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Lost Road Chronicles #1
Down a Lost Road
Every family has its secrets.
For 16-year-old Merelin Lindon, the only secret her family ever had was the reason behind her father's mysterious disappearance, four years ago. But when an old family friend gives her a small, strange metal circle that once belonged to her father, Merelin discovers just how deep the family secrets run. Without any warning, she finds herself swept into a foreign world mysteriously linked to Earth's mythical past — a world with no remembrance of its own history, tottering on the brink of a devestating war with an enemy it cannot recall.
As Merelin begins to understand her own place in this world, she learns that her father may have held the key to unraveling all the mysteries. With the help of a fascinating and sometimes infuriating young man named Yatol, she chooses to hazard everything, to suffer things she never imagined, in a foolhardy quest to rescue her father and save his people.
But it may cost her more than she can imagine...
For 16-year-old Merelin Lindon, the only secret her family ever had was the reason behind her father's mysterious disappearance, four years ago. But when an old family friend gives her a small, strange metal circle that once belonged to her father, Merelin discovers just how deep the family secrets run. Without any warning, she finds herself swept into a foreign world mysteriously linked to Earth's mythical past — a world with no remembrance of its own history, tottering on the brink of a devestating war with an enemy it cannot recall.
As Merelin begins to understand her own place in this world, she learns that her father may have held the key to unraveling all the mysteries. With the help of a fascinating and sometimes infuriating young man named Yatol, she chooses to hazard everything, to suffer things she never imagined, in a foolhardy quest to rescue her father and save his people.
But it may cost her more than she can imagine...
332 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
56 people are currently reading
1494 people want to read
About the author
J. Leigh Bralick
14 books155 followersJ. Leigh Bralick is a fantasy author by day and an RN by night...or vice versa, depending on the day. She originally got her bachelor's in medieval history and MA in political philosophy, but decided on a career change when she realized she didn't want to teach, and no one was going to pay her exorbitant sums of money to use her learning to invent fantasy worlds. (She still holds out hope on that score, however.)
After growing up all around the country as a military brat, she now lives in Dallas, TX with a crazy menagerie of animals and more books than she legitimately has space for. When she isn't writing or working, she enjoys ballet and Krav Maga, hiking, and sharing gory ER stories with her friends.
Find her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jleighbralick
After growing up all around the country as a military brat, she now lives in Dallas, TX with a crazy menagerie of animals and more books than she legitimately has space for. When she isn't writing or working, she enjoys ballet and Krav Maga, hiking, and sharing gory ER stories with her friends.
Find her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jleighbralick
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
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April 23, 2018Y'all know I don't review my own books, but if you want to know a little bit about why I came out with the Extended Edition of DaLR, pull up a chair, grab some coffee, and let's chat.
First of all - if you're wondering, "Gosh, is this just the original DALR with each chapter followed by a retelling of the same events from Yatol's perspective?" No. No, no, no, not a bit. UGH no. LOL If you've read the original, then rest assured, the Yatol chapters are all fresh material. If you haven't read the original, then don't worry. It's a true dual POV book.
Second of all - if you're wondering, "Ok, that's cool, but...why?" Well, because Merelin's POV is necessarily restricted. She can only narrate to the reader what she herself knows. And since she knows next to nothing about Arah Byen, its history and conflicts, etc. in the beginning, but finds out these things gradually during her time there, I wanted to give readers something more. So, having a POV character who is from Arah Byen opens up all kinds of opportunities and really brings the world and its characters to life in a richer way.
And finally - if you're now wondering, "Ok, that's legit, and kinda freaking cool, but why didn't you just write it that way in the beginning?" Ahhhh...that question. Basically because it hadn't even occurred to me that I could until I started writing the Madness Method series. DaLR was my first book, and honestly, I've learned a TON since I first wrote it. I didn't want to replace the original — there are people who really love it. But Yatol is a fascinating character, and I wanted to give readers the option to experience the story through his POV too.
So there ya have it! :) The official explanation for why the "Director's Cut" or Extended Edition exists. ;-)
First of all - if you're wondering, "Gosh, is this just the original DALR with each chapter followed by a retelling of the same events from Yatol's perspective?" No. No, no, no, not a bit. UGH no. LOL If you've read the original, then rest assured, the Yatol chapters are all fresh material. If you haven't read the original, then don't worry. It's a true dual POV book.
Second of all - if you're wondering, "Ok, that's cool, but...why?" Well, because Merelin's POV is necessarily restricted. She can only narrate to the reader what she herself knows. And since she knows next to nothing about Arah Byen, its history and conflicts, etc. in the beginning, but finds out these things gradually during her time there, I wanted to give readers something more. So, having a POV character who is from Arah Byen opens up all kinds of opportunities and really brings the world and its characters to life in a richer way.
And finally - if you're now wondering, "Ok, that's legit, and kinda freaking cool, but why didn't you just write it that way in the beginning?" Ahhhh...that question. Basically because it hadn't even occurred to me that I could until I started writing the Madness Method series. DaLR was my first book, and honestly, I've learned a TON since I first wrote it. I didn't want to replace the original — there are people who really love it. But Yatol is a fascinating character, and I wanted to give readers the option to experience the story through his POV too.
So there ya have it! :) The official explanation for why the "Director's Cut" or Extended Edition exists. ;-)
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November 24, 20182017 UPDATE
You all know that I don't review my own books, but I'm updating my "review" to make an announcement... In a few short weeks, I will be releasing the Extended Edition of DaLR, and along with that, I will be releasing a revised version of the original DaLR. The ending is significantly changed, and the whole book has gotten a style update, but I believe the heart of the story is still the same. I am super excited to share the new version with you!
If you haven't read the book yet, you might want to wait for the new version to come out. If you have read it...I can't wait for you to reread the new version or dive into the Extended Edition! You don't have to read the original version to read the EE, though! It's totally self-contained. Same story + MORE YATOL. :D
* * * * * *
I can't rate or review my own book! But I have read it. Many, many times. :)
You all know that I don't review my own books, but I'm updating my "review" to make an announcement... In a few short weeks, I will be releasing the Extended Edition of DaLR, and along with that, I will be releasing a revised version of the original DaLR. The ending is significantly changed, and the whole book has gotten a style update, but I believe the heart of the story is still the same. I am super excited to share the new version with you!
If you haven't read the book yet, you might want to wait for the new version to come out. If you have read it...I can't wait for you to reread the new version or dive into the Extended Edition! You don't have to read the original version to read the EE, though! It's totally self-contained. Same story + MORE YATOL. :D
* * * * * *
I can't rate or review my own book! But I have read it. Many, many times. :)
February 10, 2021
Very enjoyable
This gripped me from the start and remained hard to put down.
The author's influences are plain to see, but there's no shame in that. Having read the extended edition, it's hard to see how this could have worked without Yatol's point of view - sort of like when you watch the extended editions of The Lord of the Rings and can't find what could have been cut out.
Looking forward to reading the second book which I just bought!
This gripped me from the start and remained hard to put down.
The author's influences are plain to see, but there's no shame in that. Having read the extended edition, it's hard to see how this could have worked without Yatol's point of view - sort of like when you watch the extended editions of The Lord of the Rings and can't find what could have been cut out.
Looking forward to reading the second book which I just bought!
February 12, 2019
I enjoyed this book’s exciting storyline, surprisingly funny moments, sweet romance, and skillful writing style! I’m looking forward to continuing Merelin’s story in the next 2 books. :)
May 4, 2014
In brutal honesty I tried to finish this book simply because I didn't want to get in the habit of writing reviews for incomplete reads. Okay fine, I might have wanted to see what happens with Yatol, either way, it was a struggle and after putting it down too many times finally I just couldn't bring myself to pick it up again.
I really don't want to write bad reviews as honestly, it makes me feel ridiculously mean but I can't pretend I loved it if I didn't and the fact I couldn't force myself to finish it speaks volumes for me. Down a Lost Road by J. Leigh Bralick, is a book I feel I should have liked, but something about it just didn't click for me. It didn't suck me in straight away and as more chapters went by I found myself growing less and less invested, in the story and the characters. The only character I was remotely interested in was Yatol. He has the potential to be an amazing character, the few moments he was involved he was a complete badass yet it didn't feel like the author used him enough and I'm sorry but Merelin just wasn't interesting enough a character in my opinion to keep me interested in the moments she went solo.
This will hopefully be the last incomplete read I post a review for and I wish I could give a better opinion. I got 3/4 of the way through the book and that still wasn't enough to make me continue, if you give it a go hopefully you enjoy it more than I did but I wish I hadn't bothered.
I really don't want to write bad reviews as honestly, it makes me feel ridiculously mean but I can't pretend I loved it if I didn't and the fact I couldn't force myself to finish it speaks volumes for me. Down a Lost Road by J. Leigh Bralick, is a book I feel I should have liked, but something about it just didn't click for me. It didn't suck me in straight away and as more chapters went by I found myself growing less and less invested, in the story and the characters. The only character I was remotely interested in was Yatol. He has the potential to be an amazing character, the few moments he was involved he was a complete badass yet it didn't feel like the author used him enough and I'm sorry but Merelin just wasn't interesting enough a character in my opinion to keep me interested in the moments she went solo.
This will hopefully be the last incomplete read I post a review for and I wish I could give a better opinion. I got 3/4 of the way through the book and that still wasn't enough to make me continue, if you give it a go hopefully you enjoy it more than I did but I wish I hadn't bothered.
August 3, 2016
This books was definitely a quick easy read and I found that every time I went to set it down, I couldn't and had to pick it right back up to read more! Yatol was such a strong and well rounded character, but i'm not sure that I felt the same way about Merelin. I felt as though she was always rushing from one emotion right into the other, which was sometimes hard to keep up with or comprehend what she was thinking. I absolutely loved the world that J Liegh created! I love how it was inter weaved with myths that we've all heard about. I have to say that there were a few parts where it moved too fast that I wasn't sure what was going on at the moment.. I experienced this in the very first chapter and a little towards the end. But I think the reason I was confused with the first chapter is because the author jumped right into the meat of the story and then brought the descriptions, setting, back story and all of that in as she went along. It was something that i'm not at all used to, but something that I actually really liked because of how different it was. You definitely will want to read the next book... i'm on the edge of my seat now, wanting to know what happens next!
August 21, 2017
Full disclosure: I read and loved this series way back when it first came out. Serendipitously, I got to meet this author and so when she said she was going to be doing a special edition, you better believe I said yes, I want a sneak preview!
So what makes this special? Instead of just following along with Merelin's adventure, we now get Yatol's POV as well. Immediately I was intrigued, but then I worried that the mystery surrounding his character would somehow be diminished if we could crawl into his headspace. I really should have known better. Yatol is just as elusive with us as he is with Merelin and it works. Oh boy does it work.
The story itself is one of those adventures that packs so much into each word, even when the characters are doing something so innocuous as sitting around a campfire having a conversation. I found myself saying "just one more chapter" way more than I should have, and I have to admit that despite having read this whole series and knowing how it ends, I had tears as I read much of the last 10%.
I can't recommend this book enough and I cannot wait until the next two extended editions come out.
So what makes this special? Instead of just following along with Merelin's adventure, we now get Yatol's POV as well. Immediately I was intrigued, but then I worried that the mystery surrounding his character would somehow be diminished if we could crawl into his headspace. I really should have known better. Yatol is just as elusive with us as he is with Merelin and it works. Oh boy does it work.
The story itself is one of those adventures that packs so much into each word, even when the characters are doing something so innocuous as sitting around a campfire having a conversation. I found myself saying "just one more chapter" way more than I should have, and I have to admit that despite having read this whole series and knowing how it ends, I had tears as I read much of the last 10%.
I can't recommend this book enough and I cannot wait until the next two extended editions come out.
December 19, 2011
Did not finish.
It wasn't badly written, it just wasn't to my taste.
It wasn't badly written, it just wasn't to my taste.
March 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. In some ways, (good ways) it reminded me of Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle In Time. I felt the same sense of wonder that there might be more to the world than I'd imagined, and that hasn't happened for a long time.
Merelin is a wonderful heroine feisty and fearful by turns, and not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve. Yatol, on the other hand, plays his cards close to his chest. The relationship between the two is not a given, not at first, and it's enjoyable watching it grow.
I'm looking forward to the next installments of the series and watching Merelin grow up.
Merelin is a wonderful heroine feisty and fearful by turns, and not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve. Yatol, on the other hand, plays his cards close to his chest. The relationship between the two is not a given, not at first, and it's enjoyable watching it grow.
I'm looking forward to the next installments of the series and watching Merelin grow up.
June 18, 2023
Wow! What a ride! Exceptional blend of mythical and fantasy! Rich characters that push through obstacles and discovering who they are meant to be! I really enjoyed following Merelin on her journey from a small, sleepy Texas town to a new world full of danger and mystery. She thought her life was boring but boy did it change quickly! This story had amazing characters and epic scenes, a page turner for sure. J. Leigh Bralick does a great job at introducing just enough information to keep readers engaged and hanging on every word.
So glad I found this author at FanExpo! I will be foresure reaching out to order the next book!
"Live inspired.... with a touch of madness"
So glad I found this author at FanExpo! I will be foresure reaching out to order the next book!
"Live inspired.... with a touch of madness"
April 19, 2021
Incredible!
This book is a proper epic! Fantastic story, some characters that are likeable, others hateable, battles, a life debt, heroes, really creepy villains. What a great imagination this author has. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book so much. Absolutely wonderful!
This book is a proper epic! Fantastic story, some characters that are likeable, others hateable, battles, a life debt, heroes, really creepy villains. What a great imagination this author has. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book so much. Absolutely wonderful!
July 31, 2017
loved this fantasy world
September 27, 2017
This was a YA book which is not my usual fare. It wasn't bad but I wouldn't choose to read more in the series
December 2, 2019
This book is really fantastic.
June 27, 2020
Great fantasy read! Such a cool world you get immersed into!
October 24, 2021
I liked this story very much.
September 30, 2012
This really is 3.5 stars...if I was able to give a 1/2 star.
What a world, what a world! J. Bralick portrays such a vivid, imaginative world that is easy to visualize. The characters are memorable, believable, lovable, hatable (is that a word?), and strong. The writing is very, very good, descriptive without being over-bearing.
The male characters are just so...male. The female character (really, there's only one to speak of through most of it), is both weak and strong. Strong politics, though maybe just a tad reminiscent of Lord of the Rings. Great, unexpected ending.
So as much as I loved this book, you may be wondering why only 3.5 stars and not 4. Let me tell you.
First, and this is really just my opinion, the names were hard to master. I spent much of the first part of the book struggling with names rather than paying attention to the story. It's me, not you, and I know some of you may be saying...yeah? so? Some people love that...I don't, personally. So this, really, is a little thing. Not worth down-grading a 1/2 star.
Merelin seemed to spend a lot of time passing out or crying. Total girl. Yuck.
I thought I was going to swoon over her brother...the first chapter set him as cool and languid, like a tall drink of water...but that magic didn't carry though the whole book. He ended up being pretty ordinary.
What bothered me the most is that I felt like I went through most of the book in a fog. I finished the book, and I still have no clue what Merelin's gift is. I mean, and here's the foggy part, she'd be doing something, end somewhere else after blacking out, not knowing what she did. I'm really, really not sure what she was doing, why she was so important, or what she contributed to the mission. Maybe it's just me being obtuse. Maybe I just didn't get it.
Despite this, I really am going to get the next book and continue the journey.
What a world, what a world! J. Bralick portrays such a vivid, imaginative world that is easy to visualize. The characters are memorable, believable, lovable, hatable (is that a word?), and strong. The writing is very, very good, descriptive without being over-bearing.
The male characters are just so...male. The female character (really, there's only one to speak of through most of it), is both weak and strong. Strong politics, though maybe just a tad reminiscent of Lord of the Rings. Great, unexpected ending.
So as much as I loved this book, you may be wondering why only 3.5 stars and not 4. Let me tell you.
First, and this is really just my opinion, the names were hard to master. I spent much of the first part of the book struggling with names rather than paying attention to the story. It's me, not you, and I know some of you may be saying...yeah? so? Some people love that...I don't, personally. So this, really, is a little thing. Not worth down-grading a 1/2 star.
Merelin seemed to spend a lot of time passing out or crying. Total girl. Yuck.
I thought I was going to swoon over her brother...the first chapter set him as cool and languid, like a tall drink of water...but that magic didn't carry though the whole book. He ended up being pretty ordinary.
What bothered me the most is that I felt like I went through most of the book in a fog. I finished the book, and I still have no clue what Merelin's gift is. I mean, and here's the foggy part, she'd be doing something, end somewhere else after blacking out, not knowing what she did. I'm really, really not sure what she was doing, why she was so important, or what she contributed to the mission. Maybe it's just me being obtuse. Maybe I just didn't get it.
Despite this, I really am going to get the next book and continue the journey.
December 29, 2015
#1 Lost Road Chronicles
This was a hard book for me to review. There were parts I certainly liked, and parts where I really felt lost. Lost in: like I get like I had skipped pages, but I knew I hadn't. I never like stories where characters are introduced and then disappear without explanations, this happened three times in the story and it really bothered me. I'd rather be dropped down in the middle of something (which I sort of was, but then it didn't play out that way;) and then progress from there.
The characters were pretty likable, especially Aniira and Yatol. As I was reading this book I was thinking, in the beginning, I might have really liked this as a YA, but as the book progressed, I changed m mind and thought I would have felt lost reading this as a teen. So, I'm not sure who the actually audience this story is intended for.
There were scenes that were really well written in the book. Especially when there was action going on, but other times I felt it was more filler than substance. I would say this us a high two star book. If it would have cut the laggy scenes out, yes the book would have been not so long, but it would have read a lot tighter.
Finally, I read the the next book's "Sneak Peak" at the end of the story and I did not like at all where the author takes this story in the second book. It seems like she introduces characters that where not in the first one and a guy who is attached to Merelin that feels almost stalkerish to me. Yuck. Reading that story snippet made me think that this book looked like a four star compared to that second book's beginning. It did not hook me in any way; the characters do not excite me either. But, at least, it did make me feel not so guilty that I won't be reading the next books in the series.
High two star.
This was a hard book for me to review. There were parts I certainly liked, and parts where I really felt lost. Lost in: like I get like I had skipped pages, but I knew I hadn't. I never like stories where characters are introduced and then disappear without explanations, this happened three times in the story and it really bothered me. I'd rather be dropped down in the middle of something (which I sort of was, but then it didn't play out that way;) and then progress from there.
The characters were pretty likable, especially Aniira and Yatol. As I was reading this book I was thinking, in the beginning, I might have really liked this as a YA, but as the book progressed, I changed m mind and thought I would have felt lost reading this as a teen. So, I'm not sure who the actually audience this story is intended for.
There were scenes that were really well written in the book. Especially when there was action going on, but other times I felt it was more filler than substance. I would say this us a high two star book. If it would have cut the laggy scenes out, yes the book would have been not so long, but it would have read a lot tighter.
Finally, I read the the next book's "Sneak Peak" at the end of the story and I did not like at all where the author takes this story in the second book. It seems like she introduces characters that where not in the first one and a guy who is attached to Merelin that feels almost stalkerish to me. Yuck. Reading that story snippet made me think that this book looked like a four star compared to that second book's beginning. It did not hook me in any way; the characters do not excite me either. But, at least, it did make me feel not so guilty that I won't be reading the next books in the series.
High two star.
September 1, 2012
I have so many good things to say!!
First of all, I like the the cover. It betrays little or nothing of what actually happens in the book. So, for those of you who judge a book by its cover--don't do that for this one!
On to the actual book. Through the whole beginning, I kept thinking "This is pulling me in with so many questions! It's so intriguing!" I like the way you kind of make it mysterious at the beginning, building up to the entrance into Arah Byen. It's still mysterious after this first build, but the main build was in the beginning.
The story was well written and worth reading. It was a very different idea from what I usually read, but I liked the new idea. It was different. No more VAMPIRES or WEREWOLVES when you can have UNGULIONS! I hope you illuminate more on your second novel about the Ungulions. Let us learn more about them!
I also hope you explain more about Pyelthan. That was one thing that was nagging me, saying: "what was Pyelthan and what did it have to do with everything?" Again, the idea intrigues, but my natural instinct is I want to know more! I'd also like to know more about Arah Byen, but thast one wasn't nagging me as much.
Reading the Sneak Peek chapters really urged to read book 2 and when I can get my hands on it, I will read it!
Overall, WONDERFUL book! Totally worth reading, and I can't wait to read more of your writing! I would suggest this to anyone who would listen!
First of all, I like the the cover. It betrays little or nothing of what actually happens in the book. So, for those of you who judge a book by its cover--don't do that for this one!
On to the actual book. Through the whole beginning, I kept thinking "This is pulling me in with so many questions! It's so intriguing!" I like the way you kind of make it mysterious at the beginning, building up to the entrance into Arah Byen. It's still mysterious after this first build, but the main build was in the beginning.
The story was well written and worth reading. It was a very different idea from what I usually read, but I liked the new idea. It was different. No more VAMPIRES or WEREWOLVES when you can have UNGULIONS! I hope you illuminate more on your second novel about the Ungulions. Let us learn more about them!
I also hope you explain more about Pyelthan. That was one thing that was nagging me, saying: "what was Pyelthan and what did it have to do with everything?" Again, the idea intrigues, but my natural instinct is I want to know more! I'd also like to know more about Arah Byen, but thast one wasn't nagging me as much.
Reading the Sneak Peek chapters really urged to read book 2 and when I can get my hands on it, I will read it!
Overall, WONDERFUL book! Totally worth reading, and I can't wait to read more of your writing! I would suggest this to anyone who would listen!
October 27, 2015
I was provided a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book. The story weaving was nice, the character revelations were done mostly through show rather than tell, and the plot was original, yet connected to familiar and favorite classical mythologies - especially Tolkien's. I enjoyed the level of action and the interpersonal relationships that were developed in the story, and while there is an opportunity for a love interest, it certainly does not take center stage and
The only real critiques I would have for this book are these: the pacing is somewhat difficult to follow. While in certain parts of the story even the characters cannot or do not distinguish day from night, as the reader I felt kind of shiftless during certain parts of the story due to the lack of time cues. Also, there are some places in the dialogue where the smoothness of the story-weaving starts to feel choppy, because of unfinished sentences that didn't enrich the story by not being completed...if that makes any sense... and there is one revelatory passage in the book when mythologies are discussed that the wording is a bit confusing and difficult to follow.
Overall, this mythologically rich fantasy story was a delight to read and left me wanting more, which is oh so important in a trilogy.
I really liked this book. The story weaving was nice, the character revelations were done mostly through show rather than tell, and the plot was original, yet connected to familiar and favorite classical mythologies - especially Tolkien's. I enjoyed the level of action and the interpersonal relationships that were developed in the story, and while there is an opportunity for a love interest, it certainly does not take center stage and
The only real critiques I would have for this book are these: the pacing is somewhat difficult to follow. While in certain parts of the story even the characters cannot or do not distinguish day from night, as the reader I felt kind of shiftless during certain parts of the story due to the lack of time cues. Also, there are some places in the dialogue where the smoothness of the story-weaving starts to feel choppy, because of unfinished sentences that didn't enrich the story by not being completed...if that makes any sense... and there is one revelatory passage in the book when mythologies are discussed that the wording is a bit confusing and difficult to follow.
Overall, this mythologically rich fantasy story was a delight to read and left me wanting more, which is oh so important in a trilogy.
May 12, 2011
This book made me really rethink what a forest can be. That's my favorite part of the book actually. I liked the idea of the clinging grasses too.
I was fascinated by the idea of trees forming a dwelling. It left me wondering how long it took to grow and if the current inhabitant was the one who grew it. I was also curious to know if it was a common practice there.
What made this difficult for me to read was my inability to connect to the protagonist. Merelin has older siblings and a twin brother. I'm the firstborn and have one younger sister. Her interactions with her family felt foreign to me as a result. When I was the heroine's age I was also very different personality-wise. Most of the things she does wouldn't have crossed my mind. This I could have overlooked easily if there had been a character I could empathize with that stuck around.
The brethren reminded me a lot of angels. Too much for my taste as I am not a very fond of the religion. However, if you have the opposite view of it than I do you might like this a lot better than I did.
Something that left me unsatisfied:
I won't re-read the book but I really want to read the next one! From the preview I think I'll like it much better. While this one isn't one of my favorites I certainly feel the sequel might be.
I was fascinated by the idea of trees forming a dwelling. It left me wondering how long it took to grow and if the current inhabitant was the one who grew it. I was also curious to know if it was a common practice there.
What made this difficult for me to read was my inability to connect to the protagonist. Merelin has older siblings and a twin brother. I'm the firstborn and have one younger sister. Her interactions with her family felt foreign to me as a result. When I was the heroine's age I was also very different personality-wise. Most of the things she does wouldn't have crossed my mind. This I could have overlooked easily if there had been a character I could empathize with that stuck around.
The brethren reminded me a lot of angels. Too much for my taste as I am not a very fond of the religion. However, if you have the opposite view of it than I do you might like this a lot better than I did.
Something that left me unsatisfied:
I won't re-read the book but I really want to read the next one! From the preview I think I'll like it much better. While this one isn't one of my favorites I certainly feel the sequel might be.
May 16, 2013
Wow. This book got worse and worse. At first it was just a few problems (scanty explanations and frequent fainting spells). Then more (skipping around, skipping explanations, confusing dialogue). Then more (shallow characters, shallow world, unrealistic action, poor plotting). Then more (death of a main character).
Scanty explanations? Many of the new vocab words were never explained. The culture had no substance. And there was a total of one female in that other world, and she was pretty and was hated by the MC for being so pretty.
The MC did nothing except walk, faint, get carried, complain, faint, get captured, follow others, faint, ask questions which are not fully answered though she pretends they are, faint, and carry Pyelthan. She doesn't help cook or break camp or take care of the dying or do any washing or hunting. No, she is always too tired or injured.
Details were left out, which made the whole book seem unreal. Oh, Azik holds out his pale hands, but it doesn't say who he holds them toward (Yatol? Damian? Mer?) Footsteps approach, but from above stairs or below? Where do the portals come from? How much of the world is desert? Why does Mer faint all the time? Why does she always need comforted?
The end was stupid, too, but not just because a main character died (he was pretty boring anyway) but HOW he died. I hate unnecessary sacrifices.
Scanty explanations? Many of the new vocab words were never explained. The culture had no substance. And there was a total of one female in that other world, and she was pretty and was hated by the MC for being so pretty.
The MC did nothing except walk, faint, get carried, complain, faint, get captured, follow others, faint, ask questions which are not fully answered though she pretends they are, faint, and carry Pyelthan. She doesn't help cook or break camp or take care of the dying or do any washing or hunting. No, she is always too tired or injured.
Details were left out, which made the whole book seem unreal. Oh, Azik holds out his pale hands, but it doesn't say who he holds them toward (Yatol? Damian? Mer?) Footsteps approach, but from above stairs or below? Where do the portals come from? How much of the world is desert? Why does Mer faint all the time? Why does she always need comforted?
The end was stupid, too, but not just because a main character died (he was pretty boring anyway) but HOW he died. I hate unnecessary sacrifices.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2018
This series has been one of my favorite fantasy series of all time for a while now and I was so excited to learn that an Extended Edition was released. In a time where a lot of fantasy novels have similarities this series is very original. You might think that the new edition is just the same story line but from Yatol's POV but nope, it's all new material, which was really exciting!
This extended edition of DaLR is everything I wanted when first reading the series back in 2012!
Not to say that the first DaLR was lacking, but as you do with so many books, you find yourself wanting to know what the other main character was thinking, how he or she was feeling. And in this extended edition you get that and actually a whole lot more of an insiders view to Arah Byen. No spoilers but you get further insight to the Brethren and a bit more knowledge on how they operate, as well as the relationships between Yatol and Tyhlaur as well as Yatol and Shan (<- which was a wonderful surprise, actually my favorite extra part I gained from this extended edition) The edits made to the last part of the book help the ending move along a bit smoother and make the final impact all the more.. well.. impactful.
If you haven't read the series, you need to!
If you have and are wondering if it's worth the new book, I'd say 100% yes.
This extended edition of DaLR is everything I wanted when first reading the series back in 2012!
Not to say that the first DaLR was lacking, but as you do with so many books, you find yourself wanting to know what the other main character was thinking, how he or she was feeling. And in this extended edition you get that and actually a whole lot more of an insiders view to Arah Byen. No spoilers but you get further insight to the Brethren and a bit more knowledge on how they operate, as well as the relationships between Yatol and Tyhlaur as well as Yatol and Shan (<- which was a wonderful surprise, actually my favorite extra part I gained from this extended edition) The edits made to the last part of the book help the ending move along a bit smoother and make the final impact all the more.. well.. impactful.
If you haven't read the series, you need to!
If you have and are wondering if it's worth the new book, I'd say 100% yes.
June 2, 2013
I liked this book. It's the first in a fantasy series centered around Merelin and her family and their connection with a parallel world to earth. Her father was from this world and came through a portal to earth and was able to go back and forth gaining knowledge to help understand how the two worlds are connected.
Mer's father has been missing for the last four years, and she has no idea about the other world until one day she is taken there. She learns she is part of the race from that world and she starts to try to understand her purpose for being a part of both worlds.
The story is well written and the characters are likeable and interesting, but I thought it took a really long time for anything to happen. I felt like there was so much running in the desert and running away from or to the Ungulion. I also was confused with why the Ungulion wanted the Pyelthan medallion and what it's purpose was in the first place. So even though I liked it, the story was hard for me to stay interested in because it took so long for things to happen, and I guess I wanted less sand and being fatigued. I just wanted to understand Mer's purpose sooner so I could stay invested in her story.
Mer's father has been missing for the last four years, and she has no idea about the other world until one day she is taken there. She learns she is part of the race from that world and she starts to try to understand her purpose for being a part of both worlds.
The story is well written and the characters are likeable and interesting, but I thought it took a really long time for anything to happen. I felt like there was so much running in the desert and running away from or to the Ungulion. I also was confused with why the Ungulion wanted the Pyelthan medallion and what it's purpose was in the first place. So even though I liked it, the story was hard for me to stay interested in because it took so long for things to happen, and I guess I wanted less sand and being fatigued. I just wanted to understand Mer's purpose sooner so I could stay invested in her story.
June 9, 2014
I read all three books in just about one sitting, so my comments take the longer-term view.
I am a HUGE fan of the author's other book, The Madness Project, which you can read my review of on that book. This one, I actually do have to agree with some of the other reviewers that some scenes left me very confused as to what was happening in the books. But the overall story was good and the series is definitely worth a look - especially for books 2 and 3, which improved both the descriptions and the storytelling.
One of the things I loved about this book - and this author's style - is the way she slow burns relationships to the point where you're just dying for them to finally get together. This one was a bit more fantastical than the other two books in the series - I don't think we were three pages in before our hero was yanked into this other world. The world itself was very imaginative, although to be honest, I kind of was confused with a lot of the characters and who they were. As the series went on, each one got their own spotlight and I grew to know them better, but in the first book, there were times that I was confused.
This book could have been a stand-alone novel, but I'm glad there were two more to further explore this world and understand the people in it.
I am a HUGE fan of the author's other book, The Madness Project, which you can read my review of on that book. This one, I actually do have to agree with some of the other reviewers that some scenes left me very confused as to what was happening in the books. But the overall story was good and the series is definitely worth a look - especially for books 2 and 3, which improved both the descriptions and the storytelling.
One of the things I loved about this book - and this author's style - is the way she slow burns relationships to the point where you're just dying for them to finally get together. This one was a bit more fantastical than the other two books in the series - I don't think we were three pages in before our hero was yanked into this other world. The world itself was very imaginative, although to be honest, I kind of was confused with a lot of the characters and who they were. As the series went on, each one got their own spotlight and I grew to know them better, but in the first book, there were times that I was confused.
This book could have been a stand-alone novel, but I'm glad there were two more to further explore this world and understand the people in it.
June 14, 2012
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
All in all, this was a relatively well-written, creative and very descriptive fantasy novel. Ms. Bralick did an excellent job of painting a picture for the reader of the strange and dangerous alternate world that Merelin found herself thrust into.
However, there were some parts that left me in a state of confusion and seemed to serve little purpose. An inordinate amount of time was spent on running through sand dunes and through forests. Many secondary characters suddenly appeared and disappeared with little explanation and little impact on the story. Events jumped around a bit too much for my liking in places as well, leading to a slight mental scratching of my head in an effort to keep the story straight.
I also wished that Merelin had been a stronger character. I didn't expect her to be perfectly flawless and courageous, but I would have liked her to be less prone to crying and fainting so much! :)
The ending was unexpected, sad and fairly well done.
Overall, I liked the book and will definitely read more of Ms. Bralick's work in the future.
All in all, this was a relatively well-written, creative and very descriptive fantasy novel. Ms. Bralick did an excellent job of painting a picture for the reader of the strange and dangerous alternate world that Merelin found herself thrust into.
However, there were some parts that left me in a state of confusion and seemed to serve little purpose. An inordinate amount of time was spent on running through sand dunes and through forests. Many secondary characters suddenly appeared and disappeared with little explanation and little impact on the story. Events jumped around a bit too much for my liking in places as well, leading to a slight mental scratching of my head in an effort to keep the story straight.
I also wished that Merelin had been a stronger character. I didn't expect her to be perfectly flawless and courageous, but I would have liked her to be less prone to crying and fainting so much! :)
The ending was unexpected, sad and fairly well done.
Overall, I liked the book and will definitely read more of Ms. Bralick's work in the future.
July 15, 2011
I believe that when an author takes the time to develop a story, focusing on even the smallest details, the result is truly beautiful. Down a Lost Road is a gorgeous story. The descriptions are rich and lovely -- when you leave the world of the story, you can picture it again in your mind. But more than setting, the author is able to capture and represent inner landscapes as well: fear, hurt, confusion, courage, sorrow.
It's also not often that you find an author who can actually invent a language for a fantasy world that is designed as a working language. Not many take the time, and fewer have the knowledge and the skill to make it work (lots of vowels and extra apostrophes do not a language make). J. Leigh makes it work, and it gives this story extra sophistication and depth.
The story ends in such a way that it truly makes you anticipate the sequel. This reader can't wait to dive into Subverter!
It's also not often that you find an author who can actually invent a language for a fantasy world that is designed as a working language. Not many take the time, and fewer have the knowledge and the skill to make it work (lots of vowels and extra apostrophes do not a language make). J. Leigh makes it work, and it gives this story extra sophistication and depth.
The story ends in such a way that it truly makes you anticipate the sequel. This reader can't wait to dive into Subverter!
February 26, 2013
OMG! Where the hell do I start!
I highly disregard anyone from reading this book! The characters are not explained clearly so a connection between the characters, eg the sphinx character profile is not explained till a few pages later! I know that should have not pissed me off but shortsighted it did.
The use of description on other features in the book is very minimal! It is hard to imagine the protagonist in most the settings she described.
After reading 24% of this novel I gave up!
I wish the protagonist was more aware of her surroundings, because sometimes I really wanted to punch her in the face!!!!
Although the male figure in the novel was quite surprising enlightening, and if I did keep reading on he would have been one of my favorite characters but due to the many faults in the novel I have up.
Also, the concept of the novel was great!.... That's all~ :/
Thank you for reading this review.... I felt like I ranted on quite a bit though.... Anyway, thanks for reading! :)
I highly disregard anyone from reading this book! The characters are not explained clearly so a connection between the characters, eg the sphinx character profile is not explained till a few pages later! I know that should have not pissed me off but shortsighted it did.
The use of description on other features in the book is very minimal! It is hard to imagine the protagonist in most the settings she described.
After reading 24% of this novel I gave up!
I wish the protagonist was more aware of her surroundings, because sometimes I really wanted to punch her in the face!!!!
Although the male figure in the novel was quite surprising enlightening, and if I did keep reading on he would have been one of my favorite characters but due to the many faults in the novel I have up.
Also, the concept of the novel was great!.... That's all~ :/
Thank you for reading this review.... I felt like I ranted on quite a bit though.... Anyway, thanks for reading! :)
March 2, 2015
not really worth it for me
This took me several tries to get through. Once I was able to get past the first few chapters--it's frustrating because *everything* is an unexplainable mystery--I realized that even the people who are trying to help Merelin, who keeps getting pulled back&forth from Earth, don't really know the answer they are seeking, or even the question they are asking. Which makes it hard to understand what the quest is.
My curiosity was piqued enough to finish the whole book, but Merelin, the protagonist, (for all that the other characters proclaimed her strong & inspiring) I found to have a low sense of self-worth, very weepy, and always in the verge of falling apart physically & emotionally. It seemed like most of the times she vanquished the bad guys she was only half-conscious & barely able to describe what was happening, which can be frustrating for the narrator of the story.
This took me several tries to get through. Once I was able to get past the first few chapters--it's frustrating because *everything* is an unexplainable mystery--I realized that even the people who are trying to help Merelin, who keeps getting pulled back&forth from Earth, don't really know the answer they are seeking, or even the question they are asking. Which makes it hard to understand what the quest is.
My curiosity was piqued enough to finish the whole book, but Merelin, the protagonist, (for all that the other characters proclaimed her strong & inspiring) I found to have a low sense of self-worth, very weepy, and always in the verge of falling apart physically & emotionally. It seemed like most of the times she vanquished the bad guys she was only half-conscious & barely able to describe what was happening, which can be frustrating for the narrator of the story.
April 21, 2015
... this is YA fantasy so I wasn't expecting Dostoevsky, but there are precious moments in the novel(s). The main character is delightfully flawed, tedious and teenage. I didn't begrudge the author this at all. It certainly evoked my gawky teenage memories. The hero in the novel(s) is a stereotype quasi-sword carrying manga character and definitely has issues staying in one piece. But heck, its fantasy and I adore him. He spends half the novel(s) half-dead however. And there were clichéd tropes and hideously trivial moralities, loose threads and improbabilities--I forgive all this because the play of glances and touches between the hero and heroine was so well done, and convinced me to ignore some major questions. The restraint the author showed in creating the romantic tension was admirable and certainly revved up vicarious desires. Good job J Leigh Bralick. You should be proud.
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