I just realized that I never posted this review! I actually did the review for the Daily Bruin, Los Angeles' third most circulated newspaper, which was sent a copy of the book by the author. I gave this book a 2.5 for the Daily Bruin, but since that's not an option on Goodreads, I rounded down to 2. The full review can be found here. I'd really appreciate it if you checked the whole thing out. The following is an excerpt:

In large, boldfaced text at the top of the back cover of “Olivay” by Deborah Reed are the words, “We don’t believe that our lives can change in an instant – until they do.”

It is an elegant statement that, at first glance, promises depth and profundity. However, upon a closer look, its meaning is shallow – an accurate representation of the impression left by the novel as a whole.

While some readers may enjoy the opportunity to interpret the novel and the questions it raises in one’s mind as they wish, many will find it frustrating to sift through the philosophical queries 'Olivay' boldly poses but, ultimately, does not answer within its own strange world of fictionalized reality.