You can now sign up to ARC read Rachel’s upcoming dark romantasy ‘My soul, his promise‘.
A story about Ailsa, a village healer, striking a deal with a demon to get the one thing she desires above all else: true love.
Will she get what she’s looking for? Or will she get more than she ever bargained for?
Sign up HERE!
Because this is a dark romantasy, be sure to check your triggers!
Categorie: Uncategorized
My reading experience:
Although I was not alive in 1660 and have never been to Scotland I experienced as if I was there. This is because this story is very visually and cinematically written.
I saw, felt, smelled and heard everything around me while I was reading. Real live faded away.
The characters are developed in great detail. They are not names on paper, but flesh-and-blood people. I built a bond with them. I got to know them thoroughly. With some, I went deep, and with others, I didn’t. There were also characters I wanted to strangle immediately. But that is also a compliment at the same time. It means that it aligns completely with reality.
I connected the most with Ailsa. What an incredibly sweet, smart, passionate, empathetic, and powerful woman. Way ahead of her time. I think she could have lived perfectly well in the present day as well. I would love to have her as a friend. The choices she made were well-considered. Always with an eye for her fellow man. Always caring for those who are having such a hard time. The only thing she wants in return is recognition, love, acceptance, a listening ear, and a shoulder to cry on. Throughout the story, you see a visible development in Ailsa. From shy and preferring the shadows, she dares to step into the full light and be powerful and self-confident. My heart sang with joy for her. I wished this for her so much. She, who witnessed the experiences of the first light of life, who healed where necessary with her extensive knowledge, and who was always loving and kind.
I recognized a lot of myself in Ailsa. I was also bullied for years. The reasons are still not clear to me. I saw the pain, the rejection, and the inferiority complex reflected in Ailsa. Life was so hard for her at that point. I could have eaten those who were so mean. Until I found out that they only lived on paper.
Another example that these nasty people are also well-developed by Rachel Elisabeth. They cause feelings of awkwardness, sadness, pain, and bottomless darkness. Loneliness that seeps through everything.
What shattered my heart into a thousand pieces was the fact that Ailsa suffers so much injustice while life has already beaten her so hard.
This story also reminds me of the books by Rosalynd Randolph. She writes Dark Urban Fantasy. The pitch-black darkness in this story by Rachel Elisabeth and the resulting possibilities for a different life for Ailsa do not frighten me in the least. I find it fascinating and intriguing. And it is not just threat and terrifying suspense, but there is also room for humor. The budding, eroticizing, blazing passion that results in palpable loving affection is also well represented.
But the fact that there are “characters” who treat women solely for their own egocentric purposes of fulfilling rough lust is sickening and caused me to plunge into an abyss of grief and anger.
It made me want to offer my arms for a safe haven. Fortunately, my prayers were answered, and that filled me with tenderness and trust. The road to the plot is by no means easy. Through monstrosities lacking knowledge, the ability to hear both sides of the story, shortsightedness, and by being wolves in sheep’s clothing. I found the plot intense and compelling.
It brought tears to my eyes before entering a path full of thorns. Deviating from the path was made impossible by venomous snakes. Deep respect for powerful bravery.
The epilogue made my heart sing with loud sounds. And warmed my psyche and body completely.
I would love to read and review more stories by Rachel Elisabeth. What a writing talent. A deep bow.
Fortunately, I still have two Dutch-language books on hand: Het Troonduel 1 and 2.
My opinion:
I rate this book with 5 stars
A visual and cinematic story. A well described atmosphere. Metaphoric sentences.
I did not read but I entered the story and was part of it. Forgetting all about daily live.
The character development is strong. The characters are like real human beeings not only names.
Although this story has content warnings before reading, what I think is a very good thing, you should definiately read this story.
For it is a live changing, wonderful, deepgoing, heartgripping, passionate, fascinating and intriguing read.
It also gives you a view into history how daily live was in 1660 in Scotland. And with lots of room for passion, magic, love and dedication this is a mustread.
Rachel Elisabeth touched me deeply with this story.
Thank you so much for sharing!!