Tag Archives: Traci Harding

Gene of Isis by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for gene of isis traci harding book cover

Title: Gene of Isis
Author: Traci Harding
Series: The Mystique Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical fiction, Science fiction, Strong women
Dates read: 4th – 12th February 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: Her gown, like mine, was long-sleeved, and in accordance with the latest fashion was completed with short white silken gloves.

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Synopsis

A heartstopping race to unlock the secrets of the grail bloodline…

Mia Montrose is a 21st century Australian woman with a Doctorate in Ancient Languages who has just scored the most promising job of her career.

Ashlee Granville is a 19th century clairvoyant forced to suppress her talents as she enters the marriage market of English upper-class society.

Lillet du Lac is a 13th century Priestess of an ancient order now protected by the Cathars, who are making their last stand against the Roman Catholic Franks at the giant hill fort of Montsegur.

Truth and deception, love and desire, the Cathars and the Church, the Templars and the secrets of ancient Egypt – all play their part in a grand adventure touched by the possibility of a genetic key to immortality…

Thoughts

I haven’t read this book in a very, very, very long time. As in probably not since high school. When, to be honest, a lot of the intricacies of this storyline went a little over my head. So reading this amazing, amazing novel for the second time when I have much more knowledge… well, it was an absolutely awe inspiring treat. One that I was incredibly sad when it ended… so luckily there are two more intensely complex stories in this trilogy.

There are not many stories in which I appreciate having a dual timeline. Mostly I find that they tend to be a little clunky and I’ll become highly attached to one character, which means that I tend to get annoyed and frustrated when the timeline flicks. However, I felt equally drawn to all three women in this storyline. They had distinct journeys and personalities that were all impossible to walk away from. They each had their own struggles which mirrored each other, but also managed to be completely distinct. Not an easy trait judging from all of the stories which I’ve disliked due to their dual timelines.

One of the things I’ve always loved about Harding’s work is that the leads are always Australian, and more often than not, strong women in their late twenties and early thirties. The age that I’m currently at. I love anything that utilises Australian culture in an honest and open way. So the fact that Mia, who most of the story ends up revolving around is Australian, from an English heritage… well, there is a lot that I have in common with her. Which, of course, makes it all the more difficult to put down the storyline, even when jumping across centuries and continents.

There is an insane amount of complexity in this storyline. Not just because of the time jumps and three parallel timelines. But also because of the intricate ties between religion and philosophy. Science and spirituality. Harding manages to tie so many pieces of reality together in a way that feels completely plausible and realistic. It makes it all that much harder to return to reality when you turn the very last page of this story.

 <- The Black Madonna ReviewThe Dragon Queens Review ->
Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

The Alchemist’s Key by Traci Harding

Book Review, , ,

Overview

The Alchemist's KeyTitle: The Alchemist’s Key
Author: Traci Harding
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Spirituality
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: Why would he tell you that?

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Synopsis

Wade Ashby has just inherited his grandfather’s estate in England. The Baronage has a business, manor and large fortune. It’s the biggest break of his life – but Wade is inheriting a lot more than he bargained for…

Constructed over four centuries, Ashby Manor is rich in exquisite art, furnishings, architecture and symbolic mosaics. These beautiful antiquities hold the key to a puzzle that has haunted the Barons of Ashby for centuries and now a strange time phenomenon is taking place within the walls of the Manor. Wade must unravel the enigma of his legacy before all of history’s ghosts are unleashed.

Thoughts

Harding always sweeps me away on an epic journey that is both unexpected and thrilling. Somehow, she not only manages to weave an amazing world of mystery and mayhem, her trips into spirituality and the other leave you thinking about it in a way that no other author is able to inspire. The Alchemist’s Key was definitely such a journey for me, and one that was a little less in depth and intense than some of the other Traci Harding books which grace my shelves.

Although this is primarily set in England, I love that the main character is an Aussie. It’s nice to have Australian main characters, and focusing on someone whose family immigrated from England is something that I can completely relate to – my family (on both sides) immigrated from England. It also helped to make Wade a little more of a fish out of water – the Australian culture and way of life doesn’t exactly suit the aristocracy. And it’s always fun to see how someone who is very much an easygoing Aussie being thrust into a world of class and caste.

Although this is the second time that I have read this novel, the thing that jumps out most at me is the assumptions that are made about Wade and Hugh from the very beginning. Although this story is about a family history, mystery and time travel, there is a lot about the assumptions that we make about people on their appearances. First impressions and prejudice run amuck in the character’s relationships, and it’s fun to see how long it takes for this to be sorted and these prejudices to be removed.

 <- The Storyteller’s Muse Review Book of Dreams Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Book of Dreams by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Book of DreamsTitle: Book of Dreams
Author: Traci Harding
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Indigenous Australians, Spirituality
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 1999
5th sentence, 74th page: Party!

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Synopsis

Welcome to the Book of Dreams

It has been brought to our attention that you seem to be completely lost. If you wish to come to know what it is that constantly eludes you in life… I am your transport to seek within.

Kyle is a young man with no future, and no past. Orphaned from a young age, he uses tough upbringing as an excuse for his lack of direction in life. But a mysterious parcel is about to change his view of himself, his parents, and the world in which he lives.

An old leather bound book, intricately embossed with creatures and strange beings, is left on Kyle’s doorstep with no card or note attached. The book issues Kyle a personal challenge – to finish reading the book and face the innermost truth about himself, or forfeit any chance of finding his true destiny.

If the book was left on your doorstep and you had nothing to lose, could you resist reading on?

Thoughts

I often find it difficult to find a good, solid story that has an Indigenous Australian lead. In fact, Book of Dreams has so far been the only such story. I’m constantly searching for new ones, and the fact that Harding was able to write a tale that paints a minority group in a good light and highlights some of their daily difficulties was amazing. Yet, although the Indigenous aspect of this writing is phenomenal, it is also the spiritual knowledge that is imparted throughout that has made me fall in love with this novel again and again and again.

Harding writes some very subtle, yet insightful tales of our own power to govern change in our lives. The overarching tale within Book of Dreams is about taking your past, present and future and gaining control over it. Although Kyle is dealt an incredibly crappy hand in life, he is able to (eventually) understand that these experiences cannot be a basis on which to build a horrible existence. Bitterness and anger at the past is not a way to continue to live, and it isn’t until he accepts the past for what it is and begins the process of healing that he is able to find a new life, love and reason for being.

I’ve studied Native Title in Australia through a few of my University courses, and it is always a fascinating area and discussion. Harding’s grasp of this legislation is great, and her bibliography at the end of the story attests to the fact that she has done her research in regards to this sensitive topic. Yet, it is the fact that she is able to find a way in her happy ending to re-grant rights to traditional lands when native title has been extinguished that is most enjoyable. After all, who doesn’t love a happy ending?

<- The Alchemist’s Key Review Ghostwriting Review ->
Image source: Booktopia

The Lost Word by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

ghostwriting-tales-of-the-supernaturalTitle: The Lost Word
Author: Traci Harding
In: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural (Traci Harding)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Ghosts
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Logan?’

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Synopsis

An unwitting artist, a conspiracy that delves into secret societies, and a ghost that falls in love. The three intersect in brilliant ways as they try to discover the meaning and hiding place of the lost word.

Thoughts

There is something incredibly intriguing about secret societies – probably the fact that they are secret is what tends to fascinate us. A ghost story using a shady secret society was a perfect way to tell the last story in Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural. It was suspenseful, intriguing, with just the right dose of love, lust and betrayal.

For me, The Lost Word was the most potent of the stories in the Ghostwriting collection. It combined the elusive nature of secret societies, with a history steeped in murder, mayhem and mystery. And, then to complete it, there is the key to all knowledge – something that we can truly achieve on our own, but which many men (and possibly women) attempt to find a shortcut for. Harding’s reminder that mankind is selfish, and not ready for a universal truth hits a note. Although, this is balanced by the goodness in people – although there are those who are incredibly selfish, there are also those who are immensely selfless.

<- Curses Review The Immortal Bind Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia

Curses by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

ghostwriting-tales-of-the-supernaturalTitle: Curses
Author: Traci Harding
In: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural (Traci Harding)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Ghosts
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Quite possibly.’

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Synopsis

Rhea and Phillip might think that they’ve found the perfect home, but it soon turns out that it’s cursed.

Thoughts

In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have read this right before I went to sleep, it certainly gave me some very interesting and tripped out dreams. But, isn’t that a mark of a good story? Something that can affect both the conscious and the subconscious? The use of a curse and a building’s history to build this ghost story helped to add to the sense of mystery and suspense.

Rhea and Phillip’s ignorance at the past of their home, and the consequences of their actions lead them on a merry chase through the supernatural penalties of one man’s indiscretions. The increasingly violent confrontations of the spirit with Phillip and Rhea heighten the sense of speed and necessity within the story. You just know that if they don’t solve the problem (and soon), they will end up either dead or homeless.

The use of a priest in a supernatural tale about spirituality and ghosts was not one which I expected. Yet, somehow, Father Chuck’s influence and presence actually worked. As did his ability to accept the priesthood, and the idea of spiritual cleansing that doesn’t necessarily fall under the purvey of the Church. The balance of the two belief systems and acceptance of slightly different views of life is to me, exactly what religion and beliefs should be all about – and it made the Curse have a silver lining in my eyes.

<- In the Limbo of Luxury Review The Lost Word Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia

Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

ghostwriting-tales-of-the-supernaturalTitle: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural
Author: Traci Harding
In: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural (Traci Harding)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Ghosts, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook Collection
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: My agent, Selwa Anthony, gave me the title and asked me to write a tale, but the story itself had been brewing for a long time before Selwa gave me the reason to pen it.

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Synopsis

Enter a world of mystery and hauntings fair and foul .

the best ghost stories you will read for a long time … from the author of the bestselling Ancient Future. Featuring characters inspired by her closest friends and relations, traci delivers a series of spine-tingling stories alongside autobiographical snippets that give fascinating insights into her life and the real-life personalities who inspire the characters for her fiction (including the fiesty model for Ancient Future’s Tory Alexander!) Enter a world of mystery and hauntings fair and foul.

Thoughts

I’m not normally very interested in ghost stories. Even growing up, at sleep overs, I always found them a little boring. So it was a pleasant surprise to find a collection of short ghost stories which I actually enjoyed. Better yet to find a collection that makes me question my preconceptions about the world that I live in and how I am able to influence my reality.

Harding is always a purveyor of the power of thought weaves this through her tales so neatly that it is only after you read the last word that you realise the potency of her esoteric views. The happy endings and reminder of our own power to influence our lives gives a nice, complete feeling of power when you finish this collection. A welcome one that helps to highlight the supernatural aspects of the stories which are imparted throughout the collection.

One of the things that I loved the most about this collection of short stories was the introduction to each tale. All of the short stories were dedicated to one of the amazing women in Harding’s life and her explanation of how they have helped her on her own esoteric and writing journey. This made the stories feel immensely more personal, and the leads far more real.

<- Book of Dreams Review A Piece of Time Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia

A Piece of Time by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

ghostwriting-tales-of-the-supernatural

Title: A Piece of Time
Author: Traci Harding
In: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural (Traci Harding)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Ghosts, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: He shrugged off her praise.

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Synopsis

Have you ever wondered what happens to a loved ones belongings once they pass on?

A fob watch holds a psychic imprint that takes the newest owner on a journey that leads her to her fate.

Thoughts

A Piece of Time was a very quaint short story – a tale of love, fate and the importance of family. The sweetness of this story shines from the pages left me smiling in contentment at the conclusion of this tale. Like all of Harding’s stories, there is an understanding of the spiritual world that I rarely find in good stories – instead of a bastardisation of such beliefs to suit the story, the story has been built up around the practices and beliefs themselves.

The idea that a fob watch is able to hold such a psychic imprint and love that it will always return to its owner is an enviable one. I can’t imagine owning a possession that is so connected to my being that it will always find its way back to me. The idea that it could also be used to bring two people together, when they are so obviously meant for each other just helps to build on this beautiful ideal that is displayed throughout A Piece of Time.

<- Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural Review Ghostwriting Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia

In the Limbo of Luxury by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

in-the-limbo-of-luxury

Title: In the Limbo of Luxury
Author: Traci Harding
In: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural (Traci Harding)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Feminism, Ghosts
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘None of us do,’ Marion added, and all three women raised their skirts and then giggled at Riane’s shocked expression.

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Synopsis

Riane finds herself stuck in limbo one snowy, stormy night. And nothing goes as she expects.

Thoughts

The ending of this story was completely different to what I expected – and honestly, all the better for it. Riane’s strength and independence, her very place in the world is placed under strain and, like diamonds placed under pressure, the resulting heroine that is displayed is a gem beyond compare. The haunting ending also hints at many happy events in her future, even though, at the conclusion of the story, and following her final decision, there is no hints as to what this may be.

From the beginning, Riane’s romance with Marcus is both tantalisingly beautiful and eerily unsettling. It is impossible to quite put your finger on just why it doesn’t sit well and there is something that doesn’t quite add up. The storyline tears you in two directions – one part is embracing the luxury and romance of Marcus’ domain; yet another, quieter aspect of the story screams at you that not all is as it seems. This fine balance between the two conditions of Riane’s fast-burning flame makes the entire story impossible to put down. The haunting hints of the bridal waif compound this in a way that is so vivid and spine tingling that this is one of my favourite ghost stories thus far.

The theme of forgiveness followed the overarching idea of being oneself for oneself (rather than sacrificing everything for the sake of love). The very act of forgiveness helped to remove the lingering effects of limbo on the ghosts, and in doing so, allowed Riane to hope for her own future. The closure provided by this picturesque moment will remain splashed across my eyelids for a long time yet.

<- The Detox Factor Review Curses Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia

Ghostwriting by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

ghostwriting

Title: Ghostwriting
Author: Traci Harding
In: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural (Traci Harding)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Ghosts, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Amy kissed the pen that was her Holy Grail, a cool smile of satisfaction forming on her lips.

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Synopsis

Will Amy be able to find a way to become a ghost writer? What about the Holy Grail of writing?

Thoughts

This short story touched on a fear and worry that I myself, as a writer have – dying before I have finished telling the stories that are swirling around in my head. Harding’s grasp of this and her ability to twist this fear into a ghost story that had my spine tingling and left me internally cringing created a great short story which I am genuinely struggling to get out of my head. What better way to inspire a writer to actually write, than tell a story about one who is no longer able to put pen to paper?

As with all of the Traci Harding stories that I have had the pleasure of reading, Ghostwriting was heavy with symbolism, specifically the idea of the Holy Grail. I love that Harding is able to take esoteric ideals and themes, and present them within a more modern context. The manuscript about the Holy Grail, and Amy’s counterpart within her modern life and battle to find herself are compelling and intriguing – adding an extra layer of meaning and weight to the storyline.

I always love insecure heroines – they seem much more real and relatable to me. So, having Amy who is not only incredibly insecure, but immensely moody and prone to flashes of frustration made me love the story even more. Her constant desire to become a published writer (a dream that I too, share) hovers as she tries to not only find her literary voice, but also discover who she can truly be. The reminder throughout (often provided by Liam) to enjoy what she is doing and trust in herself is a lesson that I will take to heart. This tale for me was about more than I fear of never writing my stories, it was a reminder that sometimes you have to just sit down and write them.

 <- A Piece of Time Review The Detox Factor Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia

The Detox Factor by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

detox-factor

Title: The Detox Factor
Author: Traci Harding
In: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural (Traci Harding)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Ghosts, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Billie appeared at the top of the stairs and halfway through her descent she stopped dead in her tracks, having spotted Katlin.

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Synopsis

Shannon and Billie might think that they’re on a weekend treat just to detox, but they’re soon going to have to get rid of a whole new poison from their systems…

Thoughts

Although this is a ghost story, and a phenomenal one at that, it also makes me want to do a health detox. After all, that was the instigating factor for the paranormal chaos that followed. Plus, the idea of removing toxins from the body is always an interesting one. Although, each and every person tends to have their own take on how this works, I mostly enjoyed the idea that the detox focused on removing things like alcohol and cigarettes. Yes, there were other aspects of the detox factor, but the idea to find a happier, healthier you was inherent within the characters’ motivations – something which I can appreciate. The fact that a happier, healthier body meant better access to the paranormal world and the girls’ spiritual understanding? Just a fantastic angle to the story!

There were two stories within The Detox Factor – that of Shannon and Billie, their detox, and their growing experiences of the paranormal; and Katlin’s life and death. It was Katlin’s life and death that I really enjoyed. Although her tale was tragic, and gained it’s happy ending almost a century after her death, her steadfastness and inherent goodness shone throughout. Her willingness to forgive he those who wronged her in life in the hopes that they can achieve peace in the afterlife really stuck with me after I finished this tale. That, and her ability to hold out for true love even when there seems to be no hope is a great reminder that true love does exist. The parallel discovery of true love in Shannon’s life just helps to drive this beautiful message home.

 <- Ghostwriting Review In the Limbo of Luxury Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia