‘Disheartened’ by A.L. Waddington book review
Category: Books and Music
The second book in “The Spirit Quest Series,” Disheartened, continues the story of Sidney, a medical student in 2020 who is also a wife and mother in 1860. This series delves into the EVE phenomenon, the inherited ability to live two lives simultaneously.
EVE stands for Essence Voyager Era. Sidney is not the only one in her family “gifted” with this. Those with EVE understand that they live in two centuries at the same time, and that their relationships to each other are different in each time period.
The two time periods in this book are similar in many aspects. In the 2020 time period, Covid, ala The China Virus, is just appearing, social unrest is rocking the country, Washington, D.C. is experiencing a major chasm between the two political parties, and lifestyles and ideas are being put to the test.
In 1860 the Civil War is about to begin, but only those with EVE truly understand what is about to happen. The southern states are going to secede, families will be forced to take sides, and the fabric of the country will be torn, much like it is being torn in 2020.
“I hate feeling like a helpless witness to the destruction of our country,”* the 1860 Sidney says. But that statement is the same in 2020.
Readers who have read the previous book (check out our review of Transcendence) will understand how EVE works and that those with it actually live their lives in the two different times. They know that they are living two lives, which sometimes makes it frustrating for them, but that is their “gift.”
To help with what could be confusing, the author has included an Appendix at the end of the book listing the characters and their relationships. There are many people mentioned in the book and being able to refer to the Appendix is helpful.
A.L. Waddington has a grasp of history that comes through in the pages. She is able to tell two stories combined in one while shifting back and forth. Each chapter is titled with the date to keep readers on track.
Disheartened makes a statement about how the country has experienced and is experiencing a tumultuous time when upheaval runs rampant. In that sense 1860 and 2020 (and the current year in the story) are very much the same. Seeing the similarities between the two times is, as the book refers to, is troubling and disheartening, with the book aptly titled Disheartened.
This is an interesting story that will capture the attention of readers. It is an entertaining fantasy book with some very interesting characters and situations, in both time frames.
- Disheartened by A.L. Waddington
- Publisher : Scarlett Ink Publishing
- Publication date : March 6, 2026
- ISBN-10 : 1948143305
- ISBN-13 : 978-1948143301
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.
*p. 64