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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
-I won this book through a goodreads first win-
The concept of Arkana is what really dragged me right into this story. A wormhole that transports a person into another world. A world that is deemed to be more peaceful, a place where nature and people can live in harmony. A world that actually seems more advanced and more beautiful then that of Earth. After watching a show called Starcrossed on the CW that was cancelled after one season I was eager to find a book that could have some similar pattern. Now, this story wasn't at all like Starcrossed except for the fact that in some ways Arkana has 'aliens.' if that's what one wants to call them, however, it's not exactly clear if they really are all 'aliens' ..as some are crossbreeds, and some are arkanians, and some are human. As it'd just be crazy if Molly aka the main character was the first to find this place.
So. Yes, this plot was such a wonderful idea. It was very promising. I loved the world. I love the story line. I loved the moment of Molly meeting Weston and then being enveloped into this Arkana world. The way the author writes about this world is just wonderful. I found it entertaining how Victor didn't trust her at first and then he realized she wasn't one of the bad humans.
I, however, if I must admit did find myself rather disappointed in the development of Molly and Victor. At first I liked the set-up and how he didn't trust her at first, how she had to in ways win over his trust. I saw Molly's obsession with him at first as just a school girl crush. I was expecting to see more of an outline of them working together to build-up to a romance. Instead what I found disappointing was that he just said he was watching her, and then, his views on her changed. Their romance just happened too fast for me to find it too believable. Also, a lot of times the way they spoke to each other was hard for me to find believable as well. I actually almost liked the sideline romance of Ann and Weston better.
As much as Victor and Molly's romance may have disappointed me it didn't take away from the actual story for me. As I mentioned I loved Arkana. I loved learning about the lighteaters, and how Arkana came about. I loved seeing all this newer technology in the story. I loved watching Victor compete in the games against Weston and winning, except the 'for you molly.' was quite cheesy. I thought it'd be a nice tough if it was for her when I was reading it, but something that would have been mentioned later on and him telling her that she'd been his motivation.
I also adored Molly's family. Her dad was so endearing and I loved her interactions with her brother Nick. Her family aspect seemed so real and I loved that they were included in the book. I also loved seeing her friends inside the story. Of course, I wouldn't consider them 'real' friends, but they were nice to see and all. Even with her one friend not being nice to her all the time it was always good to see Molly embrace her with a warm heart. I've always said sometimes the not so nice people are dealing with a lot more then one can even imagine and her one friend was a prime example of this.
What I didn't like as I mentioned was a bit of Molly and Victor's romance and how it was made out. I still liked them, a part of me couldn't help but to like them. I also struggled with the ex-boyfriend, but I know he was made not to like. Lastly, was the whole superpowers thing coming into play so randomly at the ending. Victor being able to erase memories just made me cringe. It just seemed so sudden, out of place, and then, almost just a convenient to ditch the ex-boyfriend. That and Molly having him take care of her friend at the ending also irritated me as I really felt she was risking WAY TOO much and should have called the ambulance instead. Also, I wonder how her friend thinks she lost the baby? Or, what Chris thinks as the baby won't be mentioned again? I don't know. I think I'll get used to the memory erasing later on though. At some parts it felt as if the book was a longer read, but not much happened, with as many pages as there were.
As much as some parts made me cringe I still enjoyed the book for the most part. I still very much plan on reading the rest of the series as I'd like to see where these characters head next. A reason I may have struggled with this story is... well, I wasn't a huge Twilight fan. And, I saw similarities, but I know the author has mentioned Twilight before as inspirations. I usually don't give Twilight similar books a try, but the plot line just made me want to grab a hold of these and I'm still glad I did. I really could see these books becoming a movie someday, as well. I'd def. pay to see them. I'd love to see the Arkana world come to life.
I would recommend these books to others without a doubt. I'd recommend them to people that love fantasy novels with some romance thrown in there. Anybody that liked Twilight would devour these books as well.
4/5 for my love of Arkana.
The concept of Arkana is what really dragged me right into this story. A wormhole that transports a person into another world. A world that is deemed to be more peaceful, a place where nature and people can live in harmony. A world that actually seems more advanced and more beautiful then that of Earth. After watching a show called Starcrossed on the CW that was cancelled after one season I was eager to find a book that could have some similar pattern. Now, this story wasn't at all like Starcrossed except for the fact that in some ways Arkana has 'aliens.' if that's what one wants to call them, however, it's not exactly clear if they really are all 'aliens' ..as some are crossbreeds, and some are arkanians, and some are human. As it'd just be crazy if Molly aka the main character was the first to find this place.
So. Yes, this plot was such a wonderful idea. It was very promising. I loved the world. I love the story line. I loved the moment of Molly meeting Weston and then being enveloped into this Arkana world. The way the author writes about this world is just wonderful. I found it entertaining how Victor didn't trust her at first and then he realized she wasn't one of the bad humans.
I, however, if I must admit did find myself rather disappointed in the development of Molly and Victor. At first I liked the set-up and how he didn't trust her at first, how she had to in ways win over his trust. I saw Molly's obsession with him at first as just a school girl crush. I was expecting to see more of an outline of them working together to build-up to a romance. Instead what I found disappointing was that he just said he was watching her, and then, his views on her changed. Their romance just happened too fast for me to find it too believable. Also, a lot of times the way they spoke to each other was hard for me to find believable as well. I actually almost liked the sideline romance of Ann and Weston better.
As much as Victor and Molly's romance may have disappointed me it didn't take away from the actual story for me. As I mentioned I loved Arkana. I loved learning about the lighteaters, and how Arkana came about. I loved seeing all this newer technology in the story. I loved watching Victor compete in the games against Weston and winning, except the 'for you molly.' was quite cheesy. I thought it'd be a nice tough if it was for her when I was reading it, but something that would have been mentioned later on and him telling her that she'd been his motivation.
I also adored Molly's family. Her dad was so endearing and I loved her interactions with her brother Nick. Her family aspect seemed so real and I loved that they were included in the book. I also loved seeing her friends inside the story. Of course, I wouldn't consider them 'real' friends, but they were nice to see and all. Even with her one friend not being nice to her all the time it was always good to see Molly embrace her with a warm heart. I've always said sometimes the not so nice people are dealing with a lot more then one can even imagine and her one friend was a prime example of this.
What I didn't like as I mentioned was a bit of Molly and Victor's romance and how it was made out. I still liked them, a part of me couldn't help but to like them. I also struggled with the ex-boyfriend, but I know he was made not to like. Lastly, was the whole superpowers thing coming into play so randomly at the ending. Victor being able to erase memories just made me cringe. It just seemed so sudden, out of place, and then, almost just a convenient to ditch the ex-boyfriend. That and Molly having him take care of her friend at the ending also irritated me as I really felt she was risking WAY TOO much and should have called the ambulance instead. Also, I wonder how her friend thinks she lost the baby? Or, what Chris thinks as the baby won't be mentioned again? I don't know. I think I'll get used to the memory erasing later on though. At some parts it felt as if the book was a longer read, but not much happened, with as many pages as there were.
As much as some parts made me cringe I still enjoyed the book for the most part. I still very much plan on reading the rest of the series as I'd like to see where these characters head next. A reason I may have struggled with this story is... well, I wasn't a huge Twilight fan. And, I saw similarities, but I know the author has mentioned Twilight before as inspirations. I usually don't give Twilight similar books a try, but the plot line just made me want to grab a hold of these and I'm still glad I did. I really could see these books becoming a movie someday, as well. I'd def. pay to see them. I'd love to see the Arkana world come to life.
I would recommend these books to others without a doubt. I'd recommend them to people that love fantasy novels with some romance thrown in there. Anybody that liked Twilight would devour these books as well.
4/5 for my love of Arkana.
Real rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
I have mixed feelings about this book. The same can be said for most books I read, but this was a little different.
There is only one thing, in YA especially, that can make me instantly loathe a book: an annoying main character. And, let me tell you, Molly annoyed the ever-loving crap out of me. She's whiny, clingy, and extremely sensitive. Even though she's sixteen, she certainly doesn't act like it.
And yet, I don't hate this book. The writing and plot is good, and I really love all of the other characters. Victor, the love interest, is the best. I definitely need a Victor in my life. Also, Weston and Annabelle are the cutest. And don't even get me started on Pandora; I have a soft spot for dogs!
Mostly, I'm just frustrated. This would be such a great book if the MC was at least a little more likeable. *groans* *the frustration is real*
Overall, I just hope we get some character development in this next book, because while the other characters are literally the most adorable things ever, I don't know if they can make up for Molly for another book...
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
I have mixed feelings about this book. The same can be said for most books I read, but this was a little different.
There is only one thing, in YA especially, that can make me instantly loathe a book: an annoying main character. And, let me tell you, Molly annoyed the ever-loving crap out of me. She's whiny, clingy, and extremely sensitive. Even though she's sixteen, she certainly doesn't act like it.
And yet, I don't hate this book. The writing and plot is good, and I really love all of the other characters. Victor, the love interest, is the best. I definitely need a Victor in my life. Also, Weston and Annabelle are the cutest. And don't even get me started on Pandora; I have a soft spot for dogs!
Mostly, I'm just frustrated. This would be such a great book if the MC was at least a little more likeable. *groans* *the frustration is real*
Overall, I just hope we get some character development in this next book, because while the other characters are literally the most adorable things ever, I don't know if they can make up for Molly for another book...
*I received a free copy of this eBook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I'm sad to say that I was not able to finish this book. I read about twenty percent of it, but never could get into it. There are no typos or grammatical errors that I could see, but something about the writing did not appeal to me. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something was just off. I don't feel comfortable giving Fields of Elysium a rating because I did not finish it, so I'll just leave it at this: this book was not for me.
I'm sad to say that I was not able to finish this book. I read about twenty percent of it, but never could get into it. There are no typos or grammatical errors that I could see, but something about the writing did not appeal to me. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something was just off. I don't feel comfortable giving Fields of Elysium a rating because I did not finish it, so I'll just leave it at this: this book was not for me.
This book was a little cheesy and read like a bad B movie. I know that there are sequels to this book but I don't think that I would read them. The scenarios were just a little too far fetched.
I like the idea of the book where there is an alternate world but I just didn't buy into it. I would skip it.
I like the idea of the book where there is an alternate world but I just didn't buy into it. I would skip it.
I had to sit back a little and get my thoughts together for this one. No, admittedly I’m not a huge fantasy fan, but funnily enough the fantasy portion of this was my favorite part.
Arkana was absolutely fascinating and I think it was written in beautifully. I wanted to know more about this world that Molly fell into and found myself loving those scenes so much more than the Earth scenes. Very vivid. I felt like you could reach out and touch some of what A. B. Whelan describes.
There’s also almost insta-love in this. With it being young adult I wasn’t too taken aback. And I don’t mind insta-love that much anyway. There’s also a lot of background as to why Victor has some issues. I think the relationship between these two is given enough time to grow and I enjoyed reading about them.
The downside is that there were some plot holes. I was reading and then asking myself what was going on or where a person went. Although this happened a few times I did enjoy the story and will read another of A.B. Whelan’s books.
Recommended for those that don’t mind insta-love and that enjoy vivid fantasy worlds.
Arkana was absolutely fascinating and I think it was written in beautifully. I wanted to know more about this world that Molly fell into and found myself loving those scenes so much more than the Earth scenes. Very vivid. I felt like you could reach out and touch some of what A. B. Whelan describes.
There’s also almost insta-love in this. With it being young adult I wasn’t too taken aback. And I don’t mind insta-love that much anyway. There’s also a lot of background as to why Victor has some issues. I think the relationship between these two is given enough time to grow and I enjoyed reading about them.
The downside is that there were some plot holes. I was reading and then asking myself what was going on or where a person went. Although this happened a few times I did enjoy the story and will read another of A.B. Whelan’s books.
Recommended for those that don’t mind insta-love and that enjoy vivid fantasy worlds.
awwwww sooo cute and ohhhh forbiden love soooo good love the characters, the plot, everything I hope for book two soon it was super awesome .
thanks to the writer for this excelent book.
I hope to find my victor someday too :-)
thanks to the writer for this excelent book.
I hope to find my victor someday too :-)
Fields of Elysium is actually my first sci fi book. I really enjoyed the experience of reading this book and would like to start by thanking the author, A.B.Whelan, for taking me on this adventure with her.
This book was a really easy and enjoyable read for me. I actually got through it in 1 / 2 days.
WARNING! SPOILERS FROM NOW ONWARDS
Before i go any further i would like to highlight the fact that these are just MY views which people don't have to agree with and this is MY interpretation on the story which may not be the way that the author had intended the story to be received. I am not trying to be mean with this review neither am I trying to make the book anything either than what I have read and felt it ment.
The world that A.B.Whealan created was able to play vividly in my. The story really reminds me of the Æon Flux movie. There are dazzling descriptions of sceneries and creatures that A.B.Whelan was able to conjure up, such as the hunting scene. I also lived the gadgets and gizmos in the book (e.g. Victor's Araneavi).Perhaps my favourite scene in the whole of the book is the Ecmentur Games, it was spectacular and I was able to visualise the scene very vividly in my mind, like it was playing out in front of me. Another factor about that scene that I love is the exploration of the personalities of the other minor characters in the book and how they socialise with others.
As well as this, I found the book’s exploration into religion and belief very interesting. I find the comparisons between our world and the new world in terms of faith in a greater divine power borderline comical. I like the fact that at the beginning of the book the main protagonist actually didn’t believe in God and as time passes and she spends more and more time with the people in the new earth she starts to question herself about her beliefs. I think this explores how wars and things that we as humans do (e.g. exploitation and cruel treatment to animals and even others of our own in terms of slavery) could make our faith in region or good people deteriorate. I like how this story explores many factors of today’s moral and ethical issues (e.g. exploitation and greed of capitalism in terms of the humans who entered the new world only to want to destroy it through things like mining for their own gain).
However, two parts of this book did bother me a little:
1. The introduction of the character Adam.
I felt that this character was not really needed to advance the story. His sudden appearance and exit in the book did not improve the story. Also, how did he gain access to Molly’s room? Since it was late at night and he father, mother or brother must have been home and it was well established that her father was quite apparent that he was a little paranoid when it comes to Molly’s safety and someone must have heard sounds of the Adam breaking in and realised that if it had been Molly, she would have entered through the front door.
2. Underdeveloped characters
During the book, I found it quite frustrating that there were many characters which had great potential but not enough was said about them and their backgrounds. A prominent example of this is the character Ann and Alexa. I love what I had of Ann’s caring personality and struggle with her feelings towards Weston but wish there was more one their relationship, like how they actually got together in the end (I know that he have said he realised what was in front of him finally, but i want to know how it all came out. Was it a sudden confession on Ann’s part or did Weston realise he had feelins for Ann). Alexa was also an interesting character, I wished we got more of her background than Cammila. Although I do understand that Cammila's storyline was more dramatic, I felt that we already had enough drama from the main character.
I also wish that my favourite character, the albino girl from the Ecmentur Games was in more of the book because she seemed like a great character to help out the main character and because she was sort of an outcast she could maybe understand Molly and connect with her.
3. Dylan's mum
I felt there was no real need for this character. Someone else could have told Molly's dad about seeing her and Victor together (maybe one of the neighbours or even her brother)
Having said these things, I'm really looking forward to reading the secound book and hopefully finding out more about the wounderful new world and the characters that I like.
Thank you Andrea
Mickey xx
This book was a really easy and enjoyable read for me. I actually got through it in 1 / 2 days.
WARNING! SPOILERS FROM NOW ONWARDS
Before i go any further i would like to highlight the fact that these are just MY views which people don't have to agree with and this is MY interpretation on the story which may not be the way that the author had intended the story to be received. I am not trying to be mean with this review neither am I trying to make the book anything either than what I have read and felt it ment.
The world that A.B.Whealan created was able to play vividly in my. The story really reminds me of the Æon Flux movie. There are dazzling descriptions of sceneries and creatures that A.B.Whelan was able to conjure up, such as the hunting scene. I also lived the gadgets and gizmos in the book (e.g. Victor's Araneavi).Perhaps my favourite scene in the whole of the book is the Ecmentur Games, it was spectacular and I was able to visualise the scene very vividly in my mind, like it was playing out in front of me. Another factor about that scene that I love is the exploration of the personalities of the other minor characters in the book and how they socialise with others.
As well as this, I found the book’s exploration into religion and belief very interesting. I find the comparisons between our world and the new world in terms of faith in a greater divine power borderline comical. I like the fact that at the beginning of the book the main protagonist actually didn’t believe in God and as time passes and she spends more and more time with the people in the new earth she starts to question herself about her beliefs. I think this explores how wars and things that we as humans do (e.g. exploitation and cruel treatment to animals and even others of our own in terms of slavery) could make our faith in region or good people deteriorate. I like how this story explores many factors of today’s moral and ethical issues (e.g. exploitation and greed of capitalism in terms of the humans who entered the new world only to want to destroy it through things like mining for their own gain).
However, two parts of this book did bother me a little:
1. The introduction of the character Adam.
I felt that this character was not really needed to advance the story. His sudden appearance and exit in the book did not improve the story. Also, how did he gain access to Molly’s room? Since it was late at night and he father, mother or brother must have been home and it was well established that her father was quite apparent that he was a little paranoid when it comes to Molly’s safety and someone must have heard sounds of the Adam breaking in and realised that if it had been Molly, she would have entered through the front door.
2. Underdeveloped characters
During the book, I found it quite frustrating that there were many characters which had great potential but not enough was said about them and their backgrounds. A prominent example of this is the character Ann and Alexa. I love what I had of Ann’s caring personality and struggle with her feelings towards Weston but wish there was more one their relationship, like how they actually got together in the end (I know that he have said he realised what was in front of him finally, but i want to know how it all came out. Was it a sudden confession on Ann’s part or did Weston realise he had feelins for Ann). Alexa was also an interesting character, I wished we got more of her background than Cammila. Although I do understand that Cammila's storyline was more dramatic, I felt that we already had enough drama from the main character.
I also wish that my favourite character, the albino girl from the Ecmentur Games was in more of the book because she seemed like a great character to help out the main character and because she was sort of an outcast she could maybe understand Molly and connect with her.
3. Dylan's mum
I felt there was no real need for this character. Someone else could have told Molly's dad about seeing her and Victor together (maybe one of the neighbours or even her brother)
Having said these things, I'm really looking forward to reading the secound book and hopefully finding out more about the wounderful new world and the characters that I like.
Thank you Andrea
Mickey xx
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited at the summary of this review. I love a good sci-fi kind of book. I was a bit disappointed. I knew romance would be a big part of the book, but I didn't expect it to be the whole plotline. I mean, there was this whole new world the main character discovered and all she did was worry over a boy. I mean, that is kind of realistic, but I wanted to see a bit more. The plot seemed to lack a bit. But the whole concept of this separate world was really awesome and I loved the little bits we did get to explore. The writing style was different. Some of the transitions/wording seemed a bit off, but it was just different than what I've read before. 3.5/5 stars overall.
I was excited at the summary of this review. I love a good sci-fi kind of book. I was a bit disappointed. I knew romance would be a big part of the book, but I didn't expect it to be the whole plotline. I mean, there was this whole new world the main character discovered and all she did was worry over a boy. I mean, that is kind of realistic, but I wanted to see a bit more. The plot seemed to lack a bit. But the whole concept of this separate world was really awesome and I loved the little bits we did get to explore. The writing style was different. Some of the transitions/wording seemed a bit off, but it was just different than what I've read before. 3.5/5 stars overall.
Starts out okay enough, really liked the Dirty Dancing references, but lacks in the middle part and then goes overboard towards the end, leaving no known cliché untouched.
Good for a diversion but nothing I would recommend further.
Good for a diversion but nothing I would recommend further.