If it feels so good loving the wrong person, imagine how wonderful it is going to be when you love the right one.

When I began to read, I was instantly confused as to what was happening. I thought it was a dream that the main character was having, yet, after finishing the first book it is still unclear who she was with. Although, I do have my assumptions but I am definitely going to continue to read the next books in the series. This book is filled with so much imagery, you feel as if you are actually witnessing the events. The author also does a great job of creating so much emotion, I couldn’t help but feel emotionally involved. I was constantly rooting for Talia, hoping she finally finds her happiness. 

Since she was young, Talia lost everyone she loved. The more you read, the more you understand how plays a major part in her adult life. She is scared of loving another, because all she has ever known is pain and loss. She might have the love of a few men, but she can’t help but feel empty around them. 

This book invites you into the journey of Talia as she learns who she really is, where she comes from and where she must go to find her true happiness. Along the way, she captures the heart of a few men. You can’t help but hope she might end up falling in love with one of them, but she isn’t able to. As the reader, you begin to feel the pain Talia is in. She has to continuously reject the love of others, not because she is cruel but because it isn’t what she is looking for. And, when she finally realizes she might be in love with someone. It is forbidden. Even when there is a glimpse of hope that she might actually have the opportunity to be with the one she “loves”, the fantasy is quickly shot down by many obstacles. Will she ever be happy? Is she cursed? 

I can’t really write much, without giving the story away. All I can say is I was completely engrossed with this book, it is now a favorite of mine. The message that I got from this story is that even though your life has been full of many ups and downs, you can’t give up on love. It’s possible that the one you need, is already seeking you. 

I highly recommend this book, I couldn’t help but read the whole thing in one sitting. The best part is it’s only just the beginning. ;)

This book invites you into the journey of Talia as she learns who she really is, where she comes from and where she must go to find her true happiness. Along the way, she captures the heart of a few men. You can’t help but hope she might end up falling in love with one of them, but she isn’t able to. As the reader, you begin to feel the pain Talia is in. She has to continuously reject the love of others, not because she is cruel but because it isn’t what she is looking for. And, when she finally realizes she might be in love with someone. It is forbidden. Even when there is a glimpse of hope that she might actually have the opportunity to be with the one she “loves”, the fantasy is quickly shot down by many obstacles. Will she ever be happy? Is she cursed?

I can’t really write much, without giving the story away so go and read it and find out more :D

Wantin. Truth Devour. 2013. Publicious Self-Publishing. 189 pages. [Source: ARC provided courtesy of Goodreads First Reads program.]

I find it refreshing to go on a journey with a narrator, watching their life unfold in front of them and follow their thoughts and actions as they process what it means in the grand scheme of their life. Wantin is a spectacular example of this, as it follows Talia as she embarks upon womanhood.

What intrigued me most about Wantin  was the book itself.  The book is white with a face being revealed from behind a splattering of vibrant colors. The face appears to be that of a young girl looking back at the world.  I was curious before reading, wanting to know the symbolism behind it.  After reading it, however, I find that it is a foreshadowing of Talia’s experiences and is extremely fitting. Her story is absolutely one in which you begin by seeing things from the eyes of an inexperienced girl; however, as Talia’s journey continues, what she sees is enhanced by her growth.

Talia’s story begins when she is 6 years old in Haiti, under the care of a local nanny while her parents continue their world travels. Soon after her parents’ deaths, her aunt and uncle take her into their home in Australia, where she joins their 3 other children. The reader sees a brief, cursory look at her upbringing, but the story really picks up as she turns 21 and embarks on several years spent finding herself.

From the start, the concept of fate and divine intervention run throughout Talia’s story.  From the use of Haitian voodoo to reveal unpleasant truths, to the vivid dreams she has that serve as the impetus for her next ventures, her story begs the question of whether she is destined to see, hear, and experience certain things and people. She goes about her life traveling, loving, and learningv she’s incredibly reflective, and the author portrays this in an honest way.

Talia’s story isn’t one of an simple lessons and experiences.  Talia finds herself in circumstances that many people would their own contentment. But her constant questioning and thirst for understanding keep her on a moving path. Much of this is driven by her romantic entanglements with everyone from her cousin to a travel agent. The outcomes are almost never what I expect, which I appreciated. You see her grow from a somewhat self-centered young girl to a woman who learns the value of sacrifice for what is best for others?

“Wantin” is absolutely fascinating. I sat down with it and read its entirety within 48 hours – I simply couldn’t put it down. It is the first in a series, so I am eagerly waiting to get my hands on the sequel.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Wantin is a new adult coming of age story written by Truth Devour. Talia's parents shared a passion for travel and adventure, and she didn't get to spend very much time with them as she was growing up. Her fondest memories are of her Haitian nanny, Marlee, and her early years on that island. Everything changes, however, when Talia turns six and her parents die. Although she desperately wants to stay with Marlee, her aunt and uncle have come from Australia to take her home with them. Her fears are allayed when her cousin, Brad, takes her outside to show her his favorite stream and introduces her to the platypus he befriended there. Brad becomes her best friend, and, as they grow up together, they share a growing affection that they realize cannot be since they are first cousins. 

Truth Devour's new adult coming of age tale, Wantin, chronicles Talia's adventures as she explores the world around her and it's a marvelous world indeed. I loved the early scenes in Haiti and, like Talia, was a bit apprehensive when Ruth and Shane come to take her home with them. Her years with them are also beautifully chronicled, especially those parts of the story concerning her horses. Talia is an intriguing character who is intensely private and fears maintaining relationships or staying very long in one place ... and that's not such a bad thing. The reader gets to explore some fascinating locales and gather rich cultural experiences through Talia's eyes. Reading Wantin was both entertaining and enriching. I'm looking forward to reading Unrequited, the sequel to this book. Wantin is highly recommended.