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Being
For elite extraterrestrial pilot EBN-Reyoz-X, awaiting rescue while hiding out in a trailer park is a grueling nightmare. She’s injured, lacks proper supplies and can’t blend in with the indigenous population because she’s seven feet tall and can’t control the trail of wildflowers blooming in the wake of her footsteps. She’s unprepared to begin sexual maturity in the alien land and when she develops feelings for Shale, the mute teenage boy next door, she’s convinced circumstances can get no worse.
Except rescue never comes and once word spreads that her touch holds miraculous healing abilities, EBN must find a way to fix her ship, evade capture by the United States Air Force and survive long enough to return home.
Except rescue never comes and once word spreads that her touch holds miraculous healing abilities, EBN must find a way to fix her ship, evade capture by the United States Air Force and survive long enough to return home.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2011
2 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
T.R. Mousner
1 book37 followersTamara Mousner studied acting in Los Angeles, played a few anime characters (under her maiden name), worked as an Editorial Assistant at Gulf Coast: A Journal of Literature and Fine Arts for one and one-half years, graduated summa cum laude from the University of Houston, did a little theatre, studied with award-winning novelists, published a few articles (also under her maiden name), wrote a manuscript for a novel, a paranormal romance for young adults with a sci-fi edge entitled, Being. You can find her in the Imagination Factory, as she's busy writing Being's sequel.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 26, 2011
This is more of a 4.5 rating from me. I enjoyed the take on this Young Adult Sci-Fi book. It is told from two points of view. The first is EBN, she has crashed landed on Earth. It is interesting to see the negative and positive aspects of Earth culture told through and alien viewpoint. I enjoyed and agreed with the analyzation.
EBN is stuggling to survive in a toxic environment when she meets a young human and bonds with him. He is 13 and she begins to develop feelings for him. It seems that he is a little too young, but there are things that make me wonder if he is fully human. That will remain to be seen in future installments of the book.
Her brother Aix is trying to put the pieces together of her disappearance, he realizes that things are not adding up and it is leading to political intrigue on his home planet.
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, that is why I believe that there will be more. There is some swearing, it comes from bullies, other that that I have not reservations in recommending this book to anyone who likes a good book.
EBN is stuggling to survive in a toxic environment when she meets a young human and bonds with him. He is 13 and she begins to develop feelings for him. It seems that he is a little too young, but there are things that make me wonder if he is fully human. That will remain to be seen in future installments of the book.
Her brother Aix is trying to put the pieces together of her disappearance, he realizes that things are not adding up and it is leading to political intrigue on his home planet.
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, that is why I believe that there will be more. There is some swearing, it comes from bullies, other that that I have not reservations in recommending this book to anyone who likes a good book.
July 18, 2011
This is more of a 4.5 rating from me. I enjoyed the take on this Young Adult Sci-Fi book. It is told from two points of view. The first is EBN, she has crashed landed on Earth. It is interesting to see the negative and positive aspects of Earth culture told through and alien viewpoint. I enjoyed and agreed with the analyzation.
EBN is stuggling to survive in a toxic environment when she meets a young human and bonds with him. He is 13 and she begins to develop feelings for him. It seems that he is a little too young, but there are things that make me wonder if he is fully human. That will remain to be seen in future installments of the book.
Her brother Aix is trying to put the pieces together of her disappearance, he realizes that things are not adding up and it is leading to political intrigue on his home planet.
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, that is why I believe that there will be more. There is some swearing, it comes from bullies, other that that I have not reservations in recommending this book to anyone who likes a good book.
EBN is stuggling to survive in a toxic environment when she meets a young human and bonds with him. He is 13 and she begins to develop feelings for him. It seems that he is a little too young, but there are things that make me wonder if he is fully human. That will remain to be seen in future installments of the book.
Her brother Aix is trying to put the pieces together of her disappearance, he realizes that things are not adding up and it is leading to political intrigue on his home planet.
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, that is why I believe that there will be more. There is some swearing, it comes from bullies, other that that I have not reservations in recommending this book to anyone who likes a good book.
May 4, 2011
I wasn't sure what to expect from "Being." Science fiction is not one of my favorite genre as they do tend to lean strongly on the Star Trekky feel which I can't stand. Mousner keeps the plot fresh and exciting giving non sci-fi lovers a taste of science fiction.
EBN is a fantastic character. She's super courageous and brave like you wouldn't believe. Put aside the fact that she's from another planet. EBN has the power to heal too.Honestly, I'd like to see more characters with her qualities in YA.
Overall, Mousner's writing style is amazing making for a fast paced enjoyable read. She creates a vivid image for the reader as if you were a character yourself. Who wouldn't enjoy reading a book like that? This is the perfect book for readers who haven't taken the sci-fi plunge. Readers that enjoyed Gini Koch's Touch By An Alien or Stephenie Meyer's The Host will really enjoy were Being takes you. I only want one thing, more of EBN.
EBN is a fantastic character. She's super courageous and brave like you wouldn't believe. Put aside the fact that she's from another planet. EBN has the power to heal too.Honestly, I'd like to see more characters with her qualities in YA.
Overall, Mousner's writing style is amazing making for a fast paced enjoyable read. She creates a vivid image for the reader as if you were a character yourself. Who wouldn't enjoy reading a book like that? This is the perfect book for readers who haven't taken the sci-fi plunge. Readers that enjoyed Gini Koch's Touch By An Alien or Stephenie Meyer's The Host will really enjoy were Being takes you. I only want one thing, more of EBN.
May 19, 2011
THIS REVIEW RECEIVED FOR BEING BY T.R. MOUSNER A '4.5 STAR' REVIEW FROM TALINA PERKINS OF NIGHT OWL REVIEWS AS WELL AS A 'TOP PICK REVIEW' FROM NIGHT OWL REVIEWS.
FAVORITE LINE:
“And when life presses your back against the wall, always remember to stand straight and meet your challenges head on.” ~ EBN-Reyoz-X Guardian of the Sky
TEASER:
“We can never control what is in a person’s mind or heart, but we can hold them accountable for their behavior.” I slowly stood and got into my stance facing Shale. I should have known better standing less than an arm’s length from him. The air between us crackled with electricity and our eyes met and held. Before I knew what was happening, he leaned toward me and I toward him. For a moment, all my cares fell away as our lips brushed in a tender kiss.
PLOT:
Being is my very first YA novel and I want more! I had no idea what to expect going in. Being that I am not a fan of science fiction nor fantasy, I thought I would have a difficult time reading this book at first. However, I knew I wanted to branch out and experience a genre beyond my norm. A decision I am glad I made.
Not only did the author deliver adventure and a unique plot, she also threw in family values and intricate world building that brought her story to life. The book starts off with EBN crashing to Earth, a planet believed to be in chaos and war. Then it quickly cascades into an adventurous story of an alien trying to learn the ways of SENTS or people while waiting for rescue. And to add the the story's depth, the author switches back and forth between EBN and her brother located on her home planet; whom in unknowingly in the middle of uncovering a plot as to why EBN is left cut off from her home world. Which I will leave for you to discover! The excitement of seeing earth through another creatures eyes, rather than my own, was revealing to say the least. EBN's ability to cut through the taboos of our world left the real issues we are facing uncovered and visible to the naked eye. The author's use of real world occurrences brought the matter of our planet's health close to home, making me stop and think each time I might take clean water or air for granted as well as my fellow human beings. EBN represents the opposite of what our world is, I completely understood her ability to leave trails of wild flowers in her wake. Since her touch heals, it only made sense that when her feet hit the earth she would heal the earth with each touch.
The closer I got to finishing Being, the more I wanted to read. I knew the story would have to come to an end, but I was not prepared for it. The author answered all the important story questions for Being, yet she left just enough of a cliffhanger at the end to have me anxiously awaiting the sequel to come.
SETTING:
EBN's adventures starts out with her navigating her ship, Surety, through earth's atmosphere for simple routine data collection. Which result in her crash landing and seeking refuge in a trailer park outside of Los Angeles. Being also shifted to EBN's home world, Pharralax. The intricate detail provided through Aix's thoughts and actions were so intriguing I completely forgot I do not read science fiction. I simply could not get enough!
WRITING:
I admire Ms. Mousner's ability to show so much detail within her writing. Her writing style pulled me in without me even noticing just how invested I was in the story. Her sense of creativity and ability to weave together wonderful characters and plot delivered a well written and entertaining story. I also enjoyed the variety of narratives she used in telling the story. I normally do not enjoy switching in and out of third person, yet for this book and story it worked well.
CHARACTERS:
It was EBN's character and not the story plot that made me want to read Being. She is an alien yes, yet her thoughts and feelings on many subjects paralleled to that of my own. Her kindness towards others is unmeasurable, even when it would do harm to her own health. She also showed a deep rooted determination to reach her goals which is something that we all could use a reminder of every once in a while. But the one thing that she reinforced in myself and had me connecting to her was her belief in respect. Not only to her elders and her responsibility as a Guardian of the Sky, but also to those around her and the planet to which sustained her life. When EBN's family was introduced I was amazed by the connection they shared. The author includes a strong family theme in Being, something I consider to be a wonderful thing to include within a YA novel. The secondary characters served to only make the the story richer and more engrossing. I loved running across Mrs. Perkins' character. It's always fun reading a book with a character that shares your name!
LAST THOUGHTS:
T.R. Mousner's debut YA novel is a must read. The story is filled with adventures and characters that should not be missed! Whether you like the science fiction angle or sense of family and connections made in life, there is something for everyone in this book. I will definitely be on the look out for the sequel from Ms. Mousner! T.R. Mousner
FAVORITE LINE:
“And when life presses your back against the wall, always remember to stand straight and meet your challenges head on.” ~ EBN-Reyoz-X Guardian of the Sky
TEASER:
“We can never control what is in a person’s mind or heart, but we can hold them accountable for their behavior.” I slowly stood and got into my stance facing Shale. I should have known better standing less than an arm’s length from him. The air between us crackled with electricity and our eyes met and held. Before I knew what was happening, he leaned toward me and I toward him. For a moment, all my cares fell away as our lips brushed in a tender kiss.
PLOT:
Being is my very first YA novel and I want more! I had no idea what to expect going in. Being that I am not a fan of science fiction nor fantasy, I thought I would have a difficult time reading this book at first. However, I knew I wanted to branch out and experience a genre beyond my norm. A decision I am glad I made.
Not only did the author deliver adventure and a unique plot, she also threw in family values and intricate world building that brought her story to life. The book starts off with EBN crashing to Earth, a planet believed to be in chaos and war. Then it quickly cascades into an adventurous story of an alien trying to learn the ways of SENTS or people while waiting for rescue. And to add the the story's depth, the author switches back and forth between EBN and her brother located on her home planet; whom in unknowingly in the middle of uncovering a plot as to why EBN is left cut off from her home world. Which I will leave for you to discover! The excitement of seeing earth through another creatures eyes, rather than my own, was revealing to say the least. EBN's ability to cut through the taboos of our world left the real issues we are facing uncovered and visible to the naked eye. The author's use of real world occurrences brought the matter of our planet's health close to home, making me stop and think each time I might take clean water or air for granted as well as my fellow human beings. EBN represents the opposite of what our world is, I completely understood her ability to leave trails of wild flowers in her wake. Since her touch heals, it only made sense that when her feet hit the earth she would heal the earth with each touch.
The closer I got to finishing Being, the more I wanted to read. I knew the story would have to come to an end, but I was not prepared for it. The author answered all the important story questions for Being, yet she left just enough of a cliffhanger at the end to have me anxiously awaiting the sequel to come.
SETTING:
EBN's adventures starts out with her navigating her ship, Surety, through earth's atmosphere for simple routine data collection. Which result in her crash landing and seeking refuge in a trailer park outside of Los Angeles. Being also shifted to EBN's home world, Pharralax. The intricate detail provided through Aix's thoughts and actions were so intriguing I completely forgot I do not read science fiction. I simply could not get enough!
WRITING:
I admire Ms. Mousner's ability to show so much detail within her writing. Her writing style pulled me in without me even noticing just how invested I was in the story. Her sense of creativity and ability to weave together wonderful characters and plot delivered a well written and entertaining story. I also enjoyed the variety of narratives she used in telling the story. I normally do not enjoy switching in and out of third person, yet for this book and story it worked well.
CHARACTERS:
It was EBN's character and not the story plot that made me want to read Being. She is an alien yes, yet her thoughts and feelings on many subjects paralleled to that of my own. Her kindness towards others is unmeasurable, even when it would do harm to her own health. She also showed a deep rooted determination to reach her goals which is something that we all could use a reminder of every once in a while. But the one thing that she reinforced in myself and had me connecting to her was her belief in respect. Not only to her elders and her responsibility as a Guardian of the Sky, but also to those around her and the planet to which sustained her life. When EBN's family was introduced I was amazed by the connection they shared. The author includes a strong family theme in Being, something I consider to be a wonderful thing to include within a YA novel. The secondary characters served to only make the the story richer and more engrossing. I loved running across Mrs. Perkins' character. It's always fun reading a book with a character that shares your name!
LAST THOUGHTS:
T.R. Mousner's debut YA novel is a must read. The story is filled with adventures and characters that should not be missed! Whether you like the science fiction angle or sense of family and connections made in life, there is something for everyone in this book. I will definitely be on the look out for the sequel from Ms. Mousner! T.R. Mousner
August 14, 2011
Being
By T.R. Mousner
Kindle B004V9G7S0 $3.99
I found Being by T.R. Mousner to be both an interesting and a thought-provoking book. What would happen if an ‘alien’ able to breathe in the combination of gases that comprise the earth’s atmosphere were to land here? What would all of the contaminants in the air do to him or her? What would he or she think of our poor environmental control?
Mousner explores these topics as her ‘alien’ EBN (pronounced ee-ben, like eden but with a ‘b’ instead of a ‘d’) is stranded on earth after her spaceship is hit by the space junk orbiting in the earth’s stratosphere. EBN must live among those she considers to be primitive and slowly faces a certain death by contamination of the various elements present in the earth’s atmosphere. During the course of her stay EBN discovers that while humans may be primitive many of them have redeeming qualities.
Despite orders to stay away from the human population EBN interacts with a disabled person who has a very advanced soul while in a store buying supplies for a cat she has rescued. The girl who has been crippled since birth and unable to speak is miraculously healed within moments of being touched by EBN. EBN flees and tries to hide but is discovered the next day by a man who followed her as far as the mobile home part where she is staying but then lost sight of her. The man returns with his wife who is in the later stages of cancer. Swearing the couple to secrecy EBN then heals the wife.
Of course, it was too much to expect that the couple, and the girl and her mother wouldn’t speak about what happened to them. The next day EBN awakens to find the yard in front of the mobile home crowded with people in need of healing. Any hope EBN had of maintaining a low profile is gone as she discovers she simply can’t turn away from these people in need, even when her own health begins to rapidly decline.
Adding to the chaos in EBN’s life is her attraction to the teenage boy living next door. His sister runs the mobile home park where EBN is staying and it turns out the cat EBN rescued on her first night on the planet belongs to the boy, Shale, and his sister Harmony. All the two of them have is each other and the cat, their mother is dead and their father recently went missing. Both Harmony and Shale are grateful to have their cat back, but as Shale’s feelings begin to change from distrust to interest EBN finds herself having to fight against her stranger attraction to the human.
In the meantime the story is set against the contamination of California wildfires and the spewing oil leak from the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster. The pollution from the wildfires helps speed up EBN’s rapid decline in health and the oil disaster convinces EBN the humans are set on a path of self-destruction, but far from giving up on them she finds herself touched by the better qualities she sees reflected in them during times of crisis.
EBN has learned so much about the earth and the people on it but will she ever be able to return to her people to share what she has learned and even if she is able to return will they listen to her or will they consider her interactions with the humans a betrayal of the worst sort.
I highly recommend Being. I felt it offered a view of humanity that while acknowledging our worst flaws held out hope for the future and I also felt it offered an ‘alien’ who was enough like us to be someone I could relate too but at the same time was different enough, and who came from a different enough culture to make the story believable.
By T.R. Mousner
Kindle B004V9G7S0 $3.99
I found Being by T.R. Mousner to be both an interesting and a thought-provoking book. What would happen if an ‘alien’ able to breathe in the combination of gases that comprise the earth’s atmosphere were to land here? What would all of the contaminants in the air do to him or her? What would he or she think of our poor environmental control?
Mousner explores these topics as her ‘alien’ EBN (pronounced ee-ben, like eden but with a ‘b’ instead of a ‘d’) is stranded on earth after her spaceship is hit by the space junk orbiting in the earth’s stratosphere. EBN must live among those she considers to be primitive and slowly faces a certain death by contamination of the various elements present in the earth’s atmosphere. During the course of her stay EBN discovers that while humans may be primitive many of them have redeeming qualities.
Despite orders to stay away from the human population EBN interacts with a disabled person who has a very advanced soul while in a store buying supplies for a cat she has rescued. The girl who has been crippled since birth and unable to speak is miraculously healed within moments of being touched by EBN. EBN flees and tries to hide but is discovered the next day by a man who followed her as far as the mobile home part where she is staying but then lost sight of her. The man returns with his wife who is in the later stages of cancer. Swearing the couple to secrecy EBN then heals the wife.
Of course, it was too much to expect that the couple, and the girl and her mother wouldn’t speak about what happened to them. The next day EBN awakens to find the yard in front of the mobile home crowded with people in need of healing. Any hope EBN had of maintaining a low profile is gone as she discovers she simply can’t turn away from these people in need, even when her own health begins to rapidly decline.
Adding to the chaos in EBN’s life is her attraction to the teenage boy living next door. His sister runs the mobile home park where EBN is staying and it turns out the cat EBN rescued on her first night on the planet belongs to the boy, Shale, and his sister Harmony. All the two of them have is each other and the cat, their mother is dead and their father recently went missing. Both Harmony and Shale are grateful to have their cat back, but as Shale’s feelings begin to change from distrust to interest EBN finds herself having to fight against her stranger attraction to the human.
In the meantime the story is set against the contamination of California wildfires and the spewing oil leak from the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster. The pollution from the wildfires helps speed up EBN’s rapid decline in health and the oil disaster convinces EBN the humans are set on a path of self-destruction, but far from giving up on them she finds herself touched by the better qualities she sees reflected in them during times of crisis.
EBN has learned so much about the earth and the people on it but will she ever be able to return to her people to share what she has learned and even if she is able to return will they listen to her or will they consider her interactions with the humans a betrayal of the worst sort.
I highly recommend Being. I felt it offered a view of humanity that while acknowledging our worst flaws held out hope for the future and I also felt it offered an ‘alien’ who was enough like us to be someone I could relate too but at the same time was different enough, and who came from a different enough culture to make the story believable.
September 14, 2011
In Being, T. R. Mousner's imaginative and well-written science fiction novel, a highly advanced civilization on another planet in a far-away star system is, and has been for some time, watching and studying Earthlings. Young elite extraterrestrial pilot EBN-Reyoz-X, a Guardian of the Sky, is on what should be a routine reconnaissance mission from her home planet, Pharallax, that ends in catastrophe. Marooned on planet Earth, EBN's biggest problem is that she has injured herself following the crash of her spaceship, the Protectorate's Surety. She must get first aid, hide the damaged Surety from military patrols, and request rescue while trying to conceal her identity, all tasks that grow increasingly difficult as her health deteriorates and her very presence signals that she's not from this world. Wildflowers spring up in her footsteps, and she, being telepathic, has the bad habit of responding to people's thoughts rather than their actual speech.
The planet Pharallax is in the star system Xionin, which turns out to be Bernard's Star and some six light years from Earth. Pharallax has short, rapidly changing seasons and several species of human-like and not so human-like extraterrestrials. Although Pharallax is in many ways an ideal world, it has its share of problems, and EBN and her aristocratic, politically powerful family end up right in the middle of them. Mousner's descriptions of this exotic world are vivid and yet the detail doesn't get in the way of the narrative.
Being is necessarily told from three points of view, two in first-person, the other in third-person, in alternating chapters. The first is that of the young female extraterrestrial astronaut, EBN (Eee-ben). The second point of view is that of a thirteen-year-old adolescent Earthling, Shale, who stumbles upon on EBN, not knowing she's from another planet. The third point of view is that of EBN's younger brother, Aix, who is back on Pharallax, where he gradually uncovers evidence of the highly unusual and disturbing circumstances surrounding EBN's mission to Earth. Mousner further distinguishes the first-person narrations of the two aliens through the use of tense. EBN's narration is in past tense, and that of her brother in present tense. This provides a subtle difference in narration for each point of view and enables the reader to intuitively and easily negotiate what could otherwise be a confusing narrative. The reader never misses a beat.
On a personal note, in a pervious life I was an aerospace engineer with forty years experience in the profession and also taught astronomy at a university. I've been reading science fiction for fifty years. I appreciate that fact that Mousner understands the science of space travel, solar system planetary dynamics, and presents plausible, though fictional, technology. She demonstrates an uncommon understanding of technical subjects and is able to project this into the possibilities of an advanced alien world. All this, and she is also adept of delving deeply into the psychological states of her human and alien characters. Some of the themes that run through Being are: family, compassion, betrayal, love, jealousy, loss, political intrigue, species-species prejudice, and environmental pollution.
By the end of Being, we find that TR Mousner's storytelling is just beginning to gather steam. She is a terrific new author, and I can't wait for her next novel.
The planet Pharallax is in the star system Xionin, which turns out to be Bernard's Star and some six light years from Earth. Pharallax has short, rapidly changing seasons and several species of human-like and not so human-like extraterrestrials. Although Pharallax is in many ways an ideal world, it has its share of problems, and EBN and her aristocratic, politically powerful family end up right in the middle of them. Mousner's descriptions of this exotic world are vivid and yet the detail doesn't get in the way of the narrative.
Being is necessarily told from three points of view, two in first-person, the other in third-person, in alternating chapters. The first is that of the young female extraterrestrial astronaut, EBN (Eee-ben). The second point of view is that of a thirteen-year-old adolescent Earthling, Shale, who stumbles upon on EBN, not knowing she's from another planet. The third point of view is that of EBN's younger brother, Aix, who is back on Pharallax, where he gradually uncovers evidence of the highly unusual and disturbing circumstances surrounding EBN's mission to Earth. Mousner further distinguishes the first-person narrations of the two aliens through the use of tense. EBN's narration is in past tense, and that of her brother in present tense. This provides a subtle difference in narration for each point of view and enables the reader to intuitively and easily negotiate what could otherwise be a confusing narrative. The reader never misses a beat.
On a personal note, in a pervious life I was an aerospace engineer with forty years experience in the profession and also taught astronomy at a university. I've been reading science fiction for fifty years. I appreciate that fact that Mousner understands the science of space travel, solar system planetary dynamics, and presents plausible, though fictional, technology. She demonstrates an uncommon understanding of technical subjects and is able to project this into the possibilities of an advanced alien world. All this, and she is also adept of delving deeply into the psychological states of her human and alien characters. Some of the themes that run through Being are: family, compassion, betrayal, love, jealousy, loss, political intrigue, species-species prejudice, and environmental pollution.
By the end of Being, we find that TR Mousner's storytelling is just beginning to gather steam. She is a terrific new author, and I can't wait for her next novel.
June 10, 2011
Reviewed by Christin for Between the Covers
Rounding up - 3.5 stars
I'm not an avid reader of science fiction, but once in a while a story sounds intriguing enough that I'll step out of my normal genres. Being is one such story. Complete with a girl forced to rely on her own resourcefulness, government conspiracies, and a little bit of romance, Being is an enjoyable debut novel as well as a good introduction to science fiction if you're curious about the genre.
When EBN's ship crashes on Erox (earth), she's sure it's only a matter of time before rescue comes. Until then, she'll simply avoid Sents (humans) and wait. But after a small altercation with soldiers, rescuing a cat from two mischievous boys, sustaining a leg injury, and leaving a trail of wildflowers blooming in her wake, she realizes that things may not be as simple as she originally thought. Add to that the fact that none of her transmissions to the High Chancellor are going through, and she is forced to reevaluate her original assignment. This disobedience brings her into contact with more Sents - notably Shale and his sister, Harmony. And even though EBN knows she shouldn't, she can't help but feel drawn to Shale. Meanwhile, Aix, EBN's brother, still on Pharralax, is determined to find the information that nobody seems to have about EBN. There is something strange about the High Chancellor...and if Aix can't find the information he wants at home, then he will go wherever necessary to get it. But EBN wasn't meant to live on Erox, and her days may be numbered...
Unlike many contemporary books that only follow the main character, Being is told in three different points of view - EBN, Aix, and Shale - and each had their own style and flow that were completely appropriate to the characters. Each shift of narrator was accompanied by a brief review of the events that had just taken place, which helped not only to avoid confusion but also to show these important events from more than one perspective. I especially enjoyed watching Shale's interactions with EBN and his subsequent growth throughout the book. In addition, it was interesting to see how such separate lives - EBN's quest for survival, Shale and Harmony's day-to-day existence, and Aix's issues on Pharralax - eventually converged into one thread.
There was a fair amount of world building in this book (for the extra-terrestrial side of things), but about halfway through the book, everything began accelerating to the end. The ending was satisfactory, but it definitely left some questions open-ended (to be answered in a sequel, I hope!) This book is influenced by certain environmental problems from last year, the oil spill and wildfires, and it does make a point about caring for the earth. However, rather than coming across as preachy, these points, as well as the environmental destruction, are fully integrated into the story.
Being is a good debut novel, combining an original idea with an important message. I'm looking forward to seeing what Mousner writes next!
Rounding up - 3.5 stars
I'm not an avid reader of science fiction, but once in a while a story sounds intriguing enough that I'll step out of my normal genres. Being is one such story. Complete with a girl forced to rely on her own resourcefulness, government conspiracies, and a little bit of romance, Being is an enjoyable debut novel as well as a good introduction to science fiction if you're curious about the genre.
When EBN's ship crashes on Erox (earth), she's sure it's only a matter of time before rescue comes. Until then, she'll simply avoid Sents (humans) and wait. But after a small altercation with soldiers, rescuing a cat from two mischievous boys, sustaining a leg injury, and leaving a trail of wildflowers blooming in her wake, she realizes that things may not be as simple as she originally thought. Add to that the fact that none of her transmissions to the High Chancellor are going through, and she is forced to reevaluate her original assignment. This disobedience brings her into contact with more Sents - notably Shale and his sister, Harmony. And even though EBN knows she shouldn't, she can't help but feel drawn to Shale. Meanwhile, Aix, EBN's brother, still on Pharralax, is determined to find the information that nobody seems to have about EBN. There is something strange about the High Chancellor...and if Aix can't find the information he wants at home, then he will go wherever necessary to get it. But EBN wasn't meant to live on Erox, and her days may be numbered...
Unlike many contemporary books that only follow the main character, Being is told in three different points of view - EBN, Aix, and Shale - and each had their own style and flow that were completely appropriate to the characters. Each shift of narrator was accompanied by a brief review of the events that had just taken place, which helped not only to avoid confusion but also to show these important events from more than one perspective. I especially enjoyed watching Shale's interactions with EBN and his subsequent growth throughout the book. In addition, it was interesting to see how such separate lives - EBN's quest for survival, Shale and Harmony's day-to-day existence, and Aix's issues on Pharralax - eventually converged into one thread.
There was a fair amount of world building in this book (for the extra-terrestrial side of things), but about halfway through the book, everything began accelerating to the end. The ending was satisfactory, but it definitely left some questions open-ended (to be answered in a sequel, I hope!) This book is influenced by certain environmental problems from last year, the oil spill and wildfires, and it does make a point about caring for the earth. However, rather than coming across as preachy, these points, as well as the environmental destruction, are fully integrated into the story.
Being is a good debut novel, combining an original idea with an important message. I'm looking forward to seeing what Mousner writes next!
March 28, 2011
GENRE: Young Adult & Science Fiction
BOOK THEME: Aliens
RECEIVED: Copy from Author
QUICK THOUGHTS:
EBN is a guardian of the sky for her planet, on a mission something goes wrong and she crashes in Erox aka Earth. Very injured and lost in a place called Lancaster California, as said on her navigation map EBN must find a safe area while waiting for rescue. Finding a safe house in a trailer park she can’t blend in with humans, she doesn’t have enough supplies and she starts connecting with a young mute boy who lives near by. When rescue never comes and her injuries worsen, plus her touch seems told hold a healing ability, she must find away to get home and evade the Military at all cost.
REVIEW:
EBN is a young Guardian of the sky being only six hundred Scyros cycles old, she has to learn about earth and hope that her grandfather will send someone to help her. What was interesting was how the story was written, it goes from EBN’s POV, to her brother Aix that is still on their planet, and to Shane the young human she becomes friends with. Also can I just mention EBN is seven feet tall! Luckily she has a suit that goes over her skin to make her look human…well almost human.
The story really focus’s on the brother sister relationships a lot, which I really enjoyed. Aix is really worried about his missing sister EBN and we follow him on his journey to figure out what has happen to her. While on earth the close relationship of Shane and his sister is amazingly written, they help each other survive without parents. There is a mystery behind their father, but I don’t want to give too much away. It’s really an emotional journey for the reader, really hoping that these kids can get through all the hardships.
I really enjoyed trying to figure out why EBN crashed on earth, why know one was coming for her and how much her family had something to do with it. Her grandfather is in charge of her missions and she tries desperately to communicate with him through out the book. While on her planet her bother Aix tries to figure out why his grandfather is acting weird and his parents don’t seem to care their daughters missing. It really keeps you on your toes as you try and unfold the mystery.
The ending leaves you with some unanswered questions, which aren’t frustrating but it really makes you hope the second comes out soon. I want to find out what happens with EBN, Shane and Aix. There is a lot going on at EBN’s planet and she is the only one who can figure it out. Being was a fantastic science fiction read for young adults and adult who love anything with a bit of romance, action, and adventure with aliens.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult series for all ages and may have some alien words you’ll have to try and understand. But it’s a fun ride! Recommended for fans of Pittacus Lore’s I Am Number Four and James Patterson’s Maximum Ride series.
June 10, 2011
Rounding up - 3.5 stars
I'm not an avid reader of science fiction, but once in a while a story sounds intriguing enough that I'll step out of my normal genres. Being is one such story. Complete with a girl forced to rely on her own resourcefulness, government conspiracies, and a little bit of romance, Being is an enjoyable debut novel as well as a good introduction to science fiction if you're curious about the genre.
When EBN's ship crashes on Erox (earth), she's sure it's only a matter of time before rescue comes. Until then, she'll simply avoid Sents (humans) and wait. But after a small altercation with soldiers, rescuing a cat from two mischievous boys, sustaining a leg injury, and leaving a trail of wildflowers blooming in her wake, she realizes that things may not be as simple as she originally thought. Add to that the fact that none of her transmissions to the High Chancellor are going through, and she is forced to reevaluate her original assignment. This disobedience brings her into contact with more Sents - notably Shale and his sister, Harmony. And even though EBN knows she shouldn't, she can't help but feel drawn to Shale. Meanwhile, Aix, EBN's brother, still on Pharralax, is determined to find the information that nobody seems to have about EBN. There is something strange about the High Chancellor...and if Aix can't find the information he wants at home, then he will go wherever necessary to get it. But EBN wasn't meant to live on Erox, and her days may be numbered...
Unlike many contemporary books that only follow the main character, Being is told in three different points of view - EBN, Aix, and Shale - and each had their own style and flow that were completely appropriate to the characters. Each shift of narrator was accompanied by a brief review of the events that had just taken place, which helped not only to avoid confusion but also to show these important events from more than one perspective. I especially enjoyed watching Shale's interactions with EBN and his subsequent growth throughout the book. In addition, it was interesting to see how such separate lives - EBN's quest for survival, Shale and Harmony's day-to-day existence, and Aix's issues on Pharralax - eventually converged into one thread.
There was a fair amount of world building in this book (for the extra-terrestrial side of things), but about halfway through the book, everything began accelerating to the end. The ending was satisfactory, but it definitely left some questions open-ended (to be answered in a sequel, I hope!) This book is influenced by certain environmental problems from last year, the oil spill and wildfires, and it does make a point about caring for the earth. However, rather than coming across as preachy, these points, as well as the environmental destruction, are fully integrated into the story.
Being is a good debut novel, combining an original idea with an important message. I'm looking forward to seeing what Mousner writes next!
I'm not an avid reader of science fiction, but once in a while a story sounds intriguing enough that I'll step out of my normal genres. Being is one such story. Complete with a girl forced to rely on her own resourcefulness, government conspiracies, and a little bit of romance, Being is an enjoyable debut novel as well as a good introduction to science fiction if you're curious about the genre.
When EBN's ship crashes on Erox (earth), she's sure it's only a matter of time before rescue comes. Until then, she'll simply avoid Sents (humans) and wait. But after a small altercation with soldiers, rescuing a cat from two mischievous boys, sustaining a leg injury, and leaving a trail of wildflowers blooming in her wake, she realizes that things may not be as simple as she originally thought. Add to that the fact that none of her transmissions to the High Chancellor are going through, and she is forced to reevaluate her original assignment. This disobedience brings her into contact with more Sents - notably Shale and his sister, Harmony. And even though EBN knows she shouldn't, she can't help but feel drawn to Shale. Meanwhile, Aix, EBN's brother, still on Pharralax, is determined to find the information that nobody seems to have about EBN. There is something strange about the High Chancellor...and if Aix can't find the information he wants at home, then he will go wherever necessary to get it. But EBN wasn't meant to live on Erox, and her days may be numbered...
Unlike many contemporary books that only follow the main character, Being is told in three different points of view - EBN, Aix, and Shale - and each had their own style and flow that were completely appropriate to the characters. Each shift of narrator was accompanied by a brief review of the events that had just taken place, which helped not only to avoid confusion but also to show these important events from more than one perspective. I especially enjoyed watching Shale's interactions with EBN and his subsequent growth throughout the book. In addition, it was interesting to see how such separate lives - EBN's quest for survival, Shale and Harmony's day-to-day existence, and Aix's issues on Pharralax - eventually converged into one thread.
There was a fair amount of world building in this book (for the extra-terrestrial side of things), but about halfway through the book, everything began accelerating to the end. The ending was satisfactory, but it definitely left some questions open-ended (to be answered in a sequel, I hope!) This book is influenced by certain environmental problems from last year, the oil spill and wildfires, and it does make a point about caring for the earth. However, rather than coming across as preachy, these points, as well as the environmental destruction, are fully integrated into the story.
Being is a good debut novel, combining an original idea with an important message. I'm looking forward to seeing what Mousner writes next!
July 16, 2011
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars!
Although I have a lot of sci-fi books on my TBR I haven’t really had a chance to delve into the genre. Being succeeds in providing many of the reasons why I want to read sci-fi and reminds me to have an open mind when I read them. I enjoy books that are able to convey universal messages from the author with subtlety and grace. Being was mostly successful in not being too brash about environmental issues that should be important to every person living on Earth. Overall Being is a nice breathe of fresh air in the YA genre!
I also enjoyed how smooth the different POVs between EBN, Shale, and Aix went. EBN, while somewhat knowledgeable on Sent (human) life, is injured and completely alone after crash landing on Erox (Earth). After numerous unsuccessful attempts to contact her grand-Ada (grandfather) for a plan of rescue EBN copes by befriending Shale. Although she has broken many rules by getting involved with Shale and his sister, EBN begins to feel things she has never felt before. It was so easy to start to really care for EBN and her well-being as she struggled through each day.
Shale has his own issues to work through as he comes to term with his feelings for EBN. I found it fascinating how different Shale and EBN’s opinion of each other’s appearance was with the rest of the world. Both Shale and EBN were irresistibly drawn to each other and both were beautiful to the other person. The rest of the world found them weird, gawky, and too different. Their blossoming relationship was a very welcoming part of the book and one I really enjoyed.
I think my favorite character is Aix because I was more interested in his mission to finding the truth about EBN. He is brave and intelligent just like his sister and I felt his POV was more interesting. I say that because he’s back on Pharallax and his POV talks about his culture and the similarities/differences between Sent life and Adelian and Nadreen life. I love when authors are able to really step out of their comfort zones and create new worlds and ideas and still tie them in to modern life.
I’m looking forward to seeing what T.R. comes out with next regarding EBN. Being was exciting, different, and filled with loving values that will come across very easily. Love, family, and taking care of where we live is important to T.R. and her characters as it should be important to everybody. I think Being will be a real winner with YA and adult readers alike.
Although I have a lot of sci-fi books on my TBR I haven’t really had a chance to delve into the genre. Being succeeds in providing many of the reasons why I want to read sci-fi and reminds me to have an open mind when I read them. I enjoy books that are able to convey universal messages from the author with subtlety and grace. Being was mostly successful in not being too brash about environmental issues that should be important to every person living on Earth. Overall Being is a nice breathe of fresh air in the YA genre!
I also enjoyed how smooth the different POVs between EBN, Shale, and Aix went. EBN, while somewhat knowledgeable on Sent (human) life, is injured and completely alone after crash landing on Erox (Earth). After numerous unsuccessful attempts to contact her grand-Ada (grandfather) for a plan of rescue EBN copes by befriending Shale. Although she has broken many rules by getting involved with Shale and his sister, EBN begins to feel things she has never felt before. It was so easy to start to really care for EBN and her well-being as she struggled through each day.
Shale has his own issues to work through as he comes to term with his feelings for EBN. I found it fascinating how different Shale and EBN’s opinion of each other’s appearance was with the rest of the world. Both Shale and EBN were irresistibly drawn to each other and both were beautiful to the other person. The rest of the world found them weird, gawky, and too different. Their blossoming relationship was a very welcoming part of the book and one I really enjoyed.
I think my favorite character is Aix because I was more interested in his mission to finding the truth about EBN. He is brave and intelligent just like his sister and I felt his POV was more interesting. I say that because he’s back on Pharallax and his POV talks about his culture and the similarities/differences between Sent life and Adelian and Nadreen life. I love when authors are able to really step out of their comfort zones and create new worlds and ideas and still tie them in to modern life.
I’m looking forward to seeing what T.R. comes out with next regarding EBN. Being was exciting, different, and filled with loving values that will come across very easily. Love, family, and taking care of where we live is important to T.R. and her characters as it should be important to everybody. I think Being will be a real winner with YA and adult readers alike.
April 20, 2017
The sci-fi lover in me totally adored this book!
Full review copied from http://reachforthebooks.blogspot.com/...
Though I admit to having read mostly paranormal romances and dystopian YA novels in recent years, I've always loved sci-fi. Back in middle school, I was the girl who read Ender's Game while many of my female classmates showed more interest in books like The Clique. Being helped bring out my inner sci-fi junkie once again.
EBN-Reyoz-X is not your average female protagonist--she's seven feet tall, has extraordinary healing powers, and can read through an entire library in half a day. Did I mention that she's not human? EBN is an extraterrestrial whose ship crashes in the middle of Lancaster, California, leaving her with no choice but to wait for rescue forces to arrive. During her stay on Earth, or Erox as her people refer to it, EBN is exposed to Sent (human) life unlike anything she had ever been taught back her home planet.
I really enjoyed EBN's character. Though EBN originally views the human population as wasteful and almost primitive, her opinion begins to change as she comes across Sents who are kind and different from the rest--cue Shale. Shale is an extremely intelligent thirteen-year-old boy living in the same trailer park where EBN is hiding out. The two begin to develop feelings for each other as EBN aids Shale in dealing with his personal problems. I appreciated the fact that the novel had a hint of romance, but didn't need an intense love story to sustain itself.
Being is broken up into three points of view--that of EBN, as well as Shale's and another interesting source: EBN's younger brother Aix. While EBN and Shale are on Earth/Erox, Aix is on the extraterrestrial home planet. This gives the reader some key insight into three very different lives, three unique perspectives. At the same time, the stories of these characters are tied together very nicely, and thus it is not at all difficult to read from three separate POVs.
I loved the unpredictability of the book and the originality of the plotline. My only issue was some difficulty keeping up with the unfamiliar terminology, but that's pretty common with science fiction. The ending provided a good bit of resolution while also managing to leave me anxious and excited to see what happens next. I can't wait to read the sequel!
Full review copied from http://reachforthebooks.blogspot.com/...
Though I admit to having read mostly paranormal romances and dystopian YA novels in recent years, I've always loved sci-fi. Back in middle school, I was the girl who read Ender's Game while many of my female classmates showed more interest in books like The Clique. Being helped bring out my inner sci-fi junkie once again.
EBN-Reyoz-X is not your average female protagonist--she's seven feet tall, has extraordinary healing powers, and can read through an entire library in half a day. Did I mention that she's not human? EBN is an extraterrestrial whose ship crashes in the middle of Lancaster, California, leaving her with no choice but to wait for rescue forces to arrive. During her stay on Earth, or Erox as her people refer to it, EBN is exposed to Sent (human) life unlike anything she had ever been taught back her home planet.
I really enjoyed EBN's character. Though EBN originally views the human population as wasteful and almost primitive, her opinion begins to change as she comes across Sents who are kind and different from the rest--cue Shale. Shale is an extremely intelligent thirteen-year-old boy living in the same trailer park where EBN is hiding out. The two begin to develop feelings for each other as EBN aids Shale in dealing with his personal problems. I appreciated the fact that the novel had a hint of romance, but didn't need an intense love story to sustain itself.
Being is broken up into three points of view--that of EBN, as well as Shale's and another interesting source: EBN's younger brother Aix. While EBN and Shale are on Earth/Erox, Aix is on the extraterrestrial home planet. This gives the reader some key insight into three very different lives, three unique perspectives. At the same time, the stories of these characters are tied together very nicely, and thus it is not at all difficult to read from three separate POVs.
I loved the unpredictability of the book and the originality of the plotline. My only issue was some difficulty keeping up with the unfamiliar terminology, but that's pretty common with science fiction. The ending provided a good bit of resolution while also managing to leave me anxious and excited to see what happens next. I can't wait to read the sequel!
April 26, 2011
Cute story with a lot of excitement from the first page!
EBN is a guardian of the Sky from a different planet – She is on a mission and her spaceship ends up crashing in LA California – an Alien Planet called Erox (Earth)
She tries to send a code to her planet, but it keeps bouncing back to her going un-read. She is stuck.
When she leaves the space ship, the Sents (humans) are there trying to figure out what happened (the ship has a protection that turns it invisible from human eyes)
But the Sents don’t believe she was just out and about in the same spot they saw the strange light/crash – They searched her pack and got into her food and medicine – leaving her with nothing left.
The Story is also told from (Aix) her brother’s POV – He is her younger brother and cares a lot about his sister. When he finds out at dinner from his grandfather that EBN is missing and hasn’t contacted them. He gets worried. And tries to communicate with his sister through their bond – She hears him, but she doesn’t respond. There is a lot going on between the Grandfather and Parents, and Aix wants to know what is happening, and why no one will talk to him.
Back on Erox (Earth) EBN struggles with an infected cut on her knee . it hurts, a LOT and she has trouble trying to get around. She manages to find her way to a grocery store and buys some bandages and ointment to help heal her scrapes/cuts.
She meets a handicapped little girl, and feels bad for her. She touches the girl and a miracle happens… she is no longer handicapped!
Word gets around and soon people are lined up around her trailer and she begins helping these Sents (humans) And it wears her down. She meets Shale. He seems like a great guy to have as a friend.
She sneaks off to her space ship and does what she can to fix it. She wants to go home. She doesn’t know what she is suppose to do on Erox, and she’s scared that no one will find her.
She does find some medicine to help heal her, and some food which helps her build her strength back up.
This book is an awesome Science fiction book, it has a strong message about helping out with keeping Earth clean. They also has a strong bond between brother and sister that I really love.
This is a great book for the tween/young adults. I’m going to recommend this book to both 12 year old daughter and my 14 year old son:)
EBN is a guardian of the Sky from a different planet – She is on a mission and her spaceship ends up crashing in LA California – an Alien Planet called Erox (Earth)
She tries to send a code to her planet, but it keeps bouncing back to her going un-read. She is stuck.
When she leaves the space ship, the Sents (humans) are there trying to figure out what happened (the ship has a protection that turns it invisible from human eyes)
But the Sents don’t believe she was just out and about in the same spot they saw the strange light/crash – They searched her pack and got into her food and medicine – leaving her with nothing left.
The Story is also told from (Aix) her brother’s POV – He is her younger brother and cares a lot about his sister. When he finds out at dinner from his grandfather that EBN is missing and hasn’t contacted them. He gets worried. And tries to communicate with his sister through their bond – She hears him, but she doesn’t respond. There is a lot going on between the Grandfather and Parents, and Aix wants to know what is happening, and why no one will talk to him.
Back on Erox (Earth) EBN struggles with an infected cut on her knee . it hurts, a LOT and she has trouble trying to get around. She manages to find her way to a grocery store and buys some bandages and ointment to help heal her scrapes/cuts.
She meets a handicapped little girl, and feels bad for her. She touches the girl and a miracle happens… she is no longer handicapped!
Word gets around and soon people are lined up around her trailer and she begins helping these Sents (humans) And it wears her down. She meets Shale. He seems like a great guy to have as a friend.
She sneaks off to her space ship and does what she can to fix it. She wants to go home. She doesn’t know what she is suppose to do on Erox, and she’s scared that no one will find her.
She does find some medicine to help heal her, and some food which helps her build her strength back up.
This book is an awesome Science fiction book, it has a strong message about helping out with keeping Earth clean. They also has a strong bond between brother and sister that I really love.
This is a great book for the tween/young adults. I’m going to recommend this book to both 12 year old daughter and my 14 year old son:)
July 26, 2011
For 200 years we've been conquering Nature. Now we're beating it to death. - Tom McMillan, quoted in Francesca Lyman, The Greenhouse Trap, 1990
EBN-Reyoz-X is a Guardian of the Sky. her spaceship crashes on Earth and she injures herself while hiding from the United States Air Force. EBN seeks refuge in a trailer park in Lancaster, California and waits to be rescued. in the interim, she befriends a mute teenage boy and his sister. EBN also discovers that she has the ability to heal the infirmed and terminally ill but not herself. the longer she stays on Earth, though, the closer she is to dying from the planet's polluted air. still she waits but help does not come and it if it does, it may be just too late...
Being is told in three points-of-view but each narration is done seamlessly that the reader does not get confused or lost. there is no difficulty in identifying the speaker and where he or she is. even the use of some alien words are easily understood because they are used in context.
incorporated in the story are interesting musings and statements from an extra-terrestrial's perspective on how man treats his environment and his propensity for wastage and destruction. family dynamics, observance of traditions, friendship, alien technology, intergalactic invasions, bullying, sharing gifts and mentoring can also be found within the pages.
this young adult paranormal romance with a sci-fi edge and more was another surprise read for me. i love everything about this book - the writing, the plot, the worldbuilding and the characters. author T.R. Mousner sure knows how to grab her readers and take them along with her on an unforgettable ride from Earth to the stars and beyond.
Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy of Being from the author herself. i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
EBN-Reyoz-X is a Guardian of the Sky. her spaceship crashes on Earth and she injures herself while hiding from the United States Air Force. EBN seeks refuge in a trailer park in Lancaster, California and waits to be rescued. in the interim, she befriends a mute teenage boy and his sister. EBN also discovers that she has the ability to heal the infirmed and terminally ill but not herself. the longer she stays on Earth, though, the closer she is to dying from the planet's polluted air. still she waits but help does not come and it if it does, it may be just too late...
Being is told in three points-of-view but each narration is done seamlessly that the reader does not get confused or lost. there is no difficulty in identifying the speaker and where he or she is. even the use of some alien words are easily understood because they are used in context.
incorporated in the story are interesting musings and statements from an extra-terrestrial's perspective on how man treats his environment and his propensity for wastage and destruction. family dynamics, observance of traditions, friendship, alien technology, intergalactic invasions, bullying, sharing gifts and mentoring can also be found within the pages.
this young adult paranormal romance with a sci-fi edge and more was another surprise read for me. i love everything about this book - the writing, the plot, the worldbuilding and the characters. author T.R. Mousner sure knows how to grab her readers and take them along with her on an unforgettable ride from Earth to the stars and beyond.
Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy of Being from the author herself. i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
May 27, 2011
~May have slight spoilers~
I absolutely loved this book!!
I do not think I have ever read a Young Adult book about extraterrestrial's, and I have to say that it amazed me.
EBN was very, I want to say mature. She reminded me of a very sophisticated woman but then she had the appearance of an eighteen year old.
Also, another thing I really loved was seeing things from Aix, her little brother's point of view. Through him we get to see his and EBN's world, which intrigued me to no-end! Especially with all the political stuff with their family going on.
Shale, I think really represents the good in human kind, which EBN knew nothing of when she got to Earth or Erox.
The book is told from all three of their POV. Having so many POV's is-- I think-- hard for some authors to pull off, but T.R. Mousner really pulls it off as it flows from one to the other without a glitch!
The plot of the book was so engaging I was hardly aware of the book going by so fast!! It has some really good attention-grabbing, exciting scenes as well as very good character development. You can hardly tell it is planned development-- it flows very naturally, as does the whole book.
It really leaves one wanting for more. I can not wait for more from this author and to find out what happens with EBN, Aix and Shale next!!
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an excellent one-day read and loves Young Adult novels.
*I received an Ebook copy of this book for free to review from the author.
March 24, 2011
Being is a diffrent take on Scifi and YA. EBN is a being from another planet who crash lands in california. After a few frightening moments with the military, she ends up in a trailer park. The story follows EBNs few months on Erox (earth) and it also follows Shale ( the mute boy she befriends) and Aix (her brother) POV as well. It is a well written book and great for any age as it also teaches us.
I loved EBN and her brave, attitude. While on Erox, wherever she walks she sprouts flowers and she also has the ability to heal, instead of hiding it she helpls the Sents (humans) even though she is
injured and it goes against her orders. This shows a maturity and courage that is respectable. Shale was also a good character, he is a wimpy, mute kid but also very sweet and kind. He matures during the book and stands up to his bullys and i rooted for him througout the entire thing. I couldnt find a person i did not like in this book except for Tommy, the bully but thats a given.
We also get to learn of EBNs home planet through Aixs eyes, thier customs, The Way and how they live day to day. The author spins a wonderful imagrey of both thier homeplanet and Earth, not going intno humdrum descriptions or long winded paragraphs.
The ending leaves you wondering if there will be a sequel, i sincerly hope so! I want to learn more about the Adelians, Nandreens, and thier culture, but also find out what happens to everyone. If you want a YA or scifi novel that does not follow the conventional traditions, then Being is one you should not pass up.
I loved EBN and her brave, attitude. While on Erox, wherever she walks she sprouts flowers and she also has the ability to heal, instead of hiding it she helpls the Sents (humans) even though she is
injured and it goes against her orders. This shows a maturity and courage that is respectable. Shale was also a good character, he is a wimpy, mute kid but also very sweet and kind. He matures during the book and stands up to his bullys and i rooted for him througout the entire thing. I couldnt find a person i did not like in this book except for Tommy, the bully but thats a given.
We also get to learn of EBNs home planet through Aixs eyes, thier customs, The Way and how they live day to day. The author spins a wonderful imagrey of both thier homeplanet and Earth, not going intno humdrum descriptions or long winded paragraphs.
The ending leaves you wondering if there will be a sequel, i sincerly hope so! I want to learn more about the Adelians, Nandreens, and thier culture, but also find out what happens to everyone. If you want a YA or scifi novel that does not follow the conventional traditions, then Being is one you should not pass up.
June 1, 2011
Full review is available at my Blog: http://killie-booktalk.blogspot.com
"Being" is T.R. Mousner's debut YA novel and I managed to get a copy through a blog giveaway that I won. I have to admit I had never heard of it before, however as Sci-Fi is my staple and the synopsis interested me I was pretty happy when I won. The novel turned out to be an enjoyable Sci-Fi adventure with an underlying message regarding how we treat our planet and each other.
The book was well written and I was quite surprised when I read the last page and realised I had spent nearly the whole day glued to its pages!! The whole thing flows very naturally and this was probably why I got so engrossed. I enjoyed the way that the author used the three characters to tell the story from different viewpoints as this enabled us to slowly learn about the characters and what they really were about.
To summarise, I think that this book is a superb read; T.R. Mousner creates her scenes wonderfully and really pulls you in. It is filled with interesting characters and I think the story will appeal to both those who love of Sci-Fi and those who tend to stay away.
"Being" is T.R. Mousner's debut YA novel and I managed to get a copy through a blog giveaway that I won. I have to admit I had never heard of it before, however as Sci-Fi is my staple and the synopsis interested me I was pretty happy when I won. The novel turned out to be an enjoyable Sci-Fi adventure with an underlying message regarding how we treat our planet and each other.
The book was well written and I was quite surprised when I read the last page and realised I had spent nearly the whole day glued to its pages!! The whole thing flows very naturally and this was probably why I got so engrossed. I enjoyed the way that the author used the three characters to tell the story from different viewpoints as this enabled us to slowly learn about the characters and what they really were about.
To summarise, I think that this book is a superb read; T.R. Mousner creates her scenes wonderfully and really pulls you in. It is filled with interesting characters and I think the story will appeal to both those who love of Sci-Fi and those who tend to stay away.
May 12, 2011
Scifi is not at the top of my list, but Being sure helps move it up some. T.R. tells a new tale about Aliens that you get transported to immediately. The book is set in more than one POV but T.R. does a great job at writing them, so you never feel like you missed out or don't follow what is going on. As far as the ending, she left it so there could possibly be a sequel to follow Being. I think what is great about Being is the message within the story.
EBN is a young female alien that has been stranded on our planet. She is waiting to be rescued by her people. The problem is she doesnt really blend in to well. Its hard to blend in when you leave beautiful flowers in your wake. She begins to feel emotions for the boy next door. EBN though has to finally end up trying to save herself because the Air Force has discovered her and her abilities. Will she be able to escape our planet. Read this debut novel, you will enjoy that its new and different. I hope you also figure out the wonderful message in the book, Keeping Earth clean. Now enjoy trying to figure out certain events and why they happen, i know I did. T.R. Mousner is a author I will be keeping up with and all her new works.
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
EBN is a young female alien that has been stranded on our planet. She is waiting to be rescued by her people. The problem is she doesnt really blend in to well. Its hard to blend in when you leave beautiful flowers in your wake. She begins to feel emotions for the boy next door. EBN though has to finally end up trying to save herself because the Air Force has discovered her and her abilities. Will she be able to escape our planet. Read this debut novel, you will enjoy that its new and different. I hope you also figure out the wonderful message in the book, Keeping Earth clean. Now enjoy trying to figure out certain events and why they happen, i know I did. T.R. Mousner is a author I will be keeping up with and all her new works.
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
June 30, 2011
I wasn't sure what to expect from "Being." Science fiction is not one of my favorite genre as they do tend to lean strongly on the Star Trekky feel which I can't stand. Mousner keeps the plot fresh and exciting giving non sci-fi lovers a taste of science fiction.
EBN is a fantastic character. She's super courageous and brave like you wouldn't believe. Put aside the fact that she's from another planet. EBN has the power to heal too.Honestly, I'd like to see more characters with her qualities in YA.
Overall, Mousner's writing style is amazing making for a fast paced enjoyable read. She creates a vivid image for the reader as if you were a character yourself. Who wouldn't enjoy reading a book like that? This is the perfect book for readers who haven't taken the sci-fi plunge. Readers that enjoyed Gini Koch's Touch By An Alien or Stephenie Meyer's The Host will really enjoy were Being takes you. I only want one thing, more of EBN.
EBN is a fantastic character. She's super courageous and brave like you wouldn't believe. Put aside the fact that she's from another planet. EBN has the power to heal too.Honestly, I'd like to see more characters with her qualities in YA.
Overall, Mousner's writing style is amazing making for a fast paced enjoyable read. She creates a vivid image for the reader as if you were a character yourself. Who wouldn't enjoy reading a book like that? This is the perfect book for readers who haven't taken the sci-fi plunge. Readers that enjoyed Gini Koch's Touch By An Alien or Stephenie Meyer's The Host will really enjoy were Being takes you. I only want one thing, more of EBN.
June 29, 2011
EBN...i LOVE you!!! This book was just amazing; I loved the characters...Shale, my goodness, I just want to put that boy in my pocket. I loved the alternating point of views between EBN while on Erox (planet Earth) and her little brother Aix whil on their home planet of Pharallax. The story was beautifully written and you get such a good feel for the surroundings and visuals of the planet of Pharallax and how things are in Lancaster, California. The healing powers EBN had and the relationship she built with Shale and Harmony were amazing and I loved how Shale came around and kicked some ass when he really needed to. I laughed, I cried and now I'm dying for more. I can't wait for the sequel!!!!
April 13, 2011
T.R. Mousner has a way of pulling you into a scene so that you are seeing the environment through the characters eyes. The picture that Mousner paints is very clear and beautiful. I really admire her style of writing.
The story has 3 POV’s which can get really confusing if not written well but you will have no difficulties following along with the story line which follows EBN, Shale and Aix.
The novel also has a strong message attached sort of a warning to us to start appreciating our planet and our fellow humans or we can be on a path to destruction.
This novel will appeal to those who enjoy paranormal YA fiction with an emphasis on interplanetary travel.
The story has 3 POV’s which can get really confusing if not written well but you will have no difficulties following along with the story line which follows EBN, Shale and Aix.
The novel also has a strong message attached sort of a warning to us to start appreciating our planet and our fellow humans or we can be on a path to destruction.
This novel will appeal to those who enjoy paranormal YA fiction with an emphasis on interplanetary travel.
May 4, 2011
This book will suck you in with all the great characters and flowing plot. I did not want to put this book down and hate that it took me so long to pick it up. You will not be disappointed what so ever.
I liked the book for the characters. I also like the hidden message with in so to speak to really start taking care of our planet more then we do now. You won't get lost in the storyline you will be able to keep up with all the different things going on.
The author does a tremendous job and will be looking for more books from her.
I liked the book for the characters. I also like the hidden message with in so to speak to really start taking care of our planet more then we do now. You won't get lost in the storyline you will be able to keep up with all the different things going on.
The author does a tremendous job and will be looking for more books from her.
Currently reading
April 26, 2011*NOTE: I'm hosting a Virtual Book Tour for this author and "Being" on my blog: http://abookishlibraria.blogspot.com "TheBookishDameReviews"
please check in with me on my blog the first week of May for details!
Deborah
please check in with me on my blog the first week of May for details!
Deborah
June 9, 2011
Review coming soon!
August 30, 2011
AWESOME~!
September 8, 2012
If you are looking for a book that takes you on a visually stunning ride then click on the buy now and stop reading this review. If you however are looking for a book that will contain finely developed characters, a rich and flowing plot line and an ending that both satisfies and keeps you wanting more, then stop reading this review and click buy now. Still reading the review, buy this book and you will get all of the above. What are you waiting for buy it now.
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