Review: The Branches of Time (Book 1), by Luca Rossi

On a faraway island in a different time, all the inhabitants have gathered for a wedding – but a lethal rain of shards kills them all, except for a young couple whom the priestess takes to the temple for shelter. She knows what happened and why, but she hardly dares to tell Lil and Bashinoir anything about it; it has got to do with a kingdom across the sea, an ancient curse and a barrier that keeps the inhabitants of the kingdom from travelling unless all the people on the little island of Turios are killed.
Beanor, the evil and lecherous king of Isk, is furious when he finds out that the barrier is still there – that must mean that there are survivors! He commands his old wizard Obolil and his talented young apprentice to find and kill them by any means. Meanwhile, the priestess Miril tries to figure out a way of escaping from the island and the king’s wrath – and she comes to a terrifying conclusion: maybe they will have to go not only to another place, but also to a different branch on that great tree called time?
A fascinating story of magic and time travelling, and at the same time of love, duty, betrayal and good and bad in general, “The Branches of Time” will satisfy even the most demanding readers of supernatural action-romance. And, of course, it’s a cliffhanger: we will have to wait for Part 2 to learn about the outcome of this magnificent adventure… And, honestly, we can’t wait to read it!