What do you think?
Rate this book
Render
A betrayal born of blood
A curse for a gift
A love worth saving
Koldan Holdt knows what he wants. The problem is his future was decided the day he was born—a future void of everything he has ever known.
Days before summer vacation, Koldan’s grandfather suddenly dies, leaving the consequences that have followed him since he fled his country to fall to Koldan. As Koldan learns about his new fate, he must accept the terms to which he is bound and live without the one person he wants, or remain true to who he is and risk both their lives repeating the choices his grandfather made.
Seventeen-year-old Raya Whitney thought she knew Koldan…until a sudden turn of events threatens both their lives. While she is not willing to give up without a fight, she knows it is a deadly game to stay together.
A curse for a gift
A love worth saving
Koldan Holdt knows what he wants. The problem is his future was decided the day he was born—a future void of everything he has ever known.
Days before summer vacation, Koldan’s grandfather suddenly dies, leaving the consequences that have followed him since he fled his country to fall to Koldan. As Koldan learns about his new fate, he must accept the terms to which he is bound and live without the one person he wants, or remain true to who he is and risk both their lives repeating the choices his grandfather made.
Seventeen-year-old Raya Whitney thought she knew Koldan…until a sudden turn of events threatens both their lives. While she is not willing to give up without a fight, she knows it is a deadly game to stay together.
402 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2013
2 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 17, 2013
So, I finished Render by Stephanie Fleshman in about a day and a half. A ten hour road trip helped considerably. All in all, it was much better than I expected to be, so I decided to post my review.
Why you'll love Render
It's well written. Are you a writer? Editor? Have an English degree? Have you ever put a book down because despite the story, you were constantly pulled out of it due to the misuse of it, it's, and its? Don't worry, you'll be safe in Render. Lately, some of the big blockbuster hits have had... shall we say less than impressive writing? Instead it's all drama and feelings and action, but not long term satisfying. There are a couple of metaphors I could think of for this, *giggle* but I'm going to use the PG version. A meal of Chinese take out will taste great but everyone knows you'll be hungry an hour later. With Render, you get a well-rounded steak dinner with a salad and a dessert. You are full, not stuffed sick, and you will definitely visit this restaurant, I mean author, again.
It's not angsty. Or at least what I would consider "stupid angsty." Its not Twilight. It's not Mortal Instruments. Its not Percy Jackson or Hunger Games. In fact, Render is the most grown up YA novel I have read to date. Thank you Stephanie, really. As much as we of the "mom" age enjoy reading and remembering our teenage years, it's refreshing to have something that keeps me from rolling my eyes. The difficulties these characters experience are real, important, and feasible. Not only that, these kids, Koldan, Raya, Lucas, and Ethan, think beyond their own selfish wants. They sacrifice for each other, and even for people they don't know and may never meet. The main crew could just as easily be 25 as 17, and I dig that.
It won't slow down. I was never bored. I was never saying, "keep it moving!" I never found my eyes skipping down the page, because I knew if I did, I would miss something important.There are so many subplots in Render, you're always unraveling a mystery. Then Stephanie switches to a different conundrum and you're off in another direction. I chased this story the way a cat chases a laser pointer. (Without running into a wall.)
It has history! I'm such a history nerd. As soon as I finished the book I was scouring the web for more about the Russian royal family. Having been fortunate enough to see the Catherine the Great exhibit when it came to the States in... well hell, it was awhile ago. I was little, but I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Have you seen her carriage?? And the end of the Romanov dynasty with the possibility of missing Prince Alexi and Princess Anastasia? Such a good base for some seriously juicy fiction. I'm so glad Stephanie decided to use it. Now if we could get the Assassin's Creed franchise on board... I'll sidebar that for another day.
Why Render may not be the book for you
You want the typical, mainstream YA novel. If you need a moody, brooding, teenage vampire/billionaire/angel/half-angel/werewolf/ghost/zombie/fairy/wizard or any combination of those as a leading man. If you need the worst thing that could happen in the story to be not getting to kiss that guy. If you need the world to revolve around that guy and his love interest. If you are 14, or an adult who thinks Fifty Shades was the best novel ever written. If you want the main female character to rebuff the protectiveness of her male counterpart. If any of these things are what you want in a book, you may be disappointed. The closest you're going to get in Render is Koldan, and he's closer to Doogie Howser with an ulcer than anything listed above. Maybe Mikihail in later books, but still, he's not exactly what you want either.
You want strong paranormal elements. No ghosts/vampires/zombies/fae/were-creatures to be found. I was terrified, but that could be from reading Render at the beach, after catching what I thought was a jellyfish, but turned out to be a moon jelly. Oh, and remembering that documentary about those teeny, tiny, evil little box jellyfish, with their nematodes, and how people react to their stings. Yeah, that's the stuff of nightmares. Give me a vampire and a wooden baseball bat, and I give myself better odds. (Oddly enough, Stephanie mentions the same documentary in her acknowledgements.)
You have to know, right now! Look, we all know that it takes time to craft a sequel, and if its not done right, we'll all be disappointed. I'm not asking you to wait say, seven years *cough* George R.R. Martin!*cough* or anything. But if you need all the answers at the end of the book, you are so screwed. Render is Lost, but with (thankfully) more answers. I can't wait to see what happens next, but what I really mean is I can if it means its done right. That's a good book to me, but you may be different.
You need the characters to be just like you. While I can relate to some of the more personal or moral feelings the main crew has, there's always a bit of disconnect. My family wasn't wealthy, nor was I a child prodigy, so I can't relate to Lucas or Koldan. We're certainly not in the billionaire club, so Ethan is out. I never even dated a rich guy like Raya. Strip their world away, which sort of happens on the island, and it's much easier to feel for them. I just worry that it might happen too late in Render for some readers.
My favorite line
Koldan: "It's not how I want to remember him. But the picture is more oil than water, and I know it will never fade." I liked this line so much, it became the first intentional bookmark I've ever put on my kindle.
My favorite character
Ethan. I want more Ethan. I have a soft spot for Southern gentlemen, being from the south myself. I love his charm, his easy-going attitude, and the perpetual cigarette he's always sporting. He can be sweet, without making Raya, thus me, uncomfortable or worried about his intentions. Yeah, give him his own series and love interest someday. I'd read that in a heartbeat.
Things I want to see in the future
Better classification. I'm still waiting to see the paranormal aspect of Render. Unless something easily identifiable as paranormal shows up, I would lose it. Render is strong enough on its own, without adding anything else.
Raya's back-story. I'm sure this will be covered in future books, but as she is the easiest character to relate to, I need to know about the normal girl. What the hell do I know about billionaires?
A sequel. Post haste!
Two things bear repeating. Render was way better than I expected. Maybe I'm becoming jaded by the carbon copy YA I've been reading lately. Secondly, from the beginning, Render reminded me of Lost, a show I loved. I say loved because eventually, I got tired of questions and needed some answers. Stephanie takes care of us in that aspect. Suggest Render to your YA friends, or at your next book club meeting. You won't be disappointed.
Now, I'm ending this review before it gets any longer... damn.
Why you'll love Render
It's well written. Are you a writer? Editor? Have an English degree? Have you ever put a book down because despite the story, you were constantly pulled out of it due to the misuse of it, it's, and its? Don't worry, you'll be safe in Render. Lately, some of the big blockbuster hits have had... shall we say less than impressive writing? Instead it's all drama and feelings and action, but not long term satisfying. There are a couple of metaphors I could think of for this, *giggle* but I'm going to use the PG version. A meal of Chinese take out will taste great but everyone knows you'll be hungry an hour later. With Render, you get a well-rounded steak dinner with a salad and a dessert. You are full, not stuffed sick, and you will definitely visit this restaurant, I mean author, again.
It's not angsty. Or at least what I would consider "stupid angsty." Its not Twilight. It's not Mortal Instruments. Its not Percy Jackson or Hunger Games. In fact, Render is the most grown up YA novel I have read to date. Thank you Stephanie, really. As much as we of the "mom" age enjoy reading and remembering our teenage years, it's refreshing to have something that keeps me from rolling my eyes. The difficulties these characters experience are real, important, and feasible. Not only that, these kids, Koldan, Raya, Lucas, and Ethan, think beyond their own selfish wants. They sacrifice for each other, and even for people they don't know and may never meet. The main crew could just as easily be 25 as 17, and I dig that.
It won't slow down. I was never bored. I was never saying, "keep it moving!" I never found my eyes skipping down the page, because I knew if I did, I would miss something important.There are so many subplots in Render, you're always unraveling a mystery. Then Stephanie switches to a different conundrum and you're off in another direction. I chased this story the way a cat chases a laser pointer. (Without running into a wall.)
It has history! I'm such a history nerd. As soon as I finished the book I was scouring the web for more about the Russian royal family. Having been fortunate enough to see the Catherine the Great exhibit when it came to the States in... well hell, it was awhile ago. I was little, but I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Have you seen her carriage?? And the end of the Romanov dynasty with the possibility of missing Prince Alexi and Princess Anastasia? Such a good base for some seriously juicy fiction. I'm so glad Stephanie decided to use it. Now if we could get the Assassin's Creed franchise on board... I'll sidebar that for another day.
Why Render may not be the book for you
You want the typical, mainstream YA novel. If you need a moody, brooding, teenage vampire/billionaire/angel/half-angel/werewolf/ghost/zombie/fairy/wizard or any combination of those as a leading man. If you need the worst thing that could happen in the story to be not getting to kiss that guy. If you need the world to revolve around that guy and his love interest. If you are 14, or an adult who thinks Fifty Shades was the best novel ever written. If you want the main female character to rebuff the protectiveness of her male counterpart. If any of these things are what you want in a book, you may be disappointed. The closest you're going to get in Render is Koldan, and he's closer to Doogie Howser with an ulcer than anything listed above. Maybe Mikihail in later books, but still, he's not exactly what you want either.
You want strong paranormal elements. No ghosts/vampires/zombies/fae/were-creatures to be found. I was terrified, but that could be from reading Render at the beach, after catching what I thought was a jellyfish, but turned out to be a moon jelly. Oh, and remembering that documentary about those teeny, tiny, evil little box jellyfish, with their nematodes, and how people react to their stings. Yeah, that's the stuff of nightmares. Give me a vampire and a wooden baseball bat, and I give myself better odds. (Oddly enough, Stephanie mentions the same documentary in her acknowledgements.)
You have to know, right now! Look, we all know that it takes time to craft a sequel, and if its not done right, we'll all be disappointed. I'm not asking you to wait say, seven years *cough* George R.R. Martin!*cough* or anything. But if you need all the answers at the end of the book, you are so screwed. Render is Lost, but with (thankfully) more answers. I can't wait to see what happens next, but what I really mean is I can if it means its done right. That's a good book to me, but you may be different.
You need the characters to be just like you. While I can relate to some of the more personal or moral feelings the main crew has, there's always a bit of disconnect. My family wasn't wealthy, nor was I a child prodigy, so I can't relate to Lucas or Koldan. We're certainly not in the billionaire club, so Ethan is out. I never even dated a rich guy like Raya. Strip their world away, which sort of happens on the island, and it's much easier to feel for them. I just worry that it might happen too late in Render for some readers.
My favorite line
Koldan: "It's not how I want to remember him. But the picture is more oil than water, and I know it will never fade." I liked this line so much, it became the first intentional bookmark I've ever put on my kindle.
My favorite character
Ethan. I want more Ethan. I have a soft spot for Southern gentlemen, being from the south myself. I love his charm, his easy-going attitude, and the perpetual cigarette he's always sporting. He can be sweet, without making Raya, thus me, uncomfortable or worried about his intentions. Yeah, give him his own series and love interest someday. I'd read that in a heartbeat.
Things I want to see in the future
Better classification. I'm still waiting to see the paranormal aspect of Render. Unless something easily identifiable as paranormal shows up, I would lose it. Render is strong enough on its own, without adding anything else.
Raya's back-story. I'm sure this will be covered in future books, but as she is the easiest character to relate to, I need to know about the normal girl. What the hell do I know about billionaires?
A sequel. Post haste!
Two things bear repeating. Render was way better than I expected. Maybe I'm becoming jaded by the carbon copy YA I've been reading lately. Secondly, from the beginning, Render reminded me of Lost, a show I loved. I say loved because eventually, I got tired of questions and needed some answers. Stephanie takes care of us in that aspect. Suggest Render to your YA friends, or at your next book club meeting. You won't be disappointed.
Now, I'm ending this review before it gets any longer... damn.
September 29, 2013
- See more at: http://petrichorabookblog.tumblr.com/
-- Recensione in italiano sotto!
When the grandfather of Koldan dies from one day to another without apparent reason, the young man already knows that something is not right. These doubts arise when he discovers with his girlfriend Raya that the man was hiding a laboratory under his home, a place that nobody knew about. There are a journal of leather and maps, as well as tickets for a trip to Australia booked long ago. From here begins the adventure of this group of young people in search of the mystery hidden between the pages of the journal that speaks of an ancient tribe named Ruairc. The journey will take them across the world, in the shores of Australia where the mysteries to unravel will increase as they will move closer to the truth.
The protagonists of the story are even those who narrate the facts, with the double point of view of Koldan and Raya, in fact, we have not only a complete view of events but also a splendid narrative that is never boring. More than one chapter ends with a stunning cliffhanger that forces you to keep reading until the end of the book. How could we not mention the other wonderful characters? Lukas, the brother of Koldan, and Ethan, best friend, always close and first in line to solve the mystery. All the characters are so well defined that they seem real. I sympathized with Raya and her point of view, but I also loved that of Koldan for his great intellect. I liked them very much together, as I also appreciated the fraternal relationship between Koldan and Lukas, a say and not say relationship very plausible. Although all of the protagonists are young, they are not the usual YA characters that one would expect: Koldan and Lukas, in fact, are “small” genes and in many cases even Raya shines for her wit.
For the plot, however, the socio-political aspect interested me very much. And for not wanting to say too much, I will just say that the Russian origin of the grandfather of Koldan will be very important to the plot and that the mysteries are many. Scientific knowledge has taken aback me in several points. Really did not expect to read a novel so well detailed from the beginning.
“Render” is a really well written novel, with a style that reminded me a lot J. K. Rowling (author also dear to Fleshman), interesting descriptions and a complex and intricate plot.
Needless to say, I highly recommend it to fans of the genre mystery/ thriller and I am looking forward to read the next one!
Rating: 4.5/5
Recensione in italiano
Quando il nonno di Koldan muore da un giorno all’altro senza apparenti motivi, il giovane sa già che c’è qualcosa che non va. Questi dubbi aumentano quando scopre insieme alla sua ragazza Raya che l’uomo nascondeva un vero e proprio laboratorio sotto la sua casa, un luogo di cui nessuno era a conoscenza. Lì trovano un giornale di pelle e delle mappe, oltre che i biglietti di un viaggio per l’Australia prenotato da tempo. Da qui parte l’avventura di questo gruppo di ragazzi alla ricerca del mistero che si cela tra le pagine del giornale e che parla di un’antica tribù di nome Ruairc. Il viaggio li porterà dall’altra parte del mondo, nelle coste dell’Australia dove i misteri da svelare aumenteranno mano a mano che si avvicineranno alla verità.
I protagonisti della vicenda sono anche coloro che narrano i fatti, con il doppio punto di vista di Koldan e Raya, infatti, abbiamo non solo una visione degli eventi completa ma anche una splendida narrazione che non è mai noiosa. Più di un capitolo termina con uno splendido cliffhanger che ti obbliga a continuare la lettura fino alla fine del libro. Come poi non citare gli altri splendidi personaggi? Lukas, il fratello di Koldan, e Ethan, il migliore amico, sempre accanto e in prima linea per risolvere il mistero. Tutti i personaggi sono così ben delineati da sembrare reali. Ho simpatizzato sin da subito con Raya e il suo punto di vista, ma ho adorato quello di Koldan per il suo grande intelletto. Mi sono piaciuti molto insieme, così come ho apprezzato anche il rapporto fraterno tra Koldan e Lukas, un dirsi e non dirsi molto plausibile. Sebbene tutti siano dei protagonisti giovani, non sono i soliti personaggi YA che uno si aspetterebbe: Koldan e Lukas, infatti, sono dei “piccoli” geni e in molti casi anche Raya brilla per la sua arguzia.
Per la trama, invece, il risvolto socio-politico mi ha interessato moltissimo. E per non voler svelare troppo, dirò solo che l’origine russa del nonno di Koldan sarà importante ai fini della trama e che i misteri sono davvero tanti. La conoscenza scientifica mi ha spiazzata in più punti. Davvero non mi aspettavo di leggere un romanzo sin dall’inizio così ben dettagliato.
“Render” è un romanzo davvero ben scritto, con uno stile che mi ha ricordato molto J. K. Rowling (autrice cara anche alla Fleshman), delle descrizioni interessanti e una trama complessa e intricata.
Inutile dire che lo consiglio vivamente agli amanti del genere mystery/thriller e non vedo l’ora di leggere il seguito!
Voto: 4.5/5
-- Recensione in italiano sotto!
When the grandfather of Koldan dies from one day to another without apparent reason, the young man already knows that something is not right. These doubts arise when he discovers with his girlfriend Raya that the man was hiding a laboratory under his home, a place that nobody knew about. There are a journal of leather and maps, as well as tickets for a trip to Australia booked long ago. From here begins the adventure of this group of young people in search of the mystery hidden between the pages of the journal that speaks of an ancient tribe named Ruairc. The journey will take them across the world, in the shores of Australia where the mysteries to unravel will increase as they will move closer to the truth.
The protagonists of the story are even those who narrate the facts, with the double point of view of Koldan and Raya, in fact, we have not only a complete view of events but also a splendid narrative that is never boring. More than one chapter ends with a stunning cliffhanger that forces you to keep reading until the end of the book. How could we not mention the other wonderful characters? Lukas, the brother of Koldan, and Ethan, best friend, always close and first in line to solve the mystery. All the characters are so well defined that they seem real. I sympathized with Raya and her point of view, but I also loved that of Koldan for his great intellect. I liked them very much together, as I also appreciated the fraternal relationship between Koldan and Lukas, a say and not say relationship very plausible. Although all of the protagonists are young, they are not the usual YA characters that one would expect: Koldan and Lukas, in fact, are “small” genes and in many cases even Raya shines for her wit.
For the plot, however, the socio-political aspect interested me very much. And for not wanting to say too much, I will just say that the Russian origin of the grandfather of Koldan will be very important to the plot and that the mysteries are many. Scientific knowledge has taken aback me in several points. Really did not expect to read a novel so well detailed from the beginning.
“Render” is a really well written novel, with a style that reminded me a lot J. K. Rowling (author also dear to Fleshman), interesting descriptions and a complex and intricate plot.
Needless to say, I highly recommend it to fans of the genre mystery/ thriller and I am looking forward to read the next one!
Rating: 4.5/5
Recensione in italiano
Quando il nonno di Koldan muore da un giorno all’altro senza apparenti motivi, il giovane sa già che c’è qualcosa che non va. Questi dubbi aumentano quando scopre insieme alla sua ragazza Raya che l’uomo nascondeva un vero e proprio laboratorio sotto la sua casa, un luogo di cui nessuno era a conoscenza. Lì trovano un giornale di pelle e delle mappe, oltre che i biglietti di un viaggio per l’Australia prenotato da tempo. Da qui parte l’avventura di questo gruppo di ragazzi alla ricerca del mistero che si cela tra le pagine del giornale e che parla di un’antica tribù di nome Ruairc. Il viaggio li porterà dall’altra parte del mondo, nelle coste dell’Australia dove i misteri da svelare aumenteranno mano a mano che si avvicineranno alla verità.
I protagonisti della vicenda sono anche coloro che narrano i fatti, con il doppio punto di vista di Koldan e Raya, infatti, abbiamo non solo una visione degli eventi completa ma anche una splendida narrazione che non è mai noiosa. Più di un capitolo termina con uno splendido cliffhanger che ti obbliga a continuare la lettura fino alla fine del libro. Come poi non citare gli altri splendidi personaggi? Lukas, il fratello di Koldan, e Ethan, il migliore amico, sempre accanto e in prima linea per risolvere il mistero. Tutti i personaggi sono così ben delineati da sembrare reali. Ho simpatizzato sin da subito con Raya e il suo punto di vista, ma ho adorato quello di Koldan per il suo grande intelletto. Mi sono piaciuti molto insieme, così come ho apprezzato anche il rapporto fraterno tra Koldan e Lukas, un dirsi e non dirsi molto plausibile. Sebbene tutti siano dei protagonisti giovani, non sono i soliti personaggi YA che uno si aspetterebbe: Koldan e Lukas, infatti, sono dei “piccoli” geni e in molti casi anche Raya brilla per la sua arguzia.
Per la trama, invece, il risvolto socio-politico mi ha interessato moltissimo. E per non voler svelare troppo, dirò solo che l’origine russa del nonno di Koldan sarà importante ai fini della trama e che i misteri sono davvero tanti. La conoscenza scientifica mi ha spiazzata in più punti. Davvero non mi aspettavo di leggere un romanzo sin dall’inizio così ben dettagliato.
“Render” è un romanzo davvero ben scritto, con uno stile che mi ha ricordato molto J. K. Rowling (autrice cara anche alla Fleshman), delle descrizioni interessanti e una trama complessa e intricata.
Inutile dire che lo consiglio vivamente agli amanti del genere mystery/thriller e non vedo l’ora di leggere il seguito!
Voto: 4.5/5
September 13, 2013
I really don’t understand writers’ love of present tense. I also don’t comprehend why its the new thing in YA and NA literature. It annoys the frell out of me. We don’t talk like this. I certainly don’t think like this. Maybe it’s because I’m not a “in the now” kind of person. I’m always thinking of where I’m going, what my goals are, what happened in the past. Yeah, okay, every once in a while, I say, “Okay. Right now, you need to do X, Y, and Z.” But if I were to write my entire book, it wouldn’t be in present tense. It’s weird. It’s awkward. It frustrates the ever lovin’ crap out of me.
So . . . because I realize that I’m a book blogger (and need to get over this) and because, for whatever mad reason, present tense is becoming more popular (so I REALLY need to get over this!), I decided to listen to it on my Kindle. Thank goodness for Text-to-Speech. Okay, so her voice is a little dull and she doesn’t get a few basics like 911 isn’t nine hundred and eleven. BUT! I was able to “read” the book without wanting to kill people.
The book was great!
Ms. Fleshman’s writing style was beautiful! Her wordcrafting was amazing. I loved the world-building, and the mystery surrounding this reappearing island. I loved all the intrigue. I loved the characters.
At first, it took me a bit to get into Koldan. I realize the biggest reason was because my head was fighting the awkward use of verbs. Okay. Ms. Fleshman really captured the male’s knack of description. There were a couple of times, I turned around to look at my Kindle and thought, “Is this author a man? LOL! Oh my word! That’s really how a guy describes things!” Raya was easy for me to sync with. Her and I bonded early on. She’s a total sweetie and a great friend to Koldan.
The plot was fast-paced. After talking to my BFF, though, there were places where she’d be put off because we paused to smell the flowers. My BFF likes fast, action-packed urban fantasies. I like the journey of a fantasy, so this plot was the perfect pace for me. We got the action AND we got to see the scenery (which was AMAZING!), AND we got to smell the flowers. Weeeeeell, I don’t think we really smelled flowers, but we did take the time to notice the world around us. (See how I’m inserting myself in the story? For all that I struggled with the tense, Ms. Fleshman was still able to wrap me into her story. That’s a sign of good wordsmithing.)
So. Should you read this book? Yes! Will I ever read this book again? No. Will I read anything else Ms. Fleshman has to offer? If she writes in past tense, I will be snatching her books up with a vengeance!
So . . . because I realize that I’m a book blogger (and need to get over this) and because, for whatever mad reason, present tense is becoming more popular (so I REALLY need to get over this!), I decided to listen to it on my Kindle. Thank goodness for Text-to-Speech. Okay, so her voice is a little dull and she doesn’t get a few basics like 911 isn’t nine hundred and eleven. BUT! I was able to “read” the book without wanting to kill people.
The book was great!
Ms. Fleshman’s writing style was beautiful! Her wordcrafting was amazing. I loved the world-building, and the mystery surrounding this reappearing island. I loved all the intrigue. I loved the characters.
At first, it took me a bit to get into Koldan. I realize the biggest reason was because my head was fighting the awkward use of verbs. Okay. Ms. Fleshman really captured the male’s knack of description. There were a couple of times, I turned around to look at my Kindle and thought, “Is this author a man? LOL! Oh my word! That’s really how a guy describes things!” Raya was easy for me to sync with. Her and I bonded early on. She’s a total sweetie and a great friend to Koldan.
The plot was fast-paced. After talking to my BFF, though, there were places where she’d be put off because we paused to smell the flowers. My BFF likes fast, action-packed urban fantasies. I like the journey of a fantasy, so this plot was the perfect pace for me. We got the action AND we got to see the scenery (which was AMAZING!), AND we got to smell the flowers. Weeeeeell, I don’t think we really smelled flowers, but we did take the time to notice the world around us. (See how I’m inserting myself in the story? For all that I struggled with the tense, Ms. Fleshman was still able to wrap me into her story. That’s a sign of good wordsmithing.)
So. Should you read this book? Yes! Will I ever read this book again? No. Will I read anything else Ms. Fleshman has to offer? If she writes in past tense, I will be snatching her books up with a vengeance!
September 2, 2013
Overall 4.25 stars
I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Render left me furious but furious in that way that will make me buy the next one. A percentage point or two before the end, I began to see this was not going to end with a contented sigh of satisfaction and that ooshy-gooshy, post-reading glow.
Parts of this novel were beyond tense. Chapter upon chapter kept me intrigued and reading until my eyes were ready to lead a revolt against my hand, which was falling asleep from holding my Kindle in the same position for so long. I loved Koldan, the male lead, but found myself even more held by Raya as the novel progressed. The plot was smart, the love story tender—just as it should be. While the characters are YA, the story is far from the typical YA plot. It’s full of political backstabbing and manipulation and raises questions about family loyalty versus family obligation. AND it’s teeming with sexual tension that didn’t seem exclusive to Raya and Koldan and left me questioning who exactly she’d end up with.
While the novel was, overall, titillating, the ugly beast of frustration reared her bitchy head. I’m not a fan of extraneous description; maybe it’s my anger at being forced to read Hawthorne in eleventh grade, but I hate too much scenic (whether inside or out) hullabaloo. So, though the rising action and climax of this novel are amazing at times, I was spacing out and rereading the same paragraphs repeatedly until I finally just skipped some of the descriptions. Also, there were times the teens didn’t sound like teens. Granted, these kids aren’t your typical, holey t-shirt and scuffed Nike kids, but they still didn’t sound “normal.” Some of the events seemed a little unbelievable, like the soldiers tracking Raya via her perfume—exactly how much perfume is she wearing? Fleshman does a great job keeping you guessing; I just wish the novel were a bit shorter since I’m afraid a lot of teen readers would stop reading before reaching the good part. Kids who are reluctant readers are intimidated by books of this length and are quick to abandon a great book.
Maladets, Stephanie Fleshman!
I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Render left me furious but furious in that way that will make me buy the next one. A percentage point or two before the end, I began to see this was not going to end with a contented sigh of satisfaction and that ooshy-gooshy, post-reading glow.
Parts of this novel were beyond tense. Chapter upon chapter kept me intrigued and reading until my eyes were ready to lead a revolt against my hand, which was falling asleep from holding my Kindle in the same position for so long. I loved Koldan, the male lead, but found myself even more held by Raya as the novel progressed. The plot was smart, the love story tender—just as it should be. While the characters are YA, the story is far from the typical YA plot. It’s full of political backstabbing and manipulation and raises questions about family loyalty versus family obligation. AND it’s teeming with sexual tension that didn’t seem exclusive to Raya and Koldan and left me questioning who exactly she’d end up with.
While the novel was, overall, titillating, the ugly beast of frustration reared her bitchy head. I’m not a fan of extraneous description; maybe it’s my anger at being forced to read Hawthorne in eleventh grade, but I hate too much scenic (whether inside or out) hullabaloo. So, though the rising action and climax of this novel are amazing at times, I was spacing out and rereading the same paragraphs repeatedly until I finally just skipped some of the descriptions. Also, there were times the teens didn’t sound like teens. Granted, these kids aren’t your typical, holey t-shirt and scuffed Nike kids, but they still didn’t sound “normal.” Some of the events seemed a little unbelievable, like the soldiers tracking Raya via her perfume—exactly how much perfume is she wearing? Fleshman does a great job keeping you guessing; I just wish the novel were a bit shorter since I’m afraid a lot of teen readers would stop reading before reaching the good part. Kids who are reluctant readers are intimidated by books of this length and are quick to abandon a great book.
Maladets, Stephanie Fleshman!
September 11, 2013
Koldan is eighteen and a genius. He knows what he wants. When his grandfather dies, Koldan, his brother Lukas, friend Ethan and girlfriend Raya take the trip to Australia that his grandfather was planning on taking with Koldan and Lukas as an early eighteenth birthday present for Koldan.
I was hooked at the prologue. It gave me a sense of something sinister about to happen. It was a great way to start.
This book was written in first person format from the point of view of two of the main characters. I liked this, because it felt like I was with them as they were running for their lives. I found the scenes where the characters are running through the halls and tunnels a bit repetitive and confusing. I certainly was lost, and perhaps that is the feeling that Fleshman was going for because the characters found the maze of tunnels to be a bit endless as well.
Koldan and Raya’s relationship reminded me a little of Romeo and Juliet, as being two star-crossed lovers. Luckily for Koldan and Raya they didn’t end up like Romeo and Juliet. Fleshman writes this novel like peeling an onion. As you read, you find out a little bit more of the mystery surrounding Koldan’s grandfather’s legacy. Little by little the layers are peeled back until you discover what is really going on, and then Fleshman adds a few twists and turns until you get to the end of the book.
I was disappointed when I got to the last page of this novel – not because it was not well-written, or because the end was a bust, but because I wanted more. It was one of those “you can’t be finished yet!” kind of endings. Fortunately, Fleshman is working on a sequel, which I will be keeping an eye out for.
I applaud Stephanie for keeping this book free from swearing and coarse language and for keeping the romantic scenes chaste.
I gave this book 5 stars. I can’t wait for the sequel!
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this book from Novel Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own.
I was hooked at the prologue. It gave me a sense of something sinister about to happen. It was a great way to start.
This book was written in first person format from the point of view of two of the main characters. I liked this, because it felt like I was with them as they were running for their lives. I found the scenes where the characters are running through the halls and tunnels a bit repetitive and confusing. I certainly was lost, and perhaps that is the feeling that Fleshman was going for because the characters found the maze of tunnels to be a bit endless as well.
Koldan and Raya’s relationship reminded me a little of Romeo and Juliet, as being two star-crossed lovers. Luckily for Koldan and Raya they didn’t end up like Romeo and Juliet. Fleshman writes this novel like peeling an onion. As you read, you find out a little bit more of the mystery surrounding Koldan’s grandfather’s legacy. Little by little the layers are peeled back until you discover what is really going on, and then Fleshman adds a few twists and turns until you get to the end of the book.
I was disappointed when I got to the last page of this novel – not because it was not well-written, or because the end was a bust, but because I wanted more. It was one of those “you can’t be finished yet!” kind of endings. Fortunately, Fleshman is working on a sequel, which I will be keeping an eye out for.
I applaud Stephanie for keeping this book free from swearing and coarse language and for keeping the romantic scenes chaste.
I gave this book 5 stars. I can’t wait for the sequel!
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this book from Novel Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own.
September 15, 2013
Are you ready for an action packed young adult novel that will keep you guessing? If so, look no farther than Render by Stephanie Fleshman. Render has everything to keep a reader intrigued - plot twists, mystery, adventure, a love story and well developed characters.
Kolden thought he had his life planned out - finish medical school at Harvard and to be with his love Raya, but the sudden death of his grandfather leads Kolden on a journey that he will never be the same after. He finds out his path in life was decided for him on the day he was born, and it's not the one he wanted.
Raya thought she knew Kolden, but after the death of his grandfather she starts learning things that she never knew about him....secrets he kept from her...secrets that could endanger her life.
With the help of Kolden's brother Lukas and their friend Ethan, Raya and Kolden set out on an adventure. An adventure that Kolden's grandfather set in place before he died unexpected. They head to find out what Kolden's future holds, but soon realize that they placed themselves in extreme danger. Can Raya and Kolden's love for each other survive the secrets and the consequences of Kolden's new fate?
I have to admit that this book was a little slow in the beginning for me, but when it got to the second half, I couldn't put the book down. That's when the mystery really started to unfold. The first half does a good job of setting up the character's and background story, but I noticed some grammatical issues in the first half. Nothing too major and really, no book can be 100% free of spelling or grammatical issues.
That being said, I give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. This is the first book in a series and a strong debut from a new author. This book says it's a young adult paranormal, but I don't agree with the paranormal aspect. I'd say it was a young adult mystery or young adult suspense. This book could appeal to teens and adults alike, with nothing that I would consider inappropriate for the young adult crowd.
Kolden thought he had his life planned out - finish medical school at Harvard and to be with his love Raya, but the sudden death of his grandfather leads Kolden on a journey that he will never be the same after. He finds out his path in life was decided for him on the day he was born, and it's not the one he wanted.
Raya thought she knew Kolden, but after the death of his grandfather she starts learning things that she never knew about him....secrets he kept from her...secrets that could endanger her life.
With the help of Kolden's brother Lukas and their friend Ethan, Raya and Kolden set out on an adventure. An adventure that Kolden's grandfather set in place before he died unexpected. They head to find out what Kolden's future holds, but soon realize that they placed themselves in extreme danger. Can Raya and Kolden's love for each other survive the secrets and the consequences of Kolden's new fate?
I have to admit that this book was a little slow in the beginning for me, but when it got to the second half, I couldn't put the book down. That's when the mystery really started to unfold. The first half does a good job of setting up the character's and background story, but I noticed some grammatical issues in the first half. Nothing too major and really, no book can be 100% free of spelling or grammatical issues.
That being said, I give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. This is the first book in a series and a strong debut from a new author. This book says it's a young adult paranormal, but I don't agree with the paranormal aspect. I'd say it was a young adult mystery or young adult suspense. This book could appeal to teens and adults alike, with nothing that I would consider inappropriate for the young adult crowd.
September 10, 2013
Received from: Novelty Publicity (book tour / in exchange for an honest review)
09.09.13 Currently at 43% read, but I had made a commitment to have this posted this morning. I will update upon completing the book (later today, I’m sure). I’m sure I’d be finished if life hadn’t kept interrupting in the form of a “neglected” husband. I fully expected him to actually say, “but, I’m booooooorred.” So far this has been an excellent read.
09.10.13 I finished this last night and I must say this was not your usual YA novel. Ms. Fleshman has created an unique world. Though targeted at young adults, it is written to engage the intelligent wordsmith, rather than aiming at the base populace. As a child, I was reading at an adult level by the time I was in fourth grade. It was often frustrating to me that books intended for my age group (and even those at the higher grades) were too often written for the uneducated masses without vocabulary or experiences. Ms. Fleshman has avoided that particular pitfall and it was a refreshing experience to engage in this adventure.
Koldan, his brother Lukas, their friend Ethan, and Koldan’s girlfriend Raya have embarked on an adventure. Unbeknownst to any but the Russians, an Atlantis-like island has reappeared off the southwest coast of Perth Australia. Koldan and Lukas' grandfather has left them a journal and the resources to pursue this quest. Though he had intended to be with them, his unexpected death has these four teenagers chasing their destiny through the dark and mists of Ruairc.
I like how the chapters are told from the POV of Koldan and Raya, though not alternating. Each providing the narration as best fits the story, instead of a forced formula of his turn then her turn.
This is called Render and has a subtitle of "A Recompense Novel." I hope that means this will be a series!
09.09.13 Currently at 43% read, but I had made a commitment to have this posted this morning. I will update upon completing the book (later today, I’m sure). I’m sure I’d be finished if life hadn’t kept interrupting in the form of a “neglected” husband. I fully expected him to actually say, “but, I’m booooooorred.” So far this has been an excellent read.
09.10.13 I finished this last night and I must say this was not your usual YA novel. Ms. Fleshman has created an unique world. Though targeted at young adults, it is written to engage the intelligent wordsmith, rather than aiming at the base populace. As a child, I was reading at an adult level by the time I was in fourth grade. It was often frustrating to me that books intended for my age group (and even those at the higher grades) were too often written for the uneducated masses without vocabulary or experiences. Ms. Fleshman has avoided that particular pitfall and it was a refreshing experience to engage in this adventure.
Koldan, his brother Lukas, their friend Ethan, and Koldan’s girlfriend Raya have embarked on an adventure. Unbeknownst to any but the Russians, an Atlantis-like island has reappeared off the southwest coast of Perth Australia. Koldan and Lukas' grandfather has left them a journal and the resources to pursue this quest. Though he had intended to be with them, his unexpected death has these four teenagers chasing their destiny through the dark and mists of Ruairc.
I like how the chapters are told from the POV of Koldan and Raya, though not alternating. Each providing the narration as best fits the story, instead of a forced formula of his turn then her turn.
This is called Render and has a subtitle of "A Recompense Novel." I hope that means this will be a series!
September 11, 2013
3.5 stars-
It’s hard to start this review because all I want to talk about is the plot and that’s a no-no in a spoiler-free review. So I’ll start by talking about why I rated this book 3.5 hearts. This rating does not mean it was a bad book, not at all! What it was, was a creative, suspenseful, unique story about young love, familial obligations and an adventure that no one was expecting (not even me!). I was so shocked by this plot that well…you will just have to read it for yourselves!
The characters were so well crafted, that I felt like I knew them and was screaming at my kindle during rather tense parts. Koldan is amazing, I want to curl up next to him like Raya does just to hear him talk! Speaking of Raya, she’s an interesting character. I am not sure if I think she is strong willed & bull headed or just too innocent. But she grows on you & well apparently everyone else too. Lukas, Koldan’s younger brother, well let’s just say I have the deep need to follow him around like a puppy dog and watch him flip his hair and be a smart-ass. These aren’t your standard young adult characters, and well neither is the story. Koldan goes off to college, pre-med, years early; Lukas is too smart for his own good and their best friend Ethan, can do just about anything since his family is rich enough. Clearly, Raya spends too much time with these three boys.
>>>>more>>>
Full Review posted here for the Blog tour:
http://bookcrush.in/reviews/blog-tour...
It’s hard to start this review because all I want to talk about is the plot and that’s a no-no in a spoiler-free review. So I’ll start by talking about why I rated this book 3.5 hearts. This rating does not mean it was a bad book, not at all! What it was, was a creative, suspenseful, unique story about young love, familial obligations and an adventure that no one was expecting (not even me!). I was so shocked by this plot that well…you will just have to read it for yourselves!
The characters were so well crafted, that I felt like I knew them and was screaming at my kindle during rather tense parts. Koldan is amazing, I want to curl up next to him like Raya does just to hear him talk! Speaking of Raya, she’s an interesting character. I am not sure if I think she is strong willed & bull headed or just too innocent. But she grows on you & well apparently everyone else too. Lukas, Koldan’s younger brother, well let’s just say I have the deep need to follow him around like a puppy dog and watch him flip his hair and be a smart-ass. These aren’t your standard young adult characters, and well neither is the story. Koldan goes off to college, pre-med, years early; Lukas is too smart for his own good and their best friend Ethan, can do just about anything since his family is rich enough. Clearly, Raya spends too much time with these three boys.
>>>>more>>>
Full Review posted here for the Blog tour:
http://bookcrush.in/reviews/blog-tour...
September 8, 2013
That I read this book in (almost) one sitting says much about it. I'd picked up Render as part of the Novel Publicity book tour with the idea that "if I have the time, I'll do the review, if not I'll just read it later." But one long afternoon waiting for my passport to be done, I loaded it onto my iPad and was pretty much enthralled for the rest of the day.
Koldan Holdt's world is turned upside down when his grandfather dies unexpectedly. Armed with only some maps, a leatherback journal and the last travel bookings his grandfather made for him and his brother Lukas, Koldan, Lukas and Koldan's girlfriend, Raya, try to discover the secret that Dr Daniel Holdt had wanted to reveal to the boys before his death. Their journey takes them across the world to Australia, and on to an uncharted island where unexpected people and unwelcome news await them.
Fleshman writes quite believable characters, and I enjoyed the banter between the brothers. Admittedly they did use some really big words, but then again they're supposed to be geniuses, so it made some sense. The part that didn't quite make sense was when Raya started throwing some of those words around, because she wasn't supposed to be a genius as well, but I suppose maybe the boys rubbed off on her.
Koldan Holdt's world is turned upside down when his grandfather dies unexpectedly. Armed with only some maps, a leatherback journal and the last travel bookings his grandfather made for him and his brother Lukas, Koldan, Lukas and Koldan's girlfriend, Raya, try to discover the secret that Dr Daniel Holdt had wanted to reveal to the boys before his death. Their journey takes them across the world to Australia, and on to an uncharted island where unexpected people and unwelcome news await them.
Fleshman writes quite believable characters, and I enjoyed the banter between the brothers. Admittedly they did use some really big words, but then again they're supposed to be geniuses, so it made some sense. The part that didn't quite make sense was when Raya started throwing some of those words around, because she wasn't supposed to be a genius as well, but I suppose maybe the boys rubbed off on her.
October 8, 2013
This book is definitely worthy of 5 stars. It grabs your attention from the very beginning and does not let up the entire book. It is action packed, full of suspense and mystery, and contains characters you can't help but love...or hate...depending on who it is. This is one book I did not want to put down. I was so desperate to find out what happened next that I simply could not read fast enough.
My full review is on my blog: http://jacquesbooknook.blogspot.com/2...
My full review is on my blog: http://jacquesbooknook.blogspot.com/2...
September 13, 2013
See the review on my blog: http://ashleighgfg.blogspot.com/2013/...
I received this book for review as part of Render Blog Tour through Novel Publicity. Many thanks to the Novel Publicity and Stephanie Fleshman for allowing me to review this book.
This book is amazingly written, characters you can relate to and an epic story. It deserves 5 stars. The only downside was that it ended! I hope the sequel comes out soon!
I received this book for review as part of Render Blog Tour through Novel Publicity. Many thanks to the Novel Publicity and Stephanie Fleshman for allowing me to review this book.
This book is amazingly written, characters you can relate to and an epic story. It deserves 5 stars. The only downside was that it ended! I hope the sequel comes out soon!
August 18, 2013
Absolutely loved this book. I finished it in under a day and was actually a little sad when it ended. You know those books you finish and instantly think "movie" Well, this is exactly what I thought when I finished RENDER. Can't wait for the sequel!
August 26, 2013
Review up first week of September, or earlier if I get some time.
Visit http://www.naimeless.wordpress.com for this review, and lots of other book reviews.
Quick thoughts - great narrative, interesting story line. Awesome, creative names :)
Visit http://www.naimeless.wordpress.com for this review, and lots of other book reviews.
Quick thoughts - great narrative, interesting story line. Awesome, creative names :)
August 30, 2013
My test of a good novel is dreading to begin the last chapter. ~ Thomas Helm
I couldn't have said it better myself. I hung on to every page with excited anticipation of what would happen next. The end came way too soon!
I couldn't have said it better myself. I hung on to every page with excited anticipation of what would happen next. The end came way too soon!
September 11, 2013
*was give a copy of this book to review on my blog*
This book had lots of twists and turns. Very fast pace and easy to read. All the Russian names through me some but overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to a friend.
You can find my longer review at: joydfanning.blogspot.com
This book had lots of twists and turns. Very fast pace and easy to read. All the Russian names through me some but overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to a friend.
You can find my longer review at: joydfanning.blogspot.com
September 13, 2013
I couldn't really get through the book. I read about halfway through it and sadly still wasn't that into it. It was kind of confusing. The beginning of the book didn't explain what was happening it just jumped right into the book. All in all, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
September 7, 2013
Suspenseful, Page Turning, One that definitely keeps you guessing!
September 14, 2013
Riveting plot, masterful character development, suspenseful until the very end. Stephanie Fleshman needs to write the sequel in a hurry, pretty please! This is a must read...
Want to read
October 5, 2013rec.ed this book directly from the author I put on my profile that I donate books to the local cancer center.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews