A Pinch of Distrust by D.T. Bella is a fantasy novel that is packed with mystery. It will grab you from the beginning and keep you page-turning to the end as danger lurks unseen in many forms and the characters in this story will have to keep a wary eye out for it all.
This novel starts out with an attack on a fairy. Yaetherim, does not witness the attack, but he is one of the first on the scene, that brings terrible memories back. Yaetherim, bears scars that makes him the target of stares to which he is patient towards, something that makes him quite the character.
The story will quickly shift to another character who will be the focus of this story. Arch-Mechanic Tenora Perskel will literally come roaring into the story. Not roaring like you’re thinking. She’s not an animal mind you. LOL! No, she comes roaring onto the scene in a steam-powered vehicle to save a young family. Their vehicle is out of control. Despite her efforts to bring the car to a stop, the magic powering it seems to have decided to run a muck. You’re thinking – “Well, the best way to stop a steam-powered vehicle is to cut off the supply.” Well, she does that. Magics the heat to shut off, but despite that – it kicks back on. What?! Things quickly escalate to bring you to the edge of your seat. It’s a chaotic situation that will lead to pertinent questions. The most important one is – what’s happening and why?
The deeper you go into this story, the more questions will begin to arise. Tenora is digging into things on the human side, or Rychillans, as they are called in this story. As she investigates she’ll begin to piece together this intriguing puzzle. There is more than meets the eye, but the mystery is complicated. While there have been multiple incidents of note in the past, there is yet a connecting factor to bring them all together. So, what is the connection to all incidents? There are clues, but finding them will take some time, and of course, patience.
This story is told from alternating viewpoints. In one chapter you will get the fairy, Yaetherim, and then in the next chapter you will get Tenora. Each will be investigating their own mysteries, but eventually, the two will cross paths, and realize that their separate mysteries are connected. Magic is used consistently throughout this book by both the fairies and the Rychillans. Both use magic-infused crystals that help them cast a variety of spells. Now, that does not mean that they can simply do any and all kinds of magic with these crystals. The crystal is attuned to their particular kind of magic.
There is earth magic, fire magic, water magic, and air magic. The crystals help with the use that is specific to that particular individual and fairy. There are some who are dual users, but those are rare.
The intrigue that author, D. T. Bella builds within this story will keep you engaged throughout as every chapter has a mysterious element to it. Both characters are searching for something that will point them to the truth. Yaetherim is on the hunt for someone who has no qualms with killing and sees it as just a means to an end.
While she is not one of the main characters, Veritor Karis is going to be a character who stands out and catches your attention. She’s a very no-nonsense type of individual without the off-putting attitude that you typically get with these types of characters. When it comes to “no-nonsense” types, they are typically short-tempered, a touch arrogant, and difficult to stomach. Veritor Karis is the exact opposite.
She’s one of those characters who demand that you do your job and that you do it right. Think of the Veritors as police officers. They are meant to help uphold the peace, find answers to investigations and such other work. Karis is tough, but you’ll see some softness in her from time to time. That particular element of her character not only makes her more palatable, but more interesting as well. You’ll feel drawn to her, and look forward to seeing more of her in this book.
As the investigation ramps up so will the danger. The clues will be there in the story, but there will also be red herrings. Nothing is ever what it seems.
It’s good that the author has a character or two who follows this similar train of thought because it is exactly what will keep them on their toes…or wings. Piece by piece, lies will be exposed and the truth will begin to come out, and their lives may depend on it.
A Pinch of Distrust is a well-written novel with engaging characters, scenes and storyline. Drama and mystery run rampant and the pages will be turned with their pace until the satisfying ending.
If you are a reader who loves a good fantasy novel packed with mystery and intrigue, you will absolutely enjoy this novel. Characters with secrets and everything to lose will do whatever it takes to remain free.
Pros:
- Engaging storyline
- Thorough, well put mystery
- Title ties into the story nicely
- Interesting characters with original built
- Unique twists on the plot when you least expect them
Cons:
- The constant use of the word “smirk” with Yaetherim.
Lesson of the story: Gluttony for money and power will drive an individual to do horrible acts.
Cover Score: 8.4/10
Overall Book Score: 8.3/10
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