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Reviews

It can be a dangerous thing for a man not to know who he is
Author Wendy Gillissen's spiritual adventure 'Curse of the Tahiera' succeeds on so many levels; her characters have personality, depth and personal history, the fantasy environment is vibrant, detailed and filled with mythic wonder and the storyline is absorbing and well paced from beginning to end. Plan and simple it's one of the most enjoyable fantasy books I've read in a long, long time. 
However my highest praise for Ms. Gillissen's book is reserved for the deep, profound spirituality oozing from her written words; her understanding of the nature of dreams, her innate knowledge of the unseen but sometimes felt lifeforce emanating from the world (or worlds?) around us and the way in which she reveals the spiritual underpinnings and karmic destiny that ultimately determine who and what we are. 
Many writers have attempted to wed their own personal spiritual paradigm with literary fiction and generally the results are less than satisfying. Either the 'message' overpowers the story to such a degree that the fiction is delivered flat and contrived, or the author is forced to compromise the 'message' for the sake of the tale and the readers entertainment. In both cases both the author and the reading audience are left unsatisfied and wanting.

In the case of 'Curse of the Tahiera' both of these pitfalls have been successfully and masterfully avoided! If you're looking for nothing more than pure fantasy entertainment this is the book for you. On the other hand if you're looking for a generous dose of spiritual insight that will help guide you in answering some of those inner nagging questions and doubts we all carry with us this is also the book for you. Now if you're looking for both, this must be your lucky day!
Brian E. Erland, Amazon top 500 reviewer


A powerful all-engrossing epic
When Rom, a young man shunned for his Tzanatzi ancestry, crosses paths with Yldich, an Einache Shaman, the pair embark on a journey which will come to change their lives, and that of their people, forever. Dark forces are at work in Gardeth forest to the north, while in the south power-hungry nobles will stop at nothing to get what they want. Embattled on all sides, but with the loving guidance of Yldich, Rom must face his own past and that of the land to heal the wounds inflicted by centuries of persecution and hatred. A 500 year old curse threatens all in its path and Rom is the key – providing he can conquer his own demons in time for the final battle.

Wendy Gillissen’s wonderful début novel is a powerful all-engrossing epic, in which love and forgiveness are essential lessons to be learned. Dreams and past lives are central to the story, and I was not surprised then to learn Wendy is a past life therapist who specialises in dreamwork. This understanding of her subject matter results in a sensitively crafted and profound spiritual adventure for both the main protagonists and the reader. 
The rich history and cultures of the land in which the tale unfolds is entirely convincing, as are the story’s well rounded and sympathetic characters. I found the Curse of the Tahiéra very evocative of the myths and legends of the British Isles, particularly the Tuatha Dé Danann of Celtic legend. 

For all it’s depth, Wendy has succeeded in writing a thoroughly enjoyable tale which never once becomes heavy going or dull (the curse of many fantasy epics I have endured over the years!).
Tangle Catkin, Fae Nation (Your Virtual Portal to Faerie)

Rom is haunted by “énthemae” dreams, or dreams of his past which reveal a power in him to confront the Tahiéra. As he learns these things throughout his journey, he becomes acquainted with “ayúrdimae” dreaming, or “dreamwalking”. “Curse of the Tahiéra” is full of mystical enchantments and riveting adventures, but it’s these particular facets which make it different from most other fantasy novels. Gillissen creates a dream world within a dream world; worlds inside of other worlds which are constantly in motion. It might seem complicated, but Gillissen handles them all like a well trained juggler, and the show is spectacular.

“Curse of the Tahiéra” achieves on nearly every level of excitement and entertainment that the genre of fantasy prescribes. It’s enlightening in its connection with real world values of love, honor, and camaraderie and on top of that, its great entertainment. Gillissen’s take on pixies, beasts, and other common fantasy figures is unique and revitalizing. Fantasy novels are all about the journey, and Gillissen is able to weave several into a single amazing voyage that is captivating from beginning to end.
Eric Jones
Bookreview.com


Genuinely well told tale
I will admit that I was a little hesitant to begin this novel. Over the years I have come across too many unoriginal, formula-written fantasy clones that are apparently published out of pure ego or to make a buck. Now let me state that this does not describe this book- not at all.

Yes, this is a fantasy novel written in a fictional medieval/celtic world (the time and location are never actually spelled out but that is a good thing.) However, I detected no formula, no cliches. I found myself drawn deeper and deeper into a genuinely well told tale. I identified with the characters and wanted to be part of their fellowship. Moreover, there was a great deal of spiritual, metaphysical, and wisdom lore artfully hung on the framework of the story without it seeming out of place. I recognised the truth of it even though the terminology was different from my own.
In short, this book recharged me instead of draining me, and that is the best measure of a book from my personal experience.

I looked forward to reading this novel nightly before sleep- it certainly enhanced my own dream walking...
Oakshaman, Amazon top 100 reviewer


Brims with imagination
Bound for the North through the forest of Gardeth, home of unnatural evil spirits, young Rom, a half Tzanatzi and half human boy, befriends both Yldich, an Einache Shaman, and Eald, an Einache boy. But this is no chance meeting. Little does Rom know that Yldich has had several Yaever dreams about him; dreams that will entwine their fates forever. Yildich believes that Rom can free the Einache people from a rising darkness of evil that has been brewing for five-hundred years, and yet Rom is a mere boy, without a clue to who he really is. He has so much to learn if he, and the Einache people are going to survive.

Together Rom, Yldich and Eald embark on a life changing odyssey as they are thrown into a new way of life, where the veil between his world and the underworld grows thinner each day, and people depend on him. Soon Rom is to learn that this spiritual journey will gain him the courage to learn things he never thought himself capable of, but sometimes uncovering buried secrets comes at a price. Will he be able to face his fears for the final battle and overcome the weight of the world that has been put upon his shoulders?

What a marvellous book. This is a coming of age, young adult tale, filled with a deep spiritual understanding, which I am positive has much to do with Wendy Gillissen's experience as a past life therapist, and her specialisation in dream-work. The depth of Curse of the Tahiéra was so richly detailed with a structured plot, and a believable mystical setting, I found it hard to put down. It's been a long time since I've read a fantasy adventure like this and Wendy Gillissen has a style of storytelling that brims with imagination. It is layered with stories, within this story. She peppers words and expressions from the Tzanatzi /Einache languages throughout, but not in a way that distracts, as some books can. For your convenience these are explained at the back of the book, along with an artistic picture. 
Gillissen drew of the lovable character, Rom. Personally I think this portrait is so good it needs to be moved to the front and not hidden away at the back. All in all the Curse of the Tahiéra is a clever debut novel, and the message is that with the understanding of our dreams anything is possible to achieve."
Sassy Brit
Alternative-Reads.com

A Dreamwalk Through Past Lives
Despised due to his Tzanatzi heritage, Rom made his living as best he could by trading and selling goods in the northern and southern Einache villages alternating between them as the seasons changed. However, while preparing to travel North directly through  the bordering forest, Rom learns that this journey has become increasingly treacherous as an evil presence felt once long ago appears to be rising once again. An old Einache farmer named Yldich befriends Rom offering to accompany him on his journey. Soon Rom learns, however, that Yldich is more mage than farmer having the ability to commune with nature, call upon the animals, and sense the very fabric of all that surround them. When Rom starts to experience his own dreamwalking, he begins to wonder if perhaps his meeting Yldich is something more than a simple chance encounter with a good Samaritan. In fact, Rom learns he may hold the answer to a five hundred year old curse that threatens to destroy the lives of the Einache and Tzanatzi alike.

Wendy Gillissen's Curse of the Tahiera is a unique and fresh offering to the fantasy genre. In this debut novel, Gillissen pulls from her experience as a psychologist specializing in dreamwork and past life therapy. Through Rom the reader slowly discovers the possibilities of past lives and the impact on their contemporary vessels - how decisions made long ago have far reaching implications. While fantasy elements are present, this novel is really a character exploration of a young ostracized man dealing with his negative self view so long forged through the eyes of others and their prejudices. Through Yldich and his own inner journey, he begins to view himself and his past self differently giving context to a life previously without meaning.

Gillissen's pace and plot unfold in an effortless manner keeping the pages turning at a rapid rate. Her detailed and carefully considered narrative and use of Tzanatzi and Einache languages help to envelope the reader into this unique world. The passages where she shares Rom's emotional and physical journey through his first intimate experience and later love interest are exceptionally well written. Rom's journey to the underworld is especially well crafted besting that offered by Phillip Pullman in The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials, Book 3).

Curse of the Tahiéra is a complete volume although Gillissen provides a few teaser pages for the sequel The Search for Tzanáta to be published soon. I for one, look forward to its release.

Rating: 4.5 of 5
Todd A. Fonseca


Lyrical and colorful
Curse of the Tahiera by Wendy Gillissen is one of those rare books that simply is a gift to the reader.
One of those books that will take you away into other worlds, reach out and fully grab your attention, immersing you completely into a rich and delightful story.he story takes place both in the physical world and in the many levels of the spiritual world. Truly, it is a spiritual adventure, taking the reader through the cycles of life, death and rebirth, without stoppage in plot or character development.
 The wise Shaman, Yldic, finds Rom, whom he has been dreaming of for many years and recruits him to travel north. Young Eald joins the journey. These three characters journey together, forging strong bonds.
Rom, figures out whom and what he is while the youthfulness of Eald provides a nice balance to the serious matters that Yldich weighs.
Rom has constantly had dreams of his past and among his dreams he finds the hidden tool to use against the Tahiera.
The authority to the south represents the new world trying to override the old and makes you question which side will win in the end.
With a surprise ending, an unexpected love interest and a cast of rich characters, this book was impossible to put down.
Wendy Gillissen’s prose is lyrical and colourful, captivating and engaging.
Curse of the Tahiera, is an unique intelligent fantasy book, one that offers the reader an adventure not to be missed.
Authors Promoting Authors, Tina-Sue Ducross

Refresing Fantasy
When I finished this book, I was so happy to find out that there will be another book by the same author continuing this story about the Einache and Tzanatzi people. Wendy Gillissen is a very skilled writer, and she has created a wonderful, fantastic world with characters that are relatable on many levels. This novel is, on the surface, a wonderfully written and entertaining fantasy novel, but it has depth. It teaches us all a lesson about war, and how there are always two sides to every story.
This story captures your interest from the first few pages. You might be wary at first because there are over 400 pages, and relatively small type, but you will be thankful that there is more to the story. There are so many details, you really begin to feel like you are in this story and you know the characters, and become worried about their fates. Rom is a young boy of the Tzanatzi race, a race that has been feared and therefore ostracized by others. He meets a Yaever (a dream-walker, one who is able to visit other worlds and influence them) named Yldich, who has had a prophetic dream about Rom. Rom discovers that he is both a key participant in starting and ending the war that is going on between the people of his world, and he is not sure which side he wants to fight on.

You will truly not be able to put this book down. It contains elements of fantasy, adventure, magic, war, and romance. I highly recommend “Curse of the Tahiera” by Wendy Gillissen to young adults and adults that enjoy a well-written and well-imagined fantasy. This book is complete, and has a satisfying ending. So I was surprised to see that there would be another book, but I am looking forward to Gillissen’s next book set many years later, and finding out what happens to this world that she has created.
Reader Views, Victoria Gonzales

A magical journey
"Dead silence spanned the plain. They came with the failing of the light. Their slender swords gleamed silver in the pale light of the moon. On the other side of the plain young, inexperienced hands clutched their swords, and old men held their breath. A dark horror crept over the battlefield and smothered everything in its path. 
A dark figure stood at the top of the cliff. The wind lifted strands of midnight hair. They floated about his head as if they had a life of their own. He steadied himself and drew his sword. His voice was a whisper. Now." (Prologue)

So begins Wendy Gillissen's "Curse of the Tahiera," a fascinating and entertaining spiritual adventure. The two main characters in the book, Rom, a Tzanatzi outcast, and Yldich, an Einache shaman, are on the trail of an ancient curse in an attempt to save their people. The magical journey that they embark on will definitely captivate your attention from start to finish.

Sometimes I find books in the fantasy genre to be confusing and overcomplicated, but Gillissen's novel does not fall into that realm. I found her story easy to read and follow. The only part that could have been difficult would have be in attempting to figure out what the terms meant that were written in the Eincache and Tzanatzi languages. However, to avoid that problem the author included two handy reference guides in the back of the book translating both "Einache words and expressions" and "Tzanatzi words and expressions." I thought these were very helpful in aiding my comprehension of the story and didn't mind flipping back to them to help translate.

I recommend "Curse of the Tahiera" to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels. Gillissen's book is very original and refreshing. Her writing flows smoothly and at a wonderfully engaging pace. I am definitely looking forward to reading the sequel to this first work which should be coming out at the end of this year!
Rebeccasreads


Totally hooked
I met Wendy Gillissen online. It turned out we have a lot in common: an interest in fantasy fiction and spirituality and what’s more, she’s also Dutch. So she sent me her novel ‘Curse of the Tahiéra. I was of course surprised that she would have written a novel in English when her first language was Dutch (it is available in Dutch as well). I have to admit, I was also skeptical of the quality. I get sent books a few times a year and they are generally not worth discussing.

The first and only ‘dutch-ism’ I could find was on the first page. The book gets better and better as you read on. Once I’d passed the first chapter, I was totally hooked. The world Wendy has created reminds one of the Middle Earth of Tolkien, but more natural. It’s reminiscent of Marion Zimmer Bradley’s interpretation of the myths of Arthur, except that this is not about king Arthur. It is clearly inspired partly by the stories of Atlantis, except that it’s not about Atlantis. In short: Gillissen created her own world, though heavily using themes from the myths and history of Great Britain.

In this world three races of people have lived together for centuries, mixing yet always in conflict. Our main character young ‘Rom’ is of mixed descent and in consequence has had a very difficult life. It’s about to get even harder as he meets a stranger on one of his travels. That’s the start of the story. Together they get into more trouble and Rom learns the magic that is his inheritance. Together they travel their world because the wise stranger has noted a danger that he feels only Rom can avert.

The magic of this world has everything to do with dreams. Dreams which constantly mix with reality. This is a reality which Rom has to face head on and explore. Rom is a strange character: like Harry Potter he is giving, yet sometimes aggressive. As we (and he) learn more about him, the mystery deepens. Facing himself will determine the future of this world. I won’t give the plot away, but I can tell you that it will move you AND make you curious about the sequel.

The best fantasy fiction creates a world that is internally consistent and convincing. It makes us feel, if only for a few hours, that what is described could very well be. Wendy Gillissen has created such a world and I’m looking forward to the sequal which should come out this autumn.
All Considering
Katinka Hesselink


Powerful story
Curse of the Tahiéra is a wonderfully written fantasy novel that carries deep meaning on a few levels. The characters are amazing; the scenery and descriptions were vivid without going on for pages; and this book captured me right away! For myself, I personally related to Rom with some of my own past issues and I connected with Yldich in many ways due to his wise ways of the power of intention and healing.  I am anxiously awaiting Ms. Gillissen’s sequel to this powerful story. I give this book five stars and recommend it to anyone that loves fantasy!
"Ya’érsi! (Well Done!)
Ann Hauer, Ann's Book Nook

Hard to put down
I was truly amazed when I read this book. At first, I thought it would be only vaguely interesting, almost with a gothic-other worldly feeling, but with an ever increasing development of characters and scenes, I found it hard to put the book down.
Click here to read the full review by
Teresa Torres
Bookpleasures.com




Thoroughly refreshing and utterly original
A thorouhly refreshing book, utterly  original, engrossing and written in an enjoyable, easy style. Friendship, courage and trust, dreams, magic and humour play a big part in this novel. 
It also offers food for thought, because even though it is fiction, it has been written in such a way some things might actually happen in real life. In that sense I can imagine the readers of the Dream Journal might be fascinated by the promise this book holds.

Monique Thijssen in the Dream Journal

The Dream Journal is the quarterly magazine of the Dutch Association for the Study of Dreams


A tale of healing
I think it's a beautiful story: the storylines, the characters, and above all how the story is carried by deep spiritual understanding. 
The workings of karma, love, compassion...it’s a tale of healing. 
There is so much warmth and wisdom in the book! 
Roms journey through the Underworld truly is a brilliant combination of humor and spiritual depth.’
Pamela Kribbe
The Jeshua Channelings