Every Last Kiss

by Courtney Cole

[Kim Deister]

Every Last Kiss is the debut novel from author Courtney Cole, and the first in the Bloodstone Saga. It is a wonderful start, a haunting book that I just couldn't put down. It began with Macy, living in modern day Pasadena, California, fresh from a break up with her boyfriend. In the midst of teenage angst over that break up, she suddenly finds herself in ancient Egypt, the handmaiden and closet confident to Cleopatra herself. As the mysteries of who and what she is unfolds, Macy/Charmian are caught up in love, loss, loyalty and trying to save future history.

So much of the history of ancient Egypt was lost, and what is known today is very vague. The author created a "history" based on some facts and embellished them to create a truly fascinating version. The blend of historically accurate people with fictional characters just added to the story. The descriptions of ancient Alexandria and the palace itself were wonderful. There was just enough to allow you as the reader to really "see" it without overwhelming you in descriptive prose. There was a little bit of everything in the story: love, loss, history, tragedy, intrigue, hope. It all worked together so well and left me sad that the book was over. But the next book, Fated, is out early at Barnes & Noble and Amazon in ebook format, with paperback forthcoming! I will buying it as soon as I have posted this review!