Heather’s Bookshelf: Mobs & Desserts
Author: Zoe Bacurin
Released: 10/11/21
Genre: Magical Realism/Fiction
“They were twins in the womb affected by inexplicable magic. They were kids with superpowers, fantasizing about future adventures. They were mercurial teens suffering the pangs of first love. They were feuding siblings torn by opposite philosophies. They were Emily and Oliver, bona fide weirdos versus the world.”
“Mobs & Desserts” introduces Oliver and Emily: twins with magical powers. Oliver can heal physical disease or injury while Emily can heal mental health disorders with a simple touch.
At a young age, they make a deal to keep their powers a secret from everyone but their mother and closest family friends. But Oliver has a change of heart. After an extraordinary experience at a children’s hospital, Oliver decides to put together a more formal event to help people. Against Emily’s adamant protests, Oliver goes through with it…and disaster ensues.
Through flashbacks, find out how the twins got to this place in their lives and what prompted their decision making. Will Oliver and Emily be able to ever return to their normal lives or will their powers be their undoing?
Trigger Warning: violence, sexual situations
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The author has a great flow and way with words. The story is easy to read and moves along at a great rate and rhythm. I especially enjoyed the format of the story in how it moved from the present and then flashed back to the past to fill in plot holes. The pop culture references were also clever and not overdone. The twins serve as dual protagonists who are likable and yet, very different from each other. The author also made the twin’s powers interesting by not being limited to humans, which was something I had not read before. The sad reality behind the actions of those trying to take advantage of Oliver’s generosity are both poignant and painful. As the story develops, so do the twin’s relationships, understanding of themselves and others. There’s also a twist related to their powers. I wish there was more development of the twist, but it did fit in nicely into the tone of the tale. The ending felt complete and wrapped up the story, but I could also see a sequel and would be happy to read it! Also, if The End of Pie is based on a real place or ever opens, please let me know!
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
Twins with powers + pie = mob + conflict; An enjoyable format with a twist and likable protagonists.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Zoe Bacurin
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Find it for purchase here or on Kindle Unlimited
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