I’m incredibly pleased with this review from Red City Review. That said, since I originally posted this article, I have found out that this is a paid-for review. Kind of. But before you cry foul, let me tell you the story behind this.
A few months ago, a stranger read my book and loved it. Loved it so much, she has done everything she can to help spread the word.
I, too, have tried to earn people’s reviews. I asked people I trusted if they wanted to read my book in return for an honest review. Many said yes. And since delays during publishing meant my book was to have virtually no promotion, I was overwhelmed by and grateful for their response.
Well, only a fraction of those people came through.
Anyway, my loyal reader, in a heartwarming act of friendship, hired a company that, like the famous Kirkus Reviews, offered an “honest literary review.” Now, I have checked the company, Red City Review, out and believe they are absolutely legitimate. Their reviews look honest and show an insight that proves their reviewers read the books they review. And they’re comfortable giving five, four and three star reviews (although I could see none lower than three stars).
Yet I don’t want anyone to assume I purchase positive reviews from places like Fiverr (although I love Fiverr. So much talent. Artists, voiceover artists,…).
That said, I like this review even more now that I know the story behind it, because not only did the review’s author seem to like my book, it is also proof of a very special person’s faith in me. And that means the world to me. Thank you!
Thank you also to everyone who has taken the time to post their own reviews. You rock!
So, here it is:
Divide and Conquer by Carmen Fox
Lea is just a normal girl trying to find her place in the world. Her job as a translator leaves much to be desired, but it’s a start. She’s just found a cute guy who seems to be interested in her. Things are looking up, until she crosses paths with a woman who will turn her life upside down. Nieve has always lived her life for her king and her country. And as the threat they have been worried about comes even closer, she knows the end must justify the means. But when it all goes wrong can she pull herself together for one last stand?
The synopsis of Divide and Conquer alone grabs your attention, and once you start reading you are not disappointed. Nieve and Lea’s fight to save their worlds (and ultimately their minds and memories) will keep you on your toes trying to put pieces together and waiting to see what happens next. Author Carmen Fox takes urban fantasy (and the fantasy genre in general) to a whole new level. The characters of Divide And Conquer are all fully developed, relatable, and-more importantly-believable. Fox lets you get to know them on a much deeper level and peek into their hearts and souls. The two main characters have been put into an impossible situation and they both react very differently- Nieve is a fighter and ready for anything, while Lea is still hoping for a way out. Throughout it all, her characters feel like people instead of just characters. The world Fox has created is rich with detail-making it easy to see everything in your head as you read, but not too much detail that it slows down the story. She writes from both Lea’s and Nieve’s points of view; adding a depth to the story and immersing you deeper into the world. Going back and forth between characters could easily get confusing or interrupt the flow of the book, but Fox does it with skill. Long story short, this is a must-read book whether you like urban fantasy or not, and if you aren’t sure about fantasy in general, it’s likely that Fox will change your mind.
