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Talismans of Teregrin #1
The Talismans of Teregrin
Together they must piece together their past and fight for their future.
AN URBAN FANTASY ACTION ADVENTURE
Gemma and Oliver are twins, but that’s about all they can remember.
Bound by handcuffs.
The twins wake in a strange laboratory and through a daring escape, find themselves in the forest on an isolated island.
No memories except for each other.
As they try to piece together their identities and get off the island, they discover they have unique powers gifted to them by their captors.
Inked with mysterious tattoos.
With danger lurking around every corner and monsters on the loose, the siblings must band together with other escaped teens to survive. As they train to harness their powers, their search for answers soon reveals not everyone can be trusted.
With a greedy plot threatening their lives, Gemma and Oliver must make a choice: remain loyal to their newfound friends or sacrifice everything for a chance at freedom.
Written by author Katy Metzger, The Talismans of Teregrin is a thrilling adventure filled with action, suspense, and romance. Perfect for fans of "The Maze Runner" and "Divergent," this captivating novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Get your copy today and join Gemma and Oliver on their quest for freedom!
AN URBAN FANTASY ACTION ADVENTURE
Gemma and Oliver are twins, but that’s about all they can remember.
Bound by handcuffs.
The twins wake in a strange laboratory and through a daring escape, find themselves in the forest on an isolated island.
No memories except for each other.
As they try to piece together their identities and get off the island, they discover they have unique powers gifted to them by their captors.
Inked with mysterious tattoos.
With danger lurking around every corner and monsters on the loose, the siblings must band together with other escaped teens to survive. As they train to harness their powers, their search for answers soon reveals not everyone can be trusted.
With a greedy plot threatening their lives, Gemma and Oliver must make a choice: remain loyal to their newfound friends or sacrifice everything for a chance at freedom.
Written by author Katy Metzger, The Talismans of Teregrin is a thrilling adventure filled with action, suspense, and romance. Perfect for fans of "The Maze Runner" and "Divergent," this captivating novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Get your copy today and join Gemma and Oliver on their quest for freedom!
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
12 people are currently reading
3376 people want to read
About the author
Katy Metzger
4 books59 followersAuthor Katy Metzger began her foray into dark fantasy with a third-grade story about two children who ate too much candy and exploded. When her classmates appreciated her twisted sense of humor, she plunged headfirst into a passion for storytelling. And although she took a brief detour into journalism during high school and college, her love for the fantastical never waned.
Her own adventures in real life included two years abroad in Cambodia and Thailand teaching ESL, an experience that led to teaching high school English for several years and meeting (and marrying) the man of her dreams. When the two welcomed their first son, Katy hung up her teacher’s chalk and once again found inspiration in the stories she loved to tell.
Today, Katy lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids, running for fun, drinking way too much coffee, and finally allowing her twisted imagination to have free reign in her head.
Her own adventures in real life included two years abroad in Cambodia and Thailand teaching ESL, an experience that led to teaching high school English for several years and meeting (and marrying) the man of her dreams. When the two welcomed their first son, Katy hung up her teacher’s chalk and once again found inspiration in the stories she loved to tell.
Today, Katy lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids, running for fun, drinking way too much coffee, and finally allowing her twisted imagination to have free reign in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 9, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! I was lucky enough to blurb it, and here are my thoughts: “An exceptional tale that promises mystery and adventure every step of the way. With sharp writing, and tension-building pacing, The Talismans of Teregrin will keep your eyes glued to the next page!” Definitely recommend!
June 17, 2023
The Talismans of Teregin is an action-packed adventure filled with magic, uncertainty, and the powerful message of being true to yourself.
The combination of special abilities and science was a really cool concept, blending the how and why seamlessly. There’s a wide cast of characters that make use of some awesome powers that were 'gifted'—we’ll use this term loosely—to them by hazmat suit wearing scientists. There are also rival groups trying to survive on the island, and the lab attempting to exploit them all, to harness their abilities to further its goal.
There’s danger around every turn in The Talismans of Teregrin.
Gemma and Oliver have lots stacked against them, but they know one thing for sure. They can rely on each other even if nobody else is trustworthy. I loved how no matter what the siblings faced, they always tried to protect each other. Sibling love is a powerful thing!
Oliver is crafty. He provides some occasional comedic relief, and often uses this characteristic to his advantage, but he’s not only the funny guy. He grapples with control, a trait many people can relate to as well.
Gemma has a quiet strength. Her struggles to pinpoint her ability and figure out exactly who she is are so relatable for me. She’s not an acid-tongued protagonist like many in the YA world, but a thoughtful, introspective young woman who happens to have a special ability. The growth of the main characters throughout this book will speak to many young readers as they figure out who they are, and where their strengths lie. Or older readers like me, who continue to strive for self-awareness. :)
There’s a satisfying ending to The Talismans of Teregrin even though the series continues, and that’s super important to me. The story is far from over at the end of this book; many challenges still loom for Oliver and Gemma. I’m excited to see what they are up against next!
In full disclosure, I was offered an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The combination of special abilities and science was a really cool concept, blending the how and why seamlessly. There’s a wide cast of characters that make use of some awesome powers that were 'gifted'—we’ll use this term loosely—to them by hazmat suit wearing scientists. There are also rival groups trying to survive on the island, and the lab attempting to exploit them all, to harness their abilities to further its goal.
There’s danger around every turn in The Talismans of Teregrin.
Gemma and Oliver have lots stacked against them, but they know one thing for sure. They can rely on each other even if nobody else is trustworthy. I loved how no matter what the siblings faced, they always tried to protect each other. Sibling love is a powerful thing!
Oliver is crafty. He provides some occasional comedic relief, and often uses this characteristic to his advantage, but he’s not only the funny guy. He grapples with control, a trait many people can relate to as well.
Gemma has a quiet strength. Her struggles to pinpoint her ability and figure out exactly who she is are so relatable for me. She’s not an acid-tongued protagonist like many in the YA world, but a thoughtful, introspective young woman who happens to have a special ability. The growth of the main characters throughout this book will speak to many young readers as they figure out who they are, and where their strengths lie. Or older readers like me, who continue to strive for self-awareness. :)
There’s a satisfying ending to The Talismans of Teregrin even though the series continues, and that’s super important to me. The story is far from over at the end of this book; many challenges still loom for Oliver and Gemma. I’m excited to see what they are up against next!
In full disclosure, I was offered an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2024
An explosive start to an intriguing world that will leave you on the edge of your seat! This story is the perfect blend of action-packed fantasy, twisted science, and hair pulling mystery that is sure to keep you on your toes and rooting for the twins all the way through.
The relationship between Oliver and Gemma was an honest to goodness sibling relationship full of light banter and teasing with unwavering devotion and support that had me believing they could accomplish anything they set their minds to together. Oliver was clearly a leader in the making from the onset, and his own doubts and reflections were respectable and humanizing qualities for his character. His ability to cut tense situations with humour served to make him not only a jokester, but also someone who seeks to alleviate the worries of his peers while he took on the stress for everyone. The glimpses we got into his psyche really demonstrated a character who seriously considers all of his actions and the long-running ramifications of his choices even as it looks like he is flying by the seat of his pants to everyone else.
Gemma has so much potential to grow into her own confident person and we see that occurring by the end of the book. As far as female main characters go, Gemma’s constant self-doubting left her vulnerable to a one dimensionality that made it difficult to fully empathize with her situation. I wish there had been more development from her in this book but we don’t really see that until the very end. The potential for more really began shining through when she gained more control of her abilities – I loved her moment of girl power when she confronted her Gifted bullies – but outside of these brief flashes Gemma left me wanting to see more of her own assertiveness shining outside of her bond with Ollie.
As far as villains go, Aiden was well-written from the onset. His opening characterization and ruthlessness left me feeling cautiously wary until we met him again when he really let his villain side shine through. His commandeering and uncaring personality made it easy to see he was not a guy to be trusted (or really liked), and the ultimate reveal of his master plan left me wanting to jump into the story to warn the Rebels.
The overall concept is a fascinating one, especially with all of these different factions. Given how much information we were given on the Gifted and lab workers in this book, I’m eager to see more come out about the Knights and Non-ners. Where are the Knights while all of this action is going down? Are they aware of more of the situation than others are led to believe? Why do the Non-ners seem content to simply survive on the island rather than escape? And most pressing of all, will Jake and Jamie finally join the fight?
The relationship between Oliver and Gemma was an honest to goodness sibling relationship full of light banter and teasing with unwavering devotion and support that had me believing they could accomplish anything they set their minds to together. Oliver was clearly a leader in the making from the onset, and his own doubts and reflections were respectable and humanizing qualities for his character. His ability to cut tense situations with humour served to make him not only a jokester, but also someone who seeks to alleviate the worries of his peers while he took on the stress for everyone. The glimpses we got into his psyche really demonstrated a character who seriously considers all of his actions and the long-running ramifications of his choices even as it looks like he is flying by the seat of his pants to everyone else.
Gemma has so much potential to grow into her own confident person and we see that occurring by the end of the book. As far as female main characters go, Gemma’s constant self-doubting left her vulnerable to a one dimensionality that made it difficult to fully empathize with her situation. I wish there had been more development from her in this book but we don’t really see that until the very end. The potential for more really began shining through when she gained more control of her abilities – I loved her moment of girl power when she confronted her Gifted bullies – but outside of these brief flashes Gemma left me wanting to see more of her own assertiveness shining outside of her bond with Ollie.
As far as villains go, Aiden was well-written from the onset. His opening characterization and ruthlessness left me feeling cautiously wary until we met him again when he really let his villain side shine through. His commandeering and uncaring personality made it easy to see he was not a guy to be trusted (or really liked), and the ultimate reveal of his master plan left me wanting to jump into the story to warn the Rebels.
The overall concept is a fascinating one, especially with all of these different factions. Given how much information we were given on the Gifted and lab workers in this book, I’m eager to see more come out about the Knights and Non-ners. Where are the Knights while all of this action is going down? Are they aware of more of the situation than others are led to believe? Why do the Non-ners seem content to simply survive on the island rather than escape? And most pressing of all, will Jake and Jamie finally join the fight?
June 27, 2023
"The Talismans of Teregrin" begins in an explosive escape. Teenagers wake up in a lab with IVs tied to their arms. They are caught without their memories. Further, the teenagers must combat against the lab workers who have placed them in their cold prison. The opening sequence occurs two months prior to the flight of the main characters.
A pair of twins-Oliver and Gemma- collaborate with one another to flee from the laboratory. As they run through the forest, Oliver and Gemma come face to face with others like them. Yet, the team of survivors regard them with skepticism. However, a common foe sparks interest. With a single arrow, a hostile is slayed before getting the chance to hurt the twins. As one question raises, more inquiries surface.
Oliver and Gemma must rely on the Survivors for guidance. All the two know is that something is amiss. The twins learn that they're on an island. Further, they come to realize that it's not just the lab workers they must be afraid of, but the Morphers.
In a world of experimentation on raising a human's capabilities, Morphers are essentially Experiments that have taken a negative turn. Yet, what does this mean for Oliver and Gemma? The curious twins recognize that they're bodies are no longer simple- they have powers that require time to understand. While leaving the team of Survivors, the two take refuge with the Rebels. However, the question is: what's their goal? Oliver and Gemma have more secrets to unravel. With every new person they meet, more uncertainty rises.
Of the twins, Oliver's personality is more engaging to read. Granted, "The Talismans of Teregrin" is the first book in a series. Yet, Metzger's lead female lacks some definition. Gemma seems flat but there is more to her story left to read. Though, for now, the book receives a four star rating. Metzger does write action well but the narrator's uncertainty in relaying imagery needs a different approach. When learning about the lay of the land in a story, a narrator in a third person perspective is expected to know what they're sharing. Thus, reading phrases such as- "Perhaps concrete," and "Maybe it's this..."- seems vague.
Overall, the initial book in "The Talismans of Teregrin" series is a fun experience. There are a variety of characters caught within a do-or-die lifestyle. Whether the surviving experiments wish to lay low or take a stand creates an interesting dynamic. As Oliver and Gemma learn about their new found abilities, will they be able to surpass expectations towards freedom?
A pair of twins-Oliver and Gemma- collaborate with one another to flee from the laboratory. As they run through the forest, Oliver and Gemma come face to face with others like them. Yet, the team of survivors regard them with skepticism. However, a common foe sparks interest. With a single arrow, a hostile is slayed before getting the chance to hurt the twins. As one question raises, more inquiries surface.
Oliver and Gemma must rely on the Survivors for guidance. All the two know is that something is amiss. The twins learn that they're on an island. Further, they come to realize that it's not just the lab workers they must be afraid of, but the Morphers.
In a world of experimentation on raising a human's capabilities, Morphers are essentially Experiments that have taken a negative turn. Yet, what does this mean for Oliver and Gemma? The curious twins recognize that they're bodies are no longer simple- they have powers that require time to understand. While leaving the team of Survivors, the two take refuge with the Rebels. However, the question is: what's their goal? Oliver and Gemma have more secrets to unravel. With every new person they meet, more uncertainty rises.
Of the twins, Oliver's personality is more engaging to read. Granted, "The Talismans of Teregrin" is the first book in a series. Yet, Metzger's lead female lacks some definition. Gemma seems flat but there is more to her story left to read. Though, for now, the book receives a four star rating. Metzger does write action well but the narrator's uncertainty in relaying imagery needs a different approach. When learning about the lay of the land in a story, a narrator in a third person perspective is expected to know what they're sharing. Thus, reading phrases such as- "Perhaps concrete," and "Maybe it's this..."- seems vague.
Overall, the initial book in "The Talismans of Teregrin" series is a fun experience. There are a variety of characters caught within a do-or-die lifestyle. Whether the surviving experiments wish to lay low or take a stand creates an interesting dynamic. As Oliver and Gemma learn about their new found abilities, will they be able to surpass expectations towards freedom?
January 28, 2024
Fans of dystopian sci-fi might find a new favorite in "The Talismans of Teregrine", with its high-action pacing and funny characters.
I would call the plot this novel's strongest selling point. Each sequence feels tightly related to what led up to it, every scene moved the plot forward effectively, and the author has an excellent control over when and how they reveal information to us across the novel. We start the book with a lot of unknowns, and we're fed just enough information a little bit at a time to be continually satisfied with each reveal while still feeling suspense while waiting for the next piece of information. Each reveal makes sense: interesting without being contrived, surprising but undeniably fitting.
I really enjoy the character work in this book as well. Gemma and Oliver were written believably as siblings. And, I liked both of their separate struggles they faced while working through their powers. Their growth throughout the book was really compelling to watch. Between the two, though, Oliver has to be the standout character to me--his funny personality gives him the edge in this case. His humor wasn't too much, but it was a consistent force throughout the story that added a lot of necessary brevity, as well as just overall personality to the book.
My biggest critique for the book comes out of my background in biology. Without giving away too many spoilers, as we start to learn more about the framework of the situation the characters have found themselves in, some of the scientific backing to the worldbuilding doesn't work for me. I get the definite sense that the author does not have a strong understanding of genetics or evolution. It doesn't break the narrative, by any means, but if you do know much about science, then certain parts of the premise might break your suspension of disbelief just a bit. (I believed everything about the premise when I was interfacing with this story as fantastical, but the author's attempts to bolster believability by moving the story more into the realm of technological science fiction actually had the opposite affect on me.)
But overall, I'm looking forward to seeing where the series takes Oliver and Gemma next! Anyone looking for a fast-paced story or for their next light-dystopia read should definitely consider "The Talismans of Teregrin."
I would call the plot this novel's strongest selling point. Each sequence feels tightly related to what led up to it, every scene moved the plot forward effectively, and the author has an excellent control over when and how they reveal information to us across the novel. We start the book with a lot of unknowns, and we're fed just enough information a little bit at a time to be continually satisfied with each reveal while still feeling suspense while waiting for the next piece of information. Each reveal makes sense: interesting without being contrived, surprising but undeniably fitting.
I really enjoy the character work in this book as well. Gemma and Oliver were written believably as siblings. And, I liked both of their separate struggles they faced while working through their powers. Their growth throughout the book was really compelling to watch. Between the two, though, Oliver has to be the standout character to me--his funny personality gives him the edge in this case. His humor wasn't too much, but it was a consistent force throughout the story that added a lot of necessary brevity, as well as just overall personality to the book.
My biggest critique for the book comes out of my background in biology. Without giving away too many spoilers, as we start to learn more about the framework of the situation the characters have found themselves in, some of the scientific backing to the worldbuilding doesn't work for me. I get the definite sense that the author does not have a strong understanding of genetics or evolution. It doesn't break the narrative, by any means, but if you do know much about science, then certain parts of the premise might break your suspension of disbelief just a bit. (I believed everything about the premise when I was interfacing with this story as fantastical, but the author's attempts to bolster believability by moving the story more into the realm of technological science fiction actually had the opposite affect on me.)
But overall, I'm looking forward to seeing where the series takes Oliver and Gemma next! Anyone looking for a fast-paced story or for their next light-dystopia read should definitely consider "The Talismans of Teregrin."
January 28, 2024
The Talismans of Teregrin is an action-packed story right off the bat. It follows the story of the twins, Gemma and Oliver, who manage to escape this lab they've been in with no memories of their past. Ms. Metzger has created such an interesting sci-fi world with a unique magic/power system that got me hooked right from the start. Although the story is told in third person, the writing style perfectly captures our main characters' voices and emotions. It was very easy to connect with Gemma and Oliver from the start till the end of the book.
Characters:
We have Gemma, our female protagonist, who's self-conscious and not too confident in herself. But that's what makes her so interesting, is to see her character develop throughout the book. Each new people she meets, each new experience she goes through plays a big impact on her and I was so proud of her when she starts becoming confident in herself in order to stand up for herself.
Of course, there's Oliver or Ollie who's the lovable and protective older brother. Although he's seen as the jokester to other people, I can tell there's more to his character. We see him grow into a leader as he learns more about the powers he and Gemma has and even though he tends to get a bit looked over (not by certain people but the other Rebels) he's more crafty than he looks.
As a fellow romance girl, I was told I was going to love this book and I have to agree. Normally I'm not a fan of love triangles but this is an exception. The romance takes a backseat in this book but it still plays an important role in our two main characters' development and characterization. I think the innocence of YA in this book is greatly portrayed between Gemma, Jamie, and Domanic. Let's just say in the beginning, I'm Team Jamie. Then I became Team Domanic (even though this boy can't make up his mind and I just want to hop in there and shake him) because I feel like there's a lot we still don't know about Domanic. He gives off major mysterious vibes and I'm here for it.
5/5 stars from me. If you love a sci-fi YA novel with a touch of mystery and loads of action, you'll love this book. I need the second book ASAP.
Characters:
We have Gemma, our female protagonist, who's self-conscious and not too confident in herself. But that's what makes her so interesting, is to see her character develop throughout the book. Each new people she meets, each new experience she goes through plays a big impact on her and I was so proud of her when she starts becoming confident in herself in order to stand up for herself.
Of course, there's Oliver or Ollie who's the lovable and protective older brother. Although he's seen as the jokester to other people, I can tell there's more to his character. We see him grow into a leader as he learns more about the powers he and Gemma has and even though he tends to get a bit looked over (not by certain people but the other Rebels) he's more crafty than he looks.
As a fellow romance girl, I was told I was going to love this book and I have to agree. Normally I'm not a fan of love triangles but this is an exception. The romance takes a backseat in this book but it still plays an important role in our two main characters' development and characterization. I think the innocence of YA in this book is greatly portrayed between Gemma, Jamie, and Domanic. Let's just say in the beginning, I'm Team Jamie. Then I became Team Domanic (even though this boy can't make up his mind and I just want to hop in there and shake him) because I feel like there's a lot we still don't know about Domanic. He gives off major mysterious vibes and I'm here for it.
5/5 stars from me. If you love a sci-fi YA novel with a touch of mystery and loads of action, you'll love this book. I need the second book ASAP.
January 28, 2024
In the enthralling world of "Talismans of Teregrin," Katy Metzger creates a thrilling story, filled with a gripping introduction, realistic characters, and a mysterious world that pulls readers into its depths. The novel successfully intertwines elements of mystery and science fiction, like the survival challenges seen in "The 100" and the superhuman struggles of "Heroes."
The story kicks off with a captivating hook, drawing readers into a world where teenagers grapple with newfound powers and the enigma of their island refuge. The author's voice is a standout feature, imbuing the narrative with humor and an enticing flair that adds to the overall enjoyment. The creation of distinct cultures within each group of characters enhances the richness of the story, contributing to a layered and immersive reading experience.
However, as much as "Talismans of Teregrin" excels in many aspects, there is room for improvement in the portrayal of female characters, particularly the secondary ones. While Gemma and Jessica have depth and complexity, the other female characters seem to lack the same level of exploration. A more nuanced approach to their personalities and motivations would enhance the reader's connection and empathy, providing a more well-rounded understanding of their roles in the narrative.
This oversight becomes particularly evident in light of Gemma's character realizations. A more in-depth exploration of the motivations and inner worlds of the other female characters could have enriched Gemma's journey, offering readers a more comprehensive view of the female dynamics within the story.
Despite this critique, "Talismans of Teregrin" remains a highly recommendable read for those who relish mystery and science fiction novels with a dash of humor. The author's ability to create a vivid world, realistic characters, and an engaging storyline makes it a standout in the genre. "Talismans of Teregrin" earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars, with the hope that future works will delve deeper into the complexities of all its characters, especially the female ones.
The story kicks off with a captivating hook, drawing readers into a world where teenagers grapple with newfound powers and the enigma of their island refuge. The author's voice is a standout feature, imbuing the narrative with humor and an enticing flair that adds to the overall enjoyment. The creation of distinct cultures within each group of characters enhances the richness of the story, contributing to a layered and immersive reading experience.
However, as much as "Talismans of Teregrin" excels in many aspects, there is room for improvement in the portrayal of female characters, particularly the secondary ones. While Gemma and Jessica have depth and complexity, the other female characters seem to lack the same level of exploration. A more nuanced approach to their personalities and motivations would enhance the reader's connection and empathy, providing a more well-rounded understanding of their roles in the narrative.
This oversight becomes particularly evident in light of Gemma's character realizations. A more in-depth exploration of the motivations and inner worlds of the other female characters could have enriched Gemma's journey, offering readers a more comprehensive view of the female dynamics within the story.
Despite this critique, "Talismans of Teregrin" remains a highly recommendable read for those who relish mystery and science fiction novels with a dash of humor. The author's ability to create a vivid world, realistic characters, and an engaging storyline makes it a standout in the genre. "Talismans of Teregrin" earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars, with the hope that future works will delve deeper into the complexities of all its characters, especially the female ones.
January 28, 2024
The Talismans of Teregrin is a refreshing take on the classic dystopian tale. Katy Metzger delivers a gripping, exhilarating adventure that manages to stay grounded and hit all of its emotional marks. We follow the perspectives of Oliver and Gemma, twin brother and sister, trying to get their bearings in an unfamiliar world with unfamiliar rules. While the mystery of the island and their powers are central to the story, their deep connection and sincerity are the driving force of the book. You can't help but root for them, despite the uncertainties they face.
I admired the way they didn't readily accept the vague explanations and half-truths given them, but relied on their own intuition guide them. Oliver's most defining characteristics are his bravery and unrelenting curiosity, which unwittingly make him immune from corruption and influence. Despite his easygoing manner, he has unwavering resolve and a strong moral compass.
While Gemma's character appears to lack definition at first, she also undergoes major character development. Unlike most dystopian heroines, her strength doesn't lie in her ability to fight or wield a crossbow but a quiet resolve and inner determination. These make her difficult to underestimate. She proves herself insightful and formidable.
The mystery and intrigue in the novel keep the reader in perfect suspense, gaining insight into one question inevitably raises another.
At first glance, there are too many opposing forces in the book: Morphers, the lab, the Knights and even within the Rebels. However, these only serve as pieces of a greater allegory about how the pursuit of power drives people to madness and anarchy. The powerful only want to gain more power.
Readers might draw parallels from franchises like "The Maze Runner" or "Divergent", all dystopian stories about teenagers under a corrupt regime. However, The Tales of Teregrin offers a fresh and compelling contribution to the genre.
I admired the way they didn't readily accept the vague explanations and half-truths given them, but relied on their own intuition guide them. Oliver's most defining characteristics are his bravery and unrelenting curiosity, which unwittingly make him immune from corruption and influence. Despite his easygoing manner, he has unwavering resolve and a strong moral compass.
While Gemma's character appears to lack definition at first, she also undergoes major character development. Unlike most dystopian heroines, her strength doesn't lie in her ability to fight or wield a crossbow but a quiet resolve and inner determination. These make her difficult to underestimate. She proves herself insightful and formidable.
The mystery and intrigue in the novel keep the reader in perfect suspense, gaining insight into one question inevitably raises another.
At first glance, there are too many opposing forces in the book: Morphers, the lab, the Knights and even within the Rebels. However, these only serve as pieces of a greater allegory about how the pursuit of power drives people to madness and anarchy. The powerful only want to gain more power.
Readers might draw parallels from franchises like "The Maze Runner" or "Divergent", all dystopian stories about teenagers under a corrupt regime. However, The Tales of Teregrin offers a fresh and compelling contribution to the genre.
June 8, 2023
What a fantastic start to this series! The Talismans of Teregrin has all the elements of an engaging, adventurous fantasy with grounded characters and a touch of romance.
I love stories set on islands because the geography of the island becomes part of the story. There's also a growing sense of tension with all of the action and mystery contained in one location. So I was excited to read this book because of the island premise with mysterious experiments.
Katy Metzger immediately pulls us into the lab with the main characters, Gemma and Oliver, and their confusion and desire for escape. I enjoyed the uneasiness of the characters as they broke free of their surroundings, only to be trapped on an island full of secrets.
I loved how the MCs escaped after the other Experiments because they're immediately thrust into an island social hierarchy that's been developed in their captivity. There's so much here to dig into with the different groups and their dynamics, the known and unknown of the Experiments and the Morphers. Metzger perfectly balances giving the reader a rich and satisfying plot for this first book in the series while hinting at other mysteries still to be unraveled within and between these groups.
I adored Oliver with his wild power and humor. Gemma has an underlying steel that's tempered by her emotional empathy and gentleness. There were a number of side characters introduced. Metzger does a remarkably good job with balancing a large cast and not overwhelming the reader.
This book has some great Divergent vibes with lovable, accessible characters and a well-plotted story. I genuinely enjoyed The Talismans of Teregin and am so excited to read this next in the series. I'm hooked!
I love stories set on islands because the geography of the island becomes part of the story. There's also a growing sense of tension with all of the action and mystery contained in one location. So I was excited to read this book because of the island premise with mysterious experiments.
Katy Metzger immediately pulls us into the lab with the main characters, Gemma and Oliver, and their confusion and desire for escape. I enjoyed the uneasiness of the characters as they broke free of their surroundings, only to be trapped on an island full of secrets.
I loved how the MCs escaped after the other Experiments because they're immediately thrust into an island social hierarchy that's been developed in their captivity. There's so much here to dig into with the different groups and their dynamics, the known and unknown of the Experiments and the Morphers. Metzger perfectly balances giving the reader a rich and satisfying plot for this first book in the series while hinting at other mysteries still to be unraveled within and between these groups.
I adored Oliver with his wild power and humor. Gemma has an underlying steel that's tempered by her emotional empathy and gentleness. There were a number of side characters introduced. Metzger does a remarkably good job with balancing a large cast and not overwhelming the reader.
This book has some great Divergent vibes with lovable, accessible characters and a well-plotted story. I genuinely enjoyed The Talismans of Teregin and am so excited to read this next in the series. I'm hooked!
December 18, 2023
Great read!
The first chapter starts off really exciting. It sets the tone for the rest of the novel pretty well, but it was overwhelming and later on when I thought about it, I didn't think it was necessary. It introduces a couple characters who become relevant much later, but mostly sets the scene for the rest of the story. The novel could have started just as well with the second chapter in my opinion.
The dual protagonists are a pair of twins named Oliver and Gemma. I really liked their dynamic, although there were a couple weird moments where Oliver gets protective of Gemma over another character's clear romantic interest in her, and kind of objectifies her for a second? Anyway I loved that they shared the point-of-view. I thought Oliver was really fun, but Gemma felt bland to me. There turned out to be a bit of a dearth of likable female characters (the few besides Gemma who are bearable get very little page-time), and several of them fall into the gossipy, mean-girl trope. There were a few too many named characters in the second section of the book to keep track of, but it's still a fairly well-rounded cast of secondary characters and I enjoyed getting to know them.
The plot of full of mystery and excitement and unfolds gradually in a very satisfying manner. It reminded me quite a bit of The Maze Runner series in a few ways - a group of teenagers wake up without any memories apart from their names and have to survive in a post-apocalyptic world, gradually discovering secrets about how they ended up in their situation, having to decide who to trust. But give them superpowers! So it didn't feel the most original to me but I still enjoyed it very much. I would definitely read the next book.
The first chapter starts off really exciting. It sets the tone for the rest of the novel pretty well, but it was overwhelming and later on when I thought about it, I didn't think it was necessary. It introduces a couple characters who become relevant much later, but mostly sets the scene for the rest of the story. The novel could have started just as well with the second chapter in my opinion.
The dual protagonists are a pair of twins named Oliver and Gemma. I really liked their dynamic, although there were a couple weird moments where Oliver gets protective of Gemma over another character's clear romantic interest in her, and kind of objectifies her for a second? Anyway I loved that they shared the point-of-view. I thought Oliver was really fun, but Gemma felt bland to me. There turned out to be a bit of a dearth of likable female characters (the few besides Gemma who are bearable get very little page-time), and several of them fall into the gossipy, mean-girl trope. There were a few too many named characters in the second section of the book to keep track of, but it's still a fairly well-rounded cast of secondary characters and I enjoyed getting to know them.
The plot of full of mystery and excitement and unfolds gradually in a very satisfying manner. It reminded me quite a bit of The Maze Runner series in a few ways - a group of teenagers wake up without any memories apart from their names and have to survive in a post-apocalyptic world, gradually discovering secrets about how they ended up in their situation, having to decide who to trust. But give them superpowers! So it didn't feel the most original to me but I still enjoyed it very much. I would definitely read the next book.
January 24, 2024
The Talismans of Teregrin by Katy Metzger is indeed a gripping tale of mystery and survival. From the very beginning the author has introduced the element of mystery. The twins Oliver and Gemma woke up in a mysterious setting, totally oblivious of their previous life. The only thing they remember is the sibling connection between them. From escaping from that mysterious setting to finding themselves with more people like them, begins their journey of survival. Their confusion, the uneasiness with their new found power all culminated to their desire for escape. As the novel progresses, we witness different emotions like love, betrayal, jealousy among the characters which make them more accessible to the reader. The book ends with Oliver and Gemma forming their own group with the hope of escaping from the mysterious island and searching for their true identity- thus indicating the next book in the series.
This book has a well-plotted story with very strong characters. Specially, the author has shown that in such confusing state of mind they still have the basic human emotions in them. There was not a dull moment in the book and honestly, I was glued to its pages, waiting for the mysteries to be unraveled. Katy has mentioned in the beginning that though this book is for young adults there is some element of romance and slight profanity present. But as a reader, I felt that those elements blended with the plot so well that it never gives any uneasiness. In fact, the slight touch of romance is like a fresh air air in between the tension and mystery. The author's voice is very much clear from beginning to the end and connects very profoundly with the reader. For me, this book is a ten out of ten and is a must read for the fans of urban fantasy.
This book has a well-plotted story with very strong characters. Specially, the author has shown that in such confusing state of mind they still have the basic human emotions in them. There was not a dull moment in the book and honestly, I was glued to its pages, waiting for the mysteries to be unraveled. Katy has mentioned in the beginning that though this book is for young adults there is some element of romance and slight profanity present. But as a reader, I felt that those elements blended with the plot so well that it never gives any uneasiness. In fact, the slight touch of romance is like a fresh air air in between the tension and mystery. The author's voice is very much clear from beginning to the end and connects very profoundly with the reader. For me, this book is a ten out of ten and is a must read for the fans of urban fantasy.
January 29, 2024
A wonderful YA sci-fi packed with action and mystery.
The first chapter starts strong with the immediate immersion into action. As it introduces characters we don’t see until later, it can be a little jarring at first. Gemma and Oliver are twins who wake up in a lab with no memory on an island they are unfamiliar with. I love that we get to learn alongside the twins, as it creates an immersive experience. Katy Metzger creates a compelling world reminiscent of “Maze Runner” and “Divergent” combined. While the focus is not on the romance, I enjoyed the love triangle Gemma is involved in. It creates another element to the story and gives readers a break from the main plot. I enjoyed learning about the powers and how they worked, as I love it when any magic is used in stories.
From the start, Oliver is the protective and funny older brother. As the story goes, we see his character develop as he learns about his powers. He doesn’t get much credit but is brilliant and sees more than he lets on.
Gemma as a character was a little underwhelming for me. She is determined and has her own mind, but she doesn’t feel as developed as Oliver. Both characters go through major changes as they learn what the truth is, making it a very compelling read. The relationship between the siblings propels the story as they rely on each other and their intuition to figure out what has happened to them.
Overall, each scene moves the plot forward creating a pace that leaves you wanting more. Katy Metzger created an enticing world with relatable characters and witty humor. This story is great for anyone who loves mystery and sci-fi. The plot drives this story with each twist and turns as you discover the mysteries of this dystopian island.
The first chapter starts strong with the immediate immersion into action. As it introduces characters we don’t see until later, it can be a little jarring at first. Gemma and Oliver are twins who wake up in a lab with no memory on an island they are unfamiliar with. I love that we get to learn alongside the twins, as it creates an immersive experience. Katy Metzger creates a compelling world reminiscent of “Maze Runner” and “Divergent” combined. While the focus is not on the romance, I enjoyed the love triangle Gemma is involved in. It creates another element to the story and gives readers a break from the main plot. I enjoyed learning about the powers and how they worked, as I love it when any magic is used in stories.
From the start, Oliver is the protective and funny older brother. As the story goes, we see his character develop as he learns about his powers. He doesn’t get much credit but is brilliant and sees more than he lets on.
Gemma as a character was a little underwhelming for me. She is determined and has her own mind, but she doesn’t feel as developed as Oliver. Both characters go through major changes as they learn what the truth is, making it a very compelling read. The relationship between the siblings propels the story as they rely on each other and their intuition to figure out what has happened to them.
Overall, each scene moves the plot forward creating a pace that leaves you wanting more. Katy Metzger created an enticing world with relatable characters and witty humor. This story is great for anyone who loves mystery and sci-fi. The plot drives this story with each twist and turns as you discover the mysteries of this dystopian island.
June 8, 2024
The Talismans of Teregrin* follows twins Oliver and Gemma as they escape from a mysterious lab where they were experimented on and given special abilities. They navigate a dangerous island filled with rival factions and uncover secrets about their powers and the island itself. The siblings must rely on each other to survive and confront numerous threats along the way.
Strengths:
The novel excels in character development, particularly with Oliver's humour and craftiness, which add depth and relatability. Gemma's quiet strength and journey of self-discovery are compelling, showcasing her growth throughout the story. The authentic sibling relationship between Oliver and Gemma adds emotional depth and drives the narrative.
Metzger's world-building is richly detailed, blending science and fantasy to create an intriguing setting. The pacing is well-managed, with each scene advancing the plot and maintaining suspense. The reveals are well-timed, keeping readers engaged.
Wokeness:
The novel addresses themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and resilience. Gemma's journey of empowerment and self-assertion is portrayed with nuance. The story also explores trust, exploitation, and the ethics of scientific experimentation, adding depth to the adventure without overshadowing it.
In conclusion, *The Talismans of Teregrin* is a captivating blend of action, fantasy, and science fiction. John Metzger’s skilful storytelling and thoughtful exploration of themes make this a compelling read for fans of dystopian sci-fi. Whether you're new to the genre or a seasoned reader, this book is worth diving
Strengths:
The novel excels in character development, particularly with Oliver's humour and craftiness, which add depth and relatability. Gemma's quiet strength and journey of self-discovery are compelling, showcasing her growth throughout the story. The authentic sibling relationship between Oliver and Gemma adds emotional depth and drives the narrative.
Metzger's world-building is richly detailed, blending science and fantasy to create an intriguing setting. The pacing is well-managed, with each scene advancing the plot and maintaining suspense. The reveals are well-timed, keeping readers engaged.
Wokeness:
The novel addresses themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and resilience. Gemma's journey of empowerment and self-assertion is portrayed with nuance. The story also explores trust, exploitation, and the ethics of scientific experimentation, adding depth to the adventure without overshadowing it.
In conclusion, *The Talismans of Teregrin* is a captivating blend of action, fantasy, and science fiction. John Metzger’s skilful storytelling and thoughtful exploration of themes make this a compelling read for fans of dystopian sci-fi. Whether you're new to the genre or a seasoned reader, this book is worth diving
Read
June 1, 2024The Talismans of Teregrin is a fast-paced sci-fi adventure with plenty of excitement and mystery. In all truth, I have very few negative things to say; I loved this book! There is such a diverse cast, yet I never felt like anyone was forgotten in terms of character building, no matter how small their role. The world building was fantastic, where details were revealed slowly and throughout the story without losing its reader or giving too much away. In fact, many questions still remain, which I look forward to exploring in the next installment!
Perhaps the only note I have is the apparent ease of Gemma and Oliver to progress things in the novel, where they faced relatively few setbacks or major challenges. While certain events — such as their simple escape from the lab — were purposefully designed to arouse Oliver’s suspicion, other endeavors appeared easily successful for no reason other than plot armor. For instance, Oliver escaping from the basement, Gemma passing the Sensing test, and their double crossing felt incredibly straightforward, where the pair demonstrated an almost unbelievable ability to wiggle out of every sticky situation with little to no planning or consequence.
Despite this, I felt that the siblings as a whole were very well written, carefully balancing a seamless flip between their two perspectives. The romance subplots made for good drama, reminding the audience that, despite the stakes, they are still just teenagers with teenage emotions. As I said, very excited to see where the story takes us next!
Perhaps the only note I have is the apparent ease of Gemma and Oliver to progress things in the novel, where they faced relatively few setbacks or major challenges. While certain events — such as their simple escape from the lab — were purposefully designed to arouse Oliver’s suspicion, other endeavors appeared easily successful for no reason other than plot armor. For instance, Oliver escaping from the basement, Gemma passing the Sensing test, and their double crossing felt incredibly straightforward, where the pair demonstrated an almost unbelievable ability to wiggle out of every sticky situation with little to no planning or consequence.
Despite this, I felt that the siblings as a whole were very well written, carefully balancing a seamless flip between their two perspectives. The romance subplots made for good drama, reminding the audience that, despite the stakes, they are still just teenagers with teenage emotions. As I said, very excited to see where the story takes us next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2023
Imagine waking up with no past, only a twin by your side as your anchor to reality. This is the spellbinding predicament Katy Metzger weaves in 'The Talismans of Teregrin,' an urban fantasy that ensnares the imagination. Gemma and Oliver, our protagonists, open their eyes in an unfamiliar laboratory, marooned on an island that feels like a world apart. Their odyssey, marked by a blend of perilous encounters and the awakening of mysterious, tattoo-born powers, sets the stage for a tale that's as eerie as it is enthralling."
The book's strength lies in its thrilling plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, much like the adventures in 'The Maze Runner' and 'Divergent.' Oliver's witty charm and Gemma's quiet but firm determination add layers to their characters, making you root for them from the get-go. The sibling dynamics are a heartwarming touch, emphasizing the importance of family and loyalty amidst chaos.
Gemma's character shines in her resilience. Maybe in the sequel there will be just a bit more depth to her internal world compared to the more vividly portrayed Oliver. Metzger masterfully balances action and suspense, ensuring that you're always eager to turn the page.
Overall, 'The Talismans of Teregrin' is a must-read for fans of action-packed urban fantasy, offering a fresh take on the genre with memorable characters and a story that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
The book's strength lies in its thrilling plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, much like the adventures in 'The Maze Runner' and 'Divergent.' Oliver's witty charm and Gemma's quiet but firm determination add layers to their characters, making you root for them from the get-go. The sibling dynamics are a heartwarming touch, emphasizing the importance of family and loyalty amidst chaos.
Gemma's character shines in her resilience. Maybe in the sequel there will be just a bit more depth to her internal world compared to the more vividly portrayed Oliver. Metzger masterfully balances action and suspense, ensuring that you're always eager to turn the page.
Overall, 'The Talismans of Teregrin' is a must-read for fans of action-packed urban fantasy, offering a fresh take on the genre with memorable characters and a story that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
June 1, 2024
The Talismans of Teregrin really gets better toward the end. I simply loved the introduction to the book - I wouldn't have changed a thing - but the more involved it got toward the middle, I tended to wish I had skipped certain parts.
Although the middle dragged a bit, I believe the beginning and ending of this book are its best features.
When the next book is out, I'll be sure to pick it up because I want to know what happens to Oliver and Gemma, and the others, but I hope there's more action and adventure in it!
Although the middle dragged a bit, I believe the beginning and ending of this book are its best features.
When the next book is out, I'll be sure to pick it up because I want to know what happens to Oliver and Gemma, and the others, but I hope there's more action and adventure in it!
January 22, 2024
This book is like the Maze Runner meets Captain America with fantasy elements and compelling characters. I read it all in one day and almost in one sitting!
The pacing is well done, always leaving the reader wondering what will happen next. There aren't moments that feel like filler or fluff, and most of the payoff is satisfying.
The main characters are twins whose relationship will scratch any itch a reader might have for a wholesome sibling dynamic. They love each other and support each other without losing the classic inside jokes and banter that real siblings have. They also compliment each other as characters. Oliver's humor and swagger makes for hilarious comedic relief, but it comes down to it, he's serious about what matters and has a big heart. Gemma is more subdued and empathetic. She's quiet but not boring, but she can definitely take Oliver in a battle of wits any day.
The dialogue in this novel is snappy. Each character has a distinct voice, so even though there are several, it isn't hard to keep them straight and stay invested. Characters are the most important part of any novel for me as a reader, so I really appreciate how the author wrote hers.
If you're looking for a novel with lovable characters, real stakes, and a feel-good goal, Talismans of Teregrin might be the answer!
The pacing is well done, always leaving the reader wondering what will happen next. There aren't moments that feel like filler or fluff, and most of the payoff is satisfying.
The main characters are twins whose relationship will scratch any itch a reader might have for a wholesome sibling dynamic. They love each other and support each other without losing the classic inside jokes and banter that real siblings have. They also compliment each other as characters. Oliver's humor and swagger makes for hilarious comedic relief, but it comes down to it, he's serious about what matters and has a big heart. Gemma is more subdued and empathetic. She's quiet but not boring, but she can definitely take Oliver in a battle of wits any day.
The dialogue in this novel is snappy. Each character has a distinct voice, so even though there are several, it isn't hard to keep them straight and stay invested. Characters are the most important part of any novel for me as a reader, so I really appreciate how the author wrote hers.
If you're looking for a novel with lovable characters, real stakes, and a feel-good goal, Talismans of Teregrin might be the answer!
February 4, 2024
Pros:
However, from the get-go, I loved Oliver and Gemma's sibling relationship with each other. It's portrayed incredibly accurately, and reading about them made me think of my own relationship with my brother.
I really liked the setting and the mystery around the island. I found the world building to be done quite well.
As I read onward, the novel got better. Toward the end, I was mostly engaged and intrigued in what would happen next.
I liked the reason certain objects were named, like the talismans.
Cons:
Overall, I found this book had a lot of action, but in my opinion, it was very difficult to follow while reading. Many scenes also begin in the "present" and then jump back in time to give context to where we are currently. I really didn't like this style of writing because it felt like we were all over the place. It was disorientationg and hard to follow.
My major critique of the novel was that Oliver and Gemma lacked agency. I never really knew what they themselves hoped to achieve or what their goals were. They just seemed to follow along with everyone else.
Oliver is a brash character, but in an illogical way. I wish the author explained what he was thinking when he did brash things. A lot of these things were just stupid and dangerous, and sure it's his character, but also, I want to see why he thinks it's okay. What was he hoping to achieve by doing these things?
I liked the point where Gemma stood up for herself against the three girls who bullied her, but I don't really like bully trope in the first place. I think the trope is a bit obnoxious and tiresome, especially because they're only bullying her because of a boy. I don't like the way it portrays teenage girls.
However, from the get-go, I loved Oliver and Gemma's sibling relationship with each other. It's portrayed incredibly accurately, and reading about them made me think of my own relationship with my brother.
I really liked the setting and the mystery around the island. I found the world building to be done quite well.
As I read onward, the novel got better. Toward the end, I was mostly engaged and intrigued in what would happen next.
I liked the reason certain objects were named, like the talismans.
Cons:
Overall, I found this book had a lot of action, but in my opinion, it was very difficult to follow while reading. Many scenes also begin in the "present" and then jump back in time to give context to where we are currently. I really didn't like this style of writing because it felt like we were all over the place. It was disorientationg and hard to follow.
My major critique of the novel was that Oliver and Gemma lacked agency. I never really knew what they themselves hoped to achieve or what their goals were. They just seemed to follow along with everyone else.
Oliver is a brash character, but in an illogical way. I wish the author explained what he was thinking when he did brash things. A lot of these things were just stupid and dangerous, and sure it's his character, but also, I want to see why he thinks it's okay. What was he hoping to achieve by doing these things?
I liked the point where Gemma stood up for herself against the three girls who bullied her, but I don't really like bully trope in the first place. I think the trope is a bit obnoxious and tiresome, especially because they're only bullying her because of a boy. I don't like the way it portrays teenage girls.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
Katy Metzger, you got me.
I was hooked from the beginning till the end.
The Talismans of Teregrin explores the story of twins Gemma and Oliver, who wake up confused and disoriented in a strange laboratory with no prior memories. As they navigate their way on the island, they find camaraderie and solace in people who are in similar situation like them. The characters were well-developed and relatable. I liked that there were no perfect character who the other characters idolized. They all had their strengths and flaws and were unique in their own way. Each chapter entails witty banter, fights, and the intricacy of human feelings. I liked how Katy portrayed that with great power comes great responsibility. I loved the sibling dynamics between Gemma and Oliver and how they are fiercely protective of each other. There was never a boring moment. The only thing I disliked was it felt like we were in the dark till the very end. It would have been nice to learn glimpses of what happened to them or what’s going on from the lab’s point of view. I would rate this book a 4/5. I would love to see it as a TV series one day. This book reminds me of James Dashner’s The Maze Runner, Veronica Roth’s Divergent, and Stephanie Meyer’s The Host. I would recommend this novel to all fantasy genre fans who love action-packed stories with power and mystery. It is a great start of an awesome series! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
June 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this book overall and found it to be a very engaging sci-fi story! I thought that the characters of Gemma and Oliver were really well written -- it definitely felt like the author spent a lot of time developing them and getting to know them. It helped that these two siblings had very different personalities as well, as Gemma was very quiet and shy while Oliver was rebellious and outgoing.
I also liked what the author did with the characters' abilities, aka "giftings." It was a cool spin on the superhero genre that was well written and thought out. Each character's abilities worked well with the others', making it entirely believable that they would succeed as a team.
While I did enjoy the book overall, I also felt like there could be some improvements made to certain characters. For example, Aidan is one of the main villains of the story, but his development felt a little thin compared to the others. I would like to get to know him more through the next books in the series. The same would go for Dominic, Aidan's co-leader. Dominic and Gemma have a will-they/won't-they relationship throughout the story, but I felt like that plot line did not have as much weight as the others. Jamie could have also used more development in my eyes, as his only defining trait is that he has a crush on Gemma.
Other than those small issues, I really enjoyed this book!
I also liked what the author did with the characters' abilities, aka "giftings." It was a cool spin on the superhero genre that was well written and thought out. Each character's abilities worked well with the others', making it entirely believable that they would succeed as a team.
While I did enjoy the book overall, I also felt like there could be some improvements made to certain characters. For example, Aidan is one of the main villains of the story, but his development felt a little thin compared to the others. I would like to get to know him more through the next books in the series. The same would go for Dominic, Aidan's co-leader. Dominic and Gemma have a will-they/won't-they relationship throughout the story, but I felt like that plot line did not have as much weight as the others. Jamie could have also used more development in my eyes, as his only defining trait is that he has a crush on Gemma.
Other than those small issues, I really enjoyed this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2024
The Talismans of Teregrin is a distinctive and intriguing start to this series! This novel takes on a dystopian story with teen protagonists and takes it to a whole new level. Oliver and Gemma, twins, do not take on passive personalities and strive to find hard truths and realities. Thrown into several situations that they must learn to adapt to and survive, their sibling relationship shines through. Though both characters are equally well developed and relatable throughout the novel, working together they portray a very realistic dynamic as siblings, and as a duo.
This novel also does well with making real-world connections and brings out different themes from these dystopic conflicts. The different opposing forces may seem overwhelming, however, they really come together to showcase the concept of power and greed, and what the powerful will continue to do to gain more power.
I also love that this book takes on romance as an important concept as well. I genuinely think that romance, and love, will sprout in any situation (a human emotion that is impossible to ignore). Though the romance subplot remains more towards the background to the action of the main plot, it is still riveting and exciting all on its own.
This novel has something for everyone and keeps readers on their toes! I definitely cannot wait to read the next installment.
This novel also does well with making real-world connections and brings out different themes from these dystopic conflicts. The different opposing forces may seem overwhelming, however, they really come together to showcase the concept of power and greed, and what the powerful will continue to do to gain more power.
I also love that this book takes on romance as an important concept as well. I genuinely think that romance, and love, will sprout in any situation (a human emotion that is impossible to ignore). Though the romance subplot remains more towards the background to the action of the main plot, it is still riveting and exciting all on its own.
This novel has something for everyone and keeps readers on their toes! I definitely cannot wait to read the next installment.
July 1, 2023
There are many, many good things to say about this book. For one, the main characters are so vivid and exciting to read about. Oliver's mischievous, troublemaker attitude pairs well with his sister's silent, kind demeanor. The plot itself was also fantastic. It reminded me of Stranger Things, Lost, and Peter Pan all at once. The plot had so many cool and exciting twists and turns that left me hungry for more. However, I did have a few complaints. Mainly, I could not for the life of me get invested in the romance. There just wasn't enough there for me to care. In fact, there were times when the subject of a certain romance was brought up, and it annoyed me. I didn't feel any chemistry between those characters. Also, the dialogue of Gemma's tormentors was very unbelievable. It was so juvenile at times, it reminded me of the types of insults three year olds would fling at each other. I couldn't for the life of me understand why that level of petty, childish insult affected Gemma the way that it did. Overall, though, this book was incredible. The characters arcs were, in my opinion, the best part. Overall, I gave it ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5. If Goodreads allowed half stars, though, this would probably be closer to ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5.
June 3, 2024
The story that Metzger has written is not fantastic or revolutionary, but it's not bad. The first chapter is really action-packed and it definitely draws you in and makes you antsy to find out what happens. However, as you get a little ways into the book, the plot/sequence of events is a little underwhelming. The dialogue is quite kitschy or cheesy most of the time and the characters don't feel realistic. My biggest issue, though, was that there is a lot of over-explaining happening as you are reading. There is hardly anything that is left for the reader to conclude or imagine (i.e. there are some scenes in which there is 1. an action, 2. the explanation of the action through the third person narration, and 3. a piece of dialogue or thought that examines or further explains the action). It made it difficult to stay immersed in the story because I felt like I was reading the same things over again, or I was bored because certain things that I should have been working to figure out myself were simply told to me through the narration or a character's thoughts.
It's really not a bad book. A little elementary? sure, but if you don't have a problem with cheesy dialogue or specific story-telling/writing styles, I am sure you would enjoy this read.
It's really not a bad book. A little elementary? sure, but if you don't have a problem with cheesy dialogue or specific story-telling/writing styles, I am sure you would enjoy this read.
June 27, 2023
HOOKED from the first paragraph. I was in the story like THAT! This is not an exaggeration.
The Talismans of Teregrin follows teen twins Gemma and Oliver as they wake up in an unknown room, with no memories or recollection as to what happened. They only know each other. Immediately, it is clear that they are in danger and must escape.
Through the action packed story, Gemma and Oliver find out they have been given powers which they must discover on their own and learn how to use. With the help of other cast-off teens, they battle to survive and find their way in the new surroundings.
Gemma, scared and nearly helpless in the beginning, tries to find her voice and work through her teenage vulnerability and self esteem. Oliver, on the contrary, thrives in chaotic environments and adds a much appreciated element of humor in nearly every scene. Though they are twins, they are as different as can be.
This is the first in a series by breakout author Katy Metzger. She weaves the adventure seamlessly, introducing Gemma and Oliver’s world through their eyes as they experience it. By the end of the book, the reader will be thirsty for the next adventure!
The Talismans of Teregrin follows teen twins Gemma and Oliver as they wake up in an unknown room, with no memories or recollection as to what happened. They only know each other. Immediately, it is clear that they are in danger and must escape.
Through the action packed story, Gemma and Oliver find out they have been given powers which they must discover on their own and learn how to use. With the help of other cast-off teens, they battle to survive and find their way in the new surroundings.
Gemma, scared and nearly helpless in the beginning, tries to find her voice and work through her teenage vulnerability and self esteem. Oliver, on the contrary, thrives in chaotic environments and adds a much appreciated element of humor in nearly every scene. Though they are twins, they are as different as can be.
This is the first in a series by breakout author Katy Metzger. She weaves the adventure seamlessly, introducing Gemma and Oliver’s world through their eyes as they experience it. By the end of the book, the reader will be thirsty for the next adventure!
August 7, 2023
The Talismans of Teregrin is one of those books I wish I could see as a movie. The setting is compelling, the action wild, and the mystery of why the twins are on the island made me want to keep on turning pages.
I love the idea of making the comic relief character and his quiet twin sister take the spotlight, and one of the best aspects of this book is the bond and humor between the twins. Gemma and Oliver grabbed my attention from the moment they woke up in the lab.
For those readers who are like me and don’t necessarily love-LOVE action scenes in general, don’t be startled away by the opening chapter. Gemma and Oliver's story truly starts in chapter 2 and though there are several action scenes in this book, the driving force of the story is still the characters you can’t help but fall in love with.
I had the privilege of reading Talismans of Teregrin at the beta reading stage (and also the early versions of the following two books 😉 Yes, it keeps getting better!!), so this review is written after rereading this book. The story has so many layers and tiny details I didn’t notice the first time reading, so it’s definitely one of those series you want to read again!
I love the idea of making the comic relief character and his quiet twin sister take the spotlight, and one of the best aspects of this book is the bond and humor between the twins. Gemma and Oliver grabbed my attention from the moment they woke up in the lab.
For those readers who are like me and don’t necessarily love-LOVE action scenes in general, don’t be startled away by the opening chapter. Gemma and Oliver's story truly starts in chapter 2 and though there are several action scenes in this book, the driving force of the story is still the characters you can’t help but fall in love with.
I had the privilege of reading Talismans of Teregrin at the beta reading stage (and also the early versions of the following two books 😉 Yes, it keeps getting better!!), so this review is written after rereading this book. The story has so many layers and tiny details I didn’t notice the first time reading, so it’s definitely one of those series you want to read again!
May 30, 2024
At first I wasn't sure about this book but once I started reading it and go5 a few pages in I realized this book was amazing. I loved it so much it reminded me of Gone by Michael Grant which is one of my favorite book series. The beginning started off great, the characters had fantastic depth and personality which made them feel relatable and life-like. The overall plot of the story was interesting and entertaining. It had the perfect amount of emotion in the story. The description of everything was beautifully done. I could picture everything as if I was there. With great power comes great responsibility, I like that these teenagers have different abilities and powers. I loved almost every character in the book. I wasn't a fan of one of the characters but that's okay because I think the reader is not supposed to like him. The book kinda left on a cliffhanger or an open ending since there are more books in this series. It makes sense why it ended like this. Maybe everything will work out in one of the next books. by the way I’m a mirror image twin so the whole twin thing had me interested from the beginning. Xoxo Laura8759
May 30, 2024
This is a very strong science fiction story. The author's writing is very descriptive! Right from the start, the reader is thrown into action! I love the idea of Morphers - Experiments whose desire for more power caused them to become psychotic monsters. It's such a unique idea! All of the terminology, such as the "Triggering" and the "Taking" of Morphers was very well done.
The world is very interesting, and everything is revealed gradually throughout the story. The idea of scientists wanting to create superbeings and experimenting on teenagers was very interesting. I love all of the details of the world and characters - the deserted island, the notebooks left behind from the scientist who found ethical problems with the Experiment, and the various groups of people with different goals (surviving, fighting against the lab, gaining more power). The eight different abilities were also really cool! I would liked to know a bit more about the Knights and why Jessica feared them. I also would've liked to know sooner how the talismans could help them escape the island and get their memories back. But overall, this was a great first book to the series!
The world is very interesting, and everything is revealed gradually throughout the story. The idea of scientists wanting to create superbeings and experimenting on teenagers was very interesting. I love all of the details of the world and characters - the deserted island, the notebooks left behind from the scientist who found ethical problems with the Experiment, and the various groups of people with different goals (surviving, fighting against the lab, gaining more power). The eight different abilities were also really cool! I would liked to know a bit more about the Knights and why Jessica feared them. I also would've liked to know sooner how the talismans could help them escape the island and get their memories back. But overall, this was a great first book to the series!
June 2, 2024
For the most part, I loved the start to this series! This is a story of twins Gemma and Ollie, and how they came to accept their new powers after being forced into being the "Experiment"s of a huge sci-fi-esque scheme. These characters, and their newly-found group of fellow Experiments, provide a relatable, likable dive into a well-built world.
My biggest critique of this book is that the beginning and middle of it (except for an EXCELLENT opening scene) were too slow for my liking. That being said, the last section of it made up for the lengthy exposition and made me immediately download the second installment. Also, Gemma and Ollie's motives weren't built as seamlessly as I'd hoped, as they seemed to blindly follow the rest of their group often without much individualization.
I think that the overall premise of this series has a LOT of promise, and I love the way it depicts the big experiment scheme and the powers that result from it. It's action-packed, has great character relationships, and makes the reader wonder what type of power they'd gain if they were alongside Gemma and Ollie.
My biggest critique of this book is that the beginning and middle of it (except for an EXCELLENT opening scene) were too slow for my liking. That being said, the last section of it made up for the lengthy exposition and made me immediately download the second installment. Also, Gemma and Ollie's motives weren't built as seamlessly as I'd hoped, as they seemed to blindly follow the rest of their group often without much individualization.
I think that the overall premise of this series has a LOT of promise, and I love the way it depicts the big experiment scheme and the powers that result from it. It's action-packed, has great character relationships, and makes the reader wonder what type of power they'd gain if they were alongside Gemma and Ollie.
June 5, 2024
I didn't have any clears thoughts of how this was going to go but the Maze Runner vibe that I got from The Talismans of Teregrin was a big twist. The novel threw me back in to 2010s dystopian and I loved.
Oliver, one of the main characters, was very well developed and I could really connect with him throughout the novel. His sister, Gemma, on the other hand was not as well. She got her understanding of her powers too quickly for my liking but there was no difference in how I felt when the povs would change. The side characters were more or less forgettable only because there were quite a few and if they weren't significant to the plot, they blended into the background.
There was no real romance factor with the first in the series, but I do think that there is going to be a love triangle in a later book. There was an insta love feeling but it wasn't major as the plot isn't geared towards love, it's towards the found family trope. The side characters that were important took in Oliver and Gemma and drove them to become the best versions of themselves and I loved it.
The Talismans of Teregrin was a fun walk in the park to read and the next will be even better.
Oliver, one of the main characters, was very well developed and I could really connect with him throughout the novel. His sister, Gemma, on the other hand was not as well. She got her understanding of her powers too quickly for my liking but there was no difference in how I felt when the povs would change. The side characters were more or less forgettable only because there were quite a few and if they weren't significant to the plot, they blended into the background.
There was no real romance factor with the first in the series, but I do think that there is going to be a love triangle in a later book. There was an insta love feeling but it wasn't major as the plot isn't geared towards love, it's towards the found family trope. The side characters that were important took in Oliver and Gemma and drove them to become the best versions of themselves and I loved it.
The Talismans of Teregrin was a fun walk in the park to read and the next will be even better.
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June 9, 2023Riveting!
Urban Fantasy and especially Dark Fantasy are not my usual genres of choice as I’m an author of Crime-Heist/ Espionage and Vigilante-Thief books. Nevertheless, the plot description for this book popped off the page, grabbed my attention, and wooed me in. Since I love series books, I took a chance with this debut novel, and I’m so glad I did. The gripping first sentence to the hopeful, gut-stirring last held me enthralled.
The characters were real...really believable as contemporary teenagers. These 16 & 17-year-old heroes and anti-heroes possessed all the traits I expected and then some. Their strengths, weaknesses, and flaws (not to mention adolescent hormones!) coupled with the main characters’ “beyond their years” convictions and the fantasy element of superpowers made this book an exciting change for me—actually, just plain exciting! I particularly enjoyed the bond, wit, humor, and especially the chemistry between the main characters, twins Gemma and Oliver. Chemistry between and among characters is what I look for in not only books but in TV series and movies, and it was so well written here, the book was difficult to put down. I found the plotline and action invigorating. The story’s climax had me biting my fingernails much the same as the FMC (female main character) had done all through the book.
Kudos to Ms. Metzger. She has a talent for writing and storytelling, a compelling combination of skills. As such, I highly recommend this, the first book in her Talismans of Teregrin series, for any age adult. I can’t wait to read Book Two!
Urban Fantasy and especially Dark Fantasy are not my usual genres of choice as I’m an author of Crime-Heist/ Espionage and Vigilante-Thief books. Nevertheless, the plot description for this book popped off the page, grabbed my attention, and wooed me in. Since I love series books, I took a chance with this debut novel, and I’m so glad I did. The gripping first sentence to the hopeful, gut-stirring last held me enthralled.
The characters were real...really believable as contemporary teenagers. These 16 & 17-year-old heroes and anti-heroes possessed all the traits I expected and then some. Their strengths, weaknesses, and flaws (not to mention adolescent hormones!) coupled with the main characters’ “beyond their years” convictions and the fantasy element of superpowers made this book an exciting change for me—actually, just plain exciting! I particularly enjoyed the bond, wit, humor, and especially the chemistry between the main characters, twins Gemma and Oliver. Chemistry between and among characters is what I look for in not only books but in TV series and movies, and it was so well written here, the book was difficult to put down. I found the plotline and action invigorating. The story’s climax had me biting my fingernails much the same as the FMC (female main character) had done all through the book.
Kudos to Ms. Metzger. She has a talent for writing and storytelling, a compelling combination of skills. As such, I highly recommend this, the first book in her Talismans of Teregrin series, for any age adult. I can’t wait to read Book Two!
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