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For more about the plot and characters check out the full review and my other musings on my Wordpress blog.
The Collector of Dying Breaths is a fantastic novel written by MJ Rose. I was attracted to this novel by its title and by its cover. They both seemed so mystic and somehow ethereally dark, if that makes sense. When I saw the cover and read the title I knew I had to read this. And if that wasn’t enough, the author’s name: MJ Rose. My name is also MJ. No brainer (bashful grin), I had to read it.
The Collector of Dying Breaths is a suspenseful journey that takes you back to Florence, Italy in the 1500s and to Paris, France in the present time. It is very well written in the sense that the going back and forth is very well achieved. Even though there are two different stories in a different time and place, they are cleverly intertwined. The transitions were done at the precise time in the story and I never got the feeling of being lost in time.
I absolutely enjoy novels with the alchemy/chemistry/perfumery theme. The research for this one felt well done in my humble opinion. The way MJ Rose describes everything is so vivid that you almost feel like you could smell the scents, visualize the procedures and places in the story.
The Collector of Dying Breaths is a novel of suspense, mystery, friendship, love, passion, betrayal, murder, ambition, seduction. It is definitely an adult read, as it deals with serious subjects like reincarnation, euthanasia, incest, bondage to name a few.
I gave The Collector of Dying Breaths 4.5 stars for the sole reason that the sexual encounters portrayed in the book were not quite my cup of Joe.
The incestuous encounter yuck. And that sex scene in the confessional at the church was unnecessary in my humble opinion. I’m no prude but somehow it made me feel uncomfortable reading that. The setting, where it takes place wasn’t necessary. It would’ve been the same or even better and more time appropriate for the story if those two had escaped to some secret garden or hidden alcove to have sex. They would’ve been safe there too.
Other than that I would read this book again.
I recommend The Collector of Dying Breaths to others. I enjoyed reading this book. Producers out there, this would make a good movie. I’d watch it. :D It is a great book for book clubs too. I can see numerous discussions on the reincarnation theory, coming from reading this fascinating novel. As unbelievable as it sounds it is a subject from which many opinions can be shared and discussed.
The Collector of Dying Breaths is the best book I’ve read so far this year. I will definitely read the other books in this series by MJ Rose.
