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Mystic #1
Bronya
This is book one of the Mystic series. A set of New Adult Paranormal novellas that speak out against issues faced in the world today, showing how strong women can overcome anything.
Bronya Thibodeaux is a senior at Houma High School whose life is about to be changed forever. She's always felt like an outcast, but thinks she may have found a friend when a strange, new girl named Markaza who has blue hair, a number of tattoos, and a strange way of dressing appears.
Bronya's life choices make her a pariah in her small town. After getting thrown out of school, not being able to find a job, and being subjected to ridicule and cruel treatment, Bronya chooses to leave her old life behind forever when she receives a compelling invitation from a mysterious company named WSTW.
What Bronya doesn't know, is the mysterious company is owned by Markaza; a mystic who knows the end of the world is coming and is gathering together the only people who can stop the evil that's threatening to take over. Bronya is just the first. But going to New York is only a baby step toward her true journey. As Bronya races against the clock to unlock a power she never knew she had, Markaza races to collect the others: Lily, Shelia, Melody, and Coralie.
Bronya Thibodeaux is a senior at Houma High School whose life is about to be changed forever. She's always felt like an outcast, but thinks she may have found a friend when a strange, new girl named Markaza who has blue hair, a number of tattoos, and a strange way of dressing appears.
Bronya's life choices make her a pariah in her small town. After getting thrown out of school, not being able to find a job, and being subjected to ridicule and cruel treatment, Bronya chooses to leave her old life behind forever when she receives a compelling invitation from a mysterious company named WSTW.
What Bronya doesn't know, is the mysterious company is owned by Markaza; a mystic who knows the end of the world is coming and is gathering together the only people who can stop the evil that's threatening to take over. Bronya is just the first. But going to New York is only a baby step toward her true journey. As Bronya races against the clock to unlock a power she never knew she had, Markaza races to collect the others: Lily, Shelia, Melody, and Coralie.
108 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2012
5 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Jo Michaels
91 books273 followersJo Michaels loves writing novels that make readers gasp in horror, surprise, and disbelief. While her browser search history has probably landed her on a list somewhere, she still dives into every plot with gusto, hoping "the man" will realize she's a writer and not a psychopath about to go on a rampage. Her favorite pastimes are reading, watching Investigation Discovery, and helping other authors realize their true potential through mentoring. She's penned the award-winning Pen Pals and Serial Killers series and the best-selling educational book for children, Writing Prompts for Kids, which has rocketed the kids that use it into several awards of their own.
Most of Jo's books feature the places she's lived: Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia. That's given her a special amount of insight to what makes those locations tick. Her works are immersive and twisty, and she wouldn't want it any other way.
Most of Jo's books feature the places she's lived: Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia. That's given her a special amount of insight to what makes those locations tick. Her works are immersive and twisty, and she wouldn't want it any other way.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 6, 2015
Bronya is the first novella in the Mystic Series by the talented Jo Michaels. I am really impressed with the way she has written this series. Each novella focuses on one of the five girls that Markaza has been searching for to save the world. With that being said, book 1 focuses on the first of these girls, Bronya.
I immediately felt for this character. She spent most of her time alone without any close friends, she was treated terrible by her peers and the craving she had for someone to connect with just broke my heart. The author really made me feel her pain and at the same time gave me hope that she will find her true potential and the acceptance that she craves within this group of women that Markaza is assembling.
A great beginning to a series that I plan to devour. I highly recommend it.
I immediately felt for this character. She spent most of her time alone without any close friends, she was treated terrible by her peers and the craving she had for someone to connect with just broke my heart. The author really made me feel her pain and at the same time gave me hope that she will find her true potential and the acceptance that she craves within this group of women that Markaza is assembling.
A great beginning to a series that I plan to devour. I highly recommend it.
October 24, 2012
Bronya is the first novella from the Mystic series, in this story we meet Markaza, a blue hair tattooed teenager and Bronya, a physically strong teenager living in a small town in Louisiana.
Markaza has the ability to see into the future and knows that she needs to recruit specific women from all over the US by befriending them and persuading them to leave their lives to go to New York under the care of WSTW (Women Save The World)
Markaza comes in at the right moment just as Bronya is suffering from the consequences of coming out as a lesbian in the small town. She goes through ridicule and a humiliating heartbreak.
The way the story will be told is in a series of 5 novellas and 1 novel to tie it all up. Character development and plot twists will emerge as the series advances and gains momentum.
The underlining theme in Bronya is to show how the cruelty of words can hurt and helps the reader to step into someone else's shoes for awhile.
Markaza has the ability to see into the future and knows that she needs to recruit specific women from all over the US by befriending them and persuading them to leave their lives to go to New York under the care of WSTW (Women Save The World)
Markaza comes in at the right moment just as Bronya is suffering from the consequences of coming out as a lesbian in the small town. She goes through ridicule and a humiliating heartbreak.
The way the story will be told is in a series of 5 novellas and 1 novel to tie it all up. Character development and plot twists will emerge as the series advances and gains momentum.
The underlining theme in Bronya is to show how the cruelty of words can hurt and helps the reader to step into someone else's shoes for awhile.
October 11, 2012
Book exchange for review~Per Goodreads rules~
I really found this book to be such an easy read that was quick and fast paced. Uet not so fast that nothing was ever not explained fully. Each of the characters presented were so rich and full of life as well as having flaws that made them so very likable. Characters that were judged by other people's standards and beliefs that made you want to root for the underdog to win out over all the haters, cheaters, losers, and liars of the world. Paranormal aspects of this story were cleverly woven in such a way that was just perfect blending into the background of the story and characters too. Here are my thoughts:
Markaza Turner is young woman, who is tasked with finding young women with special gifts, using her own gift of Seeing to help with this task. She's to find five young women to save the world from great danger that will occur around her eighteenth birthday. Markaza has found four of the young women needed they are scattered all over the United States and she's beginning to doubt if she's going to find the fifth young woman. Markaza already created Women Save The World Company or WSTW based in New York City to keep an eye on these women. Markaza's search leads her to Houma, Louisana and gathers everything she needs for the trip including a book on Voodoo. Bronya Thibodeaux is high school senior, talented artist, and secretly in love with Cecilia Hooper who is decidedly not gay. Bronya is big for her size and no one really messes with her at all with exception of Stephanie Rich who bullies everyone in sight. Markaza befriends Bronya on her first day of class and the two really hit it off. Markaza watches Bronya closely over her short time in Houma and learns the many side of Bronya. Markaza advises Bronya not to share her feelings about Cecilia yet allows Bronya to make her own mistakes. Eventually Bronya shares her feelings about Cecilia very publicly which earns her scorn and ridicule from everyone. When the offer from WSTW comes in Bronya jumps at the chance to make a new start. Meanwhile Markaza flies to San Diego, California for the next young woman that is needed. What else does Markaza learn? How will Bronya feel about leaving Houma? What is this big event that will happen in the future? What is WSTW's purpose? Your answers await you in Bronya.
I really found this book to be such an easy read that was quick and fast paced. Uet not so fast that nothing was ever not explained fully. Each of the characters presented were so rich and full of life as well as having flaws that made them so very likable. Characters that were judged by other people's standards and beliefs that made you want to root for the underdog to win out over all the haters, cheaters, losers, and liars of the world. Paranormal aspects of this story were cleverly woven in such a way that was just perfect blending into the background of the story and characters too. Here are my thoughts:
Markaza Turner is young woman, who is tasked with finding young women with special gifts, using her own gift of Seeing to help with this task. She's to find five young women to save the world from great danger that will occur around her eighteenth birthday. Markaza has found four of the young women needed they are scattered all over the United States and she's beginning to doubt if she's going to find the fifth young woman. Markaza already created Women Save The World Company or WSTW based in New York City to keep an eye on these women. Markaza's search leads her to Houma, Louisana and gathers everything she needs for the trip including a book on Voodoo. Bronya Thibodeaux is high school senior, talented artist, and secretly in love with Cecilia Hooper who is decidedly not gay. Bronya is big for her size and no one really messes with her at all with exception of Stephanie Rich who bullies everyone in sight. Markaza befriends Bronya on her first day of class and the two really hit it off. Markaza watches Bronya closely over her short time in Houma and learns the many side of Bronya. Markaza advises Bronya not to share her feelings about Cecilia yet allows Bronya to make her own mistakes. Eventually Bronya shares her feelings about Cecilia very publicly which earns her scorn and ridicule from everyone. When the offer from WSTW comes in Bronya jumps at the chance to make a new start. Meanwhile Markaza flies to San Diego, California for the next young woman that is needed. What else does Markaza learn? How will Bronya feel about leaving Houma? What is this big event that will happen in the future? What is WSTW's purpose? Your answers await you in Bronya.
January 10, 2014
Bronya is the first novella from the Mystic Series by Jo Michaels. Now I must admit that I picked up these books because of the blurb I had read in the back of "The Bird", so this was not my first taste of Jo Michaels writing style.
That being said this book is EXCELLENT! I could NOT put it down, I literally absorbed every page, grabbed the next book in the series and completed all 5 of them in one day, needless to say I did not get any sleep. But when I was finished I nearly cried because I would have to wait for book 6 to be released with Markaza's story. eeek I do not do well having to wait!
In Bronya we have the story of a young girl who has just come out of the closet. She revealed that she is a lesbian in a small town and is now dealing with the violence and the negative reactions from coming out.
Markaza is a very special girl and she has the ability to see the future, she knows she needs to collect certain girls and form a group to defeat a future evil, and Bronya happens to be one of the girls.
Markaza comes into her life and well... I won't tell you any more for fear I will spoil the book for you. But trust me when I say you will eat these books up. The characters and their troubles are extremely realistic and I could relate to quite a few of the issues these women all face.
So what are you waiting for? Go grab yourself a copy!
That being said this book is EXCELLENT! I could NOT put it down, I literally absorbed every page, grabbed the next book in the series and completed all 5 of them in one day, needless to say I did not get any sleep. But when I was finished I nearly cried because I would have to wait for book 6 to be released with Markaza's story. eeek I do not do well having to wait!
In Bronya we have the story of a young girl who has just come out of the closet. She revealed that she is a lesbian in a small town and is now dealing with the violence and the negative reactions from coming out.
Markaza is a very special girl and she has the ability to see the future, she knows she needs to collect certain girls and form a group to defeat a future evil, and Bronya happens to be one of the girls.
Markaza comes into her life and well... I won't tell you any more for fear I will spoil the book for you. But trust me when I say you will eat these books up. The characters and their troubles are extremely realistic and I could relate to quite a few of the issues these women all face.
So what are you waiting for? Go grab yourself a copy!
September 13, 2012
Bronya has many of the features that I really love about indie books. It has a unique protagonist and plot elements that you’re not likely to find in most mainstream novels. I really enjoyed the book and I am curious to see what direction the series goes in.
Michaels was able to create a sympathetic portrait of Bronya. She’s ridiculed for being different and a loner in her high school. She never realizes that her differences make her special and she’s a key part of preventing an evil from destroying the world.
The writing and editing was well done in Bronya. The descriptions drew me into the story and I finished the book in only a couple of sittings.
The only issue I had with Bronya is that I felt it didn’t completely realize its’ potential. It was short, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I felt like there were so many aspects that could have been expanded upon. For instance, the mystical elements were only briefly talked about and I would have liked to seen more of Markaza and learn about her powers.
Overall, a great fantasy novel that deals with hot button issues like teen bullying. I would highly recommend this book.
Michaels was able to create a sympathetic portrait of Bronya. She’s ridiculed for being different and a loner in her high school. She never realizes that her differences make her special and she’s a key part of preventing an evil from destroying the world.
The writing and editing was well done in Bronya. The descriptions drew me into the story and I finished the book in only a couple of sittings.
The only issue I had with Bronya is that I felt it didn’t completely realize its’ potential. It was short, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I felt like there were so many aspects that could have been expanded upon. For instance, the mystical elements were only briefly talked about and I would have liked to seen more of Markaza and learn about her powers.
Overall, a great fantasy novel that deals with hot button issues like teen bullying. I would highly recommend this book.
October 2, 2012
Congrats to Jo for writing a great novella. The characters are unique, and aren't often found in fantasy/paranormal stories. The writing and editing are both well done. It's a quick read, which is a bit disappointing - but only because I want more. Thankfully more are on the way!
Bronya is a strong, yet struggling girl, one all girls can relate to on some level. And Markaza is equally strong, if not a bit mysterious - I definitely hope we get to find out more about her in the coming novellas. I thought Cecilia was well-written too, despite the fact that I questioned her initial empathetic response to Bronya when surely she knew what was going on.
I definitely think it's a good thing when my one complaint is that it wasn't longer, not just because I wanted more, but because I think there was room left to flesh out the characters a little better. It reads fast, and there were plenty of times I wish the scene had been stretched out, that we were put more inside the moment and inside the character's head instead of rushing through. I think this could have been easily expanded into a novel.
All in all, a meaningful and entertaining read.
Bronya is a strong, yet struggling girl, one all girls can relate to on some level. And Markaza is equally strong, if not a bit mysterious - I definitely hope we get to find out more about her in the coming novellas. I thought Cecilia was well-written too, despite the fact that I questioned her initial empathetic response to Bronya when surely she knew what was going on.
I definitely think it's a good thing when my one complaint is that it wasn't longer, not just because I wanted more, but because I think there was room left to flesh out the characters a little better. It reads fast, and there were plenty of times I wish the scene had been stretched out, that we were put more inside the moment and inside the character's head instead of rushing through. I think this could have been easily expanded into a novel.
All in all, a meaningful and entertaining read.
September 8, 2012
Exciting, excellent plot ... but I just really wanted more. More dialogue, more description, more happening, more foreshadowing, more plot points. I think with another draft of this it could be one of the next great teen series, but right now it is missing quite a bit, and I understand that with an ebook you have to be a little more brief to keep people's attention (I write copy and I have done informational ebooks before), but with fiction there needs to be some compromise where you know you need to fill in a little more than you would with informational ebooks. I liked it, I just wanted more of it.
June 18, 2016
League of Justice, eat your heart out! Here come the Women Save the World!
What a fun quick book to read. You feel for Bronya and what she goes through, living in a small town. Peers can be cruel and evil, besides blind. At least one person, Markaza shows her a friendly hand, regardless of the circumstance.
Jo did a fantastic job, as usual, describing the hell of a town and what is happening to the world for a new brand of heroen to emerge. I'm beyond hooked and already started reading Lily, next book of the Mystic series.
What a fun quick book to read. You feel for Bronya and what she goes through, living in a small town. Peers can be cruel and evil, besides blind. At least one person, Markaza shows her a friendly hand, regardless of the circumstance.
Jo did a fantastic job, as usual, describing the hell of a town and what is happening to the world for a new brand of heroen to emerge. I'm beyond hooked and already started reading Lily, next book of the Mystic series.
November 13, 2013
I really liked this story. I thought it was a great start to what I'm hoping will be a great overall story! I like the idea of getting to know each character in a shorter story, one that also reveals bits and pieces of whats to come. It definitely left me wondering about all the other characters mentioned and how the overall story will unfold.
January 14, 2013
This was unlike any other book I've read. It was really good and a quick read. I won the book off of a blog giveaway and I'm excited to read the others!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews