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maegancassia's review against another edition
4.0
Seeder Shadow Wars is a YA novel that follows Mel Walters and the lie that is her life. For years she was fed lies, excuses, and rules. Like every teenager she wants to go to parties, have boyfriends and go to other people houses. Her parents think otherwise. After sneaking around her parents, she comes to realize that all the people in her life are not wholly who they say they are. She comes to find out who she really is and where she is from. Everything is suddenly thrown in her face and she is faced with decisions. Upon her blooming she makes decisions that will no doubt change her life forever. Relationships are tested and friendships are challenged.
This book will throw you for a loop and will make you question who is a friend and who is a foe. The book leaves off on cliffhanger, with a set-up for book two of this series.
I received an ARC and am writing this review voluntarily.
This book will throw you for a loop and will make you question who is a friend and who is a foe. The book leaves off on cliffhanger, with a set-up for book two of this series.
I received an ARC and am writing this review voluntarily.
talesbeyondpine's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Jan 16th 2023 This was a re-read for me, first reading this book in Dec 2022 I devoured it in one night the first read through, it was such a unique story I couldn't put it down. Reading the first part of the companion Seeder Stories I knew I'd need to read this book again a bit more slowly and intentionally to remember important things for moving forward in the series and honestly even reading it again so soon after I was ENGROSSED in the plot, characters and the world. Maybe its a bit of my on going love and obsession with Poison Ivy from seeing the Batman Movie as a kid but man I am OBSESSED with these phenomenally different and interesting Botanical Beings and their world. Personal opinion if you like things like House of Night, Netflix's new Winx series, or the Daughters of the Moon series I HIGHLY recommend and urge you to pick up this book.
energyrae's review against another edition
3.0
Poor Mel. She’s a teenager living with the strictest of parents. Her world is fairly small because of their extreme overprotectiveness. When she learns there is more to her world than she ever dreamed possible, it opens up a world of possibilities for her. As she discovers more about who she is and who The Seeders are, she learns that her life is fraught with danger. Can she learn her capabilities before it’s too late?
I was intrigued when a review request for Seeder Shadow Wars came into my inbox. I hadn’t read of a botanical race before, and I was curious about how it would unfold. I have a few minor issues with the story that I can’t fully discuss, so I don’t spoil the book. But the logistics concerning the way the daughters and sons are raised seems like a poor solution to their problems. Also, the book left me wanting. It is called Seeder Shadow Wars, but the entire book feels like a set up for future books. As it’s labeled a book 1, we can certainly expect more from author Houser.
When I look past those small issues, this is an enjoyable read. I like that Houser has created a fresh concept executed in a fun, YA format. As the reader doesn’t get to learn much about the Ivies, it will be interesting to learn about them in future books. I do hope we get to see more from Zach. He’s a great best friend for Mel; his character is full of potential. Overall, a creative and enjoyable read.
I was intrigued when a review request for Seeder Shadow Wars came into my inbox. I hadn’t read of a botanical race before, and I was curious about how it would unfold. I have a few minor issues with the story that I can’t fully discuss, so I don’t spoil the book. But the logistics concerning the way the daughters and sons are raised seems like a poor solution to their problems. Also, the book left me wanting. It is called Seeder Shadow Wars, but the entire book feels like a set up for future books. As it’s labeled a book 1, we can certainly expect more from author Houser.
When I look past those small issues, this is an enjoyable read. I like that Houser has created a fresh concept executed in a fun, YA format. As the reader doesn’t get to learn much about the Ivies, it will be interesting to learn about them in future books. I do hope we get to see more from Zach. He’s a great best friend for Mel; his character is full of potential. Overall, a creative and enjoyable read.
wrens_bookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
I have to say it started a bit slow. Imagine it as the first 100 pages romance then next bit fantasy, and from then on a mix of both. After the beginning I really enjoyed it! The ending was amazing. I found the ending unpredictable in the way you think you know what’s going to happen and then something else happens. Overall I’d say it’s worth it and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
sincerelykayladawn's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I struggled a bit to get into this book but 2/3 of the way in I was hooked. And Im excited to read book2! It is YA. 12yo me would have devoured it. I think thats why it took me a minute to get into it. But the magic and concept feels new and different than anything ive ever read which kept me intrigued along the way. I can't wait to follow the characters' stories in the next books!
love_to_read_'s review
5.0
Seeder Shadow Wars by J. Houser
Wow!!! It is so refreshing to have a book that is well written. I really like the story line and the characters, except for the villains, they won’t have me in their cheering section 😉. I’m a lot older than a young adult, so I wasn’t sure at first if this type of book would interest me, but it DID! As with any new story line, it must be told over the course of time so you’ll be drawn into this reality and be gratified you read it to the end. It was great to see how the importance of family and friends can be. I didn’t want to put this down while reading it, it was so intriguing to think of possible scenarios throughout the entire book! It has some steamy romance scenes, but no sex and has a little mild swearing, which I appreciate that it was kept on the lighter side. Looking forward to reading Book 2, and hopefully several more to come! I’m a fan, Great book!
Wow!!! It is so refreshing to have a book that is well written. I really like the story line and the characters, except for the villains, they won’t have me in their cheering section 😉. I’m a lot older than a young adult, so I wasn’t sure at first if this type of book would interest me, but it DID! As with any new story line, it must be told over the course of time so you’ll be drawn into this reality and be gratified you read it to the end. It was great to see how the importance of family and friends can be. I didn’t want to put this down while reading it, it was so intriguing to think of possible scenarios throughout the entire book! It has some steamy romance scenes, but no sex and has a little mild swearing, which I appreciate that it was kept on the lighter side. Looking forward to reading Book 2, and hopefully several more to come! I’m a fan, Great book!
unsaidmuffins's review
5.0
Seeder Shadow Wars is an introduction into a world that is realistically magical. It is completely possible that this world actually exists. Best way to hide something would be to introduce it to the world as a fictional premise... How mind-blowing would it be to find out that you are not a human being, you are part plant? Then there are decisions and consequences and it's all so much to have to think about and consider.
Being a teenager is a dreadful time. So much learning about who you really are and what type of person you want to be WHILE dealing with hormones and the change from child to adult. This novel translates all the stress of the teenage transitions into a magical story about transforming from human ... to plant. But it's so much better than the simple version. Botanical being over 'plant'.
The plot is engaging and easy to follow. It's exciting and hard to put down. The world descriptions are great -the reader gets to enter the created world and hang out with the characters, watching them move about. It's the closest you can get to being a super spy/invisible person without having to leave your home.
The main character is faced with a lot of information and choices and the way she processes everything and works through her feelings and the available information is an excellent representation of the skills needed for anyone who has a big decision to make.
This is a fabulous read and could easily be enjoyed by people of every single option that they may choose to identify with.
Merged review:
Seeder Shadow Wars is an introduction into a world that is realistically magical. It is completely possible that this world actually exists. Best way to hide something would be to introduce it to the world as a fictional premise... How mind-blowing would it be to find out that you are not a human being, you are part plant? Then there are decisions and consequences and it's all so much to have to think about and consider.
Being a teenager is a dreadful time. So much learning about who you really are and what type of person you want to be WHILE dealing with hormones and the change from child to adult. This novel translates all the stress of the teenage transitions into a magical story about transforming from human ... to plant. But it's so much better than the simple version. Botanical being over 'plant'.
The plot is engaging and easy to follow. It's exciting and hard to put down. The world descriptions are great -the reader gets to enter the created world and hang out with the characters, watching them move about. It's the closest you can get to being a super spy/invisible person without having to leave your home.
The main character is faced with a lot of information and choices and the way she processes everything and works through her feelings and the available information is an excellent representation of the skills needed for anyone who has a big decision to make.
This is a fabulous read and could easily be enjoyed by people of every single option that they may choose to identify with.
Being a teenager is a dreadful time. So much learning about who you really are and what type of person you want to be WHILE dealing with hormones and the change from child to adult. This novel translates all the stress of the teenage transitions into a magical story about transforming from human ... to plant. But it's so much better than the simple version. Botanical being over 'plant'.
The plot is engaging and easy to follow. It's exciting and hard to put down. The world descriptions are great -the reader gets to enter the created world and hang out with the characters, watching them move about. It's the closest you can get to being a super spy/invisible person without having to leave your home.
The main character is faced with a lot of information and choices and the way she processes everything and works through her feelings and the available information is an excellent representation of the skills needed for anyone who has a big decision to make.
This is a fabulous read and could easily be enjoyed by people of every single option that they may choose to identify with.
Merged review:
Seeder Shadow Wars is an introduction into a world that is realistically magical. It is completely possible that this world actually exists. Best way to hide something would be to introduce it to the world as a fictional premise... How mind-blowing would it be to find out that you are not a human being, you are part plant? Then there are decisions and consequences and it's all so much to have to think about and consider.
Being a teenager is a dreadful time. So much learning about who you really are and what type of person you want to be WHILE dealing with hormones and the change from child to adult. This novel translates all the stress of the teenage transitions into a magical story about transforming from human ... to plant. But it's so much better than the simple version. Botanical being over 'plant'.
The plot is engaging and easy to follow. It's exciting and hard to put down. The world descriptions are great -the reader gets to enter the created world and hang out with the characters, watching them move about. It's the closest you can get to being a super spy/invisible person without having to leave your home.
The main character is faced with a lot of information and choices and the way she processes everything and works through her feelings and the available information is an excellent representation of the skills needed for anyone who has a big decision to make.
This is a fabulous read and could easily be enjoyed by people of every single option that they may choose to identify with.
julieburns15's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Mel is just your typical high school student. The usual dramas that come with being that age….. A possible new love interest and the fact her best friend is in love with her! See totally normal stuff. So when she finds out that she’s not human! Well, that throws up a lot of questions, and she needs answers, like now! Finding out those answers (will make sense of the prologue) only make her life more complicated! Oh and her bitter enemy The Ivies) want her dead! Wait! She has enemies that want her dead! Could her life get anymore complicated? Well yes it can, she can also wield magic! And her parents decide to foster a child, but not a little one! No he had to be an annoying senior in her school!! So where does her best friend Zach and her new love interest come in? Can they be trusted? Mel begins to look at everyone as a potential enemy! Wow! That was totally different from anything I’ve read so far. What a great story. Very detailed, very meticulous and well thought out. Lots of background story (which will also make the prologue make sense) Seeders are supernaturals who give life to seeds that will eventually grow into the next generation. The bad guys are the Ivies, they want to annihilate the seeder population from existence, and by separating the next generation and hiding them from the Ivies, the Seeders can try to guarantee that it doesn’t happen. So will Mel ignore her growing power’s? Or will she go home to Green Lands and learn more about her heritage and help in the fight to win against the enemy? But if she does that she’s going to have to leave all and everyone she knows and loves….. And now I’m anxious to read what happens next. It doesn’t hang on a cliffhanger, but it does leave it open to another book (which I’m hoping will be soon) 🙏 I’d highly recommended this book to lovers of the paranormal and the readers who like something a little different.
angeh's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The description of this book was intriguing enough for me to purchase it. While the prologue seems distant from the first few chapters, it all starts to make sense as the story goes on. The first chapters seem to focus more on romantic interests, but it is well worth paying attention to, as there are many hints to what lies ahead. The author has put a lot of well-thought-out detail into the story. Then the second half of the book takes a dramatic turn, making it impossible to put down. Finishing this book leaves you wanting more of the story. Thank goodness J Houser has another book on the way because I just have to know what happens next!
Side note: It can get a little racy in the romantic parts (without being over the top). so perhaps this is best suited to high school reading age rather than the younger reader.
Side note: It can get a little racy in the romantic parts (without being over the top). so perhaps this is best suited to high school reading age rather than the younger reader.
courtnee_'s review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Mel Walters is ready for the bloom of life and dating, when a physical bloom causes her focus to shift from trigonometry class and dating to hiding her true identity and running from her enemies, the Ivies. She discovers that she has been planted away from her home, a small, protected pocket called the Green Lands. Her people, the Seeders, send their female seedlings to human parents. Upon maturation, or blooming, the female seeder is considered an adult among her people, and she is faced with a decision: Will she stay in the human world and lose her herbal powers, or will she fly back home? Mel is surrounded by close friends, caring parents, and a budding relationship. Will she sacrifice it all to go back to the Green Lands and protect their borders?
SEEDER SHADOW WARS thrusts the reader into a duplicitous setting in our world, where anyone may be a friend, foe, or family member. I found myself wanting to make Mel’s decision for her but nodding along with her final heart-breaking choices. J. Houser provides the reader with a world within our own, complete with botanical beings in an age-old war.
I received an advanced reader copy of the book, and I enjoyed it. This story would be a good fit for middle adolescents and more experienced readers, as it builds on a detailed plot but has some make-out scenes.
It is the first book in the series, and I can’t wait to read more novels by J. Houser.