Review: A Magical Kingdom Awaits, and It Ain't Disney World
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 24, 2012
Have you ever had something happen to you in your everyday, mundane routine that, for whatever reason, causes you to suddenly, and without any effort, recall a past premonition, or maybe even evoke a dream from days, even months ago, that you can distinctly recall? It's happened to many people on more than one occasion. Some refer to it as deja vu; others attribute such phenomena to synchronicity or some other causation.Whatever the source may be, despite its relative lack of empirical, tangential evidence to corroborate its actions, many people will enthusiastically and passionately argue that such events were real and did indeed transpire that immediately brought a fair amount of recall to the forefront for these particular individuals.This particular review is a continuation of Sandra Ross's "Soul Mates Bind: Witching Call." Part 1 was already given commentary; this particular piece concerns Part 2.Ross has provided her readers with the adept ability to weave a powerful story in which strong, resilient characters come into their own via numerous trials and tribulations. As with many of her protagonists, the character of Lola has embarked upon a personal quest---not only does she seek answers to long-held questions about her personal and familial past, but her deepening relationship (and eventual marraige) with the mysterious Marc has only encouraged her to pursue her husband's background.As with many of Ross's tales, she slowly allows the reader to discover the hidden gems that contribute to solving the puzzle that has heretofore remained an enigma to all parties involved (namely, Lola and the reader). What makes the mystery a pleasant journey for all involved is the benevolent reassurance, love and support that Lola receives from both her parents, Davis and Sable, who have remained cordial and friendly with one another despite having been divorced for many years. What is even more unusual to Lola's way of thinking is that Davis has remained firmly single for most of Lola's life (Lola having lived with him in New York since she was a small child) and still seems to carry an unspoken torch, figuratively speaking, after all these years for Sable. If this is truly the case, then the obvious question the reader might raise would be: why get divorced in the first place?Something jes' ain't kosher here.Part 2 continues with a magnificent wedding for both Lola and Marc, of whom the latter, as it turns out, is indeed of royal background. As is befitting someone of his social stature and hierarchy, he and his new bride will live their lives in luxury and will never be wanting for anything---except answers to Lola's past.Ross skillfully melds past and present together as the story progresses, and eventually Lola realizes that she and Marc had indeed met before...in a previous life. And, long ago in this prior existence, they had indeed been lovers. This "aha" moment that engulfs Lola provides her with the impetus to know Marc on an even deeper, more intense level, which is reinforced as memories long suppressed slowly begin to trickle forth from her collective subconscious. Events and happenstances that she had forgotten long ago that seemed innocuously random at that time now begin to settle into a prominent mental position that increases her acuity and cognition.Slowly, at an agonizing pace, Lola starts to put together her past, and in so doing starts to realize who she is and what her potential outcomes are---for not only herself, but her life with Marc and her relationship with her parents."Witching Call Part 2" segues smoothly from the inaugural book and does not come across as choppy and weak. Ross's efforts to provide her fans an engrossing sequel succeeds to near-perfection.