Love conquers all, or does it? 

Leah McKenzie and Miguel Dominguez were young lovers, torn apart by circumstances and choices each one made.  Now, reunited almost a decade later, the magic between them is still strong.  Both possess special powers, as Leah is telepathic while Miguel senses moods and feelings of others.  Miguel’s brother, Jose, is worried about Miguel’s mental stability.  No one, however, anticipates what will happen when La Mariposa, the MUSE, decides she wants Miguel all to herself…. 

MUSE is such a haunting, multilayered novel.  On one level, it is a phenomenal horror novel.  Adra Steia doesn’t fall into the trap of relying on gore but instead creates an eerie atmosphere that will send shivers down your spine.  The vivid images of skeletal arms along with the heart-pounding scenes in which La Mariposa terrorizes Leah demonstrate what horror is all about. 

MUSE is so much more than just your regular horror novel, however.  It is a story about life coming full circle.  The symbolism is just incredible, as Adra Steia cleverly weaves in Leah and Miguel’s past history with the emergence of La Mariposa.  Both Leah and Miguel are haunted by the baby they gave up for adoption and images of their own fears are manifested through skeletal figures as La Mariposa preys on their pain.   

Adra Steia continues to she is a true aficionado of horror.  You’ll sleep with the lights on after reading MUSE!  And never, ever will I look at shower curtains in quite the same manner again….

Reviewed by Debbie

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Posted October 2007