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Channeler #1
The Secret of Spruce Knoll
Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with an aunt she’s never met. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands.
Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Soon, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad though.
As Eren and Aiden’s relationship develops, so too does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets—and many dangers. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren’s parents was no accident and that her life might be in danger too. Only time will tell if Eren can embrace her unwanted power and protect the only family she has left.
Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Soon, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad though.
As Eren and Aiden’s relationship develops, so too does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets—and many dangers. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren’s parents was no accident and that her life might be in danger too. Only time will tell if Eren can embrace her unwanted power and protect the only family she has left.
338 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2011
10 people are currently reading
1312 people want to read
About the author
Heather McCorkle
46 books316 followersFantasy & scifi in all their wonderful subgenres are my jam. Doesn't matter to me if it's indie or traditionally published, I read it all as long as it fits in those genres and piques my interest.
I'm also an award winning author~and aspiring to someday be a bestselling one. Life goals!~of paranormal, fantasy, steampunk, historical fantasy, and YA urban fantasy. When I'm not reading, editing, writing, or surfing my social networking sites, I can be found on the slopes, the hiking trails, or paddleboarding. As a native Oregonian, I enjoy the outdoors almost as much as the worlds I read about and create on the pages. No need to travel to the Great Northwest, though, you can find me on my website, in my newsletter, and on my social media sites.
I'm also an award winning author~and aspiring to someday be a bestselling one. Life goals!~of paranormal, fantasy, steampunk, historical fantasy, and YA urban fantasy. When I'm not reading, editing, writing, or surfing my social networking sites, I can be found on the slopes, the hiking trails, or paddleboarding. As a native Oregonian, I enjoy the outdoors almost as much as the worlds I read about and create on the pages. No need to travel to the Great Northwest, though, you can find me on my website, in my newsletter, and on my social media sites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 25, 2011
When I read this synopsis of this novel that talks of “channelers” and their fates being tied to the world, I wasn't really sure what to expect, and if I would really get it. I can now say that The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a wonderfully written paranormal novel that is completely original and full of wonder, love and loss.
Shortly after opening it's pages, I was introduced to the town of Spruce Knoll - Erin's new hometown - where people are acting peculiar and not very accepting. Some of them are even blatantly rude. Eren doesn't know the reason behind this behavior, but once she finds out about her being a channeller, she soon uncovers why she will never really fit in with these people. Eren is a wonderful example of what it takes to overcome tough obstacles in life. The death of both her parents, living in a new town where no one accepts her, and top that off with finding out about these weird powers - that can't be easy! But Eren goes through it with her head held high and she really made me love her completely. I really admired how she dealt with it all, and how strong she was through it.
We also have Aiden who is a charmer like no other. But with no negative intentions; he's all sweets and good looks. I really enjoyed the way the romance in this book was formulated. Some reviewers have mentioned insta-love, but honestly I didn't find it so. The pace it evolves in feels steady, natural and is full of passion. It's not all easy, however. They go through a lot of distress that keeps us on our toes. Along with Aiden and Eren there is an abundance of secondary characters that all have a significance in the story and are all likeable - even the villains are fun to hate.
Heather doesn't go easy on the plot either. She has written a story with a ton of excitement and plenty of twists. The pacing is perfect with action spread throughout, along with great characterization and world building. I do have a small wonder of why Eren's true intentions towards the bad guys weren't being felt by them - since they're supposed to be able to feel emotions. I also wish we would have seen more of their powers in play; although there are still a few good spurts of it here and there. All in all, The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a wonderful debut that is incredibly original and deeply entertaining. Don't hesitate to pick this one up!
Shortly after opening it's pages, I was introduced to the town of Spruce Knoll - Erin's new hometown - where people are acting peculiar and not very accepting. Some of them are even blatantly rude. Eren doesn't know the reason behind this behavior, but once she finds out about her being a channeller, she soon uncovers why she will never really fit in with these people. Eren is a wonderful example of what it takes to overcome tough obstacles in life. The death of both her parents, living in a new town where no one accepts her, and top that off with finding out about these weird powers - that can't be easy! But Eren goes through it with her head held high and she really made me love her completely. I really admired how she dealt with it all, and how strong she was through it.
We also have Aiden who is a charmer like no other. But with no negative intentions; he's all sweets and good looks. I really enjoyed the way the romance in this book was formulated. Some reviewers have mentioned insta-love, but honestly I didn't find it so. The pace it evolves in feels steady, natural and is full of passion. It's not all easy, however. They go through a lot of distress that keeps us on our toes. Along with Aiden and Eren there is an abundance of secondary characters that all have a significance in the story and are all likeable - even the villains are fun to hate.
Heather doesn't go easy on the plot either. She has written a story with a ton of excitement and plenty of twists. The pacing is perfect with action spread throughout, along with great characterization and world building. I do have a small wonder of why Eren's true intentions towards the bad guys weren't being felt by them - since they're supposed to be able to feel emotions. I also wish we would have seen more of their powers in play; although there are still a few good spurts of it here and there. All in all, The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a wonderful debut that is incredibly original and deeply entertaining. Don't hesitate to pick this one up!
April 12, 2012
Can I start by saying that I love the name ‘Spruce Knoll’? At first I thought that it was just weird! A place called Spruce Knoll! But by the end of the book -- I love it. Before I tell you why, let me tell you a bit more about the book and the storyline.
The story revolves around Eren and Aiden. Eren, whose parents are recently killed, moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Moving from a big city to a small town, Eren was in for surprises. But the basic difference was nothing compared to the much darker secrets of the town and the people living in it. But it is also where she first meets Aiden. Also an orphan, Aiden had grown up with his adoptive family and had a few secrets of his own. Together, Eren and Aiden work through whatever is thrown at them.
The best part of the story is, not the plot and not the magic (though I loved them both) but the relationships portrayed. Eren and Aiden’s relationship is totally ‘dreamy’ (that’s the only word I can come up with to try and explain it) and Eren’s relationship with her aunt is also amazing. Now coming to the second and third best parts of the story, the plot is just amazing and so is the magic described in this book. It is only after coming to Spruce Knoll that Eren realizes that she has magical ability. I love the way Heather has developed her character and portrayed her dealing with this ‘gift/ability’. Besides the protagonists, the author has also created a few very lovable characters – like Sylvia and Fane.
I had started reading this book with the thought – a place called ‘Spruce Knoll’ – seriously? But now I love it simply because it has grown on me along with the characters and the plot of the book. It’s unique and special, just like the book!
The story revolves around Eren and Aiden. Eren, whose parents are recently killed, moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Moving from a big city to a small town, Eren was in for surprises. But the basic difference was nothing compared to the much darker secrets of the town and the people living in it. But it is also where she first meets Aiden. Also an orphan, Aiden had grown up with his adoptive family and had a few secrets of his own. Together, Eren and Aiden work through whatever is thrown at them.
The best part of the story is, not the plot and not the magic (though I loved them both) but the relationships portrayed. Eren and Aiden’s relationship is totally ‘dreamy’ (that’s the only word I can come up with to try and explain it) and Eren’s relationship with her aunt is also amazing. Now coming to the second and third best parts of the story, the plot is just amazing and so is the magic described in this book. It is only after coming to Spruce Knoll that Eren realizes that she has magical ability. I love the way Heather has developed her character and portrayed her dealing with this ‘gift/ability’. Besides the protagonists, the author has also created a few very lovable characters – like Sylvia and Fane.
I had started reading this book with the thought – a place called ‘Spruce Knoll’ – seriously? But now I love it simply because it has grown on me along with the characters and the plot of the book. It’s unique and special, just like the book!
August 13, 2011
Of course I'm biased because I love the characters and have so much vested in them. :-) If you enjoy urban fantasy, paranormal with a different twist, or magical realism then The Secret of Spruce Knoll may be a great fit for you. Full of mystery, danger, magic, and a healthy dash of romance, The Secret of Spruce Knoll aims to entertain.
February 16, 2012
I really like this story. I sort of came to the series in a backwards manner, reading BORN OF FIRE and another Channeler short before finally reading this novel. I was hooked into the world and premise walking in; but it was the characters that kept me hooked. From the first page to the last, I found the character development strong. These are real, flawed, people working through issues that we can all relate to.
Add to that beautiful setting descriptions and a rich emotional context and you have the recipe for a fabulous story. I am so excited to read the next book in the series, CHANNELER'S CHOICE.
Add to that beautiful setting descriptions and a rich emotional context and you have the recipe for a fabulous story. I am so excited to read the next book in the series, CHANNELER'S CHOICE.
July 24, 2011
I love Heather's writing. It's clean and crisp and evocative, and this is a great story!
November 13, 2011
This book was absolutely positively divine! Oh my goodness. My mom introduced me to this book because I was needing a book to read. So, obviously I was going to read it. My mother's recommendations are never wrong. After all she knows my book tastes. I've lived with her for 14 years.
Eren just wants to be a normal teenage girl. But when her parents get attacked by a wild animal and she has to come live with her aunt, everything changes. I connected with Eren right on the spot. Heather did a fantastic job with having the reader connect with the characters. She gave them qualities that people could easily like, but she didn't make the characters too perfect. Nothing irks me more (Yes, irks) than a perfect character with no flaws. That's just not realistic. Now, I know that MANY things in paranormal or fantasy aren't going to be realistic, but it would be nice if the character's personality was at least somewhat normal...ish.
Some people may not agree with me on this, but I liked the fact that Eren and Aiden's relationship progressed quickly. I'm the type of person who says, "JUST GET TOGETHER ALREADY!" Because it's true. I like the idea of "no dilly dallying." I loved the romance in this book it was refreshing and in some cases.. cheesy. And I love me some cheesy romance! The good thing is, is that if you don't like cheesy romance, it wasn't extremely cheesy that you were thinking, "Oh goodness, when did this turn into a Hallmark movie?" Trust me. Hallmark movies aren't for me. This was nothing like one.
The suspense in this book was also fantastic. Heather always had something that you were on the edge of your seat about. I can't tell you how many times I was almost verbally screaming, "OH MY GOSH!!!!" It's a good thing I can control myself, because I usually read this during the twenty minute homework time we get in the morning, and everything is silent. (I'm always reading during this time, because I think it's ridiculous how some kids don't do their homework the NIGHT they are supposed to do it.)
There was nothing in this book I didn't like. I absolutely loved it. Which means my mother's recommendation was correct, once again. She'll be quite pleased to hear this. I highly recommend you buy this book. Especially if you love romance/suspense/fantasy. It was FANTABULOUS.
Eren just wants to be a normal teenage girl. But when her parents get attacked by a wild animal and she has to come live with her aunt, everything changes. I connected with Eren right on the spot. Heather did a fantastic job with having the reader connect with the characters. She gave them qualities that people could easily like, but she didn't make the characters too perfect. Nothing irks me more (Yes, irks) than a perfect character with no flaws. That's just not realistic. Now, I know that MANY things in paranormal or fantasy aren't going to be realistic, but it would be nice if the character's personality was at least somewhat normal...ish.
Some people may not agree with me on this, but I liked the fact that Eren and Aiden's relationship progressed quickly. I'm the type of person who says, "JUST GET TOGETHER ALREADY!" Because it's true. I like the idea of "no dilly dallying." I loved the romance in this book it was refreshing and in some cases.. cheesy. And I love me some cheesy romance! The good thing is, is that if you don't like cheesy romance, it wasn't extremely cheesy that you were thinking, "Oh goodness, when did this turn into a Hallmark movie?" Trust me. Hallmark movies aren't for me. This was nothing like one.
The suspense in this book was also fantastic. Heather always had something that you were on the edge of your seat about. I can't tell you how many times I was almost verbally screaming, "OH MY GOSH!!!!" It's a good thing I can control myself, because I usually read this during the twenty minute homework time we get in the morning, and everything is silent. (I'm always reading during this time, because I think it's ridiculous how some kids don't do their homework the NIGHT they are supposed to do it.)
There was nothing in this book I didn't like. I absolutely loved it. Which means my mother's recommendation was correct, once again. She'll be quite pleased to hear this. I highly recommend you buy this book. Especially if you love romance/suspense/fantasy. It was FANTABULOUS.
October 13, 2012
I have had this book waiting on my IPAD for months… I actually won it during a Twitter chat so long ago. When I received it I fell in love with the cover, but for some reason I never got around to reading it… so it has sat there waiting for me.
The Heather contacted me to participate in a book tour for the third book in this series and it gave me the push I needed to read the first two books in the series.
As soon as I finished this book, I was so mad at myself! I just can’t understand how I let this book sit unread for so long! It is SO good!
This book has all the magic I could ask for, the characters are all Channeler’s… which is sorta like a witch, but still so completely different that I was learning right along with Eren the main character of the series.
Eren is a very strong girl, she has overcome tragedy only to come to Spruce Knoll and have her whole world turned upside down. She does come across as a little clingy when she meets Aiden, but based on what she went through with the loss of her parents and well learning she is not as normal as she always thought, it was understandable and I totally didn’t hold it against her.
Aiden was such a sweetie, he was cute and caring and he seemed to instantly click with Eren.
Once Eren learns she is a channeler, and finally seems to come to accept it, she starts letting her aunt and grandfather in although it seems she still tries to keep a bit of distance between her and everyone as well.
I think what really sold this book to me was Fane, Eren’s cousin he is just too cute! I cant wait to read more about him in the upcoming books!
I am also super excited to see what happens between Eren and Aiden because well they are so perfect for each other and in this book they have overcome so much together that it should be interesting to see where they end up.
The Heather contacted me to participate in a book tour for the third book in this series and it gave me the push I needed to read the first two books in the series.
As soon as I finished this book, I was so mad at myself! I just can’t understand how I let this book sit unread for so long! It is SO good!
This book has all the magic I could ask for, the characters are all Channeler’s… which is sorta like a witch, but still so completely different that I was learning right along with Eren the main character of the series.
Eren is a very strong girl, she has overcome tragedy only to come to Spruce Knoll and have her whole world turned upside down. She does come across as a little clingy when she meets Aiden, but based on what she went through with the loss of her parents and well learning she is not as normal as she always thought, it was understandable and I totally didn’t hold it against her.
Aiden was such a sweetie, he was cute and caring and he seemed to instantly click with Eren.
Once Eren learns she is a channeler, and finally seems to come to accept it, she starts letting her aunt and grandfather in although it seems she still tries to keep a bit of distance between her and everyone as well.
I think what really sold this book to me was Fane, Eren’s cousin he is just too cute! I cant wait to read more about him in the upcoming books!
I am also super excited to see what happens between Eren and Aiden because well they are so perfect for each other and in this book they have overcome so much together that it should be interesting to see where they end up.
March 24, 2012
The Secret of Spruce Knoll is much different than any other YA book that I've read thus far, and that's a huge plus. The characters as well as the world-building are very well developed and engaging. If you are looking for a paranormal YA that doesn't include vampires, I highly recommend this book.
February 19, 2012
Spruce Knoll is an incredibly exciting debut with a richly detailed history that surrounds both the town of Spruce Knoll and it's residents. Not only is this scarcely populated town one that would have environmentally friendly people wanting to flock here do to the fact it's residents all live green, but the citizens themselves are elusive, which made me that much more fascinated with finding out more about them, and the secrets their town is hiding. From the moment I opened up Heather's book I felt drawn into her unique urban fantasy. There's something about this story that hooked me from the get go, and I loved it's unlike other paranormal book I've recently read.
My favorite element of Heather's story is her mythology. It's incredible! I'm totally fascinated by the concept of having a society of Channelers (also known as Witches or Sorcerers) who's fate is tied to that of the earth. Each has a unique gift that they can use for good or evil, and the society is made up entirely of different sects who's heritages are from all over the world. The paranormal twists that Heather gives her characters is engaging, and she does a wonderful job in the way she weaves her elements of magic, romance, mystery, love, loss and suspense together in this story. I loved the way Heather introduced me to the powers the Channelers have and the history of Spruce Knoll through her main character, Eren.
Eren for me was a fun character to meet. She's a well rounded character I really came to admire. She's suffered a great deal of heartache, is suddenly thrown into a world she knew nothing about, develops powers she has to learn to control, and through it all she surprised me with how grounded she remains. I think part of that has to do with her Aunt and Grandfather that take her in and the love and support they shower her with, and the other part is, because of the type of person she is. She's smart, she's someone who thinks before she acts, she's open minded and I also loved her artistic side. Eren also has an amazingly supportive love interest Aiden who helps her develop her powers, as well as helps her feel like she belongs. Spruce Knoll is far from being close knit and welcoming, especially to those of their kind that are of a mixed bred, which Eren is.
The romance in this book is fabulous! I really love a romance that's drawn out, and developed in a way that makes me feel like I'm watching the two characters get to know each other and really fall in love, all of which the romance in this book has. It's refreshing for me and I admire Heather for not creating an insta love relationship. There's passion, awesome character chemistry and moments that are simply sweet and sensual that simply took my breath away. That's not to say this romance is easy, because it's far from it. There's plenty of prejudices against both Aiden and Eren, as well as plenty of danger to drive them apart. Aiden and Eren are both resilient, strong, and incredibly protective of each other, though I admit that Adien's protectiveness of Eren is one of the things that immediately drew me to him. It's not that Eren's helpless, it's that Aiden is a protector is every sense of the word. There's more than pretty boy looks and hot a body that made Eren fall for him.
If you're looking for a paranormal book that steps outside the norm, than I highly recommend picking this one up. Heather's writing is incredible. Her mythology is just as enticing as her characters. There's not shortage of in-depth characters in Spruce Knoll. You'll fall in love with the good ones and you'll love to hat the bad ones. Even the secondary characters are all incredibly in-depth and add a lot of Eren's story. There's a lot of great paranormal elements introduced into a well organized plot line that will keep you hooked with this story. Though I loved the way in which the story is told and how Heather's introduces me to her world and her characters, I wish certain parts of the lore and the powers some of the characters have were explored a bit more. With the exciting ending this book has I can only venture to guess there's going to be a lot more exploring, and a lot more action seen in Channeler's Choice. I can't wait to find out what awaits Eren and Aiden in the next book.
My favorite element of Heather's story is her mythology. It's incredible! I'm totally fascinated by the concept of having a society of Channelers (also known as Witches or Sorcerers) who's fate is tied to that of the earth. Each has a unique gift that they can use for good or evil, and the society is made up entirely of different sects who's heritages are from all over the world. The paranormal twists that Heather gives her characters is engaging, and she does a wonderful job in the way she weaves her elements of magic, romance, mystery, love, loss and suspense together in this story. I loved the way Heather introduced me to the powers the Channelers have and the history of Spruce Knoll through her main character, Eren.
Eren for me was a fun character to meet. She's a well rounded character I really came to admire. She's suffered a great deal of heartache, is suddenly thrown into a world she knew nothing about, develops powers she has to learn to control, and through it all she surprised me with how grounded she remains. I think part of that has to do with her Aunt and Grandfather that take her in and the love and support they shower her with, and the other part is, because of the type of person she is. She's smart, she's someone who thinks before she acts, she's open minded and I also loved her artistic side. Eren also has an amazingly supportive love interest Aiden who helps her develop her powers, as well as helps her feel like she belongs. Spruce Knoll is far from being close knit and welcoming, especially to those of their kind that are of a mixed bred, which Eren is.
The romance in this book is fabulous! I really love a romance that's drawn out, and developed in a way that makes me feel like I'm watching the two characters get to know each other and really fall in love, all of which the romance in this book has. It's refreshing for me and I admire Heather for not creating an insta love relationship. There's passion, awesome character chemistry and moments that are simply sweet and sensual that simply took my breath away. That's not to say this romance is easy, because it's far from it. There's plenty of prejudices against both Aiden and Eren, as well as plenty of danger to drive them apart. Aiden and Eren are both resilient, strong, and incredibly protective of each other, though I admit that Adien's protectiveness of Eren is one of the things that immediately drew me to him. It's not that Eren's helpless, it's that Aiden is a protector is every sense of the word. There's more than pretty boy looks and hot a body that made Eren fall for him.
If you're looking for a paranormal book that steps outside the norm, than I highly recommend picking this one up. Heather's writing is incredible. Her mythology is just as enticing as her characters. There's not shortage of in-depth characters in Spruce Knoll. You'll fall in love with the good ones and you'll love to hat the bad ones. Even the secondary characters are all incredibly in-depth and add a lot of Eren's story. There's a lot of great paranormal elements introduced into a well organized plot line that will keep you hooked with this story. Though I loved the way in which the story is told and how Heather's introduces me to her world and her characters, I wish certain parts of the lore and the powers some of the characters have were explored a bit more. With the exciting ending this book has I can only venture to guess there's going to be a lot more exploring, and a lot more action seen in Channeler's Choice. I can't wait to find out what awaits Eren and Aiden in the next book.
January 13, 2012
It seems like I've been a little down on paranormal type young adult books lately. So much of it just starts to feel like the same ol' same ol' and while each book tends to have some unique aspect it's still hard for me to feel like I really love the book. So I was a bit worried that this might end up being another so-so read. But guess what?! It wasn't! Yeah, I wasn't completely blown away, but I did really like it.
The book kind of sets off with a bang and sets up a mystery we look to solve through the novel. The book didn't feel like a mystery though and the answers came pretty easily. I think maybe the author could have made it a bit more mysterious and not given away so many details, but really it worked fine as it was as the 'mystery' wasn't really the focus of the book.
I liked Eren right away but I was afraid I was going to get annoyed because she wasn't aware of Channelers and I was just waiting for her denial and her flip out {been there, saw that}. Fortunately it all was pretty fast and we could move onto the story {I might have wished it went a bit different, but I didn't cringe too much cause it was really just a couple pages}. And she actually ended up being pretty sensible through the rest of the book. I get annoyed with all these girls that think they are just going to run in and save the day and really it's just a stupid move. And while Eren still made some decisions that made me concerned she knew what she was up against and didn't think for a second she could beat them with her powers and was usually prepared with a plan and backup.
The town kind of made me cringe at first. Yes, I admit it. It just didn't seem realistic and just a bit cheesy or something that there's this whole town that made up of all channelers and these different society's. But somehow the author made it work and it ended up not really bothering me after the initial introduction. It actually ended up having a pretty interesting backstory and I'm curious and anxious to learn more about it.
The power these people have is actually very fascinating. I'm not sure I fully understand how it works but their power comes from the earth. The earth needs to be healthy and free of toxins or they get sick. I loved that aspect because this entire town is green. Like really green. They recycle everything, they ride bikes or walk and they don't drive. While the book never focuses on this it is mentioned the different things they do because Eren is just learning about it all herself.
The romance is pretty great! The two of them spend time getting to know each other before anything romantic develops between them and Aiden isn't a 'bad boy'. He has a bit of a temper and is protective of her but he's very cautious and concerned about hurting her. He's all about protecting everyone else and while he doesn't have the best situation himself he never complains about it or tries to change anything.
The writing, the characters, the plot, it was all fantastic! I read the book in two sittings and the second half was pretty intense and hard to put down. If you like young adult paranormal type reads I definitely recommend you pick this one up!
You can find this review and others like it on my blog at http://www.candacesbookblog.com
The book kind of sets off with a bang and sets up a mystery we look to solve through the novel. The book didn't feel like a mystery though and the answers came pretty easily. I think maybe the author could have made it a bit more mysterious and not given away so many details, but really it worked fine as it was as the 'mystery' wasn't really the focus of the book.
I liked Eren right away but I was afraid I was going to get annoyed because she wasn't aware of Channelers and I was just waiting for her denial and her flip out {been there, saw that}. Fortunately it all was pretty fast and we could move onto the story {I might have wished it went a bit different, but I didn't cringe too much cause it was really just a couple pages}. And she actually ended up being pretty sensible through the rest of the book. I get annoyed with all these girls that think they are just going to run in and save the day and really it's just a stupid move. And while Eren still made some decisions that made me concerned she knew what she was up against and didn't think for a second she could beat them with her powers and was usually prepared with a plan and backup.
The town kind of made me cringe at first. Yes, I admit it. It just didn't seem realistic and just a bit cheesy or something that there's this whole town that made up of all channelers and these different society's. But somehow the author made it work and it ended up not really bothering me after the initial introduction. It actually ended up having a pretty interesting backstory and I'm curious and anxious to learn more about it.
The power these people have is actually very fascinating. I'm not sure I fully understand how it works but their power comes from the earth. The earth needs to be healthy and free of toxins or they get sick. I loved that aspect because this entire town is green. Like really green. They recycle everything, they ride bikes or walk and they don't drive. While the book never focuses on this it is mentioned the different things they do because Eren is just learning about it all herself.
The romance is pretty great! The two of them spend time getting to know each other before anything romantic develops between them and Aiden isn't a 'bad boy'. He has a bit of a temper and is protective of her but he's very cautious and concerned about hurting her. He's all about protecting everyone else and while he doesn't have the best situation himself he never complains about it or tries to change anything.
The writing, the characters, the plot, it was all fantastic! I read the book in two sittings and the second half was pretty intense and hard to put down. If you like young adult paranormal type reads I definitely recommend you pick this one up!
You can find this review and others like it on my blog at http://www.candacesbookblog.com
March 28, 2012
If I lost my parents suddenly, in a wild animal attack, I sure would learn how to keep my distance. I mean, I would have just experienced someone I love being ripped away. Well, that is exactly how Eren feels as she goes to live with her aunt in Spruce Knoll. But after running into Aiden, an attractive boy with whom she forms a fast friendship, she realizes that forming attachments again might not be so bad. However, with her aunt and newfound "friend" acting so strange, Eren quickly realizes that here in Spruce Knoll all is not as it seems.
This book is downright magical... no, really. A huge portion of this book is about magical powers and abilities. Many of the struggles Eren faces have to do with coming into and developing her own powers, but magically is only one of the ways Eren changes in Spruce Knoll. I really love Eren's growing connection to her newly-discovered family. They have a very laid-back relationship that is easy to envy. One of the things that I truly admire about The Secret of Spruce Knoll is that if I take out all the magical parts (not that I would ever want to), McKorkle still delivers a good story. The characters' development, as individuals, families, friends, etc., is wonderfully done, and it really ties me emotionally to the characters.
One thing that stands out to me is that this book is well balanced. While her aunt and grandfather accept her, and they all get along seamlessly, the rest of the town is bitter and discriminatory. Eren's new life in Spruce Knoll isn't all roses and kittens and, for me, that makes this story more realistic and much more enjoyable. McCorkle also did a great job maintaining consistency within The Secret of Spruce Knoll. For example, the channelers are supposed to be tied to the earth so, when they go into the city, Eren starts to feel sick. Little details like this, which could easily have been overlooked, are worked into the story. Eren and Aidens relationship is a thing to behold and I cannot wait for book two!
The cover:
There is a newer cover for The Secret of Spruce Knoll. This cover is for a very special purpose. Here is what Heather McCorkle's website has to say about it...
"This is a special edition that contains an extra chapter and deleted material not published in the Abbott Press version. But what makes this version special is that a percentage of the proceeds from every copy of the special edition sold~digital and bound book~will go to my favorite charity that specializes in protecting endangered species. I hope you'll join me in trying to raise $10,000 for the charity by December 12th of 2012 by ordering a copy of the special edition for yourself or your loved ones. You can pre-order a signed copy now by clicking on the 'buy link' on the left sidebar. We can make a difference."
I think that the new cover, charity donation, and EXTRA CHAPTER incentive are all wonderful ideas, and I hope they raise the $10,000!
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars: Very Highly Recommended!
For more of my reviews visit www.epiloguereview.blogspot.com
This book is downright magical... no, really. A huge portion of this book is about magical powers and abilities. Many of the struggles Eren faces have to do with coming into and developing her own powers, but magically is only one of the ways Eren changes in Spruce Knoll. I really love Eren's growing connection to her newly-discovered family. They have a very laid-back relationship that is easy to envy. One of the things that I truly admire about The Secret of Spruce Knoll is that if I take out all the magical parts (not that I would ever want to), McKorkle still delivers a good story. The characters' development, as individuals, families, friends, etc., is wonderfully done, and it really ties me emotionally to the characters.
One thing that stands out to me is that this book is well balanced. While her aunt and grandfather accept her, and they all get along seamlessly, the rest of the town is bitter and discriminatory. Eren's new life in Spruce Knoll isn't all roses and kittens and, for me, that makes this story more realistic and much more enjoyable. McCorkle also did a great job maintaining consistency within The Secret of Spruce Knoll. For example, the channelers are supposed to be tied to the earth so, when they go into the city, Eren starts to feel sick. Little details like this, which could easily have been overlooked, are worked into the story. Eren and Aidens relationship is a thing to behold and I cannot wait for book two!
The cover:
There is a newer cover for The Secret of Spruce Knoll. This cover is for a very special purpose. Here is what Heather McCorkle's website has to say about it...
"This is a special edition that contains an extra chapter and deleted material not published in the Abbott Press version. But what makes this version special is that a percentage of the proceeds from every copy of the special edition sold~digital and bound book~will go to my favorite charity that specializes in protecting endangered species. I hope you'll join me in trying to raise $10,000 for the charity by December 12th of 2012 by ordering a copy of the special edition for yourself or your loved ones. You can pre-order a signed copy now by clicking on the 'buy link' on the left sidebar. We can make a difference."
I think that the new cover, charity donation, and EXTRA CHAPTER incentive are all wonderful ideas, and I hope they raise the $10,000!
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars: Very Highly Recommended!
For more of my reviews visit www.epiloguereview.blogspot.com
January 18, 2017
Being the first book in the Channeler series by debut author Heather McCorkle, The Secret of Spruce Knoll presents readers with a refreshingly new type of paranormal - one that concerns the Earth and its inhabitants - a magical group of people called "channelers".
In this novel, our protagonist Eren Donovan is a teenager who has recently lost her parents. She has no other choice but to move to a place called Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. As she learns about her heritage and the different societies in the said community, she discovers that she is also one of the people with magical abilities, and that comes as both a surprise and a shock.
When she encounters a good-looking young man called Aiden, she realizes that being a channeler isn't too bad after all. It is later revealed that Aiden is an orphan as well, which makes Eren feel a deeper connection with him. As the story progresses, the plot thickens as well. Eren and her family members raise some suspicions about her parents' untimely death.
McCorkle captures the sweetness of Eren and Aiden's courtship, their sincere feelings for each other, and their differences, partly — but not only — because they are from different societies. Eren has been brought up in the city, and when she arrives in Spruce Knoll, the lack of "living necessities" (TV, cinema and such) surprised her to a certain degree. She is an outcast in school - almost no one wants to hang with her because of her "halfbreed" identity. As for Aiden, he is sweet and charming, but he holds a dark secret about himself. Aiden, being an Irish by birth, was adopted by a family from a different society since he was born. However, it seems that he hates it when Eren inquires about his family.
Even though this book is set in the world of adolescence, adults also play an important part - Aunt Sylvia always takes good care of Eren and is concerned of her well-being, Grandpa Zolin teaches Eren about their kind and gives her some exposure about the history of the different societies in Spruce Knoll. While being kind and loving, these adults are strict when it comes to Eren's relationship with Aiden. They young lovers are not allowed to overstep the limits of a healthy relationship.
The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a good introduction to the Channeler series, and I'm sure it will greatly appeal to fans of paranormal and young adult novels. Albeit being a work of fiction, this novel manages to highlight the importance of conserving and preserving the Earth - which earns some extra brownie points from me. However, the part where the teens (Eren and Aiden) channel together in their birthday suits more or less freaked me out. It just doesn't sound right to me.
In this novel, our protagonist Eren Donovan is a teenager who has recently lost her parents. She has no other choice but to move to a place called Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. As she learns about her heritage and the different societies in the said community, she discovers that she is also one of the people with magical abilities, and that comes as both a surprise and a shock.
When she encounters a good-looking young man called Aiden, she realizes that being a channeler isn't too bad after all. It is later revealed that Aiden is an orphan as well, which makes Eren feel a deeper connection with him. As the story progresses, the plot thickens as well. Eren and her family members raise some suspicions about her parents' untimely death.
McCorkle captures the sweetness of Eren and Aiden's courtship, their sincere feelings for each other, and their differences, partly — but not only — because they are from different societies. Eren has been brought up in the city, and when she arrives in Spruce Knoll, the lack of "living necessities" (TV, cinema and such) surprised her to a certain degree. She is an outcast in school - almost no one wants to hang with her because of her "halfbreed" identity. As for Aiden, he is sweet and charming, but he holds a dark secret about himself. Aiden, being an Irish by birth, was adopted by a family from a different society since he was born. However, it seems that he hates it when Eren inquires about his family.
Even though this book is set in the world of adolescence, adults also play an important part - Aunt Sylvia always takes good care of Eren and is concerned of her well-being, Grandpa Zolin teaches Eren about their kind and gives her some exposure about the history of the different societies in Spruce Knoll. While being kind and loving, these adults are strict when it comes to Eren's relationship with Aiden. They young lovers are not allowed to overstep the limits of a healthy relationship.
The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a good introduction to the Channeler series, and I'm sure it will greatly appeal to fans of paranormal and young adult novels. Albeit being a work of fiction, this novel manages to highlight the importance of conserving and preserving the Earth - which earns some extra brownie points from me. However, the part where the teens (Eren and Aiden) channel together in their birthday suits more or less freaked me out. It just doesn't sound right to me.
October 11, 2011
When Heather McCorkle first contacted me to read The Secret of Spurce Knoll, I was enamored with the synopsis. Any book that deals with magic in a real world setting takes my heart instantly. Why? Well perhaps I'm a dreamer, but I like to think it's really out there somewhere. Who knows. People like Eren could be living somewhere and we'd never even know it! I digress though. Let's get on to the review!
Let's start with what I really liked about this book. Eren's character was fascinating to me from the beginning. Partially because of her new found abilities, but also because of her dual heritage. See, Heather McCorkle has created a character that has both Mayan and Irish background. Of course this causes all sorts of problems for her in the long run. The society in which Eren has found herself has very clear lines drawn between the four heritages that occupy it. What is a girl to do who doesn't really fall on either side? Cue dramatic tension, and some fantastic world building.
I was also very drawn in by how quickly the premise of this book really takes off. From the very beginning it is evident that Eren's parents didn't just die in a freak accident like most people think. Something happened to them that seems rather... off. I won't spoil anything at all, but I will say that everything is revealed as the story progresses. Very well I might add. There always seems to be just enough information given to keep you guessing, without making things move too slowly. The Secret of Spruce Knoll is, for the most part, a wonderfully paced read.
Now you're wondering why I marked this a star below, if I enjoyed it so much. Correct? I'll tell you honestly, it was the interaction between the characters. Eren was a wonderful protagonist, but it never felt like she really grew into her own. Eren's actions are very safe, and neutral most times. I didn't feel much of anything for her at all, and since I felt mediocre about her character, there were times when I felt mediocre about the overall story. What really struck me most though about Eren's character was how quickly she fell for Aiden. "Insta-love" is a big issue for me personally, as a reader. I would have liked to see more buildup between them, so I could feel more invested in their relationship.
The bottom line? Fantastic world-building, a unique and interesting premise, characters I just didn't fall for. The Secret of Spruce Knoll was a quick read, and one that I honestly did enjoy overall. A huge thank you to Heather McCorkle for a review copy, and for allowing me to share my honest opinion with you all. For a debut novel, this one was right on the money. I will be keeping by eye on this author for more.
Let's start with what I really liked about this book. Eren's character was fascinating to me from the beginning. Partially because of her new found abilities, but also because of her dual heritage. See, Heather McCorkle has created a character that has both Mayan and Irish background. Of course this causes all sorts of problems for her in the long run. The society in which Eren has found herself has very clear lines drawn between the four heritages that occupy it. What is a girl to do who doesn't really fall on either side? Cue dramatic tension, and some fantastic world building.
I was also very drawn in by how quickly the premise of this book really takes off. From the very beginning it is evident that Eren's parents didn't just die in a freak accident like most people think. Something happened to them that seems rather... off. I won't spoil anything at all, but I will say that everything is revealed as the story progresses. Very well I might add. There always seems to be just enough information given to keep you guessing, without making things move too slowly. The Secret of Spruce Knoll is, for the most part, a wonderfully paced read.
Now you're wondering why I marked this a star below, if I enjoyed it so much. Correct? I'll tell you honestly, it was the interaction between the characters. Eren was a wonderful protagonist, but it never felt like she really grew into her own. Eren's actions are very safe, and neutral most times. I didn't feel much of anything for her at all, and since I felt mediocre about her character, there were times when I felt mediocre about the overall story. What really struck me most though about Eren's character was how quickly she fell for Aiden. "Insta-love" is a big issue for me personally, as a reader. I would have liked to see more buildup between them, so I could feel more invested in their relationship.
The bottom line? Fantastic world-building, a unique and interesting premise, characters I just didn't fall for. The Secret of Spruce Knoll was a quick read, and one that I honestly did enjoy overall. A huge thank you to Heather McCorkle for a review copy, and for allowing me to share my honest opinion with you all. For a debut novel, this one was right on the money. I will be keeping by eye on this author for more.
January 29, 2012
From the first page, I was gripped and pulled into a town and world full of magic and mystery. Spruce Knoll (love that name!) is eerie and elusive at times. From the way the citizens are green, I mean really green, to their rejection of Eren, I was flipping the pages to discover the secret. The mythology McCorkle created was original and adds an awesome new twist for paranormal lovers. It still boggles my mind thinking on the concept, and I can’t wait to find out more about Eren’s powers and this town.
Now for romance...Eren and Aiden’s romance was tender and sensual all at the same time. It was so refreshing to meet a love interest who is sincere and sweet, and simply wants to protect the protagonist with no creepy side agenda. I fell for Aiden immediately. That protector thing gets me every time, and Aiden has it down. I also loved how Eren handled being a Channeler—how she dealt with the discovery, and how she rationalizes everything in general. Smart girls rule. This is a must read for anyone looking for a fresh take on the paranormal with a twist of unique mythology, and a sweet, all-consuming romance that will make your heart ache.
Now for romance...Eren and Aiden’s romance was tender and sensual all at the same time. It was so refreshing to meet a love interest who is sincere and sweet, and simply wants to protect the protagonist with no creepy side agenda. I fell for Aiden immediately. That protector thing gets me every time, and Aiden has it down. I also loved how Eren handled being a Channeler—how she dealt with the discovery, and how she rationalizes everything in general. Smart girls rule. This is a must read for anyone looking for a fresh take on the paranormal with a twist of unique mythology, and a sweet, all-consuming romance that will make your heart ache.
December 20, 2011
If this book had been clean,I would have given it five stars. The voice is great. The swearing and sex, not so much. If that stuff doesn't bother you, you'll probably really enjoy this one. The concept of channelers is interesting, there's plenty of intrigue in trying to collect proof to catch murderers and the different cultures make it divers and interesting. Strong themes of fighting against discrimination are very worthwhile. Another recurring theme is taking care of the Earth.
#1 thing I don't understand? How it's okay for them to see each other naked as long as they didn't have sex. That's not okay for me. It doesn't teach kids to be morally clean. It's not about just not having sex. Our bodies are sacred. Sex is sacred. I'm increasingly frustrated at how flippantly immoral behavior is thrown into YA and Adult novels.
The author of these books seems very sweet and I do not write this review or any review to tear down what they have worked so hard to create. I simply want to warn any who share my beliefs.
#1 thing I don't understand? How it's okay for them to see each other naked as long as they didn't have sex. That's not okay for me. It doesn't teach kids to be morally clean. It's not about just not having sex. Our bodies are sacred. Sex is sacred. I'm increasingly frustrated at how flippantly immoral behavior is thrown into YA and Adult novels.
The author of these books seems very sweet and I do not write this review or any review to tear down what they have worked so hard to create. I simply want to warn any who share my beliefs.
January 17, 2012
What a great story this is! One of the best things about it is that I can't think of a book to compare it too. The reason why I love that, is because the story is just so unique. Which is why I kept turning the page! Loved it!
I loved that the characters (even the hot boy) was flawed and not perfect. I loved that the main character, Eren, had issues trusting and letting herself be loved (natural considering what she'd been through - no spoilers from me!)
And, in an environmentally conscious world, many people will appreciate the strong love for nature present throughout SPRUCE KNOLL.
If you're a fan of romance (check!), mystery (check!), nature (check!), different cultures (check!), and rooting for the underdog (check!)you will love THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL.
I loved that the characters (even the hot boy) was flawed and not perfect. I loved that the main character, Eren, had issues trusting and letting herself be loved (natural considering what she'd been through - no spoilers from me!)
And, in an environmentally conscious world, many people will appreciate the strong love for nature present throughout SPRUCE KNOLL.
If you're a fan of romance (check!), mystery (check!), nature (check!), different cultures (check!), and rooting for the underdog (check!)you will love THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL.
September 7, 2011
This was a really good story. There was action in every chapter right down to the last chapters! The pace was good, the plot was really entertaining and the characters you could really fall in love with (or really hate, Luke, grrrr.)I'm not a fan of novels that are overwhelmingly romantically themed but this story was worth reading. I love anything that is out of the ordinary and this was out of the ordinary :D Channelers are very interesting and I want to know more about them :D
December 30, 2012
This was a awesome book too read.
It made me wish I could live in Spruce Knoll.
I could see it all in my head and feel it all in my heart.
I'm no good in giving reviews, I can read the books in english very well but too right reviews in english is bad LOL...
I'm now going too read book 2 ...
Thanks for writing such fantastic books, love you for it ...
It made me wish I could live in Spruce Knoll.
I could see it all in my head and feel it all in my heart.
I'm no good in giving reviews, I can read the books in english very well but too right reviews in english is bad LOL...
I'm now going too read book 2 ...
Thanks for writing such fantastic books, love you for it ...
April 16, 2012
Eren's life takes a dramatic turn when her parents are killed in an animal attack, forcing her to move in with her aunt that she never met. Eren's arrival to Spruce Knolls is met with open hostility, that she does not understand. Slowly, Eren discovers Spruce Knolls is unlike any other American town, and she is not like other normal American girls.
February 25, 2022
I could relate to Eren being sensitive and nature loving. Like I said about Born of Fire, I think it's cool to feel and see not only your own, but other people's energy. I like that she is an artist. I liked all the small things and big things. Family, jewelry, custody. Those are the only hints I'm giving. You need to read the book, too!
June 29, 2012
I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive about reading this book. From the first chapter I really became intrigued and didn't want to put it down. I am excited about the second book and being able to read more about Eren, Aiden and the life they are starting new.
January 20, 2012
A really fun YA novel.
March 31, 2012
loved The Secret Of Spruce Knoll!
I read all of Heathers books and love her writing style.
Her characters are packed with emotions and believable.
I highly recommend this book!
I read all of Heathers books and love her writing style.
Her characters are packed with emotions and believable.
I highly recommend this book!
Want to read
August 18, 2012ohhhh this sounds good cant wait to read it :)
February 21, 2013
Got it as an amazon kindle freebie. I liked it more than I thought I would. Will definitely read the next book in the series.
March 8, 2013
Loved this book. Kept me up until I finished it.
Want to read
August 4, 2011Waiting for release date! Exciting times ahead.
October 11, 2011
This review originally appeared on my blog, Mindful Musings.
In a Sentence: Though the characterization wasn't all I wanted it to be, The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a promising debut novel with a nice touch of suspense.
My Thoughts
I'm going to start this review by congratulating the author, Heather McCorkle, on the publication of her first book! Heather has long been a supporter of this blog, and I've been following her writing for quite a while, and it's so awesome to see all of her work and effort come to fruition. With that being said, you don't have to worry. My fondness for Heather in no way affected my review. Those of you who are frequent visitors to my blog know that I'm a stickler for honest reviews, and I hold to that whether or not I'm buddies with the author. At the same time, regardless of what my opinion is, getting a book published is a huge accomplishment that requires tons of work, so once again, congratulations, Heather!
I'll start by saying that I definitely appreciated the idea behind the story. I have to say that what I liked most about The Secret of Spruce Knoll was the mythology and world-building that surrounded the plot. McCorkle constructs her story using an idea that has been used before (the idea of people who derive their power from a connection to the Earth), but she puts her own unique twist on it. I especially liked how she set up the societies in the community of Spruce Knoll. There are four societies: Romanian, Irish, Mayan, and Tibetan, and each society has their own unique role in the community.
The beginning of the story immediately grabbed my attention because, right off the bat, it is revealed that something unusual has happened to Eren's parents. However, while hints are dropped throughout the story, you don't really find out what happens until much later. Similarly, you can tell that the people of Spruce Knoll aren't quite what they appear to be. There is something that lurks beneath the surface, but exactly what that is isn't obvious right away. The way McCorkle chose to incorporate these elements into the story added an aspect of suspense that got me interested in the plot.
Eren herself is a rarity--a mix of two societies (Irish and Mayan). I loved the undertones that this brought to the story, especially because these undertones are very applicable to the real world. Many of the characters in Spruce Knoll are very set in their ways and, while the four societies exist peacefully (most of the time) with each other, many people Eren runs into don't really want integration. Eren is sometimes looked down upon because she is of mixed race. This causes her to have a bit of a difficult time fitting in in her new home because she doesn't belong completely to just one society.
However, even though I thought that the plot and world building in The Secret of Spruce Knoll was well thought out, I had some trouble with the characters. While I found some aspects of Eren's personality to be interesting, I felt mostly neutral feelings about her character as a whole--meaning that I didn't really like or dislike her. I don't think that the characterization of Eren was necessarily done poorly, but I never really connected with her either. As many of you have heard me harp on before, characterization is the thing that usually makes or breaks a book for me. Because Eren came off as a mediocre character to me, the book as a whole seemed mediocre in a lot of places as well, even with the support of a creative mythology.
Furthermore, the relationship between Eren and Aiden, the love interest in the story, seemed to escalate too quickly and too intensely to seem realistic to me. I felt that their relationship was very characteristic of the so-called "insta-love" trend (see this article) that has been present in a lot of recent young adult fiction. However, what I did like about Aiden was his relationship with his adoptive family members. I found the dynamics in the Moldovan family to be interesting (and sometimes a bit scary)!
Overall, I felt that The Secret of Spruce Knoll had a good story line. For those of you who are more concerned with story construction than character development, this is a book you should definitely try. If characters are more your thing, I'd recommend clicking HERE to check out the first four chapters of the book to see if it's something you might be interested in!
**Thanks to author Heather McCorkle for providing me with a review copy.**
In a Sentence: Though the characterization wasn't all I wanted it to be, The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a promising debut novel with a nice touch of suspense.
My Thoughts
I'm going to start this review by congratulating the author, Heather McCorkle, on the publication of her first book! Heather has long been a supporter of this blog, and I've been following her writing for quite a while, and it's so awesome to see all of her work and effort come to fruition. With that being said, you don't have to worry. My fondness for Heather in no way affected my review. Those of you who are frequent visitors to my blog know that I'm a stickler for honest reviews, and I hold to that whether or not I'm buddies with the author. At the same time, regardless of what my opinion is, getting a book published is a huge accomplishment that requires tons of work, so once again, congratulations, Heather!
I'll start by saying that I definitely appreciated the idea behind the story. I have to say that what I liked most about The Secret of Spruce Knoll was the mythology and world-building that surrounded the plot. McCorkle constructs her story using an idea that has been used before (the idea of people who derive their power from a connection to the Earth), but she puts her own unique twist on it. I especially liked how she set up the societies in the community of Spruce Knoll. There are four societies: Romanian, Irish, Mayan, and Tibetan, and each society has their own unique role in the community.
The beginning of the story immediately grabbed my attention because, right off the bat, it is revealed that something unusual has happened to Eren's parents. However, while hints are dropped throughout the story, you don't really find out what happens until much later. Similarly, you can tell that the people of Spruce Knoll aren't quite what they appear to be. There is something that lurks beneath the surface, but exactly what that is isn't obvious right away. The way McCorkle chose to incorporate these elements into the story added an aspect of suspense that got me interested in the plot.
Eren herself is a rarity--a mix of two societies (Irish and Mayan). I loved the undertones that this brought to the story, especially because these undertones are very applicable to the real world. Many of the characters in Spruce Knoll are very set in their ways and, while the four societies exist peacefully (most of the time) with each other, many people Eren runs into don't really want integration. Eren is sometimes looked down upon because she is of mixed race. This causes her to have a bit of a difficult time fitting in in her new home because she doesn't belong completely to just one society.
However, even though I thought that the plot and world building in The Secret of Spruce Knoll was well thought out, I had some trouble with the characters. While I found some aspects of Eren's personality to be interesting, I felt mostly neutral feelings about her character as a whole--meaning that I didn't really like or dislike her. I don't think that the characterization of Eren was necessarily done poorly, but I never really connected with her either. As many of you have heard me harp on before, characterization is the thing that usually makes or breaks a book for me. Because Eren came off as a mediocre character to me, the book as a whole seemed mediocre in a lot of places as well, even with the support of a creative mythology.
Furthermore, the relationship between Eren and Aiden, the love interest in the story, seemed to escalate too quickly and too intensely to seem realistic to me. I felt that their relationship was very characteristic of the so-called "insta-love" trend (see this article) that has been present in a lot of recent young adult fiction. However, what I did like about Aiden was his relationship with his adoptive family members. I found the dynamics in the Moldovan family to be interesting (and sometimes a bit scary)!
Overall, I felt that The Secret of Spruce Knoll had a good story line. For those of you who are more concerned with story construction than character development, this is a book you should definitely try. If characters are more your thing, I'd recommend clicking HERE to check out the first four chapters of the book to see if it's something you might be interested in!
**Thanks to author Heather McCorkle for providing me with a review copy.**
June 7, 2013
Good plot, not great writing. Way too much telling, very one dimensional characters, and lord but does it need another pass from an editor. "... four different races that are all prejudice?" "So people in this town were prejudice after all." Really? That's basic grammar. Prejudiced. Anyone should have been able to catch that.
Anyway. It gets two stars because the plot held my interest, but the writing needs some more work.
Anyway. It gets two stars because the plot held my interest, but the writing needs some more work.
Read
October 31, 2011McCorkle fuses magic, mystery, and myth into one action-packed tale.
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