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Freewill #3
Vindication
Mysterious murders, strange secret societies, and betrayal surrounds Christopher. Ellie finds out, if she can survive the treachery of giving your heart to another. Together, they must discover how to experience strength, forgiveness, and true love -- only by letting go of each other. Cruel and unfair, they may believe that their world is ruthless; but only by leaving behind their troubles will they ultimately overcome the horrors that await them
- GenresFantasyParanormal
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2012
37 people want to read
About the author
Elyse Draper
10 books179 followersA native of Colorado, Elyse Draper is an accomplished author, editor, and creative force with a uniquely evocative voice. Known for her poignant, melodious writing style, Elyse’s work spans genres and media, ranging from dark fiction and poetry to nonfiction and editorial contributions. Her notable works include Autism: The Beautiful Mind, Freewill, and Lay Me Down. She has edited over 50 indie publications and contributed more than 600 articles across a broad spectrum of topics. Industry professionals have widely praised her nonfiction for its clarity, insight, and emotional resonance.
Elyse’s journey as a writer took a transformative turn after she started losing her eyesight in 2011. Undeterred, she adapted by “painting with words,” cultivating a storytelling style rich in visual imagery and emotional depth. This resilience and adaptability are reflected throughout her work, blending lived experience with imagination in a way that captivates and inspires.
Fluent in French and deeply curious about the human condition, Elyse’s academic background spans law, philosophy, and cultural studies. As a teen, her time abroad in Europe cultivated her love of history, and her language flourished. These global experiences, paired with her eclectic interests in the human mind, nature, and existential thought, infuse her stories with intellectual complexity and raw humanism.
Her understanding of life’s darker themes—shaped in part by her intimate experiences working in hospice care—brings emotional gravity to her fiction. Her characters are layered and real, her plots steeped in compassion, philosophical nuance, and unexpected beauty.
Elyse is also the founder of the V.I.&B. Creatives Workshop, an initiative dedicated to supporting blind and low-vision artists and writers, empowering them to share their voices and talents with the world.
https://vicreativesworkshop.com/
Still rooted in Colorado, Elyse lives with her daughter, a senior bullsky with a bad attitude, a loving partner, and encircled by a family of friends. Surrounded by love and the rugged beauty of the Rockies, she continues to draw inspiration from the natural world and her vibrant community.
Elyse’s journey as a writer took a transformative turn after she started losing her eyesight in 2011. Undeterred, she adapted by “painting with words,” cultivating a storytelling style rich in visual imagery and emotional depth. This resilience and adaptability are reflected throughout her work, blending lived experience with imagination in a way that captivates and inspires.
Fluent in French and deeply curious about the human condition, Elyse’s academic background spans law, philosophy, and cultural studies. As a teen, her time abroad in Europe cultivated her love of history, and her language flourished. These global experiences, paired with her eclectic interests in the human mind, nature, and existential thought, infuse her stories with intellectual complexity and raw humanism.
Her understanding of life’s darker themes—shaped in part by her intimate experiences working in hospice care—brings emotional gravity to her fiction. Her characters are layered and real, her plots steeped in compassion, philosophical nuance, and unexpected beauty.
Elyse is also the founder of the V.I.&B. Creatives Workshop, an initiative dedicated to supporting blind and low-vision artists and writers, empowering them to share their voices and talents with the world.
https://vicreativesworkshop.com/
Still rooted in Colorado, Elyse lives with her daughter, a senior bullsky with a bad attitude, a loving partner, and encircled by a family of friends. Surrounded by love and the rugged beauty of the Rockies, she continues to draw inspiration from the natural world and her vibrant community.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 7, 2012
I loved this series and think that Vindication did a very good job of closing of the trilogy. This book had me crying the whole way through and never gave me a break. It was very well written and encompasses so many theories and ideas that at times, it was hard to wrap my mind around. I wish it could have ended differently for Ellie, Lune, and Christopher, but I understand that there really wasn't any other ending that would fit the story.
I highly recommend reading this book and this trilogy.
I highly recommend reading this book and this trilogy.
August 31, 2012
OH MY GOSH....This last book was sooooooooooo GOOD!!!!! (my favorite)
I was wondering how Elyse would 'end' this trilogy ---but I had a HUGE surprise at the 'beginning' of this story. (I am 'not' going to give anything away: not to worry) ...
The story line was fabulous -- (add the beginning 'surprise'...'wow' what a ride this book is)
The relationships between the characters were even MORE fabulous --
My emotions were all over the place: I laughed, I smiled, I cried, and I felt physical butterflies in my belly. I was 'on edge' turning the pages! (who knew?).
I've always loved the way Elyse Drapper writes --but this last story --was such an added 'treat' --so rich in quality-and heart-so loving and tender in many areas. Its one of those stories in which you feel as if you are 'part' of the story --(I felt the characters were my friends). Hey--you never know...they just may be! (universal conscious awareness)...lol
We not only have 1 'enlightened' love stories ---we have 2.
Plus --I must say something which Elyse did (which always excites me) ---but I just never seem to come across it enough in my readings ---
that is: A powerful -authentic- straight 'love/friendship' between two MEN. (ok, lets just tell the truth here, I was mush when Michael finds a 'note' from his *male friend*)
Oh...and don't think our 'author' can't pull some 'funny' lines either:
she had me crackin up when she said..."She had picked out an all-terrain vehicle that would strike envy in Arnold Schwarzenegger". THAT'S FUNNY!!!
oh, and 'of course'....if a girl 'must' go shopping in Paris, where else would Elyse Drapper send a powerful woman in her book to go? --where else but..."Champs-Elysees"
I love you Elyse Drapper!
GREAT BOOK!
love elyse # 2
I was wondering how Elyse would 'end' this trilogy ---but I had a HUGE surprise at the 'beginning' of this story. (I am 'not' going to give anything away: not to worry) ...
The story line was fabulous -- (add the beginning 'surprise'...'wow' what a ride this book is)
The relationships between the characters were even MORE fabulous --
My emotions were all over the place: I laughed, I smiled, I cried, and I felt physical butterflies in my belly. I was 'on edge' turning the pages! (who knew?).
I've always loved the way Elyse Drapper writes --but this last story --was such an added 'treat' --so rich in quality-and heart-so loving and tender in many areas. Its one of those stories in which you feel as if you are 'part' of the story --(I felt the characters were my friends). Hey--you never know...they just may be! (universal conscious awareness)...lol
We not only have 1 'enlightened' love stories ---we have 2.
Plus --I must say something which Elyse did (which always excites me) ---but I just never seem to come across it enough in my readings ---
that is: A powerful -authentic- straight 'love/friendship' between two MEN. (ok, lets just tell the truth here, I was mush when Michael finds a 'note' from his *male friend*)
Oh...and don't think our 'author' can't pull some 'funny' lines either:
she had me crackin up when she said..."She had picked out an all-terrain vehicle that would strike envy in Arnold Schwarzenegger". THAT'S FUNNY!!!
oh, and 'of course'....if a girl 'must' go shopping in Paris, where else would Elyse Drapper send a powerful woman in her book to go? --where else but..."Champs-Elysees"
I love you Elyse Drapper!
GREAT BOOK!
love elyse # 2
November 9, 2012
--------------- I want to say thank you to Elyse for sending me the entire book series as well as the group We ♥ YA Books! I got them in exchange for an honest review. -------------------
This series has been unique from the start. The beginning was brilliant, the second book was average (but not less unique) and this one, I’m glad to tell you, has raised my opinion again.
Fantastically developed and written. I didn’t see that coming for sure!
Elyse’s writing is different from what I’ve read so far; a little twisted, but not less interesting.
When you grab a book you expect it to go from one way or another but I can assure you, you’ll never think of the twists this author can create. Utterly surprising!
If you had any doubts after reading the first 2 books, you’ll get your answers here. (luckily! I was kinda scared!) So it’s worth the journey! ( I don’t want to spoil anything that’s why I’m being a little “mysterious” lol)
I loved the way the characters grew and mature throughout the trilogy. I felt I knew them a lot more than before. I could relate more. I ENJOYED them more.
Don’t be mislead though, there were some sad parts but somehow I accepted them as the better outcome.
Meaning, the end wasn’t what I wanted but was great indeed. Lol.
As I mentioned in my review of “Consequences” the way the author mixes many cultures and myths is outstanding.
Ellie and Chris are amazing characters but Michael is a great complement, I can say he is one of my favorites. I loved reading his POV.
Can’t wait to read something more from Elyse Draper! Great Work!
This series has been unique from the start. The beginning was brilliant, the second book was average (but not less unique) and this one, I’m glad to tell you, has raised my opinion again.
Fantastically developed and written. I didn’t see that coming for sure!
Elyse’s writing is different from what I’ve read so far; a little twisted, but not less interesting.
When you grab a book you expect it to go from one way or another but I can assure you, you’ll never think of the twists this author can create. Utterly surprising!
If you had any doubts after reading the first 2 books, you’ll get your answers here. (luckily! I was kinda scared!) So it’s worth the journey! ( I don’t want to spoil anything that’s why I’m being a little “mysterious” lol)
I loved the way the characters grew and mature throughout the trilogy. I felt I knew them a lot more than before. I could relate more. I ENJOYED them more.
Don’t be mislead though, there were some sad parts but somehow I accepted them as the better outcome.
Meaning, the end wasn’t what I wanted but was great indeed. Lol.
As I mentioned in my review of “Consequences” the way the author mixes many cultures and myths is outstanding.
Ellie and Chris are amazing characters but Michael is a great complement, I can say he is one of my favorites. I loved reading his POV.
Can’t wait to read something more from Elyse Draper! Great Work!
May 25, 2013
‘Vindication’, the third instalment in the Freewill trilogy is built like a ticking bomb. The explosion is an amazing showdown in the tunnels running under Paris, and its aftermath will bring tears, joy, pain and beauty. And when you think it is over, it isn’t over yet.
‘vindication’ starts with a series of murders in the Montana small town nearby Christopher’s cabin. His friend Michael suspects the killer is not human, suspects the killer could be in their midst……. Can the local coroner believe in the existence of powerful, ethereal beings like Ellie, beings neither dead nor alive…….
Betrayed, Ellie travels to Africa, to spend time with her friend Zuvan, and learns to use her empathic power as a weapon. Together, they travel to Paris, and so do Christopher and Michael. Each after their own demon.
Can Ellie and Christopher’s time-and-space-defying love story defy death itself, despite the cruelty of the world? As Ellie’s grandmother says, “The mist has no concept of time.”
The trilogy, while being a paranormal romance for young adults, is also a life-changing adventure for everyone.
Elyse Draper is a clever and twisted writer. After two remarkable cliffhangers, she ends her trilogy with two amazing fireworks, while still keeping the readers guessing. Suspense has become her middle name.
‘vindication’ starts with a series of murders in the Montana small town nearby Christopher’s cabin. His friend Michael suspects the killer is not human, suspects the killer could be in their midst……. Can the local coroner believe in the existence of powerful, ethereal beings like Ellie, beings neither dead nor alive…….
Betrayed, Ellie travels to Africa, to spend time with her friend Zuvan, and learns to use her empathic power as a weapon. Together, they travel to Paris, and so do Christopher and Michael. Each after their own demon.
Can Ellie and Christopher’s time-and-space-defying love story defy death itself, despite the cruelty of the world? As Ellie’s grandmother says, “The mist has no concept of time.”
The trilogy, while being a paranormal romance for young adults, is also a life-changing adventure for everyone.
Elyse Draper is a clever and twisted writer. After two remarkable cliffhangers, she ends her trilogy with two amazing fireworks, while still keeping the readers guessing. Suspense has become her middle name.
May 2, 2013
This was the last installment of the FreeWill trilogy.At the end of book two, Consequences, the reader is left hanging,as the ending turns out to be filled with treachery instead of hearts and flowers.
With Vindication, the last is the best. The plot moves with breakneck speed,careening from murders in the small Montana community where Chris and Michael live to the Paris underground where there the murderous beast has fled to, and back to Montana for the last battle royal.
And amid all the drama and excitement,the story of Ellie and Chris continues.The big question was, could their love endure and transcend even death?I won't spoil it for those who are thinking of reading the trilogy, but the ending was soul-satisfying for both the romantic and pragmatist in me.
With Vindication, the last is the best. The plot moves with breakneck speed,careening from murders in the small Montana community where Chris and Michael live to the Paris underground where there the murderous beast has fled to, and back to Montana for the last battle royal.
And amid all the drama and excitement,the story of Ellie and Chris continues.The big question was, could their love endure and transcend even death?I won't spoil it for those who are thinking of reading the trilogy, but the ending was soul-satisfying for both the romantic and pragmatist in me.
September 12, 2014
This book very nicely wraps up the Freewill trilogy and concludes Christopher and Ellie's love affair. I won't give much more of it away than that, except to say that the ending was bittersweet and maybe not what most readers will be expecting.
Read
September 24, 2012The Freewill Trilogy: We are not defined by the choices that are made for us; but by the choices we make when we believe that all other options have been taken away.
The last book of the Freewill Trilogy, was written to explore freewill, consequences (because consequences, whether good or ill, always follow our choices,) and vindication (to be cleared of guilt, or doubt.) Life is magnificent and brutal; and within it, our being is changed indefinitely ... colors of emotions whip, and thus grace or scar our thoughts, marking us as survivors and giving each one of us a unique, and potentially grotesque, beauty. We have this affect on one another ... touching each other with random acts of kindness, unfounded defensiveness, or shallow judgments; we are responsible for shaping the world around us, even when the acts are unconscious. And we leave the deepest wounds on those closest to us. Ellie, a brilliant and beautifully damaged creature, wants nothing more in this world than to not be the source of someone else's pain. She finds out that, loving someone inherently contains pain … but in the act of loving two become one. Sometimes the only way to live is to understand bad things happen: we hurt each other; we heal each other; we grow and leave unintentional injuries on those we allow to be close; and then we help each other mend. In, Vindication, we find that, very often, we have no control; we are vulnerable and rely on one another … that now and again, we must allow ourselves to put everything we are, into the hands of the person who can take it all away. Standing on the edge, walking with one foot out in space … we find vindication for love and life by jumping: sometimes we fall, and break -- but then again, with a little unexpected help, sometimes we fly.
The last book of the Freewill Trilogy, was written to explore freewill, consequences (because consequences, whether good or ill, always follow our choices,) and vindication (to be cleared of guilt, or doubt.) Life is magnificent and brutal; and within it, our being is changed indefinitely ... colors of emotions whip, and thus grace or scar our thoughts, marking us as survivors and giving each one of us a unique, and potentially grotesque, beauty. We have this affect on one another ... touching each other with random acts of kindness, unfounded defensiveness, or shallow judgments; we are responsible for shaping the world around us, even when the acts are unconscious. And we leave the deepest wounds on those closest to us. Ellie, a brilliant and beautifully damaged creature, wants nothing more in this world than to not be the source of someone else's pain. She finds out that, loving someone inherently contains pain … but in the act of loving two become one. Sometimes the only way to live is to understand bad things happen: we hurt each other; we heal each other; we grow and leave unintentional injuries on those we allow to be close; and then we help each other mend. In, Vindication, we find that, very often, we have no control; we are vulnerable and rely on one another … that now and again, we must allow ourselves to put everything we are, into the hands of the person who can take it all away. Standing on the edge, walking with one foot out in space … we find vindication for love and life by jumping: sometimes we fall, and break -- but then again, with a little unexpected help, sometimes we fly.
September 6, 2012
Title: Vindication
Author: Elyse Draper
Genre: YA, Paranormal Dark Fantasy with some Romance
Ebook: 4149 about 255 pgs
Series: Last in series
Amazing series! Loved it, Loved it. The story line is exceptionally brilliant and if I could give it 10 starts I would. The uniqueness of the plot but the story overall was awesome. I was sad to see that I had turned the last electronic page. It was finished but I wanted more in fact it there could be more but it ended in a good spot with a very very good ending.
Lots of twists and turns, ups and downs and “wait…what”’s, a few “no it can’t”’s thrown in for good measure. I also slapped the forehead a couple of times.
Loved Lune threw out the series but this one had me chocking with unshed tears. Enchida was introduced in the pervious books in the series but the reader in this last book really got to see what she/he/it was really made of. A few new characters were introduced; the story sailed along pretty fast. What else can I say besides reading is believing and once finished with all three, all will agree it was and is an amazing series. I definitely recommend this to those who love YA Romance Paranormal Dark Fantasy stories.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009...
Author: Elyse Draper
Genre: YA, Paranormal Dark Fantasy with some Romance
Ebook: 4149 about 255 pgs
Series: Last in series
Amazing series! Loved it, Loved it. The story line is exceptionally brilliant and if I could give it 10 starts I would. The uniqueness of the plot but the story overall was awesome. I was sad to see that I had turned the last electronic page. It was finished but I wanted more in fact it there could be more but it ended in a good spot with a very very good ending.
Lots of twists and turns, ups and downs and “wait…what”’s, a few “no it can’t”’s thrown in for good measure. I also slapped the forehead a couple of times.
Loved Lune threw out the series but this one had me chocking with unshed tears. Enchida was introduced in the pervious books in the series but the reader in this last book really got to see what she/he/it was really made of. A few new characters were introduced; the story sailed along pretty fast. What else can I say besides reading is believing and once finished with all three, all will agree it was and is an amazing series. I definitely recommend this to those who love YA Romance Paranormal Dark Fantasy stories.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009...
December 31, 2012
For some reason out of this whole series this was my least favorite book. Overall this series was amazing because of its interesting plot line and detailed characters but the still the beginning and end of this book were slow for me. Towards the middle it picked up the pace but then towards the very end it became a bit dull again. In the very end though, especially the last two chapters, the story line tied up nicely and gave the reader a very good ending. My favorite book of this series was actually the first but the first two were both very good. So I would definitely recommend this series to anyone and would even recommend this book to anyone just to read the bittersweet ending for our two favorite couples, Christopher and Ellie, and Ann and Michael.
November 1, 2012
At last! I was able to read the rest of the series! I was so amazed by how Ms. Draper was able to create this magnificent work! I can’t find the right word to describe what I felt after reading it. The ending was unforgettable though its not the ending I was hoping for. It’s a package of good book and I will recommend it to everyone. The story is one of a kind and its intelligently written! You’ll want to read it again!
August 23, 2012
'Betrayal, love, threats and secrets'- The epic conclusion of the Freewill trilogy comes, VINDICATION. This story was brilliant brilliant brilliant from the start till the end where we follow the characters through their story of love -Ellie and Christopher- and their adventure through dark pasts and deep hearted secrets. Elyse Draper, you've written the final chapter of the Freewill Trilogy.
September 20, 2012
A wonderful story - the third part of the trilogy did not disappoint. Elyse did a great job of bringing everything full circle and tying up the loose ends that she dangled at the reader in the first two books. I highly recommend Elyse's writing. If anyone is looking for a fresh face in this genre, they should take a look at her work. She will provide hours of entertainment.
Want to read
August 21, 2012Author has provided review copy from Smashwords via We ♥ YA Books in exchange for my fair, honest, and authentic review-copy provided August 21, 2012.
August 27, 2012
There have been killings in town, near Chris' cabin. This happened just few days after the marriage of Ellie and Christopher. Michael, being an investigative lawyer, and with the now knowledge of the others, can't help himself conclude that there's a connection between the killings and his new found knowledge of the others.
Determine to learn the truth, and give justice for the victims, Michael do not realize that revealing the killer would also lead them to a more surprising revelation concerning his new family.
I honestly do not know how to begin... let me think first...
But Before that, I would like to thanks We <3 YA group from Goodreads and the author, My. Elyse Draper for giving me the opportunity to read and review this series. With that, I committed myself in giving an honest review.
.
.
.
After 5 minutes...
This book did not disappoint me in giving me the answers I'm looking for from the first two books. That I could say happily :)
The connections I repeatedly shouted, the missing links and explanations for some scenes I could not understand have been given. Thank you Ms. Draper. The first part and the last part were very enlightening. I don't want to talk about the middle part because it honestly bored me to death. This book is like a doughnut. A lot of going on in the beginning and in the end but the middle is just air.
It bothers me that the story was written in the POV of too many characters. Michael's, Ann's, Ellie's, Christopher's, Echidna's did I forget anyone else who had their own POV. It bothers me because sometimes, I fee like at some parts, it's not the right POV that I should be reading. Like at a certain part, I am reading on Ann's POV, deep inside I'm shouting "why am I not reading Michael's??? This is Michael's scene!"
The last few pages of this book is its saving grace. Finally! yes Finally! I have my answers!!! Thank you!!! I was already losing hope and almost at the point of giving up when it came! the answers!!! yey!!! It totally cleared a lot of things from book 1 until the end.
I love the idea of the whole series. But in my opinion as a reader, the story's ideas are scattered and not too focused. The characters are great and really strong, but they are not portrayed really well. Christopher's and Ellie's love, which I expected to be the center of the story, became just a tiny spot in a big story. I get the point, that they are just part of something really big, that their story was just a simple explanation of the connection. But it saddened me that I did not much experienced their love story.
Determine to learn the truth, and give justice for the victims, Michael do not realize that revealing the killer would also lead them to a more surprising revelation concerning his new family.
I honestly do not know how to begin... let me think first...
But Before that, I would like to thanks We <3 YA group from Goodreads and the author, My. Elyse Draper for giving me the opportunity to read and review this series. With that, I committed myself in giving an honest review.
.
.
.
After 5 minutes...
This book did not disappoint me in giving me the answers I'm looking for from the first two books. That I could say happily :)
The connections I repeatedly shouted, the missing links and explanations for some scenes I could not understand have been given. Thank you Ms. Draper. The first part and the last part were very enlightening. I don't want to talk about the middle part because it honestly bored me to death. This book is like a doughnut. A lot of going on in the beginning and in the end but the middle is just air.
It bothers me that the story was written in the POV of too many characters. Michael's, Ann's, Ellie's, Christopher's, Echidna's did I forget anyone else who had their own POV. It bothers me because sometimes, I fee like at some parts, it's not the right POV that I should be reading. Like at a certain part, I am reading on Ann's POV, deep inside I'm shouting "why am I not reading Michael's??? This is Michael's scene!"
The last few pages of this book is its saving grace. Finally! yes Finally! I have my answers!!! Thank you!!! I was already losing hope and almost at the point of giving up when it came! the answers!!! yey!!! It totally cleared a lot of things from book 1 until the end.
I love the idea of the whole series. But in my opinion as a reader, the story's ideas are scattered and not too focused. The characters are great and really strong, but they are not portrayed really well. Christopher's and Ellie's love, which I expected to be the center of the story, became just a tiny spot in a big story. I get the point, that they are just part of something really big, that their story was just a simple explanation of the connection. But it saddened me that I did not much experienced their love story.
September 25, 2012
This book was more exciting then the first 2. I finished it in about 3 days which is pretty good since i was unsure if i would enjoy it. There was more action and supence which i liked. I liked reading from Micheal's point of view along with ann's. I would have loved the trilogy if it was more like this book. That is until the end. I wont spoil it but i was not happy how it turned out. I will say this the author did a good job or writing the characters so you get attached. Which i did and that made me cry during a few parts and had me keep hoping things would get better for them.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews