Title: Abithica
Author: Susan Goldsmith
Series: Abithica #1
ASIN: B004WOYNGC
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Pub. Date: April 2011
Genre: Supernatural/Romance/Fantasy/Paranormal/Paranormal Romance/YA
Pages: ebook (287)
Rating: 4 Kisses
Buy: Amazon
Extra(s): Author’s Website | Excerpt
From: received an arc copy from the author
Synopsis (from Goodreads.com): What if you knew you were about to be torn from your body and replaced by an imposter in a seamless switch forever separating you and the one you love? Would you do whatever it took to stay? Even if YOU happened to be the imposter? Abithica must borrow all that she is from others: names, lives, even bodies. When she switches into the troubled life of Sydney Turner, she breaks the rule that has sustained her, the one thing in her control—never get attached. Lane Riley has no idea he’s fallen for Abithica, wearing Sydney Turner’s body and that a future with her is impossible. Desperate to stay with him, Abithica uncovers the mystery of what she is, only to learn she’s a pawn in a battle over souls, and that she’s probably one of the “bad guys.” What will happen if she refuses to leave Sydney’s body?
My Reveries and Ramblings: Abithica is the story of a spirit/being/whatever you want to call her for right now(not giving anything away) who is thrust into people’s bodies taking over their lives. She stays with her host until she has completed whatever needed to be done. She sees her predicament as a punishment from God. She sees herself as a parasite or demon.
The book opens in Arizona with Sydney collapsing into her food at a restaurant because the spirit being mentioned (in the previous paragraph) has just entered her body. As Sydney, the spirit starts trying to improve her life starting with Sydney’s damaged relationship with her mother, Faith. At first “new” Sydney is having a hard time because the real Sydney is being resistant. During a trip to Faith’s work (at the mall), Sydney meets Lane and his much younger sister, Shae. It’s love at first sight for “new” Sydney and Lane. However, “new” Sydney is very resistant because she doesn’t want to hurt him when she leaves Sydney’s body. Also, she is scared of falling too hard because she knows it will all be ripped from her. Besides the romance, there is also an element of danger from the gang that Sydney belongs to, the Legnas. They are a dangerous gang that brands their members and like to kill, a lot.
Abithica takes the reader on a journey with the protagonist as she discovers who and what she is. She discovers her real name at the end. Poor girl. Every time she forced into a new body she forgets most of what happened before. However, the one thing she does know is that she wants to fall in love and stay that way. That is her greatest wish/dream. This is impossible, though. To prevent herself from getting hurt she decided that she would never get attached. Of course Lane changed that.
Lane is just * gush * amazing! He knows there’s something different about Sydney as soon as he meets her (I’m talking about “new” Sydney). No matter how many times she pushes him away he comes back even stronger and more cling-y (in a good way). He loves her so much. The most beautiful aspect of their love is the fact that he loves who the “new” Sydney is-meaning he loves the spirit inhabiting Sydney. (Yes, I know, it sounds confusing on paper, but it really isn’t).
The novel contains many other great characters. Among them are Shae, Lane’s adorable little sister; Faith, Sydney’s shoe obsessed mother; the ever helpful Father Gabe; and Marge, a saint-like doctor.
When I started Abithica, I was enjoying it. But about half-way through, OMG! I was hooked. There were moments where I was screaming at my computer screen (ebook), yelling at the characters. Then there were moments where I was on the verge of tears. The protagonist’s voice easy to read. I felt a connection with her-there were moments where I could completely relate to her. Mrs. Goldsmith did an awesome job with the writing. Even when she wrote through Shae’s POV, it was readable at the same time as sounding like a little girl.
Now, even though I really really liked this book, there were a few things that just didn’t click with me. I didn’t like reading the Legnas parts of the book-but I think this is just a matter of personal taste. I never like reading the antagonist’s POV in any book. Also, Lane annoyed me in the beginning. He was talking about marriage very VERY early on in their relationship- they had only gone out a few times together. But, of course, I was able to come to terms with it, and even accept it later on in the book.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to all who love a good romance. Yes, it is Christian Lit., but it’s not overwhelming (which is good). Also, I seriously read the last 50 pages four times-it was just too fantastic to not reread! I can’t wait until the sequel.
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