3 out of 4 stars
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Remind me how it is that society defines insanity; doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results? Regrettably, this is how the main character in Pepper Carlson’s novel comes to describe the painfully destructive cycle in which she finds herself. The Karma Chronicles (Part 1): Hadrian’s Seal is a spiritually ripe portrayal of the payments rendered when a soul is born into a life of karmic debt.
The narrative follows the life of a twin, whose other half died during birth but remains divinely connected to her during life. Much of the story is presented through the eyes of the twin who passed (referred to as the Doppelgänger) as she watches over the surviving twin, Kate. The Doppelgänger, who is never named otherwise, resides in another realm with the archangels Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, Zadkiel, and Raphael. Together, they try to shepherd Kate through the events of unavoidable emotional despair.
Kate’s troubled youth is riddled with instances of “negative-love,” and her emotional armor cracks a bit each time she acquires a new statistical label. First, she is the neglected child, then a bastard child, horrifically next she’s a rape victim, and lastly a teenage foster child. The Doppelgänger pleads with the angels to do more than send good thoughts, but they refuse and explain that Kate must suffer these experiences to gain the wisdom needed to escape the pattern of restitution. It is eventually revealed that Kate’s karmic debt was accrued in a previous existence by Lord Hadrian. She must learn to break herself out of the payment rotation before she is stuck there forever.
This book presents profound theology surrounding the fundamentals of karma and how its balance passes through generations. Kate ultimately learns tools to free herself from the chain of debt repayment, but readers must wait to see if she will follow through in the coming books.
The substance of this book lies not within the story but the provocative coping mechanisms demonstrated by the author. The restorative theories are uplifting and propose a sense of calm which I enjoyed while reading. Touches of self-guided imagery hypnosis and meditative poetry persuade readers (and Kate) to let go of self-sabotage and embrace enlightenment through struggle.
Carlson’s celestial imagery and inspiring prose made this book rejuvenating and gratifying. Although the writing was engaging, Kate had repeated dreams about a dragon that were never explained, and because of this, I was sadly let down and confused. Also, the repetition of similar scenarios to illustrate karmic cycles stifled the flow and my interest in the story. So, for the parts I liked and didn’t, I am rating The Karma Chronicles 3 out of 4 stars. I think this book could prove to be a great healing tool for any readers looking to cleanse negativity and locate self-worth. After all, Carlson tells us that “what scares us most is an illusion."
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The Karma Chronicles Part I
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