories that her sister was a Samodiva, a Bulgarian Witch that makes men
fall in love with her and destroys them. There were many rumors about her
turning to the dark side. Thea even uncovers an old Art History essay from her
sister in which her sister drones on and on about occultist rituals.
Thea is skeptical about the whole witch theory but inexplicable happenings lead
her to but into it further. Now fast forward and Thea meets a guy who drops
white roses for her everywhere and vanishes. She ends up meeting a guy named
Rhys, who is uncontrollably rich, handsome, and arrogant. They have an on and
off relationship as he is a bit aggressive, pushy, and temperamental at times. Not
only that, he constantly hides secrets from her. Thea comes to learn that Rhys
was not the guy tossing flowers for her that she initially had a crush on. It
was his younger, similar looking brother Jake. Thus, a love triangle ensues in
which Thea can't decide which brother to pick.
Now here is my problem. This story could have worked fine with only Rhys. His
dark past is connected to the death of Thea's sister. I personally don't like
the Love Triangle Trope and the addition of Jake was unnecessary. Right at this
point in the middle of the book the story begins to deviate from solving the
murder to Thea and her love problems. It starts to get annoying as she
goes back and forth between the brothers. The story loses its momentum in an
essence in the middle and suddenly feels like a Twillight fanfiction with two
brooding and rich young men and an average girl. I tended to gloss over these
parts as they started to get redundant.
Rhys is also a bit of an annoying
character as he is full of himself, flaunts his wealth, and spoils Thea
endlessly as reconciliation for any of his wrong doings. Granted, he does have
a deeper and past and is internally conflicted, he still comes off as a very
Christian Grey styled archetype. Now, I can't spoil the whole secret as to
how her sister died, but it had alot to do with Rhys. And no he did not murder
her. It was an even darker situation and it was mostly the sister's fault. This
secret was the reason why Rhys hid his past from Thea and I promise you it's
very twisted and gruesome. Totally worth the whole wait in the book.
Now another aspect about the book that I loved was the writing style. The
author has a very distinct and professional writing sense, she had amazing
descriptions, metaphors, and figurative language. Her writing skills were well
above an average author. She created a Gothic atmosphere in the book by
incorporating historical arts and musical pieces into the story line As
fascinating it was to read about old Greek art and European music, I felt as if
though it was mentioned too often. Thea is a Musical Arts student which made
sense to mention it here and there. Plus, her sister had turned to the dark
side, to old folklore, so that was another incentive for Thea to do some
Historical Art digging to learn more about the legends her sister believed.
But
often times the author went on a bit too long describing a vase or describing a
Musical piece. It made the novel very lengthy and wordy. While in the
beginning it was nice for a sense of world building and setting the mood, after
a while it became passive and I naturally skimmed over it. In total the story
was refreshing and unique, but just a few details, like the Love Triangle, and
the endless pages on Art history were turn offs. They took away from the main
point of the story and sometimes made me lose my place in the storyline.
I'd rate this book a
3.8 out of 5 stars. If there had been no unnecessary love triangle the book
could've been a good 4.5 stars. I would still recommend this read, but only to
those who are patient. The book does take its sweet time to unravel new bits
and secrets. All in all it was an enjoyable read minus the very Christian
Grey-esque moments displayed by Rhys. If you come across this book, give
it a try. But be patient with it, the ending makes up for all the wait. It will
blow you away.
Thanks For Reading!
-ISBAH xoxo
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