Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

This novel promises an unforgettable story before even the first printed page. A golden metallic, embossed scroll-like paper adorns the inside flaps of the hardcover version of this book, hinting at mystery, intrigue and antiquity.

And the first haunting chapter delivers on that promise, leading the reader into the intriguing stories behind those scroll-like papers, propelling the reader forward. Yes, Alma Katsu’s debut novel captivated me from the start. It is a complete anomaly in terms of the neat genres of the publishing industry: it’s part love story, part fantasy/supernatural, part historical fiction, part mystery (none of these genres, ironically, are what I usually read). But it is also a literary novel, and I drank every delicious word.

This story of Lanny and Jonathan � and unrequited love � spans centuries, locales, emotions, heartache and frightening periods of darkness and pure evil. The skill with which Katsu weaves in and out of three different time frames � present day, 1800s, 1300s � is nothing short of breathtaking. The story structure reminds me of Russian nesting dolls, each story tucked neatly into the other, building on the next to form the whole. And with each uncovered layer, a new discovery.

And the words � Alma Katsu strings together words with efficiency and beauty. The prose is, indeed, drinkable. The characters, their flaws and their often destructive decisions and behavior, make them worthy of following through this 400+ page book. In addition to meeting Lanny and Jonathan, a host of additional characters � Adair, Dona, Tilde, Alejandro, Uzra � add additional intrigue to this book that is ultimately about the power and sometimes destructive nature of love. It's also about obsession, fitting in, and finding one's place in the world.

A word of warning: this story is not for the faint of heart. While elements of magic and passion are key to the novel, so are masochistic and sadistic themes in several sections. Some portions of the book have their share of violence. And while I have never gravitated toward those themes in my reading preferences, the presence of them was necessary to portray the true evil that bound these characters together and threatened to tear them apart; some readers may find them to be too much. Even so, I believe most readers will feel that Katsu handled the topics with craftsmanship and skill.

If you are interested in a story that is truly unique � and even a story within a story within a story � this book is pure magic. I am happy that it was recommended to me by a trustworthy source; otherwise, I’m sure I’d have missed out on this intriguing tale whose characters will stay with me for a long time.