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Adven Realm Adventure #1
Finding Meara
To keep her safe, Hazel Michelli's parents never told her she was adopted, or that her birthplace was in an alternative land where magic and monsters exist. She found out the truth the day a ferocious winged creature stole her from her Denver apartment and delivered her to Lucian, the sadistic Lifeforce magician who happens to be Hazel’s biological father.
“Dysfunctional family” takes on new meaning when she learns Lucian must sacrifice a daughter to maintain immortality and take over the Realm. When Hazel’s younger half-sister disappears just days before the Rite, Lucian moves Hazel to the top of the sacrificial short list.
Afraid, yet compelled to protect her four-year-old half-sister, Hazel races between both worlds, searching for Meara while being hunted by Lucian. Their lives, and the future of the Realm, leave her no room for failure.
“Dysfunctional family” takes on new meaning when she learns Lucian must sacrifice a daughter to maintain immortality and take over the Realm. When Hazel’s younger half-sister disappears just days before the Rite, Lucian moves Hazel to the top of the sacrificial short list.
Afraid, yet compelled to protect her four-year-old half-sister, Hazel races between both worlds, searching for Meara while being hunted by Lucian. Their lives, and the future of the Realm, leave her no room for failure.
266 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Lara Schiffbauer
1 book15 followersLara Schiffbauer was born and raised in the Western United States. As a child she got in trouble at school for talking too much and daydreaming. She believed in Santa Claus until she was in the third grade, and thought she saw angels at the Catholic school she attended.
Unwilling to lose the magic of childhood, as a teenager she spent her years reading novels that let her live in fantasy worlds where she could vicariously experience the romance and adventure sadly lacking in her everyday life. Piers Anthony, Victoria Holt, and David Eddings were some of her favorite authors.
Many years later, after obtaining a Masters of Social Work degree and growing a family, Lara decided to recapture some of the magic found in creativity. In 2010, her horror flash fiction story The Copier was published in the anthology Daily Bites of Flesh 2011: 365 Days of Flash Fiction. In 2011, her erotic horror story Phantom Deposit was published in the anthology Steamy Screams, and in February 2012 her urban fantasy short story Bear Hug was published online at Hogglepot.
She then turned to writing novels, and her first contemporary fantasy novel, Finding Meara, is due to be released in March 2013.
Unwilling to lose the magic of childhood, as a teenager she spent her years reading novels that let her live in fantasy worlds where she could vicariously experience the romance and adventure sadly lacking in her everyday life. Piers Anthony, Victoria Holt, and David Eddings were some of her favorite authors.
Many years later, after obtaining a Masters of Social Work degree and growing a family, Lara decided to recapture some of the magic found in creativity. In 2010, her horror flash fiction story The Copier was published in the anthology Daily Bites of Flesh 2011: 365 Days of Flash Fiction. In 2011, her erotic horror story Phantom Deposit was published in the anthology Steamy Screams, and in February 2012 her urban fantasy short story Bear Hug was published online at Hogglepot.
She then turned to writing novels, and her first contemporary fantasy novel, Finding Meara, is due to be released in March 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 25, 2013
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Okay, so I have a confession. Most of the books I read are in the young adult section of the bookstore. I know, I know you are all thinking.... "WHAAAAT!?"
I kid, I kid.
But seriously, I usually do not pick up an adult book unless it happens to catch my eye or I get a recommendation from someone I know. SO, when I was looking over the BBF list of books to review, I was expecting to find a couple of young adult, maybe new adult books. But THIS book just kept jumping out at me. Literally.
Can I just say... THIS. BOOK. WAS. AWESOME! Seriously, the story gets going right away. Hazel is finishing a run with her best friend and goes into her apartment to order dinner (pizza, like a boss). Then she is attacked by a giant man/not a man who whisks her away to another realm. All while calling her the wrong name.
So, when you get kidnapped to another realm only to find out you are a human sacrifice, what do you do? Well Hazel runs away. Then she meets this awesome cat who can catch on fire and has the personality of a human. So basically, the coolest cat ever. With the help of the fire-inducing cat, she escapes her captors. Soon she is gallivanting through this other realm trying to make it home. With the help of Arden, AKA mysterious hot guy, she makes it back to the portal that she came through and gets back home.
You read that right. She.gets.back.home. Because Lara, brilliant Lara, does not do the typical girl goes into another realm and then the story revolves on there until she finally gets home and the end. Nope, she weaves the story between here and there. Which was something I really loved. Oddly enough, her going back and forth helped build the world and allowed for lots of surprises in the plot.
So Hazel ends up finding out she is adopted and has two siblings, because her lovely father is immortal and to stay that way must sacrifice his children. Yep, parent of the year right there. She also finds out that the giant man/not man was calling her the name of her four year old sister, Meara (ahh, that's where the title comes in!)
So, Meara disappears and Hazel, along with her brother and best friend, have to track her down before she is murdered by their father. Of course, Arden plays a huge part in the story as the guardian of the forest/realm they are in AND as someone Hazel fancies. The romance in the book is sweet, but certainly not the focus. This was SO refreshing! I know I'm the girl who says she hates too much romance in her books that aren't labeled romance, but I always get invested anyways. But I was really glad at the choices Lara made for her characters.
Ultimately, this was about a girl learning to grow up and take chances on life. Even though she was 26, I could recommend this to teenagers with no difficulty or hesitation. The characters were real, honest, and raw. Hazel had some deep flaws, and it made her more human. The writing was great, the plot was paced well, and I didn't want to put it down once I started it. The story and characters were well developed and I definitely want more.
I am so, so glad I picked this book. I cannot wait to see what happens next! My only real critique is that I need a map! The best part of a fantasy novel is the world that is created. So, having a map is something I NEED!
Overall: Four out of Five stars
Okay, so I have a confession. Most of the books I read are in the young adult section of the bookstore. I know, I know you are all thinking.... "WHAAAAT!?"
I kid, I kid.
But seriously, I usually do not pick up an adult book unless it happens to catch my eye or I get a recommendation from someone I know. SO, when I was looking over the BBF list of books to review, I was expecting to find a couple of young adult, maybe new adult books. But THIS book just kept jumping out at me. Literally.
The book... jumping. Lots of jumping.
Can I just say... THIS. BOOK. WAS. AWESOME! Seriously, the story gets going right away. Hazel is finishing a run with her best friend and goes into her apartment to order dinner (pizza, like a boss). Then she is attacked by a giant man/not a man who whisks her away to another realm. All while calling her the wrong name.
So, when you get kidnapped to another realm only to find out you are a human sacrifice, what do you do? Well Hazel runs away. Then she meets this awesome cat who can catch on fire and has the personality of a human. So basically, the coolest cat ever. With the help of the fire-inducing cat, she escapes her captors. Soon she is gallivanting through this other realm trying to make it home. With the help of Arden, AKA mysterious hot guy, she makes it back to the portal that she came through and gets back home.
You read that right. She.gets.back.home. Because Lara, brilliant Lara, does not do the typical girl goes into another realm and then the story revolves on there until she finally gets home and the end. Nope, she weaves the story between here and there. Which was something I really loved. Oddly enough, her going back and forth helped build the world and allowed for lots of surprises in the plot.
So Hazel ends up finding out she is adopted and has two siblings, because her lovely father is immortal and to stay that way must sacrifice his children. Yep, parent of the year right there. She also finds out that the giant man/not man was calling her the name of her four year old sister, Meara (ahh, that's where the title comes in!)
So, Meara disappears and Hazel, along with her brother and best friend, have to track her down before she is murdered by their father. Of course, Arden plays a huge part in the story as the guardian of the forest/realm they are in AND as someone Hazel fancies. The romance in the book is sweet, but certainly not the focus. This was SO refreshing! I know I'm the girl who says she hates too much romance in her books that aren't labeled romance, but I always get invested anyways. But I was really glad at the choices Lara made for her characters.
Ultimately, this was about a girl learning to grow up and take chances on life. Even though she was 26, I could recommend this to teenagers with no difficulty or hesitation. The characters were real, honest, and raw. Hazel had some deep flaws, and it made her more human. The writing was great, the plot was paced well, and I didn't want to put it down once I started it. The story and characters were well developed and I definitely want more.
I am so, so glad I picked this book. I cannot wait to see what happens next! My only real critique is that I need a map! The best part of a fantasy novel is the world that is created. So, having a map is something I NEED!
Overall: Four out of Five stars
August 19, 2013
I thought this book was a wonderfully refreshing new take on mixing a fantasy with reality. I also really liked that the book is a conclusive piece in and of itself, even though it is the first in a series called Adven Realm. The story that begins in this book is also finished in this book and while I am sure that there will be some fallout in the next books -- or at least the background we have learned will be utilized in the others -- the story itself is self-contained. I will be looking out for the sequels but if I don't read any more Adven Realm books, I know that I will not be agonizing over not know how the story ends.
August 20, 2013
26 year-old Hazel knew she had a gift, one that allowed many of her heart's desires to come easily to her. She never considered where that power came from or the consequences its origin might bring--until the day she plummets from her privileged life in Denver to a hidden realm where magic and wonder abounds. She navigates the secret world--a place where she is hunted, where her every action affects the perilous fate of a young child--and in the end makes a surprising discovery about herself.
Right from the very first chapter, Lara Schiffbauer weaves her debut tale with heart-stopping action and courageous hope. Finding Meara will keep you turning page after page, wishing for more.
Right from the very first chapter, Lara Schiffbauer weaves her debut tale with heart-stopping action and courageous hope. Finding Meara will keep you turning page after page, wishing for more.
April 16, 2013
Finding Meara is such a wonderful adventure. Switching between our contemporary world and 'the Realm'we learn not only about how these two lands are connected, but how Hazel is connected to them as well. The descriptions are just beautiful. And Hazel's character ARC is flawless. A fantastic debut novel from a very talented writer.
I read an ARC of this and then went ahead and bought it when it was released. Definitely worth more than one read.
I read an ARC of this and then went ahead and bought it when it was released. Definitely worth more than one read.
July 22, 2013
In Finding Meara, author Lara Schiffbauer’s freshman novel, Meara is the four year old sister whom first person narrator, Hazel (26), never knew she had. Hazel learns about her natural family when she is kidnapped and flown through a portal into another world. Hazel is able to escape but upon her return to her own world she is under suspicion for kidnapping and needs to find a safe place to hide because she is still on the run from her evil, natural father, Lucian. His henchmen could attack from any direction, including the sky. Lucian plans on ritually sacrificing one of his daughters to extend his own life. He is for sure one mean, magic-wielding Daddy.
First, let me advise that this review will likely only be of interest to readers of Teen Fantasy novels with a heavy Romance component. If you are not a fan of novels written for the Twilight and/or Amanda Hocking crowd, you will probably want to pass. Although I have seen the novel described as “new adult”, I feel the book would not have as much appeal for the 18-30 age range is it will to the teen/young adult group.
For those of you who are readers of inexpensive, Teen-oriented Fantasy, welcome. At the current price of 99¢, Finding Meara by Lara Schiffbauer may be your cup of tea. It is important for me to note before continuing that Teen-oriented Romance is definitely not one of my preferred genres. I like the Fantasy just fine, but I prefer my Romance to be layered into the background of the tale instead of being front and center. Please understand that my review may be colored by my preferences.
First, why did I read the book if I don’t like the level of romance? The answer is simple – there was nothing in the book description or the book sample I read to tip me off to the lurve angle. While I always expect books with teen or early adult narrators to contain romantic or lusty yearnings, the book was often more “Finding Hunks” than “Finding Meara”. Because of this, I encourage Ms. Schiffbauer to put something about the romance aspect into the book blurb. There are plenty of young ladies looking for what the book offers. A synopsis highlighting the romance aspect will help the book connect with that audience.
Now, as to the rest of the story…the author creates an interesting alternate world with natural-world magic elements – think elementals and guardians-of-the-forest. The world-building was good if not as in-depth as I might have liked – however, it is about right for the age group I think it will appeal to. When Hazel, her BFF, and her newfound younger brother travel to the Adven Realm, they track Meara, who is now on the run with her grandmother, in an effort to rescue her and take her back to Colorado to keep her safe. In the meantime, there is danger all around that they will need to fend off with the help of some of the Realm’s hot guy guardians.
I would have liked Hazel better if she and her friend had been 17 or 18 (a year or two older than the girls I think this novel would most appeal to). For a 26 year old, Hazel was far too self-involved and immature – she expends most of her emotional energy on worrying about whether or not her preferred Realm men think she’s hot. (Once again, I thought the book was about Finding Meara, but the topic of Meara comes up only when it is needed to send them off on another leg of their journey.)
While I think Lara Schiffbauer did a good job for a first novel and shows some definite creativity with plotting, the book suffered from an overall lack of focus – is it a fantasy/adventure or a fantasy/romance? It is my feeling that the author didn’t have it fixed in her mind which of these it was; for this reason, she was unable to build a fully satisfying story in either direction. The romance competed with the adventure and significantly detracted from building tension around the search for Meara.
On the other hand, if I had been reading the story as a romance, I would have found the love triangle far too easily resolved and the male love interest(s) far too perfect. That said, I am familiar with the kind of romance teens find compelling and the book is probably a good fit with teenage expectations. If you are a teen considering blowing a buck on a book for pure escapism, you could do worse than Finding Meara. At a price point of less than $1.00, I think it is a decent read for the right kind of reader (by now, you know who you are). I rate at a solid 3 for a teenage audience and would rate it a bit lower for adult expectations.
Two final notes — one of the really good things about the book is that it is not chock full o’ reading and grammar errors. The author gets kudos from me for attention to the details. However, I then give a stern glare in her general direction because Hazel, whom one assumes the reader will identify with, intimates that men don’t need to be advised when they are to become fathers. She does this for no other reason than her own hurt feelings; a woman’s hurt feelings are much more important than fathers and their children having the opportunity to know each other, right? I do understand the reason for this in terms of the plot, but I still don’t have to like the message it sends to young women.
This review was originally written for Indieheart.com. IndieHeart provides honest reviews of books by Indie and self-published authors. We are intolerant of poorly edited, unproofread works. We also send out a daily newsletter with hand-picked free Kindle ebook selections to save readers time when looking for new authors to enjoy.
Our staff received a free copy of this novel in exchange for our honest review.
First, let me advise that this review will likely only be of interest to readers of Teen Fantasy novels with a heavy Romance component. If you are not a fan of novels written for the Twilight and/or Amanda Hocking crowd, you will probably want to pass. Although I have seen the novel described as “new adult”, I feel the book would not have as much appeal for the 18-30 age range is it will to the teen/young adult group.
For those of you who are readers of inexpensive, Teen-oriented Fantasy, welcome. At the current price of 99¢, Finding Meara by Lara Schiffbauer may be your cup of tea. It is important for me to note before continuing that Teen-oriented Romance is definitely not one of my preferred genres. I like the Fantasy just fine, but I prefer my Romance to be layered into the background of the tale instead of being front and center. Please understand that my review may be colored by my preferences.
First, why did I read the book if I don’t like the level of romance? The answer is simple – there was nothing in the book description or the book sample I read to tip me off to the lurve angle. While I always expect books with teen or early adult narrators to contain romantic or lusty yearnings, the book was often more “Finding Hunks” than “Finding Meara”. Because of this, I encourage Ms. Schiffbauer to put something about the romance aspect into the book blurb. There are plenty of young ladies looking for what the book offers. A synopsis highlighting the romance aspect will help the book connect with that audience.
Now, as to the rest of the story…the author creates an interesting alternate world with natural-world magic elements – think elementals and guardians-of-the-forest. The world-building was good if not as in-depth as I might have liked – however, it is about right for the age group I think it will appeal to. When Hazel, her BFF, and her newfound younger brother travel to the Adven Realm, they track Meara, who is now on the run with her grandmother, in an effort to rescue her and take her back to Colorado to keep her safe. In the meantime, there is danger all around that they will need to fend off with the help of some of the Realm’s hot guy guardians.
I would have liked Hazel better if she and her friend had been 17 or 18 (a year or two older than the girls I think this novel would most appeal to). For a 26 year old, Hazel was far too self-involved and immature – she expends most of her emotional energy on worrying about whether or not her preferred Realm men think she’s hot. (Once again, I thought the book was about Finding Meara, but the topic of Meara comes up only when it is needed to send them off on another leg of their journey.)
While I think Lara Schiffbauer did a good job for a first novel and shows some definite creativity with plotting, the book suffered from an overall lack of focus – is it a fantasy/adventure or a fantasy/romance? It is my feeling that the author didn’t have it fixed in her mind which of these it was; for this reason, she was unable to build a fully satisfying story in either direction. The romance competed with the adventure and significantly detracted from building tension around the search for Meara.
On the other hand, if I had been reading the story as a romance, I would have found the love triangle far too easily resolved and the male love interest(s) far too perfect. That said, I am familiar with the kind of romance teens find compelling and the book is probably a good fit with teenage expectations. If you are a teen considering blowing a buck on a book for pure escapism, you could do worse than Finding Meara. At a price point of less than $1.00, I think it is a decent read for the right kind of reader (by now, you know who you are). I rate at a solid 3 for a teenage audience and would rate it a bit lower for adult expectations.
Two final notes — one of the really good things about the book is that it is not chock full o’ reading and grammar errors. The author gets kudos from me for attention to the details. However, I then give a stern glare in her general direction because Hazel, whom one assumes the reader will identify with, intimates that men don’t need to be advised when they are to become fathers. She does this for no other reason than her own hurt feelings; a woman’s hurt feelings are much more important than fathers and their children having the opportunity to know each other, right? I do understand the reason for this in terms of the plot, but I still don’t have to like the message it sends to young women.
This review was originally written for Indieheart.com. IndieHeart provides honest reviews of books by Indie and self-published authors. We are intolerant of poorly edited, unproofread works. We also send out a daily newsletter with hand-picked free Kindle ebook selections to save readers time when looking for new authors to enjoy.
Our staff received a free copy of this novel in exchange for our honest review.
April 3, 2019
Fun story.
Fredrick!!! I want a Fredrick! Loved that furball. This story was well written and we'll paced but it did feel like a piece was missing.....or somehow I missed it. But how did they get Meara in the end?? Not that I mind, it was a fun story either way
Fredrick!!! I want a Fredrick! Loved that furball. This story was well written and we'll paced but it did feel like a piece was missing.....or somehow I missed it. But how did they get Meara in the end?? Not that I mind, it was a fun story either way
September 11, 2013
If I had to be a character in a fantasy novel, blindsided by life and its surprises, I’d want to be like Hazel, full of flaws, but overcoming many of them at warp speed! And her attitude? I loved it! Finding Meara by Lara Schiffbauer is a great light read that firmly sets the stage for the new series An Adven Realm Adventure, one that is sure to gain fans with ease!
Lara Schiffbauer has a bright future with her clean writing style and world building that leaves just enough to the imagination that it is not over-powering, while giving a memorable voice to Hazel as she tells her tale as she lives it! Each supporting character will become real to you when you see them through Hazel’s eyes and her heart. A perfect read for YA and adult fantasy lovers looking for that unique twist!
A review copy was provided by Story Cartel and Lara Schiffbauer.
Publication Date: March 29, 2013
Publisher: Lara Schiffbauer
Series: An Adven Realm Adventure, Book 1
Print Length: 267 pages
My Rating: 5 Stars
Available From: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Connect with the Author: www.laraschiffbauer.com
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Lara Schiffbauer has a bright future with her clean writing style and world building that leaves just enough to the imagination that it is not over-powering, while giving a memorable voice to Hazel as she tells her tale as she lives it! Each supporting character will become real to you when you see them through Hazel’s eyes and her heart. A perfect read for YA and adult fantasy lovers looking for that unique twist!
A review copy was provided by Story Cartel and Lara Schiffbauer.
Publication Date: March 29, 2013
Publisher: Lara Schiffbauer
Series: An Adven Realm Adventure, Book 1
Print Length: 267 pages
My Rating: 5 Stars
Available From: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Connect with the Author: www.laraschiffbauer.com
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
July 14, 2013
At the outset of the novel, Hazel (love the name, by the way, unusual and old-fashioned, but made quirky by the character) only knows that she’s lucky, so dependably lucky that she makes a comfortable living by gambling. Then something huge and hulking bursts through the door of her apartment, calls her “Meara,” grabs Hazel, and leaps off the balcony, spreading its wings to fly her to a place she never suspected existed.
The action doesn’t relent as Hazel is taken prisoner by someone named Lucian, escapes (with the help of a talking bird and a flaming cat), finds her way back to Colorado, and reluctantly enlists her friend’s help. When an insect-like monster attacks them on the road, it is both a validation of Hazel’s bizarre story and a warning: Lucian isn’t finished with her yet.
Though unwilling to involve her parents in this strange series of events, Hazel has questions only they can answer. Those answers change Hazel’s life forever and send her on a worlds-spanning adventure, teaching her that her luck is only the tip of her magical iceberg, and that family is worth killing for, and dying for, if it comes to that.
The author weaves a great story, with just enough quirk to please the trope-weary reader. She moves between Boulder and the Realm deftly, and has created a unique and charming world that both recalls childhood favourites, and provides enough romance and danger to satisfy the New Adult age range.
I also appreciate that despite the romantic potentials (small spoiler alert!), Hazel remains happily independent at the end of the novel. The denouement felt a little rushed, but was satisfying nonetheless.
Am eagerly awaiting Lara’s next novel :)
The action doesn’t relent as Hazel is taken prisoner by someone named Lucian, escapes (with the help of a talking bird and a flaming cat), finds her way back to Colorado, and reluctantly enlists her friend’s help. When an insect-like monster attacks them on the road, it is both a validation of Hazel’s bizarre story and a warning: Lucian isn’t finished with her yet.
Though unwilling to involve her parents in this strange series of events, Hazel has questions only they can answer. Those answers change Hazel’s life forever and send her on a worlds-spanning adventure, teaching her that her luck is only the tip of her magical iceberg, and that family is worth killing for, and dying for, if it comes to that.
The author weaves a great story, with just enough quirk to please the trope-weary reader. She moves between Boulder and the Realm deftly, and has created a unique and charming world that both recalls childhood favourites, and provides enough romance and danger to satisfy the New Adult age range.
I also appreciate that despite the romantic potentials (small spoiler alert!), Hazel remains happily independent at the end of the novel. The denouement felt a little rushed, but was satisfying nonetheless.
Am eagerly awaiting Lara’s next novel :)
June 13, 2013
Lara Schiffbauer's debut novel is a perfect summer read for fantasy fans. The story starts out strong with riveting action and keeps getting better from there. Hazel, a very real main character who is easy to relate to, is abducted from her home and dragged into a realm of magic that she never knew existed...all because the monster that found her thought she smelled like the girl he really needed to find.
Hazel eventually learns who Meara is (the one the monster mistook her for), and that she has to help the four-year-old girl whose life is in danger. Along the way she discovers secrets about her past, life-changing truths about herself and a love that she cannot have.
Finding Meara is exceptionally well written with great hooks at the end of each chapter to keep the pages turning. It's a story full of suspense and friendship that's all wrapped up with a satisfying conclusion, but with enough left unresolved that I am looking forward to finding out what happens in book two.
I'm very impressed with Lara's debut novel and I highly recommend it for young adult and adult fans of the fantasy genre. You can find out more about Lara, and get updates on the Adven Realm Adventure series on her Facebook page Lara Schiffbauer, Author Page or on twitter @LASbauer.
Hazel eventually learns who Meara is (the one the monster mistook her for), and that she has to help the four-year-old girl whose life is in danger. Along the way she discovers secrets about her past, life-changing truths about herself and a love that she cannot have.
Finding Meara is exceptionally well written with great hooks at the end of each chapter to keep the pages turning. It's a story full of suspense and friendship that's all wrapped up with a satisfying conclusion, but with enough left unresolved that I am looking forward to finding out what happens in book two.
I'm very impressed with Lara's debut novel and I highly recommend it for young adult and adult fans of the fantasy genre. You can find out more about Lara, and get updates on the Adven Realm Adventure series on her Facebook page Lara Schiffbauer, Author Page or on twitter @LASbauer.
April 17, 2013
The word is love...I absolutely LOVED this novel! Finding Meara is wonderfully written with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested! As a mother of 2 little ones it was hard to sit and read it through, but this is the kind of book I used to lock myself up in my room to read from start to finish! It had me hooked from chapter one and kept me tangled in its web until the very end! I can't wait to see what new adventures await us in the Realm!
June 3, 2013
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the realistic internal dialogue of the main character. When crazy things happened, she said the things that all of us are thinking and reacted in a way that all of us would react. This was great! Also, I appreciated that some very unexpected things happened. The book kept me guessing and kept me reading.
July 24, 2013
This is not my usual genre, but I am friends with the author. And I'm glad I am, or I probably wouldn't have read it. I thought the story started off a little slowly, but after chapter 5 or so it was extremely hard to put down! I loved the creative storyline, and I can't wait until Lara puts the next book out!
March 31, 2013
I really enjoyed reading "Finding Meara." There were wonderful and compelling characters and an intriguing story-line that swept me along. A great addition to my fantasy collection. I'm looking forward to Lara's next book! What a great first novel!
September 3, 2013
A great fantasy book for teens or adults, I loved all characters and it had a good variety of them. It would make a good series because you don't want it to end.
October 10, 2021
10/10
Oh my gosh, I found out about Finding Meara from one of my friends and knew I had to buy it. I read it in 4 days and will definitely read it again in the future. I can’t wait to see where the story goes. I immediately connected with Hazel and fell in love with the writing I will 100% be reading Into the fairy ring.
Oh my gosh, I found out about Finding Meara from one of my friends and knew I had to buy it. I read it in 4 days and will definitely read it again in the future. I can’t wait to see where the story goes. I immediately connected with Hazel and fell in love with the writing I will 100% be reading Into the fairy ring.
May 3, 2015
✯✯✯ Spoiler Alert ✯✯✯
I wish to discuss aspects of this book that I liked and/or disliked. It would be far more difficult and less informative to not use examples to do this. Thus, this review has quite a few spoilers. If you'd like to avoid these you might want to skip to the last paragraph. You've been warned.
I really wish that there had been something in the description to clue me in to the fact that this is a YA novel. I'm afraid I was taken by surprise with that. I mean the main character, Hazel, is 26 after all!
Ok, maybe it's not really YA fiction, but I think it really wanted to be. It reads like it does. So, the odd adult moments, like Tessra's come-ons, seemed horrendously out of place. While Hazel's hesitation about admitting to her parents that she's had sex clashed harshly with her age and lifestyle. Again, she's 26, has lived on her own since graduating high school and had at least one steady boyfriend. I think her parents probably knew she was sexually active. So, as a character, she really needed to be more confident in her sexuality or 16. The latter would have made sense with the rest of the book as well as Hazel's basic personality.
I suppose what I'm getting at isn't really about Hazel at all. Rather it's a matter of the book needing to choose a genre and fit it. I have no problem with genre crossing in terms of Sci-fi/Fantasy or Action Adventure/Mystery, but Adult/Young Adult really is an either/or scenario. I don't think Finding Meara knows where it wants to fall and it shows.
In fact, beyond being told that the land has been parcelled off and the number of immortals and Daragwards limited to one per area there is almost no world building at all! I have no idea why Lucian is allowed to sacrifice his female offspring. I don't know how it works and if a woman could sacrifice her sons and become immortal, or if this is one more example, so common in fiction, of the disposability of females—where a 12 year old boy is given more social worth than a full grown woman. I don't know if there is a government or any religion. I don't even know if the Adven Realm is a city, country, continent or something else.
Then there were the romances, which again I was caught off guard by. There was nothing about romance in the description. But, more importantly, neither of them made much sense. One was a...well not insta-love, but insta-relationship. You know the sort where two people meet, are attracted and instantly have something real and meaningful? No kiss is just a kiss. It's a kiss full off hope and promise. Drives me nuts. The other was all about denial, but why? The position of Daragward is apparently a hereditary title, passed from father to son. So there is nothing to suggest that a Daragward can't have a mate. In fact, it kind of requires it. Why all the angst then?
The plain fact of the matter is that I dimly didn't like the book. The writing was fine. The editing was fine—I only noticed one or two major mishaps. The idea behind the story is an interesting one. It has an eye-catching cover. I even liked some of the characters. But there was just so much else that I didn't like. It all might be personal dislike kind of stuff, so I'll still give it a 3 stars. But I won't be continuing the series.
I wish to discuss aspects of this book that I liked and/or disliked. It would be far more difficult and less informative to not use examples to do this. Thus, this review has quite a few spoilers. If you'd like to avoid these you might want to skip to the last paragraph. You've been warned.
I really wish that there had been something in the description to clue me in to the fact that this is a YA novel. I'm afraid I was taken by surprise with that. I mean the main character, Hazel, is 26 after all!
Ok, maybe it's not really YA fiction, but I think it really wanted to be. It reads like it does. So, the odd adult moments, like Tessra's come-ons, seemed horrendously out of place. While Hazel's hesitation about admitting to her parents that she's had sex clashed harshly with her age and lifestyle. Again, she's 26, has lived on her own since graduating high school and had at least one steady boyfriend. I think her parents probably knew she was sexually active. So, as a character, she really needed to be more confident in her sexuality or 16. The latter would have made sense with the rest of the book as well as Hazel's basic personality.
I suppose what I'm getting at isn't really about Hazel at all. Rather it's a matter of the book needing to choose a genre and fit it. I have no problem with genre crossing in terms of Sci-fi/Fantasy or Action Adventure/Mystery, but Adult/Young Adult really is an either/or scenario. I don't think Finding Meara knows where it wants to fall and it shows.
In fact, beyond being told that the land has been parcelled off and the number of immortals and Daragwards limited to one per area there is almost no world building at all! I have no idea why Lucian is allowed to sacrifice his female offspring. I don't know how it works and if a woman could sacrifice her sons and become immortal, or if this is one more example, so common in fiction, of the disposability of females—where a 12 year old boy is given more social worth than a full grown woman. I don't know if there is a government or any religion. I don't even know if the Adven Realm is a city, country, continent or something else.
Then there were the romances, which again I was caught off guard by. There was nothing about romance in the description. But, more importantly, neither of them made much sense. One was a...well not insta-love, but insta-relationship. You know the sort where two people meet, are attracted and instantly have something real and meaningful? No kiss is just a kiss. It's a kiss full off hope and promise. Drives me nuts. The other was all about denial, but why? The position of Daragward is apparently a hereditary title, passed from father to son. So there is nothing to suggest that a Daragward can't have a mate. In fact, it kind of requires it. Why all the angst then?
The plain fact of the matter is that I dimly didn't like the book. The writing was fine. The editing was fine—I only noticed one or two major mishaps. The idea behind the story is an interesting one. It has an eye-catching cover. I even liked some of the characters. But there was just so much else that I didn't like. It all might be personal dislike kind of stuff, so I'll still give it a 3 stars. But I won't be continuing the series.
December 29, 2014
Lara Schiffbauer provides a quick paced, well thought-out contemporary fantasy adventure in Finding Meara. The story begins in the "normal" world where Hazel and her friend, Tavi finish a run. On her return to her apartment, Hazel's world literally explodes as a monster blows her door out and flies away with her in his clutches through a portal into a fantasy world. Chaos ensues, adventure begins, relationships are forged and dangers loom.
So what sets Finding Meara apart? There is an ebb-and-flow between worlds. Often in these stories, you step through the proverbial looking glass and don't return to the "real" world. People (and others) travel to and fro between Boulder, CO. and Adven Realm. Also, at least for me, I've read a lot of teens/pre-teens who are involved in these adventures; in this case, it a twenty-something, which lends a slightly different flavor. (Indeed, there are a couple of quick sexual references that you might not want your teen to read.) Another nice change of pace is that the protagonist Hazel and her companions are good. They aren't perfect but they aren't bad with hidden good inside. They are willing to sacrifice for one another. I love that the humor is organic and natural to the story. Finally, the writing sets it apart. While it is conversational and casual, it's matched exactly to the tone of the characters, the story and the adventure. Ms. Schiffbauer eschews the oft used convention of having the folks in the fantasy world talk as if they live in circa 1700 whilst the contemporary people sound as if they were unable to pass eighth-grade English. All speak in a reasonable contemporary manner. Finding Meara is a perfect example where the writing is great not because it's quotable or perfect prose, but rather because it does its job - it deftly moves forward the story and the characters. I've read a number of novels lately where the protagonist just isn't an enjoyable character; not so here. Hazel is more than just nice, she's interesting, likable and willing to lead her own life without being unrealistically brave or clever. She's fully human, with a number foibles, but is, on the whole, someone you would like to have as a friend. You have an opportunity to see her grow throughout the story.
For the full review: http://wp.me/p2XCwQ-13B
So what sets Finding Meara apart? There is an ebb-and-flow between worlds. Often in these stories, you step through the proverbial looking glass and don't return to the "real" world. People (and others) travel to and fro between Boulder, CO. and Adven Realm. Also, at least for me, I've read a lot of teens/pre-teens who are involved in these adventures; in this case, it a twenty-something, which lends a slightly different flavor. (Indeed, there are a couple of quick sexual references that you might not want your teen to read.) Another nice change of pace is that the protagonist Hazel and her companions are good. They aren't perfect but they aren't bad with hidden good inside. They are willing to sacrifice for one another. I love that the humor is organic and natural to the story. Finally, the writing sets it apart. While it is conversational and casual, it's matched exactly to the tone of the characters, the story and the adventure. Ms. Schiffbauer eschews the oft used convention of having the folks in the fantasy world talk as if they live in circa 1700 whilst the contemporary people sound as if they were unable to pass eighth-grade English. All speak in a reasonable contemporary manner. Finding Meara is a perfect example where the writing is great not because it's quotable or perfect prose, but rather because it does its job - it deftly moves forward the story and the characters. I've read a number of novels lately where the protagonist just isn't an enjoyable character; not so here. Hazel is more than just nice, she's interesting, likable and willing to lead her own life without being unrealistically brave or clever. She's fully human, with a number foibles, but is, on the whole, someone you would like to have as a friend. You have an opportunity to see her grow throughout the story.
For the full review: http://wp.me/p2XCwQ-13B
September 14, 2014
I purchased FINDING MEARA by Lara Schiffbauer after being introduced to the author through a mutual acquaintance on twitter. The story moves quickly through an adventure in a parallel world governed by magic and filled with all kinds of creatures (both good and evil.) Hazel gets a crash course in dimension jumping when she is abducted by the bad guys, saved by the good ones, and finds out her little sister is being held by a psychotic madman.
While I love a good heroine, a great villain can make or break a book, and Lucian is a doozy. In general Schiffbauer’s evil characters are by and large much more interesting than the good doers. The only exception to this is Arden who has a certain ambivalence that made me want to know more about his motivation. My favorite character, hands down, is the Firecat, who is full of surprises and comic relief. The action is nearly constant and I devoured this book in a couple of sittings.
That said, there were a few plot choices that didn’t make sense to me. The main character is in her twenties but often behaves more like a teenager, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. I’ll post no spoilers here, but how much shocking news can one person acceptingly receive about her life without a complete mental breakdown? I don’t mind being left hanging (especially in a series where all the loose ends potentially come together by the final book) but Schiffbauer has a task ahead of her to pick up all the threads that come loose.
I give this debut four stars because I couldn’t put it down and the writing itself is quite beautiful. While the book does end, as with most novels in a series, the finish leaves you asking more questions than it answers. I do hope that the next one has a little breathing room along with the action.
While I love a good heroine, a great villain can make or break a book, and Lucian is a doozy. In general Schiffbauer’s evil characters are by and large much more interesting than the good doers. The only exception to this is Arden who has a certain ambivalence that made me want to know more about his motivation. My favorite character, hands down, is the Firecat, who is full of surprises and comic relief. The action is nearly constant and I devoured this book in a couple of sittings.
That said, there were a few plot choices that didn’t make sense to me. The main character is in her twenties but often behaves more like a teenager, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. I’ll post no spoilers here, but how much shocking news can one person acceptingly receive about her life without a complete mental breakdown? I don’t mind being left hanging (especially in a series where all the loose ends potentially come together by the final book) but Schiffbauer has a task ahead of her to pick up all the threads that come loose.
I give this debut four stars because I couldn’t put it down and the writing itself is quite beautiful. While the book does end, as with most novels in a series, the finish leaves you asking more questions than it answers. I do hope that the next one has a little breathing room along with the action.
July 26, 2013
**I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review**
The Plot
Girl who just thinks she is "lucky" gets kidnapped (by mistake) and taken into another realm (dimension) where she learns it's really a four-year-old named Meara who was the intended target.
The Characters
Hazel - protagonist. I really enjoyed the growth this character underwent. She goes from not wanting to take any responsibility to basically stepping into the role of heroine and doing her best to "save the day."
Tavi - She was the perfect best friend. She goes through so much and still stays loyal and refuses to leave Hazel's side.
Lucian - The Bad Guy. He murders his own children so he can remain immortal, yep that's pretty bad.
Arden - The love interest and protector of the forest. He was probably my favorite character though at times he seemed to be kind of weak. But hey! It's about time the girl saved the boy, right?
The Good Bits
The story was easy to follow and kept me interested throughout. I liked the fact that the main character had to grow up and that she put others above herself. I am also glad the love triangle ended, however I would have liked to see an actual relationship at the end. Perhaps there is a sequel? Yes please????
The book centered around magic, though at times there were a few scenes where I thought their ability to do magic would save them but instead they were easily captured by non magical thugs. There was one particular part that had me scratching my head, but perhaps I overlooked something.
Overall it was a good young adult read, though I think the main character would have worked better had she been younger (perhaps 18-19).
Recommendable? OF COURSE!
The Plot
Girl who just thinks she is "lucky" gets kidnapped (by mistake) and taken into another realm (dimension) where she learns it's really a four-year-old named Meara who was the intended target.
The Characters
Hazel - protagonist. I really enjoyed the growth this character underwent. She goes from not wanting to take any responsibility to basically stepping into the role of heroine and doing her best to "save the day."
Tavi - She was the perfect best friend. She goes through so much and still stays loyal and refuses to leave Hazel's side.
Lucian - The Bad Guy. He murders his own children so he can remain immortal, yep that's pretty bad.
Arden - The love interest and protector of the forest. He was probably my favorite character though at times he seemed to be kind of weak. But hey! It's about time the girl saved the boy, right?
The Good Bits
The story was easy to follow and kept me interested throughout. I liked the fact that the main character had to grow up and that she put others above herself. I am also glad the love triangle ended, however I would have liked to see an actual relationship at the end. Perhaps there is a sequel? Yes please????
The book centered around magic, though at times there were a few scenes where I thought their ability to do magic would save them but instead they were easily captured by non magical thugs. There was one particular part that had me scratching my head, but perhaps I overlooked something.
Overall it was a good young adult read, though I think the main character would have worked better had she been younger (perhaps 18-19).
Recommendable? OF COURSE!
December 6, 2013
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was action packed from the beginning. Hazel was kidnapped from her home by a creature with wings that called her Meara and taken to the home of Lucian in the Realm. The Realm is a kind of alternate reality, or parallel world, where there is no technology. Hazel escapes Lucian’s house with the help of a cat and makes her way through a forest to a cabin where she meets Arden. Even though they feel an instant chemistry, Arden helps her escape the Realm. Back in her own world, Hazel makes her way to her parents home with her best friend, Tavi. Once there, Hazel learns that she was adopted, and that Lucian is her birth father, Meara is her half-sister. Hazel also learns that Lucian plans to sacrifice Meara to retain his immortality. Then the race is on to find Meara and keep her safe from Lucian.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast-paced adventure and even had a bit of a love triangle. I found it fascinating the way the author created the Realm world and had the characters rushing between worlds. Hazel’s sidekicks, Tavi and the cat, were funny and supported Hazel unconditionally. The author showed a great amount of imagination in creating the Realm and all the different creatures. I was a little disappointed with the ending. It seemed rushed and left me with quite a few questions left. Overall, I would love to read more about these characters and this world.
4-stars
Reviewed by Tracy
This book was action packed from the beginning. Hazel was kidnapped from her home by a creature with wings that called her Meara and taken to the home of Lucian in the Realm. The Realm is a kind of alternate reality, or parallel world, where there is no technology. Hazel escapes Lucian’s house with the help of a cat and makes her way through a forest to a cabin where she meets Arden. Even though they feel an instant chemistry, Arden helps her escape the Realm. Back in her own world, Hazel makes her way to her parents home with her best friend, Tavi. Once there, Hazel learns that she was adopted, and that Lucian is her birth father, Meara is her half-sister. Hazel also learns that Lucian plans to sacrifice Meara to retain his immortality. Then the race is on to find Meara and keep her safe from Lucian.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast-paced adventure and even had a bit of a love triangle. I found it fascinating the way the author created the Realm world and had the characters rushing between worlds. Hazel’s sidekicks, Tavi and the cat, were funny and supported Hazel unconditionally. The author showed a great amount of imagination in creating the Realm and all the different creatures. I was a little disappointed with the ending. It seemed rushed and left me with quite a few questions left. Overall, I would love to read more about these characters and this world.
4-stars
Reviewed by Tracy
October 24, 2013
It is true: The idea does not seem new at first. Just a few pages into the story you realise that this is different. The story evolves into an adventurous hunt to save a little girl. Hazel is abducted by a winged creature, finds herself talking to a bird, is befriended by a cat, and nothing is as it used to be. It is a pleasure to see how Hazel’s character develops throughout the story. I actually cheered her and her friends on. ;-) No. I will not tell you more. This would spoil the fun of reading this book yourself.
With this first volume of a fantasy series, Lara Schiffbauer proves that it is not required to provide never ending descriptions. You can clearly imagine her surroundings and those she deals with. Finding Meara is a seemingly light read – it provides food for thought, however.
Now I am waiting for the next book in the Adven Realm Adventure series about Hazel, Arden, Quinn, Tavi, etc. :-)
A must read for all readers who enjoy adventures and a little romance, and good versus evil plots.
I am looking forward to reading more of Hazel’s adventures in the Realm.
With this first volume of a fantasy series, Lara Schiffbauer proves that it is not required to provide never ending descriptions. You can clearly imagine her surroundings and those she deals with. Finding Meara is a seemingly light read – it provides food for thought, however.
Now I am waiting for the next book in the Adven Realm Adventure series about Hazel, Arden, Quinn, Tavi, etc. :-)
A must read for all readers who enjoy adventures and a little romance, and good versus evil plots.
I am looking forward to reading more of Hazel’s adventures in the Realm.
November 15, 2014
This book was okay. There were times when I really enjoyed it and other times when I was wondering "why on earth was that put in there?!" Those occasions, however, were merely due to my personal preference. Also, I saw a couple of other reviews who called this a YA read...I would disagree. Maybe 16/17 and up, due to some references to some err...kinky stuff (nothing explicit). I would also like to point out that this is not marketed under teen and YA either, I checked! One other problem I had was picturing Hazel as a 26 year old young woman. More like early 20's (perhaps even late teens). All that being said, there were parts where I did enjoy this book. And there is a part of me that wouldn't mind going back and checking in to see what's up with Hazel and the rest of the gang. Will just have to see.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
**This review was first posted on Amazon on 9/9/13
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
**This review was first posted on Amazon on 9/9/13
December 23, 2013
The main character in this novel, Hazel, is just a normal woman with an average life until shocking events reveal she’s not so normal after all. The beginning thrusts the reader into the action immediately. The thrills continue as Hazel struggles against an enigmatic but wholly evil villain in a place where elemental magic works. The pace evens out so the reader can understand what's happening and why, and who’s a friend and who isn’t. There are plenty of twists including an additional villain who was brilliantly written and a complete surprise to me. And there’s romance!
The author’s writing style flows beautifully and all her characters are unique and unforgettable. The reactions of the heroine were always realistic and her motivations believable. With dashes of humor amid exciting action, the story weaves its way to a very satisfying ending. Highly recommended!
The author’s writing style flows beautifully and all her characters are unique and unforgettable. The reactions of the heroine were always realistic and her motivations believable. With dashes of humor amid exciting action, the story weaves its way to a very satisfying ending. Highly recommended!
April 3, 2016
3.5 stars? Maybe?
I just...I don't know. I liked parts of this book, I didn't like parts of this book. It's touted as YA/NA but the MC is 26 and . The plot was intriguing and I loved the alternate realm. I really liked the secondary characters but I while I appreciate that the MC is shown to go through some growing pains, they were annoying. And I just didn't feel anything for the romance that felt very insta-. Yet I think there are some solid bones here and if there is another installment, I think we'll see improvement.
Take that for what it's worth-
I just...I don't know. I liked parts of this book, I didn't like parts of this book. It's touted as YA/NA but the MC is 26 and . The plot was intriguing and I loved the alternate realm. I really liked the secondary characters but I while I appreciate that the MC is shown to go through some growing pains, they were annoying. And I just didn't feel anything for the romance that felt very insta-. Yet I think there are some solid bones here and if there is another installment, I think we'll see improvement.
Take that for what it's worth-
August 12, 2016
This is a great action adventure that held my interest. Good guys, bad guys and a heroine that learns about life. hers and how it fits with everyone else's.
May 27, 2014
Fantastic! Review coming soon!
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