The Taste of Oblivion

Review:

Onet – Danuta Awolusi

She found the love of her life on Borneo. Then came the worst.

For centuries, literature has intertwined the destinies of women with the forces of nature, spirituality, and fate — creating heroines whose stories transcend mere personal journeys. The Taste of Oblivion by Luna Zara Ray perfectly follows this tradition — a multilayered tale of heritage, destiny, and self-discovery, set against a backdrop pulsing with mystery and magic.

Three women. One island. One destiny.

Ana’s arrival on Borneo is no coincidence. Her fate, though it may seem independent at first, is just another link in a long chain of generational returns. Before her came Dot and Alice — women who, too, had to face the island’s secret, where the past never truly sleeps.In the jungle, the past and present coexist, and the souls of the dead never fully depart. And the island itself? Pure magic.

“The only music the island lived by was the song of nature.Distant sounds, birdsong, the murmur of the waves — that was all I heard for seven days.Would I ever get enough of it? Life here is paradise for body, soul, and mind,and I intended to live it to the fullest. Before leaving, I believed I would see the love of my life.My grandmother always said that the fate of our family has been written into the very soil of this island for centuries.Our ancestors came from here, which is why every new generation must return — to find its true path.”

Here, the island is not just an exotic setting but a living character in its own right. Its jungles hide spirits, its waters reflect the past, and its air hums with the whispers of those who never left. It is a place that consumes, transforms, and never lets anyone go untouched.

Love, destiny, and danger

Ana seeks love, but fate has other plans. The mysterious Pablo crosses her path with unsettling frequency — as if guided by an invisible hand. His presence upends her plans, challenges her beliefs, and forces her to confront questions she isn’t ready to answer. Are their encounters pure coincidence, or part of something larger, carefully woven by destiny itself?Their relationship teeters between passion and mistrust, and the island’s magic seems to stir their emotions as fiercely as the tropical heat.

Shamanic rituals and spirituality

The Taste of Oblivion immerses readers in a world where shamanism is not a relic of the past but a living force shaping reality. Ceremonies, rituals, and spiritual practices merge seamlessly with daily life, blurring the line between the world of the living and the dead.Luna Zara Ray captures this mystical atmosphere with precision and grace, showing how the island’s spirituality seeps into her characters’ lives — pushing them toward confrontation with what is unseen yet profoundly real.Like the women before her, Ana is drawn into a spiral of events beyond her control, uncovering that her family’s past is inextricably tied to the island’s secrets. She must decide whether to surrender to fate — or defy it.

Literary magic and depth of storytelling

What sets Luna Zara Ray’s novel apart is her masterful command of atmosphere. The tension builds gradually, the mysticism seeps through every layer of the story, and the narrative unfolds not only on a physical level but also a deeply spiritual one.This is a book that asks who we are, whether we can escape our fate, and if we truly have the power to shape our own future.

The Taste of Oblivion blends elements of literary fiction, thriller, and the mystical novel, creating a story that defies convention. Its hypnotic aura, strong female characters, and the magnetic connection between Ana and Pablo make it a story that lingers long after the final page.A perfect choice for readers who value literature full of mystery, emotion, and questions without simple answers.

About the reviewer Danuta Awolusi is a Polish novelist and journalist, contributor to Granice.pl. She writes about books, films, and television, and has conducted over a hundred interviews with Polish authors. In January 2025, her book I Chose Allah: Polish Women Who Embraced Islam was published.

Reviews:

When I first looked at the cover, I thought — this must be an erotic novel. Then I checked the page count and wondered what could possibly keep the characters so absorbed. I opened the book… and everything became clear. My first assumptions turned out to be only half true.

The story is simple, yet engagingly told. The author walks the fine line between familiar patterns and new ideas, bringing to life something fresh while still weaving in threads known from other novels. The result? Creative twists and, above all, characters you can’t help but watch with growing curiosity. The blend of genres, combined with vivid narration, draws you into a long but rewarding journey — and despite the number of pages, you won’t regret it. You’ll encounter three generations of women, but it’s the youngest, Ana, who must show true courage. She travels to Borneo — the island of her ancestors — to discover her destiny amid legends and an air thick with magic. She doesn’t expect the secrets she’s about to uncover… or the mysterious man who immediately captures her attention. Will she break the family curse and avoid sharing her predecessors’ fate?

The idea behind the plot was solid and well executed, especially for a debut. Admittedly, the pacing felt uneven at times — occasionally there was too much information, followed by slower, less engaging passages. There were moments when I wanted more focus and concrete details. Even after more than 800 pages, a few questions still lingered in my mind. That said, I don’t regret reading it. I liked the main character and enjoyed following her inner struggles. The demons of the past she faces add depth to the story. The author focuses primarily on emotions and then introduces romance — and yes, there are moments when things get intense. The characters surrender to their passion, and the narrative gains a vivid, sensual rhythm. I did wish for more attention to the family legacy and destiny — the aspects that intrigued me most through the island’s legends — but overall, what I got still sparked my imagination. The Taste of Oblivion is a novel with its highs and lows, but it’s a perfect afternoon read for anyone who enjoys a touch of romance. It speaks of love, the search for one’s place in the world, and the need for acceptance and understanding. Despite its length, it’s a simple, heartfelt story about emotion and adventure — one that will surely leave a trace in your imagination, if only for a while.

Hello everyone! Today I’d like to share my thoughts on The Taste of Oblivion ❤️ by Luna Zara Ray ❤️. This book comes from the Reviewers’ Club at nakanapie.pl. Welcome to the place where legends come alive… Dot, Alice and Ana are three generations of women whose lives are deeply tied to Borneo, a mysterious island full of spirits, magic and wild natural forces. The first two have already played their part in the island’s story. Now it’s Ana’s turn. Dot’s granddaughter sets off on a journey to the island of her ancestors to discover her destiny and… meet the love of her life. But each step she takes brings her closer to sharing the fate of those who came before her. When she meets a famous photographer named Pablo, a bond slowly begins to form between them, a feeling that will soon be put to a difficult test. Shamanic rituals, ominous shadows, legends and overwhelming emotions. In her search for family secrets Ana will come to know the true Taste of Oblivion. This novel tells the story of a young woman discovering who she truly is and what destiny awaits her. It shows us how ancient legends once shaped people’s beliefs and how strongly our ancestors clung to them. Our heroine, sent by her grandmother to the island, must find her own path and along the way the love of her life. But what she discovers there… only those who have read the book will know ☺️. Ana meets Pablo, a photographer staying in his house on the island, and something begins to bloom between them, is it love? And if it is, will it survive the trials to come? The way the legends are described is fascinating, I couldn’t wait to reach the end just to see how it all unfolds. Ana and Pablo’s relationship is complicated, full of unexpected twists, and until the very last pages you can’t be sure if they will find their way back to each other. There’s also a strong emotional thread involving Ana’s father, she believes he abandoned her when she was a child and never wanted to see her again. But the truth turns out to be far more surprising. Will Ana be able to forgive him? Another captivating part of the book is how the islanders honor their dead, the rituals and funeral scenes are described beautifully and with great respect for tradition. To be honest, I was just as intrigued by the island itself as by Ana’s story, there’s something magnetic about that place that keeps drawing you in. I recommend The Taste of Oblivion to everyone who enjoys stories not only about love but also about legends, shamanic rituals and deep family secrets 😁.

“The Taste of Oblivion” may at first seem like a classic story about finding one’s identity and love. Yet the deeper you dive into this tale, the clearer it becomes that Luna Zara Ray has created something far more intricate — a story filled with mysticism, family secrets, and powerful emotions, where the past constantly intertwines with the present. The plot centers on Ana, the granddaughter of Dot, who travels to Borneo to confront her family’s history. The island, full of spirits, shamanic rituals, and ancient legends, becomes not just a backdrop but a living character in its own right. It influences its inhabitants, draws them into its magical rhythm, and shapes their destinies. Ana not only uncovers the mysteries of her ancestors but also meets Pablo, a renowned photographer who unexpectedly changes her life. Their relationship unfolds gradually, moving through stages of fascination, desire, and doubt, until it is finally tested by forces beyond their control. The beginning of the book may appear somewhat predictable — a young woman at a crossroads, a journey to an exotic land, and the promise of great love. But as the story progresses, it becomes increasingly captivating, and the author’s style grows lighter and more fluid. At first, some sentences may feel dense and certain descriptions overly detailed, but Ray’s prose soon gains rhythm and grace, making the reading experience smoother and more enjoyable. The same applies to the dialogue — initially a bit stiff and formal, it becomes more natural and convincing as we get to know the characters better. Perhaps it just takes a moment to get used to the way the author handles conversations, but by the end, she proves her skill in crafting authentic, emotionally charged exchanges. The novel’s greatest strength, however, lies in its atmosphere. Borneo is not merely a setting; it holds an almost mythical significance — a place steeped in mystery, ominous shadows, and ancient beliefs. The island’s magic seeps into every part of the story, creating an ambience that at times borders on magical realism. This is a book not only about love and the search for identity, but also about heritage — something that can weigh on us like a curse, yet also give us the strength to fight for ourselves. The Taste of Oblivion is a story for readers who enjoy tales laced with exoticism, mystery, and emotional depth. Despite some initial imperfections, the novel grows stronger with each page, drawing the reader into a world of passion, danger, and the ghosts of the past. It’s a story that both captivates and makes you reflect on how much our future can be shaped by those who came before us.I’m already looking forward to the next installment. 

The book is classified as contemporary fiction/romance, its cover hints at an erotic story, yet inside I found something entirely different. Here are three women from a family connected to the mysterious island of Borneo: Dot, Alicja, and Ana — grandmother, mother, and the young girl who is the main protagonist. Borneo is an exotic island — tall palms, sandy beaches, and… magic. Shamans live here, the elements rage uncontrollably, and spirits dwell alongside humans. Dot and Alicja have already played their roles in the lives of the island’s inhabitants. Now it’s Ana’s turn. The young woman sets out on a journey to her ancestors’ island to discover her destiny. From the moment she steps onto this new land, she keeps running into Pablo, a photographer. Since they had already crossed paths a few times before the trip and on the plane, Ana becomes suspicious that he might be following her. That doesn’t stop her, however, from falling asleep at his house and letting him feed her exotic dishes. Although Ana’s family history is extraordinary, she herself comes across as somewhat irresponsible and immature. She behaves childishly in situations that call for greater maturity — despite encountering shamanic rituals, spirits, and the island’s legends. The adventure awaiting her demands great courage. A powerful curse hangs over her family, and if she does not lift it, she will share the fate of her predecessors. The premise of the story is very interesting, but in my opinion, Luna Zara Ray fails in execution. The writing feels flat — life-changing events happen to Ana, yet the weight of the moment often doesn’t come through. The pacing is uneven, and there’s a lot of filler writing about trivial matters. The book spans over 800 pages, yet instead of being packed with fascinating details, facts, or substance, it drifts into minor, less relevant reflections. The Taste of Oblivion is somewhat redeemed by the emotions portrayed — especially those between Ana and Pablo. To me, this couple seems like a nod to the dynamic of Miss Steele and Mr. Grey — he is powerful, serious, and full of mystery; she is sweet, obedient, and docile. When their romance finally ignites, it gets really intense. However, this also slightly diminishes the impact of the main plot — the family secrets, legends, mysticism, and curses. It’s a shame these elements weren’t emphasized more strongly. I had hoped for vivid descriptions of an exotic world, where realism and magic combine in an explosive mix. The book turns out to be a genre hybrid — it’s both romance and contemporary fiction, yet all of Ana’s adventures, as she searches for love and her place in the world, evoke adventure literature. Added to that are touches of fantasy and esotericism. I love books with a journey motif, and in this respect, I was satisfied. Ana’s journey is not only physical — the story also depicts her spiritual journey inward. Through her family’s connection to the island, she becomes a bridge between the past and the present. The Taste of Oblivion is a book full of strengths and weaknesses. On one hand, it reads easily, quickly, and enjoyably; on the other, it slightly disappoints with its underdeveloped setting. I recommend it to fans of romance, but also to those who enjoy adventure stories, family secrets, and curses. The novel is imbued with spirituality and reflections on the human condition.

At first glance, The Taste of Oblivion might seem like a typical romance with erotic elements — especially if you judge by the cover and the book’s impressive length. Nothing could be further from the truth. From the very first pages, this novel surprises, offering readers not only a love story but also a journey into family secrets, cultural roots, and mystical tales from Borneo. The blend of realism and magic proves to be a unique idea that, despite a few shortcomings, manages to captivate for hours. The author skillfully balances genres — on one hand, there are elements of contemporary fiction; on the other, clear influences from adventure, romance, and esoteric literature. The protagonist, Ana, becomes a bridge between the past and the present. Her journey to Borneo is not just a physical expedition, but primarily a spiritual journey inward, a search for answers about her identity and her place in the world. The greatest strength of the book lies in its characters — especially Ana, who is presented as a multidimensional figure, grappling with her fears and desires. Her inner conflicts, emotional choices, and determination evoke sympathy, making it easy for readers to relate to her. Pablo, though at times more symbolic than fully fleshed-out, also contributes significantly to the story. His relationship with Ana is a tense dance of feelings, passion, and secrets. Although The Taste of Oblivion is a debut, it demonstrates ambitious attempts to build tension and introduce unexpected twists. The author draws on motifs of family curses, shamanic rituals, and ancient legends, creating an atmosphere full of ambiguity and mysticism. Unfortunately, at times the narrative gets a little lost in its own density — too much information is delivered at once, interspersed with passages that feel somewhat drawn out and lacking in substance. Among the many threads, a better balance would have helped — sometimes the emotional arcs dominate to the point of overshadowing what could be truly intriguing: a deeper look into tradition, culture, and ancestral heritage. Borneo emerges as a magical place, yet its full potential isn’t fully realized. Still, the island’s atmosphere and its symbolic role in Ana’s life give the novel a distinctive character. The emotional layer is impossible to overlook. It is the characters’ feelings, passions, fears, and hopes that lie at the heart of this story. The romance, though occasionally intense and sometimes predictable, effectively holds the reader’s attention. Beneath the passion, however, lie more important questions — about loyalty, destiny, and whether it’s possible to escape the weight of family history. The Taste of Oblivion is not without flaws, but its charm is undeniable. It’s a story that combines an exotic setting with universal themes: love, self-discovery, and the desire for freedom. Despite some narrative weaknesses, readers will find more than just a light romance — especially if they allow themselves to be drawn into a story rich in magic and emotion.

For lovers of tales with a touch of mystery and romance, this book makes an ideal companion for a long afternoon. And for those seeking spirituality and reflections on fate in literature, The Taste of Oblivion may prove a surprisingly fitting choice.

Available in Polish

Description:

Welcome to the place where legends come alive…

Dot, Alice, and Ana — three generations of women whose lives are bound inseparably to Borneo, a mysterious island filled with spirits, magic, and untamed forces of nature.The first two women have already played their part in the island’s story. Now, it is Ana’s turn.

Dot’s granddaughter sets out on a journey to the land of her ancestors — to uncover her destiny and… to meet the love of her life. But with every step she takes, Ana draws closer to sharing the fate of those who came before her. When she meets a renowned photographer named Pablo, a tender feeling begins to blossom between them — one that will soon be put to a painful test.

Shamanic rituals, ominous shadows, ancient legends, and… overpowering emotions.As Ana delves into her family’s secrets, she will come to know the true Taste of Oblivion.

She raised her hands high before her and, kneeling, offered her first bow to the earth.Singing in its honor, she gave thanks for its fertile soil and kindness. Then all the trees responded — as one living being — their leaves rustling in applause, dancing to the rhythm of the wind.Her second bow she offered to the water, thanking it for its healing power and the gift of life, asking its current to be gentle and to quench the thirst of all living creatures on the island.At that moment, the fish leapt above the surface, right before their canoe, a sign that the element had accepted her offering.The third bow she gave to the fire, thanking it for strength and harmony — for through its warmth, deep within the island’s heart, life could flourish and give life in return.

Details:

Type of literature:

Women's literature

Format:

145x205mm, softcover

Edition:

First

Number of pages:

826

ISBN:

978-83-8373-330-2

Year of publication:

2025