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lolasreviews's review
4.0
I got a copy for review in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to read this book, because it sounded like an original story. It certainly was an original story and I really enjoyed it. The story really is the best thing about this book.
The story is really original and I liked how the game world en real world interacted. I am a gamer myself and I liked reading a book about it like this. The story is at first a bit confusing, because it is in the future and the author has made up a few words herself and at first it was a bit confusing because of all the new terms. The story was really good and fast paced.
The characters are interesting, but at first it seems a bit simple. Later on in the book we do learn more about both main characters. I think I still prefer it if we learn more about the characters, because we still get little information about them. We do see the story from two perspectives and this really adds some depth to the story.
I think the world building and game world building still lack a bit of depth. The story is really what is the strong point of this book. I do like the fact that the author made some words up, but this does make it a bit confusing at first. After the first few chapters I did get used to it. I liked how the author mixed fea lore with real life problems, although I would've liked a bit more depth.
To conclude: I liked the story and it was really original. The story is really good and fast paced. It was an interesting story and I enjoyed it. I would've preferred a bit more depth to the characters and world building. The first few chapters are a bit confusing due to the word the author made up, but I quickly got used to it.
I wanted to read this book, because it sounded like an original story. It certainly was an original story and I really enjoyed it. The story really is the best thing about this book.
The story is really original and I liked how the game world en real world interacted. I am a gamer myself and I liked reading a book about it like this. The story is at first a bit confusing, because it is in the future and the author has made up a few words herself and at first it was a bit confusing because of all the new terms. The story was really good and fast paced.
The characters are interesting, but at first it seems a bit simple. Later on in the book we do learn more about both main characters. I think I still prefer it if we learn more about the characters, because we still get little information about them. We do see the story from two perspectives and this really adds some depth to the story.
I think the world building and game world building still lack a bit of depth. The story is really what is the strong point of this book. I do like the fact that the author made some words up, but this does make it a bit confusing at first. After the first few chapters I did get used to it. I liked how the author mixed fea lore with real life problems, although I would've liked a bit more depth.
To conclude: I liked the story and it was really original. The story is really good and fast paced. It was an interesting story and I enjoyed it. I would've preferred a bit more depth to the characters and world building. The first few chapters are a bit confusing due to the word the author made up, but I quickly got used to it.
angelaann88's review
4.0
I liked the mixture of folklore with a technology filled future. The simming with effects in the real world reminded me of Sword Art Online. I did want a little more world building.
aldente_pasta's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sabiba21's review
5.0
First urban fantasy I read, and it was a great experience from me. Tam Linn might be my first book-crush haha. The narrative,description everything was awesome!
jeanz's review
5.0
WHEN A GAME…
Feyland is the most immersive computer game ever designed, and fifteen-year-old Jennet Carter is the first to play the prototype. But she doesn’t suspect the virtual world is close enough to touch — or that she’ll be battling for her life against the Dark Queen of the faeries.
TURNS REAL…
Tam Linn is the perfect hero — in-game. Too bad the rest of his life is seriously flawed. The last thing he needs is rich-girl Jennet prying into his secrets, insisting he’s the only one who can help her.
WINNING IS EVERYTHING…
Together, Jennet and Tam enter the Dark Realm of Feyland, only to discover that the entire human world is in danger. Pushed to the limit of their abilities, they must defeat the Dark Queen… before it’s too late. There is always so much happening!
I loved this book, there is something going on all the time, it really keeps your attention,whether it is learning more about Tam's life in the Exe where he lives with his younger brother and his mum, or whether it is "life" in the sim game. The places within Feyland are described so well you can picture them.
The characters are really likeable and you care about them straightaway. You worry about Tam and his brother when their mum is not there.
The book ends in such away that there has to be a book two!
I would say if you enjoyed Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series then you will also enjoy this book. I initially read 20% of the book and had to put it down to sleep! then I picked it up the night after and could not put it down I literally read the remaining 80% in one go.
FEYLAND was released December 16, 2011, in both paperback and ebook formats. What more can I say? Loved it now go pre-order it!!
Feyland is the most immersive computer game ever designed, and fifteen-year-old Jennet Carter is the first to play the prototype. But she doesn’t suspect the virtual world is close enough to touch — or that she’ll be battling for her life against the Dark Queen of the faeries.
TURNS REAL…
Tam Linn is the perfect hero — in-game. Too bad the rest of his life is seriously flawed. The last thing he needs is rich-girl Jennet prying into his secrets, insisting he’s the only one who can help her.
WINNING IS EVERYTHING…
Together, Jennet and Tam enter the Dark Realm of Feyland, only to discover that the entire human world is in danger. Pushed to the limit of their abilities, they must defeat the Dark Queen… before it’s too late. There is always so much happening!
I loved this book, there is something going on all the time, it really keeps your attention,whether it is learning more about Tam's life in the Exe where he lives with his younger brother and his mum, or whether it is "life" in the sim game. The places within Feyland are described so well you can picture them.
The characters are really likeable and you care about them straightaway. You worry about Tam and his brother when their mum is not there.
The book ends in such away that there has to be a book two!
I would say if you enjoyed Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series then you will also enjoy this book. I initially read 20% of the book and had to put it down to sleep! then I picked it up the night after and could not put it down I literally read the remaining 80% in one go.
FEYLAND was released December 16, 2011, in both paperback and ebook formats. What more can I say? Loved it now go pre-order it!!
lyris51101's review
4.0
I very much enjoyed these books. I have my own fey novel that I started writing ages ago about fey-human-borderland interactions (involving computers in some versions) and it's fun to read this version that involves human-fey interaction via gaming software. Anyone who enjoys Sword Art Online will enjoy these books because there are many similarities. Sometimes I feel like the book steps too obviously through the pages of Alan Lee and Brian Froud's Faeries book. I happen to be very familiar with that book- having read it cover to cover many times and have memorized all the artwork. The descriptions of the Seelie and Unseelie court denizens in the Dark Realms books often mirror the exact details shown in the Froud and Lee illustrations. On the one hand, I have an instant and perfect visual for each creature encountered, on the other hand, I feel like the characters are on a guided tour of that book. Anyway, the Dark Realms books are well written. They do have typos and flaws in the editing, enough for me to notice but perhaps missed by the average reader, and, I would say, not enough to negatively impact my experience as a reader.
kellybrocklehurst's review
4.0
I am extremely impressed by Feyland: The Dark Realm. Once I read the synopsis for it, I was sure I would love it, but I certainly did not expect to love it as much as I did. I have to admit, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting it to be, but I loved what it was.
The blend of faeries (fey? I still don't know what the right term to use is. Someone please tell me!), ballads, and video games was amazing. It might seem like a strange combination, but Anthea Sharp wove everything together perfectly so that it wasn't strange at all. Instead, everything made perfect sense. Each element was given much thought and care. I enjoyed getting to see the elements individually and as they came together as a whole.
The characters were fabulous. I loved Tam and Jennet's relationship and how it progressed throughout the novel. I loved it that they were able to see beyond appearances and dismiss stereotypes to see each other for who they really were. They bonded quickly and had a strong friendship throughout the novel, and it was all completely believable. I never felt like the development of their relationship was happening too quickly. I also enjoyed Marny, Tam's friend, and I wish we could have seen more of her. I really hope she makes a greater appearance in the sequel.
The uniqueness of the story is fantastic; it's what made me want to read the book in the first place, and it's what kept me captivated by the story throughout the novel. The concept of fae using video games as a portal to invade our world is creepy, but so awesome. I have never read anything like Feyland: The Dark Realm, and now that I have, I want to read more like it.
The blend of faeries (fey? I still don't know what the right term to use is. Someone please tell me!), ballads, and video games was amazing. It might seem like a strange combination, but Anthea Sharp wove everything together perfectly so that it wasn't strange at all. Instead, everything made perfect sense. Each element was given much thought and care. I enjoyed getting to see the elements individually and as they came together as a whole.
The characters were fabulous. I loved Tam and Jennet's relationship and how it progressed throughout the novel. I loved it that they were able to see beyond appearances and dismiss stereotypes to see each other for who they really were. They bonded quickly and had a strong friendship throughout the novel, and it was all completely believable. I never felt like the development of their relationship was happening too quickly. I also enjoyed Marny, Tam's friend, and I wish we could have seen more of her. I really hope she makes a greater appearance in the sequel.
The uniqueness of the story is fantastic; it's what made me want to read the book in the first place, and it's what kept me captivated by the story throughout the novel. The concept of fae using video games as a portal to invade our world is creepy, but so awesome. I have never read anything like Feyland: The Dark Realm, and now that I have, I want to read more like it.
condygurl's review
5.0
Since I met my husband in a video game I can relate to reality and gaming crossing lines. So when I read the premise of this book I just had to get my greedy hands on it. Well I can say I was NOT disappointed!
The story starts with Jennet who is such an interesting character, her father works in the gaming industry and is responsible for the creation of the best virtual reality gaming system ever created. He brings home the prototype and Jennet of course gets to play. She discovers the game Feyland and starts playing only to find out that it isn’t just a game.
Her father and the company move to a new town and Jennet meets Tam. Tam is poor, and I do mean poor and lives with his mother and his younger brother. Together they go into Feyland to retrieve her life force which the evil queen has stolen.
Let me tell you, the characters in this book are tremendous. I absolutely fell in love with Bug even though he’s a minor character. And Tam and Jennet are well written, and oh so easy to like. These characters are written so well that you almost feel like you know them in real life. Tam is a young man who has had an extremely hard life. His mother disappears at times and he’s left to care for his younger brother who has health issues.
The Author has not only captured the characters but her description of the time in game is intense and I as a gamer can relate to how time flies by so quickly while playing. I loved the scenes and the characters both in and out of the game. Puck the loveable and mischievous fey, you’ll have to read the book for more information because I hate spoilers and I just know you’ll love the characters as much as I did.
What I will say is GO OUT AND BUY THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK! Well written, enjoyable and it will suck you in. As I said the line between games and reality is a very fine one to begin with and this author has blurred that line so much that I wonder now if my games aren’t more real than real life.
Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
The story starts with Jennet who is such an interesting character, her father works in the gaming industry and is responsible for the creation of the best virtual reality gaming system ever created. He brings home the prototype and Jennet of course gets to play. She discovers the game Feyland and starts playing only to find out that it isn’t just a game.
Her father and the company move to a new town and Jennet meets Tam. Tam is poor, and I do mean poor and lives with his mother and his younger brother. Together they go into Feyland to retrieve her life force which the evil queen has stolen.
Let me tell you, the characters in this book are tremendous. I absolutely fell in love with Bug even though he’s a minor character. And Tam and Jennet are well written, and oh so easy to like. These characters are written so well that you almost feel like you know them in real life. Tam is a young man who has had an extremely hard life. His mother disappears at times and he’s left to care for his younger brother who has health issues.
The Author has not only captured the characters but her description of the time in game is intense and I as a gamer can relate to how time flies by so quickly while playing. I loved the scenes and the characters both in and out of the game. Puck the loveable and mischievous fey, you’ll have to read the book for more information because I hate spoilers and I just know you’ll love the characters as much as I did.
What I will say is GO OUT AND BUY THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK! Well written, enjoyable and it will suck you in. As I said the line between games and reality is a very fine one to begin with and this author has blurred that line so much that I wonder now if my games aren’t more real than real life.
Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
torts's review
3.0
A decent modern Tam Lin story. Maybe I've read too many futuristic-immersive-video-game-world-becomes-too-real stories ([b: The Game|15783307|The Perfect Game (The Perfect Game, #1)|J. Sterling|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345824139s/15783307.jpg|21500353], [b: Indigara|498570|Indigara Firebird Novella|Tanith Lee|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1399597969s/498570.jpg|486711], [b: User Unfriendly|372808|User Unfriendly|Vivian Vande Velde|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1389545994s/372808.jpg|362729], [b: Ender's Game|375802|Ender's Game (The Ender Quintet, #1)|Orson Scott Card|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408303130s/375802.jpg|2422333]...), but it seemed kind of doubly derivative for the simultaneous application of that trope and the fairy tale retelling.
Even though it was not exactly unique, I enjoyed the read. I was a little annoyed that early on Tam Linn takes Jennet back to his place to demonstrate is videogaming abilities and then within the next couple chapters goes to her house and thinks something along the lines of "I sure am glad she hasn't seen my home, because it's a hovel compared to this." And few instances of inconsistent naming (e.g. capitalized vs. uncapitalized "dad" and "mom" in and out of their children speaking to them, a character referred to as "the Bug" and "The Bug" and "Peter" seemingly arbitrarily, again both in and out of characters' speech). (I noted the pages for these little annoyances of mine, but don't have them on hand at the moment. Perhaps I shall update the review later. And maybe I'll think of more positive things to say. Because, really, it wasn't bad. Of my most recent reads, I'm probably more likely to continue reading Feyland than I am The Looking Glass Wars.)
Even though it was not exactly unique, I enjoyed the read. I was a little annoyed that early on Tam Linn takes Jennet back to his place to demonstrate is videogaming abilities and then within the next couple chapters goes to her house and thinks something along the lines of "I sure am glad she hasn't seen my home, because it's a hovel compared to this." And few instances of inconsistent naming (e.g. capitalized vs. uncapitalized "dad" and "mom" in and out of their children speaking to them, a character referred to as "the Bug" and "The Bug" and "Peter" seemingly arbitrarily, again both in and out of characters' speech). (I noted the pages for these little annoyances of mine, but don't have them on hand at the moment. Perhaps I shall update the review later. And maybe I'll think of more positive things to say. Because, really, it wasn't bad. Of my most recent reads, I'm probably more likely to continue reading Feyland than I am The Looking Glass Wars.)
snark's review
2.0
Another book in the pack o' YA books. Fun premise, fun read, lacking in substance with a pretty helpless female lead.