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Castle #1
The Transient
Before the Dark came the light! Before Roses at Dusk came...
The Castle Series - A Teen Paranormal Romance!
Melodie Gibson never had many friends in her life — that is, not until she moved from Australia to New York. Now, they fill her every waking moment. Fresh off the plane from the other side of the world, Melodie and her widowed father have moved into Heartworth Castle, an imposing manor-turned-Bed & Breakfast in upstate New York that he inherited from a distant aunt. But it’s no ordinary castle. Full of hidden secrets and layers of history, Heartworth has its ghosts—literally. Dripping with atmosphere, adventure and epic romance, THE TRANSIENT is the first instalment in the completed “Castle Trilogy” which creates an original mythology with roots in classical and biblical literature, where the afterlife is as complicated as the present, and the rules are just as hard to follow. It centres around Melodie, a socially awkward teenager, and Joseph, a “Transient ghost” that can take human form and who was murdered by a spurned love in the latter stages of the Civil War. No one is supposed to be able to see Joseph—but Melodie Gibson does. This unexplained contact sparks a passionate romance between the two. As Mel settles into her new American home and begins making mortal friends, she falls for Joseph, but not before the Governance and some old enemies of Joseph’s begin to materialize against them. Apparently, not everyone is happy about their new found love.
THE TRANSIENT is only the first instalment; the final two novels are THE SOUL KEEPER and THE DARKEST ANGEL
The Castle Series - A Teen Paranormal Romance!
Melodie Gibson never had many friends in her life — that is, not until she moved from Australia to New York. Now, they fill her every waking moment. Fresh off the plane from the other side of the world, Melodie and her widowed father have moved into Heartworth Castle, an imposing manor-turned-Bed & Breakfast in upstate New York that he inherited from a distant aunt. But it’s no ordinary castle. Full of hidden secrets and layers of history, Heartworth has its ghosts—literally. Dripping with atmosphere, adventure and epic romance, THE TRANSIENT is the first instalment in the completed “Castle Trilogy” which creates an original mythology with roots in classical and biblical literature, where the afterlife is as complicated as the present, and the rules are just as hard to follow. It centres around Melodie, a socially awkward teenager, and Joseph, a “Transient ghost” that can take human form and who was murdered by a spurned love in the latter stages of the Civil War. No one is supposed to be able to see Joseph—but Melodie Gibson does. This unexplained contact sparks a passionate romance between the two. As Mel settles into her new American home and begins making mortal friends, she falls for Joseph, but not before the Governance and some old enemies of Joseph’s begin to materialize against them. Apparently, not everyone is happy about their new found love.
THE TRANSIENT is only the first instalment; the final two novels are THE SOUL KEEPER and THE DARKEST ANGEL
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
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October 13, 2012Coming Soon!
January 8, 2013
Having read Maree Ward Russell’s Roses at Dusk - paranormal suspense story I have to say I eagerly snavled up my chance to review The Transient..
The Transient is a ghost story filled with lots of fantasy for anyone of all ages. M W Russell always paints a vivid picture within her stories. Her characters are filled with enough description to give the reader a wonderful detailed and indepth take on them. Its like looking through a looking glass as you read the storyine, it unravels within the pages. Its like I am there !
The romance is sweet between Joseph and Melodie. It was gradual - innocent yet sweet and gooey.. But I love gooey ! sigh - Young love lol.
The storyline is set at a gradual pace but entwined within the story is a little suspense and danger. But it will certainly keep you intrigued till you have read the last word.
M w Russell has effectively created a new twist on the word ‘ghost"... lol - The story is filled with love, friendship, laughter, danger and a few extra's .!!
Characters came to life with every turn of the page, and a good deal of the relationships that were formed seemed authentic, real and certainly enjoyable to Me, The reader.
The fact that this is A Paranormal Romance is a bonus for me, as I love this genre... Its set more for teens , but saying this it really is for all those who enjoy this genre - any age will enjoy for sure.
Everything about this book is completely stunning . The prose, the storyline and even the design cover !!! I eagerly await book two !!!
December 30, 2012
Wow! I could not put this book down, a fabulous heart pounding read.
The characters are so beautifully described and all had such great roles to play throughout the book.
The relationship and story that forms between Melodie and Joseph is so strong and innocent. There are beautiful descriptions of place, and quirks of the paranormal were enough to hold my interest and suggest that others also take the time to experience it.
Rachel, for the Orchard book club
The characters are so beautifully described and all had such great roles to play throughout the book.
The relationship and story that forms between Melodie and Joseph is so strong and innocent. There are beautiful descriptions of place, and quirks of the paranormal were enough to hold my interest and suggest that others also take the time to experience it.
Rachel, for the Orchard book club
January 11, 2014
Excellent, YA paranormal romance with ghosts
Melodie Gibson was born in New Zealand, but traveled all over the world with her surfer father and most recently lived in Australia. Her father and her deceased mother both came from wealthy families, but neither cared for the outer trappings of wealth, and certainly had no interest in offering Melodie a stable, middle-class upbringing. Melodie loves her father, who is easy-going, adventurous, and truly fond of her, too, but she's always wished they could settle down. Then suddenly, her wish unexpectedly comes true when her father inherits a bed and breakfast in upper New York State that has been in his family for 150 years, and is so enormous, it is rightfully called Heartworth Castle. Melodie soon learns that the castle has a reputation with the locals for being haunted, a rumor that she is amazed to discover is actually quite true when she encounters a handsome, teenage ghost on the property.
The author has included information in her blurb about this book which I myself would have considered a "spoiler," but since she has offered it herself, I will include it here as well: "THE TRANSIENT is the first installment in the completed 'Castle Trilogy' which creates an original mythology with roots in classical and biblical literature, where the afterlife is as complicated as the present, and the rules are just as hard to follow. It centres around Melodie, a socially awkward teenager, and Joseph, a 'Transient ghost' who can take human form and who was murdered by a spurned love in the latter stages of the Civil War. No one is supposed to be able to see Joseph—but Melodie Gibson does. This unexplained contact sparks a passionate romance between the two. As Mel settles into her new American home and begins making mortal friends, she falls for Joseph, but not before the Governance and some old enemies of Joseph’s begin to materialize against them. Apparently, not everyone is happy about their new found love."
Generally, in romance fiction, when the heroine falls in love with a ghost, there are two possible endings of the story if it is to be a traditional, HEA (happily ever after) romance: (1) The ghost hero comes back to life (there are strong hints this possibility exists within the magic of this story's fictional world), (2) the heroine dies, either in her youth or in old age, and becomes a ghost and joins with the hero in the afterlife (this version has rarely been done). Neither of these possibilities occurs in this book, but I did not expect it to, because this is a trilogy, and if there is to be a HEA, it will occur at the end of the third book. At any rate, the main source of surprise in HEA romance is not in how the story ends, but the journey of the romance itself. In a trilogy like this, the journey of the romance is expanded across three books, rather than one book in the case of a stand-alone novel.
In this, book 1 of the trilogy, the author establishes her magical world, which contains a rather unique approach to ghosts and the mythology surrounding them. In addition, she has offered an important element frequently found in young-adult fiction, a coterie of friends who serve as companions and allies to the heroine. The three friends in this story, two girls and a boy, are all seventeen like Melodie, and they are convincingly portrayed appropriate to their age.
The setting is also quite unusual and interesting in this novel, with a Gothic castle for the heroine's home. The heroine's Australian background and unusual (to an American) use of English adds a fascinating element to the story as well.
Melodie is a strong, sympathetic heroine, and Joseph is a wonderful hero. I really enjoyed their relationship, especially the magical elements related to Joseph's ghostly powers. The two of them have a great deal of unsupervised time together and this, combined with the fact that Joseph is capable of physically expressing his affection for Melodie, adds an intriguing element of sensuality to the story. However, much as Meg Cabot did in her ghostly Mediator series, this author has chosen to keep her story a "clean read," with no sexuality beyond kissing and hugs between Melodie and Joseph.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Romantic Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Fantasy World-Building: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Mystery Plot: 4 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
January 5, 2013
Having read Maree Ward Russell’s excellent paranormal suspense – Roses at Dusk, I couldn’t wait to read her latest offering – The Transient.
Billed as a ghost story (fantasy) for young adults, this book offers an escape for all ages. As seems to be this writer’s trademark, she is able to paint any picture she wishes without crossing the lines of indecency.
With each new page I was consumed by an urgent need to continue to the next, reading nearly half of the book in one sitting (this simply never happens)!
As usual, Maree gives us strong characters and a twisting path, but she adds an innocent softness that brings only joy.
It was like returning to an earlier time in my life and being filled by the essence of its glow. I didn’t want the story to end, and the good news is, a sequel is due soon … so I won’t need to wait long for a return to these lines.
If you are my age or older, this book will remind you of some of the things our world has lost, it will retrieve memories of reading C.S. Lewis at primary school and it will leave you feeling happy. If you are younger than me, this book was written for you – so what are you waiting for!!!!
As I now expect from Maree, the well written prose weave their magic about you as you fall in love with the setting, the characters and the plot. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you will love this book and though it may sound odd, it will love you right back!
The most enjoyable read I can remember – I will read it again, just for the magic it can bring.
Billed as a ghost story (fantasy) for young adults, this book offers an escape for all ages. As seems to be this writer’s trademark, she is able to paint any picture she wishes without crossing the lines of indecency.
With each new page I was consumed by an urgent need to continue to the next, reading nearly half of the book in one sitting (this simply never happens)!
As usual, Maree gives us strong characters and a twisting path, but she adds an innocent softness that brings only joy.
It was like returning to an earlier time in my life and being filled by the essence of its glow. I didn’t want the story to end, and the good news is, a sequel is due soon … so I won’t need to wait long for a return to these lines.
If you are my age or older, this book will remind you of some of the things our world has lost, it will retrieve memories of reading C.S. Lewis at primary school and it will leave you feeling happy. If you are younger than me, this book was written for you – so what are you waiting for!!!!
As I now expect from Maree, the well written prose weave their magic about you as you fall in love with the setting, the characters and the plot. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you will love this book and though it may sound odd, it will love you right back!
The most enjoyable read I can remember – I will read it again, just for the magic it can bring.
July 15, 2013
This is a book that had me dreading the end simply because I could not get enough of it...I never wanted it to end.
Ms. Russell’s writing style superbly drew me into the story so much so that I felt like I was a part of it. The way she illustrated the scene and surroundings, simple yet easy to imagine, had me seeing the book unfold in my mind as if I were sitting in a theater, not willing to take another kernel of popcorn in my mouth for fear of missing something.
I must thank Ms. Russell here, and will attempt to do so without sounding corny. As a freelance writer, I began to work on my first book earlier this year. In seeking out advice on using 1st person versus 3rd person, it was near unanimous that writing a book in 1st person was not feasible. Ms. Russell has proved them wrong. She expertly demonstrates that one can write a tantalizing tale in which the main character is in the 1st person. Thank you very much for putting my creative mind at ease.
This book has everything imaginable that a reader could ask for…an excellent plot, a troubling mystery and problem to be solved, action packed scenes, some light comedy, and a dash of romance. A perfectly balanced read for lovers of most any fiction genre.
Ms. Russell’s writing style superbly drew me into the story so much so that I felt like I was a part of it. The way she illustrated the scene and surroundings, simple yet easy to imagine, had me seeing the book unfold in my mind as if I were sitting in a theater, not willing to take another kernel of popcorn in my mouth for fear of missing something.
I must thank Ms. Russell here, and will attempt to do so without sounding corny. As a freelance writer, I began to work on my first book earlier this year. In seeking out advice on using 1st person versus 3rd person, it was near unanimous that writing a book in 1st person was not feasible. Ms. Russell has proved them wrong. She expertly demonstrates that one can write a tantalizing tale in which the main character is in the 1st person. Thank you very much for putting my creative mind at ease.
This book has everything imaginable that a reader could ask for…an excellent plot, a troubling mystery and problem to be solved, action packed scenes, some light comedy, and a dash of romance. A perfectly balanced read for lovers of most any fiction genre.
March 11, 2013
The Transient (The Castle Trilogy) a book by Maree Ward-russell
After the first few pages you will find yourself turning the pages a little faster, eager to find out more about Melodie. Melodie, a regular teenager, reluctantly packs up all her belongings in Australia to travel half way around the world with her father to go live in America. She should be excited, her new home was a castle. Melodie, however, did not relish the thought of a new school or having to make new friends. All that changed though when she glimpsed the handsome stranger in the castle grounds...
A well written story that will keep you captivated page after page. The characters are lifelike and believable. The dialogue tight and crisp.
Readers will be happy to know that there is a book 2 in the series available, and that a 3rd is to follow in due course.
I commend the author on a lovely, well written story and will definitely read the second and the 3rd in the series. http://www.amazon.com/The-Transient-C...
After the first few pages you will find yourself turning the pages a little faster, eager to find out more about Melodie. Melodie, a regular teenager, reluctantly packs up all her belongings in Australia to travel half way around the world with her father to go live in America. She should be excited, her new home was a castle. Melodie, however, did not relish the thought of a new school or having to make new friends. All that changed though when she glimpsed the handsome stranger in the castle grounds...
A well written story that will keep you captivated page after page. The characters are lifelike and believable. The dialogue tight and crisp.
Readers will be happy to know that there is a book 2 in the series available, and that a 3rd is to follow in due course.
I commend the author on a lovely, well written story and will definitely read the second and the 3rd in the series. http://www.amazon.com/The-Transient-C...
January 12, 2013
A great little YA book to start a new series by Ms Russell. Whilst I don't usually read this type of book, this one kept me intrigued well beyond the start and all the way to the finish.
I will not into the plot but this will be widely enjoyed I believe.
I will not into the plot but this will be widely enjoyed I believe.
February 28, 2013
Excellent story about adapting and falling in love, no matter the obstacle.
September 7, 2014
T & G Book Boutique Reviews: http://tgbookboutique.blogspot.com
4.5 stars
"You are my first, last, and only love, forever and a day."
The Transient was a super sweet book with a supernatural twist. Okay… so I have to admit this was a first for me. I had never before read a book about a ghost *gasp* For this being the first ghost book I have ever read, it was really good. Ms. Russell did a wonderful job of illustrating both love and friendship in her book. Great themes if you ask me. Melodie, the main character, was uber-cute and witty. She had me laughing at her quirky personality, “I stared at the pungent egg wafting off my plate, contemplating how long it would take for it to suffocate me if I face-planted into it.” Not to mention she has an Australian accent. Awesome, right? (Sorry to my family who had to listen to me talk in a horrible Australian accent for days.) The friendship that Melodie develops throughout the book was seriously moving. Melodie never believed that she could have that kind of friendship, considering she moved around a lot. She met amazing people that we could all use in our lives. I think we could all learn something from Amy, Chase, and Holly. Oh my goodness, do not even get me started on Melodie’s bae. Oops! Too late! Joseph was seriously sweet! Yet another character I wish was real so I could hug them. He may be different from Melodie, but that didn’t stop him from loving her with all his heart. *Aww* He was cute and funny just like her, perfect match. <3 He was a true gentleman and I immediately fell in love with him. Who wouldn’t? His charming personality won over Melodie, her friends, and me. The story was amaze! I felt for the two main characters and their struggles, both inner and outer. I loved that her friends were a part of it all. It was a really interesting story, especially on Joseph’s side. The ending was a definite cliff hanger. *grrr* Sure have to keep reading to know what happens next.
Just an overall sweet book that I really enjoyed!
-G
4.5 stars
"You are my first, last, and only love, forever and a day."
The Transient was a super sweet book with a supernatural twist. Okay… so I have to admit this was a first for me. I had never before read a book about a ghost *gasp* For this being the first ghost book I have ever read, it was really good. Ms. Russell did a wonderful job of illustrating both love and friendship in her book. Great themes if you ask me. Melodie, the main character, was uber-cute and witty. She had me laughing at her quirky personality, “I stared at the pungent egg wafting off my plate, contemplating how long it would take for it to suffocate me if I face-planted into it.” Not to mention she has an Australian accent. Awesome, right? (Sorry to my family who had to listen to me talk in a horrible Australian accent for days.) The friendship that Melodie develops throughout the book was seriously moving. Melodie never believed that she could have that kind of friendship, considering she moved around a lot. She met amazing people that we could all use in our lives. I think we could all learn something from Amy, Chase, and Holly. Oh my goodness, do not even get me started on Melodie’s bae. Oops! Too late! Joseph was seriously sweet! Yet another character I wish was real so I could hug them. He may be different from Melodie, but that didn’t stop him from loving her with all his heart. *Aww* He was cute and funny just like her, perfect match. <3 He was a true gentleman and I immediately fell in love with him. Who wouldn’t? His charming personality won over Melodie, her friends, and me. The story was amaze! I felt for the two main characters and their struggles, both inner and outer. I loved that her friends were a part of it all. It was a really interesting story, especially on Joseph’s side. The ending was a definite cliff hanger. *grrr* Sure have to keep reading to know what happens next.
Just an overall sweet book that I really enjoyed!
-G
January 8, 2013
The Transient
Book One of The Castle
Trilogy by
Maree Ward-Russell
Reviewed by R. Murry
The five senses: sight, taste, touch, hearing and smell are very important to our livelihood as human beings. We can’t live happily unless they’re functioning correctly. Add in love and I think you have hit all the bases to a healthy life.
Ms. Maree hits all the bases with words. She writes in a way that you use all your senses with emotion, while reading this paranormal suspense for Young Adults. However, us adults – I’m 64, will enjoy the turmoil that the main character Melody goes through.
Melody falls in love as a seventeen year old. There’s nothing new in that. We all have had our first loves. From her home in the Pacific, she and her father move to a castle in New England, U.S.A., where she gets her first taste of another world.
Her new adventure includes three delightfully diverse teenagers, who become her close friends. The other main character is a Transient. You’ll have to read the novel to get a correct explanation as to what one is. I’ll just say, not to give away the ghostly tale, is an image of a man that Melody falls in love with, as he does her. Teenagers- go figure?
This story has all the ingredients that keep the reader on their toes. You’re always looking around the corners to see what lurks. All your senses will be used in reading this adventure. Ms. Maree Ward-Russell leaves you wanting to read Book 2, which I will gladly purchase, as I did this one.
The novel was a great read for young and old. I learn something new every time I review a YA book - still young at heart, I guess. If you’re too, check
Ms. Ward- Russell’s The Transient out.
Book One of The Castle
Trilogy by
Maree Ward-Russell
Reviewed by R. Murry
The five senses: sight, taste, touch, hearing and smell are very important to our livelihood as human beings. We can’t live happily unless they’re functioning correctly. Add in love and I think you have hit all the bases to a healthy life.
Ms. Maree hits all the bases with words. She writes in a way that you use all your senses with emotion, while reading this paranormal suspense for Young Adults. However, us adults – I’m 64, will enjoy the turmoil that the main character Melody goes through.
Melody falls in love as a seventeen year old. There’s nothing new in that. We all have had our first loves. From her home in the Pacific, she and her father move to a castle in New England, U.S.A., where she gets her first taste of another world.
Her new adventure includes three delightfully diverse teenagers, who become her close friends. The other main character is a Transient. You’ll have to read the novel to get a correct explanation as to what one is. I’ll just say, not to give away the ghostly tale, is an image of a man that Melody falls in love with, as he does her. Teenagers- go figure?
This story has all the ingredients that keep the reader on their toes. You’re always looking around the corners to see what lurks. All your senses will be used in reading this adventure. Ms. Maree Ward-Russell leaves you wanting to read Book 2, which I will gladly purchase, as I did this one.
The novel was a great read for young and old. I learn something new every time I review a YA book - still young at heart, I guess. If you’re too, check
Ms. Ward- Russell’s The Transient out.
January 13, 2013
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
This book is aimed at teenagers and that’s obvious when reading it. It touches on common issues teenagers have (such as moving and needing to make new friends, romance, etc) and guides readers through the novel.
The paranormal in this book drew me in. The concept is interesting and something I’m eager to read more of. It feels as if in this book, only the surface of the paranormal has been touched upon, and that there is much more to come in the future. I’m excited for that time and can’t wait to learn more about the unique mechanics and the paranormal that this trilogy has to offer.
This book got better as it progressed. The start, in my opinion, wasn’t as good as later parts of the novel. It felt boring, almost, and I had to push my way through it. Once I reached about the 10% mark, things started to pick up a bit and it just got better along the way. If you can get through the first few chapters, this novel definitely picks up the pace and becomes a lot more interesting.
Some bits felt a tad rushed, but other than that, I enjoyed reading this. The characters were diverse and I had a lot of fun envisioning the scenes with them. Some characters intrigued me more from the beginning and the author did well in making me dislike and like specific characters.
Overall, I’d say this is definitely worth the read. Some minor issues made me give it 4 rather than 5 stars, but I’m still looking forward to the second book – especially after revelations that happened at the end of this one!
This book is aimed at teenagers and that’s obvious when reading it. It touches on common issues teenagers have (such as moving and needing to make new friends, romance, etc) and guides readers through the novel.
The paranormal in this book drew me in. The concept is interesting and something I’m eager to read more of. It feels as if in this book, only the surface of the paranormal has been touched upon, and that there is much more to come in the future. I’m excited for that time and can’t wait to learn more about the unique mechanics and the paranormal that this trilogy has to offer.
This book got better as it progressed. The start, in my opinion, wasn’t as good as later parts of the novel. It felt boring, almost, and I had to push my way through it. Once I reached about the 10% mark, things started to pick up a bit and it just got better along the way. If you can get through the first few chapters, this novel definitely picks up the pace and becomes a lot more interesting.
Some bits felt a tad rushed, but other than that, I enjoyed reading this. The characters were diverse and I had a lot of fun envisioning the scenes with them. Some characters intrigued me more from the beginning and the author did well in making me dislike and like specific characters.
Overall, I’d say this is definitely worth the read. Some minor issues made me give it 4 rather than 5 stars, but I’m still looking forward to the second book – especially after revelations that happened at the end of this one!
January 6, 2013
Working on review!
December 30, 2012
Wow! I could not put this book down, a fabulous heart pounding read.
The characters are so beautifully described and all had such great roles to play throughout the book.
The characters are so beautifully described and all had such great roles to play throughout the book.
April 26, 2013
niceone.good reading
September 1, 2013
With "The Transient", M.W. Russell delivers a complex story, complete with a quaint castle, charming characters & ever-present twists and turns paving the way for the remaining books in the series. She has laid down a firm foundation with this installment, that leaves us hanging on in the end, asking the question, "What will happen next?" Her ability to weave a story grabs you and pulls you in, engaging you in the lives of the characters. Though the beginning seems a bit slow, due primarily to the author trying to ensure you understand the background of the characters, it picks up speed and has you hanging on by the end. All in all, a good book to add to anyone's library. It will leave you anticipating the next installment.
December 27, 2012
The only reason why I didn't finish this book in one night was because I was busy preparing for Christmas. If I had as much free time as I wanted this book would have been gone in no time!
I love the story, the characters and the scene that M.W. Russell sets in your head. Often, I'd read right before I fell asleep and the characters would come to life in my dreams.
I don't like spoilers so I won't say too much and give it all away, but I can say that I can't wait for the next in the series.
I love the story, the characters and the scene that M.W. Russell sets in your head. Often, I'd read right before I fell asleep and the characters would come to life in my dreams.
I don't like spoilers so I won't say too much and give it all away, but I can say that I can't wait for the next in the series.
January 13, 2014
This paranormal teen romance for girls was way out of genre for me, however I did enjoy it and will read the second book in the series. It is basically about a bunch of kids, a castle and some ghosts and was quite a quick read.
The eBook formatting needs some work, but other than that it was a well written and presented book
The eBook formatting needs some work, but other than that it was a well written and presented book
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews