Title/Author: Daughter of the Sun (Cult of the Cat Book 1)
Genre: YA / Paranormal
Publisher: Amazon Digital
Date of publish: May 2016
Pages: 209
Cult of the Cat series blurb
According to ancient Egyptian prophecy, three feline goddesses—Bastet, Sekhmet, and Mafdet—would one day be reborn as triplets during a solar eclipse.
But someone—or something—separated them at birth. Because if ever they were reunited, they would unleash a blistering power that could destroy the world.
In an adventure where the past confronts the present, and blood, betrayal and secrets abound, the triplets face each other for the first time. And discover they’re the only force able to stop the evil god Apophis from enslaving humanity.
Sixteen-year-old Trinity was born during a solar eclipse and left at the doorsteps of a convent along with a torn piece of papyrus covered with ancient symbols. Raised by nuns in the English countryside, she leads a quiet life until she’s whisked away to the Island of Cats and a grandmother she never knew.
But before they can get to know each other, her grandmother dies. All that Trinity has left is a mysterious eye-shaped ring. And a thousand grieving cats. As Trinity tries to solve the enigma of the torn papyrus, she discovers a world of bloody sacrifices and evil curses, and a prophecy that points to her and her new feline abilities.
Unwilling to believe that any of the Egyptian gods could still be alive, Trinity turns to eighteen-year-old Seth and is instantly pulled into a vortex of sensations that forces her to confront her true self—and a horrifying destiny.
The story follows Trinity, a sixteen year old girl who was abandoned at birth and raised in convent. A month before her 17th birthday, she is found by her long lost grandmother who moves her to an island off the coast of Istanbul, Cat Island. There she searches for answers about who she is, who her parents were and the truth about what is happening to her.
As it is the first in a series it, of course, offers more questions than it answers, but it is fabulous. The author was quite able to offer an incredible amount of exposition, back-story and Egyptian history without disturbing the flow of the story. The focus of this YA drama is Trinity, her quest for answers about her past and her relationships with the other young people who have become a part of her new life, Ara and Seth. She is a brilliant principal character, a perfect fusion of angsty teen and intelligent protagonist.
There are enough twists and turns along with sappy teenage emotions to keep even the most tepid readers engaged. The story offers just the right blend of suspense and action with an explosive showdown that leaves me to wonder what the ‘Big Bad’ in the series will actually be. The teaser for book two definitely engaged my interest.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
“I’ve always believed you’re a unique child, Trinity. If I were superstitious— and perhaps this may seem astonishing to you, but I’m not— I’d even say you’re more than unique. Not because you were born during a total solar eclipse— now that, that would be superstitious. Or the way you’ve never, ever been ill in sixteen years— if we disregard the mysterious episode at the British Museum. Or the way that you seem to… How should one say… help improve the health of those who fall ill?— Ah, don’t look so stunned, my child. Surely you must be aware of that… gift. And there are other things… other things I’d rather not discuss— though you’ll learn about one of them shortly. I’ve watched you, you see. For many years now, I’ve watched you.” She nodded thoughtfully. “And now this remarkable turn of fate. I wouldn’t have thought much of it had it happened to someone else. But, you see, when you put all the details together, the picture that emerges is one that challenges the mind.
Fortunately for you, we don’t live in the Middle Ages anymore, and the human brain is, for the most part, highly resistant to believe in anything other than what is considered rational and… normal.” She paused, her eyes keen on my face, as if studying each contour, each line of my features. “I can’t explain what makes you the way you are, Trinity. But I do know one thing, and I don’t want you to ever believe the person who tells you or attempts to convince you otherwise: There’s no evil in you. You’re good, in essence and in heart.” She paused again. “Do you understand what I’m saying?”
I sat there, transfixed. My heartbeat pulsed in my ears. “Yes…” A faint whisper, barely audible.
Zoe Kalo. Daughter of the Sun (Kindle Locations 313-327).
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.
Connect with Zoe Kalo: Website / Facebook / Twitter
I Read What You Write! 