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Review Phantacie: Welcome to Swamp's End - Paperback

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Oct. 15, 2009 By William Blumberg
"Book Review for Phantacie: Welcome to Swamp’s End by Angela Pearson and Crystal Ordonez"
Phantacie: Welcome to Swamp’s End is the first book in a series of fantasy books, which introduces the reader to the world of Phantacie and more specifically the town of Swamp’s End. The title is an indication of the word play that is evident throughout the novel. The reader will also note the influence of J.K. Rowlins and her Harry Potter series. However, Phantacie is strictly for adults with violence and sex throughout the book.



The book follows the story of Elodia Phelan who has intruded upon the live of Delphian Grimm and his only friends, Amethyst and Vendois... More > Severi. She is disconcerting for all of them. They are just not sure where she fits into their world and what to do if she becomes a threat. Elodia is an outsider even when compared with Delphain, Amethyst and Vendois. This is a story not of self-discovery but more of discovery of the other. One in which Elodia, always feeling the pains of being an outsider is unsure, and even more unaware, that people can care about her. Yet her destiny seems to rest with these people, now all that is to be seen is if her need for revenge outweighs her heart.



There are two main backdrops of Phantacie – Severi’s bookstore and town morality. Yet at the heart of this tale are consequents of actions, luck, and the reality of a world that is not kind while still finding its beauty and perhaps even love. Phantacie is a place filled with magic, secrets, death, and hope. There are sentient magical creatures such as dark elves and vampires along with humans. Some humans can perform magic and therefore are included in the sphere of magical beings.



Pearson and Ordonez have their own way of creating characters and ideas. This is where their strength is located. Phantacie’s first chapter introduces us to the main characters that are amoral at best. What are we to make of them? Are they going to be the “heroes” of the story? Well yes, over time the reader will find these characters likeable. They are surviving in a world, where a line is drawn between good and evil, by not taking sides. Yet I would suggest that they know full well that their continued survival is dependant upon the forces of good to win…well perhaps not so much as win as forestalling any kind of evil calamity overtaking the world they live in. These people show true loyalty to those whom they consider friends, generous to those they feel deserving, and engage in relationships that may seem unconventional and yet works. For those who cross them, there is a violent end often one of their own making.



The book does contain some typographic errors but nothing too distracting. The graphics in the printed copy did not translate well to black and white. The digital version shows them with full color and is lovely but some simple line drawings may have serviced the printed copy better.



So Phantacie is filled with sex, violence, monsters, magic, and books. Yes, books for the main characters are precious and I would suspect they are for the authors too. Some of the other more subtle undertones include a wide array of what some would deem alternative way of life. This would include gay and lesbian themes, unconventional domestic arrangements, and Neo-Pagan religion.



Overall the book was interesting with some mystery, which a good reader should be able to put together before the secrets are revealed like a good puzzle. I am looking forwards to more stories with these characters and the town of Swamp’s End. Pearson and Ordonez have an interesting backdrop to work from. This is beneficial because their fans will be asking for more, more, more as Elodia does in one of the more provocative scenes. < Less
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Jul. 13, 2006 By Lorna Roberts
"Swamps End" A very well flushed out story including characters with depth and substance. The authors have created a world that combines fantasy/magic with historical romance and modern themes of accepting people as they are. Wonderful adult scenes that do not make you feel like you are reading porn, but still naughty enough that you don't want to share with your kid sister or mom!

I can't wait for more!

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Product Details

ISBN 978-1-4116-9128-5
Copyright Standard Copyright License
Publisher ladywraith
Published June 13, 2006
Language English
Pages 340
 
Binding Perfect-bound Paperback
Interior Ink Black & white
Dimensions (inches) 6.0 wide × 9.0 tall

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