Passion Play

A real fantasy to sink your teeth in!

I had hoped that Passion Play would be similar to Troubled Waters, but instead the beginning quickly dissipated that thought! What happens to Therez may leave you queasy when she gets horribly taken advantage of, but after that point, the story takes a turn for the better as Ilse dives into Lord Kosenmark's political agenda. All in all, Passion Play is the most realistic fantasy that I have encountered that dares to tackle the worst-case-scenario of what happens to a naive daughter from a wealthy merchant family, but thankfully in the end allows her to recover in an inspiring manner.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

engaging romantic fantasy

Sixteen years old Therez Zhalina loathes her home life even though it comes with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her businessman father and her grandmother are at constant war while her mother fears her husband's rage. Her brother has simply withdrawn into himself; emotions that Therez envies and worries about.

Her father makes an economic power deal with a ruthless man in which Therez will marry this abuser. Not wanting to be like her mother living in fear she flees in fear. Changing her name to Ilse she struggles to survive on the street in poverty after a life of affluence until she meets Raul Kosenmark who protects and mentors her in the use of magic. Raul, an exiled prince, wants to save the same people, who forced him to leave from a terror.

This is an engaging romantic fantasy that has a historical, fifteenth or sixteenth century, feel to the story line. Raul seems to be a dedicated individual who has a cause that will have readers admire him as he has reasons for turning his back on his people. Therez comes a long way when she becomes Ilse in a coming of age arc. Although nothing is resolved, fans will enjoy this entertaining thriller.

Harriet Klausner

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great book! A must read!

I have to say, I was very impressed with this book. I'm not saying that it's perfect, as books never are, but it is definitely a great read and very well written. This book has some dark spots, but the story is exceptional, especially for an author's first book. The characters are very well played out and the book keeps you turning the page for more.

If you don't like darker aspects with books you read, then this book isn't for you, since there is a noticeable amount at the beginning, but it fuels the story, and makes it that much more realistic and well, who wants to read a book where everything is handed to the main character? Not me. I definitely recommend this book! I cannot wait for the next one to come out.

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