Review: A captivating novel that creates fantasy & drops in a healthy dose of horrifying reality about domestic abuse..
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 14, 2014
I read the blurb for 'Smoke & MirrorZ' when Ms. Lucas started promoting it & thought that it might be an interesting book, as I've adored Ms. Lucas's work in the past, so I added it to my list... I'm so glad I did! Wow! This book captivated me from start to finish! I was immediately drawn in when I read the foreword that Ms Lucas added to the book, reminding people of how rampant domestic violence is in the world today.. It touched my soul, as I've dealt with such violence in my past so I knew I just had to read this book.. And read it, I did.. Actually, 'reading' is putting it mildly.. I felt more like I was getting lost in a world that I not only related to but also one where a knight in shining armor was rushing to save the damsel in distress from the nightmares of her past... even though it was a reluctant 'knight' who just happened to be a Jinn and a 'damsel' who wasn't about to let him into her world or her heart.. The "Arabian Nights" theme was captivating & enthralling! Scheri went through so much pain & my heart wept for this beautiful, yet damaged woman.. Z had an ulterior motive for offering his help to her originally, but then even his jaded defenses eased up & slowly started letting Scheri into his heart, even when he didn't realize it was happening.. The mystical background was incredibly thorough & Ms Lucas clearly put a lot of time into researching her story, adding all sorts of  fascinating info about the Jinn (genies). She wrote the characters with true heart & soul.. The horror that Scheri went through was so well-described & heart-breaking.. And when it came to all the 'Smoke & MirrorZ' in Z's unique life, nothing was missed.. Especially the true terror that wan through my heart when reading that no matter how much Scheri & Z ended up letting each other in & changed their lives for each other, the abuser in Scheri's life still found her again.. Will Z & Scheri be able to get through a new nightmare when there is a sadistic killer involved, one who has no plans of letting Scheri escape? Will Z's magic be enough to save her from the demented mind of a madman? You absolutely MUST read this book & find out!Not only was this book well-written, it was absolutely a perfect mix of breath-taking & heart-breaking and I, for one, cannot wait til Ms Lucas's next novel to hit the shelves! Also, I do have to mention that the trailer for this book was absolutely fantastic! It stars Cynthia & the gorgeous Grigoris Drakakis (who is also the cover model on the book) and was truly one of the best book trailers I've seen from an indie author in.. well.. forever! Don't miss out on the book or the trailer!Platinum Reviews gives "Smoke & MirrorZ" and Cynthia Lucas:  5 Platinum Rings!~Vicki Rose