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Tempest Child
As future Queen and Guardian of the Elements, Princess Skylather'cha'eab thought her worst nightmare was the impending find-a-husband party until events take an ominous turn. Now she must put her life at risk to save her Kingdom. Armed with only a staff, a bow, and her wits, Skyla's world is turned upside-down when she enters the Crossroads and encounters the beast she's destined to kill. Does she have the courage to sort truth from lie, or will she die not knowing who betrayed her?
- GenresYoung Adult
238 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2011
194 people want to read
About the author
Laura Eno
34 books93 followersLaura Eno lives in Florida with three skulking cats and two absurdly happy dogs. After spending years immersed in college but never figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up, she now writes novels late at night with the help of muses from the underworld. And, no, she still hasn't grown up but that's okay. Please visit her strange imagination at Laura Eno and follow her on Twitter at lauraeno
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 22, 2011
Monday through Friday I write with occasional departures into reading the next book on my Kindle. Mostly, the books are set in the Regency or Victorian period. Then when I get home at night I’ll read before going to bed. Thereby leaving the weekend for watching TV and editing my WIP.
Every very long once in a while I’ll stumble across a book that holds my attention so strongly that all I want to do is read, read, read and continue reading until I finish the book. To the extent that even my favorite TV shows take second place to the book.
A few days ago on Ciara Knight’s blog, http://ciaraknight.com, I was pointed to such a book, Tempest Child by Laura Eno. Having taken Ciara’s suggestion in the past I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed in this one. Little did I realize though that this book took me over.
I started the book Friday evening at work and continued after getting home. Forced only to stop when fatigue overtook me. Then came Saturday. The day when I edit. Yes, I was able to get the editing done and finish writing a proposal. Even before dinner I sat down and started up again reading the story.
I’ve not and have never been a real big fan of, for lack of a better genre term Otherworld. Tempest Child reads that genre but also not.
The story revolves around Skyla, a Princess and future Queen, and her search to find herself and along the way the one thing she truly wants. True Love.
That’s all I’m going to say about the book.
I give Tempest Child an amazing 4 collies, one sheltie and a collie puppy.
For those new to my grading that equals 4 ¾ points out of five.
Every very long once in a while I’ll stumble across a book that holds my attention so strongly that all I want to do is read, read, read and continue reading until I finish the book. To the extent that even my favorite TV shows take second place to the book.
A few days ago on Ciara Knight’s blog, http://ciaraknight.com, I was pointed to such a book, Tempest Child by Laura Eno. Having taken Ciara’s suggestion in the past I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed in this one. Little did I realize though that this book took me over.
I started the book Friday evening at work and continued after getting home. Forced only to stop when fatigue overtook me. Then came Saturday. The day when I edit. Yes, I was able to get the editing done and finish writing a proposal. Even before dinner I sat down and started up again reading the story.
I’ve not and have never been a real big fan of, for lack of a better genre term Otherworld. Tempest Child reads that genre but also not.
The story revolves around Skyla, a Princess and future Queen, and her search to find herself and along the way the one thing she truly wants. True Love.
That’s all I’m going to say about the book.
I give Tempest Child an amazing 4 collies, one sheltie and a collie puppy.
For those new to my grading that equals 4 ¾ points out of five.
August 13, 2011
Tempest Child is the sixth book by Laura Eno. My guess is that the genre of this book is fantasy, but I would label it paranormal-romance-fantasy-kick butt.
Princess Skyla, the protagonist of Tempest Child, is no shrinking violet. She’s been training all her life to fight for her kingdom. She’s been training to become Queen. At 17, she’s at the age when her father is about to marry her off. His idea of a husband is different from hers, but it’s not like she’s had time to find love on her own. All that goes by the wayside when the Kingdom is suddenly in danger and it’s up to Skyla to save it.
And that is where the kicking butt comes in.
It used to be that I read primarily mystery and thriller, not fantasy. Laura Eno has turned me into a fantasy reader. Her characters are multi-dimensional and different from each other (you won’t get them confused!) and her worlds are complex and well thought out. In Tempest Child there are five worlds, counting Skyla’s home. Each is totally different. Each is dangerous. Each could kill her.
I’ve read and reviewed two other books by Laura Eno: Don’t Fall Asleep and Prophecy Moon. I recommended both. And I recommend this one. I wouldn’t mind reading more adventures with Skyla. I give Tempest Child by Laura Eno a rating of Hel-of-a-World because she’s created not one, but five, fabulous worlds.
Princess Skyla, the protagonist of Tempest Child, is no shrinking violet. She’s been training all her life to fight for her kingdom. She’s been training to become Queen. At 17, she’s at the age when her father is about to marry her off. His idea of a husband is different from hers, but it’s not like she’s had time to find love on her own. All that goes by the wayside when the Kingdom is suddenly in danger and it’s up to Skyla to save it.
And that is where the kicking butt comes in.
It used to be that I read primarily mystery and thriller, not fantasy. Laura Eno has turned me into a fantasy reader. Her characters are multi-dimensional and different from each other (you won’t get them confused!) and her worlds are complex and well thought out. In Tempest Child there are five worlds, counting Skyla’s home. Each is totally different. Each is dangerous. Each could kill her.
I’ve read and reviewed two other books by Laura Eno: Don’t Fall Asleep and Prophecy Moon. I recommended both. And I recommend this one. I wouldn’t mind reading more adventures with Skyla. I give Tempest Child by Laura Eno a rating of Hel-of-a-World because she’s created not one, but five, fabulous worlds.
March 3, 2012
Again, i have lost myself in the world that Laura has made. Her description for everything is detailed, also easy to image it in your mind.
Skyla is a princes. She controls the elements; earth, fire water, wind and fire. When her father, the king, gets held as a hostage. She has
The first question that popped into my mind was 'what year is this story set in?' This is because first it talks about kingdoms and gowns and that sets the story in like fantasy world and then when she goes into town she changes into t-shirts and jeans. Which is pretty much confusing. Don't you think so? also, the names in this book was weird, well, of course it would be weird because it's in the time of knights in shining armors coming to the primeness's help. For example, the main character's name 'Skylather'cha'eab' is weird with the apostrophes, but i also think the names puts originality flair into the story.
Damn, Laura makes good characters! I don't know where she gets her ideas from but hey it's awesome. For example, Stick-Man. I was surprised at first but it fitted in with the story, pretty much.
The main character, Skyla, is not really confident but as the story going on you see that she gets more and more confident. Then she turns into ass-kicking type of girl from shy and non-confident type pf girl.
I would say Izzy is a confident character. The first time i heard his name i thought he was a girl and a sweet creature not a demon guardian. Even though, Izzy is a demon i still like him, it doesn't change my perspective on him.
The plot is filled withs twists and surprises. It's like a maze. The turn you take will lead to more problems and answers; you don't know what to except next. Never the less, it was short it was a quick and easy read.
Skyla is a princes. She controls the elements; earth, fire water, wind and fire. When her father, the king, gets held as a hostage. She has
The first question that popped into my mind was 'what year is this story set in?' This is because first it talks about kingdoms and gowns and that sets the story in like fantasy world and then when she goes into town she changes into t-shirts and jeans. Which is pretty much confusing. Don't you think so? also, the names in this book was weird, well, of course it would be weird because it's in the time of knights in shining armors coming to the primeness's help. For example, the main character's name 'Skylather'cha'eab' is weird with the apostrophes, but i also think the names puts originality flair into the story.
Damn, Laura makes good characters! I don't know where she gets her ideas from but hey it's awesome. For example, Stick-Man. I was surprised at first but it fitted in with the story, pretty much.
The main character, Skyla, is not really confident but as the story going on you see that she gets more and more confident. Then she turns into ass-kicking type of girl from shy and non-confident type pf girl.
I would say Izzy is a confident character. The first time i heard his name i thought he was a girl and a sweet creature not a demon guardian. Even though, Izzy is a demon i still like him, it doesn't change my perspective on him.
The plot is filled withs twists and surprises. It's like a maze. The turn you take will lead to more problems and answers; you don't know what to except next. Never the less, it was short it was a quick and easy read.
October 2, 2011
I must admit, when I began "Tempest Child", I was not fond of the principal character, Princess Skylather'cha'eab - or Skyla, as she prefers to be called.
As it turns out, she wasn't all that happy with herself either - which, I suspect, was the cause of my own discomfort.
The book, the story, is the tale of her coming to know herself, her strengths - of coming into her own. And what she becomes is magnificent!
The story takes us on the heroine's journey, with guides and helpers (quite idiosyncratic both of them) and someone who may or may not be on her side. The Goddess Hecate makes more than one appearance. Skyla passes muster.
The world that's shown to the reader is richly imagined.
An engaging story written with a light touch and some of the sensuality I'm coming to enjoy in Laura's writing. The climax of the story is, what was the word I used above?, yes - magnificent.
As it turns out, she wasn't all that happy with herself either - which, I suspect, was the cause of my own discomfort.
The book, the story, is the tale of her coming to know herself, her strengths - of coming into her own. And what she becomes is magnificent!
The story takes us on the heroine's journey, with guides and helpers (quite idiosyncratic both of them) and someone who may or may not be on her side. The Goddess Hecate makes more than one appearance. Skyla passes muster.
The world that's shown to the reader is richly imagined.
An engaging story written with a light touch and some of the sensuality I'm coming to enjoy in Laura's writing. The climax of the story is, what was the word I used above?, yes - magnificent.
October 19, 2011
Laura Eno has done a great book here in Tempest Child with combining magic and warrior of the old times to create a wonderful combination.
This Book came to me as a GoodReads FirstReads it was a pleasure to read it and I will not say much as I wish not to ruin the book but I will say I feel bad in one way for the main character but in another I am glad it is her and not me going thru the trial of her life so if I may.
Go Get Your Self The Book
This Book came to me as a GoodReads FirstReads it was a pleasure to read it and I will not say much as I wish not to ruin the book but I will say I feel bad in one way for the main character but in another I am glad it is her and not me going thru the trial of her life so if I may.
Go Get Your Self The Book
February 25, 2012
Tempest child is a fresh and imaginative story full of the fantastical elements a fantasy reader yearns for. It is one of the most creative story lines I’ve read in a while, and I read a lot of fantasy books. I highly recommend this book to all readers, especially those that enjoy strong plotlines and great worldbuilding. Thank you for following the rules of your world, Laura!
Want to read
June 8, 2011Sounds absolutely thrilling.
October 5, 2011
Read Patti's review here:
http://readforyourfuture.blogspot.com...
http://readforyourfuture.blogspot.com...
October 27, 2011
This book was a great read after a long day. I enjoyed getting lost in this world and following Skyla's coming of age. I'll definitely be reading more from Laura Eno.
April 4, 2012
2.5/5 stars
Since her mother’s tragic death, Princess Skylather’cha’eab has done a pretty successful job of avoiding her inescapable destiny. As her mother’s only female heir, at the age of eighteen Skyla will inherit the title of queen, as well as the goddess Hecate’s mantle of protector of the four sacred elements – Earth, Wind, Water and Fire. Skyla, only eight-years-old when her mother passed has had no one to guide her in magical instruction. She’s become complacent about her role in the kingdom’s affairs, and is riddled with doubts about herself and her ability to wield the elements and rule a kingdom. However, when her father’s life is threatened by the neighboring Shadow Kingdom, she is forced to undertake a quest through the Crossroads – where the four elemental kingdoms connect – to find and kill a powerful monster that has been unleashed upon their world. Along the way she finds new allies, faces strange and unknown dangers, uncovers lies and betrayals, and discovers truths that will set her free.
While I think that the premise of this novel had the makings for a great story and while certain parts of this novel really shone, unfortunately Tempest Child wasn’t quite what I had hoped it would be. My biggest issues, and I’m sure this won’t be a shock to any of you, is with the character and relationship development.
While admittedly, there is development that goes on particularly in regard to Skyla’s character – she definitely isn’t the same person at the end that she was at the beginning – there just was not a very strong connection with her on my part. She isn’t a character that held a lot of depth and interest for me. Her mother’s death, her fears of ruling a kingdom, her role of “reluctant hero” in addition to the myriad of other things that befall her, all provide great opportunities to really dig deep into her character – to really create that emotional connection. But I don’t feel like these instances are really capitalized on. Instead, despite the development that does occur, Skyla just remains a very all-on-the-surface character to me.
Interwoven with the character issues is the relationship development. The two relationships that I thought Eno establishes well are that of Skyla & Izzy (her best friend) and Skyla & her father. It is evident from the outset, what kind of relationship Skyla has with each of these characters. However, when it comes to the love interest, who shall remain nameless, unfortunately that same thoroughness is lacking. Skyla and her leading man are two people who have the potential to have some really believable, valid conflict for various, unexplainable spoiler-ish reasons. I would love to have seen more of a period of distrust and contention between them. It would have made their relationship more authentic, more exciting, more hard won. It had all the beginnings of a good romance, but instead, after an extremely brief blip of clashing wills, insta-love pretty much takes over.
Story-wise, the plot is fairly interesting. It’s fast-paced and full of adventure — a pretty simple storyline of the Hero’s, or in this case the Heroine’s, journey or quest. I did feel like some of the twists, turns, and revelations came off as a tad anticlimactic, and at others I wondered if it had lost it’s way a bit. But as Skyla finds herself catapulted from one perilous situation after another, it did keep my nose glued to my Kindle, and that’s saying something.
Where Eno really shines in Tempest Child is her world building of the four elemental kingdoms. She creates these gorgeous, detailed dreamscapes with such vibrant descriptions. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine fantasy worlds, because sometimes they are just so far out there. But from an ethereal, star-filled cave, to beautiful floating islands in an endless sky, to plains of molten fire, I had no problem imagining the landscapes through which Skyla and her companions had to travel thanks to Eno’s wonderful, evocative descriptions.
Overall, Tempest Child was a bit of a mixed bag for me – the character development and romance being somewhat lackluster, but the world and story interesting enough to keep me engaged until the end.
Since her mother’s tragic death, Princess Skylather’cha’eab has done a pretty successful job of avoiding her inescapable destiny. As her mother’s only female heir, at the age of eighteen Skyla will inherit the title of queen, as well as the goddess Hecate’s mantle of protector of the four sacred elements – Earth, Wind, Water and Fire. Skyla, only eight-years-old when her mother passed has had no one to guide her in magical instruction. She’s become complacent about her role in the kingdom’s affairs, and is riddled with doubts about herself and her ability to wield the elements and rule a kingdom. However, when her father’s life is threatened by the neighboring Shadow Kingdom, she is forced to undertake a quest through the Crossroads – where the four elemental kingdoms connect – to find and kill a powerful monster that has been unleashed upon their world. Along the way she finds new allies, faces strange and unknown dangers, uncovers lies and betrayals, and discovers truths that will set her free.
While I think that the premise of this novel had the makings for a great story and while certain parts of this novel really shone, unfortunately Tempest Child wasn’t quite what I had hoped it would be. My biggest issues, and I’m sure this won’t be a shock to any of you, is with the character and relationship development.
While admittedly, there is development that goes on particularly in regard to Skyla’s character – she definitely isn’t the same person at the end that she was at the beginning – there just was not a very strong connection with her on my part. She isn’t a character that held a lot of depth and interest for me. Her mother’s death, her fears of ruling a kingdom, her role of “reluctant hero” in addition to the myriad of other things that befall her, all provide great opportunities to really dig deep into her character – to really create that emotional connection. But I don’t feel like these instances are really capitalized on. Instead, despite the development that does occur, Skyla just remains a very all-on-the-surface character to me.
Interwoven with the character issues is the relationship development. The two relationships that I thought Eno establishes well are that of Skyla & Izzy (her best friend) and Skyla & her father. It is evident from the outset, what kind of relationship Skyla has with each of these characters. However, when it comes to the love interest, who shall remain nameless, unfortunately that same thoroughness is lacking. Skyla and her leading man are two people who have the potential to have some really believable, valid conflict for various, unexplainable spoiler-ish reasons. I would love to have seen more of a period of distrust and contention between them. It would have made their relationship more authentic, more exciting, more hard won. It had all the beginnings of a good romance, but instead, after an extremely brief blip of clashing wills, insta-love pretty much takes over.
Story-wise, the plot is fairly interesting. It’s fast-paced and full of adventure — a pretty simple storyline of the Hero’s, or in this case the Heroine’s, journey or quest. I did feel like some of the twists, turns, and revelations came off as a tad anticlimactic, and at others I wondered if it had lost it’s way a bit. But as Skyla finds herself catapulted from one perilous situation after another, it did keep my nose glued to my Kindle, and that’s saying something.
Where Eno really shines in Tempest Child is her world building of the four elemental kingdoms. She creates these gorgeous, detailed dreamscapes with such vibrant descriptions. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine fantasy worlds, because sometimes they are just so far out there. But from an ethereal, star-filled cave, to beautiful floating islands in an endless sky, to plains of molten fire, I had no problem imagining the landscapes through which Skyla and her companions had to travel thanks to Eno’s wonderful, evocative descriptions.
Overall, Tempest Child was a bit of a mixed bag for me – the character development and romance being somewhat lackluster, but the world and story interesting enough to keep me engaged until the end.
August 23, 2014
I won this book from first reads. It took me awhile to get into this book. Not because it was bad but because it was a little confusing. I felt like it is meant to be a book for pre-teens/teens but there were some words in there that would indicate it was written for a different age group.
The beginning was the most confusing parts because I could not mentally place the characters or location in my mind. The cover is pretty but it is not at all what Skyla is described to look like. So after this world is figured out (Turns out the human world is different from this world. Maybe a different time zone?) In any case, the story does pick up.
I like how the author created the crossroads, and how the different elements came to life. Izzy and Warrior were awesome companions. Now as for Derrok, I think the love affair was too much, too fast. I felt it could have been drawn out. For some reason I feel like this book is going to be a sequel because Skyla's hard battle could not be simply to stand up to her father. All that momentum built up to just that moment? Please say it isn't so.
So, I did like this story. I thought it was cute, though it seemed more of a video game then a book, I enjoyed it enough to give it three stars.
The beginning was the most confusing parts because I could not mentally place the characters or location in my mind. The cover is pretty but it is not at all what Skyla is described to look like. So after this world is figured out (Turns out the human world is different from this world. Maybe a different time zone?) In any case, the story does pick up.
I like how the author created the crossroads, and how the different elements came to life. Izzy and Warrior were awesome companions. Now as for Derrok, I think the love affair was too much, too fast. I felt it could have been drawn out. For some reason I feel like this book is going to be a sequel because Skyla's hard battle could not be simply to stand up to her father. All that momentum built up to just that moment? Please say it isn't so.
So, I did like this story. I thought it was cute, though it seemed more of a video game then a book, I enjoyed it enough to give it three stars.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews