Scan barcode
amethystbookwyrm's review against another edition
3.0
This and my other reviews can be found at http://amethystbookwyrm.blogspot.co.uk/
Maryah is not an ordinary 17 year old girl, she is an element, a person who can remember their past lives and has special powers. Even though she cannot remember much from her other lives she is sure that with hard work and the help of her soul mate Nathan she will be able to discover what is missing. While Harmony is happy that Nathan and Maryah have found each other again, she is a bit jealous as she misses her soul mate Gregory, who was kidnaped by The Nefarious almost two decades ago. With Maryah and Nathan rediscovering each other and the Kindrily’s powers increasing, will Maryah be able to learn and use her powers to save Gregory.
Taking Back Forever is the second book in the Kindrily series, which is an enjoyable and quick read. It has a good story, interesting characters and more romance than was in the last book.
I think I like Maryah more in this book than the last as she is a mixture of being strong and confused but she is not as clueless. I also like Nathan as we see him much happier and we get to see his fun and playful side. However, I just could not connect with Harmony, I think because I was more interested in Maryah’s story than hers.
I like this book and will be reading the next book Fighting for Infinity. I would recommend Taking Back Forever to people who enjoyed reading Grasping at Eternity.
Maryah is not an ordinary 17 year old girl, she is an element, a person who can remember their past lives and has special powers. Even though she cannot remember much from her other lives she is sure that with hard work and the help of her soul mate Nathan she will be able to discover what is missing. While Harmony is happy that Nathan and Maryah have found each other again, she is a bit jealous as she misses her soul mate Gregory, who was kidnaped by The Nefarious almost two decades ago. With Maryah and Nathan rediscovering each other and the Kindrily’s powers increasing, will Maryah be able to learn and use her powers to save Gregory.
Taking Back Forever is the second book in the Kindrily series, which is an enjoyable and quick read. It has a good story, interesting characters and more romance than was in the last book.
I think I like Maryah more in this book than the last as she is a mixture of being strong and confused but she is not as clueless. I also like Nathan as we see him much happier and we get to see his fun and playful side. However, I just could not connect with Harmony, I think because I was more interested in Maryah’s story than hers.
I like this book and will be reading the next book Fighting for Infinity. I would recommend Taking Back Forever to people who enjoyed reading Grasping at Eternity.
stella94's review against another edition
3.0
Light, fun read.
Kudos to Karen Amanda Hooper who actually lets the reader decide if they want to finish the novel on a cliffhanger or not.
Kudos to Karen Amanda Hooper who actually lets the reader decide if they want to finish the novel on a cliffhanger or not.
laughlinesandliterature's review against another edition
5.0
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
I couldn’t help but start Taking Back Forever right after finishing Grasping at Eternity because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I’m totally addicted to this series, and this book was a great installment.
I’ve been suspecting since the first book that Maryah didn’t erase herself, but that Dedrick did something to her. I know it hasn’t been confirmed yet, but my spidey senses are telling me that I’m correct. The fact that she told Gregory she would do everything she could to remember, and that she was crying. These are two things that seemed so out of character for Mary, that I really feel like this is what the next book is going to explore.
I really liked being able to get more insight into Harmony, however she is so incredibly selfish that it made it very difficult for me to read from her perspective. Maryah has a healthy mix of selflessness and selfishness, and so it bothered me to read how single-minded Harmony was. I know a large part of that is because she was missing Gregory, but I just feel like she took it way to far.
I did really love this book, and I loved that we got to see Maryah start to get her memories back, and we got to meet an un-brainwashed Gregory. I liked to see how romantic Nathaniel could be, and we got to watch Krista and Carson grow together. I did hate that they were still giving Mary crap over erasing. I’m sure it is annoying that she doesn’t know who she is, but it just upset me on her behalf. I mean Harmony was a such a selfish witch that she didn’t even notice that Mary survived, but no one really gives her too much crap. I know it’s because no one understood why Mary erased, but still I feel like there is one big huge apology owed to Maryah. Especially from Carson, because he was the worst out of all of them.
I give this book 4.5 stars because I did wish that there was more movement with Maryah remembering. I’m pretty sure that Dedrick is blocking her and caused her to erase her memories, but it’s getting a little frustrating to keep reading that she’s not remembering anything that could be useful against Dedrick. However, this book made me feel every emotion for all the hard situations the Kindrily end up in. This rating will reflect a full 5 stars. That extra star gets added for the extra chapters at the end. I will say no more, but holy gawd I need the next book like now.
I couldn’t help but start Taking Back Forever right after finishing Grasping at Eternity because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I’m totally addicted to this series, and this book was a great installment.
I’ve been suspecting since the first book that Maryah didn’t erase herself, but that Dedrick did something to her. I know it hasn’t been confirmed yet, but my spidey senses are telling me that I’m correct. The fact that she told Gregory she would do everything she could to remember, and that she was crying. These are two things that seemed so out of character for Mary, that I really feel like this is what the next book is going to explore.
I really liked being able to get more insight into Harmony, however she is so incredibly selfish that it made it very difficult for me to read from her perspective. Maryah has a healthy mix of selflessness and selfishness, and so it bothered me to read how single-minded Harmony was. I know a large part of that is because she was missing Gregory, but I just feel like she took it way to far.
I did really love this book, and I loved that we got to see Maryah start to get her memories back, and we got to meet an un-brainwashed Gregory. I liked to see how romantic Nathaniel could be, and we got to watch Krista and Carson grow together. I did hate that they were still giving Mary crap over erasing. I’m sure it is annoying that she doesn’t know who she is, but it just upset me on her behalf. I mean Harmony was a such a selfish witch that she didn’t even notice that Mary survived, but no one really gives her too much crap. I know it’s because no one understood why Mary erased, but still I feel like there is one big huge apology owed to Maryah. Especially from Carson, because he was the worst out of all of them.
I give this book 4.5 stars because I did wish that there was more movement with Maryah remembering. I’m pretty sure that Dedrick is blocking her and caused her to erase her memories, but it’s getting a little frustrating to keep reading that she’s not remembering anything that could be useful against Dedrick. However, this book made me feel every emotion for all the hard situations the Kindrily end up in. This rating will reflect a full 5 stars. That extra star gets added for the extra chapters at the end. I will say no more, but holy gawd I need the next book like now.
susanthebookbag's review against another edition
5.0
I recently read the first book in this series, Grasping at Eternity. I loved it and was so glad that I had book #2 sitting on my Kindle waiting to be read! I loved that I was able to jump right back into the Kindrily world that I fell in love with in book #1.
The story is once again filled with the wonderful characters that I enjoyed getting to know in Grasping. Their quest to find Gregory, Harmony's soul mate and to help Maryah remember her past kept me enthralled. I felt like I was there with all of them, trying to help them figure everything out. I felt like I was a part of their Kindrily family.
I truly loved being in this world that Karen has created. I love the people, their special abilities, the closeness of the family, and the idea of reincarnation and soul mates. I love the good guys and the bad guys, especially when they get what's coming to them. I just love everything about it.
Karen recommends that readers should read these books in order because she does not 'rehash' book 1 at the beginning of book 2. The reader is supposed to have all of the back story already. I appreciate that. Then we get more of the new story! This could be a problem if I have to wait too long for book #3. Oh well, I just may find myself re-reading books 1 and 2 as I prepare myself for book 3. And that would not be a bad thing, having to relive those stories all over again. Karen is currently working on book #3.
The story is once again filled with the wonderful characters that I enjoyed getting to know in Grasping. Their quest to find Gregory, Harmony's soul mate and to help Maryah remember her past kept me enthralled. I felt like I was there with all of them, trying to help them figure everything out. I felt like I was a part of their Kindrily family.
I truly loved being in this world that Karen has created. I love the people, their special abilities, the closeness of the family, and the idea of reincarnation and soul mates. I love the good guys and the bad guys, especially when they get what's coming to them. I just love everything about it.
Karen recommends that readers should read these books in order because she does not 'rehash' book 1 at the beginning of book 2. The reader is supposed to have all of the back story already. I appreciate that. Then we get more of the new story! This could be a problem if I have to wait too long for book #3. Oh well, I just may find myself re-reading books 1 and 2 as I prepare myself for book 3. And that would not be a bad thing, having to relive those stories all over again. Karen is currently working on book #3.
hyms's review against another edition
4.0
When I read Grasping at Eternity I really loved the concept, but I thought the execution lacked something and the story too easily figured out. Taking Back Forever got rid of all the things I didn’t like and is far better than its predecessor.
Maryah has changed a lot and even though she hasn’t gotten her memory back, she’s a much more interesting protagonist. I simply adored the relationship she had with Nathan – they are so perfect together and he is amazing. I seriously want my own Nathan! Their relationship changes throughout the story and becomes a lot more romantic. I couldn’t get enough of it and I WANT MORE!!
Harmony plays an important part in the book and some of the chapters are from her point of view. I really disliked her in Grasping at Eternity, but once I got inside her head I started to understand and like her. Where Maryah is the nice and kind girl, Harmony is wild and fierce and I really liked the contrast between the girls. Their love interests are so different but amazing none the less. Almost all the other characters are awesome, but I especially liked Carson – he holds a special place in my heartright next to Nathan.
The story is very action packed but there is still plenty of character development. The story is filled with joys and sorrows and it was so captivating. Karen Amanda Hooper writes so well and I devoured the book in no time. I can’t wait to read the last installment in the series since Taking Back Forever ends with a cliffhanger. Granted, it was voluntarily to read the cliffhanger ending, but come on – who can resist that? I just want more NOW!!!
Maryah has changed a lot and even though she hasn’t gotten her memory back, she’s a much more interesting protagonist. I simply adored the relationship she had with Nathan – they are so perfect together and he is amazing. I seriously want my own Nathan! Their relationship changes throughout the story and becomes a lot more romantic. I couldn’t get enough of it and I WANT MORE!!
Harmony plays an important part in the book and some of the chapters are from her point of view. I really disliked her in Grasping at Eternity, but once I got inside her head I started to understand and like her. Where Maryah is the nice and kind girl, Harmony is wild and fierce and I really liked the contrast between the girls. Their love interests are so different but amazing none the less. Almost all the other characters are awesome, but I especially liked Carson – he holds a special place in my heart
The story is very action packed but there is still plenty of character development. The story is filled with joys and sorrows and it was so captivating. Karen Amanda Hooper writes so well and I devoured the book in no time. I can’t wait to read the last installment in the series since Taking Back Forever ends with a cliffhanger. Granted, it was voluntarily to read the cliffhanger ending, but come on – who can resist that? I just want more NOW!!!
bluebeereads's review against another edition
5.0
Ooooh how I've missed these characters! Faith, Harmony, Krista, Carson, Maryah, Nathan,... I've been waiting for so long to know how your story would go on! And know I know, and I want to know what happens next!
The writing was as good as it was in the first book, maybe even better. Karen Hooper is one of those really talented writers who can hook me to a book and let me stay up late because I just can't stop reading. I really love her and I love this series. It's so awesome! In this book we get to know a little more and we get to know new characters. There's action, romance, friendship, drama,... It's all there. And I still want to know more. Why did Maryah erase? That's the main question. Some of the questions are answered in this book, but most of aren't, which is good, because it makes me, as a reader, curious for more.
What's also awesome, is that you can choose in this book! You want a cliffhanger? Or rather not? You can choose in this book! (Just read it and you'll understand.) I do recommend reading the first book before this one, because it starts right where the last one left off and you won't understand a thing in this book. There's no recap here. (So more time for the story to get on! Yay!) But since these books are awesome, it won't be time wasted.
I know this review is not very long, but I can't say much else without spoiling the whole thing. So I'll leave it at this, but I do have one more question that has been burning in my mind since I read the first book... Where can I get my own Nathan???
The writing was as good as it was in the first book, maybe even better. Karen Hooper is one of those really talented writers who can hook me to a book and let me stay up late because I just can't stop reading. I really love her and I love this series. It's so awesome! In this book we get to know a little more and we get to know new characters. There's action, romance, friendship, drama,... It's all there. And I still want to know more. Why did Maryah erase? That's the main question. Some of the questions are answered in this book, but most of aren't, which is good, because it makes me, as a reader, curious for more.
What's also awesome, is that you can choose in this book! You want a cliffhanger? Or rather not? You can choose in this book! (Just read it and you'll understand.) I do recommend reading the first book before this one, because it starts right where the last one left off and you won't understand a thing in this book. There's no recap here. (So more time for the story to get on! Yay!) But since these books are awesome, it won't be time wasted.
I know this review is not very long, but I can't say much else without spoiling the whole thing. So I'll leave it at this, but I do have one more question that has been burning in my mind since I read the first book... Where can I get my own Nathan???
somarostam's review
4.0
I read the first book in the series just by pure luck. And I liked it a lot. It left me anxious to read the second book, so when I had the chance to read this, I jumped at it. And it was not disappointing at all
No spoilers included...
Maryah erased a lifetime ago. But she and her soul mate, Nathan, were able to find each other again. Everyone is in need of something from her. Can she fulfill all their expectations? Now, Maryah has to master her abilities to help her kindrily survive, once and for all.
The things I liked:
1- The cover. What I love most about the covers in this series is that they are so exceptionally crafted that they are directly related to what happens in the book. I loved both of them.
2- The characters. Maryah develops a lot throughout this book. She turns from this insecure little girl into a mature, hard-core woman. You can feel the needs and the desires of each character in the book which makes you connect with them on many different levels
3- The POVs. Karen A. Hooper did the POVs in this book a little differently. The first book was a first-person account by Maryah, which made me connect to her a lot and fall in love with her all together. But this book had two POVs, one of Maryah and one of Harmony. I never really liked Harmony before, but in this book, I connected with her and I grew to like her a lot.
4- The plot. It was fast moving most of the time.
5- The romance. I will give an A+ for the romance. The interactions between Maryah and Nathan were snarky, funny, romantic and oh-so-steamy. I didn't know Karen Amanda Hooper was such a fabulous writer of romantic scenes. But oh, she is, and they got my insides all tingly.
What I didn't like:
1- The only character development that I really noticed was that of Maryah. She developed a lot throughout the book. But the other characters were lacking in the development field. I never really noticed any of them change at all. But it wasn't such a big issue.
2- The plot. In the middle of the book, I felt like the book slowed down. Actually, it dragged a little at times. But this issue was passable, too. Some times, I felt like nothing of importance actually happened in this book at all. It was all a main focus on Maryah and her issues. Nothing really MAJOR actually happened.
I am not a huge fan of cliffhangers, so I appreciated it that Karen A. Hooper wrote a little not at the end. It's like "If you don't want a cliffhanger, don't continue any more. If you want a different end with a cliffhanger, then continue" I didn't really want to continue but I couldn't stop myself. So, I read the end with the cliffhanger and it has me REELING and SO ANXIOUS to read the third book. I WANT to know what happens right about NOW.
No spoilers included...
Maryah erased a lifetime ago. But she and her soul mate, Nathan, were able to find each other again. Everyone is in need of something from her. Can she fulfill all their expectations? Now, Maryah has to master her abilities to help her kindrily survive, once and for all.
The things I liked:
1- The cover. What I love most about the covers in this series is that they are so exceptionally crafted that they are directly related to what happens in the book. I loved both of them.
2- The characters. Maryah develops a lot throughout this book. She turns from this insecure little girl into a mature, hard-core woman. You can feel the needs and the desires of each character in the book which makes you connect with them on many different levels
3- The POVs. Karen A. Hooper did the POVs in this book a little differently. The first book was a first-person account by Maryah, which made me connect to her a lot and fall in love with her all together. But this book had two POVs, one of Maryah and one of Harmony. I never really liked Harmony before, but in this book, I connected with her and I grew to like her a lot.
4- The plot. It was fast moving most of the time.
5- The romance. I will give an A+ for the romance. The interactions between Maryah and Nathan were snarky, funny, romantic and oh-so-steamy. I didn't know Karen Amanda Hooper was such a fabulous writer of romantic scenes. But oh, she is, and they got my insides all tingly.
What I didn't like:
1- The only character development that I really noticed was that of Maryah. She developed a lot throughout the book. But the other characters were lacking in the development field. I never really noticed any of them change at all. But it wasn't such a big issue.
2- The plot. In the middle of the book, I felt like the book slowed down. Actually, it dragged a little at times. But this issue was passable, too. Some times, I felt like nothing of importance actually happened in this book at all. It was all a main focus on Maryah and her issues. Nothing really MAJOR actually happened.
I am not a huge fan of cliffhangers, so I appreciated it that Karen A. Hooper wrote a little not at the end. It's like "If you don't want a cliffhanger, don't continue any more. If you want a different end with a cliffhanger, then continue" I didn't really want to continue but I couldn't stop myself. So, I read the end with the cliffhanger and it has me REELING and SO ANXIOUS to read the third book. I WANT to know what happens right about NOW.
valeriew's review
3.0
Ugh. I liked this book but I felt like it just became a bunch of people making out. It was way too descriptive for a ya book. Ugh. I won't be paying any more $$ for this series.
emilymahar's review against another edition
5.0
Before I get into the review, I first want to say thanks so much to Ms Hooper for sending my an eARC of Taking Back Forever for review!
Taking Back Forever became such an addiction for me during the time that I was reading it. Whenever I was doing something else, my thoughts always ended up back to this book.
When I had first heard that there wasn't going to be a recap of the first book I was a little nervous, as I read Grasping at Eternity a little over a year ago. But, the first book left such a mark on me that after reading only a few pages I was once again completely immersed in the story. Speaking of the story, I once again love how it is so unique and magical. I've never read anything quite like it, which makes it a joy to keep coming back to this series. A lot was revealed in this book, right from the beginning. Also learning more about the Kindrily along with Maryah is always a fun experience.
One of my favorite things about this book was the characters, and the relationships that were formed. The Kindrily acted like a family, but because of their situation, there wasn't labels like mom, dad, grandpa, etc. This was really interesting in seeing how the characters interacted and loved each other. Two of my favorite characters had to be Carson and Krista. From the beginning I just really enjoyed reading the scenes that had them in it. (Maybe Krista will have POV chapters in Book 3?!) And of course I have to talk about how adorable Maryah and Nathan were. Some of their scenes had me blushing and swooning to the max! That wasn't the only reason that I liked their characters, though. I really liked the struggle of Maryah regaining her memories.
Overall, I was not let down at all by Taking Back Forever. I mad the hard decision to read the part with the cliffhanger at the end, and now I am anxiously awaiting the next book! For those that haven't read this series, I would definitely recommend it! Such a fun and enjoyable series!
Taking Back Forever became such an addiction for me during the time that I was reading it. Whenever I was doing something else, my thoughts always ended up back to this book.
When I had first heard that there wasn't going to be a recap of the first book I was a little nervous, as I read Grasping at Eternity a little over a year ago. But, the first book left such a mark on me that after reading only a few pages I was once again completely immersed in the story. Speaking of the story, I once again love how it is so unique and magical. I've never read anything quite like it, which makes it a joy to keep coming back to this series. A lot was revealed in this book, right from the beginning. Also learning more about the Kindrily along with Maryah is always a fun experience.
One of my favorite things about this book was the characters, and the relationships that were formed. The Kindrily acted like a family, but because of their situation, there wasn't labels like mom, dad, grandpa, etc. This was really interesting in seeing how the characters interacted and loved each other. Two of my favorite characters had to be Carson and Krista. From the beginning I just really enjoyed reading the scenes that had them in it. (Maybe Krista will have POV chapters in Book 3?!) And of course I have to talk about how adorable Maryah and Nathan were. Some of their scenes had me blushing and swooning to the max! That wasn't the only reason that I liked their characters, though. I really liked the struggle of Maryah regaining her memories.
Overall, I was not let down at all by Taking Back Forever. I mad the hard decision to read the part with the cliffhanger at the end, and now I am anxiously awaiting the next book! For those that haven't read this series, I would definitely recommend it! Such a fun and enjoyable series!