Book Review: The Arcane, The Arcane Book 1, Andrew S. French
Fantasy: The Arcane, The Arcane Book 1, Andrew S. French
Blog Tour November 28, 2021
Alice is a survivor. Abandoned at birth, raised in the foster care system, she has managed to excel academically and has earned a college scholarship at the young age of 16. A dedicated science student, Alice knows there is a scientific explanation for everything. Even the man who grew hair, claws, and fangs in front of her before attacking her.
Fighting for her life did not give her much chance to figure out that scientific explanation. Fortunately, someone came to her rescue. A young woman, about her age, skilled in fighting and armed with a knife saves her life. When the attacker is dispatched, Alice has another conundrum to puzzle out. Her rescuer is her doppleganger. Cassie and Alice look almost exactly alike. The only noticeable difference is that Cassie is missing part of one ear, a wound from a previous encounter with a supernatural being. Cassie has spent the last two years chasing and killing various creatures: werewolves, vampires, demons, ghouls, etc. All of the things Alice rejects as being scientifically impossible.
After two more attacks, the young women flee in search of answers. Who is trying to attack them? Why is Alice in their crosshairs? What relationship do she and Cassie have? The answers are difficult to find and not always pleasant to receive but the journey through The Arcane reveals a lot about the girls and their mysterious history.
This is the first of a young adult fantasy/horror series that will appeal to readers who like monsters and strong young women. Alice and Cassie are fun characters. Their camaraderie grows throughout the novel as they face and conquer various foes. Not every enemy is vanquished with blood, though. Sometimes all a creature needs is to be understood.
That’s actually something all of us need, isn’t it?
Our thanks to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for our copy of The Arcane given solely in exchange for our review. The opinions here are solely those of Scintilla. For other perspectives on this book, check out the other bloggers on this tour.
Book Review: The Arcane, The Arcane Book 1, Andrew S. French