Emily's House

Akasha Chronicles #1

by Natalie Wright

Fourteen-year-old Emily Adams is flunking math - and life. But Emily has a secret, one that she has kept even from her best friends. Soon the ancient legacy coursing through her veins will force her secret to be revealed. Dormant for over a thousand years, an evil has arisen and this time, it will destroy anyone - or anything - that stands in its way.

Three teens embark on a dangerous journey and risk everything. For Emily, the fate of her friends - and her world - lies in her hands.

Travel with Emily as she unlocks the secrets of her Celtic ancestors and go on a mystical journey to the inner house and beyond.

Gary Smails of BubbleCow Editing

"I have THOROUGHLY enjoyed reading (and this is a rare comment to type!) this full manuscript. Overall a strong character-led narrative, one that is engaging, original and current."

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Paranormal, Fiction, Teen, Ebooks

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2011

About the author

Natalie’s stories transport readers to realms of magic, myth, lovable misfits—and dragons! She is the author of Season of the Dragon (2023), named a Top 10 Indie Epic Fantasy by Ingram; a BookLife Editor’s Pick; and winner of the silver medal in the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Awards (Epic Fantasy).

The first in a planned 5-book series (Dragos Primeri), book 2—The Spring Dragon— is set to release in early Spring 2025.

Natalie also co-hosts the Tipsy Nerds Book Club podcast: The best of Sci-Fi & Fantasy—with a twist! You can download the popular SFF podcast free wherever you get your podcasts. Read the book, grab a cocktail, and join the conversation: http://tipsynerdsbookclub.com.

Natalie is a judge in the international NYC Midnight writing challenges and a full member of SFWA. She frequently appears on panels at book festivals, SFF cons, and other book events throughout the western US. If you'd like to meet Natalie in person, check her website for book tours/signings/event schedule.

Natalie lives in the desert southwest of America with her husband and two cat overlords, and visits her college-age son frequently in NYC.

For current news about new releases, cover reveals, invitations to ARC teams, etc., become a subscriber and/or follow Natalie on her socials:

Website: www.NatalieWrightAuthor.com
Threads: @NatalieWrightAuthor
Facebook: @NatalieWright.Author
Instagram: @NatalieWrightAuthor
TikTok: @NatalieWrightAuthor

Reviews

[[ J o ] · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read as part of the Get Through The Crap On Your Kindle You Stubborn Eejit reading challenge.

One day I will find a book that sends 21st Century contemporaries in to either the past or a fantastical, parallel world and does it really well.

One day.

Maybe.

[Jessica Buwalda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within the first chapter I was captivated by the vivid description of a Celtic world that seemed like something out of a dream. I could picture a beautiful party, and a secret love that brought about a generation of warrior women leading down to the courageous Emily. Although Emily doesn’t apply herself to her school work when it comes to a quest of epic proportions she goes full throttle. With her two best friends beside her, and an evil aunt behind her, Emily moves forward on an adventure that will reconcile her with a part of her old life and wake people out of their zoned out lives. Natalie Wright’s story and characters captivate and reel in the reading providing them with beautiful scenery and a large knowledge based of ancient history.
Good:
Emily—she’s real. She not an over achiever but simply someone who doesn’t seem to fit in their skin. And someone who’s gone through a life changing experience
Fanny and Jake—those are some dedicated best friends.
Bad:
Well to start things off I felt there was a little too much teenage “lingo”. It felt like a stretch with some of the phrases she was saying. It hasn’t been that long since I was in high school and I’m pretty certain children/teens are not talking like that.
Second, things happened very slowly. It’s not until halfway through the book that the real action starts happening. There is just a lot of mind over matter for her training—sort of like the Matrix—so, things moved a little slower.
Also, when things were moving fast it was a little awkward. They conveniently find things they need that have been gone for thousands and thousands of years. But that is something I can live with.
Lastly, some things didn’t seem to get answered and didn’t seem to make sense, especially with regards to what happened to some characters. But maybe its all being saved for the next couple of books in the series. All in all, its nothing that would prevent me from reading the next in the series or from giving it a 4/5
Overall (Writing style, story line, and general):
Overall the writing was beautiful. The descriptions and the vivid images of the other worlds and other times came across beautifully. Natalie Wright is a rare writer; one who can tell you a story in detail with one a few paragraphs and you can perfectly picture it in your head.
View more of my review and others at my blog: www.mynotsovacantshelf.blogspot.com

[Grace (LovingDemBooks) Z. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. This review will also be posted on http://fandommonthlymagazine.blogspot...

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I would like to say, incorporating ancient Celtic into a fantasy book is quite creative and nothing like anything I've ever read before. But that doesn't meant that this book didn't have its flaws. I personally did have a few problems with the writing style.

First, the imagery "bothered" me.... Usually, I'm complaining about how little imagery is in a book, or how much. This wasn't either. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

Second, I felt like it was written in to different ways. For a few sentences everything will be written in first person, then the next minute everything is written in third person. "I didn't know it then, but scooting myself across that branch was the beginning of a long journey." To me, the protagonist shouldn't know what is ahead of her. That is the point of a quest-like book. You shouldn't know what is ahead of you. Surely I wouldn't have minded that sentence if the book was written in third person, but this was written in first.

Another thing I would like to point out is that I would always be annoyed with the protagonist Emily. One moment she'd act like she was in elementary school, the next she would act her age. The inconsistency of her character is something that I really don't like.

The plot though, was not too bad. It could be predictable at times, because it's a quest book. The average quest is a quester, a reason to go, and the real reason to go. Emily's really reason to go was to find self knowledge about herself, and her mother. Self knowledge is usually the reason why a quester always goes on a quest.

The book wasn't bad, but I couldn't say that it was great. I still have to read the 2nd and 3rd book. We'll see about that.

My rating system:
5 - I don't use the 5 stars. A book is never perfect, therefore a book should never get a 5 star.
4 - As good as a book can get. I loved loved loved it.
3 - It was good, I enjoyed most of the book, but it has some flaws.
2 - I didn't really like it, but at least I got through the book
1 - I couldn't get through the book, and I didn't like it.

[Larry B Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, adventure, excitement, and fantasy, Emily’s House by Natalie Wright has it all. This YA novel will keep you reading and on the edge of your seat throughout the book.

The author did an excellent job of putting together a story that was easy to follow but kept you hooked with all the twist and turns in the storyline. The excitement continued to build from the first page to the last. I really liked the fact I could put myself into the story as an unseen character and become absorbed into the story.

Natalie Wright did a great job with the characters by making them both believable and real. It was easy to identify with the lead heroine as she grew into the path laid out for her.

I really enjoyed Emily’s House by Natalie Wright and I highly recommend this book to all readers and all ages.

[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always leary when I accept a YA fantasy book for review, as I never know if I will be able to get through the book. I had these thoughts with Emily's House but my fears were unwarranted. I enjoyed this book a lot, so much in fact I hope to read the next in the series. What caught my attention was the Celtic mysticism, I love anything with a Celtic/Irish twist. This book was very easy to read and understand. Very fast paced and action packed, good versus evil with some mythology thrown in for good measure. I think this book is great for YA and and any age for that matter. You will love and cheer on the characters as they do battle with the bad guy.

[Gia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely captivating! As a gal who resides in Ireland I always find it interesting to read works with Celtic references. I read the description and was intrigued, I then went on to read the first page and what can I say I am hooked. The descriptive skills of this woman surpass many I have come across. Considering how many books I have read (I think it;s over 2k now) I have to say this book is superb! Just read the first page (click below the pic to "read ebook") and I dare say you will not be able to stop turning the pages so to speak. The plot is robust and delightful. I recommend this book whole heartedly!

[Davor · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fun and cute read, for somebody who likes this kind of books, and that is me definitely. I think I'll continue the series.

[Kathryn Svendsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is deeply steeped in Celtic mythology and Eastern religions. It is an original work about a young teenage girl who discovers she is the descendent of a high priestess and she is needed to save the world from an ancient evil that has arisen again. She must travel to Ireland and enter another dimension to train her magickal skills in order to defeat him.

The story starts off with us learning about Emily’s situation in the real world. It is a situation that many can relate to. She had lost her mother to illness when she was just seven, and was at her deathbed when she died. Since that time, her dad has not been the same since then – she calls him Zombie-man. Her aunt has come to live with them to care for her but she is abusive – physically, emotionally and mentally. Emily is very afraid of her and has become a timid, withdrawn child. She is also bullied at school. She is definitely not hero material.
Fortunately, she has two friends – Fanny and Jake, who stick with her through thick and thin. These two friends take off to Ireland with Emily when she is given her mission from Hindergog, a funny-looking creature that appears to her as a hologram and explains her origins to her, convincing her of who she is.

In the second part of the book, Emily enters Netherworld and meets different masters who train her in various skills such as meditation, space-time transportation, and fighting skills. Through the lessons, Emily learns more about who she is and begins to develop confidence in herself.

In the meantime, far to the north, Dughall, the embodiment of pure evil awakens and makes his way to CERN, where the Large Hadron Collider is located and where he intends to create a portal to Netherworld.
This was an engaging book to read, good battling evil. I found the theory of how Emily was able to stop the black hole from destroying the earth interesting, but definitely on the fantasy side. I thought the book was well laid out, and the history of events leading up to Emily’s time was told in a way that held the reader’s interest.

I liked that when Emily’s dad snapped out of his grieving for his wife, he became the father that he really was, loving and caring and concerned for Emily. I felt kind of bad for her that it took him so long to get himself together to be there for her, especially when his sister was being so cruel to his daughter.

I thought that the characters were fairly realistic. I liked most of them. I didn’t really care for the teachings about meditation and emptying your mind though. Most of the lessons that Emily learns in the Netherworld are related to Eastern religions and cults. Ms. Wright seems to have done a fair bit of background research into her topic and this helps make the story flow without inconsistencies.


This book was a very captivating read and so I gave it four stars out of five.

Thank you to the author, Natalie Wright who provided a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was an extremely unique idea. It's basically about a girl called Emily who is visited by a "being" one day, who summons her on a quest to save the world. Along with her two friends, Fanny and Jake, they travel halfway across the world and struggle for their cause.
The plot of this book is really well thought out and detailed, I love the way that throughout the book, it's linked back to the beginning, and never lets us forget what the original task for the kids was. I was completely drawn in.

Saying that, however, the first few chapters were not to my taste. They offered a backstory, which did prove useful to the story, however it was written in a way that did NOT appeal to me, and so I found it really difficult to read. I think that's why it took me so long to read. Once I got into it, I finished it in a week!
One of the good things about this book is that it wastes no time getting into the plot. By Chapter 2, the kids are already on their way to Scotland, to complete their mission. There's no waiting around, and I love that. I do hate it when a book takes AGES to get to the point.

The majority of the book focuses on Emily's training that she goes through in order for her to be able to defeat the evil Dughall (don't ask me how to pronounce it, I should have printed out the list of the pronunciations lol) I really really enjoyed reading this bit, as I actually found that it gave some good life advice.
"you are what you believe yourself to be"
I really love this whole part of the book, because it's just so exciting, and it makes me feel like I REALLY want to be able to do that. I might actually take up meditation. Maybe one day I can open a portal to the Netherworld. Who knows?

But then came the action part, where there was the actual fight against Dughall, and that was the most exciting thing. I was so tense, it was unbelievable. For real, my heart was actually pounding. I know right? It was just so well written, to the point that I felt as if I was there, actually there.
Overall, I did really love this book. The only bad thing that I can say about it is that I found that using 14 year olds ( yes I know thats only a year younger than me, but I WAS MATURE OK) made it hard for me to take them seriously. There was too much childish language in there (chiz and nub being the two most common) and it just made me cringe. Like, it's a good idea, using the younger generation to inspire the younger generation, but I don't think real 14 year olds talk like they did in the book.
But anyway, it's easy to get past that, and once the book commences properly, it's not so frequent.

[Shaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Emily's House- Book 1 of the Akasha Chronicles
Author- Natalie Wright
Rating- 4.5 STARS
OVERVIEW- Fourteen-year-old Emily Adams has special powers she doesn’t want, a spiteful aunt she can’t escape, and a primeval legacy she knows nothing about. But when an otherworldly being materialises, Emily discovers the true purpose of her magical blood and of the danger that threatens to annihilate her world.
Dormant for over a thousand years, an ancient evil has arisen. This time, it will destroy anyone – or anything – that stands in its way.
With her two best friends by her side, Emily risks everything and embarks on a dangerous journey to Ireland and beyond. As the hour of world annihilation draws near, the fate of her friends, her family and her world lies in her hands.
Can a teenage girl without hero credentials save the world? And will Emily find the courage to face her true self in Emily’s House?
Join the Journey . . .
REVIEW- I want to start off by saying how impressed I was with this story. The writing is original and genuine, focusing on themes of religion and science, yet weaving the storyline in to something totally different. From the start of the story, there was no beating around the bush. The story just went straight to the point. I felt this was essentially what kept me reading. Natalie Wright is one of those rare authors that knows how to explain a story in depth. I mean this in terms of the Villain's character. Dughall's character was described so beautifully in a way, the audience knew his story as well as Emily's. The actions of every character were explained. This, I feel, is a very important factor in a Good novel, which is hardly ever portrayed. But Wright has managed to do it, and perfectly at that. The pace was fast, yet understandable. My favourite character was Emily. I, myself was surprised at my choice, as I hardly ever favour a main character. But the way Emily is portrayed is quite realistic. Her speech, her reactions, her lack of belief in herself, was all genuine. However, I generally got very irritated by Fanny. Every time I was reading about her, I felt like shutting the book, but wright's storyline kept me in check. Also, I felt there could be a tone down in the amount of speech used. While a lot of speech could be good for understanding a story, it can also be quite frustrating at times. Overall, I would say this is a very good story, told quite originally. And a great buy as well :)

[Laura Masciarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book, I was unsure–do I like these characters? Emily seemed angry and cowardly. I could not get a handle on her friends, Fanny and Jake. Then a strange talking creature, Hindergog, showed up. But, it was interesting and as I progressed through the book I liked it exponentially more as I read. Emily’s House turned out to be an excellent read!

Part 1 told the story of Emily’s ancestor, the high priestess Saorla–wonderful, haunting, a beautifully told story.

Part 2 begins with Emily and her friends running away to Ireland to find Saorla’s torc (arm bracelet), which has the ability to open a portal to another dimension. The suspense builds as they go to a graveyard at night to dig it up and then flee the next day when their late-night exploits are discovered. When the three friends find the goddess Brighid’s sacred well, Emily uses the torc there to enter another dimension where she begins her training.

I loved the training sessions, where Emily learns to fight and more importantly, learns to meditate. She finds herself part of the oneness, the akasha. The metaphor of time being a stream compels the reader to think of time in a whole new way–terrific! Emily develops into a tough and likeable character.

She is training to thwart the evil Dughall, who is also trying to open a portal, only this time in Cern, at the Hadron particle accelerator. I enjoyed the mix of science with fantasy elements. We are given a peek into Dughall’s past, so rather than being a one-dimensional evil guy, the reader sees why he developed into such a heinous villain. Part 3 is a race to keep Dughall from creating a black hole that would rip apart the fabric of space and time.

Things I liked: Emily’s character development into a warrior, the metaphysical aspect of the book, the mix of science and fantasy, the fast-paced action that moved the story from the US, to Ireland, to Switzerland.

Things I did not like: I never warmed up to Fanny but that’s okay. The other characters in the story more than made up for a somewhat harsh best friend.

Overall: Excellent! Five stars! A fun, action-packed book with depth!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, full disclosure here - I went to law school with the author, and when we re-connected recently on Facebook, I was delighted to learn that Natalie is using her considerable creativity, wit and intelligence to write YA fantasy novels. So of course I had to read this. I really liked how the story combined such diverse elements as Celtic mysticism, the CERN supercollider and medieval European history. I also think the main character, Emily, is someone a lot of teenagers will like and be able to relate to since she's a bit of an outsider and was having trouble finding her way when her adventure starts. The book did leave me with some questions, though (bearing in mind that I'm not the target audience, and probably some of these things weren't included because they'd bore a normal 14 year-old to tears):

1. After Dughall was buried in ice for a thousand years, how did he find about about CERN and conclude that it could be used as a portal to the Netherworld so quckly? Basically he learned a thousand years of science in a couple of days.

2. What happened to Macha? Since Liam and the CERN scientists were able to keep everything from exploding, she must have survived. She's an interesting character, so it would be cool if she showed up in a later book.

3. Why was Dughall able to find his mother in the Netherworld, but Emily couldn't? Emily is told by several inhabitants of the Netherworld that it's not a place of "spirits," and earlier parts of the book seemed to indicate that Dughall was wasting his time trying to get into the Netherworld since he wouldn't be able to find his mother there. So this seemed contradictory to me, but maybe I missed something?

All in all, however, besides some profanity (nothing worse than what kids hear daily at school), there's nothing in this book that would keep me from recommending it to any teenager looking to escape the real world for a few days.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welding together ancient goddesses, sacred trees, the last High King of Ireland, a Chinese warrior called Madame Wong, fairies, dragons, time-travel, ancient Samhain celebrations not necessarily held at full moon, theoretical physics, teens with a penchant for deception and risk, and even a serious threat of the end of the world, Natalie Wright’s Akasha chronicles certainly offers young readers a bit of everything. It’s a teen novel with a strong teen flavor, blending modern dialog with slightly off-kilter myths and mysticism. “Holy crap, man, are you saying that Emily has to become a nun?” asks Jake when the not quite human visitor hints at his friend’s destiny. Three intrepid American youngsters soon leave home on an unplanned journey to Ireland, breaking rules and acquiring funds with surprising ease. A cartoonishly horrid aunt meets unexpected disobedience, and the well-named zombie dad finally tries to save the day. But true salvation comes at the hands of science, mysticism and goddess worship, when Emily learns the power within herself, her father learns the way back after tragedy, and two teens learn to trust each other.

Emily versus the super-sized ninja is certainly an exciting scene, but the presence of so many different influences can be somewhat overwhelming in this novel. Mystical lessons evoke a cross between Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and the Karate Kid—I could almost hear “Wax on wax off” in my head as Emily did laundry.

There’s a curious mix of easy violence and well-founded sympathy. Rules are broken with surprising ease and lack of consequence in both modern and ancient worlds. But the novel’s written for middle-grade and younger teens with a penchant for fantasy, not threat, and it’s certainly got plenty of adventure and intriguing ideas.



Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novel from World Literary Café in exchange for my honest review

[Kristy Centeno · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all let me just say that although I’m not a great fan of fantasy books this was one read I actually enjoyed. It’s not your typical young adult paranormal adventure (at least not to my standards). The plot drew me in right away because it's completely different from the books I’ve read lately.

You are first introduced to fourteen year old Emily, a teenager who doesn't think too highly of herself, and who is constantly mistreated by an overbearing aunt. Things soon change when an unexpected visitor stops by and drops a bomb in the form of revelations of who she really is and what she is destined to do.

Although I would like to say more, I would hate to spoil things for those who have yet to read this amazing story. However, one of the things I enjoyed the most about this book is that this is not just a story of a girl who's destined to save the world, but it's also a tale of self-discovery and acceptance. Emily has to come to terms with the things she cannot change even though she really doesn't want to.

If you enjoy books that keep you on a constant roller coaster ride, with characters who warm their way into your hearts, and with surprising twists you don't see coming until you're there, then this is the book for you.

Although this book is categorized as a young adult, I wouldn't recommend it to younger readers simply because it has a lot of cussing. If you're one to be put out by that (which I'm not) then keep that in mind.

Overall, I give this book two thumbs up and five out five stars : )

P.S. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Teresa Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily’s House is the first book that I have read by this author and it is the first book in the Akasha Chronicles books. I have to admit it took me a few chapters to be into this book, but after I got in a few chapters I really enjoyed the story.

In Emily’s House we meet Emily that has a life that she doesn’t want. From special powers to family problems she is the typical American teenager that is trying to come into her own but finding herself in the midst of things she doesn’t understand and a life she can’t escape.

Around her the world is changing as she tries to cope with teenage life while trying to solve her ancestor’s ancient secret so that she can complete the things that she was born to do. Through training she watches herself change and become the person she needs to be but soon realizes that may not be enough.

While she has been learning, training and growing, an ancient evil has awoken and it will stop at nothing to destroy everything in its path. She will have to see if she has the strength to survive the dangerous adventure in front of her so that she can stop the evil from spreading and protect the lives of those she loves.

I really enjoyed how the author wove and twisted the worlds in this book together. The characters have good depth and the world and action are vibrant enough to keep you turning pages to see how the story ends. I am looking forward to reading book two!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review which has been stated above.

[ILoveBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily, the main character, has not had the easiest life. She lost her mother at a young age and her father as well-her father, though still alive, pays no attention to Emily or life in general. She endures her harsh aunt who has nothing kind to say to her and isn't doing well in school. Emily plods through life without any real motivation until she discovers that she just might have a higher purpose-maybe even a "save the world" purpose.



The author creates a world with Celtic mysteries and traditions that will entrance the reader and leave him/her wanting more. Emily navigates this new world and acts as a guide for the reader as well. Emily is a good character, the reader will connect to her with ease. At times, she may need more motivation and the reader will want to push her along, but she gradually develops a "can-do" attitude over the course of the story. Emily's friends are her motivation at times and the reader will most likely enjoy them.



The events are moderately paced and the reader will enjoy the atmosphere and air of possibility the author crafts. The reader will finish the novel satisfied and look towards the next in this series. This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

[Scarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for Natalie Wright, winning a signed copy from her was really a first for me. Again, thank you.

Personally, I was never into Celtic themed books. Not that I disliked them, but I had a hard time grasping the reality of it. After reading Emily's House, I can't help but wonder how blind I was like the people inside the book. Emily's House focuses on the discovery of something seemed impossible that you couldn't deny if it happened in real life, you won't know what to do or what to believe.

But that what makes Emily's House amazing is that it challenges people's realism. That we are so fed up with technologies and improbability of things; We do oversee things and take them for granted. Though the approach in telling this tale is for real young adults, it never missed the action normally readers crave for. Also, I had earned a new perspective about Celtic History and it was really never about magic and just fairy tales but it somehow resembles some people way if life (i.e. Monks) That the way of Celtic is also a simple science and a little bit of great imagination. I had found a new theme to love.

Hence, I will definitely wait and read for the sequel.

[Jennifer Devore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The vast border betwixt a contemporary American Southwest and an ancient, Celtic Ireland is as foggy and hazy as a seaside, Sligo morning; yet this chasm is bridged brilliantly and smoothly enough to ease the reader hither and thither, back and forth, between said realms.

Natalie Wright has divined in Emily's House a simultaneous modern and ancient fairy tale of the greatest kind: sans parents, sans immediate consequence, sans cowardice. Bravery is said to be not the lack of fear, but action in the face of it. Like the best of Grimm, Perrault and Charles Schulz, Ms. Wright's kids find themselves amidst adventure, terror and turmoil, as well as ineffective and/or absent parental units. By their own bootstraps they must find help themselves to find their way home, to save not only each other, but perchance an entire civilization. "Adults drool, kids rule" is the motto for any well-written young adult or children's tale. Natalie's kids indeed rule.

This one will last, alongside Grimm, Perrault and Schulz, in the coffers of timeless, fantasy literature. Plus, there's Hindergog and no one could not love Hindergog! Well done, Ms. Wright. Well done, indeed.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to give a HUGE THANK YOU to NRBT Tours for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour.

Emily is not your average teenager. She knows she is different but when her mother passes away she finds out that she belongs to The Order of Brighid, an ancient society of women sworn to protect the portal to the Netherworld. With this knowledge Emily and her two best friends set out to stop the evil villain who wants in to the portal.

Emily knows her visions she has seen will come to fruition and as long as she has her mothers memory in her heart and her two best friends she will be able to face any trial and tribulation that comes her way. Even though she is young Emily knows she must step up and save the world from the evil that is lurking.

I laughed at some of the things the characters did and said. I can't imagine being that young and having the weight of the world on your shoulders and to make matters worse you don't have your mother with you. This is one series I have recommended to my daughter and her friends to read.I love how it is clean and wholesome. This is a must read for all YA readers!

[Cheryl Duval · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very imaginative story with a lot going on and I was captivated right away. I liked the way the author incorporated ancient elements right along with modern elements. There are awesome characters. Well written fantasy!! The author is very descriptive in her details and I felt like I was a part of the
story.

Hindergog tells Emily and her best friends Fanny and Jake a story of her ancestry and how important she is to the survival of the world. I have to say that I loved the authors description of Hindergog.

Even though what the trio heard was unbelievable Emily and her friends start out on a journey without any
knowledge about where they needed to go or what they needed to accomplish. Emily eventually ends up on her own and has much to learn, one of her teachers is Madame Wong - I loved Madame Wong!! She is quite the character.

This is a great YA book (as well as a great adult book). I recommend this book, it's a great story!!

[D.L. Kruse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Other reviewers have given a good synopsis of the storyline so I will focus on what I really enjoyed. Having been young myself when my own mother passed away, leaving me with an emotionally absent father, I feel Ms. Wright has really captured Emily's feelings in the novel. The author has also invented a couple of friends for Emily whose personalities will absolutely resonate with teen readers.

I also loved the seamless blending of a fantasy world, with the real-life ones of Emily before she embarks on her journey. With lots of myths, magical creatures (? persons), clashes and good plot development going on, I read this in one sitting.

All in all, this is a wonderful story of a young girl coming to know herself through facing her own fears and doubts, while recognizing and accelerating her new-found strengths. A great YA novel. And the cover is totally sassy, too!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like so many teens, Emily of Emily's House is a troubled teen. She has more problems than the average teen with the death of her mother and the emotional support of her father because of his grief. School doesn't fit either except for two friends that help her on her journey to find her ancient lost family and to save the world in the process.

The writing quality is excellent. The teen characters are realistic and would be easy for teens to relate with when they read this book. The suspense is fun, keeps you on edge and satisfied with the twist of the story.

[Jack Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book today, and I have to say that I loved the book! The group of young kids were believable, and it had a hint of sci-fi to the story. I loved the training (not going to get too specific here) and the fight Emily had with Super-size was incredible! Overall, this was a very entertaining read that I will be reading again in the future! This felt like a reverse "Howard the Duck", but with a much better story line and no idiotic humor. Kudos, big Kudos!

[Jaclyn Cotton]

Review coming soon on Feb. 29th as part of a book tour!

[Mindy/fangedmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please stay tuned for my full review of Emily's House.

[Sandra]

$0.99 on Nook

[Ana Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

great

[Lynne]

I won this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Looking forward to reading it. Thank you.

[Elizabeth Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me...

The premise is very original and hooked me immediately. I also thought the awards it won spoke volumes. However, the writing of it was stilted and boring. Very juvenile to me. Younger crowd might enjoy it.

[Cece Hawks · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5