Collier

Phantom Lives #1

by Elizabeth Loraine

Another great series from top selling author Elizabeth Loraine!!!From the author of Royal Blood Chronicles comes her paranormal series Phantom Lives!!After the sudden death of her parents Abigail Black decides to take her life back from her abusive boyfriend, Dallas, and start over. She is drawn south from her childhood home in Memphis into a world she thought only existed in her dreams. Ones that she has had since she was a small child, of a place so real, she could describe everything and everyone in minute detail. And there's Bill, a man who has her cautiously believing in love again.

Suddenly she discovers that the place in her dreams really exists and it is calling to her.. Why?

Another page turning romance adventure from Elizabeth Loraine. Phantom Lives intertwines the modern world with the post Civil War world of Collier, a plantation Abigail has had dreams about her entire life. Now she is about to find out why. It's a fantasy world of spirits and immortals built in a way which fans of Ms Loraine’s will again thoroughly enjoy. Find out who Abigail was in the past, and how it changes everything.





˃˃˃ Excerpts of E Loraine’s other works are also included for your reading pleasure. Look for Book Two of Phantom Lives, Phantom Lives Power, along with other books books written by Elizabeth Loraine, in her fantasy series,Royal Blood Chronicles...Katrina, the Beginning, The Protectors, The Dark Prince, Cain the Quest, Bloodline, Legacy, Redemption, Destiny and this fall book nine!

˃˃˃ I loved the writers creativity. Vampires and such get old after a while and this was very refreshing. I loved every moment reading this book, I never wanted to put it down. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series! Adie˃˃˃ I don't read too many book in this genre but I must say I loved this book. It was exciting and kept me on the edge on my seat wanting to know what happens next. Its about a woman who after losing her parents is taken advantage of by something very evil and has to find a way to get her life back. In her struggle for freedom she discovers she has a important destiny in life and will do everything in her power to fulfill it. Its got paranormal romance and drama all rolled in to one its a definite must read. Scroll up and grab a copy today.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Ebooks, Fiction, Romance, Young Adult, Ghosts

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2011

About the author

I grew up in a small northern Minnesotan town married my high school sweetheart, had two beautiful children and as soon as we could we moved to a warmer climate. I have worked with my husband building and decorating custom homes for years. After loving every kind of vampire book, movie and series I decided that I wanted to know more. I can write a book I thought, how hard can that be? Well.... But I stuck to it and finished my first book Royal Blood Chronicles Book One in August 2009. I now have ten books and three novellas in the Royal Blood Chronicles, two in Phantom Lives, three in the adult dystopian Pathogen series, two in h thriller/mystery series Silken Ties, with Corporate Ties and Thorns of Revenge and 25 books in total. My parents always told me that I could do anything that I wanted, work hard, study and do it right. I believe that and live that way every day.

I started writing this new vampire series for teens and their moms because I myself wanted something different to read. I was tired of all the modern versions of vampire books, there had to be more to these long lived beings. Where had they been what had they seen? I wanted, no I NEEDED to know more so Royal Blood Chronicles was born! As in Royal Blood Chronicles, Phantom Lives features strong female characters and action and adventure mixed with romance, friendship and a historical backdrop

Reviews

[katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abigail Black has escaped the clutches of her evil abusive boyfriend-Dallas. She has planned her escape and one stormy night flees into the night unknown as to where she is going, she just needs to start over. Abigail drives into the night not knowing where she is headed until she finds the plantation in her dreams and knows this is her calling – her destiny.

Not short of cash, due to her inheritance, Abbi buys Collier mansion and starts restoration, with the Help of William - the mansion is said to be haunted and Abbi realizes that the house is special. Strange things become about, a mystery being put forth and here she meets her destiny. Bill and Abbi are taken into a world at Collier that they never thought could ever exist, filled with spirits, immortals entwining with the modern world with post civil war of Collier.

*Collier being the plantation that has haunted Abbi’s dreams her whole life **

Along the way Abigail finds out who she was in her past life, and her destiny as the keeper of the gates. With an array of friends to help protect her against the evil that lurches Abigail and William are sent on a journey that could possibly last a lifetime.

My Thoughts!!

Wow, if you’re a lover of fantasy, time travel, and world filled with spirits and immortals this is certainly a treat for you. Elizabeth has meshed post Civil War and today’s modern society into her story creating a complete world of her own. Interesting, intriguing and very cleverly woven throughout.

Immortals that have lived years: many years- protecting the gates and Collier from intruders and also Collier Manson protecting itself from anyone not destined to enter. This alone was fascinating!!!

I’m sure the array of mystery in *Phantom Lives* will certainly keep your interest piqued throughout. Elizabeth has created characters twists and turns that will have you mind boggled and also wandering in which direction Abbi’s destiny is headed and if she will survive the evil clutches. Moments where you’re gasping, very intrigued and also curious as to which direction there paths will take.

The world building was very unique and cleverly scripted, giving us fantasy, and immortals and a world entirely of its own – two worlds colliding... and entwining !

A story that flows from beginning to end, we switch back and forth in some stages throughout, between both worlds – you must pay attention here lol.. You don’t want to miss a thing - but a definite must read.

Filled with a cast of characters I’m sure you will enjoy twists and turns, and a fulfilling new world entirely of its own for the reader to absorb.!! It is delivered to us with post civil war but this meshes well within the storyline giving us past, history and also a new beginning with Abbi being the missing link.

Eagerly look forward to book 2 to see which path Elizabeth takes us ;)

[Mooch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through GoodReads First Reads giveaway.

First off, found many errors. It got to the point where I just wanted to grab a pen and correct them in the book, but I'm one of those people that don't write in books and hate when I borrow a book from somewhere and the pages have writing and ink everywhere. I actually checked to make sure it was an uncorrected proof, but it was the actual book. Was overwhelmed by all the typing errors.

I was stuck between 2 and 3 stars. Parts of the book I did start to get bored and lose interest. Times just had to stop and put it down for the day. Though I did enjoy the story and thought the author had a good story. So kind of on the fence.

[Skyye Breeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book! Captivating & Magical!!

Phantom Lives grabbed me & captivated me from the very
first page! the more i read the more i was addicted and
the faster i turned the pages because i had to know what
happens next! i felt myself become apart of their world!
this book is so captivating and magical i have never felt
this way about any other book as i do about
Phantom Lives! it has that WOW factor! the author did a
fantastic job and im dying in anticipation to
see what she comes up with next!!!!

[Kim Osborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely wonderful read. The book was well written, easy to follow everything going on, and it was long, I love authors who do such a good job and take the time and thought to make it last a while. I hate good books that are short simply because you're left wanting, ive read all Elizabeth. Loraine's books now, and of course now I'm sad that I am through. I hope Ms. Lorraine is a quick writter, because I cant wait for the next book. I wholeheartedly recommend all of this writters books. Well done!
kim32e@Aol.com
Kim Osborn

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Loraine has a way of getting the reader invested in her characters and this Phantom Lives is no exception. From the beginning you can't help but fall in love with the heroine and her assortment of comrades. I found myself worried when I thought something would happen to them and cheering when they were the ones fighting for what they believed in. Anyone who loves a good verses evil story has to read this book!

[Intoxicated by Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom Lives is a very cleverly put together work of fiction. We saw glimpses from civil war age as well as present day and I beleive that Elizabeth Loraine did an excellent job weaving the two worlds together. She makes sure that the story had no holes and it flows fluently from beginning to end. I absolutely loved the entire story especially the ending and I can't wait for the next book in the series. ~Intoxicated by Books

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Many many typos, misplaced commas, wrong words (their vs. there, etc). Main character talks to herself and that's how the reader is informed what she's doing, which struck me as odd. Characters are white or black, pretty one-dimensional. Story seemed to have potential but these other issues got in the way too much for me to enjoy this book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The characters brought you into there world, I couldn't put it down. Am looking forward to book #2

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book I couldn't put it down!

[Barbara Gartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so caught up in this story! I felt a strong connection to Abbi and adored Bill. From begining to end these characters and their story had my attention leaving me unable to put the book down until I was finished with every page. I hated to reach the end but I just had to find out wha happened. This will be going on my re-read list for sure. I loved it!! I definitely recommend this book

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom Lives - Collier
by
Elizabeth Loraine

Abbi thought she had found true love in the charming, caring Dallas because when she lost her parents in an accident, he was there to comfort her. It never occurred to her in her wildest dreams that the only thing Dallas loved was the huge fortune she was to inherit from her parent's estate. At least that is what she thought it was all about in the beginning. Abbi soon found herself being abused and locked in her parent's bedroom. All she had in her life, was four walls and a reoccurring dream of a mysterious world with a beautiful mansion and maze. Abbi knew she had to escape this hell and stop Dallas from stealing her parent's life work! And that night would be perfect because a thunderstorm could be heard brewing in the distance....

Take a walk with Abbi as she makes her escape from Dallas and while making that escape she stumbles across the mansion that was in her dreams, on a road called Cemetery Rd. in a small town. Little does she know, that the world as she knows it was about to change forever. Abbi was about to take a walk back in time and discover what her true destiny was. If you like suspense, the paranormal, immortals, magic and a love story all wrapped up in one, this is the book for you!

I love the imagination and creativity Elizabeth Loraine has shown in Phantom Lives - Collier. It was a change of pace from the typical books I have read and reviewed in the past in the sense that problems that occurred in the story were solved within that chapter. I found that to be refreshing because I could sit and actually enjoy the story and plot without feeling frustrated.

Once started, I could not put this book down! I found myself being transported into the story, being able to see and feel what the characters were going through. I cannot wait to read more of what author Elizabeth Loraine has to offer.

I give Phantom Lives - Collier five stars. *****

Reviewed by
Nora Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me gripped from page one. The only thing that I knew about the book is that it had some paranormal aspects. That and the cover caught me, so I thought what the heck. I tried so hard to get it down in one setting, but I had started too late for that! Elizabeth did a wonderful job with all the complex characters and getting you wrapped in each of their stories and backgrounds, even the ones that you really didn't want to know about.
Poor Abbi, suffering the raw loss of her parents only six months ago and has realized that she's trapped in an abusive relationship that will only end in either her escape or her death, she choses to escape. Abbi's boyfriend, Dallas, has imprisoned her in her parents' old bedroom which was probably his biggest mistake. They had always kept emergency funds and spare keys in the bedroom safe and he knew nothing of the safe. When she decided to escape, she was good to go, she just needed one of those good southern storms to cover her movements. She gets away, barely, and drives and drives, with no destination in mind, just with a need to not only put distance between her and Dallas but a new start. She feels a pull towards Mississippi and when she picked up one of those realtor rags to give her something to read in her hotel that night, she gets the shock of her life. The house she has been dreaming of all her life exists, and is for sale! This is just what she needs, but is it what she bargained for? And has she really fallen off the map, or is Dallas that determined to find her?

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was split between giving this book 2 or 3 stars...So I guess I'll go with 2.5 stars.

There were tons of typos in the book which I found rather annoying. A few typos, no problem, but there seemed to be one on almost every other page. Luckily, towards the very end of the book, they typos disappeared for the most part.

As for the book, the first few chapters were very, very good! That's what got me hooked on the book.

However, after the 3rd chapter or so, the book became really boring. I struggled to read through it but I persevered. There were a few times that I skimmed some chapters because I was just that bored of the book. Perhaps I was expecting some kind of spookiness about it especially at the title has "phantom" in it, but there aren't really any scary ghostly bits which was a let down.

What bothered me about the plot is how the characters mostly seemed to accept that Collier was "haunted". No one seemed the least bit afraid. Now, I know there are some that aren't afraid of things unknown but, come on, no one was the least freaked out really save for Doug...and he wasn't really THAT freaked out.

The saving grace of this book (apart from the beginning chapters) was the end. By the end I mean the last 5 chapters or so. I found myself getting back into the book. I found the ending of the book to be a bit far-fetched, but whatever. I'm just glad it got my attention even if it took long enough!!

Overall, I think the plot idea is a very good one. It just should've been executed better.

I will be reading the next book in the series. I just hope it can hold my attention throughout.

[Notary Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this because it had been suggested as possibly eligible for an Award that is given out by a group I founded. The author did not respond to my requests for the usual free copy for use of the Jury, so I bought it. Having done so, I was determined to like it. Good thing I approached it that way, or I would have deleted it unread.

Why do so many authors seem to think all they need is an interesting idea with likable characters?

The story has to be more than clever idea and so-so plot. It has to fit together and flow with no obvious gaps in the story. If you are going to write about ceremonial magic, by all means, please study it first.

And it it very important that you, the author, have someone not connected with you to proof-read and edit the book BEFORE it goes to any publisher.

This is just as true with ebooks as with printed books.

This ebook was so full of bad punctuation (missing commas, missing quotation marks, extras where they were not needed); unclear dialogue (who is speaking? A reader should never have to wonder); and scenes off-camera that would have added so much to the story if done well on-camera (but you get the idea that she did not know how to tell them so she just skipped over those bits). In short, it is a mess.

I really liked the concept and the characters are worth reading about. Alas, the bad proof-reading or editing of the work, along with some weakness in tying it all together showed this to be an amateurish attempt. NOT recommended. Save your money.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abbi has had enough of the beatings and abuse at the hands of her boyfriend, Dallas. One night during a horrific storm, Abbi takes off and flees Memphis, trying to find somewhere safe to live. Money is not a problem, ever since her parents died leaving her the heiress of their estate. When arriving in a small Mississippi town, Abbi finds the house of her dreams, literally. She has dreamed about this house and the people that lived there since she was a young girl. The events that happen next should qualify Abbi as crazy, landing her in a straight jacket. So why does it all finally make Abbi feel sane and her life complete?

This is my first time reading a book by Elizabeth Loraine and I thought it was a delightful read that kept my interest the entire time. The characters were so interesting to read about, those from the past and the present. You really do have to pay attention to the details and the history of Collier, so you don’t get lost in it. But it’s not too much you feel overwhelmed, just informed. Because there will be times towards the end you read something and say 'oh yeah' and it will all click into place. And the story line was so different and unique; I had a hard time putting the book down. There were many times I would tell myself ‘just one more chapter, then I can clean’ or ‘just one more chapter and then I will go run that errand’. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series and others of Loraine’s as well.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn't heavy and darkly paranormal, or too much of a thriller. But it held, in my opinion, just the right about of mystery and paranormal activity to be enjoyable and memorable. Abigail has been having dreams all her life about a place she finds out really exists, and some spooky stuff is going on there. I enjoyed the mixture of modern day, abusive ex, hunky handyman, and the civil war mystery.

There are many complaints about the editing, or lack there-of, which i admit was also a problem in her 'Royal Blood' chronicles, (which i loved) but to be honest the story's creativity and character development transcended those flaws. Also, it's hard to tell many times, if editing misses are flaws by the authors and editors, or just transition to ebook/kindle. In any case, it may have dropped it a half a star.

I find that if i'm not enjoying a book, i notice EVERY typo. but if i'm really into a book, they don't bother me. I still recommend you give this book a try. It is cheap enough to try. Heck, download the sample on your kindle and see if it's worth investing your 2.99. I did, and i just ordered the sequel, [[ASIN:B007F3WP3U Phantom Lives - Power]].

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning of Collier is intense. It starts out like a suspense/thriller and soon turns into a fantasy/ghost story. It has some creative and interesting ideas.

I wondered about the acceptance everyone had of Collier until I realized that the people being introduced to the house, James, and Abram were all connected to Collier in some way; therefore, they were more accepting than “normal” people would be.

This book contains a lot of errors to the point of distraction. I also had trouble following the dialogue, often wondering who was speaking.

The ending, although a happy one, left me wanting more. There were just so many possibilities that weren’t explored!

[Andrea Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collier is a home/estate and full of it's own type of heart. The "place" is just as much of a main character as the people who are involved with it.

I enjoyed getting lost in the plot of this novel and learning many new things about this "new" world. The characters were well thought out, interesting to listen to and watch. I was rooting for each of them in their own unique ways.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, spirit worlds and mystic tales. You won't be disappointed and kudos to Ms. Loraine for creating a new place to get lost in for a while.

[Tresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby has dreamed of the Collier mansion since she was a little girl though not realizing it was real. As an adult, escaping a horrible relationship, she finds a real estate listing for the estate and knows it must be hers...Follow Abby and her friend Bill on their adventure as they learn what truly links them to Collier and how they must fight the evil waiting for them. A great story, I couldn't put it down!!!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was completely different then I was expecting but was still a lovely read. The one issue I did have with it was that sometimes the author detailed every little step that the characters were going through that I thought were not needed.
Other than that, the book was fast past, exciting, intriguing and sometimes I wasn't even sure which way the plot was going to turn into I trudged on through it. All in all, four out of five stars this book receives.

[Adrianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must be honest. I enjoyed the book greatly. Then half way to the end became bored. I don't know if it was because I had things on my mind or was simply not giving the book the chance it deserved. I give it 3 1/2 stars.

[Jamie]

Ghost story.

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started out really good but somewhere along the way it got confusing and I got bored trying to keep track of what was going on.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this after royal blood chronicals was unsure I would like it but it grabbed me right away great read can't wait for the third book

[Michelle Hillstrom · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story idea was unique and it had promise. However, I found it difficult to follow at times and thought the writing was not executed as well as it could have been.

[Mindie Hollars-lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE! Absolutely one of my favorite books! Can't wait to read #2!!