In E. L. Schoeman’s latest offering, we are introduced to Vienna, a fiery and exceptionally beautiful young woman who also happens to be the princess of the High Guard. Vienna’s individuality lies in her strength of will and quick temper. Under the constraints of her father, the king, she must choose a suitor; however, Vienna deftly maneuvers to resist this imposition. She proposes a challenge to her suitors: she will accept the hand of the man who presents her with a diamond that “best suits” her. However, her strategy backfires when she is cunningly cursed by one of her suitors, leading her to start seeing the deceased — a fate she initially deems as the worst possible outcome, but is it really?

Schoeman’s narrative shines throughout the tale as she drives the plot at an energetic pace, immediately plunging the reader into the heart of the story. Her storytelling exhibits a delightful blend of traditional fairy-tale elements entwined with fantasy tropes — witches, warlocks, and the like — set against a contemporary backdrop. Despite its occasional quirks, the story is consistently entertaining, woven with threads of humor, romance, and drama. It holds the reader captive with an intriguing plot and a host of engaging characters.

The cover art intriguingly evokes a sense of stepping back in time, setting up expectations of a tale set in medieval times. The initial pages lean heavily on subtlety, allowing readers to uncover the setting, story, and characters gradually as they delve deeper into the narrative.

One of the aspects of Schoeman’s writing is her propensity for leaving some things to the reader’s imagination. This style is particularly evident in the character descriptions, where Vienna stands out as the most visually detailed. In contrast, the other characters are described with ambiguity, inviting readers to construct their own mental images. This creative approach imbues the reading experience with a sense of discovery and the potential for individual interpretation.

The narrative I felt seems to rush towards its conclusion. Schoeman, however, doesn’t fail to deliver an ending that will captivate readers. Vienna is a uniquely crafted fairy tale that successfully marries the old with the new, making it a compelling read. If you are a fan of unconventional heroines, complex narratives, and a healthy dose of enchantment, this is one story you shouldn’t miss.

Pages: 163 | ASIN : B0BS1S372X