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The Altercation of Vira
The people of Vira have long awaited the arrival of their lost princess, Elve. Legend has foretold a season of great change in the dawn of her return. For the Maracans, she brings the promise of fortified control over their rival kindred. For the Cefans, a glimmer of hope in an existence filled with oppression.
The only problem is their princess is eighteen year old Ama Brown, an ordinary girl living an ordinary life, who has no idea that she is about to be drawn into a world where an age old battle is brewing and nothing is quite as it seems.
The only problem is their princess is eighteen year old Ama Brown, an ordinary girl living an ordinary life, who has no idea that she is about to be drawn into a world where an age old battle is brewing and nothing is quite as it seems.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2012
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Kenechi Udogu
24 books97 followersKenechi lives in London, UK and writes contemporary and fantasy/paranormal/sci-fi/horror fiction. She also hates the cold and hopes to one day figure out how to hibernate in winter.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 3, 2012
First Thoughts:
The concept and theme of the book was unique and interesting. Though I wouldn’t say this book was intense all the way through it did have its moments. And though I had a few problems with the whole organization of the book it did have some qualities that made it fun and good to read.
Plot:
I think the plot was okay though I had a few issues on how she organized the sequence of events; it would jump from scenes to roughly and sometimes without me even realizing it, therefore causing me confusion. But I did like the whole concept of an average girl being royal by blood and not knowing it and then being kidnapped to said world and having to adjust to all its glory and repercussions…maybe not your average story but it was fun to read none the less. And the world of Vera was actually fun to read about and discover how much difference it is than earth. I wouldn’t say this is by any means an alien themed book but it does take place in another dimension and has two new races of people that we get to learn about. And as far as the plotline essentials it did have all the elements but I felt the ending was too abrupt and I felt kind of let down…the reader was taken through this tough and horrible journey and in the end it was just disappointing to see how the author left certain things. As far as the pace of the book I felt it wasn’t fast but it wasn’t too slow either and there were a few intense moments so overall a good pace for the book. So I did feel there was a conflict unresolved but the overall concept and idea of the world was unique and creative.
Romance:
There wasn’t much as far as romance in this book, it wasn’t the main focus and therefore took back seat leaving little room for growth. But the romance that was there was soft and quiet and fit just right for this book…it took part in the conflict but kind of stayed out of the big picture. So I felt the romance was a good aspect to the book because a lot of books you read this day are all focused on love and for once this wasn’t the case; it was a nice reprive.
Characters:
The characters were fun to get to know and connect with, some were easier to like than others. The author created characters that each had their own style and personality. The main characters were fun to read along with; I loved being able to discover right alongside them, to see the surprise and reaction to this new and creative world. And I absolutely loved the way she brought in the tribe; it added great texture to the world. The tribe itself was created uniquely and really felt realistic to me. Each tribe member that was introduced really fit within both the story and the tribe itself. As far as the minor characters they were necessary for the story; each one provided a role that was essential for the plot to move forward. Actually some of the best characters were the ones we didn’t get to know as much; the ones that were kept in a semi-dark state. So overall I enjoyed the characters and didn’t really find any issues with them.
Transformation of the Character:
As far as transformations go there were a few but none that I could really call a true transformation. They were more of the character unleashing who they really were; self-discovery. But the few little transformations there were, were well executed and needed within the character itself and provided the reader with a good satisfaction. And as far as the self-discoveries they were both a surprise to the character themselves but to the reader too. The reader was given little hints within the storyline until the reader was shown the true character; it was really cool to experience. So overall transformation wasn’t necessarily the element in this book; self-discovery was and it was well executed.
Description:
As far as description goes I really loved how the author described the new world; especially the sun. Her description was both unique and fun to read, she really described in good detail both the old world and new world giving the reader a great comparison in the differences of the two worlds. Each scene was described very well, the best description in this book was the description of the landscape, the images are still very strong every time I even think about this book, some images better than others. But I think the strongest images were from the village and the ending scenes, they were some very powerful images that really helped with the overall feel of the book. As far as the amount of description there wasn’t really too much, they were some slower moments with loaded description but it wasn’t too much as to cause me to stop reading. So overall I enjoyed the description in this book and found it to be one of the better aspects of the book.
Style:
I liked that we were give two POV’s but the problem I had was when she chose to switch POV’s, it was rough and abrupt. But it was nice to see the two views it did allow for the plot to flow a little better and allow the story to be better told and understood. As far as the writing itself, I liked the way the author described things and created a world essentially from scratch. The author’s writing is unique and created a good to the overall feel of the book.
Quote of the book:
“Before she could sit up or make any other move, the boy stretched out his small right hand and placed it over her open mouth. And for the first time in her life, Ama Brown truly saw. “
Goodreads Summary:
The people of Vira have long awaited the arrival of their lost princess, Elve. Legend has foretold a season of great change in the dawn of her return. For the Maracans, she brings the promise of fortified control over their rival kindred. For the Cefans, a glimmer of hope in an existence filled with oppression.
The only problem is their princess is eighteen year old Ama Brown, an ordinary girl living an ordinary life, who has no idea that she is about to be drawn into a world where an age old battle is brewing and nothing is quite as it seems.
Last Thoughts:
I would recommend this book to YA readers, though this book isn’t for everyone so if you’re not into new dimensions or the idea of newly created races and worlds this book isn’t for you. It takes a reader with an open mind to really enjoy this book. But overall this isn’t one of my favorite books it was a fun book to read and enjoy. This author did a great job on creating a new world that was unique and stood out from the ordinary YA books. It was a good book overall.
The concept and theme of the book was unique and interesting. Though I wouldn’t say this book was intense all the way through it did have its moments. And though I had a few problems with the whole organization of the book it did have some qualities that made it fun and good to read.
Plot:
I think the plot was okay though I had a few issues on how she organized the sequence of events; it would jump from scenes to roughly and sometimes without me even realizing it, therefore causing me confusion. But I did like the whole concept of an average girl being royal by blood and not knowing it and then being kidnapped to said world and having to adjust to all its glory and repercussions…maybe not your average story but it was fun to read none the less. And the world of Vera was actually fun to read about and discover how much difference it is than earth. I wouldn’t say this is by any means an alien themed book but it does take place in another dimension and has two new races of people that we get to learn about. And as far as the plotline essentials it did have all the elements but I felt the ending was too abrupt and I felt kind of let down…the reader was taken through this tough and horrible journey and in the end it was just disappointing to see how the author left certain things. As far as the pace of the book I felt it wasn’t fast but it wasn’t too slow either and there were a few intense moments so overall a good pace for the book. So I did feel there was a conflict unresolved but the overall concept and idea of the world was unique and creative.
Romance:
There wasn’t much as far as romance in this book, it wasn’t the main focus and therefore took back seat leaving little room for growth. But the romance that was there was soft and quiet and fit just right for this book…it took part in the conflict but kind of stayed out of the big picture. So I felt the romance was a good aspect to the book because a lot of books you read this day are all focused on love and for once this wasn’t the case; it was a nice reprive.
Characters:
The characters were fun to get to know and connect with, some were easier to like than others. The author created characters that each had their own style and personality. The main characters were fun to read along with; I loved being able to discover right alongside them, to see the surprise and reaction to this new and creative world. And I absolutely loved the way she brought in the tribe; it added great texture to the world. The tribe itself was created uniquely and really felt realistic to me. Each tribe member that was introduced really fit within both the story and the tribe itself. As far as the minor characters they were necessary for the story; each one provided a role that was essential for the plot to move forward. Actually some of the best characters were the ones we didn’t get to know as much; the ones that were kept in a semi-dark state. So overall I enjoyed the characters and didn’t really find any issues with them.
Transformation of the Character:
As far as transformations go there were a few but none that I could really call a true transformation. They were more of the character unleashing who they really were; self-discovery. But the few little transformations there were, were well executed and needed within the character itself and provided the reader with a good satisfaction. And as far as the self-discoveries they were both a surprise to the character themselves but to the reader too. The reader was given little hints within the storyline until the reader was shown the true character; it was really cool to experience. So overall transformation wasn’t necessarily the element in this book; self-discovery was and it was well executed.
Description:
As far as description goes I really loved how the author described the new world; especially the sun. Her description was both unique and fun to read, she really described in good detail both the old world and new world giving the reader a great comparison in the differences of the two worlds. Each scene was described very well, the best description in this book was the description of the landscape, the images are still very strong every time I even think about this book, some images better than others. But I think the strongest images were from the village and the ending scenes, they were some very powerful images that really helped with the overall feel of the book. As far as the amount of description there wasn’t really too much, they were some slower moments with loaded description but it wasn’t too much as to cause me to stop reading. So overall I enjoyed the description in this book and found it to be one of the better aspects of the book.
Style:
I liked that we were give two POV’s but the problem I had was when she chose to switch POV’s, it was rough and abrupt. But it was nice to see the two views it did allow for the plot to flow a little better and allow the story to be better told and understood. As far as the writing itself, I liked the way the author described things and created a world essentially from scratch. The author’s writing is unique and created a good to the overall feel of the book.
Quote of the book:
“Before she could sit up or make any other move, the boy stretched out his small right hand and placed it over her open mouth. And for the first time in her life, Ama Brown truly saw. “
Goodreads Summary:
The people of Vira have long awaited the arrival of their lost princess, Elve. Legend has foretold a season of great change in the dawn of her return. For the Maracans, she brings the promise of fortified control over their rival kindred. For the Cefans, a glimmer of hope in an existence filled with oppression.
The only problem is their princess is eighteen year old Ama Brown, an ordinary girl living an ordinary life, who has no idea that she is about to be drawn into a world where an age old battle is brewing and nothing is quite as it seems.
Last Thoughts:
I would recommend this book to YA readers, though this book isn’t for everyone so if you’re not into new dimensions or the idea of newly created races and worlds this book isn’t for you. It takes a reader with an open mind to really enjoy this book. But overall this isn’t one of my favorite books it was a fun book to read and enjoy. This author did a great job on creating a new world that was unique and stood out from the ordinary YA books. It was a good book overall.
December 21, 2016
I read this simply because I needed a U for the author's A-Z challenge this year. I am so glad I did though a real hidden fantasy gem. Worth the read.
August 22, 2012
The Altercation of Vira is the story of Ama, whom I liked right away. Ama is on her way to a going-away party for her closest friend, Mel and his girlfriend Janet. She hasn't seen Mel in a few years since he moved to the big city and hooked up with Janet. Ama is driving to the city and thinking about her dislike for Janet when she nearly hits something that runs across the road. Her already ancient car gives up the ghost and she starts walking to find help. From there Ama ends up kidnapped (or so she thinks) and taken away from Earth realm to Vira which turns out to be her real home. But before she's whisked away, Ama manages to contact Mel because she thinks she's in danger. In search of Ama, Mel is taken to Vira also seemingly to help save a race who has been persecuted for generations. However, Ama and Mel find themselves on opposite sides in a brewing war.
The world building in this book is imaginative and believable. Vira is a dark realm, remaining in "night" for most of the book. I had a hard time remembering this, but the author does remind the reader sufficiently. The characters do not seem to change as much as I would've liked. Mel is not tested and is really just a plot device, although he is a fleshed out plot device. Ama changes only slightly inwardly due to a shocking trial she endures. It was one of craziest things I've read that was completely plausible. I could see ancient earth peoples doing these rituals no matter how crazy they seem to us now.
The book drags between maybe chapters 5 and 13. There is a lot of narrative and explanation that bogs it down, but it is cool history of Vira. But once it picks up, the story progresses and builds anticipation. I was up to 3 a.m. reading and only stopped because my phone battery died. The ending was a little quick. I kinda thought it should have been extended. I wasn't expecting what happens between Ama and Mel, especially after all the build up. I gave it 4 stars for the entertaining world building and interesting plot. I couldn't give it 5 because of the slow down in the beginning set up, and because the climax and ending, although satisfactory, left more to be desired. But I had to accept the ending no matter my or Mel's personal feelings on the matter. There were also several characters that I felt needed more purpose or could've been left out altogether. Overall a good read.
The world building in this book is imaginative and believable. Vira is a dark realm, remaining in "night" for most of the book. I had a hard time remembering this, but the author does remind the reader sufficiently. The characters do not seem to change as much as I would've liked. Mel is not tested and is really just a plot device, although he is a fleshed out plot device. Ama changes only slightly inwardly due to a shocking trial she endures. It was one of craziest things I've read that was completely plausible. I could see ancient earth peoples doing these rituals no matter how crazy they seem to us now.
The book drags between maybe chapters 5 and 13. There is a lot of narrative and explanation that bogs it down, but it is cool history of Vira. But once it picks up, the story progresses and builds anticipation. I was up to 3 a.m. reading and only stopped because my phone battery died. The ending was a little quick. I kinda thought it should have been extended. I wasn't expecting what happens between Ama and Mel, especially after all the build up. I gave it 4 stars for the entertaining world building and interesting plot. I couldn't give it 5 because of the slow down in the beginning set up, and because the climax and ending, although satisfactory, left more to be desired. But I had to accept the ending no matter my or Mel's personal feelings on the matter. There were also several characters that I felt needed more purpose or could've been left out altogether. Overall a good read.
September 29, 2012
Kindle Version (free via author for honest review)
I must say that I found this book interesting, yet not all at the same time. I think it may have just not been my type of book. Ama is on her way to her friend Mel's house when her car breaks down and she seeks help at this old abandoned town. When she finds someone there she is kept in the town and eventually is taken to another land where she is told she is a princess who was sent away to be saved, but now must come back to rule the land because her Mother is dying. The people of the land distrust her because of her background and who her Father was, but they let her have a chance at leading their land per her Mother's request/ruling. Mel, being worried about Ama, goes in search of her and eventually also ends up in the old town and also taken to the other land. There he searches for Ama with the intent of taking her home with him and telling her how he really feels about her and has felt about her for many years, he loves her. Mel is with the enemy of the people Ama is with and ruling though, so how can he possibly find her and be safe trying to find her? Will it matter to Ama that Mel wants to be with her, or is it to late for that now? How much can two people change along the way to finding each other again? Will power change Ama?
I felt there wasn't much action in this book. It had some, but not the edge of your seat action, other stories have. I must say that I liked this author's other book I read much better than this one. I found it a bit slow moving and drawn out. Also, there is only one line to the plot really, which is ok, but it just wasn't as developed as it could have been. I did enjoy the characters and the "feel" of the book, as far as how the characters developed and what they were trying to accomplish. I did like the battle that took place, I thought that was adventurous and full of action. I also must say that the ending of the book left me with more questions than answers and was a bit frustrating for me.
All in all, this was an ok read, but I wouldn't read it again or pick up any follow up book to this one. However, I do like this author's work, as I said, in his other book I read, "The Other Slipper".
3/5 Stars!
I must say that I found this book interesting, yet not all at the same time. I think it may have just not been my type of book. Ama is on her way to her friend Mel's house when her car breaks down and she seeks help at this old abandoned town. When she finds someone there she is kept in the town and eventually is taken to another land where she is told she is a princess who was sent away to be saved, but now must come back to rule the land because her Mother is dying. The people of the land distrust her because of her background and who her Father was, but they let her have a chance at leading their land per her Mother's request/ruling. Mel, being worried about Ama, goes in search of her and eventually also ends up in the old town and also taken to the other land. There he searches for Ama with the intent of taking her home with him and telling her how he really feels about her and has felt about her for many years, he loves her. Mel is with the enemy of the people Ama is with and ruling though, so how can he possibly find her and be safe trying to find her? Will it matter to Ama that Mel wants to be with her, or is it to late for that now? How much can two people change along the way to finding each other again? Will power change Ama?
I felt there wasn't much action in this book. It had some, but not the edge of your seat action, other stories have. I must say that I liked this author's other book I read much better than this one. I found it a bit slow moving and drawn out. Also, there is only one line to the plot really, which is ok, but it just wasn't as developed as it could have been. I did enjoy the characters and the "feel" of the book, as far as how the characters developed and what they were trying to accomplish. I did like the battle that took place, I thought that was adventurous and full of action. I also must say that the ending of the book left me with more questions than answers and was a bit frustrating for me.
All in all, this was an ok read, but I wouldn't read it again or pick up any follow up book to this one. However, I do like this author's work, as I said, in his other book I read, "The Other Slipper".
3/5 Stars!
June 3, 2012
The Altercation of Vira is about a young woman named Ama who was kidnapped, and soon discovers she's the kingdom of Vira's hidden princess, Elve. Vira is a kingdom placed in an alternate world, in which two tribes have a centuries old feud for control. While everything in Ama's world changes (she discovers her mom's alive but enduring a curse that will kill her in a matter of days), her friend Mel is frantically searching for her, not knowing that Ama will never be the same as when she crossed that portal to Vira. Ama must learn to control herself and her supposed “powers” quickly, before it’s too late to do anything about it.
This book counts with the points of view of both sides of the feud. That makes it hard for the reader to actually pick a side, since both sides are convinced that they’re right. The Altercation of Vira is written in such a way that the author gives you subtle hints about what is happening but doesn’t tell you actually everything. That’s the thing about a third person point of view; the author can actually tell you what every character’s thinking in a way that helps us understand everybody’s actions.
This book was really entertaining. Unexpected rituals, unexpected events, unexpected everything! The Altercation of Vira was unlike any book I’ve read before, in a really good way. Its protagonist goes through a transformation that is really understandable, giveneverything she went through in such a little amount of time. She experiencedreunion, death, love, friendship, rage and fear, and she couldn’t do anythingabout it. Going again to the unexpected, even its ending was quite surprising.It is one of the few books in which I’ve been completely satisfied with the ending. I congratulate Kenechi for that.
Unlike a lot of books I have read, I could picture every single thing that was happening, from beginning to end. I absolutely recommend it and hope you all go and buy yourselves a copy!! <3
This book counts with the points of view of both sides of the feud. That makes it hard for the reader to actually pick a side, since both sides are convinced that they’re right. The Altercation of Vira is written in such a way that the author gives you subtle hints about what is happening but doesn’t tell you actually everything. That’s the thing about a third person point of view; the author can actually tell you what every character’s thinking in a way that helps us understand everybody’s actions.
This book was really entertaining. Unexpected rituals, unexpected events, unexpected everything! The Altercation of Vira was unlike any book I’ve read before, in a really good way. Its protagonist goes through a transformation that is really understandable, giveneverything she went through in such a little amount of time. She experiencedreunion, death, love, friendship, rage and fear, and she couldn’t do anythingabout it. Going again to the unexpected, even its ending was quite surprising.It is one of the few books in which I’ve been completely satisfied with the ending. I congratulate Kenechi for that.
Unlike a lot of books I have read, I could picture every single thing that was happening, from beginning to end. I absolutely recommend it and hope you all go and buy yourselves a copy!! <3
April 24, 2012
The premise of this book sounded very promising and I thought there would be a lot of the fantasy elements I really enjoy in this type of story. I was hoping it would grab me and pull me in to an alternate world of magical powers and epic battles of good against evil. Unfortunately, this didn't happen as much as I wanted it to.
The book started off a bit slow and nothing much happened for a while. Ama seemed to accept her kidnapping with remarkable composure and aplomb and didn't appear to be all that shocked or surprised by the truth of her birth once she learned of it. Also, many authors seem to adopt the ploy of having their characters hold back information and refuse to explain things, which causes a whole lot of unnecessary suspense, angst and confusion, in my opinion. But, that's just one of my pet peeves about novels. Other readers may like this technique.
Most of the book was focused on a lot of talking about and setting up of the culminating conflict between the two peoples, with the result that there wasn't a lot of fast-paced action. And, when the confrontation finally did materialize near the end of the book, it was rather anticlimatic. Some of the magical elements I was hoping for did make an appearance, but they were not spectacular.
Ms. Udogu does have a good command of the written word and, aside from a few editorial errors, her writing is quite good. I was just hoping for a little more fantasy and gripping action.
The book started off a bit slow and nothing much happened for a while. Ama seemed to accept her kidnapping with remarkable composure and aplomb and didn't appear to be all that shocked or surprised by the truth of her birth once she learned of it. Also, many authors seem to adopt the ploy of having their characters hold back information and refuse to explain things, which causes a whole lot of unnecessary suspense, angst and confusion, in my opinion. But, that's just one of my pet peeves about novels. Other readers may like this technique.
Most of the book was focused on a lot of talking about and setting up of the culminating conflict between the two peoples, with the result that there wasn't a lot of fast-paced action. And, when the confrontation finally did materialize near the end of the book, it was rather anticlimatic. Some of the magical elements I was hoping for did make an appearance, but they were not spectacular.
Ms. Udogu does have a good command of the written word and, aside from a few editorial errors, her writing is quite good. I was just hoping for a little more fantasy and gripping action.
April 15, 2014
Did I enjoy this book: I texted Chrissy three pages in to complain about the grammar. The story wasn’t bad, though, so I kept reading. I thought there’d be a payoff for ignoring the passive voice, improper semicolon use, misspelled words (UGH), and serious over-use of colloquialisms. I thought wrong. Mid-book things took a turn for the weird – like, trapping the main character in a room with her dead mother for three weeks weird – and I’m pretty sure I read the rest of the book with a horrified look on my face. So yeah.
Would I recommend it: Nope.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/04/re...
Would I recommend it: Nope.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/04/re...
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews