Review of Nimue

[Anaïs Quesson]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Nimue" by Ayn Cates Sullivan.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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“It is not only love that we see in the mirror of the sacred other, but every emotion, mistake and hurt. The practice of loving requires incredible delicacy, skills more refined than weaving the most intricate silk tapestry. It is much more challenging than war.”

Nimue: Freeing Merlin is a retelling of the Arthurian myth in which Nina, an ordinary teenager, embarks on a mystical journey to discover her true nature.
Her mother Diana has always believed in her Celtic roots and the ancient Gods of Nature. Two years after her husband passed away, Diana wants to travel to Britain and show her daughter Nina the places in which she grew up.
Nina is inexplicably drawn to nature. She feels deeply linked to flowers. She also often dreams of a mysterious woman with violet eyes and a shimmering green dress. After meeting with a healer in London, Nina discovers she is a reincarnation of Nimue, a powerful sorceress and Guardian of the Natural world.
The 21st-century world is now unbalanced. Darkness is taking over. Floods, fires, and other natural catastrophes as we know them. Only Merlin can bring back the balance between the elements and restore peace. And only Nimue can bring Merlin back.

Nimue is divided into five parts. The first three parts consist of the story of Nina and Nimue. It is an enchanting journey full of magic and romance. Parts four and five, approximately the last 15% of the book, are insightful further comments on the Arthurian tale and a helpful glossary. Sullivan takes us even deeper into this magical universe. When you know nothing of Camelot’s court, these last two parts are very helpful in understanding the main story.

I picked this book up expecting an epic fantasy quest. To be frank, it was not. At least not in the way I was imagining. Most of the book is centered on Nimue’s journey, from her priestess apprenticeship to her becoming a great sorceress in Camelot’s court.
However, I am not disappointed in the slightest. Ayn Cates Sullivan’s writing is fascinating. It is easy to read and understand. I particularly enjoyed the detailed descriptions. They made the story-telling stand out.
The chapters are short, which makes the story fast-paced. It is an effective way of grasping the reader’s attention. I was always eager to keep reading.
Lastly, the characters are all well-developed. Each one serves its role in the story. I enjoyed following Nimue’s character as she grows and gains more power.

The book is professionally edited. I have no typos or grammar errors to report.

To conclude, I’m happy to give Nimue a strong 5 out of 5 stars.
I have no negative comment to make. Ayn Cates Sullivan did a tremendous amount of research beforehand. She summed it all up in a fast-paced story that will keep you hooked from the beginning to the end.

******
Nimue
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes

[Cara Wilding]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Nimue" by Ayn Cates Sullivan.]


“It is not only love that we see in the mirror of the sacred other, but every emotion, mistake and hurt. The practice of loving requires incredible delicacy, skills more refined than weaving the most intricate silk tapestry. It is much more challenging than war.”

Anais, I was patiently waiting to see your review of this book I love that you started your review with this particular quote, while I was reading the book it was a selection I had made a note about as well! That last sentence about love being more challenging than war felt so deep! I didn't give it as high a rating, but I can see why you did. I very much enjoyed your review - thanks for sharing it!

[Anaïs Quesson]

Anais, I was patiently waiting to see your review of this book I love that you started your review with this particular quote, while I was reading the book it was a selection I had made a note about as well! That last sentence about love being more challenging than war felt so deep! I didn't give it as high a rating, but I can see why you did. I very much enjoyed your review - thanks for sharing it!

Thank you a lot for your comment Cara, you made my day!
This quote particularly touched me. Love requires sacrifices and respect. Overcoming challenges together and building a strong connection demands working daily on maintaining and nurturing feelings. At least this is how this quote made me feel

I'm happy to see your review has been published as well. I can't wait to read your thoughts!

[Rabia Qanit]

Wow, out of all the stories I've heard so far, this one actually hit me differently. I'm in love with stories that hold magic and mysteries, and your review describes it all. I can get a full picture of what you have described, and I must tell you, it is far beyond excellence. You write beautifully, Anais. I loved and enjoyed your review, and this book will definitely be added to my reading list. Thank you, Anais. I hope to read more from you!

[Anaïs Quesson]

Wow, out of all the stories I've heard so far, this one actually hit me differently. I'm in love with stories that hold magic and mysteries, and your review describes it all. I can get a full picture of what you have described, and I must tell you, it is far beyond excellence. You write beautifully, Anais. I loved and enjoyed your review, and this book will definitely be added to my reading list. Thank you, Anais. I hope to read more from you!

Thank you a lot for this kind comment, Sahoor. Reading such compliments warms my heart. I hope you will like the book as much as I did!

[Sasikala gupta]

Anaïs ...what a wonderful review...makes me what to read this book ...the story sounds magical...might just give this book a try

[Anaïs Quesson]

Anaïs ...what a wonderful review...makes me what to read this book ...the story sounds magical...might just give this book a try

Thank you a lot! I hope you will like the book.

[Anu Anand]

Thank you so much, Anais, for this fantastic review! Your insights into this book have truly piqued my curiosity. The blending of magic, romance, and Arthurian legend sounds like an enchanting journey, and I'm eager to read this book and uncover the mysteries it holds. Your review has been incredibly helpful in giving me a glimpse into this captivating world.

[Anaïs Quesson]

Thank you so much, Anais, for this fantastic review! Your insights into this book have truly piqued my curiosity. The blending of magic, romance, and Arthurian legend sounds like an enchanting journey, and I'm eager to read this book and uncover the mysteries it holds. Your review has been incredibly helpful in giving me a glimpse into this captivating world.

Thank you a lot, Anu, for these kind words. If you decide to give this story a chance, I hope you will enjoy it.

[Meghan Soderholm]

Having just finished reading and reviewing this book myself, Anais, I was captivated by your review. I love your unique approach in starting your review with a quote and you chose an exceptional one to start with. I love the details you displayed in your review, and was astounded to see that you enjoyed the book too. Thank you for writing a fascinating, honest, and well-detailed review, Anais.

[Anaïs Quesson]

Having just finished reading and reviewing this book myself, Anais, I was captivated by your review. I love your unique approach in starting your review with a quote and you chose an exceptional one to start with. I love the details you displayed in your review, and was astounded to see that you enjoyed the book too. Thank you for writing a fascinating, honest, and well-detailed review, Anais.

Thank you very much, Meghan. I appreciate your comment . I love spending time to find the perfect quote to convey the general atmosphere of the book! It really gives the reader a glimpse of what to expect.
Thank you again, and I'm glad you liked the book too!

[Brittany Arendse]

This is a great review. Thanks so much! I’ve been going back and forth on this book and whether or not I should take the plunge… your review has made the decision for me. Really loved how thorough you were while still keeping the mystery alive.

[Kshitija Sonawane]

I like this book and its concept. Moreover, I liked this review. However, I did not like how there was not a clear separation between two paragraphs. Some places only had one enter when other spaces, like they should, have two, which look like proper paragraphs. I have seen this problem with other reviews of yours. I feel like you should solve it.

[Following is a volunteer review of "Nimue" by Ayn Cates Sullivan.]

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5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

“It is not only love that we see in the mirror of the sacred other, but every emotion, mistake and hurt. The practice of loving requires incredible delicacy, skills more refined than weaving the most intricate silk tapestry. It is much more challenging than war.”

Nimue: Freeing Merlin is a retelling of the Arthurian myth in which Nina, an ordinary teenager, embarks on a mystical journey to discover her true nature.
Her mother Diana has always believed in her Celtic roots and the ancient Gods of Nature. Two years after her husband passed away, Diana wants to travel to Britain and show her daughter Nina the places in which she grew up.
Nina is inexplicably drawn to nature. She feels deeply linked to flowers. She also often dreams of a mysterious woman with violet eyes and a shimmering green dress. After meeting with a healer in London, Nina discovers she is a reincarnation of Nimue, a powerful sorceress and Guardian of the Natural world.
The 21st-century world is now unbalanced. Darkness is taking over. Floods, fires, and other natural catastrophes as we know them. Only Merlin can bring back the balance between the elements and restore peace. And only Nimue can bring Merlin back.

Nimue is divided into five parts. The first three parts consist of the story of Nina and Nimue. It is an enchanting journey full of magic and romance. Parts four and five, approximately the last 15% of the book, are insightful further comments on the Arthurian tale and a helpful glossary. Sullivan takes us even deeper into this magical universe. When you know nothing of Camelot’s court, these last two parts are very helpful in understanding the main story.

I picked this book up expecting an epic fantasy quest. To be frank, it was not. At least not in the way I was imagining. Most of the book is centered on Nimue’s journey, from her priestess apprenticeship to her becoming a great sorceress in Camelot’s court.
However, I am not disappointed in the slightest. Ayn Cates Sullivan’s writing is fascinating. It is easy to read and understand. I particularly enjoyed the detailed descriptions. They made the story-telling stand out.
The chapters are short, which makes the story fast-paced. It is an effective way of grasping the reader’s attention. I was always eager to keep reading.
Lastly, the characters are all well-developed. Each one serves its role in the story. I enjoyed following Nimue’s character as she grows and gains more power.

The book is professionally edited. I have no typos or grammar errors to report.

To conclude, I’m happy to give Nimue a strong 5 out of 5 stars.
I have no negative comment to make. Ayn Cates Sullivan did a tremendous amount of research beforehand. She summed it all up in a fast-paced story that will keep you hooked from the beginning to the end.

******
Nimue
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes

[Anaïs Quesson]

I like this book and its concept. Moreover, I liked this review. However, I did not like how there was not a clear separation between two paragraphs. Some places only had one enter when other spaces, like they should, have two, which look like proper paragraphs. I have seen this problem with other reviews of yours. I feel like you should solve it.

Thanks a lot for bringing that up. My older reviews tended to be all over the place, you're right. Now, I try to organize paragraphs as follows:

Quote // Summary // Optional questions to grab attention // Introduction // Plot // Themes // Characters // Writing style // Editing work // Conclusion

Sometime (often), I have too much to say haha, and I tend to make sub paragraphs in each category, with only one enter. Does that make more sense?

[Kshitija Sonawane]

Hey, thank you for replying, and yes it does.

I like this book and its concept. Moreover, I liked this review. However, I did not like how there was not a clear separation between two paragraphs. Some places only had one enter when other spaces, like they should, have two, which look like proper paragraphs. I have seen this problem with other reviews of yours. I feel like you should solve it.

Thanks a lot for bringing that up. My older reviews tended to be all over the place, you're right. Now, I try to organize paragraphs as follows:

Quote // Summary // Optional questions to grab attention // Introduction // Plot // Themes // Characters // Writing style // Editing work // Conclusion

Sometime (often), I have too much to say haha, and I tend to make sub paragraphs in each category, with only one enter. Does that make more sense?