First, let me begin with some Full Disclosure. I am one of the founders of Evil Alter Ego Press. The publisher that was fortunate enough to come to an agreement with Suzy to publish her book. In fact, I was the one who recommended her to my partner and managing editor, Jeffrey Hite. I told him we needed to publish this book.
I hope to provide you with some of the reasons for that recommendation in this review.
Let me begin by providing you with the back cover blurb.
Careful what you wish for. It just might come true.
Ava Marshall, driven by a desire to learn more about her mother’s past, moved across the country to attend St. Augustus. But her mom’s secrets will have to wait, because she finds herself instantly hated for her family’s connection to her new school and is forced to fight alone against a classmate who is setting Ava up to be expelled.
Fleeing campus, she takes a shortcut to her Gran’s house through the forbidden West Woods and discovers a mysterious fountain that has the power to grant a wish and change it all. But can she live with the consequences? Or will she end up breaking every school rule and risking the love of her life to make it right…
Characters
The characters in the book are well-rounded people who have strengths, weaknesses, flaws and virtues. I really enjoyed getting the chance to get-to-know each of the main characters and I look forward to seeing more of them. The supporting characters don’t get quite as much development and that is a good thing. It maintains a mystery around them. Why are they the way they are? I hope to see and learn more about them in the future.
Setting
St. Augustus is a supporting character unto itself, much like Hogwarts for Harry Potter. When I was young(er) I would have loved to have attended a school very much like the one depicted in The Fountain. An old school with a long history means mysteries galore. So much to see and explore! Ms. Vadori does an admirable job describing the school where needed without going overboard. There is so much more to come. I can hardly wait!
Plot
There are twists and turns aplenty in this story. I would expect one thing to happen and it wouldn’t come to pass. Instead, something more twisty and unexpected would occur. There is no jumping of the shark here though, you can rest assured. Instead, you will find a comprehensive and complete story that, when it is done, makes a lot of sense. But don’t go in expecting to predict how it will end.
My Final Thoughts
I liked this book. It has many of the same qualities of the books I read as a teen. Good characters, setting and a plot that I couldn’t predict. Great writing is the cherry on top and I look forward to seeing what comes next (and I am sure there will be a next).
Great debut novel. I would give it a strong 5 out of 5 stars.
For more information, you can go to the publisher’s site at: https://evilalteregopress.wordpress.com/bookstore/the-fountain/
