The Well of Many Worlds

Title: The Well of Many Worlds
Author: Luke Metcalf
Genre: Fiction/ Vampires/ Fantasy/ Romance/ Mystery/ Paranormal/ YA
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4/5

Favourite Quote: ‘As she walked she turned her head to the right and it was as though the whole world went into slow motion. That was when she saw him..
Emily staggered, as if struck by a bolt of lightning. She saw the boy from her dreams standing on the opposite side of the club. For a moment time and reality seemed suspended, everything had frozen and the wall between dreams and reality had collapsed.’

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.*

Emily Bliss can’t help but recall her last moments with her father, and the argument that caused her to walk out of the house and not look back. Full of grief, she is determined to discover the truth about his murder and why he left a mysterious antique desk as a gift to her for her 18th Birthday before he died. When she begins to have strange dreams about a golden-bronze haired young man before getting attacked by a demon every night, she can’t help but think there is more to this than just a reoccurring nightmare.  When dangerous men who are in connection to her father’s death show up at her house in search of something, nothing can prepare her more when a small green wicked imp saves her and completely turns her life upside down, introducing her into a world of magic, lies and an unwanted destiny.

You know what, I actually really enjoyed this book. I’m surprised because I didn’t know what to expect from it. The story was captivating from the preface when Emily found herself imagining what death was like as she stared into the face of a demon, instantly we latch onto the murder of her father, the peculiar desk he left her for her 18th birthday along with strange dreams about a mysterious golden-bronzed haired young man with emerald eyes and a look of hunger. I was hooked. Not to mention Mercurios, the green imp guardian that reminds me of Luci from Disenchantment who is determined to be the devil on her shoulder. It wasn’t the most well written story I’ve read, some parts felt broken and rushed which felt like an almost finished draft, but I was still keen to read more and I felt the author had so much potential. I absolutely loved the backstories incorporated which brought us right back to dates like 1563 in England where Mitchell first became a vampire and his promise for revenge, through to 1789 where we meet more of his journey as he becomes familiar with another fellow vampire and an adventure that will lead to his torment for hundreds of years, all the way through to the current day in 2020. It’s filled with beautiful scenery, realistic settings and a Versailles masquerade ball I wish I was a part of at the start of the French revolution.

‘Marie Antoinette’s grand masquerade balls were legendary displays of decadence. The costumes and jewels on display were amongst the most glamorous in history. The young man stared about for a moment at his surroundings, enjoying the music. Performers and acrobats in outlandish costumes were everywhere, dancing and juggling amongst the noisy revelers. Aristocats, on the balconies above threw confetti down upon the hundreds of people swirling around on the polished floor below. Dozens of immense chandeliers hung above their heads, their crystals sparkling from the flickering flames of thousands of candles.’

I liked the characters, the author did a great job with building up each one, even briefly for some, you really got to know them well enough to judge their nature. Some more surprising than others. The story was told from both perspectives of Emily and Mitchell which really brought depth into the story, especially with Mitchell’s backstory with it’s glimpses over the course of his vampire life.
Emily was a great protagonist, even surrounded by composed ancient vampires, she didn’t feel useless or too immature for her age but you knew she was still only a teenager meddling in dangerous situations. It was a good balance. Yeah she could have had a bit more emotion regarding the *SPOILERS* ‘you’re not from this world, you possess powers that will soon turn you into a demon unless you find this magical artefact that has been lost for decades, oh and also you’re adopted and you’re actually the rightful ruler of another world’ stuff, but I’m content with it.
Mitchell was a great additional protagonist, you really came to grasp his personality and demeanour. He’s cool and composed until it comes to discussing his life’s purpose to destroy his creator and find the mysterious Well. He’s rich but doesn’t come off as greedy, just as a comfortable requirement for spending hundreds of lonely years on earth, he went through the effort of buying back his childhood home for the memories.. even if that home happened to be a castle. He’s driven but cool and collected which was a great aspect of his personality. However brief, I enjoyed his friendship with Sylvain, he made me chuckle a few times, he was a fantastic addition.

‘”Is this a new world?” the man whispered, slowly sitting up and staring at his surroundings in awe. 
“Yes, in a way.”
The man rose to his feet, casually flipping his hair back as his strength returned. “Good. I was tiring of the old one.” He laughed. “My name is Sylvain DeLune.” He held out his hand. 
“Mitchell Keats. Pleased to meet you.” 
They shook hands and Mitchell couldn’t help but smile at the man’s studied air of casual arrogance.’ 

Overall it was a fantastic read and I’m keen to explore more works from Luke Metcalf. The second instalment was due to be realised Halloween 2019 but I can’t seem to locate it which is a shame, as I hope to read more into The Well of Many Worlds!

Goodreads Review:
Devastated by her father’s brutal murder, seventeen-year-old Emily Bliss is determined to find his killers, even after everyone else has given up. As Emily attempts to follow their trail, she encounters a mysterious stranger at a party. Beneath his handsome looks, physical prowess, vast wealth, intimidating presence and hypnotizing eyes, she can sense that he is tormented by demons that she cannot yet fathom.
Soon Emily is shocked yet thrilled to realize that she is falling uncontrollably in love with him to the point of obsession. But an early birthday gift Emily’s father left for her has revealed secrets about her life, buried centuries ago, that will hurl her into a dark underworld that she never dreamed existed and point to a great destiny awaiting her, if only she can survive long enough to seize it…