Pages of Amber by Vic-Favour Zira is a compelling novel that elegantly intertwines the themes of love, loss, and nostalgia with an incredible delicacy that captures the reader's heart from the very beginning. Zira, who has shown in past works an adept hand at weaving complex narratives, outdoes herself in this novel, creating a world so vivid and characters so real that they linger with you long after the final page is turned.

The story centers on Elisabeth Amber, a young woman grappling with the mysterious disappearance of her brother, Michael. Throughout the novel, Elisabeth's search for Michael evolves into a larger, more introspective journey into her family's past, uncovering secrets that have been buried beneath layers of silence and amber hues of memories. The metaphorical use of "amber" is skilfully employed by Zira, not just as a title but as a recurring motif throughout the book, symbolizing something beautiful, yet inevitably trapping and preserving the past.

Zira’s narrative structure is both complex and enchanting. The book shifts between multiple timelines: Elisabeth's childhood in the 1990s, Michael’s last days before his disappearance in 2010, and the present day as Elisabeth attempts to piece together her fragmented family history. This mosaic of perspectives is deftly handled; Zira manages to give each timeline its voice without disrupting the narrative flow. The transitions are seamless, and with each switch, the suspense tightens, drawing the reader deeper into the mystery.

The characterization in Pages of Amber is exquisite. Elisabeth, as the protagonist, is crafted with profound depth and relatability. Her emotional landscape, marked by her vulnerabilities and enduring strength, makes her a memorable character. Supporting characters, like her grandfather, with his enigmatic past and connection to the mysteries that Elisabeth unravels, are equally well-drawn. Zira provides just enough detail to make them intriguing without overshadowing the protagonist’s journey.

Thematically, the novel does an outstanding job of portraying the impact of unresolved history on the present. The nuanced discussions of memory, how it's both a bane and a boon, are thought-provoking. Zira’s prose often takes a poetic turn when describing the act of remembering or the pain of forgetting, adding a lyrical quality to the narrative that enriches the reading experience. For instance, one of the most powerful lines in the book, "We are all just living in the shadows of the pages we're afraid to turn," beautifully encapsulates the central dilemma of the characters.

What makes Pages of Amber particularly impactful is its setting. Set in a small, seemingly idyllic town with dark undertones, the setting mirrors the complexity of Elisabeth’s discoveries. Zira’s vivid descriptions of the landscape— from the golden amber sunsets to the shadowy corners of Elisabeth’s dusty attic—work not just as a backdrop but as an integral part of the story, almost as if the setting itself is a character.

Furthermore, the element of mystery is handled with an expertise that keeps the suspense alive till the very end. The slow unravelling of the family’s past, intertwined with sudden, shocking revelations, keeps the pages turning. Zira does not shy away from the darker elements of the story, confronting themes like death and betrayal with a raw honesty that is both heart-wrenching and compelling.

The resolution of the novel, while satisfying, leaves certain questions open-ended, a choice that might not sit well with all readers. However, this ambiguity can also be seen as a strength, as it reflects the often unresolved nature of real-life issues and human emotions.

In conclusion, Pages of Amber by Vic-Favour Zira is a richly woven tapestry of emotion and intrigue. It is a testament to the power of memory and the unyielding bonds of family. With its beautiful prose, compelling characters, and haunting themes, it is a novel that not only entertains but also invites deep reflection. For those who appreciate literary fiction with a strong narrative and profound themes, Pages of Amber comes highly recommended. It's a book that promises an emotional journey and delivers it with exceptional grace and intelligence.