Book 1 of the Eura Trilogy, ENTWINED DIMENSIONS is a highly readable fantasy by author Ariel Grace. Propelled by cozy plots, fun characters, light romance, and relevant themes, this novel presents a solid attempt at whimsical storytelling and character development.
After tearing a hole in the universe and creating a cosmic disturbance that reaches between realms, scientist Daria embarks on a journey to repair the rift. Set on a course to unearth a hidden prophecy, Daria meets two characters who become critical to the journey: a Fae creature named Caelan, and a bug-born creature named Spitz. Caelan and Spitz assist Daria in attempting to fix the chasm between the Human and Fae worlds; as a team, they confront problems of quantum physics, friendship, love, and the blending of reality and magic.
Propelled by a desire to understand her involvement in the rift, as well as her ancestral place in multi-dimensional worlds, Daria hitches her cause to Caelan and the two quickly form a prophetic bond that tests known laws and limits. While the element of instant friendship feels a bit cliche, the novel's romance treads light and modest in a way that adds playfulness and endearing quirkiness. If the current tone proceeds into future works, fans of the comfortable portal fantasy will be very pleased with Books Two and Three of the series.
ENTWINED DIMENSIONS boasts several narrative strengths, including diverse plot elements held together by a seamless thread of accessible world-building. The novel excels in combining real-world elements with mystical ones. This presents quantum possibilities amidst interpersonal ones, which resonate in dialogue like this: “Humans…they get all these chances to grow. Even when they muck it up, they get to try again. Maybe that’s the real magic here.”
Anchored by Daria’s inter-dimensional found family and filled with colorful New Zealand language, ENTWINED DIMENSIONS is ideal for readers who enjoy international literary escapes. Well-rendered dialogue built around situational humor and beautiful chapter illustrations round out the novel’s assets. As such, the reader never loses sight of their place in the real world—even as they journey through time-space warps and complex metaphysical spaces.
Ariel Grace’s ENTWINED DIMENSIONS: Eura Trilogy Book 1 delivers a laid-back story that's perfect for readers who enjoy whimsical fantasy novels with a touch of romance and real-world parallels.
~ Allison Barilone for IndieReader