Into the Abyss: Vault of Verona
The magical realism book series, Into the Abyss, takes a young, unassuming Australian woman and plunges her back through time rifts: into Shakespeare’s classic plays.
Harriet Hunter arrives first in Verona, where she quickly realises that she is somehow living the life of a woman long before her own time. While she wrestles with the prejudices of society and the traditional roles of women, she races against time to change the classical tragic ending. Featuring an Australian female protagonist, Vault of Verona fractures the classic story of Romeo and Juliet, bringing it into the 21st Century and altering a tragic ending. The classic Shakespearean love tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, is a tale of forbidden love, feuding families and tragic endings. Book One of the Into the Abyss series, Vault of Verona, demonstrates how just one decision can have a butterfly effect felt throughout time. |
Vault of Verona and Scourge of Scotland are available through most online retailers and through the store button. Angst of Athens, the third instalment, is due out in 2019.
Series Reviews
Another great book by Marissa. This time she delved into the world of Macbeth. I love how Marissa doesn't just retell a story, but she makes it her own. I didn't know how the story was going to unfold until the very last minute which kept me interested right until the end. I don't know the story of Macbeth as well and Romeo and Juliet but this book has motivated me to read more. I loved how the characters are based on historical figures with background provided at the end of the book. Looking forward to the next instalment next year! - Emma
Another great read, get ready to go back in time again with Harriet...This is the second book in what I hope will be a very long series. Just like the first book, Vault of Verona, Scourge of Scotland manages to capture you from the first chapter taking you back in time and into one of the most famous stories of all time. This is a great read for teens and adults alike providing another world to get lost in just as any great book should do. I can't wait for the next one. - Kim W
Into the Abyss: Vault of Verona is an enticing tale of empowered females and strong role models for its young adult audience. An easy and enjoyable read, it takes the reader into a traditional tragic Shakespearian love story and provides twists and turns that hook you into a time travelling extravaganza. Well written and highly recommend for young and old alike. Looking forward to Harriet’s next adventure in Into the Abyss: Scourge of Scotland in 2018. - Susanne P
Loved it could not put it down! Brilliant twist to an old story. Will be recommending it to my friends! - Kiley R
Excellent read, brilliant concept
Into the Abyss: Vault of Verona had me hooked from the first chapter using one of my all time favourite stories but with a very clever twist. I can't wait for the next book in the series to see how the characters develop. Roll on 2018! - Kim W
I'm not into Shakespeare or historical novels, but I got lost in time with Harriet as I read Into the Abyss: Vault of Verona. Well written, original story and I highly recommend you give it a go.
I can't wait for 2018 and Into the Abyss: Scourge of Scotland! - Sarah H
An interesting twist on a classic tale. This is the first book of a new Australian author. Story of a young girl who travels back in time (and place) to Verona, Italy and finds herself in the middle of one of the most famous love stories of all time - Romeo and Juliet. The book is easy to read and very enjoyable. I particularly liked how I wasn't able to guess where the story was going to take me. The author was able to create strong female characters in time when female empowerment was non existent. Looking forward to reading Marissa's next book. Well worth a read :) - Emma D
With romance, action and a time travel - all centered around one of the best-loved stories of all time - I was hooked as soon as I began. Highly recommend! - Cate H
An excellent read with a very clever storyline. This book had me hooked from the first chapter using a classic story with a modern day twist. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Even though it is classified as an older teens it will appeal to teens and adults of all ages. - Kym F
Great twist on an old classic. This book had me hooked at page one. I couldn't wait to find out how Harriet was going to impact life in Verona. It was a hard book to put down. - Lauren H