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Discern Saga #1
Discern
ATTENTION: DISCERN has been REVISED and RE-EDITED. The new edition will be available on Amazon February 21, 2012!
Discern begins when Haley Helms, a 20 year-old college student, is compelled to return home to Boulder, Colorado, after her heart is shattered by love's betrayal. After a chance meeting with an alluring passenger on the plane ride home, her life will never be the same.
Thrust into a once-believed mythical world, she finds out the stranger on the plane is no ordinary man. Andrew Alexander, an immortal called a Parevite, has spent many centuries, along with the others of his kind, altering much of mankind's beliefs.
Andrew is hell-bent on winning Haley's heart, no matter the cost. But will his dark side and catastrophic secret destroy any chance?
DISCERN, the first in the series by Samantha Shakespeare.
~~~ This book is suggested for ages 17+ ~~~
Discord, the second book in the series will be out Early March 2012.
Discern begins when Haley Helms, a 20 year-old college student, is compelled to return home to Boulder, Colorado, after her heart is shattered by love's betrayal. After a chance meeting with an alluring passenger on the plane ride home, her life will never be the same.
Thrust into a once-believed mythical world, she finds out the stranger on the plane is no ordinary man. Andrew Alexander, an immortal called a Parevite, has spent many centuries, along with the others of his kind, altering much of mankind's beliefs.
Andrew is hell-bent on winning Haley's heart, no matter the cost. But will his dark side and catastrophic secret destroy any chance?
DISCERN, the first in the series by Samantha Shakespeare.
~~~ This book is suggested for ages 17+ ~~~
Discord, the second book in the series will be out Early March 2012.
348 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2011
7 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Shakespeare
4 books66 followersMs. Shakespeare was born in Tennessee and lived there for the first nineteen years of her life before relocating to the Kansas City, Missouri area, where she currently resides. She is married and has one biological child and two step-children. She graduated college in 2008 and was inspired to start writing in late 2009.
Shakespeare is not a fictional writing name - she comes from a long line of Shakespeares on her mother's side of the family. Her grandfather's name was William Shakespeare - no relation to the English poet and playwright.
Shakespeare is not a fictional writing name - she comes from a long line of Shakespeares on her mother's side of the family. Her grandfather's name was William Shakespeare - no relation to the English poet and playwright.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 18, 2012
The concept here is interesting, but this book suffers from what many self-published books suffer from: lack of a good editor!
There are, of course, the usual spell check issues with words being misused. There are also awkward dialogues (the key to dialogue is that it isn't just chattering - in books, characters should be talking to move the story forward. ) The author has also made the mistake of TELLING the reader what is happening, rather than SHOWING. It would have been more interesting if our heroine would have DISCOVERED the hero's supernaturalness, but instead there is a completely unbelievable conversation wherein he straight-up tells her what the deal is. Even in Twilight, arguably a terrible book, the heroine figures it out on her own.
I swear, if any self-published authors want a good, cheap editor, just send me a message and I'd be glad to help! I love the concept of self-published books, but I just really think they could generally all benefit from some good, impartial, editing.
There are, of course, the usual spell check issues with words being misused. There are also awkward dialogues (the key to dialogue is that it isn't just chattering - in books, characters should be talking to move the story forward. ) The author has also made the mistake of TELLING the reader what is happening, rather than SHOWING. It would have been more interesting if our heroine would have DISCOVERED the hero's supernaturalness, but instead there is a completely unbelievable conversation wherein he straight-up tells her what the deal is. Even in Twilight, arguably a terrible book, the heroine figures it out on her own.
I swear, if any self-published authors want a good, cheap editor, just send me a message and I'd be glad to help! I love the concept of self-published books, but I just really think they could generally all benefit from some good, impartial, editing.
December 27, 2011
Love the characters, very different. Hope her ex-finance gets what he deserves
July 8, 2024
DNF... im sure if i hadnt devoured the Twilight series, i would have appreciated this version.. way too similar to keep reading.
.....evening gowns, fast cars, no seatbelts, immortals, eyes changing colour, Angela, answerable to the higher order.... et al...
However, author can produce more than i would be able to!
.....evening gowns, fast cars, no seatbelts, immortals, eyes changing colour, Angela, answerable to the higher order.... et al...
However, author can produce more than i would be able to!
September 23, 2013
A quick and intriguing read, but I'm not quite sure what to make of Discern. I picked it up a while ago as a free book from Amazon Kindle. It was sitting on my to-read cloud shelf until just a few days ago when I was admittedly pulled in to the story.
We walk into the scene much as narrator and main character Haley walks in on her fiance with another woman. The opening is really attention grabbing and I was compelled to continue the story. Haley makes an exit from Virginia and returns to her hometown of Boulder, Colorado, a place she left due to the painful memories of her mother's recent death. Now, emotionally wounded and kind of frozen in place, Haley enrolls in the local collage to continue her education (she had previously attended two years in California) and meets handsome Andrew . . . who just so happens to be her history teacher.
The relationship between Haley and Andrew is very reminiscent of something out of Twilight . . . a lot of "I know we shouldn'ts" and "we just can't be together" and "I know he says he loves me, but I'm just not convinced of it." Andrew isn't a vampire, but neither is he human. He falls in love with Haley, who plays the role of damsel predictably. As they pair spend more and more time together, it becomes apparent that there's much more to Andrew than meets the eye - and only Haley can discern it (ha! see what I did there?).
Discern follows a lot of similar plot pathways as other paranormal young adult romances; the man who is god-like his appearance falling for the seemingly ordinary young woman; the friend who wants to be more with the heroine, igniting the jealousy of the hero; the powerful and dangerous aspect overshadowing the potential romance; the role of over-protective hero who is thwarted by the heroine trying to prove that she can, in fact, hold her own.
I can't say that I didn't enjoy the book. It's well-set and the characters are rounded and realistic. But, as one other review I have seen noted, it seems that there's a general lack of editing. A lot of the scenes seemed replayed and the dialogue repetitive. There's a part of me that it curious to see how the story continues, but I'm not sure that I'm fully sold on three additional books. Maybe I'll shelve the thought for the time being and see how I feel in time. It just could be that Haley and Andrew's story sticks around in my mind and will pull me into the second book.
Overall, I give it 2.5 stars.
We walk into the scene much as narrator and main character Haley walks in on her fiance with another woman. The opening is really attention grabbing and I was compelled to continue the story. Haley makes an exit from Virginia and returns to her hometown of Boulder, Colorado, a place she left due to the painful memories of her mother's recent death. Now, emotionally wounded and kind of frozen in place, Haley enrolls in the local collage to continue her education (she had previously attended two years in California) and meets handsome Andrew . . . who just so happens to be her history teacher.
The relationship between Haley and Andrew is very reminiscent of something out of Twilight . . . a lot of "I know we shouldn'ts" and "we just can't be together" and "I know he says he loves me, but I'm just not convinced of it." Andrew isn't a vampire, but neither is he human. He falls in love with Haley, who plays the role of damsel predictably. As they pair spend more and more time together, it becomes apparent that there's much more to Andrew than meets the eye - and only Haley can discern it (ha! see what I did there?).
Discern follows a lot of similar plot pathways as other paranormal young adult romances; the man who is god-like his appearance falling for the seemingly ordinary young woman; the friend who wants to be more with the heroine, igniting the jealousy of the hero; the powerful and dangerous aspect overshadowing the potential romance; the role of over-protective hero who is thwarted by the heroine trying to prove that she can, in fact, hold her own.
I can't say that I didn't enjoy the book. It's well-set and the characters are rounded and realistic. But, as one other review I have seen noted, it seems that there's a general lack of editing. A lot of the scenes seemed replayed and the dialogue repetitive. There's a part of me that it curious to see how the story continues, but I'm not sure that I'm fully sold on three additional books. Maybe I'll shelve the thought for the time being and see how I feel in time. It just could be that Haley and Andrew's story sticks around in my mind and will pull me into the second book.
Overall, I give it 2.5 stars.
January 20, 2012
Well, I did it again. I started a series, thinking at least two books were completed, so I could get really lost in them. I frustrate myself on days like today, because I really want to continue, with this sexy "god" leading the way. The good news is that the next book is set to release in March!
SPOILERS
This is my first book by way of "gods." I really liked the play on mythology...The gods needed our prayers to survive, while the characters in this series, need souls.
I would normally see the need to take life from other living beings in order to survive as a bit of a "dark tale"... With vampire books we get caught up in the story and forget the significance in that they can't have life without feeding from others. This book brought a new perspective for me.
I see the conflict now in a new light... we can't have life if it isn't given from the creator... and the way Haley states that: even we have to take life in order to sustain ours, without the overdone, (I'm a vegetarian) synopsis, was refreshing.
The first few chapters bring you alongside Haley in complete understanding of what she's going through. The break up scene was really well done. I am grateful that the author didn't make Haley fall head over heels upon meeting Andrew on the plane. There was just enough heart ache, with the appropriate amount of time for grieving.
Linking the mom’s death as part of her relationship woes, was very realistic, and I loved that. It brings us into an other worldly event, coupled with very realistic one, at the same time.
One of my favorite things about this book is that Haley can see the true Andrew. His true form, without alteration, or manipulation!
I look forward to the twists that the next book offers. I love that I have no idea where the author is going to take us next. There are so many possible routes to explore; any of them would be great!
SPOILERS
This is my first book by way of "gods." I really liked the play on mythology...The gods needed our prayers to survive, while the characters in this series, need souls.
I would normally see the need to take life from other living beings in order to survive as a bit of a "dark tale"... With vampire books we get caught up in the story and forget the significance in that they can't have life without feeding from others. This book brought a new perspective for me.
I see the conflict now in a new light... we can't have life if it isn't given from the creator... and the way Haley states that: even we have to take life in order to sustain ours, without the overdone, (I'm a vegetarian) synopsis, was refreshing.
The first few chapters bring you alongside Haley in complete understanding of what she's going through. The break up scene was really well done. I am grateful that the author didn't make Haley fall head over heels upon meeting Andrew on the plane. There was just enough heart ache, with the appropriate amount of time for grieving.
Linking the mom’s death as part of her relationship woes, was very realistic, and I loved that. It brings us into an other worldly event, coupled with very realistic one, at the same time.
One of my favorite things about this book is that Haley can see the true Andrew. His true form, without alteration, or manipulation!
I look forward to the twists that the next book offers. I love that I have no idea where the author is going to take us next. There are so many possible routes to explore; any of them would be great!
November 27, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice unique twist on the concept. However, i felt like it drew some of the concepts from Twilight. Also the main character Haley after a while really started to annoy me. She cries at the drop of a hat. I dont like my leading female roles to be that wishy washey. Sometimes you just wanted to grab her and say "grow a backbone! suck it up and stop crying!" She does deal with the loss of her mother a few years ago that she has not resolved and walks in on her fiance in bed with another woman. This was a great beginning to the book. Grabbed you and sucked you in, very dramatic! Andrew was the strong silent type with the torchered soul. He has lived over six thousand years and has help guide the history of humankind. He is a soul sucker or a Parevite as they are called.
Dont get me wrong this book was a great read. The plot lines and character development was great in parts. However, there was a scene near the end where she gets kidnaped that i felt she should have fleshed that out a little. It seemed forced and over to quickly to really give the plot twist any conflict really. This was a great quick ready. Worth picking up if you can get over the wishy washy female lead character.
Dont get me wrong this book was a great read. The plot lines and character development was great in parts. However, there was a scene near the end where she gets kidnaped that i felt she should have fleshed that out a little. It seemed forced and over to quickly to really give the plot twist any conflict really. This was a great quick ready. Worth picking up if you can get over the wishy washy female lead character.
March 19, 2012
I received this book through a Goodreads give-away.
When I first started reading this book I wasn't quite sure what to expect. What I found left me pleasantly surprised. The author's approach to creation theory is unique and intriguing. It offers a fresh perspective while including plenty of potential for action. I especially like how the story weaved several pieces of mythology together. There's so many different directions the action can take in following books and I'm curious to know which way it'll go.
The characters are interesting. I appreciate the fact Andrew has a dark side that isn't overly glorified and I find myself really liking Alec. My only real complaint is with the main character, Haley. At times her development seems to get overshadowed by that of the other characters and even the plot itself. I would have liked to see her personality shine through a bit more, but hopefully we'll see more of what makes her tick in the next book.
And seeing as how Discern ends right as the plot really starts to get interesting - I certainly look forward to reading the next in the series!
When I first started reading this book I wasn't quite sure what to expect. What I found left me pleasantly surprised. The author's approach to creation theory is unique and intriguing. It offers a fresh perspective while including plenty of potential for action. I especially like how the story weaved several pieces of mythology together. There's so many different directions the action can take in following books and I'm curious to know which way it'll go.
The characters are interesting. I appreciate the fact Andrew has a dark side that isn't overly glorified and I find myself really liking Alec. My only real complaint is with the main character, Haley. At times her development seems to get overshadowed by that of the other characters and even the plot itself. I would have liked to see her personality shine through a bit more, but hopefully we'll see more of what makes her tick in the next book.
And seeing as how Discern ends right as the plot really starts to get interesting - I certainly look forward to reading the next in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2011
i was looking for something different than the usual vampire fare and found it. IMHO, this book had a good balance between romance and action, and that's what I loved about it. The bond between Haley and Andrew is what we really wish we could find in our non-fiction lives. Some of the action was like the accident you drive by, where you ought to look away, but you just can't! I don't know if I could have handled what Haley had to, but ultimately that's what seems to make her grow stronger.
The author has a great imagination and I like that this story line has the ability to expand in any number of directions in additional books. For less than the cost of a mocha latte (and it lasted a lot longer), this was a great escape indeed.
Still looking for more from this author, I discovered her short story, Disbelief. It was written from Andrew's point of view and was about the hours leading up to his first encounter with Haley. Very tasty!
The author has a great imagination and I like that this story line has the ability to expand in any number of directions in additional books. For less than the cost of a mocha latte (and it lasted a lot longer), this was a great escape indeed.
Still looking for more from this author, I discovered her short story, Disbelief. It was written from Andrew's point of view and was about the hours leading up to his first encounter with Haley. Very tasty!
December 24, 2011
This was a great read, especially considering it was a first book for this author. Fictional stories are supposed to take us to a different place or help us see things differently, and this story definitely did. Haley may have started out on the weepy side, but she quickly grows to the point she finds herself doing things she never would have been capable of in her safe life before. This is more than just a love story (but it is certainly that). By the time the story comes to the end, you can see that Haley has begun to spread her wings. Andrew may be the supernatural hero in this book, but I'm hoping that as the story continues in the second book, that Haley becomes the strong woman I know we are capable of being when adversity gives us the choice...tuck tail and run or pull out the big guns and kick some butt! Go, Haley!
December 22, 2011
I recently purchased a Kindle and have been enjoying the book selection on Amazon! There are so many enjoyable stories, but this one really blew me away. Haley's struggles with her mother's death and her fiance's cheating ways were very relatable. I enjoyed how Andrew and Haley's relationship blossomed. I was pleased by how the author explained their connection and the history behind it. The Parevites are interesting creatures, very different than other immortals. Their existence seems possible, but I obviously am aware they aren't real, but it was fun to get lost in that world! I don't want to give too much away, but the ending is a surprise that I didn't see coming! Can't wait for book 2!!
March 6, 2013
I was honestly interested after reading the sample. However, the more I kept reading the worse it got. I read a lot of books from all different genres, but I did not find this one particularly interesting or well written. Although Andrew's immortal background was something that I hadn't heard before it was not enough to save this book. The "romance" between Haley and Andrew was so bad that I could not keep reading after chapter 13. I am appalled that anyone would find this book romantic in any way. I am also disturbed to think that teenage girls would read this and think that love would be anything like the description in the book. Maybe there are some redeeming qualities in this book after chapter 13, but I won't be finding out.
December 22, 2011
Amazon has been recommending books to me and this one popped up. I'm new to the paranormal romance genre, but enjoying it quite a bit! The plot is not tired and worn out. It is fresh and keeps you page turning until the wee hours of the morning. The main character, Haley Helms, is a vibrant, brave soul that doesn't let anything hold her down for too long. And if it did, I think that Andrew would take care of that problem pretty quickly.
I would love to go on but I don't want to ruin one word for anyone who is excited about a new series that I think we've all been waiting for and I can't wait for the next edition because I still have things I need to know about in this world.
I would love to go on but I don't want to ruin one word for anyone who is excited about a new series that I think we've all been waiting for and I can't wait for the next edition because I still have things I need to know about in this world.
February 2, 2012
I loooved this book so much. I love history and as a history graduate this book called to me. The author incorporated mythology into the book so beautifully that reader were not bogged down by that fact. I love Andrew and Haley. I love the fact the story ended nicely but still openendedly to require more attention. What I have read of the next book leaves me a little disterb about Alexandria but I hope she writes it well enough to the love intact.
February 19, 2012
I didn't hate this book at all. But I didn't love it either.
I would have loved to have seen something organized. There was definitely a point where it became confusing, where I almost had to summarize what just happened so I could move forward.
I want to continue the story, and find out how they figure it all out. It was a good first book and a great set up, but I would hope this is never anyone's favorite book in the series.
I would have loved to have seen something organized. There was definitely a point where it became confusing, where I almost had to summarize what just happened so I could move forward.
I want to continue the story, and find out how they figure it all out. It was a good first book and a great set up, but I would hope this is never anyone's favorite book in the series.
July 28, 2014
This was a different take on the whole immortal lover romance story, but I liked it. I don't want to give anything away, but the immortal in this series is a darker being, without much of the redeeming qualities that some books put for vampires and werewolves and such. These beings must kill to survive, and they have committed terrible crimes in the past, but there is hope for at least one of them. I would read more from this author.
December 5, 2011
Quick review:
I really liked the concept of this book. For me it was fairly unique. Engaging and entertaining, kept me reading and finished in one day. I've been hitting a bit of a book lull lately so I was happy this one wasn't another "meh" book for me.
I'm looking forward to the next installment as Samantha has left many possibilities open to happen.
I really liked the concept of this book. For me it was fairly unique. Engaging and entertaining, kept me reading and finished in one day. I've been hitting a bit of a book lull lately so I was happy this one wasn't another "meh" book for me.
I'm looking forward to the next installment as Samantha has left many possibilities open to happen.
April 16, 2012
Seriously, this book is Twilight but with "gods" instead of vampires.
So we have Haley as Bella going to live in a place she really doesn't want to be.
Andrew as Edward the guy she is almost immediately but who is dangerous to her. And eats souls (only of the evil guys) instead of drinking blood.
We have Ryan who is Jacob.
And Mr. Thompson who is Billy.
So we have Haley as Bella going to live in a place she really doesn't want to be.
Andrew as Edward the guy she is almost immediately but who is dangerous to her. And eats souls (only of the evil guys) instead of drinking blood.
We have Ryan who is Jacob.
And Mr. Thompson who is Billy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2013
This story was amazing! I was kind of on the fence because I am normally not into these types of books. But the love story is just something that caught me. I am a sucker for a great romance and I love this. I am also a true believer in not one God but several gods so this really caught my interest. Can't want to start the second book now!
October 23, 2017
This story was amazing! I was kind of on the fence because I am normally not into these types of books. But the love story is just something that caught me. I am a sucker for a great romance and I love this. I am also a true believer in not one God but several gods so this really caught my interest. Can't want to start the second book now!
Reviewed by Rose
Reviewed by Rose
January 11, 2012
My Rating~ 4.25
Great Book, can't wait for the next one!! I'm excited to see what happens next with Hayley and Andrew and I'm hoping we get more Alec!!
Thanks Samantha for gifting me your book!!
Great Book, can't wait for the next one!! I'm excited to see what happens next with Hayley and Andrew and I'm hoping we get more Alec!!
Thanks Samantha for gifting me your book!!
January 20, 2012
I enjoyed this book immensely and cannot wait to read the next installment. I feel that there were a couple of areas that could have stood with some improvement--the development of the relationship between Haley and Andrew being one of those--but, all in all, a great effort by Ms. Shakespeare.
February 23, 2012
I loved this book. It definitely kept me glued to the pages. I would've given it 5 stars but I'm still not too sure how I feel about Haley, the main character. But I will say that Andrew totally was swoon worthy lol. Definitely can't wait to read the second one. Job well done, Samantha Shakespeare!
September 13, 2013
I like it enough to read the next book. Only real complaint is that most of the book was about them "proving" that they love each other over and over again. I'm not a big fan of pity parties which seems to happen throughout this whole book.
December 7, 2012
I really loved this book, the concept was very unique. I really love this series its not like all other indie books, it isn't just vampires and werewolves. She really went out of the books here and it was refreshing. I would definitely recommend this book!
December 28, 2012
The storyline and characters are really good. I enjoyed reading and plan to read the next book in the series. I am hopeful that some of the editting problems (i.e., characters that just dropped out of the story, events that are left open) are resolved in the second book.
September 24, 2013
This is my second time reading this, somehow I forgot to rate it. I like it enough to continue the series, but found a lot of it to be irritating. I think I get annoyed with these books that people "fall deeply in love" in like a three day time span.
February 3, 2012
Wonderful! Love this book! Can't wait for book2!
August 10, 2015
Wonderful read
October 16, 2012
TBS..."TO BE SPARRED"
Read
October 18, 2012I was wanting a good paranormal series and I found one! cant wait to start number 2!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews