The Goddess Of by Randi Garner

I am in love.  I am in love.  I am in love love love love LOVE!

This is the first book in many that has sucked me in, but slowed me down.  Rather than binge reading and burning through the pages like I typically to do, I am savoring this story like a warm sweet treat on a crisp fall evening.  As I'm reading, the words melt away and I am no longer staring at words on pages, instead am a spirit on the wind watching as the story unfolds. 

Something about this story and the writing style soothes my soul and carries all my thoughts away, letting me focus fully on the story.  I swear it is laced with some type of crack that is tailored specifically to my brain chemistry because I cannot pinpoint what it is that calls to me so strongly. This book navigates a fine line of evoking peace while covering fairly dark themes.

This is one of the very few stories told through time jumping that I have not minded. Typically the frequent use of flashbacks will put me off a story. However, with this one I am just as eager for the past as I am for the present. 

I love the subtle inclusion of Japanese culture.  As someone with Japanese heritage, it is always fun to see it incorporated well in a non-fetishized or weeby way.  I love how the author seamlessly includes an explanation for every term introduced, but does so in a way that flows with the story telling.  It is refreshing to see such well done info sharing in an indie book after the sea of amazing stories but rough writing I've been reading lately. 

I love that SHE is the one who is 800 years old while the MMC is the one in his 20's (28 to be exact). 

I haven't once guessed where the story will head next, but I have also found that I am not even trying to, because I am simply enjoying the journey rather than seeking the end.