Taste of Oblivion
Comments:
The book is classified as a contemporary novel/romance; its cover suggests an erotic story, but what I found inside was something different. Here are three representatives of a family connected to the mysterious island of Borneo: Dot, Alicja, and Ana. The grandmother, the mother, and the young girl, the main character. Borneo is an exotic island – tall palm trees, sandy beaches, and also… Magic. Shamans live here, elements rage, and in the vicinity of people, spirits dwell. Dot and Alicja have already played their roles in the lives of the island's inhabitants. Now it is Ana's turn. The girl embarks on a journey to her ancestors' island to discover her destiny. Since she set foot on new territory, she keeps running into the photographer Pablo. And since they have already encountered each other a few times before the trip and on the plane – Ana becomes suspicious that the man is following her. This does not prevent her from falling asleep at his house and letting herself be fed exotic dishes. Despite the fact that her family's story is extraordinary, Ana herself comes across as irresponsible and somewhat immature. She behaves childishly in situations that would require greater maturity – after all, she has contact with shamanic rituals, spirits, and the island's legends… The adventure awaiting Ana requires her to show immense courage. A powerful curse hangs over her family – if she does not lift it, she will share the fate of her predecessors. The concept of the plot seems very interesting, but in my opinion, Luna Zara Ray completely failed in its execution. The book is written rather flatly – significant events happen in the heroine's life, yet the gravity of the moment is not felt. The pacing is uneven, with much writing about nothing. The book is over 800 pages long – and instead of filling them with curiosities, facts, and specifics, the content dissolves into some insignificant reflections. "The Taste of Losing" is somewhat saved by the emotions described – especially those that arise between Ana and Pablo. This couple reminds me of the duo of Miss Steel and Grey – he is a powerful, serious man full of secrets, and she is sweet, polite, and submissive. When a romance finally ignited between Ana and Pablo, it really heated up. This also somewhat weakened the impact of the main plot – family secrets, legends, mysticism, and curses. It's a pity that these issues weren't more strongly emphasized. I hoped for a colorful depiction of an exotic world where realism and magic blend into an explosive mixture. The book turned out to be a genre hybrid – indeed, there is both romance and contemporary fiction. But all of Ana's adventures, who besides love is also searching for her place in the world, evoke adventure literature. Additionally, a bit of fantasy and esotericism has been added. I really like books with a journey motif. Here, in this respect, I was satisfied. Ana is not only on a physical journey. The book tells of her spiritual journey deep within herself. Through her family ties to the island, she becomes a link between the past and the present. "The Taste of Losing" is a book full of pros and cons. On the one hand, it is easy, quick, and pleasant to read; on the other hand, it disappoints with its underdeveloped background. I recommend it to fans of romances, but also to those who enjoy adventure novels, family secrets, and curses. The novel is filled with spirituality and reflections on human fate.
"Flavor of Lostness" is a novel that at first glance seems to be a classic story about the search for one's identity and love. However, the deeper we dive into this tale, the clearer it becomes that Luna Zara Ray has created something much more complex—a story full of mysticism, family secrets, and strong emotions, where the past continuously intertwines with the present. The plot centers around Ana, Dot's granddaughter, who embarks on a journey to Borneo to confront her family's history. The island, filled with spirits, shamanic rituals, and ancient legends, becomes not just a backdrop but rather a living character in this story. It is a place that affects its inhabitants, absorbing them into its magical rhythm and shaping their fates. Ana not only uncovers the secrets of her ancestors but also meets Pablo—a famous photographer who unexpectedly transforms her life. Their relationship gradually develops, going through stages of fascination, desire, and doubt, until it is ultimately put to the test by forces beyond their control. The beginning of the book might seem predictable—we have a young woman at a crossroads, a journey to an exotic locale, and a promise of great love. However, as the plot unfolds, the story begins to draw us in more and more, and the author's writing becomes lighter and more fluid. Initially, the sentences feel somewhat heavy, and some descriptions are overly detailed, but gradually Ray's style gains fluidity, making the reading experience increasingly enjoyable. The same is true for the dialogues—at first, they seem somewhat artificial and forced, but the deeper we get to know the characters, the more natural and convincing they become. It may be a matter of getting used to the way the author conducts conversations between the characters, but the later parts of the book prove that she can create authentic, tense, and emotional dialogues. The greatest strength of the novel, however, is its atmosphere. Borneo is not just a setting here; it holds an almost mythical significance—full of mysteries, menacing shadows, and ancient beliefs. The magic of the island permeates every aspect of the story, creating an atmosphere that occasionally brushes against magical realism. This is a book that not only tells a tale of love and the search for identity but also of a legacy that sometimes weighs like a curse and sometimes gives strength to fight for oneself. "Flavor of Lostness" is a story for those who enjoy narratives with a touch of exoticism, mystery, and emotional depth. Despite its initial shortcomings, the book gains momentum with each page, drawing the reader into a world full of passion, danger, and the spirits of the past. It is a read that can both captivate and prompt reflection on how much our future can be marked by the history of those who came before us. I eagerly await the next installment.
Comments:
Hello, today I have a review of the book "The Taste of Lost" ❤️ by Luna Zary Ray ❤️. The book is from the Reviewer Club of the nakanapie.pl service. Welcome to a place where legends come to life... Dot, Alice, and Ana are representatives of three generations of women whose lives are inextricably linked to Borneo – a mysterious island full of ghosts, magic, and wild elements. The first two women have already played their roles in the lives of its inhabitants. The time has come for Ana. Dot's granddaughter is going on a journey to her ancestors' island to discover her destiny and... meet the love of her life. Unfortunately, every step Ana takes inevitably brings her closer to sharing the fate of her predecessors. When she meets a famous photographer, Pablo, feelings start to blossom between them, but soon they will be put to a severe test. Shamanic rituals, ominous shadows, legends, and... overwhelming emotions. In trying to uncover family secrets, Ana will discover the true "Taste of Lost."
"The Taste of Lost" is a tale of a young woman who begins to discover who she is and what destiny awaits her. The book shows us what legends are about and makes it clear that our ancestors truly believed in such things and were even faithful to them. Our heroine had to find her destiny, sent by her grandmother to the island in search of the love of her life, but not only that; what she finds there is known only to those who have read this book ☺️. Ana meets Pablo, a photographer who is staying in his home on the island, where some kind of bond, or love, begins to grow between them. If so, will it withstand a difficult test? It is very nicely portrayed and described the legends; I will tell you, I was curious and waited for the end of the book to finally see how it all would unfold. A bit of a twisted relationship between our heroes, where unfortunately fate was capricious, and until the last moment, we do not know if they will finally be together and if their paths will cross. We also deal with a very deep wound; our heroine did not want to see her father, who she thought had left her when she was little and did not want to keep in touch with her. The truth turns out to be very surprising, but will Ana forgive her father for abandoning her? It was also very interesting to see how they honored the deceased on the island and how the funeral itself took place. I will honestly tell you that I was curious about the island that our heroine was returning to, and what drew us there? You will have to find out for yourselves 😉. I recommend "The Taste of Lost" to those who not only enjoy love stories but also to those who are captivated by legends, shamanic rituals, and family secrets 😁.
At first glance, "The Taste of Perdition" may seem like a typical romance with elements of erotica—especially when we look at the cover and notice its impressive length. Nothing could be further from the truth. This novel surprises from the very first pages, offering the reader not only a love story but also a journey into family secrets, cultural roots, and mystical tales from Borneo. This combination of realism and magic proves to be an unconventional idea that—despite a few shortcomings—can draw you in for hours. The author skillfully balances between genres—on one hand, we have elements of a contemporary novel, while on the other, there are clear influences from adventure, romance, and esoteric literature. The main character, Ana, becomes a link between the past and the present. Her journey to Borneo is not just a geographical expedition but a spiritual quest within herself, in search of answers about her own identity and place in the world.
The greatest asset of the book is its characters—primarily Ana, who is portrayed as a multi-dimensional figure struggling with her own fears and desires. Her inner turmoil, emotional choices, and determination evoke sympathy and make it easy to identify with her. Pablo, though at times seeming more like a symbol than a flesh-and-blood man, also contributes significantly to the plot—his relationship with Ana is a tense dance of feelings, passion, and secrets.
Although "The Taste of Perdition" is a debut, it is not lacking in ambitious attempts to build tension and introduce unexpected plot twists. The author draws on motifs of family curses, shamanic rituals, and ancient legends, creating an atmosphere full of ambiguities and mysticism. Unfortunately, at times, she gets lost in this narrative density—too much information presented at once intertwines with sections that seem somewhat drawn-out and lacking in specifics. Among the numerous threads, there is a lack of better balance—sometimes the emotional threads dominate too much, overshadowing what could truly intrigue: a deeper look at tradition, culture, and ancestral heritage. Borneo appears as a magical place, but its potential is not fully utilized. Despite this, the atmosphere of the island and its symbolic role in Ana's life give the book a unique character.
One cannot overlook the emotional layer. It is the feelings, passions, fears, and hopes of the characters that are the heart of this story. The romance, though at times heavily intensified and occasionally predictable, effectively holds the reader's attention. Especially since beneath the guise of passion lie more significant questions—about loyalty, destiny, and the possibility of escaping family history.
"The Taste of Perdition" is not a book without flaws, but it certainly cannot be denied its charm. It is a story that combines an exotic backdrop with universal themes—love, self-discovery, and the desire for freedom. Despite certain narrative shortcomings, the reader will find something more here than just a light romance—especially if they allow themselves to be swept away by a tale full of magic and emotion. For lovers of stories with a hint of mystery and romance, this book will be an ideal choice for a long afternoon. And for those seeking traces of spirituality and reflections on fate in literature—"The Taste of Perdition" may also turn out to be a surprisingly fitting choice.
Reviews:
Onet - Danuta Awolusi
On Borneo, she found the love of her life. Then the worst came.
Literature has long intertwined the fates of women with the forces of nature, spirituality, and destiny, creating heroines whose stories become more than just personal journeys. "The Taste of Loss" by Luna Zara Ray perfectly fits this trend – it is a multidimensional tale of heritage, fate, and self-discovery, set against a backdrop full of magic and unfathomable forces.
Three women, one island, one destiny.
Ana does not arrive on Borneo by chance. Her fate, though it initially seems independent of anything, turns out to be yet another link in a long chain of generational returns. Before her were Dot and Alicia – women who also had to face the mystery of the island where the past never sleeps. In the jungle, the past and present coexist, and the souls of the deceased never truly leave. And the island itself? Magic!
"The only music the island lived by was that which flowed from nature. Sounds coming from afar, the singing of birds, the rustling of waves, all of this was music to my ears for seven days. Will I ever be able to savor it? Life here is a true paradise for the body, soul, and mind, which is why I intended to experience it all and make the most of it, and seven days before my departure, I believed I would see the love of my life. My grandmother has told me since I was little that the fate of our family has been written for centuries on the pages of this island. Our ancestors came from here, which is why every new generation must return to find their life path."
The island is not merely an exotic backdrop but a fully-fledged character. In its thickets hide spirits, its waters reflect the past, and its air is filled with the whispers of those who never truly left. It is a place that consumes, transforms, but never allows one to leave without a trace.
Love, destiny, and danger.
Ana wants to find love, but fate has other plans for her. The mysterious Pablo appears in her life with an unsettling frequency – as if guided by an invisible force. His presence complicates her plans, shattering her previous notions and posing questions she is not ready to answer. Are their meetings the result of chance, or are they part of a larger, intricately planned destiny? Their relationship undoubtedly balances on the edge of passion and mistrust, and the magic of the island seems to influence their emotions as strongly as the tropical heat.
Shamanic rituals and spirituality.
"The Taste of Loss" immerses the reader in a world where shamanism is not a relic of the past but a living force shaping reality. Ceremonies, rituals, and spiritual practices intertwine with everyday life, and the boundary between the world of the living and the dead is fluid. The author masterfully captures this mystical atmosphere, showing how the spirituality of the island permeates the lives of the characters, forcing them to confront what is invisible but incredibly real. Ana, like the women before her, gets caught up in a spiral of events over which she has no control. She discovers that her family's past is closely intertwined with the island's secrets, and she is not the first to face the difficult choice: to submit to fate or to try to change it?
Literary magic and the multidimensionality of the narrative.
What distinguishes Luna Zara Ray's novel is the extraordinary ability to build atmosphere – tension gradually mounts, mysticism permeates every aspect of the story, and the narrative seems to unfold not only on a plot level but also on a spiritual one. It is a book that raises questions about who we are, whether we can escape our destiny, and whether we can truly shape our future.
"The Taste of Loss" combines elements of literary fiction, thriller, and novels with esoteric motifs, creating a story that defies conventions. The mystical aura, strong female characters, and the magnetic relationship between Ana and Pablo make it a tale that lingers with the reader long after the last page. I recommend it to those who appreciate literature full of mystery, emotion, and questions that do not have simple answers.
Author of the article Danuta Awolusi is a Polish writer and journalist, collaborating with the Granice.pl service. She writes about books, films, and series, and has conducted over a hundred interviews with Polish writers. In January 2025, her book "I Chose Allah: Polish Women Who Converted to Islam" will be published.
Comments:
I look at the cover and think to myself: erotic. I glance at the number of pages and wonder what could possibly engage the characters so much. I open the book, and everything becomes clear, and my initial assumptions turn out to be not entirely accurate. The reading is straightforward, yet presented interestingly. The author balances on the edge of clichés, trying to introduce something new while also incorporating threads familiar from other books, but such a combination results in inventive twists and, most importantly, characters we observe with growing curiosity. The combination of genres in confrontation with a vivid narrative takes us on a multi-hour journey, considering the number of pages, but we will certainly not regret the choice when we are hit with quite a few different threads and appropriately presented emotions.
Before us, representatives of three generations will appear, but it will be the youngest among them who will have to show courage. Ana will set off for Borneo, the island of her ancestors, to discover her destiny amidst legends and the magic hanging in the air. She does not expect the secrets she will uncover or the presence of a mysterious man who will catch her attention from the very first moments. Will she break the family curse and not share the fate of her predecessors?
The idea for the plot was conceived and executed quite well, especially considering it is a debut. Unfortunately, at times the action was uneven; there were moments when there was too much information, only to quickly return to less interesting moments. There was a bit too much content, a bit too few specifics and facts, because despite having over eight hundred pages, I still have a few questions in my mind for which I couldn't find answers. On the other hand, I can't say I regret my choice, as I liked the main character and enjoyed reading about her inner dilemmas, while the demons of the past she had to confront beautifully complemented the work. The author focused primarily on emotions, and shortly after that introduced romance. At times it was passionate; the characters were immersed in their own desires, and the reading gained clearer shapes. I missed a greater focus on family tradition and destiny, which intrigued me because of the discussed legends, but I believe that what I received still appropriately influenced my imagination.
"The Taste of Loss" is a book that has its pros and cons, but it will certainly make an ideal afternoon read for all romantics. It refers to love, the search for one's place in the world, the need for acceptance, and understanding. Despite its considerable length, it is a simple story focused on the emotions of the characters and emphasizes adventure, which will certainly leave an impression on our imagination, even if just for a few moments.
**Description:**
Welcome to a place where legends come to life…
Dot, Alice, and Ana are representatives of three generations of women whose lives are inextricably linked to Borneo – a mysterious island full of spirits, magic, and raging elements. The first two women have already played their roles in the lives of its inhabitants. The time has come for Ana.
Dot's granddaughter embarks on a journey to the island of her ancestors to discover her destiny and… meet the love of her life. Unfortunately, every step Ana takes inevitably brings her closer to sharing the fate of her predecessors. When she meets a well-known photographer, Pablo, a feeling begins to grow between them, which soon will be put to a severe test.
Shamanic rituals, sinister shadows, legends, and… overwhelming emotions. In her quest to uncover family secrets, Ana will discover the true "Taste of Perdition."
…she extended her hands high before her and, kneeling, gave the first bow to the earth. Singing in her honor, she thanked it for the fertile soil and kindness. Then all the trees spoke, like one common organism, applauding with their leaves, which danced at the sight of her, stirred by the branches. She bowed again to the water, thanking it for its healing power and for giving life, asking that its current be friendly and that its bounty quench the thirst of all beings on the island. At that moment, the fish began to leap above the water, in front of their canoe, making it clear that the element accepted her bow. The third bow was to the fire, to which she expressed gratitude for its power and harmony, through which the island could live and give life, warmed in its depths.
Details:
Type of literature:
Women's literature
Format:
145x205mm, soft cover
Edition:
First
Number of pages:
826
ISBN:
978-83-8373-330-2
Year of publication:
2025
