Review of Praesidium
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- Emeka Emordi
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Review of Praesidium
Praesidium by McKinley Aspen is an enthralling and action-packed start to the Shadows in the Wind series. The novel introduces us to Kathryn Bek, a young woman who embarks on a thrilling journey of self-discovery and courage after her father's mysterious disappearance. She was approached by Raphael at a job fair after she graduated and got an offer too good to be true for a fresh graduate. After careful consideration and a heated discussion with her boyfriend, Scott, she joins Hope & Global Support (HGS), an undercover organization that gathers people with supernatural abilities to help people without hope and combat evil. As Kathryn becomes an integral part of the team, which includes Michael, Ashley, and Greg, they must face dangerous adversaries, including her own villainous aunt, Jacquelyn, who holds dark secrets that connect to her father's absence. This book takes readers on a roller-coaster ride filled with intrigue, romance, and unexpected twists.
One of the standout features of Praesidium is McKinley Aspen's exceptional storytelling prowess. The author seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and crime thrillers, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The fast-paced plot brims with excitement and suspense, offering an adrenaline-pumping reading experience. Aspen's descriptive writing style shines, particularly during action-packed scenes, immersing readers in the heart-pounding moments as they unfold. I felt this on their mission to Finland and Sedona, which later took them to Moab. The lessons on vortex are quite inspiring. Aspen also captured the scenes on the train so well. I enjoyed it so much.
Moreover, the author's skillful character development allows us to form a genuine connection with the protagonists, especially Kathryn and her team members. This emotional depth adds a layer of authenticity to the story, making it a truly enjoyable read. I so much like the romance between Scott and Kathryn, even though they are always at loggerheads when it comes to work. And it's expected between two individuals, especially when one party operates primarily on logic. I like the maturity of Ashley and the versatility of Greg.
While Praesidium excels in many aspects, there were a few instances where the pacing seemed a bit rushed. Some significant plot developments and character arcs could have benefited from more exploration and development. At some point, I felt the discussions between Scott and Kathryn were forced. Most times, they have arguments that I wasn't expecting. Like when Kathryn discovered Scott also has a supernatural ability, I wasn't expecting their arguments to be that prolonged. Yes, it's a surprise to me too, but I did not expect them to have such a face-off. Another part of Kathryn's behaviour that seemed immature to me was her desperate search for a leadership position.
Also, I expected the gifts of others to be developed too; however, I only experienced Kathryn's abilities in action. I expected Michael to display his abilities when they went on some of their missions. In my opinion, the focus was too much on Kathryn's abilities, which made the book sort of imbalanced. If I were Ashley or Michael, I would be jealous. Occasionally, certain events felt slightly predictable, reducing the impact of certain surprises. Despite these drawbacks, the overall strength of the narrative and characters outweighs these concerns.
The book stands out as exceptionally well edited, with minimal errors in spelling, grammar, and typos. The seamless prose and polished presentation enhance the reading experience, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the captivating work of McKinley Aspen.
Praesidium by McKinley Aspen is a captivating and well-crafted novel, earning a commendable 5 out of 5 stars. Despite the minor issues I pointed out, they were not enough to deduct a star. The book's exciting plot, intricate character dynamics, and intriguing paranormal elements create an immersive reading experience. The exceptional storytelling, coupled with Aspen's descriptive prowess, keeps readers engrossed throughout. While the pacing could have been smoother in some instances, the overall quality of the book warrants a highly positive evaluation.
This book will resonate with a broad spectrum of readers, particularly those who enjoy action-packed fantasy thrillers with paranormal elements. Fans of crime thrillers and romance will also find themselves engrossed in this captivating book. The well-developed characters and thematic depth make it suitable for young adult and adult audiences alike. Those who appreciate narratives exploring themes of courage, teamwork, and self-discovery will find Praesidium both entertaining and thought-provoking.
A little bit of caution: some scenes contain elements of violence, so younger readers should approach the book with parental guidance. However, for those intrigued by a tale of mystery, intrigue, and magical prowess, Praesidium is a must-read.
******
Praesidium
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- Jose Andres Deabreu
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Will she be able to confront her fuzzy past to unlock the secrets within herself? Can her team rise to the challenge and stop the Paolucci Crime Family before they unleash havoc upon the globe?
Who will endure, the Kathryn of the past, or that of the future?
Praesidium can simply be described as "Good people with mad skills working to bring hope to a dark world."
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