Veronica R. Tabares

In the end I enjoyed this book (maybe a 6 on a 10 point scale) but at first there was a dissonance between my expectations of the book (acquired by reading the book jacket description) and the reality of the book. Once I defined the story as a farcical adventure, it was amusing and enjoyable. I was never sure this is what the author intended. I never quite came to love the female protagonist as she cried all the time, had every fear and phobia imaginable and was shallow and self-absorbed show more (Picture Willie in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom). Not a person who would be my best friend. She grew on me though as she faced and overcame multiple trials and tribulations. show less

Behold the Eye: Braumaru is the first installment of three that are sure to satisfy the imagination of young readers and even adults. This would be a wonderful addition to any school library. The first half of this unfolding story begins with Micah Zomorah, a young boy of fifteen residing in another realm, reflecting on his anticipated day of becoming a “man”. However, he is not truly considered a ‘full-fledged’ adult until he discovers his birth gift of power. Micah and his family show more are unaware however, that is birth gift has already arrived, as Micah is able to ‘dream travel’ on the night of his “Rite of Passage”.

We are introduced immediately to four girls; all of them are the closest of friends even though they have their little squabbles. Vickie is the one that decides to give the girls an adventure as the four are often so bored during lunchtime as they are at the age of being too old to play on the playground equipment and the physical games made them sweaty.
They all agree to Vickie’s idea and it is decided that the story will be based on fact, and it will be a book about a ghost story, as this is what they think will sell. Each girl seems to have her own unique talent that is explored to help with the story. One of the girls has the talent of seeing a ‘shadow’ that is truly Micah, as he is dreaming of these girls consistently.

An ‘evil’ character comes into play in this story, as another lost ‘dream traveling’ girl is caught in the time with the four friends. He has this girl spy on them and tricks her by promising to help her return home. This man has her gain him pictures of an ancient lost book that contained inscriptions from his ancestor regarding how their home was lost, save only a select few. He uses these clues, as well as some family history to plot his way to get back to his home. By tricking one of the girls and having her fall deep into a coma, he also goes back on his word by locking his helper, the girl in a ‘dream house’. Micah attempts to help the girl of his dream, only to find that ‘Dream Traveling’ can indeed be hazardous!

Being an adult, I enjoyed this story very much as it was vivid and with the changing from Micah’s world and the girls’ world, it was not too hard to keep up with and it was a very interesting idea. The story starts out with a letter from Vickie to her local librarian regarding the book that I found to be fun and with humor well placed. Veronica truly captured the girls’ attitudes and behaviors, meaning I liked the nice ones, and was not too fond of the mean ones, or had jealousy or bad intentions. It is full of suspense, imagination and action; without being overly frightening especially for a younger reader.
I have the second installment in my hand and I am looking forward to it as this book left me hanging! show less

Received from Early Reviewers.
I was disappointed in this book. Sounded so promising, young newlywed couple on an archaeological dig honeymoon, become embroiled in mystery, murder and a ghost besides.
But I didn't care for the characters much. First of all the main couple enter the story bickering and arguing, then the wife spends the rest of the book crying her eyes out or tearing up all the time. I swear at least every other page she is crying. I couldn't believe how many different ways show more there were to describe crying.
There are interesting characters that show up then just disappear for no reason at all, never to be heard from again, and unbelievable characters that come out of nowhere. There is very little archaeology going on and the ghost just stands around and stares.
I looked up the author and was surprised to see how much she has written. This was very disappointing and I finished it last night and the more I think about it as I write this, the more I'm amazed at the ridiculousness of it. show less

drug-trafficking, archaeologist, federal-agents, suspense, jungle, relics, artifact, ghosts, lore, cia, supernatural, superstitions, relationship-issues, corruption, romance, personal-growth, coming-of-age, action-adventure, women's-fiction, murder, situational-humor, international-crime-and-mystery****

A honeymoon in hell. Nicole and Michael have come to HIS idea of a honeymoon. In Belize. To climb a step pyramid for his dissertation. And she is terrified of heights. And that's just the show more beginning. It gets tortuous and convoluted from then on. It seems irregularly paced and alternates between the ghost's memories and today's mess but does have a good mix of amazing plot twists and peculiar red herrings. The characters are clear and easy to relate to. I think it's a good start to an interesting series.
I won the print copy in a LibraryThing Giveaway Offered by Veronica Tabares (Author) and Published by Sun Break Publishing. Thank you! show less