Review of Like a Lily Among the Thorns
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Review of Like a Lily Among the Thorns
[Following is a volunteer review of "Like a Lily Among the Thorns" by Karen S. Bell.]
5 out of 5 stars.
The book ‘Like a Lily Among the Thorns’ is an interesting sci-fi/fantasy novel written by Karen S. Bell, who beautifully intertwines real-life situations with myth and magical elements. The plot focuses on the main character, Gabrielle Bernstein, a hard-working young woman who has experienced many adversities in her life. With no father figure in her life and being an orphan she has to fight for life and she starts working at a public library in NYC. A major turning point in her life is when she encounters Countess Ivanova, who arranges for Gabby when the latter has no place to live. These new relationships are liberating and offer hope for transformation. Another upheaval occurs in Gabby’s life when she receives an inheritance: a small hotel in Vermont from her father with whom she was detached. The hotel itself plays a major role in being filled with mystery and guarded by mythological deities, the object conceals many secrets and enigmatic signs of supernatural presence for Gabby to encounter. The position here is that family, strength, and the blurring of the distinctions between the worlds of the living and the dead are at the heart of the work. The simple yet picturesque language used by Karen S. Bell to narrate the story along with detailing helps in understanding Gabby’s ordeal and achievements. Moreover, the plot of the book is very complex and the characters’ emotions are revealed, so I give five stars to this book.
Gabrielle Bernstein, the leading character, is a source of strength and hope for a struggling woman. Her story is a rollercoaster one from a childhood where she was abandoned, and her mother suffered from mental issues to a life where she has a bright future and symbolizes strength. Bell perfects Gabby’s personality and defines her so well that one finds oneself on this girl’s side when it comes to tackling life’s ordeal.
The author has made the work smooth and it is quite easy for the reader to create a mental picture of the events and go through the emotional feelings of characters. There are no hanging loose ends and the detailed narration and strong characterization of Gabby puts the reader directly in her context. The inclusion of such aspects of reality with myth is engaging and unique to read that will leave the readers enmeshed in the plot.
However, there are some elements that one might find in the novel “Like a Lily Among the Thorns” by Karen S. Bell to abandon: It could be said that the supernatural aspect can occasionally become a bit oppressive, and although the language used is lush, there could be those readers who would consider some of the descriptions too elaborate: feel that sometimes overly described. These aspects do not lessen the fact that the story is still a fantastic one and therefore this book deserves its five stars.
The book editing is superb and the writing style is exceptional with no errors. all in all book deserves 5 star rating.
Overall, “Like a Lily Among The Thorns” as a novel is not only a story about one’s journey through personal hardships, but rather a story about finding one’s family and love against all odds. It shows how people have to be connected and that there is always life even when it is shrouded in darkness. Any reader who is interested in a feel-good yet exciting story that is set in the real world with just a hint of the fantastic should read this book. This is a great book by Karen S. Bell.
******
Like a Lily Among the Thorns
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
5 out of 5 stars.
The book ‘Like a Lily Among the Thorns’ is an interesting sci-fi/fantasy novel written by Karen S. Bell, who beautifully intertwines real-life situations with myth and magical elements. The plot focuses on the main character, Gabrielle Bernstein, a hard-working young woman who has experienced many adversities in her life. With no father figure in her life and being an orphan she has to fight for life and she starts working at a public library in NYC. A major turning point in her life is when she encounters Countess Ivanova, who arranges for Gabby when the latter has no place to live. These new relationships are liberating and offer hope for transformation. Another upheaval occurs in Gabby’s life when she receives an inheritance: a small hotel in Vermont from her father with whom she was detached. The hotel itself plays a major role in being filled with mystery and guarded by mythological deities, the object conceals many secrets and enigmatic signs of supernatural presence for Gabby to encounter. The position here is that family, strength, and the blurring of the distinctions between the worlds of the living and the dead are at the heart of the work. The simple yet picturesque language used by Karen S. Bell to narrate the story along with detailing helps in understanding Gabby’s ordeal and achievements. Moreover, the plot of the book is very complex and the characters’ emotions are revealed, so I give five stars to this book.
Gabrielle Bernstein, the leading character, is a source of strength and hope for a struggling woman. Her story is a rollercoaster one from a childhood where she was abandoned, and her mother suffered from mental issues to a life where she has a bright future and symbolizes strength. Bell perfects Gabby’s personality and defines her so well that one finds oneself on this girl’s side when it comes to tackling life’s ordeal.
The author has made the work smooth and it is quite easy for the reader to create a mental picture of the events and go through the emotional feelings of characters. There are no hanging loose ends and the detailed narration and strong characterization of Gabby puts the reader directly in her context. The inclusion of such aspects of reality with myth is engaging and unique to read that will leave the readers enmeshed in the plot.
However, there are some elements that one might find in the novel “Like a Lily Among the Thorns” by Karen S. Bell to abandon: It could be said that the supernatural aspect can occasionally become a bit oppressive, and although the language used is lush, there could be those readers who would consider some of the descriptions too elaborate: feel that sometimes overly described. These aspects do not lessen the fact that the story is still a fantastic one and therefore this book deserves its five stars.
The book editing is superb and the writing style is exceptional with no errors. all in all book deserves 5 star rating.
Overall, “Like a Lily Among The Thorns” as a novel is not only a story about one’s journey through personal hardships, but rather a story about finding one’s family and love against all odds. It shows how people have to be connected and that there is always life even when it is shrouded in darkness. Any reader who is interested in a feel-good yet exciting story that is set in the real world with just a hint of the fantastic should read this book. This is a great book by Karen S. Bell.
******
Like a Lily Among the Thorns
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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