In L.B. Black's Ghosts I Have Loved, the first book in the Princess of Bones series, Isa Morales, a gifted death-channeler on the magically-charged island of Verdeira, navigates a world shaped by a brutal theocracy. Fresh from the Academy, Isa is hired by a powerful figure, pitting her against her ambitious rival, Felix de Paz. Their rivalry is overshadowed by the reappearance of Xavier Delgado, the architect of a devastating revolution and the killer of Isa's brother. Forced into a precarious alliance with Felix, Isa must use her abilities to uncover Delgado's secrets while battling her own thirst for vengeance. Amidst dangerous séances and hidden agendas, trust becomes a deadly commodity in this captivating tale of magic, betrayal, and the ghosts of the past.
Review Ghosts I Have Loved
Oh my goodness, "Ghosts I Have Loved" was a whirlwind! From the very first page, I was completely captivated by L.B. Black's richly detailed world. The island of Verdeira, with its unique blend of 1920s-30s Havana vibes and a fascinating magical system rooted in communicating with the dead, felt incredibly real and immersive. I loved the subtle nods to Day of the Dead and Haitian Vodou – it added such a unique flavour to the magic system. The author's world-building is truly exceptional, drawing you in and making you feel like you're right there amidst the political intrigue and supernatural dealings.
Isa Morales, our protagonist, is a fantastic character. She's ambitious, skilled, and fiercely independent, but also vulnerable and prone to making impulsive decisions driven by her desire for revenge. Her internal conflict – the pull between her desire for justice and her need to survive in a treacherous political landscape – was incredibly compelling. I found myself constantly rooting for her, even when her choices made me cringe a little.
And then there's Felix de Paz, her rival turned reluctant ally. He's a fascinating counterpoint to Isa, more cautious and strategic, yet equally driven by his own motivations. Their dynamic is electric; the tension between them, the subtle shifts in their alliance, kept me guessing until the very end. The slow burn of their complicated relationship definitely had me hooked. Their contrasting personalities made for some truly brilliant scenes, filled with witty banter and underlying tension.
The plot itself is a masterclass in suspense. The mystery surrounding Xavier Delgado, the mastermind behind the revolution, is expertly woven throughout the narrative, leaving you constantly questioning who to trust. Every character has secrets, every interaction is laced with suspicion, and the constant threat of betrayal keeps you on the edge of your seat. The twists and turns genuinely surprised me; I found myself constantly revising my theories about who the "good guys" really were. This isn't a straightforward tale of good versus evil; the moral lines are blurred, the motivations are complex, and that's what makes it so compelling.
The pacing was excellent. While some reviewers mentioned a slow start, I found the initial chapters crucial in establishing the world and introducing the characters. The build-up was deliberate, creating a palpable sense of tension that exploded in the later chapters. The ending? Brutal. A cliffhanger that left me absolutely reeling and desperate for the sequel. Seriously, I need the next book now! "Ghosts I Have Loved" is a thrilling, suspenseful, and emotionally resonant read that kept me thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. It's a fantastic start to what promises to be a truly epic series. Highly recommended!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.83 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 328
- Publication date: 2024
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