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The Gossamer Sphere
Anyone
A Gossamer Sphere Novel. Like many refugees who fled their homes during the Cataclysm, Tainie Strauss is starting over. No friends, no money, new school--a tough combination for any sixteen-year-old, much less an awkward, unattractive girl whose mother believes in fairies. Tainie is pragmatic about her life until she starts imagining she can read people’s minds. The day her face temporarily changes shape seemingly of its own volition, she can only conclude she’s gone crazy. But her mother has a different during a ceremony to stop the Cataclysm, Tainie was exposed to a secret catalyst that can turn an ordinary descendant of the Folk into a shapeshifter. For the first time in her miserable life, Tainie can be someone else--anyone else. Soon her beautiful alter-ego Tory is attracting the attention of one of the best-looking boys in school. But Tainie barely has time to enjoy her newfound ability before covert agents bent on obtaining the knowledge of how to create an army of shapeshifters threaten her whole world.
- GenresFantasy
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2011
2 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Conway
12 books58 followersAuthor and digital artist. Sunflower seed addict. Gym rat. I love my children, laughter, and that whole 'happily ever after' concept.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 20, 2011
If you’re looking for something to tide you over while waiting for the next House of Night, look no further. Melissa Conway has created a compelling world of abnormal teenagers that promises to rival that other series in my (and hopefully your) affections.
Titania Strauss has survived the Cataclysm, a series of disastrous weather anomalies, and has abandoned her home in Washington State for a new town and new school in Pennsylvania. Oddly, she and her mother made a quick stop in London, England first and took a boat ride. Something happened to “Tainie” on that boat right which endowed her with some interesting abilities. As usual, all sorts of baddies are after the source of those abilities, and Tainie is now in danger.
I really liked that Tainie is not drop-dead gorgeous. Many YA heroines start out that way, with boys falling at their feet and very little to overcome in terms of either looks or personality flaws. Tainie is a more genuine, dynamic and relatable character because of this. Her friends are also misfits, but smart and brave as well. Many moments in this book made me laugh out loud and many also made me empathize with the characters. I am really looking forward to the development of this series. It seems this author has written the first book in three different series, two of which are related to the Cataclysm. Hopefully she can deliver sequels to all of them, because fans will be clamoring. I started reading one of the others almost immediately after finishing this.
Titania Strauss has survived the Cataclysm, a series of disastrous weather anomalies, and has abandoned her home in Washington State for a new town and new school in Pennsylvania. Oddly, she and her mother made a quick stop in London, England first and took a boat ride. Something happened to “Tainie” on that boat right which endowed her with some interesting abilities. As usual, all sorts of baddies are after the source of those abilities, and Tainie is now in danger.
I really liked that Tainie is not drop-dead gorgeous. Many YA heroines start out that way, with boys falling at their feet and very little to overcome in terms of either looks or personality flaws. Tainie is a more genuine, dynamic and relatable character because of this. Her friends are also misfits, but smart and brave as well. Many moments in this book made me laugh out loud and many also made me empathize with the characters. I am really looking forward to the development of this series. It seems this author has written the first book in three different series, two of which are related to the Cataclysm. Hopefully she can deliver sequels to all of them, because fans will be clamoring. I started reading one of the others almost immediately after finishing this.
August 28, 2011
Another good one from Melissa Conway.
The world has been shattered by the Cataclysm: a fluke combination of every fault line shaking, volcanos erupting, hurricanes, and tornados. Titania and her mother flee from their hard-hit home, but don't go to Pennsylvania like Tainie thought they would. Instead, they fly to London, then board a boat where strange things happen. But Tainie didn't much care since she was about as seasick as one can get.
The teenager and her mom then make for Pennsylvania, where they move in with a crotchety old lady they call Gramma, but she's not actually related at all. But the Cataclysm has left the world a poor place to live, where everybody has to share what they have.
The book begins with Titania starting high school again eight months after the Cataclysm. She knows she's not going to have many friends and is shocked and disappointed that the school mascot is a bulldog. Why? Because Titania is about as far from beauty queen that an underbite, a flat nose, and squinty eyes can make you. In short, Tainie looks far too much like a bulldog.
So, we've got your standard YA setup of a teen angst: girl who doesn't have friends, generally outcast by her looks, and made miserable by "Gramma." World turned upside down, new in school, the whole ball of wax.
But Melissa Conway makes this standard scenario more interesting than it should be. The first person narrative shows Titania's wit and smarts, along with the longing to have some friends. IN short, you can't help but like her. Then the fairy dust hits the fan.
The scene shifts from a contemporary teen drama, into a fantasy that any kid would give their eyeteeth for (if they knew what those are).
No more hints here. If you like YA fantasy, you will like this book.
The world has been shattered by the Cataclysm: a fluke combination of every fault line shaking, volcanos erupting, hurricanes, and tornados. Titania and her mother flee from their hard-hit home, but don't go to Pennsylvania like Tainie thought they would. Instead, they fly to London, then board a boat where strange things happen. But Tainie didn't much care since she was about as seasick as one can get.
The teenager and her mom then make for Pennsylvania, where they move in with a crotchety old lady they call Gramma, but she's not actually related at all. But the Cataclysm has left the world a poor place to live, where everybody has to share what they have.
The book begins with Titania starting high school again eight months after the Cataclysm. She knows she's not going to have many friends and is shocked and disappointed that the school mascot is a bulldog. Why? Because Titania is about as far from beauty queen that an underbite, a flat nose, and squinty eyes can make you. In short, Tainie looks far too much like a bulldog.
So, we've got your standard YA setup of a teen angst: girl who doesn't have friends, generally outcast by her looks, and made miserable by "Gramma." World turned upside down, new in school, the whole ball of wax.
But Melissa Conway makes this standard scenario more interesting than it should be. The first person narrative shows Titania's wit and smarts, along with the longing to have some friends. IN short, you can't help but like her. Then the fairy dust hits the fan.
The scene shifts from a contemporary teen drama, into a fantasy that any kid would give their eyeteeth for (if they knew what those are).
No more hints here. If you like YA fantasy, you will like this book.
October 22, 2011
Let me start by saying Melissa Conway I adore her work from the first time I read some of her work I have jumped at any chance I have gotten to read more. That however, does not make my review for this book in anyway bias to her. With that having been said I shall move on.
In this book one of two that deal with the Gossamer Sphere I found myself pulled into the wonderful world Melissa has created of Titania Strauss a young teen girl that has survived the cataclysm and found herself unchanged in the world that had changed so drastically around her. Little known to her that her world was about to become completely turned upside down. Forever knowing herself to be to ugly to imperfect she struggles with her life nothing but, either ignored or ridiculed for how she looks and what her life is. Wishing only to be normal and beautiful like most teen girls she's moves forward through life as best she can.
On the crazy move from Washington state towards her grandmothers on the east coast. She finds herself on a plane with her mother in London instead. Then trapped upon a boat at sea. So sick she prays for death it's a memory she wished she had forgotten. Later it's the whole reason her world changes finding out she's a Fae is one thing. Finding out that she's a Shapeshifter is another and as her world spirals out of control she later finds out that only she and a few others like herself can save her world and keep things from being turned upside down once again. It's a wild and rather rambunctious ride that I tell anyone to enjoy especially our young Adults
In this book one of two that deal with the Gossamer Sphere I found myself pulled into the wonderful world Melissa has created of Titania Strauss a young teen girl that has survived the cataclysm and found herself unchanged in the world that had changed so drastically around her. Little known to her that her world was about to become completely turned upside down. Forever knowing herself to be to ugly to imperfect she struggles with her life nothing but, either ignored or ridiculed for how she looks and what her life is. Wishing only to be normal and beautiful like most teen girls she's moves forward through life as best she can.
On the crazy move from Washington state towards her grandmothers on the east coast. She finds herself on a plane with her mother in London instead. Then trapped upon a boat at sea. So sick she prays for death it's a memory she wished she had forgotten. Later it's the whole reason her world changes finding out she's a Fae is one thing. Finding out that she's a Shapeshifter is another and as her world spirals out of control she later finds out that only she and a few others like herself can save her world and keep things from being turned upside down once again. It's a wild and rather rambunctious ride that I tell anyone to enjoy especially our young Adults
October 25, 2011
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2011/10/anyone.html
Anyone is a young adult book - a coming of age story set in a futuristic world. It is part of the Gossamer Sphere series. Titania is a high school junior with concerns about her appearance, her lack of friends, her move to a new school, her label as "loser" in school, and her family situation. Typical concerns for a teen but set in the context of people with superhuman powers and those who seek to destroy them.
The book carries forward both the story themes effectively. Titania goes from being friendless to find her place and friends who care about her. This is incorporated into her discovery about her background and her powers and again finding a place where she fits in and belongs.
The book is fast moving story. Titania, or Tainie, is a compelling character. Her experiences are something most people will relate to at some level. So, her triumph feels good. The power she discovers - the ability to be anyone - is also one people dream about. The ability to define ourselves and possibly to reinvent ourselves is one many people call on throughout their lives. If you could be anyone, who would you choose to be?
*** I received this book as part of the LibraryThing Member Giveaway program. ***
Anyone is a young adult book - a coming of age story set in a futuristic world. It is part of the Gossamer Sphere series. Titania is a high school junior with concerns about her appearance, her lack of friends, her move to a new school, her label as "loser" in school, and her family situation. Typical concerns for a teen but set in the context of people with superhuman powers and those who seek to destroy them.
The book carries forward both the story themes effectively. Titania goes from being friendless to find her place and friends who care about her. This is incorporated into her discovery about her background and her powers and again finding a place where she fits in and belongs.
The book is fast moving story. Titania, or Tainie, is a compelling character. Her experiences are something most people will relate to at some level. So, her triumph feels good. The power she discovers - the ability to be anyone - is also one people dream about. The ability to define ourselves and possibly to reinvent ourselves is one many people call on throughout their lives. If you could be anyone, who would you choose to be?
*** I received this book as part of the LibraryThing Member Giveaway program. ***
October 22, 2011
Titania Strauss’s mother took her on a quick trip to England, in the middle of relocating from Eastern Washington State to Pennsylvania, & Tainie hasn’t been the same since. Exposed to an alien biometal during a ceremony to stop the Cataclysm, she has become something more than human & has no idea until one day while wishing she looked more normal, her face briefly changes shape. Now she is being hunted for her special abilities by a group of covert agents who think she knows where the Gossamer Crown is. Can an unattractive teenage girl, with few friends & the ability to be anyone at all stop the crown from falling into the wrong hands & get her life back? Anyone is a fantastic read & I’m anxiously waiting to see where Melissa Conway takes us in the next chapter of the Gossamer Sphere.
October 23, 2011
I love the idea behind this book, Shapeshifters! Who would you change into if you could become anyone? This book is incredible!! I started reading it Sunday morning and didn't stop until I was finished. It is easy to relate to the main character Tainie. Everyone has some level of self esteem issues. Melissa Conway takes an unbelievable scenario and makes it believable. I'm not certain she could have achieved this with a less likeable main character. If you like YA fantasy, READ THIS BOOK!Anyone (The Gossamer Sphere)
August 27, 2013
This is a great addition to the Gossamer Sphere series, although you do not HAVE to read the others to understand it. It does touch on some pieces from the other story, which having read those I understood more, but it's not required. The story follows Titania, a tragic looking girl (low brow, jutting underbite, unfortunate nose) as she and her mother move from the West Coast to Philadelphia after the Cataclysm which basically destroys most of the country (although not completely in a post apocalyptic way). "Tainie" - as she is called - has to navigate the halls of her new high school and deal with this new popular, attractive crowd. Not long after, she begins to imagine she can read minds, then her face changes shape in the mirror in front of her and she finds out that she is a shapeshifter. Normally, this would be great for an unattractive teen who wants to look normal, but she also finds out there are groups of people in the world who not only dislike her "kind" but want to eradicate them. At the same time, a girl in her apartment complex is killed and she feels she needs to find out what happened so she can clear the new crush in her life.
I really enjoyed this book. It adds some back story to a fairly minor character in the Gossamer Sphere stories. I did find the main character a bit whiny at times, but she has spent her whole life as the "loser" of the school and has resigned to that as her life. It also evokes a bit of pity from me. High school is hard enough but even harder when you are naturally unattractive. Mostly this is a good story to add to the Gossamer Sphere timeline and gives a little more backstory for a few of the main characters in that story. A good addition! I look forward to more stories from Melissa Conway!
I really enjoyed this book. It adds some back story to a fairly minor character in the Gossamer Sphere stories. I did find the main character a bit whiny at times, but she has spent her whole life as the "loser" of the school and has resigned to that as her life. It also evokes a bit of pity from me. High school is hard enough but even harder when you are naturally unattractive. Mostly this is a good story to add to the Gossamer Sphere timeline and gives a little more backstory for a few of the main characters in that story. A good addition! I look forward to more stories from Melissa Conway!
October 31, 2011
Titania has the name of a fairy queen and the face of a Neanderthal. After the Cataclysm that devastated large portions of the world she and her mom are now living with a distant relative. Titania isn't looking forward to starting over in a new school, especially since she is starting to worry that she is going crazy. She keeps having the impression that she is hearing people's thoughts; not to mention she could swear she saw her face change when she looked in a mirror.
Usually I avoid like the plague any book that mentions "the fae." This book started out differently though. I was very intrigued by the Cataclysm and really wish there had been more on that topic. This book does really well for about the first 3/4. Then it gets a little convoluted with the descendants of "the folk" and people who are anti-Folk and something about a crown that caused the Cataclysm. Or possibly the crown stopped the Cataclysm. Or something. I must admit, I got a little lost.
Usually I avoid like the plague any book that mentions "the fae." This book started out differently though. I was very intrigued by the Cataclysm and really wish there had been more on that topic. This book does really well for about the first 3/4. Then it gets a little convoluted with the descendants of "the folk" and people who are anti-Folk and something about a crown that caused the Cataclysm. Or possibly the crown stopped the Cataclysm. Or something. I must admit, I got a little lost.
January 25, 2012
There is nothing much to like about this heroine. Aside from her tragic looks, her attitude didn't help matters either. High School is a jungle much like the Serengeti and in Tainie's defense she pushes back when being bullied and in time that will build a lot of resentment. But as the story progress, she became the bully that she hated so much.
I didn't find any redeeming qualities for this girl. The focal of the story too is off. This disastrous Cataclysm happens and the Fae are out to rule the world and yet the heroine is busy getting the attention of some High School heartthrob. Nobody is helping her with her abilities and though there's something special about her, her destiny remains unknown. That is if she has a profound role to play down the road in the future. So far, she is just a girl with special skills who can make herself cheerleader pretty. And the muder/mystery that happened is not even related to Tainie and her story.
I didn't find any redeeming qualities for this girl. The focal of the story too is off. This disastrous Cataclysm happens and the Fae are out to rule the world and yet the heroine is busy getting the attention of some High School heartthrob. Nobody is helping her with her abilities and though there's something special about her, her destiny remains unknown. That is if she has a profound role to play down the road in the future. So far, she is just a girl with special skills who can make herself cheerleader pretty. And the muder/mystery that happened is not even related to Tainie and her story.
March 19, 2013
Good follow up to Gossamer Sphere. Story starts after the Cataclysm with 17 year old Tatania being forced to move with her mother across country to live aith her grandmother. Starting a new school is never easy and then to find out you're a shapeshifter and you are being stalked by an underground group that wants to study you. I found this story just as good as the first and look forward to reading further stories by this auther. Good Job. A very nice way to spend an afternoon in the sun.
January 19, 2016
Great YA book some action very interesting .
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews