Inspired Chaos
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Contact

Book Review: Looking for Dei by David A Willson

5/31/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
Picture
Fifteen-year-old Nara Dall has never liked secrets. Yet it seems that her life has been filled with them, from the ugly scar on her back to the strange powers she possesses. Her mysterious father refuses to say anything about her origins, and soon, she and her best friend must attend the announcement ceremony, in which youths are tested for a magical gift.

A gifted youth has not been announced in the poor village of Dimmitt for decades. When Nara uncovers the reason, she uses her own powers to make things right. The decision sets her on a path of danger, discovery, and a search for the divine. In the process, she learns the truth about herself and uncovers the biggest secret of all: the power of broken people.

Add on Goodreads

Purchase: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078KNKC7D
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/looking-for-dei-david-a-willson/1128010607?ean=2940155140030
iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/looking-for-dei/id1350253461?mt=11
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/looking-for-dei
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/793420


Review

I loved the complexity of Willson’s magic system and the way it weaves in with the social structure through religion. The incorrect translations and misinterpretations of ancient runes in religious texts is reminiscent of the history of the Christian Bible, just as the heavy link between religion and politics in Looking for Dei bears a similarity to history. The notable difference being the inclusion of magic and its ties to religion, shaping the Great Lands of Looking for Dei with the powerful triad of magic, political classism, and religion.

As so often happens with me, I liked the antagonists, Vorick and Kayna, far more than Nara, Mykel, Bylo, and Anne. Nara’s development is satisfying, as is Mykel’s transformation, but they’re a little too naïve, their moral compasses a little too steady for my tastes. I found Vorick’s thirst for power and Kayna’s sociopathy far more compelling.

I did find the book a little slow, but having characters refine their newfound skills in peace and safety is not one of my favourite storylines. Looking for Dei is a fun YA fantasy with a captivating magic system and mythology. This book didn’t quite suit my tastes although I’m sure it will appeal to many others.
 

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow the Blog Tour for Looking for Dei
1 Comment
Giselle link
5/31/2018 04:59:33 pm

Thanks for hosting today, Caitlin! Great review! :)

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014

    Categories

    All
    Bookish Thoughts
    Book Reviews
    Short Stories
    Teaser Tuesday
    Top Ten Tuesday

    RSS Feed



    Picture

    Author

    Caitlin has loved fantasy from a young age. She started writing in earnest because she couldn’t find the book she needed to read.
     
    Caitlin enjoys listening to music, watching anime, researching random subjects so she can be a better know-it-all, and playing the odd game.   
     
    She lives in South Africa with her son.

    Her work received highest honours in the 2017 SAWC Short Story Competition.

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.