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The Last Arakad
Do you believe in destiny? When sensitive Maya moves with her brother Thomas from Los Angeles to Paris hoping for a better life, she has no idea that everything is about to dramatically change. What starts as an initiation into the age-old Arakad magical tradition takes an unexpected turn when a wave of brutal murders shatters her world. Caught up in an ancient prophecy, she finds herself at the center of a ruthless battle between good and evil in which humanity’s future is at stake. When all hope is lost and she becomes the final target of a sinister clan, will Maya learn to trust herself and her own power? Or will her own fears prevail?
- GenresFantasy
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
75 people want to read
About the author
Guillaume Wolf
12 books32 followersBorn in Africa (Sénégal), raised in Paris, France, and currently living in Los Angeles, California, Guillaume Wolf “Prof G.” embodies the spirit of the 21st Century “global village.” Guillaume has spent decades exploring the transformative power of symbols, archetypes, and creativity (and their relationship with the everyday world); and this passion inspires his writing.
Guillaume’s background includes among others: creative director; branding consultant; and teacher of communication design at the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.
Guillaume lives with his wife and daughter in Los Angeles, California.
Guillaume’s background includes among others: creative director; branding consultant; and teacher of communication design at the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.
Guillaume lives with his wife and daughter in Los Angeles, California.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 22, 2018
There were some very intense spots in this horror-fantasy, but I think it would have been stronger with third person limited narration.
July 3, 2012
I rated this book 4.5 stars.
To view my post for the blog tour and other reviews, click here The Last Arakad By Guillaume Wolf
(I was given the ebook for free to review, as part of "The last Arakad" blog tour.)
Gore: No
Magic: yes
Romance: No (this is the second book that I read in a while where there was no romance in, this part is kind of refreshing after reading so many paranormal romances).
Action: 4 stars
Pacing: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
This is going to be a little shorter than I planned and than my usual reviews for full length novels, for two reasons: one because, I was on vacation with my family (it was a long car ride) and we just came back a few hours ago, and the second is because I finished this book during the trip and then after putting the tablet away, I was so tired that I fell asleep right away and I still can't remember the book fully, that's why I always try to write reviews right after finishing the book so that everything is fresh in my mind, but since I was on vacation, I couldn't do that. So I hope that this review is ok at least.
The story starts with a girl named Maya and her brother in a plane that is going to Paris, France. After their dad died, their mom started drinking excessively, and then she ended up having cancer, they then got a call from a mysterious man who calls himself Uncle D., he offered to help them and so he sent their mom to a hospital in Switzerland to get treated, while the siblings stayed at his house.
This book was so good that right from the start, I couldn't put it down, I just wanted to continue reading it.
The characters were realistic, I quickly became attached to them, especially Maya and Uncle D., whenever something bad happened to them, I would get sad, whenever something good did, I would be happy. I like Maya, but I just wish that she was a little...I can't think of a word to describe it (I wish that she was a little like Rose from Vampire Academy, Rosette from Chrono Crusade, the girl from Night World: Book 5 Chosen, I forget her name, basically her attitude), other than that, I like her.
Many things happened in Paris: strikes, Maya and Thomas learning about the Arakad, a huge scam that's about to become a global product, etc.
There are many things that I like about this book: the concept, the characters and their development, that there is magic, there are so many interesting secrets hidden all over the world and in Uncle D's home, theis book has depth, etc.
What annoyed me was Thomas' attitude (Thomas is Maya's 16 year old brother), he whines a lot, he believed a stranger so quickly and started changing a lot, at least Maya used her brain, she actually thought that something bad was going on and that things aren't what they seem, it's hard to explain without spoiling it. I hope that in the next book he sees how stupid and wrong he was about everything, I just wanted to punch him, I'm so glad that he wasn't the main character in this book. But I can deal with him being like that, since it's necessary for the story.
I'm really curious about what's going to happen to the characters next, especially Maya.
This book was well written, enjoyable, and fast-paced. I loved it so much, I really want to read the next book now, I can't wait, I don't even know when it's going to release, so far all I know about it is the title, which is below. When I signed up for this blog tour, i had no idea that this book would be so good, it surprised me in a good way.
I recommend this book to those who like supernatural thrillers.
To view my post for the blog tour and other reviews, click here The Last Arakad By Guillaume Wolf
(I was given the ebook for free to review, as part of "The last Arakad" blog tour.)
Gore: No
Magic: yes
Romance: No (this is the second book that I read in a while where there was no romance in, this part is kind of refreshing after reading so many paranormal romances).
Action: 4 stars
Pacing: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
This is going to be a little shorter than I planned and than my usual reviews for full length novels, for two reasons: one because, I was on vacation with my family (it was a long car ride) and we just came back a few hours ago, and the second is because I finished this book during the trip and then after putting the tablet away, I was so tired that I fell asleep right away and I still can't remember the book fully, that's why I always try to write reviews right after finishing the book so that everything is fresh in my mind, but since I was on vacation, I couldn't do that. So I hope that this review is ok at least.
The story starts with a girl named Maya and her brother in a plane that is going to Paris, France. After their dad died, their mom started drinking excessively, and then she ended up having cancer, they then got a call from a mysterious man who calls himself Uncle D., he offered to help them and so he sent their mom to a hospital in Switzerland to get treated, while the siblings stayed at his house.
This book was so good that right from the start, I couldn't put it down, I just wanted to continue reading it.
The characters were realistic, I quickly became attached to them, especially Maya and Uncle D., whenever something bad happened to them, I would get sad, whenever something good did, I would be happy. I like Maya, but I just wish that she was a little...I can't think of a word to describe it (I wish that she was a little like Rose from Vampire Academy, Rosette from Chrono Crusade, the girl from Night World: Book 5 Chosen, I forget her name, basically her attitude), other than that, I like her.
Many things happened in Paris: strikes, Maya and Thomas learning about the Arakad, a huge scam that's about to become a global product, etc.
There are many things that I like about this book: the concept, the characters and their development, that there is magic, there are so many interesting secrets hidden all over the world and in Uncle D's home, theis book has depth, etc.
What annoyed me was Thomas' attitude (Thomas is Maya's 16 year old brother), he whines a lot, he believed a stranger so quickly and started changing a lot, at least Maya used her brain, she actually thought that something bad was going on and that things aren't what they seem, it's hard to explain without spoiling it. I hope that in the next book he sees how stupid and wrong he was about everything, I just wanted to punch him, I'm so glad that he wasn't the main character in this book. But I can deal with him being like that, since it's necessary for the story.
I'm really curious about what's going to happen to the characters next, especially Maya.
This book was well written, enjoyable, and fast-paced. I loved it so much, I really want to read the next book now, I can't wait, I don't even know when it's going to release, so far all I know about it is the title, which is below. When I signed up for this blog tour, i had no idea that this book would be so good, it surprised me in a good way.
I recommend this book to those who like supernatural thrillers.
December 5, 2015
**Warning: Mayor Spoiler Alert**
This book is divided in three parts. The first part Maya and Thomas the main characters (brother and sister) are introduced and their situation. Their dad died in an accident. After his dead they start losing everything. Their mother starts drinking and then is diagnosed with cancer. And they are contacted by Uncle D, a friend of their father. When this things start to happen Uncle D makes them a deal. They move to Paris to work with him and he gets treatment for their mother. After they meet Uncle D he explains what the Arakad's are and that he wants to initiate them.
Part two starts with a series of murders that affect Uncle D and the Arakad teachings. Here we are introduced to the Thaalung (you know there has to always be "the bad guys") what they do and what they want. Maya and Thomas are pushed to advance their training to help (although they don't know it yet) and forced to leave Uncle D's apartment. They are part of a prophecy and sought by the Thaalung who want to kill them (they were the ones who kill their father) to win the battle between good and evil. They go in search for the Old One and meet Markus. Then they suffer from a loss and Thomas rebels against Uncle D and his teachings. Because of it he goes to stay at Markus'. Mean while Uncle D goes to Egypt to find more info on the Thaalung and some things he's being missing about all this prophesy thing. While there he completes his training and becomes the Last Arakad Master and learns that Maya and Thomas are in danger. Back in Paris Maya goes to Markus' home to keep Thomas safe and discovers some weird things about Markus and his energy drink the "Nix Elixir" but it might be too late.
On the third and final part of the book Maya and Uncle D are chased by the Thaalung. Maya is trained to fight Markus and in the process of finding herself and her center, she discovers her destiny.
I liked this book's story. It was very motivating and heartfelt. In the mist of chaos and loss we still can find love where we least expect it.
This book is divided in three parts. The first part Maya and Thomas the main characters (brother and sister) are introduced and their situation. Their dad died in an accident. After his dead they start losing everything. Their mother starts drinking and then is diagnosed with cancer. And they are contacted by Uncle D, a friend of their father. When this things start to happen Uncle D makes them a deal. They move to Paris to work with him and he gets treatment for their mother. After they meet Uncle D he explains what the Arakad's are and that he wants to initiate them.
Part two starts with a series of murders that affect Uncle D and the Arakad teachings. Here we are introduced to the Thaalung (you know there has to always be "the bad guys") what they do and what they want. Maya and Thomas are pushed to advance their training to help (although they don't know it yet) and forced to leave Uncle D's apartment. They are part of a prophecy and sought by the Thaalung who want to kill them (they were the ones who kill their father) to win the battle between good and evil. They go in search for the Old One and meet Markus. Then they suffer from a loss and Thomas rebels against Uncle D and his teachings. Because of it he goes to stay at Markus'. Mean while Uncle D goes to Egypt to find more info on the Thaalung and some things he's being missing about all this prophesy thing. While there he completes his training and becomes the Last Arakad Master and learns that Maya and Thomas are in danger. Back in Paris Maya goes to Markus' home to keep Thomas safe and discovers some weird things about Markus and his energy drink the "Nix Elixir" but it might be too late.
On the third and final part of the book Maya and Uncle D are chased by the Thaalung. Maya is trained to fight Markus and in the process of finding herself and her center, she discovers her destiny.
I liked this book's story. It was very motivating and heartfelt. In the mist of chaos and loss we still can find love where we least expect it.
July 18, 2012
I won this book on a Goodreads Firstreads Giveaway! Interesting book - lots of good aspects to it, but some not so great things as well. Let me start with the good: the concept of the story was very interesting. A person wielding "Prima" worked well. The content was good - no foul language, sex, or gory violence. I really appreciate that in a book. The characters were also easy to connect to. I also really enjoyed the blending of aspects from all religions and mythologies. Now for the not so great. The dialogue between the characters was forced and didn't work well with the rest of the book. It just seemed very contrived. The information in the book also could have been helped by more detail and explanation. Sometimes it felt like things were thrown at you and you were expected to accept them just because they were there, and not because you understood them. If you are wanting a reader to accept the use of magic and symbols, etc. then you need to tell them why. Lastly, the writing didn't flow so well. It took me a while to finish this book because it was just hard to get into sometimes. I don't think I'll be finishing the series.
May 25, 2012
I just finished reading The Last Arakad--and Wow--I just loved it.
The characters are well developed (Maya, Uncle D., Thomas); I quickly became attached to them and their personal struggles. Next, the plot (a supernatural thriller taking place in Paris) was a real page-turner, well written, with each chapters ending with a cliffhanger. I found it absolutely entertaining and fast-paced. Finally, the book has depth, it talks about life and our place in the world The questions Maya and Uncle D. ask about life were thought provoking and inspiring.
One caveat: the story has a lot of magic in it (which I personally love); so if you don't like fantasy, it might not be a good match for you.
An amazing discovery--I'm already telling my friends about this one. I highly recommend this book if you're a lover of supernatural thrillers who enjoy a story with substance. I'm looking forward to read the next installment in the series.
The characters are well developed (Maya, Uncle D., Thomas); I quickly became attached to them and their personal struggles. Next, the plot (a supernatural thriller taking place in Paris) was a real page-turner, well written, with each chapters ending with a cliffhanger. I found it absolutely entertaining and fast-paced. Finally, the book has depth, it talks about life and our place in the world The questions Maya and Uncle D. ask about life were thought provoking and inspiring.
One caveat: the story has a lot of magic in it (which I personally love); so if you don't like fantasy, it might not be a good match for you.
An amazing discovery--I'm already telling my friends about this one. I highly recommend this book if you're a lover of supernatural thrillers who enjoy a story with substance. I'm looking forward to read the next installment in the series.
May 25, 2012
I picked up this book on the recommendation of a friend . . . and as soon as I read the opening pages, I could't put it down!
Set predominantly in Paris, this novel is about a young woman Maya and her brother Thomas. Part coming-of-age story, part adventure/thriller woven with a good dose of hermetic lore and magic, I found myself wondering what would happen next to these characters -- especially Maya.
It is a fast-paced page turner with cliffhangers in every chapter . . . very absorbing. I hope there is more to come!Guillaume Wolf
Set predominantly in Paris, this novel is about a young woman Maya and her brother Thomas. Part coming-of-age story, part adventure/thriller woven with a good dose of hermetic lore and magic, I found myself wondering what would happen next to these characters -- especially Maya.
It is a fast-paced page turner with cliffhangers in every chapter . . . very absorbing. I hope there is more to come!Guillaume Wolf
Want to read
June 14, 2012Looking forward to this, Won it in a Goodreads 'First Reads' drawing
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews