Remnants: The Forsaken Goddess & The Eternal Flame (The Remnants Sagas)

I absolutely love a good back story so the beginning of the book really drew me into the mystical world of gods, goddesses, love, and unforeseen betrayal. The characters were well thought out and represented well throughout the book. I’m typically not into fantasy books but this one is an enjoyable read of self exploration into true identity and purpose. So, if you’re looking for a book that can catapult you onto the journey of your life; then, this is definitely the go to read. It’s inventive, intriguing, and it sheds light upon T.E.W. mission to promote unconditional, unwavering love, and diversity.

First: I only give 5-star book reviews for books I will never forget and have become part of the fabric of my life, so please know I DID like this book! If you love detailed and vivid descriptions in your stories, the author of this novel should tick that box for you. She paints a picture of everything you “see” while reading. “At the pinnacle of the fountain stood a womanly figure adorned with a lovely golden ivy leaf headdress, her graceful form holding a pot in the shape of a lily wrapped in ivy vines, from which the waterfall flowed into the sparkling pool below. Around the base of the fountain, carved children reached upward, their tiny hands outstretched in awe.” (p.159) I got more than I bargained for with this one! I was very intrigued by the idea that a Phoenix had no memory of her eternal love for a goddess. I loved that the goddess, now at the head of a shifter family, was still in the life of the Phoenix, Eve, hear in present day and hoping she would remember their love. I got exactly what I expected for the first 70% of the story. I learned what had caused Eve’s last death and felt the story had come to its climax. I turned the page and expected to discover how Eve and Amaya lived the rest of their days….but that wasn’t what I got! The next 15% of the book didn’t mention Eve at all. Suddenly, the story was about one of Amaya’s Lieutenants and her relationship with a human. It’s another three chapter before we find out that Eve was overwhelmed by all the…

I’m a sucker for all things Alaska. Throw in a romance with an ancient race of shape-shifting wolf/humans, and you have my attention. Tameka E. Wesley’s Remnants: The Forsaken Goddess & The Eternal Flame weaves two love stories separated by time and corporal form. Wesley spends equal time outside, building fantastical worlds with lush descriptive imagery, and inside the lead characters’ heads, understanding their complexities and yearnings. I found Eve and Amaya’s relationship, as Amaya dealt with her transformation from goddess to wolf and Eve struggled to realize her true powers, especially compelling. The parallel earthbound romance between Julianne and Billy left me a little flat by comparison. But I think readers who enjoy layered fantasy, shapeshifter lore, and inventive mythology will find Remnants immersive and satisfying. Wesley’s rich, rhythmic prose is like comfort food.