Review by Topsey -- Tujunga by Carlos Alvarado

[Topsey]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Tujunga" by Carlos Alvarado.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Tujunga by Carlos Alvarado follows two tales of love filled with loss, passion, pain and desire that intertwine with one another despite being decades apart. After the mysterious death of Xochi, her fiance Robert begins to suspect that this tragedy is far more sinister than it first appears and he wanders what about Xochi’s research could have led to her murder. Through a series of seamless flashbacks, the reality of Xochi’s research comes to light as she had begun to question the US government and the possibility of a cover-up unlike any other.

Decades earlier we find Courtney Mckillon, a young man whose path is both paved in toils and love. Caught between a secret space mission and the love of his wife Claudia, a secret is born - one that many wish to keep, but at what cost? With characters described in-depth and with realness, it is impossible to stop turning the pages of this book in the hopes of discovering the fates of these enigmatic, yet uncanny, characters.

The originality of this story is its greatest asset. The concept that Alvarado has created is unlike anything I have ever read and this meant that the book was very hard to put down. Furthermore, one feels as though they are on the path to discovery along with the characters: broken by their heartbreak; entranced by their passions; and enthralled by their journey. Alvarado’s detailed descriptions of each character’s raw emotions, desires and anguish enable the reader to immerse themself in the unfolding story. As a result, this book is one that I can reflect upon and appreciate - as not only a beautifully captivating story - but as a study of human nature.

One might find the beginning of the book slightly muddled by the various timelines and I found myself questioning their relevance. Fortunately, as the book progresses the various stories become clearer and more compelling. However, the book’s best asset again succeeds as curiosity was victorious over initial confusion. The book is very well edited and planned to form an intricate story with many fascinating and surprising events.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars due to its excellent plot, beautifully crafted characters and clever narration. I would recommend this book to YA readers and those interested in a blend of romance, sci-fi and mystery. There are a few cases of profanity and erotic scenes but these are mild in both cases and are clearly devices to enrich the characters and act as emotive triggers for the reader.

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Tujunga
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[Amy Murdoch Coleman]

I try to stick with books that have believable and compelling characters, and I am intrigued by this one. Very nice review!

[Fernando222]

The author employed a pretty creative way of placing an equilibrium juncture where two different times meet. Nice review.

[Howlan]

That sounds like an intriguing plotline. Thanks for the great review!

[Usma Khann]

Looks like the book has everything a good story should possess- excellent plot, beautifully crafted characters and clever narration. Appreciate the insightful review.

[LinaJan]

Those secrets have too much of a pull on me not to add this to my reading list Thank you for such a beautifully written and inviting review!

[MsH2k]

the book’s best asset again succeeds as curiosity was victorious over initial confusion

Beautifully worded! Thanks for a lovely review.

[Leen282]

Book added to my shelves

[Koltrast]

I love myself a good fantasy mystery. Nice review!

[Harty Muli]

With a secret to hide from his wife, Mckillon's story seems interesting. Thanks for the nice review.

[Topsey]

I try to stick with books that have believable and compelling characters, and I am intrigued by this one. Very nice review!

Yes, me too. Well-written or badly written characters can make or break a book.

[kljrox]

With characters described in-depth and with realness, it is impossible to stop turning the pages of this book in the hopes of discovering the fates of these enigmatic, yet uncanny, characters.

I absolutely love it when the characters are developed to the point of the reader becoming invested in their fate. Wonderfully written review!

[fadjei]

This sounds like a really enjoyable read. I like the combination of romance and sci-fi. I think that this will make for a very engaging read.
Thanks for the review!

[Kanda_theGreat]

I enjoyed your summary of this book, that left me wanting more.
Great review.

[AvidBibliophile]

Ooh government cover-ups, secret space missions, and intersecting tales of love in a sci-fi setting?! Sounds like an otherworldly delight. Thanks for your review!