Title: Two Graves (Retribution Series #1)

Author: Zoe Kalo

Genre: Dark Psychological Suspense

Audience: New Adult/Adult

Word count: 18,000 words – 70 pages (short novella)

Launch date: October 1^st 2016

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31840144-two-graves

Purchase on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Two-Graves-Novella-Zoe-Kalo-ebook/dp/B01LDIXCR0

 About the Book:

A Dante-ish descent through a sinister world of decadent shadows and woeful souls…

Seven years ago, he shattered her life. The town eventually forgot the headlines and the nightmares. But 23-year old music student Angelica hasn’t forgotten.

For the past seven years, she’s contemplated payback with as much intensity and unwavering faith as she puts into her violin playing. Finally, all the pieces are in place. Over the course of one night, disguised for a masquerade ball, Angelica orchestrates a journey of revenge.

About the Author:

A certified bookworm, Zoe Kalo has always been obsessed with books and reading. Reading led to writing—compulsively. No surprise that at 16, she wrote her first novel, which her classmates read and passed around secretly. The pleasure of writing and sharing her fantasy worlds has stayed with her, so now she wants to pass her stories to you with no secrecy—but with lots of mystery…

A daughter of adventurous expats, she’s had the good fortune of living on 3 continents, learning 4 languages, and experiencing a multicultural life. Currently, she’s working on a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature, which she balances between writing, taking care of her clowder of cats, and searching for the perfect bottle of pinot noir. She is the author of the YA fantasy series CULT OF THE CAT.

Connect with Zoe Kalo on the web:

www.ZoeKalo.com / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

My Thoughts:

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I have previously read and reviewed Zoe’s Daughter of the Sun novel and I loved it immensely. So it only seemed fitting that I read this new book!

This fast paced novella is short and to the point. The plot is shrouded in darkness and sets the pace and tone right from the start. Angelica, the protagonist, is out to exact revenge and the story is set over the course of one day. A very accomplished violinist, she has the perfect plan or so she thinks. There are many references to Dante’s Inferno and the masquerade ball seems to be following the theme.

I found the story a tad bit difficult to follow when the author touched upon the past. That part of the story is a little unclear. It’s clear that something happened to the protagonist seven years ago for which she wants retribution now. However, the rest of the story is a well-written novella filled with some psychological suspense.

I loved the way the author sets the tone of the story and maintains it wonderfully throughout the book. It is easier to lose track of a plot line or plan in a novella as compared to a complete novel, but the author manages to keep on track. With all the pros and cons brought out, I do recommend this novella for all who like a good thriller. This is indeed a short read.