Official Review: Adara by M. J. Natali

GKCfan · Post by **GKCfan** » 17 Jan 2016, 21:49

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Adara" by M. J. Natali.]

2 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

Official Review: Adara, by M. J. Natali

Adara is a supernatural romance story. One night, Adara, an emotionally damaged musician is savagely attacked, and she might have died if a supernatural being sent to claim the souls of the departed (referred to here as Grimm) had not taken pity on her and been instantly attracted to her. He spares her life, and the two begin an unusual romance, but actions have consequences, and the path of true love is far from smooth– indeed, the pair and those around them are soon in mortal danger.

At its heart, Adara is a tale about healing and recovery, and its notable to see how and why the title character improves and finds happiness. Notably, it’s more than just a lack of love in her life that causes her problems– the book makes it clear that she is suffering from deep problems connected to her very soul. Arguably the most interesting parts of the book come from the introduction of the supernatural– not just gatherers of souls, but it is surprising and even refreshing to see how a major religious figure plays a direct role in Adara’s character development.

One problem with the book is that the mythology of the book sometimes needs clarification. At one point, Grimm speaks as if he is uncertain or unfamiliar as to what marriage is, but soon afterwards he makes it clear that Hell is definitely designed on the model described in Dante’s Inferno, from Limbo to the Wood of Suicides to the Ninth Circle. Surely, if Grimm knows about which sinners go where in which circle of Hell, then he knows that adulterers are condemned to the Second Circle, and if he knows about adultery, then he must know what marriage is. Those who have sexual intercourse outside of marriage are also sent to the Second Circle of Hell, so it seems as if Grimm should be taking Adara to church instead of to seedy motels for sex.

One disturbing aspect of the book comes from the fact that Grimm has to inhabit another human being’s body in order to engage in sex with Adara. It’s not completely clear whether or not the man being possessed by Grimm is thoroughly aware of what’s happening, which adds an unpleasant overtone to these passages, since his body may be being used for sexual purposes without his consent.

I have made this comment before– this is not an inherently and irreparably flawed book, so much as it is a work in progress. One of the problems with the novel is that many passages and the dialogue are often stilted and need to be polished to improve some of the awkward phrasing. Still, it's an interesting plot, tethered by a strong character arc.

I give this book two out of four stars.

******
Adara
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords

Like GKCfan's review? Post a comment saying so!

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 22 Jan 2016, 08:47

That was a very honest review. The premise sounds interesting. Too bad about the flaws, but then again, as you said it is not irreparable. Great review!

GKCfan · Post by **GKCfan** » 22 Jan 2016, 16:50

Thank you!

Alwhitbeck · Post by **Alwhitbeck** » 24 Jan 2016, 11:56

I'm glad that you pointed out the part where Grimm has to possess another's body to have sex with Adara. There are some people out there who could be very upset if they also got the impression that the possessed individual may be aware and not giving consent to sex. Maybe it is something the author could further develop. Thanks for your honest review.

anonanemone · Post by **anonanemone** » 25 Jan 2016, 17:45

I don't know if the author intentionally made the relationship that creepy or not. Other than the ick factor there, it sounds like this book has a lot of promise. Good job on the review, GKCfan!

GKCfan · Post by **GKCfan** » 25 Jan 2016, 17:59

Thanks, Alwhitbeck and anon anemone!

chytach18- · Post by **chytach18-** » 26 Jan 2016, 08:51

Very interesting review, GKCfan. I particularly liked the paragraph in which you mentioned Dante's Inferno.

Cee-Jay Aurinko · Post by **Cee-Jay Aurinko** » 26 Jan 2016, 15:02

I agree with you that Grimm must know what marriage is. The fact that Grimm possesses a human being for intercourse could work, but only if Grimm has a secret motive behind it like having a child, or some other reason why he absolutely has to possess someone. You've written a wonderful review, GKCfan.