Thursday, August 15, 2013

Nymph's Heart: a book review

Let's see . . . Juan Ponce de Leon, a water nymph, a Jesuit priest, the Fountain of Youth, hurricanes, the Everglades, and the Chosen One--along with three timelines: 1567, 1926, and 2005. That'll do it.

Archeologist William Rombola has written a creative novel that is part fantasy set in Florida, part mystery, and all adventure. The woven strands of the three timelines are artfully joined, and the main characters are fresh and fascinating in their backgrounds, personal history, and actions. Rombola also doesn't tell too much at once but lets the action gradually reveal character.

Because this is a do-it-yourself novel, there are lapses in proofreading and formatting that distract at times, but I found the concept and development of the novel sufficiently captivating to easily surge through to the end. I mean, Ponce de Leon is the bad guy.

The basic premise of the novel is that Miami is one screwed up town because an ancient corruption has not been cleansed from the land. Although this sounds like a hackneyed concept, the originality of the setting and characters make for a lively story. Also, Rombola's background as an archeologist adds verisimilitude to the places, people, and events of the novel.

Even without the guiding hand of an old-hand editor, this story is memorable, enjoyable, thoughtful.

Copyright 2013 by Thomas L. Kepler, all rights reserved

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