Beyond the Shattered Dreams: Saving Xanica – Book Review
Beyond the Shattered Dreams: Saving Xanica by Patsy Thompson is a brilliantly written story that will take you on a journey with a private investigator who goes back to his native land on a cruise ship, disguised as a tourist. But there’s a lot more to his journey than that, as you’ll quickly learn.
I was happy to receive a review copy of this book, and I am excited to tell you more of what I thought about it. As always, my review will be spoiler-free!
The story follows George, a private investigator who is determined to make amends for the wrongs that have befallen Xanica, his native country. George returns to the island under the guise of a visitor on a cruise ship, driven by a deep-seated urge to face the gang activity that has wrought havoc on the island and to find a long-lost buddy who has vanished without explanation.
George finds himself embroiled in a complicated web of intrigue where the past and present intersect and the distinction between the natural and supernatural becomes increasingly hazy as he ventures deeper into Xanica’s shadows. I really love stories about the supernatural and even more so when they blend with our natural world, so I was excited to see how all of this would play out. How deep would the labyrinth go? How much intrigue and mystery would George experience?
The way Thompson skillfully combines various story components is among Beyond the Shattered Dreams’ most amazing features. The narrative is full of mysterious turns and twists that leave the reader wondering around every corner. It is almost impossible to put the book down once Thompson adds another layer of mystery, just when you think you have it all figured out. The novel is so exciting to read because of its ongoing suspense.
Often with stories like this, I can guess where the plot is going – partly because I read so many books in these genres – but this one kept me guessing and that was a lot of fun!
Each of the well-developed characters in Beyond the Shattered Dreams adds a distinct element to the narrative. The protagonist, George, is a fascinating character whose bravery and tenacity advance the story. His interactions with the other characters, be they rivals or allies, give the story greater nuance and heighten the interest in his trip. His ancestors’ presence – particularly that of his grandmother Vashti, who helps him overcome obstacles – adds a spooky and inspirational spiritual element to the tale.
Thompson has an expressive and approachable writing style. The book is simple to read and flows naturally, drawing the reader into Xanica’s world without any difficulty at all. Thompson writes in a straightforward, succinct style that makes the novel easy to follow even with a complicated plot while retaining a sense of mystery and excitement.
For those relaxing evenings when all you want is to curl up with a good book and a hot cup of tea or coffee, Beyond the Shattered Dreams is the ideal companion. It’s a book that beckons you to lose yourself in its pages and transports you to a mysterious and intriguing universe.
To sum up, Patsy Thompson has written a captivating book that is both thought-provoking and enjoyable. For those who love a good mystery that keeps them wondering right up to the very end, Beyond the Shattered Dreams: Saving Xanica is an essential read. After you’ve finished reading it, the novel stays with you and makes you want to read more.
It’s available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and Kindle Unlimited.