The Vicious Circle- Blog Tour

 

Author: Katherine St John

Publisher: Harper 360 UK

Publishing Date: 23rd November 2023

Many thanks to the publisher and random Things Tours for my copy of the book and a spot on the tour

Blurb 

A perfect paradise? Or a perfect nightmare?

On a river deep in the Mexican jungle stands the colossal villa Xanadu, a wellness center that’s home to an ardent spiritual group devoted to self-help guru Paul Bentzen and his enigmatic wife Kali. But when Paul mysteriously dies, his entire estate—including Xanadu—is left not to Kali, but to his estranged niece Sveta.

Shocked and confused, Sveta travels from New York City to Mexico to pay her respects. At first, Xanadu seems like a secluded paradise with its tumbling gardens, beautiful people, and transcendent vibe. But soon the mystical façade wears thin, revealing a group of brainwashed members drunk on promises of an impossible utopia, guided by a disturbing belief system and a charismatic, dangerously capable leader.

As the sinister forces surrounding Sveta become apparent, she realizes, too late, she can’t escape. Frantic and terrified, she discovers her only chance of survival is to put her confidence in the very person she trusts the least. 

My thoughts 

This was an interesting read, I have not really read a book based on cults before in this depth so it was good.  It started off slow but as the plot progressed it made it more interesting and provided more detail that you became invested in it. 

I really liked Sveta characters, well developed and likeable. You end up rooting for her all the way. Chase her finance and his family are less desirable. The story moves away from the setting of New York to Mexico which was a good transition. 

We get to meet and know Kali also and as charming as she first appears that seems to be much more to her. Soon Sveta realises there is more to her surroundings that she first anticipated. As exotic as the location is, isolation and barriers of the commune create a sinister vibe. 

Lucas the lawyer is introduced early on and goes on this wild ride with Sveta but with what consequences lie ahead for both of them as the truth starts to unravel. We meet a few additional characters to help amplify the story which was good as it the right amount. I liked the character development even at times if it felt some characters were slightly over the top. 

I liked how the author did not deviate away too much from the plot and focused on Sveta new found fortune and the revealing the real reason as to why she has gained this inheritance.  The additional rituals and ceremonies helps create this shift in narrative from what is initially seemed as wellness retreat is actually a cult. 

There were plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing. Lots of who is it? and very suspenseful.