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Incarnation
Kelsey Depuis, Santa Fe scientist, and Iriel, betrothed on Atlantis to a man she cannot love–two young women bound by a single soul.
In Kelsey's everyday world, three men shape her Myron Crouch, the boss of BioVenture Enterprises; Harrison Stillman, a brilliant colleague of hers there; and Stan Dresser, who twists her feelings with his kisses and lies.
But gradually, growingly, Iriel is shaping her life too. Through dreams and visions, she draws Kelsey into the ancient realm where refusal to marry Gewil has driven her to daring flight with fantastic creatures across a strange and terrible land.
As Kelsey joins other BioVenture researchers testing a new organism on a remote Caribbean island, turmoil and violence darken her fate–and Iriel's presence grows stronger. Worlds shift and merge, danger grows. Past and present, vengeance and love swirl together as the seas rise up, the seas that once swallowed Atlantis.
Tested in life-or-death struggle, Kelsey must face an ordeal she can survive only through great courage and deep karmic understanding.
In Kelsey's everyday world, three men shape her Myron Crouch, the boss of BioVenture Enterprises; Harrison Stillman, a brilliant colleague of hers there; and Stan Dresser, who twists her feelings with his kisses and lies.
But gradually, growingly, Iriel is shaping her life too. Through dreams and visions, she draws Kelsey into the ancient realm where refusal to marry Gewil has driven her to daring flight with fantastic creatures across a strange and terrible land.
As Kelsey joins other BioVenture researchers testing a new organism on a remote Caribbean island, turmoil and violence darken her fate–and Iriel's presence grows stronger. Worlds shift and merge, danger grows. Past and present, vengeance and love swirl together as the seas rise up, the seas that once swallowed Atlantis.
Tested in life-or-death struggle, Kelsey must face an ordeal she can survive only through great courage and deep karmic understanding.
388 pages, Paperback
First published February 29, 2016
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31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 29, 2017
At first I had a hard time getting into the story. It was kind of confusing at first but, once I got use to the two lives blurring together. It got better. While reading it I kind of felt bored until the last parts of the book. It started to really pick up and it did end well. After finishing the book, I thought well the story was actually pretty interesting.
May 29, 2017
This book managed to capture my interest from the outset and retain that interest right until the end. I’ll be honest the synopsis caught my attention because it wasn’t something I’d normally read, and I was a little wary about reading it for the same reason. It sounded a bit too slow for me and far from my normal read. I was pretty wrong on that front.
There was a certain amount of tension and suspense that ran throughout the book, keeping me interested. The book was much more complex and had many more layers than I’d initially thought, and definitely wasn’t the quick, light read I had anticipated. There almost seems to be two plots running alongside each other throughout the book, not just Kelsey and Iriel’s two stories, but two different plots in Kelsey’s timeline that looked to be on a collision course.
I felt like the character building was wonderful, I love a character I can get behind, as much as I love a character I can hate. I particularly enjoyed how everything interlocked and no encounter seemed to be a coincidence or just filler for the story, as every character had their place. I have to be honest in that Kelsey sometimes annoyed me, constantly putting herself in situations or doing things that just made me roll my eyes a little! I also got lost with the scientists and other guys on the island at the end, other than the main ones, I got confused who was who.
Initially I was a bit confused by the structure and how the story flitted back and forth between Kelsey and Iriel’s perspectives. This did take me some time to get into, but once I did I found it all fit together quite nicely and I was able to follow it much better.
All in all this book was a wonderful combination of scientific and spiritual and definitely a recommended read.
There was a certain amount of tension and suspense that ran throughout the book, keeping me interested. The book was much more complex and had many more layers than I’d initially thought, and definitely wasn’t the quick, light read I had anticipated. There almost seems to be two plots running alongside each other throughout the book, not just Kelsey and Iriel’s two stories, but two different plots in Kelsey’s timeline that looked to be on a collision course.
I felt like the character building was wonderful, I love a character I can get behind, as much as I love a character I can hate. I particularly enjoyed how everything interlocked and no encounter seemed to be a coincidence or just filler for the story, as every character had their place. I have to be honest in that Kelsey sometimes annoyed me, constantly putting herself in situations or doing things that just made me roll my eyes a little! I also got lost with the scientists and other guys on the island at the end, other than the main ones, I got confused who was who.
Initially I was a bit confused by the structure and how the story flitted back and forth between Kelsey and Iriel’s perspectives. This did take me some time to get into, but once I did I found it all fit together quite nicely and I was able to follow it much better.
All in all this book was a wonderful combination of scientific and spiritual and definitely a recommended read.
November 5, 2018
I was drawn to this book’s unique plot and thought it would be a nice change from what I’ve been reading recently. And let me tell you, it exceeded expectations. With a mixture of fantasy and realism and complex characters, the story was imaginative, dark, and quite uncomfortable at times.
The narrative was fast-paced and captivating. It also introduced a number of themes that I wasn’t entirely expecting. First off, the theme surrounding environmental exploitation was outstanding and the perfect link between Kelsey and Iriel. As Kelsey’s company started to cause more damage and take more shortcuts during the new organism’s constant trials, Iriel’s experience with the exploitation of the crystals became more prominent until they caused the ultimate sacrifice to the Atlantians.
The other stand-out theme was that regarding the toxic and abusive relationship between Kelsey and Stan, also linked to Iriel and her past. This relationship was the uncomfortable part of the book for obvious reasons. It also became very intense when this linked with Iriel. The link made it very difficult for Kelsey to leave, a typical trait of abusive relationships. I was reading this book wanting to help her and protect her.
There were some parts of the book that were a bit confusing regarding Iriel’s life. It tended to jump quite far in time during flashbacks to her life. While the reader is not expected to learn every aspect of both characters’ lives and obviously there will be some quiet parts of it, I would have liked to have been able to read more. Mostly because Iriel’s life was also so interesting.
Overall, I really enjoyed the fantasy element of the book, as well as Kelsey’s character development. I would have liked to read more about her brother as they seemed to have a good relationship. But Kelsey’s relationships with the other characters was put across well.
The narrative was fast-paced and captivating. It also introduced a number of themes that I wasn’t entirely expecting. First off, the theme surrounding environmental exploitation was outstanding and the perfect link between Kelsey and Iriel. As Kelsey’s company started to cause more damage and take more shortcuts during the new organism’s constant trials, Iriel’s experience with the exploitation of the crystals became more prominent until they caused the ultimate sacrifice to the Atlantians.
The other stand-out theme was that regarding the toxic and abusive relationship between Kelsey and Stan, also linked to Iriel and her past. This relationship was the uncomfortable part of the book for obvious reasons. It also became very intense when this linked with Iriel. The link made it very difficult for Kelsey to leave, a typical trait of abusive relationships. I was reading this book wanting to help her and protect her.
There were some parts of the book that were a bit confusing regarding Iriel’s life. It tended to jump quite far in time during flashbacks to her life. While the reader is not expected to learn every aspect of both characters’ lives and obviously there will be some quiet parts of it, I would have liked to have been able to read more. Mostly because Iriel’s life was also so interesting.
Overall, I really enjoyed the fantasy element of the book, as well as Kelsey’s character development. I would have liked to read more about her brother as they seemed to have a good relationship. But Kelsey’s relationships with the other characters was put across well.
March 19, 2017
'Can you help me, soul descendant? For strangely we are becoming linked, my thoughts, your thoughts. I don’t understand how or why except to believe that you can free me. If you are brave, you will. And then? And then I will free you.'
I finished Incarnation and then went back to the beginning and read over Iriel’s introduction to the story. The words above give us an early clue to how the story would unfold and Kelsey’s role in it.
The book absorbed me. I would leave it and come back and enter the most captivating of worlds. Yet, it’s not simply a sci fi or paranormal with a bit of suspense and romance. Its themes are gritty and uncompromising - especially the exploration of Kelsey's destructive relationship with Stan.
Laura Davis Hayes also forces the reader to think about just how man, in his absolute arrogance, selfishness, and greed, is destroying the very earth that gives us life: ‘Some have said Fate is cast, and it is too late to heal the world. I see the way Fate cuts like a river. The channel is deep but can still be changed. Can we not turn away from greed toward generosity of spirit, human love, and peace?’
I loved the author’s poetic prose and loved the way it took me in. See this: 'I live in a white place, a place as long as the sky and full of starry light. Sometimes a little color floats past—a sunrise tint, an azure sparkle.' And this: 'I see that a single soul’s journey is but a breath, a breath inhaled and held for the next eternity'
I invite you to step into Laura’s created worlds. You won’t regret it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booktasters in exchange for an honest review.
I finished Incarnation and then went back to the beginning and read over Iriel’s introduction to the story. The words above give us an early clue to how the story would unfold and Kelsey’s role in it.
The book absorbed me. I would leave it and come back and enter the most captivating of worlds. Yet, it’s not simply a sci fi or paranormal with a bit of suspense and romance. Its themes are gritty and uncompromising - especially the exploration of Kelsey's destructive relationship with Stan.
Laura Davis Hayes also forces the reader to think about just how man, in his absolute arrogance, selfishness, and greed, is destroying the very earth that gives us life: ‘Some have said Fate is cast, and it is too late to heal the world. I see the way Fate cuts like a river. The channel is deep but can still be changed. Can we not turn away from greed toward generosity of spirit, human love, and peace?’
I loved the author’s poetic prose and loved the way it took me in. See this: 'I live in a white place, a place as long as the sky and full of starry light. Sometimes a little color floats past—a sunrise tint, an azure sparkle.' And this: 'I see that a single soul’s journey is but a breath, a breath inhaled and held for the next eternity'
I invite you to step into Laura’s created worlds. You won’t regret it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booktasters in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2017
After reading Brian Weiss I truely believe in Reincarnation, life after death and Karma. I am fascinated by that and hence Incarnation was the obvious choice. And I am happy that I chose this book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. I can call this book a totally engrossing book without any hesitation.
The story is beautifully written. As per belief all the souls are connected and whoever you meet or deal with are connected to you in some manner or the other. The same is brilliantly portrayed in the book. Characters are relatable and lovable except for Crouch and Stan (Gewil) whom you would love to hate. The transition from current birth to the previous birth is absolutely smooth and you can easily identify with both the births showcased. The conclusion of the book is absolutely fantastic and totally justified. One can actually relate to the decisions taken by Kelsey (Protagonist) during situations which makes you feel you too would have done the same. All the ends tied nicely and gives you the feeling of a book completed in all aspects.
The story in between seems too long but at the end you realise that nothing could actually be omitted from the book. Everything mentioned in the book comes to a logical end and that makes your reading worthwhile. It makes you believe in your true destiny just like Kelsey found her's.
Frankly I really couldn't find any negatives. And am all praises for the author for penning this beautiful story. Thanks Laura Ma'am for this brilliant book. Waiting for more such books.
The story is beautifully written. As per belief all the souls are connected and whoever you meet or deal with are connected to you in some manner or the other. The same is brilliantly portrayed in the book. Characters are relatable and lovable except for Crouch and Stan (Gewil) whom you would love to hate. The transition from current birth to the previous birth is absolutely smooth and you can easily identify with both the births showcased. The conclusion of the book is absolutely fantastic and totally justified. One can actually relate to the decisions taken by Kelsey (Protagonist) during situations which makes you feel you too would have done the same. All the ends tied nicely and gives you the feeling of a book completed in all aspects.
The story in between seems too long but at the end you realise that nothing could actually be omitted from the book. Everything mentioned in the book comes to a logical end and that makes your reading worthwhile. It makes you believe in your true destiny just like Kelsey found her's.
Frankly I really couldn't find any negatives. And am all praises for the author for penning this beautiful story. Thanks Laura Ma'am for this brilliant book. Waiting for more such books.
July 2, 2017
Incarnation is an intense novel to capture my attention right from page one. The novel is about the protagonist Kelsey, a scientist from Santa Fe. To find her puzzling life entwined beyond our imagination with a mysterious woman Iriel from Atlantis. Apart from Kelsey and Iriel, every other character in the novel is to look out for. Incarnation is a fast pace novel full of suspense and thrill. The Author has beautifully woven the metaphysical elements into a fine story. Also, gracefully reveals what women endure in their lives right from the dawn of time. Well, this being my first novel under Metaphysical Thriller, I wasn’t disappointed. And I’m delighted to say that it was a GREAT read.
February 13, 2017
An adventure between two intertwined souls, Kelsey and Iriel. One in modern day and the other in ancient Atlantis.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book very much. The start was a bit slow, but picked up at chapter five. It has a mysterious vibe. What will happen to both Kelsey and Iriel, each fighting their own battles.
Goes back and forth between times, from modern day (Kelsey) to ancient Atlantis (Iriel.)
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book very much. The start was a bit slow, but picked up at chapter five. It has a mysterious vibe. What will happen to both Kelsey and Iriel, each fighting their own battles.
Goes back and forth between times, from modern day (Kelsey) to ancient Atlantis (Iriel.)
March 6, 2017
This is an amazing book that captured my interest right from the beginning, about a young woman, Kelsey, a scientist, who is connecting to her souls past life, Iriel, who came from Atlantis. Kelsey works in a laboratory and meets a man, who happens to be connected to her past life, a man Iriel had refused and is now dragging Kelsey into a very violent relationship.
It's a very beautiful story about these two women , connected by the same soul, and the journey this implicates for Kelsey to find the meaning and purpose of her life and the difficult relationship with this man. It also tells Iriel's story. It's a very profound and intriguing story and the tension among the characters is maintained from the beginning to the end. The description of the characters and the events is made vividly.
It's a very beautiful story about these two women , connected by the same soul, and the journey this implicates for Kelsey to find the meaning and purpose of her life and the difficult relationship with this man. It also tells Iriel's story. It's a very profound and intriguing story and the tension among the characters is maintained from the beginning to the end. The description of the characters and the events is made vividly.
February 28, 2017
Interesting read.
Imagine a world where people can exist in an emotional reality beyond the physical Earth.
That's this book.
It has multifaceted characters, that somehow seem to interlock into one (or do they?) This is a complex read, but not a complicated read.
Imagine a world where people can exist in an emotional reality beyond the physical Earth.
That's this book.
It has multifaceted characters, that somehow seem to interlock into one (or do they?) This is a complex read, but not a complicated read.
May 25, 2016
I was drawn to this book from the description on the book tour list: "Contemporary women’s fiction - fantasy/metaphysical thriller. This is about personal growth, relationships, science and romance. A bit of a genre-bender." It definitely is all of that. I think even with the metaphysical leanings, I was picturing something a bit lighter and a quicker read than the book turned out to be. It did take me time to get into the rhythm of the story and its complexity, with the many twists and turns back in time and location and the many characters (and/or reincarnations of characters) to keep track of; then there is all of the biology and science worked in through Kelsey's work. Speaking of Kelsey, I had some frustrations with her life choices that made me want to jump through the book and shake her soundly--especially the times when those choices put herself and others in jeopardy. Through the book, she begins to mature and understand herself and by the end I liked her much more than at the beginning. The story also starts out a bit slowly, but action and tension are steadily built and the 'thriller' description starts to kick in the later half. I found myself most swept away by the settings which ranged from Santa Fe, to Belize, to the mythical lost island of Atlantis. All were beautifully described in a way that brought them to life and made them feel both real and dreamily mystical at the same time.
Incarnation is a book that takes some thought and consideration to read, it's not a book to rush through. In the author's bio below, it mentions that she "writes with a mind balanced between right and left-brain capabilities that leads to a combination of flights of fancy and complexity of structure in her work" and I find that description also accurate of this book. It weaves between science, action, spirituality, and mysticism--so I think an open mind and a spirit of adventure are helpful to the enjoyment of the story. My advice for making the most of your reading experience is to find a comfy, preferably sunny, spot to read, play a little new age music (or relaxation music with ocean or water sounds), pour yourself a cool, thirst quenching drink (see the one below for inspiration) and settle in for a unique and absorbing journey.
You can see my review and a recipe inspired by the book on my Kahakai Kitchen blog post: http://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/20...
Note: A review copy of "Incarnation" was provided to me by the publisher and TLC Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review and as always my thoughts and opinions are my own.
Incarnation is a book that takes some thought and consideration to read, it's not a book to rush through. In the author's bio below, it mentions that she "writes with a mind balanced between right and left-brain capabilities that leads to a combination of flights of fancy and complexity of structure in her work" and I find that description also accurate of this book. It weaves between science, action, spirituality, and mysticism--so I think an open mind and a spirit of adventure are helpful to the enjoyment of the story. My advice for making the most of your reading experience is to find a comfy, preferably sunny, spot to read, play a little new age music (or relaxation music with ocean or water sounds), pour yourself a cool, thirst quenching drink (see the one below for inspiration) and settle in for a unique and absorbing journey.
You can see my review and a recipe inspired by the book on my Kahakai Kitchen blog post: http://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/20...
Note: A review copy of "Incarnation" was provided to me by the publisher and TLC Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review and as always my thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 30, 2016
Kelsey Depuis is a 32-year-old environmental biologist working as a lab technician for Bio Venture Enterprises in Los Alamos, New Mexico. The lab is ostensibly trying to develop a water inhabiting organism, a paramecium, that will clean up environmental spills by eating the bad things but not killing the good things. It's all very hush hush, and Kelsey is having some uneasiness about it. She is also seeing a dream therapist to help her with dreams she's recently started having and voices she's been hearing. She meets and starts a passionate romance with Stan, an abusive but charismatic lawyer. As Kelsey pursues her therapy, the dream material becomes stronger, more detailed and vivid, gradually moving into her awake daytime consciousness. We enter the lost world of Atlantis, meet Ariel, follow her story from the past as it increasingly seems to parallel Kelsey's life in the present. As Kelsey's relationship with Stan and her questions about the biological project she is working on become more troubled, Ariel's life impinges more on the situations Kelsey is confronting. Kelsey's experiments take her to the island of Belize in the Caribbean, where her personal and professional problems accelerate and come to a head, finally climaxing in dramatic and dangerous action.
Laura Davis Hays writes extremely well. Her characters are well-developed, we get a real feeling for who and what they are. I was particularly taken with her talent for description. She captured the area around Los Alamos, with which I am familiar, with feeling and accuracy. I could clearly visualize Belize and the tumultuous sea. Her scenes of Atlantis are breathtaking. I had a little more difficulty, however, following the ins and outs of the nefarious corporate dealings. I couldn't quite untangle the corruption, who was going to benefit, how, why; if indeed there was a plot on one actor's part for the project not to succeed. Ms. Hays narrative voice throughout is steady, moderate, including her dialogue. As the story moves to the ending, it maintains this steady, moderate tone. The dialogue and action do not, for me, build in intensity and excitement. I would have liked more time spent on detail, more descriptive and tone heightening of action and dialogue. More drama. It felt like the author was at her end, ready to close it up. It just kind of petered out on me. My favorite parts of Incarnation are those involving Atlantis and Ariel's story. Truly original and captivating.
Laura Davis Hays writes extremely well. Her characters are well-developed, we get a real feeling for who and what they are. I was particularly taken with her talent for description. She captured the area around Los Alamos, with which I am familiar, with feeling and accuracy. I could clearly visualize Belize and the tumultuous sea. Her scenes of Atlantis are breathtaking. I had a little more difficulty, however, following the ins and outs of the nefarious corporate dealings. I couldn't quite untangle the corruption, who was going to benefit, how, why; if indeed there was a plot on one actor's part for the project not to succeed. Ms. Hays narrative voice throughout is steady, moderate, including her dialogue. As the story moves to the ending, it maintains this steady, moderate tone. The dialogue and action do not, for me, build in intensity and excitement. I would have liked more time spent on detail, more descriptive and tone heightening of action and dialogue. More drama. It felt like the author was at her end, ready to close it up. It just kind of petered out on me. My favorite parts of Incarnation are those involving Atlantis and Ariel's story. Truly original and captivating.
February 27, 2017
A smashing novel by Laura Davis Hays, intertwining science, culture and spirituality!
I must admit it, when I read the summary, I was intrigued but mostly perplexed as to how Hays would pull off such a story. It’s a very unusual mash-up of biology and mythology! Therefore, I approached Incarnation with care and curiosity, but boy, am I glad I did! Laura Davis Hays apparently doesn’t have any trouble blending our modern era with the lost world of Atlantis. She manipulates words like an expert chess player with his pawns, with precision and grace.
At the beginning, I struggled a little bit with the complexity of the novel, with the back and forth between the times, and all the characters I met. Incarnation is not a book you read lightly; it’s a book that requires thinking, and open-mindedness. The science aspect was easy enough for me, as I studied science for the biggest part of my life. But, as my reading progressed and my understanding of the events as well, I started to appreciate the pace and the suspense! Man, the suspense glued me to the book, having me anticipating Kelsey’s and Iriel’s long-awaited collision! The suspense-building was also formidably done.
The main characters, Kelsey and Iriel, were well-developed. They are strong and resilient women, realistic as you would find in every day life, and worthy of all of my praise. I particularly noticed Kelsey’s character development, as she started a bit…unfocused, and then became more mature and made better decisions. Their alternating points of view (and therefore, their era differences) drew me in the conflict at heart and engaged me in their extraordinary adventure.
Hays writes beautifully. She especially has a master’s hand for descriptions! Those were incredibly imaginative and rich, so much I had no trouble imagining the spaces she was describing. Atlantis was so well detailed; I was completely engrossed whenever I was reading Iriel’s parts, as if her world was an actual, real place, but at the same time so out of reach for us, mere mortals.
All in all, the author expertly delivered a complex and haunting story, set in a modern scientific world but shaken by a lost and ancient civilization. I highly recommend this book!
I must admit it, when I read the summary, I was intrigued but mostly perplexed as to how Hays would pull off such a story. It’s a very unusual mash-up of biology and mythology! Therefore, I approached Incarnation with care and curiosity, but boy, am I glad I did! Laura Davis Hays apparently doesn’t have any trouble blending our modern era with the lost world of Atlantis. She manipulates words like an expert chess player with his pawns, with precision and grace.
At the beginning, I struggled a little bit with the complexity of the novel, with the back and forth between the times, and all the characters I met. Incarnation is not a book you read lightly; it’s a book that requires thinking, and open-mindedness. The science aspect was easy enough for me, as I studied science for the biggest part of my life. But, as my reading progressed and my understanding of the events as well, I started to appreciate the pace and the suspense! Man, the suspense glued me to the book, having me anticipating Kelsey’s and Iriel’s long-awaited collision! The suspense-building was also formidably done.
The main characters, Kelsey and Iriel, were well-developed. They are strong and resilient women, realistic as you would find in every day life, and worthy of all of my praise. I particularly noticed Kelsey’s character development, as she started a bit…unfocused, and then became more mature and made better decisions. Their alternating points of view (and therefore, their era differences) drew me in the conflict at heart and engaged me in their extraordinary adventure.
Hays writes beautifully. She especially has a master’s hand for descriptions! Those were incredibly imaginative and rich, so much I had no trouble imagining the spaces she was describing. Atlantis was so well detailed; I was completely engrossed whenever I was reading Iriel’s parts, as if her world was an actual, real place, but at the same time so out of reach for us, mere mortals.
All in all, the author expertly delivered a complex and haunting story, set in a modern scientific world but shaken by a lost and ancient civilization. I highly recommend this book!
June 10, 2016
An interesting take on the destruction of Atlantis mixed with present day incarnation.
Kelsey Depuis has been living in her father’s shadow her whole life. He was a famous scientist who was well known for his research. After he died, Kelsey was offered a job in Santa Fe, New Mexico by one of his former students. However, after moving to Santa Fe, Kelsey has started to have recurring dreams about water. With some help form a dream therapist, she begins to feel another presence from a past lift named Iriel, who lived at Atlantis. One day she meets a lawyer named Stan Dresser, who ignites a spark in her life. Soon, she and Stan are addicted to one another. Eventually, Kelsey realizes that Stan is also in the past life, but his motives are not pure. With some help, Kelsey escapes to a remote Caribbean island where her company is doing biological research and tests. But her arrival has stirred things up from the past. As actions begin to grow darker and violence rises, can Kelsey save herself from her former life?
I have to admit that when I started this book I didn’t get what I expected. There was a whole lot more than I had anticipated. I didn’t expect to get as much of Iriel’s back story. I thought it was going to focus more on the present. However, it really combined the two very well. The story was a little slow to set up, but once it got going to really moved. Kelsey is really just a confused thirty-two year old woman who has lived in her father’s shadow, had her life made miserable by her mother, still grieving the death of her brother, and just wants to be loved. So much so that she gets into a really abusive relationship. I know that there was a connection back to Atlantis that keep the relationship going, but I really, really wanted her to move on and quit going back to him. Then the antagonist is so strong throughout much of the book that I really, really wanted him to just go away, but he didn’t. In the end, every bit of the dialogue was needed to finally put the whole story to bed.
There is quite a bit of strong language in different parts of the book as well as fairly frequent sexual activity in Parts II and III. I would recommend this book for mature audiences.
Kelsey Depuis has been living in her father’s shadow her whole life. He was a famous scientist who was well known for his research. After he died, Kelsey was offered a job in Santa Fe, New Mexico by one of his former students. However, after moving to Santa Fe, Kelsey has started to have recurring dreams about water. With some help form a dream therapist, she begins to feel another presence from a past lift named Iriel, who lived at Atlantis. One day she meets a lawyer named Stan Dresser, who ignites a spark in her life. Soon, she and Stan are addicted to one another. Eventually, Kelsey realizes that Stan is also in the past life, but his motives are not pure. With some help, Kelsey escapes to a remote Caribbean island where her company is doing biological research and tests. But her arrival has stirred things up from the past. As actions begin to grow darker and violence rises, can Kelsey save herself from her former life?
I have to admit that when I started this book I didn’t get what I expected. There was a whole lot more than I had anticipated. I didn’t expect to get as much of Iriel’s back story. I thought it was going to focus more on the present. However, it really combined the two very well. The story was a little slow to set up, but once it got going to really moved. Kelsey is really just a confused thirty-two year old woman who has lived in her father’s shadow, had her life made miserable by her mother, still grieving the death of her brother, and just wants to be loved. So much so that she gets into a really abusive relationship. I know that there was a connection back to Atlantis that keep the relationship going, but I really, really wanted her to move on and quit going back to him. Then the antagonist is so strong throughout much of the book that I really, really wanted him to just go away, but he didn’t. In the end, every bit of the dialogue was needed to finally put the whole story to bed.
There is quite a bit of strong language in different parts of the book as well as fairly frequent sexual activity in Parts II and III. I would recommend this book for mature audiences.
March 23, 2016
Laura Davis Hays’ exciting new novel “Incarnation” is a metaphysical thriller that twines the fate of two young women from different worlds and times. At first the halting communication between Kelsey Dupuis, an environmental biologist, and the compelling presence of a being named Iriel, unfolds by way of Kelsey’s frightening dreams. As the novel progresses, the means of contact become stranger and stronger. When Kelsey delves into her upsetting visitations, she glimpses the face, mind, and memories of Iriel, a girl from a continent no longer on earth. Kelsey’s childhood friend Rill, imaginary but comforting, could she be connected to this Iriel of Atlantis, lover of the sea and its creatures? And why is Iriel desperate to make contact now?
Ms. Hays agilely takes us through the contemporary plot, which includes a memorable cast of scientists in Kelsey’s lab who appear in riveting action near the book’s end. The Atlantian plot weaves through the contemporary, carrying its own cast and a vast history (which begs to be spun into more books). The characters and the descriptions of the ancient continent are haunted by loss. That world throws a shadow over our world, Kelsey’s world, which is given over to greedy forces that would destroy it for short-term gain.
The two plots, two women, two souls—or is it only one soul?—interlace ever more tightly—and the anticipation of their collision creates the novel’s suspenseful journey. In the gracefully written, richly imagined “Incarnation,” Ms. Hays has invented clashes of culture, personality, philosophy, and, most vitally, of spirit.
Ms. Hays agilely takes us through the contemporary plot, which includes a memorable cast of scientists in Kelsey’s lab who appear in riveting action near the book’s end. The Atlantian plot weaves through the contemporary, carrying its own cast and a vast history (which begs to be spun into more books). The characters and the descriptions of the ancient continent are haunted by loss. That world throws a shadow over our world, Kelsey’s world, which is given over to greedy forces that would destroy it for short-term gain.
The two plots, two women, two souls—or is it only one soul?—interlace ever more tightly—and the anticipation of their collision creates the novel’s suspenseful journey. In the gracefully written, richly imagined “Incarnation,” Ms. Hays has invented clashes of culture, personality, philosophy, and, most vitally, of spirit.
February 3, 2017
Book Review: Incarnation by Laura Davis Hays
Review by Dawn Thomas
388 Pages
Publisher: Terra Nova Books
Metaphysical & Visionary, Contemporary Women, Thrillers & Suspense
Kelsey Depuis is a young scientist at BioVenture Enterprise in Santa Fe. After an accident in the lab, she begins having visions of Iriel, a woman from Atlantis. As the visions become more intense, Kelsey realizes she and Iriel are one in the same. She had two men in her life, Stan and Harrison. One loved her and one wanted to possess her. In the visions, Iriel also has two men, Ari and JaradAfter Stan violently attacks on her, she flees Santa Fe and seeks refuge in Belize.
She has not had contact with her mother or friends to make sure Stan cannot find her. While in Belize, she is involved with a research group. She is becoming more and more in tune with Iriel. As Kelsey finds peace, she realizes Iriel did as well.
Kelsey and Iriel are both strong women. The book is written in the third person point of view and bounces back and forth from Iriel and Atlantis to Kelsey and the present. The characters were well developed and the story flowed nicely between the past and present.
Review by Dawn Thomas
388 Pages
Publisher: Terra Nova Books
Metaphysical & Visionary, Contemporary Women, Thrillers & Suspense
Kelsey Depuis is a young scientist at BioVenture Enterprise in Santa Fe. After an accident in the lab, she begins having visions of Iriel, a woman from Atlantis. As the visions become more intense, Kelsey realizes she and Iriel are one in the same. She had two men in her life, Stan and Harrison. One loved her and one wanted to possess her. In the visions, Iriel also has two men, Ari and JaradAfter Stan violently attacks on her, she flees Santa Fe and seeks refuge in Belize.
She has not had contact with her mother or friends to make sure Stan cannot find her. While in Belize, she is involved with a research group. She is becoming more and more in tune with Iriel. As Kelsey finds peace, she realizes Iriel did as well.
Kelsey and Iriel are both strong women. The book is written in the third person point of view and bounces back and forth from Iriel and Atlantis to Kelsey and the present. The characters were well developed and the story flowed nicely between the past and present.
May 20, 2016
Blending the present with an ancient continent can be a tricky matter, but author Laura Davis Hays pulls it off with ease in INCARNATION.
The author brings the story to life through the lives of two well-developed characters – Kelsey, a scientist, and Iriel, a woman from Atlantis. The alternating views of these two resilient women take readers on a mesmerizing journey. Readers will be quickly drawn in as the two worlds connect.
The author has created well-balanced, realistic characters that are strong and engaging. She takes readers to tantalizing settings through her rich descriptions.
The story moves at a good pace while the suspense builds. The story unfolds as the two lives being to mingle. The author presents a good blend of science and spiritual throughout the story making both worlds plausible.
This is a mystical story based in a scientific atmosphere. Past and present intertwine to give readers an extraordinary adventure.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
The author brings the story to life through the lives of two well-developed characters – Kelsey, a scientist, and Iriel, a woman from Atlantis. The alternating views of these two resilient women take readers on a mesmerizing journey. Readers will be quickly drawn in as the two worlds connect.
The author has created well-balanced, realistic characters that are strong and engaging. She takes readers to tantalizing settings through her rich descriptions.
The story moves at a good pace while the suspense builds. The story unfolds as the two lives being to mingle. The author presents a good blend of science and spiritual throughout the story making both worlds plausible.
This is a mystical story based in a scientific atmosphere. Past and present intertwine to give readers an extraordinary adventure.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
May 16, 2016
In my teens I was drawn to books on reincarnation and especially, those by Edgar Cayce. He wrote about Atlantis as well, which I found fascinating. I still do.
Laura Davis Hays has written a scifi thriller, that combines the lost world of Atlantis, reincarnation, science, anthropology, romance in a powerful new book – “Incarnation”. It is written in alternating views – from Kelsey, a biologist/scientist and Iriel, a young woman from Ancient Atlantis. Are these nightmares that Kelsey has or true visions from a past life?
As the suspense builds, as we see her struggle with the men in her life – from Harrison, to Stan, to Crouch - we glimpse her growing belief in what she is learning about this past life. It also enables her to face danger, violence, environmental disruption.
There are five parts in the book, each building on the last and drawing us into the imagined world of Iriel and what Kelsey’s role is in this incarnation. Will she succeed?
It was a thrilling ride – one I couldn’t put down, especially when she escapes to Belize. Enjoy the journey!
Laura Davis Hays has written a scifi thriller, that combines the lost world of Atlantis, reincarnation, science, anthropology, romance in a powerful new book – “Incarnation”. It is written in alternating views – from Kelsey, a biologist/scientist and Iriel, a young woman from Ancient Atlantis. Are these nightmares that Kelsey has or true visions from a past life?
As the suspense builds, as we see her struggle with the men in her life – from Harrison, to Stan, to Crouch - we glimpse her growing belief in what she is learning about this past life. It also enables her to face danger, violence, environmental disruption.
There are five parts in the book, each building on the last and drawing us into the imagined world of Iriel and what Kelsey’s role is in this incarnation. Will she succeed?
It was a thrilling ride – one I couldn’t put down, especially when she escapes to Belize. Enjoy the journey!
May 27, 2016
Laura Davis Hay's Incarnation is an intricate tale of souls bound together by love and karma, through centuries and the rise and fall of civilizations. A love story, a psychological thriller, and a mystery all reside in its well crafted pages - it's as complex as the sea that it keeps swirling back to.
The gist of the story is pretty well covered in the publisher's blurb, and to write more about it would probably spoil it.
I'll wholeheartedly admit that at first I had a hard time getting in to the characters - thinking to myself there really wasn't anything new here. But I stuck with it and about halfway through I found myself intrigued. By the last 1/3 of the book, I had a hard time putting it down and I kept telling myself "one more chapter" until I had finished and it was well past my usual bedtime. The mingling of the scientific and the spiritual was a brilliant way to shine a light on how to navigate the chaos of life (or lives) with both reason and an open heart. It needn't be one or the other.
The gist of the story is pretty well covered in the publisher's blurb, and to write more about it would probably spoil it.
I'll wholeheartedly admit that at first I had a hard time getting in to the characters - thinking to myself there really wasn't anything new here. But I stuck with it and about halfway through I found myself intrigued. By the last 1/3 of the book, I had a hard time putting it down and I kept telling myself "one more chapter" until I had finished and it was well past my usual bedtime. The mingling of the scientific and the spiritual was a brilliant way to shine a light on how to navigate the chaos of life (or lives) with both reason and an open heart. It needn't be one or the other.
June 16, 2016
Thank you to TLC Book Tours for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is something totally different than I usually read, and I took a chance! I'll admit it was hard for me to get into because there was so much going on, but in the end I ended up barely being able to put it down! It's definitely not a light and easy read--you really have to focus so you can keep track of what's going on--but that makes the book so entertaining and thought provoking. I really liked Kelsey, the main character. Overall, while this is not a genre I would read a lot of in the future, I definitely enjoyed this book!
This book is something totally different than I usually read, and I took a chance! I'll admit it was hard for me to get into because there was so much going on, but in the end I ended up barely being able to put it down! It's definitely not a light and easy read--you really have to focus so you can keep track of what's going on--but that makes the book so entertaining and thought provoking. I really liked Kelsey, the main character. Overall, while this is not a genre I would read a lot of in the future, I definitely enjoyed this book!
March 28, 2016
Both accessible and complex, Ms Hays’ novel was a delightful read while at the same time, deeply thought provoking. The interwoven dialogue of contemporary narrative and dreamlike otherworld subconscious was striking- the Author’s suggestion of duality felt ominously possible. Beautifully written, intimate and haunting.
June 11, 2017
"Incarnation" by Laura Davis Hays is an intelligently written and complex tale of poetic fantasy and modern world romantic drama. The storyline moves along effortlessly and the characters are believable. Anyone who enjoys reading unique and winding storylines rich with dialogue and fascinating settings will surely enjoy this book.
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