Today’s team review is from Suzanne, she blogs at https://suzannerogersonfantasyauthor.wordpress.com/
Suzanne has been reading The Sorcerer’s Garden by D Wallace Peach
My Review
Wow, this was a breath-taking adventure that barely stood still.
I was intrigued by the title and the blurb really stood out for me, anything to do with writing and writers and I’m sold! As I started reading, possibilities whirled through my mind…
The start of the story felt a little over the top in the action sense. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but then I realised this was the start of Cody’s story – his tale of slaying the dragon with his brother. I thought this was very cleverly done by the author. This larger than life action helped to distinguish between Madlyn’s real world and Cody’s work in progress. However, as the story developed everything becomes more complicated for Madalyn and soon the two worlds are colliding and you have no idea what is real and what is part of the world within Cody’s story. I was as confused as Madlyn, but that wasn’t an issue, it made the reading experience more exciting. The only complaint I have is that the action was so full on and constant, sometimes I just needed a breather.
I liked Madlyn, but I really liked the two brothers, Cody and Dustin, and their mysterious grandmother, Lillian.
I loved the end. Everything came together and not as I was expecting it too. I was very happy with the conclusion, and the fact this was a standalone novel. But there could easily be more to this story and these characters.
My final thought – The author showed great skill weaving this tale. It was a very enjoyable read, if not a little exhausting!
I recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy and loves a story with relentless pace.
4 stars
Book Description
Recently fired and residing with her sweetly overbearing mother, Madlyn needs a job—bad. In a moment of desperation, she accepts a part-time position reading at the bedside of adventurer and amateur writer Cody Lofton. A near-drowning accident left the young man in a vegetative state, and his chances of recovery wane with each passing day.
Cody’s older brother, Dustin, and eccentric grandmother aren’t prepared to give up on the youngest son of Portland, Oregon’s royalty.
Dustin’s a personable guy, bordering on naïve, and overwhelmed by familial corporate duties and cutthroat partners. Grandmother Lillian’s a meddler with an eye for the esoteric, dabbling in Dustin’s life and dealing out wisdom like a card shark. One innocent conversation at a time, she sucks Madlyn into the Lofton story, dubbing her the princess and bestowing on her the responsibility of both grandsons’ destinies.
And all Madlyn wanted was a simple reading job.
Uninspired by her self-imposed stack of literary selections, Madlyn opts for Cody’s work-in-progress. Fantasy isn’t her favorite, but with only four chapters completed, reading The Sorcerer’s Garden should be no sweat, right?
Little does she realize, the story will begin writing itself and, by the hand of destiny, become her own.
About the author
I didn’t care for reading as a child – I preferred Bonanza and Beverly Hillbillies reruns, Saturday morning cartoons and the Ed Sullivan show. Then one day, I opened a book titled The Hobbit.
Tolkien … literally changed my life.
I love to write. It’s a luxury I never expected I’d have time for – life got in the way. You know how that goes – kids, work, chores… sleep. I worked for 18 years in business where amassing coin was the all-consuming objective. It required huge amounts of time and mental energy. And for me personally, it was soul-slaying.
Then on September 11, 2001 two planes flew into the World Trade Center. I was working in Connecticut, about 2 hours from ground zero, and remember sitting in a conference room, watching the second tower fall.
That tragedy initiated a process of redefinition for me, an evaluation of what was vital and important. Life felt short and precarious, and I started to wonder if it was time to do something that actually mattered. I began to write.
Thanks for the opportunity to review with your team, Rosie. Looking forward to discovering more books with you in 2017. Happy New Year!
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Thank you Suzanne.
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Thanks again for the great review, Suzanne. Have a happy new year full of great books!
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My pleasure. Happy new year to you too!
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Great review, Suzanne. This sounds a brilliant read
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Great review! Pinned & shared.
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This review captures my spiritual, fantasy-driven heart!
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Good review! Diana is such a good writer – I am looking forward to reading this!
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Thanks for sharing, Rosie. What a treat to have an enthusiastic review from Suzanne. Happy New Year and Happy Reading!
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Pingback: Rosie’s #Bookreview Team #RBRT THE SORCERER’S GARDEN by @DWallacepeach #Fantasy | Myths of the Mirror
Having recently discovered D Wallace Peach’s excellent blog, Myths of the Mirror, I’m not surprised by this review and can’t wait to read more of this lovely lady’s work.
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Thanks for reviewing The Sorcerer’s Garden, Rosie; a book I’ve read and love! Peach is a wonderful writer, with many a haunting scene.
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I enjoyed The Sorcerer’s Garden – a great two-sided story. 🙂
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Great review, Suzanne. Pinned and shared
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Great review, Suzanne! This one is next on my list 🙂
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Wonderful review! 🙂
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Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
A great review for THE SORCERER’S GARDEN by D. Wallace Peach.
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Thanks for the reblog Patricia.
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Great review, Suzanne of a wonderful magical book – you sum it up so well and very much two worlds colliding and I too was initially confused until the various elements slotted into place. The writing as always superb and carried me away.
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Thank you Annika.
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This is a fabulous review. The Sorcerer’s Garden is the first book I read and reviewed by D Wallace Peach. I immediately became a fan of her work.
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Great to hear, Kev.
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I’m an eclectic and voracious reader, but I grew up on fantasy. And it’s hard to come by a book in this genre that offers something truly new and not formulaic. I can probably count on two hands the number of books that have stood out to me this way within the genre — and I added The Sorcerer’s Garden when I read it. It’s a strong story, but for me, the fact that it’s a clever story, as well, was an even bigger sell point.
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Thank you Erik.
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