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Copper & Cobalt #1
Lake Caerwych
Bridget doesn't want to die again...
Bridget thought a summer holiday in rural Wales was the answer to everything. Not only would it be the experience of a lifetime, but she may finally come to understand the creepy déjà vu she and Celena were feeling. And although Wales proves to be the most beautiful place they've ever seen, what the girls discover there leaves them with more questions than ever.
Lured to the 'other side' of a Bronze Age ring of stones by an unearthly magic, Bridget opens her eyes to find herself in Celtic Britain. Intrigued, Celena joins her, but within moments they are running for their lives, swept into a terrifying tragedy they can't escape. Bridget's life soon turns into a nightmare version of a 'choose your own adventure' story - except the magic won't let her close the book. What secret is the otherworld trying to tell her, and why is it so important?
But all isn't lost. An enigmatic boy named Paul has lived near Lake Caerwych all his life, and he's been to the other side of the ring cairn too. He thinks he might know a way to solve the mystery. The only catch is that Bridget might have to die... again.
Lake Caerwych is a story of friendship, time travel, and haunting adventure in ancient Wales.
Bridget thought a summer holiday in rural Wales was the answer to everything. Not only would it be the experience of a lifetime, but she may finally come to understand the creepy déjà vu she and Celena were feeling. And although Wales proves to be the most beautiful place they've ever seen, what the girls discover there leaves them with more questions than ever.
Lured to the 'other side' of a Bronze Age ring of stones by an unearthly magic, Bridget opens her eyes to find herself in Celtic Britain. Intrigued, Celena joins her, but within moments they are running for their lives, swept into a terrifying tragedy they can't escape. Bridget's life soon turns into a nightmare version of a 'choose your own adventure' story - except the magic won't let her close the book. What secret is the otherworld trying to tell her, and why is it so important?
But all isn't lost. An enigmatic boy named Paul has lived near Lake Caerwych all his life, and he's been to the other side of the ring cairn too. He thinks he might know a way to solve the mystery. The only catch is that Bridget might have to die... again.
Lake Caerwych is a story of friendship, time travel, and haunting adventure in ancient Wales.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2011
63 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
J. Conrad
8 books192 followersJ. writes because she loves the universal resonance of stories and the lessons they teach us about human nature. She thinks it’s amazing that people from all over the world can relate to the fictional characters in books written by authors they’ve never met. It’s something she never gets tired of creating for others or experiencing herself. When J.’s not dreaming up new problems to throw at her unsuspecting characters, she disappears on long walks, animal watches, or finds new books to read. She lives in the southern US with her brilliant husband and a cat who eats too many lizards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 6, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect from J. Conrad, but was pleasantly surprised!
The book had a really strong flow, with easy dialogue. The two main characters were strong, and considering what they book was about, very believable. She did a good job describing their reactions to somewhat traumatic experiences, and I felt that their personalities throughout were true to most fourteen-year-olds. I'm normally leery of authors who use Wales and different languages as part of their book, but she does a great job incorporating it so it felt seamless, and wasn't distracting.
I bought this book in the afternoon and didn't put it down until I finished it later that evening. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in British Isles history, with a little modern day personality thrown in!
The book had a really strong flow, with easy dialogue. The two main characters were strong, and considering what they book was about, very believable. She did a good job describing their reactions to somewhat traumatic experiences, and I felt that their personalities throughout were true to most fourteen-year-olds. I'm normally leery of authors who use Wales and different languages as part of their book, but she does a great job incorporating it so it felt seamless, and wasn't distracting.
I bought this book in the afternoon and didn't put it down until I finished it later that evening. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in British Isles history, with a little modern day personality thrown in!
October 5, 2018
Wales! Gotta love it!
The Good
I haven't read that much YA literature as I am too old! So, I started this with caution. I ended smiling and content. I felt drawn into the fantasy and really enjoyed it! I can't wait to read more!
The Bad
I loved the way the names changed to Enid and Anwyn - it worked so well in the story and moved from the past to the present. I felt sorry for the brother missing out on the action -but I loved the way the necklaces tied everything together. The only thing I didn't like was early on going back to how they found the necklace, why no senior holiday etc... as I felt that was a bit drawn. But I am just being picky..!
The Ugly
I loved it!
4.8 Stars
The Good
I haven't read that much YA literature as I am too old! So, I started this with caution. I ended smiling and content. I felt drawn into the fantasy and really enjoyed it! I can't wait to read more!
The Bad
I loved the way the names changed to Enid and Anwyn - it worked so well in the story and moved from the past to the present. I felt sorry for the brother missing out on the action -but I loved the way the necklaces tied everything together. The only thing I didn't like was early on going back to how they found the necklace, why no senior holiday etc... as I felt that was a bit drawn. But I am just being picky..!
The Ugly
I loved it!
4.8 Stars
February 7, 2023
A Teen/Adolescent Mystery Adventure Story.
This genre is not my thing, hence the low rating - it was OK 2 stars - for what it is.
This is a tale of adventure and mystery based around the Celtic era in Wales, featuring two fourteen year old girls written for a teenage audience.
I feel that it is well written for the teen market; nicely paced with appropriate level of danger and scary scenes.
This story ends on a "first book" cliffhanger rather than a life or death situation cliffhanger which I was grateful for, however, I will not be continuing with the Copper & Cobalt series.
This genre is not my thing, hence the low rating - it was OK 2 stars - for what it is.
This is a tale of adventure and mystery based around the Celtic era in Wales, featuring two fourteen year old girls written for a teenage audience.
I feel that it is well written for the teen market; nicely paced with appropriate level of danger and scary scenes.
This story ends on a "first book" cliffhanger rather than a life or death situation cliffhanger which I was grateful for, however, I will not be continuing with the Copper & Cobalt series.
July 8, 2018
I can't remember the last time I was drawn to read a teen story, but this one caught my attention. I loved the concept of two girls meeting in school and having an instant connection. It brought back memories of my own teen years. Their innate curiosity about their ties to an ancient necklace that they found in an eclectic jewelry shop began their journey to Wales and a magical portal that would show them their connection to a past life. The story line was amazing, the characters very believable, the development steady and progressive. All in all, it was a fun read!
November 22, 2018
I don't think I've picked up a YA book in a good long time. One of my specialists and been pestering me to watch or read Outlander (and I've been begging him to finally catch up on Game of Thrones, but that's another story). I do love Outlander and this is kind of a YA, non romantic version of that tale.
The two main characters are likeable and believable as teenagers, even though you do have to suspend belief for the rest of the story. It weaves magic and friendship in a beautiful way that fits with the YA genre
The two main characters are likeable and believable as teenagers, even though you do have to suspend belief for the rest of the story. It weaves magic and friendship in a beautiful way that fits with the YA genre
November 30, 2018
Superb YA time travel, fantasy series! I cannot say enough how much I enjoyed this book. The story hooked me right away, and I fell into a world of magic and adventure.
This author is truly talented, and the setting and characters become real as you race through the pages. Bridget and Celena are characters you can resonate with, and my heart kept racing as they face obstacles and challenges on their journey.
If you are looking for a fresh, fantasy series, I highly recommend this series! I cannot wait to dive into book 2!
This author is truly talented, and the setting and characters become real as you race through the pages. Bridget and Celena are characters you can resonate with, and my heart kept racing as they face obstacles and challenges on their journey.
If you are looking for a fresh, fantasy series, I highly recommend this series! I cannot wait to dive into book 2!
March 5, 2019
A captivating read recommended for young adults but I found it thrilling as well and would recommend it to any reader. The scene was set for two young women, Bridget and Celena, to explore their connection and the feelings of having known each other for ever. Purchasing a quaint necklace that was deemed a cheap copy of a Celtic design, they research the origins and head off to Wales with Max, the chaperone. I loved the easy to read style of writing and the pace of the story as the girls uncover their secrets. A bewitching story which held my interest throughout. Well done J Conrad.
July 17, 2017
Yawn...
Sorry, not for me. There are constant repeated statements (in thought and verbalized), over explanations of ideas\settings\emotions, and grade school level writing skills. I was very interested in the synopsis, but I can't force myself to slog through the drivel to find out if it's worthwhile. #Smbslt
Sorry, not for me. There are constant repeated statements (in thought and verbalized), over explanations of ideas\settings\emotions, and grade school level writing skills. I was very interested in the synopsis, but I can't force myself to slog through the drivel to find out if it's worthwhile. #Smbslt
October 17, 2018
Two young girls, a trip to Wales, Jewelry and a little magic set the stage for this young adult time travel adventure.
While the beginning is a bit slow the story took off before I knew it and I was completely entranced by this wonderful tale! I loved the flight number at the end too!
While the beginning is a bit slow the story took off before I knew it and I was completely entranced by this wonderful tale! I loved the flight number at the end too!
October 11, 2018
Exciting YA Fantasy
One of the few YA books I've read but I love that the girls are strong and brave. The descriptions of the countryside makes me long for a trip abroad!
One of the few YA books I've read but I love that the girls are strong and brave. The descriptions of the countryside makes me long for a trip abroad!
June 29, 2019
Loved the time travel spin!
April 27, 2013
LAKE CAERWYCH, by J. Conrad, is an enchanting tale about the friendship of a pair of fourteen-year-old girls, Briget and Celena who attend the same high school in St. Louis. Their compatability is so strong that they feel as if they have known each other forever. The first magic introduced in the story is the magic of friendship and the author creates it by the thoughtful development of the characters.The teenage dialog is very believable (and appropriate for young ladies).
One afternoon, the girls go shopping in an obscure jewelry store by the waterfront; Bridget finds and buys an old necklace with a medallion of Celtic/Welsh origin. They do some serious research to find out the artifacts history. It eventually leads them on a summer journey to Snowdonia in Wales. The magic gets serious when they embark on an adventure where they discover a circle of megalithic standing stones, and once they enter the circle with the necklace.... Sorry, I got carried away again, magic does that to me. Read the story yourself and feel the magic as Bridget and Celena learn that their friendship has literally survived the test of time.
Here is a quote from Chapter Seven that I believe creates magic with intrigue:
"It was as though a veil fashioned of secrets, mysteries and unknowable things shrouded the very space around the megaliths."
LAKE CAERWYCH is crafted well. Excellent chapter construction, each reads like a complete episode. The description of the Welsh countryside, its inhabitants, and events is vivid, in both the past and present. Good editing and a fluid style of prose makes it easy and enjoyable to read. I would recommend LAKE CAERWYCH to anyone that loves good fantasy and the magic of friendship.
One afternoon, the girls go shopping in an obscure jewelry store by the waterfront; Bridget finds and buys an old necklace with a medallion of Celtic/Welsh origin. They do some serious research to find out the artifacts history. It eventually leads them on a summer journey to Snowdonia in Wales. The magic gets serious when they embark on an adventure where they discover a circle of megalithic standing stones, and once they enter the circle with the necklace.... Sorry, I got carried away again, magic does that to me. Read the story yourself and feel the magic as Bridget and Celena learn that their friendship has literally survived the test of time.
Here is a quote from Chapter Seven that I believe creates magic with intrigue:
"It was as though a veil fashioned of secrets, mysteries and unknowable things shrouded the very space around the megaliths."
LAKE CAERWYCH is crafted well. Excellent chapter construction, each reads like a complete episode. The description of the Welsh countryside, its inhabitants, and events is vivid, in both the past and present. Good editing and a fluid style of prose makes it easy and enjoyable to read. I would recommend LAKE CAERWYCH to anyone that loves good fantasy and the magic of friendship.
May 17, 2014
Bridget and Celena are best friends in a Missouri High School. They feel like they have known each other before and fall into step with each others likes, dislikes and comfort even though they have only known each other for a few months. One day on a trip to downtown looking for some more of their signature blended Goth jewelry Bridget finds a medallion that triggers things in them both. A painting Celena makes from an image in her head helps them focus their quest for answers on a bucolic portion of Wales.
This is a great young adult novel and there is a sequel out call The Space Between Worlds. There is some violence during paranormal trips and the reader should be prepared to experience some pre-historic brutality. There is some confusion in the history blending of the background between what might have been considered before Christ agrarian society in Wales versus post Roman exodus around the end of the first millennia. If you can avoid being hung up by such things you will enjoy this adventure for the story and high quality of editing.
Four out of five enjoyment units are thus awarded to you J. Conrad. Well played.
http://www.amazon.com/Lake-Caerwych-J...
This is a great young adult novel and there is a sequel out call The Space Between Worlds. There is some violence during paranormal trips and the reader should be prepared to experience some pre-historic brutality. There is some confusion in the history blending of the background between what might have been considered before Christ agrarian society in Wales versus post Roman exodus around the end of the first millennia. If you can avoid being hung up by such things you will enjoy this adventure for the story and high quality of editing.
Four out of five enjoyment units are thus awarded to you J. Conrad. Well played.
http://www.amazon.com/Lake-Caerwych-J...
October 25, 2012
From my Amazon review:
Writing is hard work. Writing well is harder still. Writing a good story well, with characters a reader really cares about is the hardest writing of all, and something few authors can pull off. In this amazing book, the author pulls off the near impossible.
From the beginning of the story, the main characters are likable and believable. The dialogue between them rings true and like the girls, you want to unravel the mystery of the locket.
I love how after the story moves along to Wales. The author describes things beautifully without hitting us over the head with it. For me, one way of making me put a book down is to spend page after page reading through flowery description. I think the same thing can be accomplished through well crafted prose and J. Conrad does this very well.
Each trip the girls took through the ring paced my heart. I never really knew what would happen to them and neither did they. Their bravery cemented them into the protagonists I wished them to be and caused me to root for them stronger still.
No spoilers here so you'll have to read it for yourself, but suffice it to say the story will pull you in and not let you go.
Writing is hard work. Writing well is harder still. Writing a good story well, with characters a reader really cares about is the hardest writing of all, and something few authors can pull off. In this amazing book, the author pulls off the near impossible.
From the beginning of the story, the main characters are likable and believable. The dialogue between them rings true and like the girls, you want to unravel the mystery of the locket.
I love how after the story moves along to Wales. The author describes things beautifully without hitting us over the head with it. For me, one way of making me put a book down is to spend page after page reading through flowery description. I think the same thing can be accomplished through well crafted prose and J. Conrad does this very well.
Each trip the girls took through the ring paced my heart. I never really knew what would happen to them and neither did they. Their bravery cemented them into the protagonists I wished them to be and caused me to root for them stronger still.
No spoilers here so you'll have to read it for yourself, but suffice it to say the story will pull you in and not let you go.
April 29, 2012
Bridget and Celena connect the moment they meet. They become inseparable. They're not sure why they made such a close connection, but feel like they've known each other for years. When the girls find a tarnished amulet in a antique store, they find that they have known each other for years--2500 years!
The amulet compels the girls to travel to Wales to discover the meaning of the amulet. When they reach an ancient ring cairn in northern Wales, their adventure from present to past and back again makes for an exciting and unusual story.
There's a bit of awkward wording in dialogue, but nothing to put off the reader who is willing to suspend their disbelief and go along for an adventure through time and space.
This is a book for middle-grade kids who are already sharp fantasy readers. The plot is complex enough for an adult, so no simple-easy stuff here. Just banging good story.
The amulet compels the girls to travel to Wales to discover the meaning of the amulet. When they reach an ancient ring cairn in northern Wales, their adventure from present to past and back again makes for an exciting and unusual story.
There's a bit of awkward wording in dialogue, but nothing to put off the reader who is willing to suspend their disbelief and go along for an adventure through time and space.
This is a book for middle-grade kids who are already sharp fantasy readers. The plot is complex enough for an adult, so no simple-easy stuff here. Just banging good story.
July 4, 2012
Being Welsh, I was quite looking forward to this book. IT was a pretty neat idea and I can see how it would appeal to a much younger, early teen audience, doubtless mostly female.
My biggest irritant wasn't even in the flow of the narrative, but in the authors note at the beginning where she says that she's not using units of measurement relevant to the period or setting, to avoid confusion. I can sort of see this though wouldn't have liked it as a teen, but what really gets my goat is that she says "most measurements are given using the Standard System". 'Standard'. In other words, 'Normal' or 'Average'. Unfortunately, the US is pretty much alone when it comes to measurement and the presumption of normalcy therein does nothing but reaffirm my view of American arrogance.
My biggest irritant wasn't even in the flow of the narrative, but in the authors note at the beginning where she says that she's not using units of measurement relevant to the period or setting, to avoid confusion. I can sort of see this though wouldn't have liked it as a teen, but what really gets my goat is that she says "most measurements are given using the Standard System". 'Standard'. In other words, 'Normal' or 'Average'. Unfortunately, the US is pretty much alone when it comes to measurement and the presumption of normalcy therein does nothing but reaffirm my view of American arrogance.
February 26, 2013
My Amazon.co.uk review
Bridget and Celina are 14 year old American girls who follow their intuition to befriend each other, an ancient necklace, and amazing adventure in Wales. They both have a sense of having known each other before, dreams and memories help them put two and two together and they feel they must get to Wales to find out what is happening to them.
I liked the way the author's writing grew in confidence (I believe this is her first book) as the book progressed and for me the story really kicks off when the girls arrive in Wales. What takes place here had me gripped, I actually read until 2:20am in the morning! I'm glad I have the second part of the trilogy in my Kindle because I really want to find out what happens next
Bridget and Celina are 14 year old American girls who follow their intuition to befriend each other, an ancient necklace, and amazing adventure in Wales. They both have a sense of having known each other before, dreams and memories help them put two and two together and they feel they must get to Wales to find out what is happening to them.
I liked the way the author's writing grew in confidence (I believe this is her first book) as the book progressed and for me the story really kicks off when the girls arrive in Wales. What takes place here had me gripped, I actually read until 2:20am in the morning! I'm glad I have the second part of the trilogy in my Kindle because I really want to find out what happens next
January 25, 2014
Bridget and Celena who are best friends embark on a journey after finding a pendant that looks familiar to them but they can't seem to remember exactly where they've seen it before. As their journey goes on to find where the pendant came from, they soon land in a different time zone. Dazed and confused, they meet up with a mysterious man named Paul who aids them into finding their way back as well as finding out the cause of their time lapse. This is by far one of the most interesting books I have ever read. I've read many great books dealing with time travel but this one has to be the most unique of the ones I've read. J. Conrad delivers a story that I don't think will ever be repeated because the word unique is stamped all over it.
March 20, 2015
This book was a fun read for myself. The author did a fantastic job, her spin on the time/travel genre was well done. Time travel can be a difficult genre write about, the complexities of themes and creating a believable storyline can make or break a writer. Time travel stories are really about all the careful nuances and the subtle ripples through time, how the characters effect the past and the present. Lake Caerwych spins the past and the present and a possible alternate reality or even another dimension with just the right vagueness to pull you in. The characters are brought together via a reincarnation-type connection that starts two teenagers on a journey from St Louis to Wales and even farther than either of them expected. As I said it is a fun read
August 1, 2014
The book is a quick read and very entertaining - surprisingly realistic, yet stably grounded in Young Adult Fantasy. Both girls are very likable characters, strong and independent, yet easily vulnerable and inexperienced teenagers. They make the idea of tripping it all the way to middle-of-nowhere Wales seem illogically appealing in historical, anthropological and archeological ways. The plot is pretty basic at its core, but the author's use of Welsh, imagery and timing make the book quite enjoyable! These girls will grow on you, both sets of them ;) and for the first time, I've really enjoyed a YA fantasy that has NOTHING to do with romance! It was refreshing for once.
May 12, 2012
I'm a sucker for a good time-travel story, and this was fun from start to finish. Lake Caerwych was well written, with believable characters, and it kept my interest the whole way through. My schedule required that I put it down and get some sleep each night, but I really didn't want to. If I'd been on vacation I could probably have read it VERY late into the night and finished it in one sitting. The ending seemed a little abrupt, but then I saw that it was the first of a trilogy. I'm definitely waiting for the next book! -RDM
October 20, 2012
Although I found the start of the book a little slow, it turned out to be a great read. The two girls certainly have a grand adventure - and some of the things that happen are very unexpected. There was very little distraction with typos or misspellings which is always a great plus for me. I got to the point where I sat up till midnight so I could get to the end, and I am definitely going to read the next in the series.
November 18, 2014
Cerena starts at Bridget's school and immediately, the girls feel a connection and soon seal an exclusive friendship. On a trip to Louisianna, Bridget buys a Celtic pendant, framed with delicate twists of ivy and the first step on an adventure to Wales begins.
Pacey, funny, full of ideas, this book is well written and a wonderfully engaging read.
October 9, 2012
I found myself trying to anticipate the next move the 2 fourteen year olds would make after getting to Wales. Was wrong every time.. The alternate Universes , plus the girls hopping in and out of trouble ... Left me wanting my own necklace.. A stonehenge ..and perhaps skill with a bow and arrow !
August 30, 2013
Lovely, lovely space/time travel book, young adult style, real characters that you can't help but admire.
September 19, 2014
Lake Caerwych
loved it!!, fast paced, exciting. makes you wish you could really time travel. A good read for all ages. Enjoyed it.
loved it!!, fast paced, exciting. makes you wish you could really time travel. A good read for all ages. Enjoyed it.
August 10, 2012
A fast paced and entertaining story of teens and time-travel.
August 25, 2016
Could have been better written ,with more attention to detail.
April 10, 2017
I have been known to say that some of the best writers are writing YA. Well, not this author. While the grammar, spelling, and syntax are correct, the character development is just plain boring. There is no reason to get invested in these two teen-aged girls. There is nothing interesting about them except they happen to have stumbled onto a piece of jewelry. In a highly unbelievable manner, they raise thousands of dollars to go to Wales under the dubious chaperonage of someone only six years older who pays no attention to their activities while in Wales.
It is a stupid story, boringly written and I have no idea why finished it.
It is a stupid story, boringly written and I have no idea why finished it.
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October 23, 2018Nice job, J Conrad.
I assume the author has done her revisions since this was first released, because I didn't see typos that were mentioned in the amazon reviews. Nor did I feel things were stilted or unrealistic. It's two teenaged girls on a time travel journey that was amazingly well done. The transitions from one world to the next were smooth. The main character, Bridget, had the correct amount of consternation and curiosity when she first experienced the time travel. There is good character development, great setting details (though I'd love to see more use of the other senses besides sight), and nice overall details. The story line is solid and well developed.
I really enjoyed the girls' byplay as they kept the time travel a secret from non-believer Max.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews