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Dryad Quartet #1
Breath of Air
Her name was Capri, and she was Air.
She was born with a gift she didn’t understand. A gift so strange, so remarkable that she had kept it secret for as long as she could remember, despising that it made her different when all she wanted was to be normal, to belong. As an orphan, belonging to someone, anyone, would have been an incredible blessing, one she would have given up all that she had just to get a taste of.
But the truth was that she didn’t belong in the orphanage in Virginia, or even in the United States. In fact, she didn’t belong with human beings at all. Because she wasn’t one of them, not really. She was something much more extraordinary.
She could shift the direction of the wind, create billowing clouds out of nothing, and charm birds into dancing on her open palm. She belonged to an elite group of beings, responsible for preserving the balance of nature and the safety of Earth from an underworld that deserved to be feared, and needed to be controlled.
And after years of being lost, she had at last been found, and now the truth of how she had ended up so far from home was becoming horribly clear to her.
But there’s someone who doesn’t want her to return; someone who knows Capri was the only witness to an act of heinous treason and violent murder. And when she begins to search her memories for details of the night she was taken from her home, details that will implicate a killer, she finds herself the unwary target of an otherworldly dark force intent on silencing her by any means possible.
She was born with a gift she didn’t understand. A gift so strange, so remarkable that she had kept it secret for as long as she could remember, despising that it made her different when all she wanted was to be normal, to belong. As an orphan, belonging to someone, anyone, would have been an incredible blessing, one she would have given up all that she had just to get a taste of.
But the truth was that she didn’t belong in the orphanage in Virginia, or even in the United States. In fact, she didn’t belong with human beings at all. Because she wasn’t one of them, not really. She was something much more extraordinary.
She could shift the direction of the wind, create billowing clouds out of nothing, and charm birds into dancing on her open palm. She belonged to an elite group of beings, responsible for preserving the balance of nature and the safety of Earth from an underworld that deserved to be feared, and needed to be controlled.
And after years of being lost, she had at last been found, and now the truth of how she had ended up so far from home was becoming horribly clear to her.
But there’s someone who doesn’t want her to return; someone who knows Capri was the only witness to an act of heinous treason and violent murder. And when she begins to search her memories for details of the night she was taken from her home, details that will implicate a killer, she finds herself the unwary target of an otherworldly dark force intent on silencing her by any means possible.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
40 people are currently reading
1704 people want to read
About the author
Katie Jennings
19 books217 followersKatie Jennings is the author of the popular fantasy series The Dryad Quartet as well as the award-winning romantic family drama series The Vasser Legacy. Her paranormal romance, So Fell The Sparrow, won an Honorable Mention in the 2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Her bestselling contemporary romance, Things Lost In The Fire, is a semi-finalist in romance in the Kindle Book Awards. A Los Angeles native, she now lives in beautiful North Idaho with her husband, who thinks she’s the biggest nerd ever. She’s a firm believer in happy endings and loves nothing more than a great romance novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 2, 2012
First things first: the cover. Let's be honest, we all judge a book by its cover, even when we say we don't, and this one made an amazing first impression. I was actually a little sad that I had an ebook copy, because it makes fondling the cover a little difficult. It's exquisite!
Since the cover promised me it would be great, I dug right in. It had a slow build to it, not a ton of excitement in the first half, but the characters started to grow on me. It wasn't until I was headed into work, without my kindle!, that I realized how much the characters had gotten under my skin. For a full nine hours, I found myself just itching to get back to them.
I'm not really one for rehashing plot, since the synopsis has already laid it all out for you. I will tell you, however, that Katie Jennings wins major points for creativity. This is the first book I have ever read about Dryads, although the other mythical beings are often written about. We have the Fates, the Furies, the Muses. I'm sure most of you have heard about Serendipity? The Dryads may be lesser known, but, in this case, no less fascinating.
Capri is an Air Dryad. Simply put, she has control over the wind. Only, having been raised in an orphanage, no one has ever taught her how to use her amazing gifts. As a main character, she is the perfect balance of strength and humility. As a supporting cast, we have her friends who are an Earth, Fire, and Water Dryad. These four friends have the elements covered! And, of course, what's a good book without a little heat? Enter sexy Fury, Rian. Dark and mysterious, the reader is left wondering about him, and wanting more. Luckily, there are still three more books to the series, so I'm able to get my fix.
Since the cover promised me it would be great, I dug right in. It had a slow build to it, not a ton of excitement in the first half, but the characters started to grow on me. It wasn't until I was headed into work, without my kindle!, that I realized how much the characters had gotten under my skin. For a full nine hours, I found myself just itching to get back to them.
I'm not really one for rehashing plot, since the synopsis has already laid it all out for you. I will tell you, however, that Katie Jennings wins major points for creativity. This is the first book I have ever read about Dryads, although the other mythical beings are often written about. We have the Fates, the Furies, the Muses. I'm sure most of you have heard about Serendipity? The Dryads may be lesser known, but, in this case, no less fascinating.
Capri is an Air Dryad. Simply put, she has control over the wind. Only, having been raised in an orphanage, no one has ever taught her how to use her amazing gifts. As a main character, she is the perfect balance of strength and humility. As a supporting cast, we have her friends who are an Earth, Fire, and Water Dryad. These four friends have the elements covered! And, of course, what's a good book without a little heat? Enter sexy Fury, Rian. Dark and mysterious, the reader is left wondering about him, and wanting more. Luckily, there are still three more books to the series, so I'm able to get my fix.
June 1, 2012
Breath of Air took my breath away!
Capri has lived without a family for as long as she can remember. Growing up in an orphanage has been hard and now on the day of her eighteenth birthday she wishes she had a family to celebrate it with more than ever. Capri has always been a little different. Although keeping her special talents a secret, manipulating a small breeze and controlling birds has always been in her blood.
Now, finally Capri can start to uncover the truth when she meets Liam, a water Dryad who sees her for what she really is and takes her to her true home, Euphora. Euphora is where all the Dryads, amongst others, live and work. They have the very important job of keeping the world in balance and welcome Capri with open arms.
Finally having a pace to call home and being reunited with her father is amazing, but Capri is still haunted by the dreams of the day her mother died and she was taken. She knows she can never rest until she finds her mother’s killer…..but bringing up the past is more dangerous than she thought.
Jennings has created a world unlike any I have read about. Euphora is magical but has the very important purpose of keeping the earth running smoothly. I have never read a book about Dryads and it is not a secret that I love when a new character is thrown at me….something other than vampires and weres.
Capri is one of the purest souls I have ever seen. Although she has had a hard life she is so kind and sweet but not to the point of annoyance. Soon we start to see a young love blossom and the author did an amazing job of keeping the romance steady throughout the book instead of your classic “They see each other and fall madly in love” synario….fast pace puppy love can get a little sickening although entertaining. Capri’s romance evolves and she doesn’t know her true heart’s desire until closer to the end of the book. All the while a riveting murder mystery is being uncovered.
By the end of the book I wanted more of Euphora….and jumped straight into the next book in the quartet. I loved this story and hope you add it to your “To-Read” shelf today!
Read the full review and author interview HERE: http://shadowkissedcassie.blogspot.co...
Capri has lived without a family for as long as she can remember. Growing up in an orphanage has been hard and now on the day of her eighteenth birthday she wishes she had a family to celebrate it with more than ever. Capri has always been a little different. Although keeping her special talents a secret, manipulating a small breeze and controlling birds has always been in her blood.
Now, finally Capri can start to uncover the truth when she meets Liam, a water Dryad who sees her for what she really is and takes her to her true home, Euphora. Euphora is where all the Dryads, amongst others, live and work. They have the very important job of keeping the world in balance and welcome Capri with open arms.
Finally having a pace to call home and being reunited with her father is amazing, but Capri is still haunted by the dreams of the day her mother died and she was taken. She knows she can never rest until she finds her mother’s killer…..but bringing up the past is more dangerous than she thought.
Jennings has created a world unlike any I have read about. Euphora is magical but has the very important purpose of keeping the earth running smoothly. I have never read a book about Dryads and it is not a secret that I love when a new character is thrown at me….something other than vampires and weres.
Capri is one of the purest souls I have ever seen. Although she has had a hard life she is so kind and sweet but not to the point of annoyance. Soon we start to see a young love blossom and the author did an amazing job of keeping the romance steady throughout the book instead of your classic “They see each other and fall madly in love” synario….fast pace puppy love can get a little sickening although entertaining. Capri’s romance evolves and she doesn’t know her true heart’s desire until closer to the end of the book. All the while a riveting murder mystery is being uncovered.
By the end of the book I wanted more of Euphora….and jumped straight into the next book in the quartet. I loved this story and hope you add it to your “To-Read” shelf today!
Read the full review and author interview HERE: http://shadowkissedcassie.blogspot.co...
October 3, 2013
I am not sure I can really write a good review for this book. I don't really have any strong opinions about it. It was an okay book but not great.
I will say that the beginning was way too rushed. It made getting into the book a little hard because the reader feels pushed to just accept and go on. I found it hard to believe that this girl would follow a complete stranger so easily. I found it harder to believe that she would just bond and accept her father so easily.
And when it became apparent that Capri was the target for the "bad guy," no one really ever questions why. I totally did! I mean seriously why did no one ever question why demons were let into the garden the first time. They killed Capri's mother and kidnapped her but it seemed her kidnapping was an afterthought so what was the real purpose of the attack to begin with? Did someone have a vendetta against her mother? Did the plan go awry? What was the original plan? And when it becomes obvious that Capri is a target again no one is really questioning why her. They are focused on finding who but not why. I want to know WHY! And then when we are sort of let into why her is still doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.
Another odd thing that just kept pestering me is how you were only introduced to one parent for each teenager. And there was never any real explanation as to why for most of the teens.
There are just too many unexplained unbelievable things going on in this book to really make it a good story to me.
I will say that the beginning was way too rushed. It made getting into the book a little hard because the reader feels pushed to just accept and go on. I found it hard to believe that this girl would follow a complete stranger so easily. I found it harder to believe that she would just bond and accept her father so easily.
And when it became apparent that Capri was the target for the "bad guy," no one really ever questions why. I totally did! I mean seriously why did no one ever question why demons were let into the garden the first time. They killed Capri's mother and kidnapped her but it seemed her kidnapping was an afterthought so what was the real purpose of the attack to begin with? Did someone have a vendetta against her mother? Did the plan go awry? What was the original plan? And when it becomes obvious that Capri is a target again no one is really questioning why her. They are focused on finding who but not why. I want to know WHY! And then when we are sort of let into why her is still doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.
Another odd thing that just kept pestering me is how you were only introduced to one parent for each teenager. And there was never any real explanation as to why for most of the teens.
There are just too many unexplained unbelievable things going on in this book to really make it a good story to me.
March 9, 2013
I first encountered Breath of Air by Katie Jennings when the blog "Pixel of Ink" alerted me that it was free. And I just have to say: "Wow! This is a debut novel?" It far exceeded my expectations for a Kindle book that is offered for free, and especially one that is a debut novel.
This book is a YA romance novel of sorts. How can a book be YA (just kissing) an a romance novel (sexy times!) you ask? Well, it is written in the standard romance novel way where romantic relationships are central, there is a suspected love triangle, and there is a secondary mystery that must be solved. However, where a more mature romance novel would have had the main characters throwing down in bed, tearing each other's clothes off, this book only has deeply passionate kisses; not even with groping. Does that make this an example of "New Adult Romance" which I have only recently heard is a thing?
This novel follows a very unique premise: that dryads exist and live in our world on a floating island located somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, and further that they can interbreed with normal humans. The story follows the experiences of Capri who is a dryad-human hybrid bestowed with dryad powers. She was kidnapped from this floating island at a very young age, and returns to it quite early in the book. The mystery of the novel is to find out who is responsible for her kidnapping; the focus of the novel is to find out who her future husband {yes, it is het} will be. Several names for husband are put forth, but in the end she chooses the person whom it would seem she was fated to choose.
I found the characters well developed, the emotions vivid, the setting perfectly described, and the pacing well done. There were no major grammatical errors, though there were a few liberties taken with word choice. Having now been exposed to Katie Jennings, I am inclined to read more of her work. (I am guessing that this - last sentence - is the reason she makes Breath of Air free from time to time.)
This book is a YA romance novel of sorts. How can a book be YA (just kissing) an a romance novel (sexy times!) you ask? Well, it is written in the standard romance novel way where romantic relationships are central, there is a suspected love triangle, and there is a secondary mystery that must be solved. However, where a more mature romance novel would have had the main characters throwing down in bed, tearing each other's clothes off, this book only has deeply passionate kisses; not even with groping. Does that make this an example of "New Adult Romance" which I have only recently heard is a thing?
This novel follows a very unique premise: that dryads exist and live in our world on a floating island located somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, and further that they can interbreed with normal humans. The story follows the experiences of Capri who is a dryad-human hybrid bestowed with dryad powers. She was kidnapped from this floating island at a very young age, and returns to it quite early in the book. The mystery of the novel is to find out who is responsible for her kidnapping; the focus of the novel is to find out who her future husband {yes, it is het} will be. Several names for husband are put forth, but in the end she chooses the person whom it would seem she was fated to choose.
I found the characters well developed, the emotions vivid, the setting perfectly described, and the pacing well done. There were no major grammatical errors, though there were a few liberties taken with word choice. Having now been exposed to Katie Jennings, I am inclined to read more of her work. (I am guessing that this - last sentence - is the reason she makes Breath of Air free from time to time.)
June 28, 2012
This is not my normal genre and I am so glad that I strayed from the norm. Katie Jennings weaves a beautiful tale filled with vivid characters, intrigue, romance and adventure. The world she creates for the mystic beings that reside there and rule the elements around us and our very lives, is wonderfully rich. The Furies, the Fates, the Dryads, Mother Earth and Father Sky - this author can handle a large cast and each character retains their individuality, their voice. Capri is a wonderful heroine, so damaged but with such a wealth of untapped strength. She, an orphan (or so she thought), is thrown back into a world she had forgotten existed filled with people who know her, but whom she doesn't remember. Who can she trust? Who can she love? Why do the demons want to destroy her happiness so badly?
I really enjoyed it and it is a masterpiece of its genre. I would be thrilled if my daughter picked it up. I cannot say anything negative about it. It is a YA, or at least PG, book and if that is what you are looking for, this is an EXCELLENT choice. I look forward to reading the others in the series and I really hope Dante gets a major role in a later book.
I really enjoyed it and it is a masterpiece of its genre. I would be thrilled if my daughter picked it up. I cannot say anything negative about it. It is a YA, or at least PG, book and if that is what you are looking for, this is an EXCELLENT choice. I look forward to reading the others in the series and I really hope Dante gets a major role in a later book.
July 19, 2012
I got this as a gift and loved it! What a wonderful gift it was. I kept seeing it and thinking that I would like to read it. So when it came as a gift, I immediately dove in. I don't think I stopped reading until near the very end when my andriod's battery died. I yelled a few very unladylike words at my andriod and put on the charger. But I couldn't wait for it to charge, I HAD to know what happened. So, I ended up finishing the last couple of chapters while sitting on my bedroom floor since the charger cord wouldn't reach my bed.
I loved this book from the very first page. I am currently on book three and still, Capri is my favorite. Although Rhia is in close second place for favorites. I loved watching the mystery and romance unfold. I love that it is clean book, meaning no explicit sex scenes. I'm not a prude, but it just seems they are everywhere and it's nice to read a story that can stand without those scenes.
The story develops wonderfully, the characters are full of emotion, and the pace carries along nicely. I want these in paperback for my 'keeper' shelf. I will want to revisit the characters again in the future.
I loved this book from the very first page. I am currently on book three and still, Capri is my favorite. Although Rhia is in close second place for favorites. I loved watching the mystery and romance unfold. I love that it is clean book, meaning no explicit sex scenes. I'm not a prude, but it just seems they are everywhere and it's nice to read a story that can stand without those scenes.
The story develops wonderfully, the characters are full of emotion, and the pace carries along nicely. I want these in paperback for my 'keeper' shelf. I will want to revisit the characters again in the future.
November 10, 2012
I would like to give this one something like 3.4 stars. It is an interesting idea, and the characters are developed enough to make a reader care. It put me in mind a bit of the books in the Lightning Thief series, but not quite as well done.
One criticism: there are a few places where words are misused. For instance, a column is "engorged with ivy" and a ceiling is "coffered with gold ornamentation." At another point, someone's heart "literally" breaks.
Another minor gripe is the sort of whitewashed love interest and love scenes. "He kissed her fully" shows up more than once. I'd rather there be no love scenes than generic ones.
Otherwise it's a fun story, with some good scenes and an interesting setup.
One criticism: there are a few places where words are misused. For instance, a column is "engorged with ivy" and a ceiling is "coffered with gold ornamentation." At another point, someone's heart "literally" breaks.
Another minor gripe is the sort of whitewashed love interest and love scenes. "He kissed her fully" shows up more than once. I'd rather there be no love scenes than generic ones.
Otherwise it's a fun story, with some good scenes and an interesting setup.
December 21, 2015
Love. Love. Love this cover. I liked the idea but I did not love it.
I liked Capri but for an orphan she is horribly naive. Unbelievably so.
What I loved about this was the fact that this story is actually reliant on a daughter, father bond forming. Usually at this age the children acts as if their parents are nothing more than a nuisance accessory to be pulled out of the closest only rarely. Not so here. But hey get your own copy and see if you don't love it.
WaAr
I liked Capri but for an orphan she is horribly naive. Unbelievably so.
What I loved about this was the fact that this story is actually reliant on a daughter, father bond forming. Usually at this age the children acts as if their parents are nothing more than a nuisance accessory to be pulled out of the closest only rarely. Not so here. But hey get your own copy and see if you don't love it.
WaAr
July 9, 2012
Wow. Such an amazing book. The detail is amazing and so beautifully written. It is as if you are right there with Capri. I cannot wait to read the next book. Definitely going on my fave list.
August 15, 2013
This was an amazing book! The characters and settings all seemed so real to me! I'm definitely thinking this will be one of the best series of books I will read this year!
November 5, 2017
Low 2.5 star
The story has potential but the unstable POV, foreshadowing, and hop into the future prologue worked very hard to chase me away.
The story has potential but the unstable POV, foreshadowing, and hop into the future prologue worked very hard to chase me away.
March 2, 2024
Incredible. Hard to put down. Characters I loved. Characters I loved to hate. Funny, romance, evil. It was a good read!
July 22, 2017
I couldn’t wait to read ‘Breath of Air’ after reading all the amazing reviews for it, so after throwing down my dissertation in annoyance I allowed myself to pick up my Kindle, hoping to lose myself in a different world for an hour before getting back to work.
Needless to say, I was hooked and that hour soon turned into four hours, and I was so engrossed with the beautiful storytelling that I didn’t even realise what the time was until my Mum came into my room to tell me she was going to bed.
Whoops. Not much of my dissertation got done that night.
Reading Capri’s story was such a wonderful journey for me. I can’t express how much I loved this book, the characters and the brilliant storyline. The imagery that Katie Jennings used to describe Euphora was purely magical, and I felt almost as though I was there, sleeping in one of the comfy beds, in a beautiful castle that was light, open and peaceful.
I also loved how Capri really grew into a strong and more confident woman throughout the story, after being very shy and timid when she first returns home to Euphora. I also loved her relationship with Blythe and Liam, and how she desperately wanted to help fix the relationship between Blythe and Rhiannon. Her relationship with her father was also beautifully written, and the scenes between these two were so beautifully written that you could feel the emotion coming off the page with Clynn’s relief that his daughter had been returned to him safely and Capri finally feeling that she belongs.
The mystery storyline was brilliant and the writing was so clever that I was second guessing all the different characters that we had seen, feeling as though no one could be trusted blindly, just like Capri was starting to feel. I loved how the reactions to Capri’s return from the different groups within Euphora had us suspicious about certain individuals from the start, but who ended up being perfectly innocent.
But most of all, my favourite part of this book was Capri and her relationship with Rian. I was only about 20% into the book, and we had only seen briefly seen Rian twice, when I found myself longing to know more about him and rooting for him. I spent a few of the early chapters in the book worrying that Capri was going to be with Liam and I was getting a little too overinvested in Rian’s character, so I was so happy when I saw Capri’s relationship with Rian develop, slowly but beautifully. The story of Capri giving Rian a flower when she was a baby, and her upset when he refused it, had me ‘awwwing’ in my mind. For me, it seemed that Capri would be the perfect person for Rian, her openness and loving nature a perfect match for Rian’s fiercely loyal but independent manner. Their story was so beautiful, that I had tears in my eyes seeing how Rian began to open up to her and how Capri began to feel as though she’d finally found the family and love that she had been searching for in all her years on earth.
A brilliant start to the Dryad Quartet. It’s difficult to believe that this was Katie Jennings debut novel, as it is such a wonderful piece of art! An absolute pleasure to read. 5 Stars and a definite recommended read. Go buy it NOW!
Needless to say, I was hooked and that hour soon turned into four hours, and I was so engrossed with the beautiful storytelling that I didn’t even realise what the time was until my Mum came into my room to tell me she was going to bed.
Whoops. Not much of my dissertation got done that night.
Reading Capri’s story was such a wonderful journey for me. I can’t express how much I loved this book, the characters and the brilliant storyline. The imagery that Katie Jennings used to describe Euphora was purely magical, and I felt almost as though I was there, sleeping in one of the comfy beds, in a beautiful castle that was light, open and peaceful.
I also loved how Capri really grew into a strong and more confident woman throughout the story, after being very shy and timid when she first returns home to Euphora. I also loved her relationship with Blythe and Liam, and how she desperately wanted to help fix the relationship between Blythe and Rhiannon. Her relationship with her father was also beautifully written, and the scenes between these two were so beautifully written that you could feel the emotion coming off the page with Clynn’s relief that his daughter had been returned to him safely and Capri finally feeling that she belongs.
The mystery storyline was brilliant and the writing was so clever that I was second guessing all the different characters that we had seen, feeling as though no one could be trusted blindly, just like Capri was starting to feel. I loved how the reactions to Capri’s return from the different groups within Euphora had us suspicious about certain individuals from the start, but who ended up being perfectly innocent.
But most of all, my favourite part of this book was Capri and her relationship with Rian. I was only about 20% into the book, and we had only seen briefly seen Rian twice, when I found myself longing to know more about him and rooting for him. I spent a few of the early chapters in the book worrying that Capri was going to be with Liam and I was getting a little too overinvested in Rian’s character, so I was so happy when I saw Capri’s relationship with Rian develop, slowly but beautifully. The story of Capri giving Rian a flower when she was a baby, and her upset when he refused it, had me ‘awwwing’ in my mind. For me, it seemed that Capri would be the perfect person for Rian, her openness and loving nature a perfect match for Rian’s fiercely loyal but independent manner. Their story was so beautiful, that I had tears in my eyes seeing how Rian began to open up to her and how Capri began to feel as though she’d finally found the family and love that she had been searching for in all her years on earth.
A brilliant start to the Dryad Quartet. It’s difficult to believe that this was Katie Jennings debut novel, as it is such a wonderful piece of art! An absolute pleasure to read. 5 Stars and a definite recommended read. Go buy it NOW!
June 11, 2012
*** Spoiler Alert ***
I really liked this book. To begin with I loved the title and was hoping that this book would be a breath of air. I have to say it was quite refreshing and did not disappoint. This really is an easy to read book where you can lose yourself in the story.
I have not read any of this author's work before, however, I really liked her style of writing and the story kept me engaged throughout. The author writes in a way that really captures your imagination.
Capri has just turned eighteen. She is currently living in an orphanage, not really sure of her childhood. She is planning to begin a new life, it is on this day her life is completely turned around without her expecting it.
Capri has always felt she had some kind of special powers, these have been laughed off by Psychologists. It is upon meeting Liam by chance that her suspicions are confirmed.
Within minutes Capri is whisked off to a whole new life, I love the Island of Euphora and I also love the inhabitants. I even love the names of all the characters!
Things seem all too perfect until the Demons come into the story, they add a nice dark twist to the story and pave the way for the story to continue.
This story is the first in a series and I will definitely be following the rest of the series. There are plenty of twists and turns. I can imagine the series being adapted into a Television Series where all the characters are beautiful, this is how I imagined them to be whilst I was reading the story.
Overall I thought this was an exciting story and am looking forward to the next in the series.
Four stars from me.
Becky Sherriff (The Kindle Book Review)
I really liked this book. To begin with I loved the title and was hoping that this book would be a breath of air. I have to say it was quite refreshing and did not disappoint. This really is an easy to read book where you can lose yourself in the story.
I have not read any of this author's work before, however, I really liked her style of writing and the story kept me engaged throughout. The author writes in a way that really captures your imagination.
Capri has just turned eighteen. She is currently living in an orphanage, not really sure of her childhood. She is planning to begin a new life, it is on this day her life is completely turned around without her expecting it.
Capri has always felt she had some kind of special powers, these have been laughed off by Psychologists. It is upon meeting Liam by chance that her suspicions are confirmed.
Within minutes Capri is whisked off to a whole new life, I love the Island of Euphora and I also love the inhabitants. I even love the names of all the characters!
Things seem all too perfect until the Demons come into the story, they add a nice dark twist to the story and pave the way for the story to continue.
This story is the first in a series and I will definitely be following the rest of the series. There are plenty of twists and turns. I can imagine the series being adapted into a Television Series where all the characters are beautiful, this is how I imagined them to be whilst I was reading the story.
Overall I thought this was an exciting story and am looking forward to the next in the series.
Four stars from me.
Becky Sherriff (The Kindle Book Review)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2024
This is the debut novel from Katie Jennings and not only did I love it but I've immediately put the next 3 on my wishlist!
This book tells the story of Capri, a just-turned-18-year-old orphan who is just branching out on her own from the orphanage. She goes to the park to wonder what on earth she is going to do and whilst she is there she meets a 'knight in shining armour', Liam. He recognises her for what she is - an Air Dryad and takes her home with him to Eurphora.
I won't say anything else about the storyline as you need to read it for yourself. I won't be able to tell it better than Katie Jennings as she has done such a wonderful job of describing everything in detail without getting too weighted down. The story develops in a free-flowing and natural way and Capri grows into her own being with class and quiet confidence. It's quite nice to have a main female who by her own admission is 'timid'. It makes a change from the usual troubled warrior princess styles.
There are a few characters in this book but you won't be too overwhelmed. And don't forget, this spreads over 4 books so you'll get your chance to meet them all properly. The leads are all quite young but they are balanced out by the elder generation who have sparks of their own!
This is a novel with excellent time-keeping and a storyline that plots and develops smoothly with no annoying jerks or disruptions.
As the leads are all quite young (18-ish) I guess this could be put in the YA genre but for me, it is firmly in Fantasy!
* Verified Purchase on Amazon - October 2012 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 17, 2013
This book tells the story of Capri, a just-turned-18-year-old orphan who is just branching out on her own from the orphanage. She goes to the park to wonder what on earth she is going to do and whilst she is there she meets a 'knight in shining armour', Liam. He recognises her for what she is - an Air Dryad and takes her home with him to Eurphora.
I won't say anything else about the storyline as you need to read it for yourself. I won't be able to tell it better than Katie Jennings as she has done such a wonderful job of describing everything in detail without getting too weighted down. The story develops in a free-flowing and natural way and Capri grows into her own being with class and quiet confidence. It's quite nice to have a main female who by her own admission is 'timid'. It makes a change from the usual troubled warrior princess styles.
There are a few characters in this book but you won't be too overwhelmed. And don't forget, this spreads over 4 books so you'll get your chance to meet them all properly. The leads are all quite young but they are balanced out by the elder generation who have sparks of their own!
This is a novel with excellent time-keeping and a storyline that plots and develops smoothly with no annoying jerks or disruptions.
As the leads are all quite young (18-ish) I guess this could be put in the YA genre but for me, it is firmly in Fantasy!
* Verified Purchase on Amazon - October 2012 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 17, 2013
September 24, 2012
This is the story of an orphan named Capri who discovers that her suppressed dreams are actually memories and that she does actually have a family. You’d think that finding out something like that would be enough to carry a descent story, but Breath of Air takes this heartwarming tale for a good old fashion thrill ride. This wild, funny, and sometimes scary journey opens Capri up to a world of mystical and mythological beings and helps her cope with the idea that she may just be one of them.
Not my usual read, but so worth my time. I’m use to more intensity and less romance, but this wasn’t too much or too little of anything. I’m still wondering what happened to the fairies. Were they real or did I overlook something?
The whole story was delivered in a laid-back Sunday afternoon kind of approach, but that doesn’t mean it was slow or boring in any way. It was beautifully descriptive, but very simplistic making for an easy and enjoyable read. It took me a while to warm up to Capri, but I think it’s because I’m more like the character of Blythe. Once I realized just how important Capri was to the whole dynamic of the relationships around her, I fell in love with her. She’s just the kind of person I’d love to have as a friend.
There were several prince charming types, a charismatic one and a brooding loner one, readily available to for rescues and romance, but it was the plethora of diverse and dominant female characters that stole the show, so to speak. Always a fan of mythology, I loved seeing how the characters and story plot would play out in this world of Euphorea.
Not my usual read, but so worth my time. I’m use to more intensity and less romance, but this wasn’t too much or too little of anything. I’m still wondering what happened to the fairies. Were they real or did I overlook something?
The whole story was delivered in a laid-back Sunday afternoon kind of approach, but that doesn’t mean it was slow or boring in any way. It was beautifully descriptive, but very simplistic making for an easy and enjoyable read. It took me a while to warm up to Capri, but I think it’s because I’m more like the character of Blythe. Once I realized just how important Capri was to the whole dynamic of the relationships around her, I fell in love with her. She’s just the kind of person I’d love to have as a friend.
There were several prince charming types, a charismatic one and a brooding loner one, readily available to for rescues and romance, but it was the plethora of diverse and dominant female characters that stole the show, so to speak. Always a fan of mythology, I loved seeing how the characters and story plot would play out in this world of Euphorea.
March 12, 2013
I had a huge problem with the main character Capri she was just too damn naive for an eighteen year old orphan, I mean if you were to be raised in an orphanage would you really be able to see the good in everyone and act like you were only 10 with some hormones going and the way she spoke and thought annoyed me as much as Schmella from Twilight did.
The story it self had good potential at times it was too predictable and yet it had its few surprises. I guess it was a little too YA for me. Like I said it had potential to be really good, if only the writing was more developed to make the story believable and unpredictable, even the way the spoke it was just soo basic, IDK if that is the correct word to describe it, but it just seemed like everyone was just sooo nice and Capri was the center of everyone's lives. In reality it is not that way. There is always one person who you do not like and will be that nice too.. In the story there was someone thrown in the mix like that and she was thinking that she felt bad for him and would try to be his friend, even though he helped to kidnap her. Like I said it annoyed me the way she thought, I would expect the character to be ripping pissed and to show it. I mean also the other characters were one dimensional, they needed more work; to give them more substance and to make them believable characters.
I think the author had a good concept of the story she wanted to tell but didn't develop it the way it needed. I think if she took more time with it and made it three dimensional than I would give it a better rating.
I am giving it 2.5 ** stars.
The story it self had good potential at times it was too predictable and yet it had its few surprises. I guess it was a little too YA for me. Like I said it had potential to be really good, if only the writing was more developed to make the story believable and unpredictable, even the way the spoke it was just soo basic, IDK if that is the correct word to describe it, but it just seemed like everyone was just sooo nice and Capri was the center of everyone's lives. In reality it is not that way. There is always one person who you do not like and will be that nice too.. In the story there was someone thrown in the mix like that and she was thinking that she felt bad for him and would try to be his friend, even though he helped to kidnap her. Like I said it annoyed me the way she thought, I would expect the character to be ripping pissed and to show it. I mean also the other characters were one dimensional, they needed more work; to give them more substance and to make them believable characters.
I think the author had a good concept of the story she wanted to tell but didn't develop it the way it needed. I think if she took more time with it and made it three dimensional than I would give it a better rating.
I am giving it 2.5 ** stars.
October 31, 2012
I picked up Breath of Air over on Amazon during a free promotion.
From a reader's perspective:
It took me a while to read through this novel. The beginning moved a bit slow for me but I was enjoying the story so returned to it periodically. When I got closer to the end, things began to pick up and the twists and turns in the plot began. I got confused sometimes as to who was what because some of the names were similar but I eventually began to leave it alone and just read. However, this did not inhibit my ability to identify with the main character, Capri. Euphora was a well built world and I could picture it in my head well.
From an editor's perspective:
I found this novel to be heavy on the descriptive words and modifiers. They weren't needed and their use caused me to skip over sections after a while. Dialogue tags and pronoun usage need some work as well. It threw me out of the story on a number of occasions and is the primary reason it took me so long to read this book.
My rating:
1 Star for a GREAT storyline with beautiful twists and turns.
1 Star for good character development.
1 Star for excellent world building.
1 Star for the ending (I didn't share for spoiler reasons).
-1 Star for the need for an editor.
Overall, 4 Stars. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
From a reader's perspective:
It took me a while to read through this novel. The beginning moved a bit slow for me but I was enjoying the story so returned to it periodically. When I got closer to the end, things began to pick up and the twists and turns in the plot began. I got confused sometimes as to who was what because some of the names were similar but I eventually began to leave it alone and just read. However, this did not inhibit my ability to identify with the main character, Capri. Euphora was a well built world and I could picture it in my head well.
From an editor's perspective:
I found this novel to be heavy on the descriptive words and modifiers. They weren't needed and their use caused me to skip over sections after a while. Dialogue tags and pronoun usage need some work as well. It threw me out of the story on a number of occasions and is the primary reason it took me so long to read this book.
My rating:
1 Star for a GREAT storyline with beautiful twists and turns.
1 Star for good character development.
1 Star for excellent world building.
1 Star for the ending (I didn't share for spoiler reasons).
-1 Star for the need for an editor.
Overall, 4 Stars. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
March 10, 2013
Reviewed by Inna for Inna's Little Bookshelves
This book was different, very original. I really can't think of anything similar to it of the top of my head. The story revolves around dryads which help Rhia who is Mother Earth run the world. There are those who control Air, Earth, Water and Fire. Then there are Furies and Fates. It was reminiscent of Greek mythology but at the same time it wasn't.
The story follows Capri who thought she was an orphan until she is swept away to live on a floating island with other dryads. She meets her father and learns that she was kidnapped and her mother was killed. But even though she received a warm welcome someone still wants her dead.
I liked the mystery the book had. It was hard to guess and I really didn't know where things were going to go until it actually happened. It was intense and well planned and the events made sense.
The romance was cute. It wasn't all hot and heavy and it started of as friendship and really takes time to develop into something more. It was sweet and cute and very light it really wasn't the main focus of the novel.
This was a great debut novel and I really love how different it was.
This book was different, very original. I really can't think of anything similar to it of the top of my head. The story revolves around dryads which help Rhia who is Mother Earth run the world. There are those who control Air, Earth, Water and Fire. Then there are Furies and Fates. It was reminiscent of Greek mythology but at the same time it wasn't.
The story follows Capri who thought she was an orphan until she is swept away to live on a floating island with other dryads. She meets her father and learns that she was kidnapped and her mother was killed. But even though she received a warm welcome someone still wants her dead.
I liked the mystery the book had. It was hard to guess and I really didn't know where things were going to go until it actually happened. It was intense and well planned and the events made sense.
The romance was cute. It wasn't all hot and heavy and it started of as friendship and really takes time to develop into something more. It was sweet and cute and very light it really wasn't the main focus of the novel.
This was a great debut novel and I really love how different it was.
October 13, 2013
You can read my full review here: http://mysistersbookkeeper.blogspot.c...
Fantastical stories are generally not up my alley. I labeled this book fantasy because the world in which the characters live is one that does not exist but other than the characters being charged with controlling nature and the presence of demons, this does not read like a fantasy book. This book is more about Capri trying to figure out who she is and learning to be who she was born to be with some mystery and romance thrown in. The book is written in an easy to read way and sometimes it's a little too easy to read. I felt that at the beginning the dialogue was quite cheesy but it get better by the end. I saw on GoodReads that some people categorized this as young adult fiction which would account for the writing style. Capri also didn't seem believable to me at the beginning and she seemed very young. She jumped into her new world without looking back and with very few concerns. But the book got better as it went on. I am intrigued to read the other 3 books in the series but I'm not going to rush out to get them (or keep the book I have since all 4 books are in one). I may eventually get to them but I also will be OK if I don't read the rest.
Fantastical stories are generally not up my alley. I labeled this book fantasy because the world in which the characters live is one that does not exist but other than the characters being charged with controlling nature and the presence of demons, this does not read like a fantasy book. This book is more about Capri trying to figure out who she is and learning to be who she was born to be with some mystery and romance thrown in. The book is written in an easy to read way and sometimes it's a little too easy to read. I felt that at the beginning the dialogue was quite cheesy but it get better by the end. I saw on GoodReads that some people categorized this as young adult fiction which would account for the writing style. Capri also didn't seem believable to me at the beginning and she seemed very young. She jumped into her new world without looking back and with very few concerns. But the book got better as it went on. I am intrigued to read the other 3 books in the series but I'm not going to rush out to get them (or keep the book I have since all 4 books are in one). I may eventually get to them but I also will be OK if I don't read the rest.
February 9, 2015
WHAT I LIKED: it was a new twist on Greek Mythology with new powers.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: Capri was, at times, an unbelievable heroine. As a reader I was told she was a sweet person and much too trusting of others but wasn't shown it. She believed Liam too easily, just accepted what he said and allowed herself to be dragged along behind him to Euphoria. No one seemed to be suspicious of her either. All these strange things started to happen with her return but she was never questioned as being the one responsible despite the fact she was kidnapped by a demon fifteen years before and no one knew what had become of her. It didn't feel real to me.
Another thing that bothered me was that Jennings would give clues about what would happen not through character's actions or their dialogue but through her narration- such as. Capri didn't know the night was about to turn deadly. Or something along those lines (I really need to start highlighting things). I firmly believe that such things should be done through careful, subtle planning through the characters. Otherwise it has a cheap feel.
2.5/3 STARS
Check out what I'm reading next at jesireads.tumblr.com
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: Capri was, at times, an unbelievable heroine. As a reader I was told she was a sweet person and much too trusting of others but wasn't shown it. She believed Liam too easily, just accepted what he said and allowed herself to be dragged along behind him to Euphoria. No one seemed to be suspicious of her either. All these strange things started to happen with her return but she was never questioned as being the one responsible despite the fact she was kidnapped by a demon fifteen years before and no one knew what had become of her. It didn't feel real to me.
Another thing that bothered me was that Jennings would give clues about what would happen not through character's actions or their dialogue but through her narration- such as. Capri didn't know the night was about to turn deadly. Or something along those lines (I really need to start highlighting things). I firmly believe that such things should be done through careful, subtle planning through the characters. Otherwise it has a cheap feel.
2.5/3 STARS
Check out what I'm reading next at jesireads.tumblr.com
April 1, 2015
I wasn't expecting anything from this book. When you get free stuff, you're bound to think that it's free because nobody wants to pay for something awful. But this one proved me wrong. Not all freebies are stupid stuff :p
I've never come across a story like this before. Well, it could be that I haven't read that many books in my life. But in most books that I've read, Dryad has always been a side character to a much more famous species. To say the least, the idea was fresh. And I'm just glad that there were no vampire or werewolves in it. Come on, we all know we've grown tired of them!
The characters were also well built and developed, and that despite being unrealistic creatures that they were, they were so realistic. You could very easily imagine placing all these characters into modern day world. They would just fit in right away.
The plot, the twist, the storytelling, everything was just perfect. It's kinda hard to believe that this was a debut novel.
I've never come across a story like this before. Well, it could be that I haven't read that many books in my life. But in most books that I've read, Dryad has always been a side character to a much more famous species. To say the least, the idea was fresh. And I'm just glad that there were no vampire or werewolves in it. Come on, we all know we've grown tired of them!
The characters were also well built and developed, and that despite being unrealistic creatures that they were, they were so realistic. You could very easily imagine placing all these characters into modern day world. They would just fit in right away.
The plot, the twist, the storytelling, everything was just perfect. It's kinda hard to believe that this was a debut novel.
February 20, 2014
I was swept up by this fantasy adventure. Author Katie Jennings takes us on a journey to the island of Euphora, a place where Greek myths exist in a fresh, enthralling, luxurious way. The Dryads, Furies, Muses, Fates and more all make an appearance in this beautiful land, coexisting and each bearing their own fascinating story.
The narrative follows 18 year old Capri, an air dryad who was stolen away from her destiny at a young age. She comes into her own through this tale, finding adventure, friendship, and romance.
The characters in this book were all very interesting and well-developed. Capri has a lot of great facets to her personality, and is flawed in all the right ways. Many of the characters are simply endearing, especially, in my opinion, the feisty fire dryad Blythe.
Mysteries from the past are solved, and by the end you'll be dying to know what happens in the next installment, Firefight in Darkness. I, for one, cannot wait to get started!
The narrative follows 18 year old Capri, an air dryad who was stolen away from her destiny at a young age. She comes into her own through this tale, finding adventure, friendship, and romance.
The characters in this book were all very interesting and well-developed. Capri has a lot of great facets to her personality, and is flawed in all the right ways. Many of the characters are simply endearing, especially, in my opinion, the feisty fire dryad Blythe.
Mysteries from the past are solved, and by the end you'll be dying to know what happens in the next installment, Firefight in Darkness. I, for one, cannot wait to get started!
February 1, 2017
I am one of those people who HAS to finish things as far as movies and books. I started this book in OCT 2016. I usually get sick to my stomach if it takes me longer than 2 months to read something. In defense I have stupid busy BUT in regards to this book - finishing has not crossed my mind. I actually forget it until I logon to GR and see that I am "Currently-Reading." So it's time to cut the cord.
I feel like this book had the potential to be really cool considering the elemental dryad concept but it just moved sooooooo fucking slow for me. And I'm usually the one to power through things! I know there is necessary character/relationship building but it wasn't enough to keep my interest.
I only got to 36% on my kindle.
A part of me is really sad but another part, the bigger part, is happy to free up my book time and let it go.
E out.
I feel like this book had the potential to be really cool considering the elemental dryad concept but it just moved sooooooo fucking slow for me. And I'm usually the one to power through things! I know there is necessary character/relationship building but it wasn't enough to keep my interest.
I only got to 36% on my kindle.
A part of me is really sad but another part, the bigger part, is happy to free up my book time and let it go.
E out.
September 27, 2012
OMG!!! This book was SO good!!! It started out a bit slow and too centered in the young adult drama for me, but I'm glad I stuck with it. I was thrilled that Katie Jennings shared my love for Rian and opened up his character. I liked him immediately, was drawn to his protective, solitary nature and squeed when he protected Capri from getting her hair wet in the rain with his shirt. I was beyond grateful to not be involved in yet another impossibly stupid love triangle, but to have Capri know who she wanted almost from the start and to watch as they grew together. I can't wait to see what the next book brings.
Breath of Air is a resounding 5 star for all the hopeful romantics out there! Absolutely loved it. <3
Breath of Air is a resounding 5 star for all the hopeful romantics out there! Absolutely loved it. <3
February 10, 2013
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel and look forward to reading the others in the series. Breath of Air was not at all what I expected, and I am blown away by the results. Capri stole my heart, as she did to everyone else in this novel. I wanted her to be strong and fierce, but her insecurities made me love her more. Then, when she found her strength in her own love, she realized how fierce, and intelligent, she truly is. This story is so well written, that I was immediately and permanently absorbed. All the details are there. It is clear in the details that Katie Jennings loves Capri and the 'floating island'. The story is opened, and closed, leaving cliffhangers everywhere. I cannot wait to see what become of the other Dryads. 5 of 5 for me.
February 19, 2013
This book very much surprised me :)
This book snuck up on me. I began reading it and remember thinking to myself that I probably wouldn't finish it. I was wrong. The storyline was fresh (to me), as I am all but played out on vampire and werewolf cliches. The heroine began the story as shy and almost timid, but when the occasion arose, showed her backbone. The romance was surprisingly refreshing, and that, other than the history behind the Dryads really drew me in. I liked all of the characters, except the instant hate for the obvious villain. None of them were annoying or unnecessary. This is not a complex book, but I enjoyed how everything unfolded. I have purchased the 2nd book, and have every intention of starting it right after this review, even though its 1am.
This book snuck up on me. I began reading it and remember thinking to myself that I probably wouldn't finish it. I was wrong. The storyline was fresh (to me), as I am all but played out on vampire and werewolf cliches. The heroine began the story as shy and almost timid, but when the occasion arose, showed her backbone. The romance was surprisingly refreshing, and that, other than the history behind the Dryads really drew me in. I liked all of the characters, except the instant hate for the obvious villain. None of them were annoying or unnecessary. This is not a complex book, but I enjoyed how everything unfolded. I have purchased the 2nd book, and have every intention of starting it right after this review, even though its 1am.
September 22, 2014
Dryads, Fates, Furies, Muses all human, all who live a normal human lifespan, but who control the aspects of nature, life, death. I really enjoyed the concept of this book as well as the writing style and storytelling ability of Jennings. These are lighthearted characters that live in the moment; who don't allow the bad to get them down and generally come out on top regardless of the circumstance. I found it relaxing to read even though it was suspenseful. It was nice to read a book that focused on and presented the positive through all the challenges and trials the characters faced. There was no excessive arguing or backbiting that can come out in stories with multiple characters possessing superhuman powers. I am looking forward to reading the next three in the quartet.
July 2, 2012
On her eighteenth birthday, Capri's life at the orphanage will change froever. A chance meeting in the park with a stranerchanges her life and introduces her to a world where she truely belongs. Liam tkaes Capri to the island of Euphoria, a world full of magical beings who help Mother Earth.
Katie Jennings weves a beautiful story with vivd characters and a rich world. Each character is brought to life. This is the first book in the quartet series and is a great story that sets the story for the next book.
Katie Jennings weves a beautiful story with vivd characters and a rich world. Each character is brought to life. This is the first book in the quartet series and is a great story that sets the story for the next book.
December 20, 2015
Loved it. I have not read fantasy books for years but the Dryad Quartet series is the third set I have read in 2012 now. This book was slow to get into, mostly because I was trying to get my head around all of the characters in Euphora and understand the workings of their superpower. I have just finished book 3 of this series and believe that Capri and Rian have remained my favourite couple so far.
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