What do you think?
Rate this book
Muse
In a world not unlike ours, Muses and their Guardians have walked alongside humankind since the beginning of time. From birth Muses assume they are just like everyone else. Not until their twenty-fifth birthdays do they discover their talents have a special purpose, and that Guardians, with their superhuman abilities, will help them in that purpose whether they want that help or not.
Shelby has worked hard to make a life for herself. Her parents died when she was young, and her husband left her with two kids. When her ex-husband comes back to town, he has more to say than just ?I?m sorry?: he's a Guardian, and his new assignment is her. She is a Muse now, one coming into her own no matter how hard she fights it, and trouble stalks her wherever she goes. Her ex-husband can't keep up and, with their history, she doesn't want him to. To complicate matters, there?s another Guardian around when she needs help, and they are falling for each other. He has a dark past that?s trying to reclaim him, and Shelby is in the way. But she has to accept her Museness and figure out fast what being a Muse really means if she is to keep herself and her children alive.
Shelby has worked hard to make a life for herself. Her parents died when she was young, and her husband left her with two kids. When her ex-husband comes back to town, he has more to say than just ?I?m sorry?: he's a Guardian, and his new assignment is her. She is a Muse now, one coming into her own no matter how hard she fights it, and trouble stalks her wherever she goes. Her ex-husband can't keep up and, with their history, she doesn't want him to. To complicate matters, there?s another Guardian around when she needs help, and they are falling for each other. He has a dark past that?s trying to reclaim him, and Shelby is in the way. But she has to accept her Museness and figure out fast what being a Muse really means if she is to keep herself and her children alive.
338 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2012
8 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Susie M. Hanley
1 book23 followersI am an adult urban fantasy author, bibliophile, mother, wife, and IT nerd of sorts. Somewhere in between all that I am a bit of a DIY specialist, crafty geek, and organizer of all the things.
My debut novel MUSE was launched in September 2012 and I am currently working on the sequel.
Muse is a unique story about a woman who finds out she is a Muse and has to learn what that means and how to be one, in order to save herself and her children.
To find out more, visit my website at www.susiemhanley.com
My debut novel MUSE was launched in September 2012 and I am currently working on the sequel.
Muse is a unique story about a woman who finds out she is a Muse and has to learn what that means and how to be one, in order to save herself and her children.
To find out more, visit my website at www.susiemhanley.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 8, 2013
I am sorry this is a negative review. I hate doing negative reviews. But, here are my feelings about the book.
This book has the potential to turn out to be a phenomenal book. The story has very creative, unique and engaging ideas behind the Muse/Guardian relationships. There were some good parts in the book. I enjoyed Shelby's humor towards life. I enjoyed her quick quips and dry humor.The character make up was alright. She could have dove into Malcolm's character a little more, I mean he IS the guy Shelby is in love with. I would rather know more about Malcolm than Cal; save Cal for the second book. I really liked Kali, and would loved to have seen more of her character development as well. The author writes rather well. The spelling and grammar are fine as well.
The idea of the "World Look Encyclopedia" is clever, and the quotes used at each chapter start was a wonderful addition. However, each time that I read the quote at the beginning of a new chapter I would have one of two thoughts, "This is really cool way to develop the Muse/Guardian/MAGRA theme of the story." As well as, "I wonder if author is actually getting the information from 'World Book Encyclopedia's and she's just making a typo throughout the whole story."
I found myself doing internet searches for the actual book these may have come from.If this is in fact an author created encyclopedia, it could be a great way to do an offshoot book; like Dean Koontz'The Book of Counted Sorrows." I am still confused as to whether this was author's creation or if it was a typo and she meant the World Book Encyclopedias. I would love to see this adapted into something more, something additional that could be added onto the book series.
Another irritation with the book was the fact that Muse/Guardians were outed in 1982, however the book is supposed to be taking place in today's day and age, right? Why hasn't Shelby heard or learned more about the Muse/Guardian culture? It seems that everyone around her knows about Muse/Guardians; her teacher, her friends, even John. Q. Public.
Shelby goes on and on about how self centered Cal is, however if I were to wake up from exhaustion and my son was in jeopardy, I wouldn't take the time to explain everything that lead up to his endangerment. I would blurt out the meat of the story, "Save my kid! Here's how and where. Now here's why." I would eventually get around to saying everything from A to Z, but save my kid first. They had a four hour drive from Oregon to Washington, that's a prime time to tell everything.
I just felt that there was more character development in characters that were secondary. There wasn't enough where it needed to be. Some of the scenes were great to read through, but I found myself skipping through pages.
I feel that the book was like a quick 30 second movie preview that shows you everything important in the movie, so what's the use of going to see the whole film? It rushed through areas that could be expanded upon, but lulled in between "scenes".
One major question I was left with was, "What is Shelby's main goal as a Muse?" It talks about Muse and politicians, great artists, great speakers, etc. Every Muse leads something phenomenal...WHAT THE HECK IS SHELBY'S JOB? The guardians apparently know, but they hold everything else back from her too. This bored me and bothered me.
Finally... We get to the END.
I understand the author wanted to end the book in a way that encourages the reader to pick up part two. However, I was rather disappointed in this book and finding myself uninterested in possibly picking up part two. Look at Harry Potter, Odd Thomas, even The Gunslinger series, each of those books are stories within their own. Each book in addition to the series is a compliment, as well as a continuation, but they hold their own. I feel that to get anything answered, you have to read on.
This book has the potential to turn out to be a phenomenal book. The story has very creative, unique and engaging ideas behind the Muse/Guardian relationships. There were some good parts in the book. I enjoyed Shelby's humor towards life. I enjoyed her quick quips and dry humor.The character make up was alright. She could have dove into Malcolm's character a little more, I mean he IS the guy Shelby is in love with. I would rather know more about Malcolm than Cal; save Cal for the second book. I really liked Kali, and would loved to have seen more of her character development as well. The author writes rather well. The spelling and grammar are fine as well.
The idea of the "World Look Encyclopedia" is clever, and the quotes used at each chapter start was a wonderful addition. However, each time that I read the quote at the beginning of a new chapter I would have one of two thoughts, "This is really cool way to develop the Muse/Guardian/MAGRA theme of the story." As well as, "I wonder if author is actually getting the information from 'World Book Encyclopedia's and she's just making a typo throughout the whole story."
I found myself doing internet searches for the actual book these may have come from.If this is in fact an author created encyclopedia, it could be a great way to do an offshoot book; like Dean Koontz'The Book of Counted Sorrows." I am still confused as to whether this was author's creation or if it was a typo and she meant the World Book Encyclopedias. I would love to see this adapted into something more, something additional that could be added onto the book series.
Another irritation with the book was the fact that Muse/Guardians were outed in 1982, however the book is supposed to be taking place in today's day and age, right? Why hasn't Shelby heard or learned more about the Muse/Guardian culture? It seems that everyone around her knows about Muse/Guardians; her teacher, her friends, even John. Q. Public.
Shelby goes on and on about how self centered Cal is, however if I were to wake up from exhaustion and my son was in jeopardy, I wouldn't take the time to explain everything that lead up to his endangerment. I would blurt out the meat of the story, "Save my kid! Here's how and where. Now here's why." I would eventually get around to saying everything from A to Z, but save my kid first. They had a four hour drive from Oregon to Washington, that's a prime time to tell everything.
I just felt that there was more character development in characters that were secondary. There wasn't enough where it needed to be. Some of the scenes were great to read through, but I found myself skipping through pages.
I feel that the book was like a quick 30 second movie preview that shows you everything important in the movie, so what's the use of going to see the whole film? It rushed through areas that could be expanded upon, but lulled in between "scenes".
One major question I was left with was, "What is Shelby's main goal as a Muse?" It talks about Muse and politicians, great artists, great speakers, etc. Every Muse leads something phenomenal...WHAT THE HECK IS SHELBY'S JOB? The guardians apparently know, but they hold everything else back from her too. This bored me and bothered me.
Finally... We get to the END.
I understand the author wanted to end the book in a way that encourages the reader to pick up part two. However, I was rather disappointed in this book and finding myself uninterested in possibly picking up part two. Look at Harry Potter, Odd Thomas, even The Gunslinger series, each of those books are stories within their own. Each book in addition to the series is a compliment, as well as a continuation, but they hold their own. I feel that to get anything answered, you have to read on.
November 7, 2012
**SPOILAGE**
I don't think there are enough nice things I could say about this book. It was well written, the characters were like-able, - with maybe one exception - I very much liked the concept and premise to this book and I really loved that I didn't have to try so hard to suspend reality to make this believable. It did take me a while to finish but it is not for lack of interest in the book. I'm kind of in a stinky-rut I-don't-wanna-read-anything phase. Meh. Hopefully, it'll pass.
The world of Muses and Guardians sucked me in from the moment I read the blurb about Muse. With so many books out there about vampires, werewolves, shifters - the list goes on and on. I was SOOO refreshed and excited to finally read something different.
Shelby is our lead. As a protagonist, I really liked her. She was relatable, sassy, smart - I could talk about her all day. I felt like Susie M. Hanley really knew what/who to write about and how to enable readers to identify with Shelby. She really felt like a real woman with real issues you could sit down and have a drink with, [Probably not too much. Shelby's kind of a lightweight. Lol] talk about men with and bitch out your professor with when they give too much homework.
Cal - my G-d, I was really rooting for him. *Sad face* I won't give too much away, but despite his tool-ness, I really did like him, I understood him in some aspects and I *whispers* may have gotten lady wood for him a bit. *Giggles* Shhh. 'Tis a secret. ;]
I really liked how the existence of Muses and Guardians wasn't a secret in Muse. Ya know how usually in most - almost all - books the magic or supernatural element[s] in the story are secret and it's super important that no humans know about it. *Rolls eyes* No, I was so relieved and excited that it was known to the public. I sort of felt this book was a little - and I do mean just a touch - slow-going. And at first, I couldnt really pinpoint what the big-bad was going to be but when it hit, holy nucking futs, I was like "Ohhhh, snizap. This dude is INSANE." Yeah. It was that good. For a second there, at like 74% I got thrown. Maybe it was earlier....I don't remember but I *ALMOST* rolled my eyes.
One of the only things I couldn't really gel with in this book was the love/romance element. It felt a bit coerced. Like, the love triangle thing wasn't really thought out and just added in later. I just think a week is a bit too soon for anyone to fall in love with someone new. Especially since Malcom is a Guardian and Shelby has a bad history with Guardians. I just think she should have been less accepting of him in her life.
The other thing I didn't really like was how she treated Cal. Yes, he was a tool - when you read it, you'll see just how big of a tool - but he's the father of her children. Even when things with Tiffany - one of our big-bad's - and her plotting got better, she was still dismissive and I'd go so far as rude. Still, a full length novel and I only didn't like two things? Great book. Really great book.
I just hope theres a part two or something. The ending left it open to suggestion a little bit.
I was given this book in exchange for a review but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own and are really how I feel. As you may have read, I don't give reviews for the fork of it.
I don't think there are enough nice things I could say about this book. It was well written, the characters were like-able, - with maybe one exception - I very much liked the concept and premise to this book and I really loved that I didn't have to try so hard to suspend reality to make this believable. It did take me a while to finish but it is not for lack of interest in the book. I'm kind of in a stinky-rut I-don't-wanna-read-anything phase. Meh. Hopefully, it'll pass.
The world of Muses and Guardians sucked me in from the moment I read the blurb about Muse. With so many books out there about vampires, werewolves, shifters - the list goes on and on. I was SOOO refreshed and excited to finally read something different.
Shelby is our lead. As a protagonist, I really liked her. She was relatable, sassy, smart - I could talk about her all day. I felt like Susie M. Hanley really knew what/who to write about and how to enable readers to identify with Shelby. She really felt like a real woman with real issues you could sit down and have a drink with, [Probably not too much. Shelby's kind of a lightweight. Lol] talk about men with and bitch out your professor with when they give too much homework.
Cal - my G-d, I was really rooting for him. *Sad face* I won't give too much away, but despite his tool-ness, I really did like him, I understood him in some aspects and I *whispers* may have gotten lady wood for him a bit. *Giggles* Shhh. 'Tis a secret. ;]
I really liked how the existence of Muses and Guardians wasn't a secret in Muse. Ya know how usually in most - almost all - books the magic or supernatural element[s] in the story are secret and it's super important that no humans know about it. *Rolls eyes* No, I was so relieved and excited that it was known to the public. I sort of felt this book was a little - and I do mean just a touch - slow-going. And at first, I couldnt really pinpoint what the big-bad was going to be but when it hit, holy nucking futs, I was like "Ohhhh, snizap. This dude is INSANE." Yeah. It was that good. For a second there, at like 74% I got thrown. Maybe it was earlier....I don't remember but I *ALMOST* rolled my eyes.
One of the only things I couldn't really gel with in this book was the love/romance element. It felt a bit coerced. Like, the love triangle thing wasn't really thought out and just added in later. I just think a week is a bit too soon for anyone to fall in love with someone new. Especially since Malcom is a Guardian and Shelby has a bad history with Guardians. I just think she should have been less accepting of him in her life.
The other thing I didn't really like was how she treated Cal. Yes, he was a tool - when you read it, you'll see just how big of a tool - but he's the father of her children. Even when things with Tiffany - one of our big-bad's - and her plotting got better, she was still dismissive and I'd go so far as rude. Still, a full length novel and I only didn't like two things? Great book. Really great book.
I just hope theres a part two or something. The ending left it open to suggestion a little bit.
I was given this book in exchange for a review but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own and are really how I feel. As you may have read, I don't give reviews for the fork of it.
October 10, 2012
Hanley’s book takes readers through the world of Muses and Guardians; they have special powers that humans don’t possess. A Guardian is assigned to a Muse and guards them for a lifetime. The story takes place in current times and follows Shelby, a talented artist and Muse. She’s in for a big surprise when she finds out she’s a Muse on her 25th birthday. She’s a devoted mom of two young kids. Her ex-husband Cal abandoned her as teen mom and now suddenly appears after a horrible car accident, and reveals that he’s her Guardian.
Shelby is a Muse with even more special powers than the normal Muse and doesn’t know it. Hanley does a good job of layering Shelby’s character as she discovers her abilities. Shelby thinks she’s just a gifted artist since Muses develop exceptional talent in one area. As a Muse she has heightened senses and can pull energy from people. Shelby also has a flip side to her personality. I loved that extra dimension to her character that develops when she faces danger later in the book.
I liked the various types of Guardians described. They are super strong, super fast, some can heal, some are impervious to injury, etc. Through out the book, at the beginning of each chapter, there’s a dictionary listing that tells you the history and info about Muses and Guardians.
Love the characters Shelby, Cal, and Malcolm. Great tension amongst the trio is built up. Shelby doesn’t know who to trust. She’s a very strong character. Cal’s appearance after all these years really gets to her. She’s angry and hurt for being deserted. Cal appears to want to take care of her and their kids. But is that really true? You’re not sure if Malcolm will hurt her. He has a bad, mysterious past and his intentions may not be what they appear to be. But he’s rich, has a fast car, and happens to be subbing for one her classes. Malcolm's over the top ex-girlfriend is jealous of Shelby. BTW, the physical descriptions of Cal and Malcolm are very good. Both men have nice bodies and had my imagination going.
Without giving any spoilers, here’s the rest of what I will say: the book has romance, there’s danger to Shelby and her kids, and an evil plot towards a certain group of Guardians. There’s a lot of action toward the end of the book. Quick read, great story, enjoyed this book very much.
Shelby is a Muse with even more special powers than the normal Muse and doesn’t know it. Hanley does a good job of layering Shelby’s character as she discovers her abilities. Shelby thinks she’s just a gifted artist since Muses develop exceptional talent in one area. As a Muse she has heightened senses and can pull energy from people. Shelby also has a flip side to her personality. I loved that extra dimension to her character that develops when she faces danger later in the book.
I liked the various types of Guardians described. They are super strong, super fast, some can heal, some are impervious to injury, etc. Through out the book, at the beginning of each chapter, there’s a dictionary listing that tells you the history and info about Muses and Guardians.
Love the characters Shelby, Cal, and Malcolm. Great tension amongst the trio is built up. Shelby doesn’t know who to trust. She’s a very strong character. Cal’s appearance after all these years really gets to her. She’s angry and hurt for being deserted. Cal appears to want to take care of her and their kids. But is that really true? You’re not sure if Malcolm will hurt her. He has a bad, mysterious past and his intentions may not be what they appear to be. But he’s rich, has a fast car, and happens to be subbing for one her classes. Malcolm's over the top ex-girlfriend is jealous of Shelby. BTW, the physical descriptions of Cal and Malcolm are very good. Both men have nice bodies and had my imagination going.
Without giving any spoilers, here’s the rest of what I will say: the book has romance, there’s danger to Shelby and her kids, and an evil plot towards a certain group of Guardians. There’s a lot of action toward the end of the book. Quick read, great story, enjoyed this book very much.
June 29, 2025
Shelby's 25th birthday is fast approaching and she has her hands full being a single parent to two kids, a full-time student and trying to get her art career started.
While travelling home, in a rush to meet up with her kids, Shelby has an accident. She is saved by a guardian and is met at the hospital by another. Soon Shelby has way too many guardians on her hands and she is not sure what to do with them.
Muse is a fast, quick read. One thing I liked was the author spread the workings of the guardians and muses throughout the book. Sometimes the background and get a little humdrum.
I like Shelby. She was smart, witty and strong. Once she had a second to process any issue she was up and ready to go. She also has to face the problem I’m sure many single parents face when the parent that left wants to come back. Do you let them and hope they don’t hurt your child if they decided to leave again or do you not tell the kids and keep them far away. I was just as confused as Shelby for some of the book but I couldn’t help but root for Cal. Muse is filled with sexual tension and a throng of gifted humans. They all need each other humans, guardian and muses but the guardians seem to be at the biggest disadvantage even though they are the more powerful. But the muses are not without their gifts and they are assigned their guardian based on those gifts.
I’m very curious to see where the story goes for Shelby, her guardians and the kids. There were a few grammatical errors, but not so many they take away from the story.
While travelling home, in a rush to meet up with her kids, Shelby has an accident. She is saved by a guardian and is met at the hospital by another. Soon Shelby has way too many guardians on her hands and she is not sure what to do with them.
Muse is a fast, quick read. One thing I liked was the author spread the workings of the guardians and muses throughout the book. Sometimes the background and get a little humdrum.
I like Shelby. She was smart, witty and strong. Once she had a second to process any issue she was up and ready to go. She also has to face the problem I’m sure many single parents face when the parent that left wants to come back. Do you let them and hope they don’t hurt your child if they decided to leave again or do you not tell the kids and keep them far away. I was just as confused as Shelby for some of the book but I couldn’t help but root for Cal. Muse is filled with sexual tension and a throng of gifted humans. They all need each other humans, guardian and muses but the guardians seem to be at the biggest disadvantage even though they are the more powerful. But the muses are not without their gifts and they are assigned their guardian based on those gifts.
I’m very curious to see where the story goes for Shelby, her guardians and the kids. There were a few grammatical errors, but not so many they take away from the story.
Want to read
October 15, 2012Currently there's a giveaway of this book at http://readinginthewindowseat.blogspo...
January 16, 2018
Book Review- Muse by Susie H. Hanley
Shelby is a single mom going to college. She excels in painting but her kids come first. One day she is rushing to get her kids to basketball practice. She ends up getting into a car accident. A strange man saves her by ripping the car door off. She is shocked, knowing he is a guardian. He disappears before she can talk to him. Then as she is loaded into the ambulance and she sees her ex-husband as they leave. She can’t believe she saw Cal. He shows up in the hospital to heal her. She is livid and refuses to allow him to touch her. He breaks the news to her that she is a muse. She also owes it to her children to allow him to heal her.
Her life is now extremely complicated. She is a muse and Cal is her appointed guardian. She can’t believe her luck. Secrets were kept and she can’t trust those she thought she could. The mysterious man appears again. She is drawn to Malcolm who refuses to be attached to a muse.
The world of muses and guardians rear its ugly head and jealousy drives one to threaten Shelby. She has to make a hard decision to save those she loves.
This book had a unique storyline. I’ve never read anything like it. So I wasn’t sure what to expect. I liked Shelby pretty quickly into the book. She was a single mom and strong character. She relies on her friends and tries to live her life. I understand her feelings when Cal returns. He is such a jerk. I was surprised that he thought he would find the same girl he left. That aspect of the story was so unrealistic. He couldn’t have been that oblivious or stupid. I truly didn’t care for his character. His behavior and arrogance made me want to smack him.
Malcolm was a mysterious character in the beginning and I wasn’t sure if he was trustworthy. The author seemed to create the seed of doubt for a little while. As the story evolved, Malcolm revealed more and I liked what I saw. I definitely preferred him over Cal. The ending was a bit surprising as to how the author wraps up who Shelby chooses. I wasn’t expecting that turn of events. It was a good story. I give it a 3.5 out of 5.
Shelby is a single mom going to college. She excels in painting but her kids come first. One day she is rushing to get her kids to basketball practice. She ends up getting into a car accident. A strange man saves her by ripping the car door off. She is shocked, knowing he is a guardian. He disappears before she can talk to him. Then as she is loaded into the ambulance and she sees her ex-husband as they leave. She can’t believe she saw Cal. He shows up in the hospital to heal her. She is livid and refuses to allow him to touch her. He breaks the news to her that she is a muse. She also owes it to her children to allow him to heal her.
Her life is now extremely complicated. She is a muse and Cal is her appointed guardian. She can’t believe her luck. Secrets were kept and she can’t trust those she thought she could. The mysterious man appears again. She is drawn to Malcolm who refuses to be attached to a muse.
The world of muses and guardians rear its ugly head and jealousy drives one to threaten Shelby. She has to make a hard decision to save those she loves.
This book had a unique storyline. I’ve never read anything like it. So I wasn’t sure what to expect. I liked Shelby pretty quickly into the book. She was a single mom and strong character. She relies on her friends and tries to live her life. I understand her feelings when Cal returns. He is such a jerk. I was surprised that he thought he would find the same girl he left. That aspect of the story was so unrealistic. He couldn’t have been that oblivious or stupid. I truly didn’t care for his character. His behavior and arrogance made me want to smack him.
Malcolm was a mysterious character in the beginning and I wasn’t sure if he was trustworthy. The author seemed to create the seed of doubt for a little while. As the story evolved, Malcolm revealed more and I liked what I saw. I definitely preferred him over Cal. The ending was a bit surprising as to how the author wraps up who Shelby chooses. I wasn’t expecting that turn of events. It was a good story. I give it a 3.5 out of 5.
July 11, 2019
Muses and Guardians
Shelby is 25, single mum to 2, abandoned by her husband, and quite capable of looking after herself, thank you!
But now she's a Muse, her ex is a Guardian, as is her boyfriend, and her kids are in danger.
Looking forward rounding out what happens next.
Shelby is 25, single mum to 2, abandoned by her husband, and quite capable of looking after herself, thank you!
But now she's a Muse, her ex is a Guardian, as is her boyfriend, and her kids are in danger.
Looking forward rounding out what happens next.
November 10, 2012
Muse by Susie M Hanley is an urban fantasy set in modern times in a world similar to ours, except in this world, muses are real, and they have superhero like people called Guardians that protect them. The book is in first person point of view from the main character, Shelby’s POV. A description of the book from amazon is below.
Shelby has worked hard to make a life for herself. Her parents died when she was young, and her husband left her with two kids. When her ex-husband comes back to town, he has more to say than just “I’m sorry”: he's a Guardian, and his new assignment is her. She is a Muse now, one coming into her own no matter how hard she fights it, and trouble stalks her wherever she goes. Her ex-husband can't keep up and, with their history, she doesn't want him to. To complicate matters, there’s another Guardian around when she needs help, and they are falling for each other. He has a dark past that’s trying to reclaim him, and Shelby is in the way. But she has to accept her Museness and figure out fast what being a Muse really means if she is to keep herself and her children alive.
The book is well written and well formatted. There are, however, many sentences with missing words. I would find one about every other page or so for around 37 editing issues. This book could use another editing pass.
I did enjoy the book and knew I’d read the whole book just from its beginning pages, but it does have issues. Muses and Guardians exist in this world and everyone knows about them. They aren’t a secret. So why does the main character know nothing about them. It seems to me in a world like this Muses and their Guardians would be like celebrities and news about them and movies and media about them would be everywhere. Most likely, they would teach about them in school, too, hence the encyclopedia at the beginning of each chapter. Even if Shelby hates Guardians and wants nothing to do with them, she would still have picked up some information about them from TV and other media outlets. Her being clueless doesn’t make since unless they are secretive and nothing in the novel suggested they were secretive.
I like that Shelby the main character is a strong single mom, does what she wants, and doesn’t let the ex-husband stand in her way. Young Adult books need more strong female characters like this one. One problem I had with her decisions dealt with Tiffany, the way Shelby rolled over and did what Tiffany commanded seemed out of character. Yes, Tiffany had items that supposedly belonged to Shelby’s children, but there was no proof those items did. I think Shelby should’ve at least questioned it first before suddenly changing over. Tiffany could have purchased duplicates at a store.
Near the end, we start to get a lot of action. Shelby rescues herself from something horrible and finds out her son is in danger. You would think they’d be on the road ASAP to save him. It takes forever for the characters to get through their personal stuff and organize to go save the boy. Putting the boy’s mortal danger on the backburner like that seemed again out of character for a strong mother.
I like the main character and secondary characters and their personalities. I think they are well developed and have baggage just like real people would. I did groan a bit when the girl with two guys plot made an appearance. It seems like every YA novel coming out has the same love triangle and I’m ready for something new. Please writers, I beg you, stop the girl torn between two guys theme and all its variations.
So, overall, what did I think of this book? I did like it and would recommend trying it. It has an interesting idea and world that has lots of potential. Will I read the next book? I’m not sure. The author as a proven ability, she can write. I’m worried that the next books will be full of the two guys playing tug of war over Shelby. I’ve read that story before, in Twilight. I enjoyed the twilight series, but I don’t want to keep reading it repeatedly in other forms. At this time, I’m not sure if I want to continue with the second book. I am interested in other books the author may put out if the description promises something new.
Shelby has worked hard to make a life for herself. Her parents died when she was young, and her husband left her with two kids. When her ex-husband comes back to town, he has more to say than just “I’m sorry”: he's a Guardian, and his new assignment is her. She is a Muse now, one coming into her own no matter how hard she fights it, and trouble stalks her wherever she goes. Her ex-husband can't keep up and, with their history, she doesn't want him to. To complicate matters, there’s another Guardian around when she needs help, and they are falling for each other. He has a dark past that’s trying to reclaim him, and Shelby is in the way. But she has to accept her Museness and figure out fast what being a Muse really means if she is to keep herself and her children alive.
The book is well written and well formatted. There are, however, many sentences with missing words. I would find one about every other page or so for around 37 editing issues. This book could use another editing pass.
I did enjoy the book and knew I’d read the whole book just from its beginning pages, but it does have issues. Muses and Guardians exist in this world and everyone knows about them. They aren’t a secret. So why does the main character know nothing about them. It seems to me in a world like this Muses and their Guardians would be like celebrities and news about them and movies and media about them would be everywhere. Most likely, they would teach about them in school, too, hence the encyclopedia at the beginning of each chapter. Even if Shelby hates Guardians and wants nothing to do with them, she would still have picked up some information about them from TV and other media outlets. Her being clueless doesn’t make since unless they are secretive and nothing in the novel suggested they were secretive.
I like that Shelby the main character is a strong single mom, does what she wants, and doesn’t let the ex-husband stand in her way. Young Adult books need more strong female characters like this one. One problem I had with her decisions dealt with Tiffany, the way Shelby rolled over and did what Tiffany commanded seemed out of character. Yes, Tiffany had items that supposedly belonged to Shelby’s children, but there was no proof those items did. I think Shelby should’ve at least questioned it first before suddenly changing over. Tiffany could have purchased duplicates at a store.
Near the end, we start to get a lot of action. Shelby rescues herself from something horrible and finds out her son is in danger. You would think they’d be on the road ASAP to save him. It takes forever for the characters to get through their personal stuff and organize to go save the boy. Putting the boy’s mortal danger on the backburner like that seemed again out of character for a strong mother.
I like the main character and secondary characters and their personalities. I think they are well developed and have baggage just like real people would. I did groan a bit when the girl with two guys plot made an appearance. It seems like every YA novel coming out has the same love triangle and I’m ready for something new. Please writers, I beg you, stop the girl torn between two guys theme and all its variations.
So, overall, what did I think of this book? I did like it and would recommend trying it. It has an interesting idea and world that has lots of potential. Will I read the next book? I’m not sure. The author as a proven ability, she can write. I’m worried that the next books will be full of the two guys playing tug of war over Shelby. I’ve read that story before, in Twilight. I enjoyed the twilight series, but I don’t want to keep reading it repeatedly in other forms. At this time, I’m not sure if I want to continue with the second book. I am interested in other books the author may put out if the description promises something new.
October 29, 2014
I'm not really sure if this is PNR or UF, to be honest it doesn't really have much of either in it.
I liked the idea of the Muses and Guardians, which seemed to be the inspiration behind many of the old Greek myths in that world, with the Muses actively influencing and infusing "life" (positivity) in those around them and the Guardians being super-powered bodyguards. Unfortunately we never really learn much more than that about them because even though the Muses and Guardians were outed to the world 20 years ago, Shelby knows absolutely nothing about them and all the Guardians around her seem disinclined to tell her anything at all.
Shelby is a young single mother of two, but she acts far too immaturely to make it believable. She keeps saying at various points how her kids always come first, except her actions show that actually they don't . She also keeps throwing out how hard it was to be a teen mum and raise her kids single handed, but to be honest she has it pretty damn easy. She has a group of supportive friends (who she never seems to interact with until she needs a free babysitter), the parents of one such friend basically gives her a house (in an upmarket neighbourhood) to live in on the condition she "fixes it up" (which she doesn't do at any point during this story), and apparently Cal sends her so much child support that she never has to work and can afford to go to college on it. Yeah, so tough, I'm sure every single mother wishes they had it so bad.
Oh yeah, Cal is the ex-husband who walked out on her and then turns up one day and basically tries to muscle in to her life and pick up where he left off. We later learn why he left her, but he still went about it in the most dickish way possible and then expected her to be exactly the same person 7 years later. In the end I didn't absolutely loath him, but I didn't really like him either. In fact now that I think about it I didn't really like any of the characters in this book because they were all either self-absorbed or duplicitous in some way that they never actually apologise for.
Very, very late in to the story and straight out of the blue everyone also seems to become a special snowflake. Then they make a pact of secrecy about it because there's a(n incredibly vague) prophecy and the really shady, overarching council in charge of things will kill them all if they find out. Apparently the only "good guys" in existence are the protagonists in this book and everyone else are psychopathic arseholes.
Then after all of this we never actually learn what exactly Shelby's purpose/ role as a Muse is. She's an Artistic Muse, but no mention of her using that power "for the greater good" is made so it makes me wonder what the entire point of this book really was.
Just, gah! There's so much I disliked that I can't even be bothered to list it all. It was just dull and I don't care if there's going to be a sequel or not.
I liked the idea of the Muses and Guardians, which seemed to be the inspiration behind many of the old Greek myths in that world, with the Muses actively influencing and infusing "life" (positivity) in those around them and the Guardians being super-powered bodyguards. Unfortunately we never really learn much more than that about them because even though the Muses and Guardians were outed to the world 20 years ago, Shelby knows absolutely nothing about them and all the Guardians around her seem disinclined to tell her anything at all.
Shelby is a young single mother of two, but she acts far too immaturely to make it believable. She keeps saying at various points how her kids always come first, except her actions show that actually they don't . She also keeps throwing out how hard it was to be a teen mum and raise her kids single handed, but to be honest she has it pretty damn easy. She has a group of supportive friends (who she never seems to interact with until she needs a free babysitter), the parents of one such friend basically gives her a house (in an upmarket neighbourhood) to live in on the condition she "fixes it up" (which she doesn't do at any point during this story), and apparently Cal sends her so much child support that she never has to work and can afford to go to college on it. Yeah, so tough, I'm sure every single mother wishes they had it so bad.
Oh yeah, Cal is the ex-husband who walked out on her and then turns up one day and basically tries to muscle in to her life and pick up where he left off. We later learn why he left her, but he still went about it in the most dickish way possible and then expected her to be exactly the same person 7 years later. In the end I didn't absolutely loath him, but I didn't really like him either. In fact now that I think about it I didn't really like any of the characters in this book because they were all either self-absorbed or duplicitous in some way that they never actually apologise for.
Very, very late in to the story and straight out of the blue everyone also seems to become a special snowflake. Then they make a pact of secrecy about it because there's a(n incredibly vague) prophecy and the really shady, overarching council in charge of things will kill them all if they find out. Apparently the only "good guys" in existence are the protagonists in this book and everyone else are psychopathic arseholes.
Then after all of this we never actually learn what exactly Shelby's purpose/ role as a Muse is. She's an Artistic Muse, but no mention of her using that power "for the greater good" is made so it makes me wonder what the entire point of this book really was.
Just, gah! There's so much I disliked that I can't even be bothered to list it all. It was just dull and I don't care if there's going to be a sequel or not.
February 18, 2013
Ok, so this book is not listed as part of a series, but I feel that it has to be. Mostly, because this can’t be the end. I need to have more time with these characters. I need to know how their story unfolds. There is so much told yet left untold in this novel that I’m captivated beyond belief.
Although on the surface this novel is, for lack of a better term, a bunch of supernatural fluff (you know, the stuff that doesn’t happen in the real world but is super cool), it really makes you stop and think. Hanley lays the story out in such a way that you find yourself wondering what you would do if you had the abilities that the characters do. If you could make a difference, would you? Or would you try to just amass power?
Not only is this a supernatural story that makes you think, it is also quite well written. You find yourself so completely immersed in the action, via the author’s brilliant descriptions and narrative, that the story comes alive before your eyes. She combines clarity for the reader with the ability to keep you in suspense, wondering what will happen next and how it all will end. It is the perfect balance.
The characters in this novel are also quite intriguing. They are all very well developed and all extremely different. No two individuals share personal characteristics. You can always understand where a character is coming from but don’t necessarily agree with the actions or reactions that they exhibit. This is the mark of brilliant character development.
As a whole, this novel was extremely unique and very captivating. It was almost impossible to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Although on the surface this novel is, for lack of a better term, a bunch of supernatural fluff (you know, the stuff that doesn’t happen in the real world but is super cool), it really makes you stop and think. Hanley lays the story out in such a way that you find yourself wondering what you would do if you had the abilities that the characters do. If you could make a difference, would you? Or would you try to just amass power?
Not only is this a supernatural story that makes you think, it is also quite well written. You find yourself so completely immersed in the action, via the author’s brilliant descriptions and narrative, that the story comes alive before your eyes. She combines clarity for the reader with the ability to keep you in suspense, wondering what will happen next and how it all will end. It is the perfect balance.
The characters in this novel are also quite intriguing. They are all very well developed and all extremely different. No two individuals share personal characteristics. You can always understand where a character is coming from but don’t necessarily agree with the actions or reactions that they exhibit. This is the mark of brilliant character development.
As a whole, this novel was extremely unique and very captivating. It was almost impossible to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 18, 2013
I really wanted to like this book, but could not finish. The concept is an awesome one, almost like this super hero relationship.
However, the main character is supposed to be 25 with two kids and I just didn't get that! I tried to frame it that she was obviously stuck in a teenage phase due to being a teen mom and getting divorced young. Since the story was written in first person it was hard to get the detail of the story due to her teenage mind; and in creating a fantasy world, these details are important! I could not picture any of the characters or place them in this world.
October 21, 2012
It's my life!
October 30, 2012
This story is rated way too high. Not much action and the main character is so dense. Loved the idea behind the book but was implemented terribly.
March 19, 2013
Dude I want to be a Muse. Lose my stretch marks and get perfect perky boobs for the first time. Hell yeah! Sign me up. Haha
October 4, 2019
The sequel is not coming out any time soon :(
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews