Susan Baldwin

2011 Reviews

Review by Kathie

September 2011 (amazon.com)

This book was recommended to me by a friend. Since fantasy is not my favorite genre I downloaded the sample onto my Kindle. A Mystic Arrives (Realm) By the time I was halfway through the sample I was hooked on the characters and storyline and bought the book. The storyline kept me interested and I ended up reading the book in a couple of days. The character development was excellent and the author made you feel vested and interested in the story, the characters and how it would end. I will definitely buy the next book in the series. 

2010 Reviews

Review by a judge of the Annual International Self-Published Book Awards

What did you like best about this book?

Little conversations -- flirting between Devon and KyLee, or about a childhood experience -- are handles extremely well.  The book includes a lot of details about the characters, their lives, their surroundings -- all the way down to the plants KyLee uses to treat injuries.  The emotional impact of what KyLee and the others have already been through is allowed to stand on it own, rather than being minimized by scenes of rape or unbelievable torture.  The reader expects KyLee to reunite with her friends, and isn't disappointed, but the fact that she doesn't quite remember her former life, isn't entirely the same person, and won't settle smoothly down into the role of housewife and mother are welcome surprises.

2009 Reviews

Review by Joyce Grady

Susan Baldwin has presented readers with a literary gem.  A flowing simple plot and stunning imagery quickly engage readers' curiosity about the meaning of a journey in a land of ideals, then delight at discovering this story as a charming allegory within the context of good and evil, compassion and caring relationships.

Colorful word pictures promote easy visualization, and some described conflicts are almost audible.

The reader can infer that power is multi-faceted, and a gift carrying hefty responsibilities.  Without a balance of caring and fairness, power becomes toxic and self destructive.  A positive use of the heroine's power invites readers' musings and contrast with popular power mongers embroiled with an urgent need for control, money and acclaim.  The author subtly suggests the heroine's concern about her own readiness and acceptability as a mystic in scenes when her anger appears toxic and all consuming.  The strength garnered from caring relationships and perseverance are emphasized as crucial in her self realization.

This literary contribution occurs as our nation re-examines values and salutes heroism, compassion and brotherhood.  Of the many messages conveyed, Devon's theme:  Life Has its Seasons, strikes a special chord as the loving characters fade happily into the mist of readers' imagination.  Self reflective readers will derive the most from this novel.

Joyce Grady is a retired teacher of Psychology at Rutgers University

Review by Linda Dunn of Orting, WA

May 2009 (amazon.com)

I am not a reader of fantasy; but the cover caught my attention. The story captivated me from page one. It is spellbinding. The characters are well defined; the imagery is superb. I highly recommend it, especially to those who love fantasy.