What do readers think of The God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland? Write your own review.

"The events of tomorrow are never early. Nothing comes to pass late." The immortal main character, Anna, learns this from her beloved Vanos. He teaches her how, like the seasons, we submit to death & destruction when the seasons demand. Anna grows from her own fractured childhood to love the battered & bruised children of others as the seasons of emptying bring her through centuries of hopeless immortal living. As comes the Spring she experiences new beginnings and affirms "I'll hold what I'm given tenderly but loosely…." I agree with other reviewers who have mentioned that the book is not for everyone. As Anna learns through the ages, the reading of this book requires readers to hold this story "loosely," to put aside the moments of horror, and to think carefully about what it would be like to be immortal and about our own seasons of endings & beginnings. The author portrays loving relationships beautifully and turns a "vampire" into a believable almost- human creature. Anne Rice fans will find this author's work engaging.

I must say that I really enjoyed this book, quite a pleasant surprise. A new take on a vampire tale; the story of Collette, how she was turned, her life of eternity, her story unlike any vamp tale you've ever read. Take your time with this story, the author's prose is exquisite! Buy it, read it, pass it on to a friend! An author to watch, I know I will, great read!

The God of Endings is Jacqueline Holland's debut novel but it reads as if she has been writing bestsellers for years. The story is told through the eyes of her protagonist Anna, who goes by many names throughout her decades, and who is saved from death by her grandfather in the 1830's. Living her eternal life as a vampire-like creature, Anna is uncomfortable with this life. As time goes on Anna is torn between the need for companionship and both the transient yet often cruel nature of human company. Into this mix, Holland throws the Slavic legend of Czernobog, the God of Endings, an essence who may be stalking her. The story is a combination of historical fiction, horror along with a bit of philosophy, but is ultimately a tribute to life.

Jacqueline Holland's writing is absolutely beautiful. She has developed her characters so finely that the reader seems to know them intimately. I am only sorry that the publication timing is scheduled for March as this would be a wonderful read during the waning months of October through December.

When I selected the book to review I was not aware of the subject matter and when I discovered it was "vampires", I thought I should probably just let the powers that be know the book was not for me and I did not wish to review it. However as I had finished my bookclub book for October and there was nothing on my nightstand, I started reading. One page led to another and so on. The book just pulled me in and I found I really enjoyed it. It was quite different from the traditional vampire books I had read. The characters were so well developed and the writing was beautiful. There were many ideas and questions about the state of our existence that made for a very interesting and thought provoking book.
I am so glad that I did not stop reading it.

I ordinarily wouldn't think to read a novel about immortal characters who nourish themselves with blood, but Holland has created a main character in Collette who mesmerized me. In beautiful prose describing parts of Collette's centuries' long life, the author provides a study about love, grief, loss, inhumanity, motherhood and more. I think this would be a great book club selection because it poses many questions. I'm still thinking about the book's implications.

Jacqueline Holland's first novel weaves an impressive journey covering over a century and a half and locations across the globe. The narrator- -Anna/Anya/Collette—is transformed into a vampire-like creature at age 10 at the hands of her grandfather. Anna's path takes her from the 1830's and continues to 1984 dreading the arrival of The God of Endings-- Czernobog—that exists in Anna's mind and may (or may not) actually appear in the novel. The novel brings up many questions that go unanswered, just as they do for Anna. A worthy read- -all 464 pages!

A young child in 1830's New York has been orphaned in a diphtheria epidemic that has devastated her village. Fate has placed her future in the hands of a distant grandfather. She does not know him. Neither do any of the other villagers. With great authority the grandfather swoops in and whisks her away to his home. His intention--to make her an immortal.

So begins the saga that is to become Anna's life, a life she wanted no part of. How does this young girl transform into the vampire who will live through centuries of hardship, sorrow and loss in her quest to find human companionship and love? Anna, with an innate sense of right and wrong is determined not to inflict her dilemma onto unsuspecting acquaintances. She has major decisions to make in each of the lifetimes into which she is thrown. Her lifetimes are many and varied.

My heart went out to this young woman who suffered one disappointment after another. I admired her earnestness and her concern for others as well as her resilience and her fierceness in the face of the great losses throughout her lifetimes--quite the heroine.

The author has left Anna's story open-ended. I am not at all satisfied with the way this story ended. I definitely want more. I'm eager to see what happens next. I'm hoping that Ms. Holland has another volume of Anna's journey to spin before her readers.

I'm not an expert on the vampire as a literary character or devotee of the "immortal narrator", but Collette LaSange is unique. In the 1980's she coordinates a fine arts pre-school in upstate New York.
She is tender, supportive and encouraging to all the young participants and especially aware of a gifted child (Leo) with a turbulent home life.

There are lighthearted moments as she navigates the children exploring their gifts, but her hunger is deepening. There are also dark atmospheric times as we are introduced to her past as Anya (Anna).
Her characters easily become etched in your mind. They are vivid and finely detailed.

The God of Endings is not a beach read! It is an intense fictional debut and I think it deserves a slow deliberate read. I'll be interested watching Jacqueline Holland's literary pathway.