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Through a portal, into another world, on an impossible quest...This wasn't how they planned to spend the summer.
Rory has no idea what's going on in the woods behind her house, but it's driving her crazy. On the last day of her senior year she finds herself caught up once again in the curious happenings of the forest and walks away without any of the answers she was hoping to find. To make matters worse, she is sent to visit a sick neighbor and instead finds the hottest guy she's ever seen. When she discovers his brother's incredible secret she falls further into her own chaos and into a fate she never could have imagined.
Jaron is just counting the days until the summer is over and he can get back to his real life. Stuck with his little brother on a tiny farm in rural Oklahoma is not exactly his idea of fun. But when Rory shows up on his doorstep with an armload of pie, he knows his summer has just taken a sharp turn into new territory. He never expected the adventure they would discover next or the quest that would change their lives forever.
Rory has no idea what's going on in the woods behind her house, but it's driving her crazy. On the last day of her senior year she finds herself caught up once again in the curious happenings of the forest and walks away without any of the answers she was hoping to find. To make matters worse, she is sent to visit a sick neighbor and instead finds the hottest guy she's ever seen. When she discovers his brother's incredible secret she falls further into her own chaos and into a fate she never could have imagined.
Jaron is just counting the days until the summer is over and he can get back to his real life. Stuck with his little brother on a tiny farm in rural Oklahoma is not exactly his idea of fun. But when Rory shows up on his doorstep with an armload of pie, he knows his summer has just taken a sharp turn into new territory. He never expected the adventure they would discover next or the quest that would change their lives forever.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2013
1 person is currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Heather Sutherlin
13 books89 followersHeather Sutherlin lives in Arkansas with her husband and three children. She loves all things creative and enjoys the worlds she dreams up, longing to live the adventure alongside her characters. When she’s not at her writing desk, she is busy exploring and learning with her children or cooking big, elaborate meals in the kitchen with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 18, 2013
I found myself smiling a bit right from the start. There's magic in the around Ree's house.. probably around Ree too come to think of it.
I loved how the story alternated between Ree and Jaron so you didn't miss anything in the story from either side. Rin is a strange little boy and yet I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. My heart broke for him really.
The detailing this book is amazing. The descriptions are so vivid you see everything clearly without a doubt knowing it's what was pictured while the words were written. I absolutely love the mystical feel of this story. It's a familiar story told in a brand new way.
Ree, Jaron and Rin's journey is one so many of us who love fantasy would love to go on. It's like a mix of all the fantasy novels you've ever read, a dash of fairy tale and a pinch of romance.
I did have one gripe with the intelligence of Jaron and Ree...They know the name of the Betrayer.. yet when the Betrayer's name is mentioned in an another situation Ree doesn't connect the dots that the two are one and the same.
Aside from the small errors, there are a few places where a word is missing, nothing drastic and certainly not a reason to snub your nose at this book, this book is a good read. I enjoyed the storyline and the way the characters grew and evolved. I look forward to the next installment and hope Ms. Sutherlin will remember me when it needs to be reviewed.
I give this book 4 of 5 paws
Reviewed by
S.Cu'Anam Policar
Freaky Fiction Writing Author
Around the Universe Book Tours Apprentice
Fae Books Tour Host/Reviewer
Girls <3 Books Tours Host
LadyAmber's Book Tours Host
B3 Book Tours Host
I Am A Reader Not A Writer Blog Tour Host
I loved how the story alternated between Ree and Jaron so you didn't miss anything in the story from either side. Rin is a strange little boy and yet I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. My heart broke for him really.
The detailing this book is amazing. The descriptions are so vivid you see everything clearly without a doubt knowing it's what was pictured while the words were written. I absolutely love the mystical feel of this story. It's a familiar story told in a brand new way.
Ree, Jaron and Rin's journey is one so many of us who love fantasy would love to go on. It's like a mix of all the fantasy novels you've ever read, a dash of fairy tale and a pinch of romance.
I did have one gripe with the intelligence of Jaron and Ree...They know the name of the Betrayer.. yet when the Betrayer's name is mentioned in an another situation Ree doesn't connect the dots that the two are one and the same.
Aside from the small errors, there are a few places where a word is missing, nothing drastic and certainly not a reason to snub your nose at this book, this book is a good read. I enjoyed the storyline and the way the characters grew and evolved. I look forward to the next installment and hope Ms. Sutherlin will remember me when it needs to be reviewed.
I give this book 4 of 5 paws
Reviewed by
S.Cu'Anam Policar
Freaky Fiction Writing Author
Around the Universe Book Tours Apprentice
Fae Books Tour Host/Reviewer
Girls <3 Books Tours Host
LadyAmber's Book Tours Host
B3 Book Tours Host
I Am A Reader Not A Writer Blog Tour Host
July 12, 2017
I think great things are in store for Heather Sutherlin - she's a talented young writer who can keep you on the edge of your seat (or recliner, as the case may be). I know we'll be hearing much more from her -
May 20, 2013
Ree is about to graduate from high school and she is thrilled. It's about time she got to start living her life. College is only a summer away and she can't wait for this new adventure.
On the day before Ree's graduation, her mother sends her on an errand: deliver some food to a sick neighbor and the nephews who are visiting. When she arrives, a young man, Jaron, steps out on the porch to stare. But his younger brother, Rin, is not so reserved - he dances around her, grabs her arm, and insists she come inside with him.
Overcoming her shock at their behavior, Ree follows them into the farm house and gets the biggest shock of her life: every surface in the young boy's bedroom is covered in drawings - of Ree. Then, of course, there's the huge painting, taking center stage and Rin's story of 'seeing' her for years. Panicked, she flees.
The sun is barely up the next morning when Ree hears knocking at her window. Outside, Jaron insists she come out and answer his questions. But Ree has questions of her own.
Walking through the woods, as they realize neither has any answers, they experience the 'magic' wind that has confounded Ree for years. Traveling further, to the place where Ree comes to read and study, they are greeted by a man who steps from the rocks and seems to know them.
And, from there, it gets truly amazing.
~*~*~
SEEN is a paranormal/ fantasy book designed for YA readers. The main characters range in age from 12 to about 19. It is not, however, for YA readers only - in my humble opinion.
It was so difficult to write this review without spoilers. The beginning was a little slow, as it should be, building information about the characters. But when it jumped into the action - it jumped into the action, with both feet. Take a deep breath when you can, you may not get another chance.
The story alternates between Ree's viewpoint and Jaron's. Unlike other books that try to do this and fail, when Ms. Sutherlin changes perspective, she picks up right where the last thought ended. It worked beautifully for me.
One of my favorite parts, and I won't tell you when or where it happens, is when Ree becomes Rory and Rin is told he doesn't yet know his full name. And I think I love Zern.
On the down side, I found much of the writing to be too mature and too formal for the characters. These are modern-day teens and, from my experience, they would think and speak far more ... colloquially. At the same time, I expected more formal speech from some of the characters on the other side of the portal.
I try to tell myself that I'm too old for YA fiction, but I never believe me. And this book is why I'm happy about that.
Oh, I should probably mention: the ending will make you scream (loudly) for the next book.
~*~*~
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
On the day before Ree's graduation, her mother sends her on an errand: deliver some food to a sick neighbor and the nephews who are visiting. When she arrives, a young man, Jaron, steps out on the porch to stare. But his younger brother, Rin, is not so reserved - he dances around her, grabs her arm, and insists she come inside with him.
Overcoming her shock at their behavior, Ree follows them into the farm house and gets the biggest shock of her life: every surface in the young boy's bedroom is covered in drawings - of Ree. Then, of course, there's the huge painting, taking center stage and Rin's story of 'seeing' her for years. Panicked, she flees.
The sun is barely up the next morning when Ree hears knocking at her window. Outside, Jaron insists she come out and answer his questions. But Ree has questions of her own.
Walking through the woods, as they realize neither has any answers, they experience the 'magic' wind that has confounded Ree for years. Traveling further, to the place where Ree comes to read and study, they are greeted by a man who steps from the rocks and seems to know them.
And, from there, it gets truly amazing.
~*~*~
SEEN is a paranormal/ fantasy book designed for YA readers. The main characters range in age from 12 to about 19. It is not, however, for YA readers only - in my humble opinion.
It was so difficult to write this review without spoilers. The beginning was a little slow, as it should be, building information about the characters. But when it jumped into the action - it jumped into the action, with both feet. Take a deep breath when you can, you may not get another chance.
The story alternates between Ree's viewpoint and Jaron's. Unlike other books that try to do this and fail, when Ms. Sutherlin changes perspective, she picks up right where the last thought ended. It worked beautifully for me.
One of my favorite parts, and I won't tell you when or where it happens, is when Ree becomes Rory and Rin is told he doesn't yet know his full name. And I think I love Zern.
On the down side, I found much of the writing to be too mature and too formal for the characters. These are modern-day teens and, from my experience, they would think and speak far more ... colloquially. At the same time, I expected more formal speech from some of the characters on the other side of the portal.
I try to tell myself that I'm too old for YA fiction, but I never believe me. And this book is why I'm happy about that.
Oh, I should probably mention: the ending will make you scream (loudly) for the next book.
~*~*~
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 13, 2013
Seen (The Wanderer Series #1) by Heather Sutherlin
3 Stars
I do not like the cover art for this work. It is not bright enough to be eye catching and would not tempt me into buying it if I came across it in a bookshop; I think a new cover would increase this books saleability enormously. Luckily the read was more interesting…
Rin had been seeing images in his head of Ree for the last five years and when he went to stay with his aunt he was excited to see the girl in the flesh, standing outside his aunt’s house. Jaron and Ree were curious and wanted to find out how the young boy could dream about her; a girl he had never met, and it took a walk down a trail in the nearby woods to find the answers.
‘Seen’ is the opening book in a fantasy adventure story for young readers, I would say 12 years and over. The children travel through a portal into another world, where they learn that Ree is the Wanderer, Rin is the Watcher and Jaron is the Protector’, and that it is their destiny to complete a quest to save this world. They have no choice, if they refuse they won’t be able to get back through the portal and go home and so their journey begins.
The story itself was pretty slow off the mark, it was a little mundane and dragged, failing to grab my attention right away. As the story progressed and we moved into the other realm the pace, picked up. I’m wondering if perhaps the first chapter should have started with a scene from the other world thus hooking the reader immediately before slowing the pace with the background info, Younger readers are impatient and if you don’t get them in the first chapter you run the risk of losing them and that would be my only worry with this book.
Written in the generic Fantasy style I didn’t find anything new or fresh but I’m sure that is because I have read so many books in this genre and that shouldn’t be an issue for the target audience.
Copy supplied for review
3 Stars
I do not like the cover art for this work. It is not bright enough to be eye catching and would not tempt me into buying it if I came across it in a bookshop; I think a new cover would increase this books saleability enormously. Luckily the read was more interesting…
Rin had been seeing images in his head of Ree for the last five years and when he went to stay with his aunt he was excited to see the girl in the flesh, standing outside his aunt’s house. Jaron and Ree were curious and wanted to find out how the young boy could dream about her; a girl he had never met, and it took a walk down a trail in the nearby woods to find the answers.
‘Seen’ is the opening book in a fantasy adventure story for young readers, I would say 12 years and over. The children travel through a portal into another world, where they learn that Ree is the Wanderer, Rin is the Watcher and Jaron is the Protector’, and that it is their destiny to complete a quest to save this world. They have no choice, if they refuse they won’t be able to get back through the portal and go home and so their journey begins.
The story itself was pretty slow off the mark, it was a little mundane and dragged, failing to grab my attention right away. As the story progressed and we moved into the other realm the pace, picked up. I’m wondering if perhaps the first chapter should have started with a scene from the other world thus hooking the reader immediately before slowing the pace with the background info, Younger readers are impatient and if you don’t get them in the first chapter you run the risk of losing them and that would be my only worry with this book.
Written in the generic Fantasy style I didn’t find anything new or fresh but I’m sure that is because I have read so many books in this genre and that shouldn’t be an issue for the target audience.
Copy supplied for review
May 19, 2013
High school graduation and an upcoming overseas study program can't compete with a messenger from a Portal Stone. Rory Wright discovers she's a Wanderer, but to take the journey, she must bring the Watcher – hottie Jaron's brother, Rin.
Jaron has always watched out for his younger brother, Rin, making sure other kids don't tease him too much. Then Jaron sees Rory, and it's instant attraction, and astonishment, because she's the person his brother has been drawing for years.
These three young people, Wanderer Rory, Watcher Rin, and Protector Jaron travel through Portal Stones to another land, where a rogue wanderer works to take over. They're faced with being unprepared for what they're asked to do, and a journey that might or might not bring them home.
Heather Sutherlin's fantasy quest begins very well, so well I found myself aching for the next paragraph, the next chapter. Sutherlin captures Rory's desire to travel, to see more of the world than the small town where she lives, even though everyone else is happy to stay put. I feel as if Rory was the unsatisfied soul I was once myself, a feeling many young people will empathize with.
As the story progresses, the journey never slows it's pace, no matter whether the action is nothing more than a celebratory meal or a battle. The characters, unprepared as they are, manage to discover deep within themselves what they must do to survive, and win over the Betrayer.
A story such as this will appeal to all teens, boys and girls. The strong characters wanting to test their boundaries, to learn as much as they can have their faults, but are also good role models. At the end, I must confess, I did read the opening for the second book and find myself waiting for it to release. Kudos to Sutherlin for writing such an appealing tale.
Jaron has always watched out for his younger brother, Rin, making sure other kids don't tease him too much. Then Jaron sees Rory, and it's instant attraction, and astonishment, because she's the person his brother has been drawing for years.
These three young people, Wanderer Rory, Watcher Rin, and Protector Jaron travel through Portal Stones to another land, where a rogue wanderer works to take over. They're faced with being unprepared for what they're asked to do, and a journey that might or might not bring them home.
Heather Sutherlin's fantasy quest begins very well, so well I found myself aching for the next paragraph, the next chapter. Sutherlin captures Rory's desire to travel, to see more of the world than the small town where she lives, even though everyone else is happy to stay put. I feel as if Rory was the unsatisfied soul I was once myself, a feeling many young people will empathize with.
As the story progresses, the journey never slows it's pace, no matter whether the action is nothing more than a celebratory meal or a battle. The characters, unprepared as they are, manage to discover deep within themselves what they must do to survive, and win over the Betrayer.
A story such as this will appeal to all teens, boys and girls. The strong characters wanting to test their boundaries, to learn as much as they can have their faults, but are also good role models. At the end, I must confess, I did read the opening for the second book and find myself waiting for it to release. Kudos to Sutherlin for writing such an appealing tale.
February 19, 2017
In this young adult novel three brave teenagers venture into the rocks to another dimension to fulfill a mission to save a Queen of the realm. They have powers inherited from their parents (who haven’t told them everything) and will be compelled to use these gifts as the need arises. Wizards, spells, an evil challenger and suspense are a part of the journey. A good wholesome fantasy read for the young adult.
I was provided an electronic copy in return for an honest review.
I was provided an electronic copy in return for an honest review.
May 17, 2013
I was lucky enough to receive a copy for a honest review. So thank you!!
I loved this book!! It took a different path then other books I have read. I really really like when authors write the story in different POV's. I like to get the feel of each character. Another thing that really caught my attention is the names of the characters. Rory, Jaron, and Rin. They are so different. Rory's character in this book is strong, and smart. She get's scared alot, but who wouldn't with Jaron right there to save you, and keep you close? Jaron is HOT and amazingly sweet. Who wouldn't fall in love with him. And Rin, a 12 year old boy. Who is overly exited about their quest. He is a cute pie :) The author made these 3 characters perfectly. They get along, the love that they feel for each other, it is very powerful and you can feel it like you are right there going along in the quest with them!! And for that....That makes me one happy reader. Man the cliffhanger is killing me!!! I need to see what happens next. I recommend this book to everyone!! Grab your copy now...
I loved this book!! It took a different path then other books I have read. I really really like when authors write the story in different POV's. I like to get the feel of each character. Another thing that really caught my attention is the names of the characters. Rory, Jaron, and Rin. They are so different. Rory's character in this book is strong, and smart. She get's scared alot, but who wouldn't with Jaron right there to save you, and keep you close? Jaron is HOT and amazingly sweet. Who wouldn't fall in love with him. And Rin, a 12 year old boy. Who is overly exited about their quest. He is a cute pie :) The author made these 3 characters perfectly. They get along, the love that they feel for each other, it is very powerful and you can feel it like you are right there going along in the quest with them!! And for that....That makes me one happy reader. Man the cliffhanger is killing me!!! I need to see what happens next. I recommend this book to everyone!! Grab your copy now...
July 8, 2013
This novel is well written and carefully edited. I don't think I found a single typo, which I would not usually mention in a review. However, these days many ebooks are not carefully proofread and that sometimes affects the decision to buy. For that reason, I want to assure you this is a quality product.
I also found the story well crafted and the romance is touching, not tawdry. The ending is a bit of a cliff hanger which I don't mind when the story is good and the sequel is available. And it is! ENJOY.
I also found the story well crafted and the romance is touching, not tawdry. The ending is a bit of a cliff hanger which I don't mind when the story is good and the sequel is available. And it is! ENJOY.
June 28, 2015
I almost stopped reading after the beginning few pages. Another whiny teenager did not interest me. However, the next chapter changed perspective, so I kept reading.
The story had a good premise. The magic and world the author created was fun. I wished to have seen more of it. Explore its nuances. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.
The love story was cute. It kept me reading more than the plot or the action. Overall, it fell a little flat. I wanted more. Note, that I'm writing this review after reading the second book in the series.
The story had a good premise. The magic and world the author created was fun. I wished to have seen more of it. Explore its nuances. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.
The love story was cute. It kept me reading more than the plot or the action. Overall, it fell a little flat. I wanted more. Note, that I'm writing this review after reading the second book in the series.
May 24, 2013
An amazing, enthralling, and exciting adventure awaits you in this fabulous story! Rory, Jaron, and Rin are connected, though they don't quite know how when the first meet. I love the instant sparks that fly between Rory and Jaron, as well as Rin's neverending excitement over...well, everything. This story is creative and different, two of my favorite things. Heather did a wonderful job of making a whole new world in this book and I can't wait to read more about these three.
September 1, 2013
I really enjoyed this story a lot. The author did an amazing job at having two POV's. The story flowed very nicely and the ending left me craving for more. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of the punctuation of the exclamation points. I found them to be in many places through out the book where it was not necessary and it took away front the conversation.
I am very excited to read the second book!! I am craving to know what happens next!
I am very excited to read the second book!! I am craving to know what happens next!
May 29, 2013
This book is really great! Where do I begin? From the start, you realize "something" else is going on in the story. It's as mysterious to the reader as it is the characters. And then elements start coming together, and before you know it you are fully engaged in a whole other world full of mystery and magic! I could not believe how it ended and I'm so anxious for the second book in this series!
June 12, 2013
Loved it! It was like Narnia, Harry Potter, Twilight & Lord of the Rings all rolled in to one. Fantasy, a little romance, adventure, suspense... I loved reading the story from the perspective of different characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series to be released!
January 16, 2013
What an adventure - and it's only the beginning! I can't wait for you all to see what happens next in this new series. Hope you love it!
Happy Reading!
Heather Sutherlin
Happy Reading!
Heather Sutherlin
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews