Artemis Rising

by Cheri Lasota

On the voy­age home to the Azores Islands, Eva accepts the pagan name of Arethusa but learns too late that her life will mir­ror the Greek nymph’s tragic end. Her mother reveals that her des­tiny lies with Diogo, the shipowner’s volatile son. But Eva has a vision of another...

When the ship founders in a storm off the coast, Tristan, a local boy, saves her life and steals her heart. Destined to be with Diogo yet aching for Tristan’s for­bid­den love, Eva must some­how choose between them, or fate will choose for her.

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal, Ebooks, Historical Fiction

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2011

About the author

USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Cheri Lasota is an author, cover designer and editor. Her bestselling debut novel, Artemis Rising, is a 2013 Cygnus Awards First Place Winner and a 2012 finalist in the Next Generation Indie Books Awards. Cheri also helped found the Paradisi Chronicles, a massive open-source Sci-Fi universe set on the fictional planet, New Eden. Her Paradisi Exodus series focuses on the early years of the human exodus from Earth to the new planet. Cheri’s most recent project is her ambitious Historical Fantasy series, Immortal Codex, which explores the lives of immortals throughout history.

Read more from Cheri Lasota at CheriLasota.com.

Reviews

[Avry15 · Rating 4 out of 5]

originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions

*i won this book from member giveaways program*

I always love mythology, and it could only get better with a dose of Christianity…

The story is moving and I cried along with Arethusa, I can completely feel myself being in her shoes, and all those horrible things happening to her..

I find myself surprised at each turn of the story, things which I didn’t know would fall into…I especially appreciate the ending, I was thinking the same lines all along, but I was still surprised how perfect it ended. A complex yet highly engrossing read…

It’s really thrilling and horrifying what accepting other’s names would mean accepting their fate too… I really love this combinations of stories…

The book is a combination of fast and slow, it got slower at the part when they are growing into maturity, it’s just it jump to a couple of years, and I really want to know what happen in those missing years. The beginning is engaging and pack of twist… the middle not so much.. but the end says it all, I even felt my breathing stops at every words I read..lol…

I love how the author presents the philosophical thought between fate and choice, and how at the end, fate depends on our choice..(:D)…, the nature of true love and plain lust, and the danger of believing something and letting your mind be engulfed in things which are not true…

Ms. Lasota beautifully combined Greek myth, Arthurian legend, Christianity into a wonderful tale, any romanticist would love.

A book- Any reader could be carried away…Highly recommended!

[Jessie Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. It is historical, but moves with a constant forward flow. The writing is lyrical, the concept original and I've never read anything like it. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and even dreamed about it one night (it stuck with me that much). If you don't mind having to work your way around a few Portuguese words and you're looking for a book that's more Alice in Wonderland than action-adventure (a la Strange Angels), you won't want to miss Artemis Rising.

[Allorah Shore · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her first published novel Cheri Lasota proves she is here to stay. Cheri writes an epic adventure comparitive to that of Homers' Odyssey, the structure of a movie written by Quintin Terrintino, and a writing style silmilar to Charles Dickens. The plot of Artemis Rising is artistically woven with themes of love, life, religion and self-preservation. The story will keep you guessing until the very last page. The characters of Artemis Rising are well developed and intimate in their vivid and detailed personality descriptions.

I have read many historical fantasies before and I was pleasently surprised that this was not just another in the list of many. The epic adventure takes us through America, the myths of Alpheus and Arethusa and Tristan and Isolde, and the Azores Islands. Artemis Rising is a book everyone between the ages of twenty-five and thirty should read. Although it is a fiction work, the themes and symbolism can be easily identified with by the majority of the population. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end by the story, theology, and being led by the themes to internally reflect on my personal philosophies.

I previously stated that Cheri has a writing style of similar to that of Charles Dickens. The language that is used is carefully selected tantalizing all of your senses. The vocabulary is not for the faint of heart and requires your unmitigated attention. The story does not really pick up speed until chapter ten, give or take a chapter or two in either direction. I did not look at this as a preclusion to reading the book. Some of Charles Dickens' greatest works (Great Expectations for ex.) did not lead the reader into the meat of the story until chapter ten or even chapter twenty but as you read further on you understood why he took so much time setting up the story. Cheri's writing style is of the same caliber. The content of the book is PG but, because of the way it is written, I believe you have to be an adult to appreciate it.

If you are looking for a light book or quick read, this is not it. This book demands your attention with it's many plots, lest you get lost or become confused. If you are looking to be challenged intellectually, Artemis Rising is your pick. The book also comes with a foreign words glossary as it is peppered with words and sayings in Portuguese. Artemis Rising is a must read and has the potential to be one of the great classics for this generation and the next.

[Dottie Scalzi-Sauers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly, highly, HIGHLY!!!! recommend.

Oh my gosh, Cheri Lasota has done it again!
Artemis Rising blew me away.
Artemis Rising and Echoes In The Glass have become my two favorite books. Trying to describe these two books and Cheri's writing....... I just can't put it all into words. Cheri is a brilliant writer, her books are fabulous and brilliantly written. I'm hoping for more in the near future :)

[Heather McCorkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written novel that will plunge you into the depths of myth. The author has a talent for putting the reader into the world and putting the character's into their hearts. Steeped richly in the culture of the Azores people, this novel has just the right balance of action, romance, and mysticism.

[Karen]

Breathtaking writing and complicated yet interesting characters. The story left me spellbound.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received this book through the Early Reviewers Program at LibraryThing.com. The publisher sent me this as an ARC so I will treat it as such, however it seems that this has already been release.

When I first saw this book as a giveaway I was immediately intrigued by it. The cover art was beautiful, the name and summary promised something new and exciting, and it seemed to be well written. It seems this is one of those rare occasions where 'first impressions' ring completely true.

This book is filled with a complex yet fluid retelling of two separate myths that have been intricately weaved together in a way that it pulls you head-first into the story. Throughout it all I found myself completely entranced by this, and I had a hard time putting down my Kindle once I got started. Only for the need of sleep did it take me two days to finish. The plot itself is one that is beautifully written and well thought out, though I will admit if you are reading this halfheartedly you may become confused at times. I adore mythology and I really like when authors come up with a creative way to integrate them into their own stories, and I can honestly say that I found this to be completely original and fresh. I was familiar with the story of Tristan and Isolde but not that of Alpheus and Arethusa, and even now that I've become familiar with both I can see that they have no true connections. However Lasota managed to pull these two stories together and combine them in such a way that I'll probably never looked at them the same again. After all the emotions that pulled me back and forth and though I was sad to see it over, the ending was perfect to me as it felt complete.

I really liked the main character Eva. She was strong willed and determined despite her troubled life, and even in the toughest of times she attempted to keep her chin up and keep moving forward. She made mistakes of course but she learned from them. The growth of her character is wonderful and believable. She goes from being a girl who is scared and alone, to a woman who knows exactly who she is and will not allow anyone else to tell her otherwise. Tristain is just as lovely, and he grew just as much as Eva throughout the story. The relationship between them is sweet and yet so frustrating, which is exactly what the characters feel. Diogo was very easy to hate and very easy to be deceived by in the beginning. Overall Lasota did a wonderful job of creating characters that were truly human in their decisions and desires, and the way she wrote the story really gave you a sense of every emotion that coursed through these people.

Now on to the warnings and notices for others. This book contains Spainish phrases throughout. However if you are not familiar with the language there is a glossary and phrase guide in the back that tells you the meanings. I personally had no trouble figuring out what the meanings of things were, or at least coming close to the meanings, thanks to Lasota's descriptions and explanations. Also there is a some violence that plays a part in the story as well. It is nothing terribly gory but it is present.

I would recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone though of course those who enjoy romance, re-tellings, and mythology will probably enjoy this more.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Daughter of the Moon.....

This is one of my top five favorite reads of 2011. Artemis Rising is simply magical, literally as well as figuratively, although the way it's written, the magic is completely believable.

Eva is torn between the opposite beliefs of her father and mother. Her mother, Mãe (Maria), believes in the Goddess of the Moon, and secretly passes on her faith to her daughter. Why secretly? Because Pai, her father, is a Catholic, and in 1890s New Bedford, pagan religions are frowned upon, to put it mildly. When he catches his daughter and wife performing a pagan ritual, he becomes swiftly violent, both verbally ("A witch. A witch!") and physically. His first act after the abuse is to disown his child and ship her off to the Azores ("The Sea Nymph sliced smooth chasms through the Atlantic waves...")

There is a young man on board: the ship-owner's son. Diogo. Dark, brooding, abused and dangerous, he is accustomed to taking what he wants. Right now what he wants is Eva.

Like most young girls, Eva has been sheltered, and is far from capable of resisting the charm this confident, worldly youth can easily exude. "I want you," he whispers in the ship's shadowed caverns, and she nearly succumbs, but something stops her.

Her mother prays to Artemis: she makes an offering of her child. "When it is time for her to fulfill her vow, bring her the man who will take on the spirit of Alpheus. Let her be bound to him forever."

Who will he be? Eva, (her mother gives her the name of Arethusa), is afraid. Mãe is certain this male spirit is Diogo. Diogo, who is both frightening and fascinating. Arethusa feels her mother is wrong; she senses there is another. But Mãe won't listen.

As if in some oblique answer, the Goddess sends a monstrous storm, propelling the Sea Nymph into the rocks surrounding the Azores, breaking it to bits and tossing Arethusa into the ocean.

Who finds her lying on the beach, near death, bruised and torn?

Tristão.

This story is a complex weaving of magic, myth, faith, and love. Arethusa must tread a convoluted path to discovery: discovery of herself and what she wants to believe. Who really loves her? Both Diogo and Tristão say they do, yet each, in his own way, lets her down. What do the myths offer? What do they demand? Tucked away on the gorgeous blue Azores, Arethusa puts her childhood behind. She becomes a woman. She makes her own choices in a journey that takes her from adversity to triumph. A journey worth traveling.

[Nancy Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva, Arethusa, Isolde: If you believed your name controlled your destiny, who would you choose to be?

I love YA fantasy-esque books that break the current "paranormal creature" mold, and I'm a particular fan of novels that use elements from mythology. Artemis Rising is a blend of two myths: Arethusa and Alpheus from Greek mythology, and Tristan and Isolde from the Arthurian legends.

I absolutely loved Artemis Rising, from start to finish. Lasota took the typical teen identity crisis and turned it into something mysterious and magical. The struggles of Arethusa and Tristan were real and relatable, and the way their relationship grew in the process was utterly delightful.

I loved all the characters in Artemis Rising, from our two protagonists down to the most minor of minor characters. Lasota introduces a nice range of supporting characters--enough to add depth to the novel, but not so many that you can't keep track of who's who. The roles they play in the two myths are sometimes surprising and always satisfying.

Setting is of highest importance in a fantasy novel, and Artemis Rising knocks this out of the park. The book is set in the Azores at the turn of the twenthieth century, and every page is seeped in the culture and pathos of the islands. It's clearly a place that is dear to the author's heart, and the amount of detail she gives does justice to this beautiful location.

Over all, Artemis Rising is simply a fabulous book on every count. I can't wait to read Cheri Lasota's next book!

[V.R. Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artemis Rising is a charming story of a young woman on a quest for identity. Eva, raised a Catholic by a domineering and abusive father, is persuaded to adopt the religion of her pagan mother. But when her mother is killed in a shipwreck, Eva is left to face the world alone, to decide for herself what she is to believe, what stories and legacies to hold as her own, and how, most importantly, she is to give her heart. In a world where the canons of social behavior have been determined for them by those that have come before, I think young people will relate to the battle for self-definition and to find happiness in a world fraught with danger, prejudice, malice and manipulation, and where the rules, if written, are unclear.

I found Artemis rising a refreshing read, taking me to places I've never seen and seldom read of. The characters are engaging and believable and the writing lyrical and at times poetic. The story is fast-paced and filled with allegory and analogy--which I love--and successfully draws the reader into a time past but still relatable, a world both beautiful and intriguing. Artemis Rising was a true pleasure to read.

[Alice Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The way this author manages to intertwine myths and religious concepts (Christianity and paganism)and make them into a believable and suspenseful tale is amazing. The unfamiliar Portuguese setting drew me in to a world where historical details and cultures wove events and characters into a complex and exciting story. As the plot twists unfolded, I followed breathlessly, wondering how Eva (Arethusa)would choose between the two men who pursue her; one with the passionate black gaze from an ancient world, or the other whose clear blue eyes promise another. This book will hold you enthralled and engaged from beginning to end. An excellent read!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! Cheri Lasota has written a beautiful romance novel. Once I started reading this story I found it hard to put down. I enjoyed reading about the combination of myths, legends and religion. The beliefs of adults tend to extend to their children, and in this story the teenagers have to decide whether to use what they have been taught by the people who love them the most, to make decisions that will shape their futures. It has everything you want in a great storyline- joy, sorrow, fear, betrayal, desire and love!

[Ali Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't tell you how refreshing it was to read a story that wasn't set in America! And to read about characters who have 100% believable lives with unique-to-me beliefs and lifestyles was very cool.

One thing Lasota did that was truly exceptional was to immerse me in this foreign world without once talking down to me. She put me, as a reader, in the world of her creating and taught me what I needed to know along the way without ever stopping to TELL me.

A truly unique and enjoyable story from start to finish. I loved it!

[Shiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely a really good book. Really original story line. Excellently written. My only bad thing to say would be that the ending felt a bit rushed but I still thought it was really good. Definitely worth a read!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it. I would read more from this author. I really like the end. I had a strong feeling and it went as i thought it would.

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

•••I listened to the Audible Audio Edition of this book•••


The narrator has an incredibly expressive voice and is extremely talented at voice acting. I felt like I WAS Eva and not just witness to her trials and tribations. I would definitely both listen to more work by this amazing narrator and read or listen to more books by this inventive and talented author! I hope they work together again in the future as they do so well together :)



To Myth Or Not To Myth


This is a stand alone novel. I wish there were more!


Eva has been raised to dedicate herself to Artemis as Arethusa just as her mother did before her. To become the myth personified in service to the Moon. The Goddess sends her a warning though her mother received a different vision. Which is the true vision? Should she continue on the path her mother laid before her or follow her instincts and find her own way? Is the way of the Goddess the right way? Does she even have a choice anymore?

Diogo is rich and spoiled and used to getting everything he wants. Except from his cruel and forbidding father. Eva intrigues him and he wants her for his own. At first he is merely trying to protect her. To woo her. But after he is maimed in her defense by his father something overtakes him. She becomes his obsession. Will he win? Will he own her in the end? Or will his twisted drives destroy them both?


Tristao has never know a father's love or a mother's kindness. He sees something in Arethusa that he has been waiting for his whole life... Hope. Finding her and rescuing her seems to be Fate. Is she the answer to his prayers? The girl who will share his life and give him the love he missed as a child? Will she help him get rid of his anger at his father's disinterest and abandonment? At the mysterious absence of his mother. Will she make him into something other than the favored oldest orphan?


***This book is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy stories of the Old Gods filled with mystery, intrigue, Myth, action, adventure, supernatural forces, magic, mayhem and horror but, most of all, romance and the search for truth and true love despite Destiny or Fate :)

[Jennifer Ellision · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be posted on PageTurnersBlog: http://www.pageturnersblog.com

When PageTurnersBlog was contacted to review Artemis Rising, I jumped at the chance. "Mythology?" I thought. "Romance? Magic? Count me in."

Artemis Rising is the story of Eva, who takes the name Arethusa at the very beginning of the book. Eva is doomed to live out the myth of Arethusa and Alpheus (who is embodied in Diogo). Diogo and Alpheus are fearful characters and though she wants to serve the goddess Artemis, who she has taken a vow to Eva longs to be with Tristao instead. But Tristao has chosen to follow the path of Tristan and Isolde, so how can they be together?

The romance between Tristao and Eva is done beautifully. First a love that's forbidden by the paths they've chosen and then later simply forbidden by circumstances. You can see in small ways throughout the book how much they love and long for each other. The conflict with Diogo is also very well done-- he's simply terrifying.

I also particularly enjoyed the atmospheric elements that the author incorporated about Portuguese culture and the setting in the Azores islands (off the coast of Portugal).

The Goodreads summary is a bit misleading. I didn't truly see the struggle for Eva to choose Catholicism or Paganism until she is being attacked. Only then does she pray to whoever may help her-- Artemis and God. She chooses the name Arethusa more than willingly and does not seem to enjoy Diogo, the one that she is destined for at all. So both of those internal conflicts felt a bit contrived.

I found the twisting and melding of the two myths to be a bit confusing at times, but it was definitely justified in the climax and the ending.

Artemis Rising was an enjoyable read with a somewhat unusual premise and I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a YA read with some mythology that hasn't been done to death.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book. I love the Tristan and Isolde story/myth that was incorporated. Eva Marie/Arethus was treated so poorly by so many people. I felt so bad for her--her parents die, she loses the ability to speak because the freak almost strangles her, the kids at the orphanage are scared of her, her adopted mother can't stand her and she loves a boy that she may not be allowed to love. Poor girl!! I think my favorite character was Tristan. He grows up in an orphanage and becomes everyones big brother, he takes care of them all. Who takes care if him? I feel for him when Arethusa arrives after the ship wreck. He falls in love with the beautiful mute new girl and then finds out she is a pagan. This goes against his Catholic training and he worries about her influence on the younger children so he turns his back on her and then things get ugly until they are both adopted by the same man. Awkward! I was turning page after page because I just had to know what becomes if them and then the book is taken over my the mythology and weirdness. I wanted Alpheus to finally GO AWAY already!! It was creepy that Eva Marie/Arethusa/Isolde would hallucinate such terrible, creepy things. Give the girl a break and let's get to the happy ending already. And let me also mention that Isabel is a putz!!! How come she never got slapped?? Overall, I really liked the story. I just would have liked less of the creepy stuff. Good job Cheri!!

[MissSusie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a young girl named Eve who is raised in the US by a catholic father and a pagan mother, they are on a boat at sea when Eve’s mother Arethusa does a ritual to give Eve her mother’s name and to promise her to the moon goddess Artemis but things don’t go as planned, as tragedy strikes Eve’s/Arethusa life will never be the same.

This is a mix of 2 myths Tristan & Isolde and Arethusa & Alpheus and how your beliefs can set you on a path of tragedy and/or love and how outside forces can affect everything you do until you take control of your own life and stop living for others.

I enjoyed this book very much it has a mythical fairytale quality to it, and I thought it was well written. I found myself cheering for Arethusa & Tristan; it is a love story yet so much more. I was afraid at first it would be to romancey (I know maybe not a word but there it is) but I was pleasantly surprised by the story and the atmosphere her descriptions of the coastline & the sea made me feel like I was right there and could feel the wind. There are some scenes that made my stomach knot in fear for our heroine and that is the mark of a good book.

I will definitely read more by this author.

**I received this book from the Member Giveaway Program on Librarything**

4 Stars

P.S. To Publishers I would really love a paper book of this for my library

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I was thinking about what I wanted to write for this review, my brain keeps calling up that oft quoted line from Romeo and Juliet, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet." But what if the name really did matter? In Artemis Rising, those who adopt these new names also adopt the fates of their namesakes. When Eva fully accepts her mother's belief system, and adopts the name Arethusa, she very quickly finds her life paralleling that of her namesake nymph. I love a good myth, but this was the first time I've come across that of Alpheus and Arethusa. Upon looking up the myth after finishing the book, I was impressed on how well the myth was translated to fit the life of a teen in the turn of the century Azores yet keep the parallels. The Tristan and Isolde legend I was more familiar with, and I found that inclusion was a bit more subtly done. The result is a love triangle and triangle of ideology.

I always enjoy a lead female character who can take care of herself, even if she needs help from the guys sometimes. Eva/Arethusa certainly fills this role. All the characters are strong characters and well written. This is a great addition to the increasingly popular mythology adaptation genre. This is Lasota's first novel, and I look forward to more from her.

I received a copy of this from the author for review.

[Mirella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aretemis Rising is a magical young adult novel about destiny and love. Set in the Azores in the late 19th century, young Eva Mare 19s mother performs a pagan ritual to look into her daughter 19s future. During her trance, she sees a man named Diogo and convinces Eva he is to be her destiny. But Eva encounters a young man of her own named Tristan who also faces a complex destiny. It is Tristan she falls in love with and it is Diogo who she disdains for his evilness.
And thus begins a masterfully woven plot filled with conflict and danger and intrigue. Cheri Lasota has written a spell-binding historical fantasy about young, passionate love, skillfully tying it in with historical myths such as Tristan and Isolde and Arethusa and Alpheus. Although the novel is written for young adults, the story has a great deal of depth and is more than adequate for adults. It is a coming of age novel about self-discovery, about one 19s true faith, and of triumph. A compelling read and highly recommended.

[E.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a perfect book, but one that stayed with me long after I finished it. It dragged considerably in the middle, and the motivations for many of the characters remains a frustrating blank (I can understand teenagers enthusiastically choosing a life of doomed love, because teenagers have HORMONES, but I still don't understand why adults would be so enthusiastic about that same doomed love and life), but the end redeemed it and brought it up from a 3-star rating to a 4-star, for me. The theme of beliefs, and how our beliefs and our lives entwine and influence each other in ways we don't even understand, is something I've not seen often tackled in YA fiction, and I think Lasota did an excellent job with it. A book I enjoyed more after I was finished than while I was reading, but very good, and very well-written.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greek & Dark Age Mythology Collide

Cheri Lasota dug through mythology and came up with two seemingly unrelated stories, separated by vast amounts of time, and made them work together as the underlying thread for this wonderful story. Arethusa, a Greek nymph, Alpheus, a river god, and the god Artemis come from Greek mythology. Tristan, a Cornish Knight, and Isolde, an Irish Princess, hail from the Dark Ages. Both are stories of faith, duty, love, and a desire to be free.

The story is basically about allowing your destiny to be determined by others and the past or taking it into your own hands.

Caprisha Page's enjoyable narration provided each character with a unique voice and wonderful vocal emotions. She brought the words on the page to life.

This audiobook was provided by the author as a prize from an Facebook audiobook event.

[Katherine Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artemis Rising has pace and fine setting to the many indecisions of its protagonist. She has been brought up to follow mythology and to take on names which connect her to boys and their futures. The book follows Arethusa to the Azores where she confronts her rupturing destiny, set up by her parents who are not in agreement about their religion. Much is at sea where she becomes orphaned, as believed.

The book is well-written and filled with scenes between Arethusa and the two young men who might fulfill her mythological future. Until she leaves that ordering and finds, amidst the exciting action, her own.

[Kimberly Westrope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audible version of this story, and really enjoyed the narration. It made many of the scenes even more dramatic and gave me a clearer picture in my head as they were happening.

That said, what I liked most about this story was the blend of Christian beliefs with mythical legends and pagan beliefs. It shows both good and bad in extremes. It is a very well-written story (although a bit lengthy - some scenes were a big long and drawn out). The story really comes alive through the thoughts and actions of the characters, especially in some of the more dramatic parts of the story.

You'll find love, lust, betrayal, intrigue and more is this story.

[Mike Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an interesting novel. Set against the myth of the classic story of Tristan and Isolde, the characters struggle with oaths, promises and superstition in a tale that is a breaking away of previously held beliefs and the subsequent coming of age. The text is well written and the tension is maintained throughout.

This novel was received in eBook format in exchange for an honest review.

[B. McMichael]

this was a good historical type fiction with a bit of fantasy thrown in.

While the plot does not include a ton of physical action, there is more subtle action that drives the story forward. It progressed well throughout the book. It was easy to follow and enjoyable to read. I was a little confused the first time there was a dream sequence but then figured it out afterwards, I needed to reread it to better get clues to the story.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice mixture of myth and legend wound together in a lovely story. Eva Mare forced to leave home by her Catholic Father for taking part in her Mother's Pagan rituals. In route to their new home their ship sinks and Eva finds herself awakened on the shore of her new home by the man she is destined to love. Nice way to spend am afternoon inthe sun.

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, it really brings about how much faith some people can put towards myths and legends, and make them fit into their own life. The characters are very well balanced, and the plot of the story was very well written. I believe that this is a young adult book, anyone would enjoy it, there is plenty to learn from reading this book. It was very enjoyable.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely meticulous and well crafted. The story line was interesting and unpredictable. This was an incredibly intelligent write done in a fun in entertaining way. I can see this book being classic fifty years from now. I highly recommend this.