Tag: The Enigma Trilogy

The Secret of Ophiuchus (Enigma Book Three) by Kim Idynne Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A group of heroes makes their final journey into the underworld to find and save a young girl who may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the stars in author Kim Idynnes’ “The Secret of Ophiuchus”, the third book in the Enigma series. 

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The Synopsis

In the final installment of the Enigma series, Surina and Dominic descend into the tunnels of Wupatki to rescue Hannah Hale. Their plans are tripped up by an unexpected tagalong, and Surina is uneasy about Hannah’s sympathy for Tagua, a demon sorcerer of the underworld. Hannah assures them that they can return home if they set things right in the zodiac and learn the secret of Ophiuchus—but is she willing to return alone, or will she unwittingly release Tagua into their world?

The Review

This was a brilliant end to the Enigma trilogy. The author does such a great job of building upon the character-driven narratives and world-building established in the first two books, while also bringing in new perspectives and shifting evolutions for the characters themselves. The way the author can mesh together elements of multiple mythologies and belief systems, including Greek and Sumerian mythology, was inspired and so creatively done that it felt seamless and effortless on the page. 

The imagery in the book was so cosmic and did an excellent job of showcasing the stakes of the mission Hannah and her allies find themselves on. The twists that come with Hannah and Tagua throughout the story bring into the narrative an essential theme of exploring what happens when the heroes of old legends or history itself are revealed to have caused equal or even more damage in their wake, with perspective playing an integral role in the stories we tell one another and ourselves in the end.

The Verdict

Memorable, epic, and compelling, author Kim Idynne’s “The Secret of Ophiuchus” is a must-read fantasy-driven novel and a great end to the Enigma series. The twists and turns in the narrative, the rich character development, and shocking moments that will leave readers wanting more will stay with them long after the final page ends. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab a copy on November 30th, 2025!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.

Author web site: https://idynne.com

Eridanus (Enigma: Book Two) by Kim Idynne Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The search for a young girl in another realm brings in new allies and new challenges in author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus”, the second book in the Enigma series.

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The Synopsis

In this sequel to Enigma, Dominic and Surina travel to a mountainous region of Peru in an attempt to enter the celestial realm. Their plans seem to go awry when Surina becomes trapped in the stars alone. Surina and Hannah team up to solve the puzzle of Orion, but in order to get there, they will have to travel the Eridanus: the longest and most enigma-ridden river of the underworld.

The Review

This was a grand entry in the Enigma series. The introduction of new characters and expansion upon the mythos the author built up in the first book of the series was great to see come to fruition in this narrative. The fast pace of the plot and the mysterious atmosphere the author layers throughout the story help create the necessary tension and action that drives both Surina and Hannah forward in their journey.

What stood out, though, was the character development that this narrative took forward. Surina was a great new protagonist to take the reins from Dominic for most of the plot, and the ways that the stars and this new reality begin to change Hannah slowly, and her perspective as she becomes lost in this reality, were heart-pounding and tense. The development of Wibben as a character was equally thrilling to see come to life on the page.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus” is an excellent entry in the Enigma series and a must-read fantasy-driven book. The twists and turns continue in this mystery-driven narrative, and the puzzles and enigmas themselves were thought-provoking and compelling as the story ends on another big cliffhanger that will drive readers to read book three easily. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.

Author web site: https://idynne.com

Enigma (The Enigma Trilogy Book 1) By Kim Idynne Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young man must travel to the underworld to save a young girl from untold danger in author Kim Idynne’s “Enigma”, the first book in the Enigma Trilogy.

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The Synopsis

When twenty-one-year-old Dominic is persuaded to rescue a young girl from the underground tunnels of Wupatki, the two find themselves lost in a strange realm of celestial enigmas, riddles, and otherworldly creatures. When Dominic arrives in the land of the dead, the underworld queen offers him passage home on one condition: he can’t return as the person he was; he must leave parts of himself behind as he travels the underworld road. Hannah is eager to prove herself an expert at solving the zodiac’s mysteries, but failure will lead to self-destruction, and unlocking the gate may unleash a powerful demon on her own world. Enigma is the first book in a trilogy, followed by Eridanus and The Secret of Ophiuchus.

The Review

This was such a compelling first entry into the Enigma series. The author does a masterful job of crafting a narrative that feels imaginative and visceral at the same time. The world-building was the first element of the story that came to life on the page, with the reader immediately transported from the desert ruins found in Arizona to a world where time and reality don’t exist, at least in the way humanity has come to think of them. The imagery of the author’s writing style brought this to life so vividly.

The character development and mythos of the story were the two biggest draws for this first entry in the series. The beginning of both Dominic and Hannah’s stories is chaotic, both dealing with harsh realities from their pasts, and yet Dominic is more of a reluctant hero to begin with, having trouble accepting this new reality. At the same time, Hannah finds herself stepping up into a role she feels born into in many ways. The discovery of her importance to the stars and the connection between ancient mythology from differing cultures and astrology kept the reader invested in this novel and the characters’ well-rounded arcs. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, entertaining, and compelling, author Kim Idynne’s “Enigma” is a grand first entry in the Enigma series and a must-read fantasy-driven middle-grade book. The twists and turns in the story, the shocking revelations, and the cliffhanger finale will keep readers on the edge of their seats and eager for the next story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.

Author web site: https://idynne.com