Abithica by Susan Goldsmith

Genre: YA Paranormal
Publication Date: June 15th 2011
Pages: 288
Book Source: Courtesy of author

Synopsis: 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?

Review:

Abithica is an unusual combination of love story and dark, sinister mystery and I'm thrilled to say it's a totally mesmerising and unique tale.

The reader is at first as disoriented as the main character, floundering in her mackerel and mashed potato; from the first tentative, awkward moments with no clue as to what's going on, to slowly revealed enlightenment ... I loved that sense of disjointed confusion.

I don't want to give too much away about Abithica herself as that discovery is half the delicious anticipation in the read but Abithica describes herself as a parasite, possibly a demon, but she's really not sure. I loved Abithica and her internal struggles, her strength and selflessness, her vulnerability & despair. I was swept away by the hopeful essence in the love story and Lane is a thoroughly likeable and dependable hero. The 'shoe philosophy' was an intriguing sideline and Lane's sister, Shae is just adorable.

The dark subplot revolves around the Legnas cult, the glimpses into their dark practices are scary indeed but there are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding these 'horrors'. Goldsmith's descriptions are chilling and graphic and the entities had me quivering in my shoes. The author ties complex plot threads together to create a spell-binding blend of paranormal, mystery, romance, horror and suspense.

This is one debut novel I wholeheartedly recommend.

Susan is working on a sequel to Abithica which will answer questions about the Legnas & Abithica's connection to them ... ooh can't wait!

Visit Susan Goldsmith's website to find out more.