My Review
Mortal Sight by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads is an urban fantasy YA novel is a fast-paced tale about a teenaged girl, her mysterious powers, and a great evil that hunts her.
Ms. Fernanadez Rhoads incorporated so many things that I love that there was no way I couldn’t enjoy this book. I knew all the art discussed in the book, having studied it myself during college. Lines from Paradise Lost by Milton were woven ingeniously through the book as if the dead poet were speaking to Cera from across the ages. And the fight sequences were realistic too. After all, how much fighting have many 17 year-olds done? Not much and it shows. As one character puts it, at least she’s not running from the fight.
And that was the other thing. Cera is warm, loving, and wants the right thing to happen. Unfortunately, her brash nature gets the better of her and seems at odds with her sweeter side. We find out why and it makes a ton of sense, trust me. Other than her ability as a Seer, I keep thinking there’s something to her heightened senses, like smells, that play into what she can do. It’s not really followed up, other than confirmation that another Seer has the same gift.
There is a love story, not just for Cera, but for others as well. Mattox, the love interest, is kind and cute (aren’t they supposed to be?!) but has a secret that might just end their relationship before it even begins. I hope not though, because I’m really looking forward to the second book!
GoodReads Rating ★★★★☆ I like it and recommend it.
About the Book
Book: Mortal Sight
Author: Sandra Fernandez Rhoads
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy
Release Date: April 14, 2020
When Worlds Collide, Shadow Wrestles Light
Seventeen-year-old Cera Marlowe wants a normal life; one where she and her mom can stop skipping town every time a disturbing vision strikes. But when a girl she knows is murdered by a monster she can’t explain, Cera’s world turns upside down.
Suddenly thrown into an ancient supernatural battle, Cera discovers she’s not alone in her gifting and vows to use her visions to save lives. But why does John Milton’s poem Paradise Lost keep interrupting her thoughts?
In a race against time and a war against unearthly creatures, will decoding messages embedded in the works of classic literature be enough to stop the bloodshed and protect those she loves?
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Sandra Fernandez Rhoads is a Cuban-Colombian born in Queens, New York but currently lives in Dallas, Texas. Her previous experience includes earning an M.A. in her 17th-century crush, John Milton, writing scripts and performance pieces, directing theater, acting, and running an employment consulting and marketing company. As an AFA-NIET National Finalist in Public Speaking, she welcomes an audience and dreams of playing the theme to Jurassic Park on her cello, named Lysander. Mortal Sight is her debut novel.
More from Sandra
I am so excited to share this story. The original story seed for Mortal Sight came from the premise: what if someone never felt like they belonged in this world because they really didn’t? They were born for a place they didn’t know existed, an unseen realm. And if so, what things in our everyday world would shout out this truth, point to this other world, and try to get their attention to let them know that the restlessness is intentional and they were called to something bigger than themselves. The use of art and literature throughout the story comes from my own love for art and the artist community. The unique way artists look at the world could point to this other realm. I chose Milton’s Paradise Lost, in particular, because the poem speaks of things invisible and unseen wars. I have a deep love for artists and the creative community and love encouraging others to tell stories through art, whether it’s visual, music, poetry, dance, writing, etc. It’s in art’s narrative that we see broken pieces of ourselves. This story came from the idea that art could create common ground, kickstart community, and maybe even change the way we see ourselves, others, or even the world.
Blog Stops
Deb’s Book Review, April 30
Rebecca Tews, April 30
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 1
A Reader’s Brain, May 2
Blogging With Carol, May 2
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 3
For the Love of Literature, May 4
Wishful Endings, May 4
Texas Book-aholic, May 5
Inklings and notions, May 6
April Hayman, Author, May 6
For Him and My Family, May 7
Pause for Tales, May 8
Mia Reads, May 8
Through the Fire Blogs, May 9
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 10
Genesis 5020, May 11
Artistic Nobody, May 12
Emily Yager, May 13
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Sandra is giving away the grand prize package of Mortal Sight hardback with exclusive signed bookplate, plus bookmark/Sticker/Button, $30 Amazon gift card, hardback copy of Paradise Lost, and writing Journal of Pierre Auguste Cot’s The Storm!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f8fa/mortal-sight-celebration-tour-giveaway
I thought your review was very well written. Thanks for being part of the tour.
Thank you very much!