Mana

by Asher Tensei

Eurich is thrown into a seemingly ill-fated destiny. After learning of his legendary magic, he is convinced that he alone must stop an impending doom, but nothing is ever as it seems. His best friends Jason and Raine try their best to help him save the world, but help isn’t what he needs —he needs a way across the barrier.

Despite this fate thrust upon him, Eurich knows what is coming. The world is headed toward Chaos due to a weakening barrier between Earth and a world that has been hidden for millennia.

Our world is about to take a sharp turn for the worse. Extra moons are rising in the sky, and panic is at an all-time high. Worst of all, there are no explanations.

Saving the world begins with a choice —but is humanity worth him risking his own life?

Genres: Fantasy, Magic

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2012

About the author

Asher Tensei went to college for psychology, but later felt that writing was more his speed.

He had an idea, and after the fruition of the Twilight Saga, he was sure that writing was a life-long passion. The ability to portray a world vividly in his writing meant that he could, in his mind, stand up to some of the big players in the young adult genre.

Asher's emergence into the literary world introduces some new concepts in fantasy as well as unique values that make his novel hard to put down.

Reviews

[Ashley Byland · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is an interesting story to how I came upon this book. So, I run another site, Support Indie Authors, because I just love indie authors and want to get them as much exposure as possible. Anyway one night I was searching twitter for more authors to add to my website, and that’s when I met Asher Tensei. We got to chatting and he asked me to check out his first chapter of his book on his website and asked me if I would like to be the first one to read and review his book. I was very touched and of course I said yes because I absolutely LOVED the first chapter. So here is my review.

For a debut novel, I have to say Asher hit it out of the park. I have read a lot of books where a lot of detail is missing. You can still imagine everything but it can be kind of vague. Not in this book. It is a gripping story from the get go and the details in this book make this an easy read and a very easy place to imagine in your head when you are reading. If magic isn’t your thing, it may not be as exciting for you, but if you do like magic, this is right up your alley.

We start off the book right away with meeting Eurich, the main character, and it doesn’t take long for Eurich to realize something very weird is going on. I have to say how quickly the magic comes to life in this book is pretty cool. I don’t like it when books drag on forever waiting for things to happen, that you already know are going to. Once all this magic stuff does start to happen though, if you are not a very attentive reader or you kind of read a bit on the faster side, my advice is to slow down. There is a LOT of detail thrown at you and if you are not paying attention you can get confused. This was my only “problem” with this book. I do love all the detail, but it can get very confusing if you are not paying attention.

There are a couple chapters that I talked to the author about and he had told me they were very important to keep in this book. I agree with him there, but these chapters are very detailed and long and take you away from the main story maybe a bit too long. I understand the importance of these chapters, so when you get there, hold on because they are important. These 2 things were the only reason I didn’t rate this book a 5/5. All the characters in this book were very real and well written. The story was one I haven’t ever read before and I was very glad to be introduced to this story.Overall this book was a fun ride, I was very weary about certain characters, but I kept wanting to read more to see what would happen. I am very happy that I was able to read this book and I cannot wait for the next book because the way this one ended, will leave you wanting more!!

[Kirstin Pulioff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asher Tensei has created the beginning to an epic fantasy in his debut novel, Mana. Set in both the Earth world and an alternate world, Asher cleverly entwined the two in an understandable and cohesive way to create a wonderful read.
Eurich, the protagonist is a relatable character, growing throughout the book as his powers are discovered and developed. You find yourself routing for him as he discovers more about himself, his family, and the prophesy he is set to fulfill. The side characters also are well developed and defined in terms of their purpose and transformations.
The heart of this story for me was in the transformations of the relationships. Asher skillfully and poignantly described the depth and struggles of multiple relationships- the blossoming of love, the betrayal of power, the confusion and acceptance of buried pasts.
I read this book from beginning to end in one sitting. It was easy to get transported into this world that Asher created. Both the descriptions of the Earth world, the imagery of the alternate world, witty dialogue, and the timeline of the story kept my interest peaked. This is an enjoyable book for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy, urban fantasy or just a fun read for the afternoon.
One thing about this novel, is that while it is a great read, it does heavily set up for the next story. The cliffhanger leaves you with a longing for the next rather than a clear resolution… so keep writing Asher because I am looking forward to the continuing story.

[Arie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a first time writer this book is outstanding! I am a very picky reader, who happened to come across this book and it's author, and him having asked me to read it. I won't lie, at first I was thinking "this is not going to be very good..." we'll he proved me very wrong. This is a book you could never get bored of reading, one of those books that every time you read it you find something new that you hadn't read the first or first few times. Though like every book it may have a few flaws, but honestly I have seen much worse.

This book is by far one of the most amazing books I have ever read. I am very lucky to have read one of the earlier copies of Mana.

[Deja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mana is the most amazing book and I really think everyone should be reading it! :)

[Krystal Milton · Rating 4 out of 5]

We live in a world where vampires are the most coveted fantasy; Werewolves are an exotic delicacy to be had, Fairies as well as pixies are the center of innocent imaginaries, where animals talk and magic is smoke like clouds floating over the horizon. Simply put, we live in a world where fantasy is sought and kept.

Asher Tensei has sailed beyond all of that with his debut novel Mana. He creates a symbolic contrast between our world and the fantasy of others, where magic, myth and fantasies collide.

I am a true lover of Mystery, thriller, suspense as well as personal conflict and Asher nailed all of these elements in the heart of the story where the lead character Eurich Aurion finds himself torn between the present and his destiny.


One of the things I dislike about most books is how characters are introduced. Many of the main characters have no real substance; the smaller characters have no value. But in this book, Mana, we are introduced to Eurich’s lineage. His father’s past is outlined so beautifully. We follow the story of his power, how he was created, where it came from, how he wields it against his enemies. We follow Eurich’s foster parents and how they came to care for a boy with inevitable power that he can use to save the world. Asher describes his fantasy world in so much detail I would swear it were real. He gives the reader intense detail on the power this world inhabits. He describes history of this magic, the culture, the atmosphere as well as the dangerous animals that dwell there.

The catch I loved most was the conflict between earth and the world Asher created. What would Eurich decide? Where would this journey of finding his past and figuring out his future lead us? There was no stone left unturned. From the moment I began to read I felt in sync with the characters, I was able to follow the plot, I was able to imagine the goings on as if I were watching it on a Flat screen in my living room with a bowl of popcorn in my lap.

Mana is a great read. I found myself not wanting to put it down. I did find some of the chapters to be long; I wanted to get to the goods! But after careful consideration I realized that Asher wants his readers to know everything. You get so much of an in-depth look into each character and their circumstance you find that after you are finished you wouldn’t want to lose such valuable information.

Every writer has their own style. While I did feel like I just wanted to skip a page of two, that’s not something you can do with this book. It’s like a puzzle, every piece fits and if you do happen to skip a page you will definitely miss an important piece. Good Job Asher! Waiting on the next installment!

[camila · Rating 4 out of 5]

*A copy was provided by Enchanted Book Promotions exchange for a honest review . The following review is my opinion and not a paid review.*

My thought:
Just looking the cover you can figure what is waiting for you inside the books, with this neon purple and the necklace.
I've ended the book, and I can say that I really like it. It's so interest, and amazing how the author manages to introduce you into the magical world he has created in this novel. Tensei have made an impressive work in his debut novel, in the experience of reading Mana you can connect so strong with the characters through writing that has the book, which describes what is happening in a way that you going imagining it at second, immediately transporting you to the world of Mana's. The best part of this book is that the descriptions do not make heavy reading or boring, in fact, quite the opposite these more easily allow you to immerse yourself in the reading, which for me is totally a plus, since I really do not like much the books that give only vague descriptions of the characters, I prefer those who are well trained like Erich, the protagonist of Mana's.
Another plus is the realism that you can found in it, I know, it's a contradiction is totally what I'm saying, but I really felt it this way, it was just like the connection I have with some books, and actually I'm really happy of being part of this blog tour, because for it I had the opportunity to discover this gorgeous book.
My rating : 4/5

You can read the entire review at Books Down My Pillow Blog Tour: Mana by Asher Tnsei.

[Zrinka Jelic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eurich is a teenage boy on his last year of high school. He lives with his adoptive parents, Serra and Albert. From outside they appear like a normal, everyday family. Except there's a lot more beneath what eye can see. First is is a magic stone he wears all the time as a pendant. The strange things start to happen on his first day of senior year. Soon he discovers that his parents are two wizards from the world known as Samsera, the world existing parallel to Earth, yet the two can never see each other, like two sides of the coin. The world with many moons and where everything is opposite than it is on Earth. His real father (Aster) is a dragon or as they are called in Samsera, dragoon. He is trapped in a fissure for most of Eurich's life. Somehow Eurich's birth mother crossed over to Samsera and got in preganted by Aster's mana, the very essence of all living things. But as an ordinary human, she couldn't handle it and died in childbirth. Serra and Albert took it upon themselves to raise Eurich on Earth. With the help of his friends Jason and Raine (who is also his secret love and bears the resemblance of young Serra) he finds the way to go to Samsera to put the stop to a imminent end of the world as he knows it, and finds his father, but as soon as he frees him from his confines, another twist takes place and the story continues...

[MGGMMGGM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mana has proven to be a fantastic read from the very start. This is one of those books that will make you enjoy reading novels by indie authors. What really interested me was the story and how Tensei provided us with a detailed enough story to savour from page 1 to the end. MAna exceeded my expectation a lot. It was very descriptive, the characters were written very well and the pacing of the story was just right.

Okay, maybe there was something that I didn't like. It's the characters internal monologues. Sometimes I can be confused and later realized that the dialogue was "all in the head" or what the character thought so I'll go back and forth and re-read it but asides that everything was absolutely fantastic.

With the points stated above, I'd also like to add that I love how Tensei gave us the background of the whole story and their characters. I don't like novels that creates a blank whole within the story by leaving out the before. To sum it up, Mana is a recommended read. Mana isn't just a unique adventure with such awesome characters within a world beautifully detailed to the point by such a talented author. A story worth having in your reading list.

[Cindy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asher has written a wonderful beginning to a fantasy series! In this first part, he develops his characters and sets the tone for the rest of the series.

We are introduced to Eurich, who lives with his foster parents, and his two friends Jason and Raine. The three have been friends for years and it starts with Eurich's discovery that they both have feelings for Raine.

Eurich's parents have kept secrets about his heritage from him, which are now coming into play. He finds he is part dragon, from a parallel world, and has a magical destiny he must fulfill. His parents, teachers and friends, and a few dream people, must teach him about using and harnessing his powers.

Each of the characters are well developed and their relationship to Eurich is fully explained. The parents try to protect him, the friends experience love, jealousy and loyalty. All very honestly represented. Their necessity to destiny is left in the air (as it should be!).

I loved the ending...it left me desiring more!

Asher has put a lot of feeling and depth in his writing. I cannot wait for book two! Get writing!!!

[Step Into Fiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a debut novel, I have to say Asher hit it out of the park. I have read a lot of books where a lot of detail is missing. You can still imagine everything but it can be kind of vague. Not in this book. It is a gripping story from the get go and the details in this book make this an easy read and a very easy place to imagine in your head when you are reading.

Review originally posted at Step Into Fiction

Review completed by: Ashley

[Elaine Katumu · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED Mana, one of my favorite books. Gives a new twist to fiction books like I've never seen before. Recommend it to everyone!!!

[DelSheree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eurich is fairly content with his life. Sure, he may fantasize about something really exciting happening one day, but overall, he has great parents, good friends, and a bright future. All of that changes when his teacher gives him a book filled with stories and creatures not of this world. Eurich doesn't really believe the book could be real at first, not until people around him start changing, until he finds himself in a strange world with an otherworldly guide. Soon, Eurich realizes fantasies aren't all fun and games. The power he is beginning to recognize brings with it a destiny he may not be able to fulfill, let alone survive.

Mana gets off to an interesting start when Eurich witnesses, or seems to witness, his entire neighborhood being destroyed by fire. He is shocked when he realizes the fire was not real, but the strange creature he met while trying to stop the fire is real. The overall idea behind this book was very interesting. Tensei sets up a well developed storyline and backstory that drives the plot forward. At one point the reader even gets to jump back in time to experience some of the backstory through the eyes of Eurich's adoptive parents. This flashback was a bit lengthy, but interesting. I felt there were no big gaps in the plot, and I was interested throughout the book to see what would happen next. I did, however, think some of the plot points were more obvious that the characters seemed to think, which was a little frustrating at times, but overall it was interesting.

The characters showed promise in this book. Each one had an element of uniqueness to them that made them memorable. I enjoyed the conflict Tensei created between characters at different times that kept the relationships from feeling flat. I didn't see as much depth to the characters as I would have liked, but I feel fairly confident that this will develop more as the series continues. The dialog was also a bit stilted throughout the book, but I've found that this is common among new writers and the flow of the dialog often improves with each book. At times some of the characters had a very "young" feel to them because of their occasionally simplistic reactions and lack of deep emotional connection. I saw this particularly with Euirch and Raine mainly because they did not seem to take things as seriously as I would have expected and brushed off things that should have been more emotional of thought provoking at times. One time where this happened was regarding the hooded man. Raine and Jason both discuss him, and it seemed pretty clear that this was a bad guy, someone to be concerned about, yet Eurich and Raine brush it off like it is nothing.

The magic system was a little bit of a struggle for me. I didn't feel like it was ever explained well enough that I could get a good handle on it. When the magic was being used, especially in combat, I was often a little unsure of what was going on. I was also not a huge fan of the system being word based. This also contributed to giving the book a younger feel than what I think Tensei was going for. I did, however enjoy the progression Eurich went through to develop his skills, and the interesting abilities Raine developed along the way. I think there is potential here with the magic system, but it needed a little more explanation and I hope the use gets more complex throughout the series.

Overall, this was an intriguing idea for a book. I think it has potential as a series, but there is room for improvement and growth in the writing. The emotion was often lacking where it should have been impactful, the characters seemed unaware mainly to benefit the plot, the editing could have been much better, and the magic system needs to be a little more developed. I think the concept will compel readers to want to know what will happen next, but the weaknesses may be a struggle for some readers. The young feeling may also make this more suitable for younger teen readers than the 17-18 age group.

Check out m other reviews at The Edible Bookshelf

[Richard · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Plot of the story is an interesting one, though I'm not sure I'd agree with the Author that it is "unique". My problem with the book is that it's all over the place, there are sections that make no sense, Chapters, that I understand the author feels the need to have in the story, they just scream about being out of place. Areas that seem just tossed in to add meat to the book, but no real substance. All of this along with the poor editing, and hard to understand areas made this a difficult read. I picked up the Kindle edition of this book as a recommendation from the Facebook page Fantasy and Sci-Fi Rocks. The price tag of $2.99 is ok, but I would not be willing to pay more. This book seems rushed, and could do with a lot more polishing. I don't quite understand the rave reviews this book is getting, other then they seem to be the same reviews that are found on Amazon and other sites, in some cases word for word, I would almost put this as some PR stunt to raise the book sales. At this point, I can't recommend this book to anyone, it is a difficult read, and just poorly put together.

[Sky Rose Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Mana
Author: Asher Tensei
Rating: 3.5 out 5

Review also featured in www.skyrosereviews.com - Also featuring interview with Asher Tensei

My friend once told me that he could never write a book because no matter how well he described it no one will ever see the things he saw when he wrote it and with some author’s I agree that’s the case. The story will be just a dialogue with no spatial awareness what so ever but with Mana I would have to disagree. This book is written beautiful with vivid description that paints not just locations but amazing characters.

I find in most fantasy because the magic or whatever power might be present tends to dominate over everything including human characters and emotions, this book doesn’t. Tensei creates very realistic characters that you want to care about rather than whiny little girls with boy problems.

I absolutely enjoyed this book and I would recommend to any fantasy lover to go and buy this book.

Overall

I give this book 3.5 out of 5 for a fantastic journey into a fantasy filled world.

[Jane Geddis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this another book that could have benefited greatly from an editor. The characters of Asher, Jason and Raine are all fully realized, and the element of teen narcissism refreshing to see a fantasy book where most heroes of the genre are selfless. Just because someone has magical powers doesn't mean he'll without question sacrifice himself to save the work, especially when life hasn't been that great anyway. That said some of the prose is awkward and hard to follow, not that its not worth the effort, just that it easily could have been cleaned up by a good editor.

[Mariah Olave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've ever read! It has an awesome story, scenery that pops off the page, and characters that are very natural and real! Everyone really should be reading this!!